Advisor

Aizen did not narrowly believe that everything about the Quincy was worthless. One could use another mountain's stone to polish one's own jade.

In the world of Soul Reapers, whether Soul Reapers or Quincy, their essence was merely the manipulation of Reishi. One drew upon the Reishi outside oneself, while the other cultivated oneself.

But fundamentally, they were both methods of manipulating energy. There was no inherent superiority or inferiority between them. Once his thinking broadened, Konoha's ninjutsu and Chakra system could likewise be used to develop many things that were similar in form but different in substance.

Take Blut Vene, for example. A Quincy's Blut Vene was a special ability in which the naturally circulating Reishi of a pure-blooded Quincy was infused into the blood vessels, greatly enhancing defense and the body's own strength. After conducting a few tests using its mechanisms and operating principles, Aizen found that it was indeed somewhat useful. However, further development would require modifying veins and blood vessels.

This did not fit Aizen's plans, but it was an excellent cover. After all, in this world, the balance between people's defense and offense was severely skewed.

A secret technique capable of taking kunai and minor ninjutsu without injury, even with all sorts of restrictions, would still be enough to arouse people's curiosity and willingness to accept it.

Everyone knew how useful Medical Ninja were. A defensive technique that could greatly improve survival chances was naturally worth promoting.

Even if the current technology was crude and rudimentary, barely qualifying as some sort of secret technique, it was still the same.

Once curiosity and anticipation arose, people would become increasingly tolerant. Moreover, the developer was Aizen. For Konoha, that was the most trustworthy thing of all.

A good-natured Chunin who was better at defense than offense, who could even withstand investigations by ANBU and Root—if someone like that developed a secret technique, it would surely add another trump card to Konoha's Scroll of Seals. Trading one Chunin's conservatism for the survival of countless Genin—what was not to like?

It could even be said that even if Aizen himself wanted to go to the battlefield, the Third Hokage would never allow it, both for political reasons and because of the secret technique. Besides, in terms of reassuring the populace, the sight of Aizen walking through the village in a white Haori with Black Lining, helping others, had become something of a barometer.

If even Aizen ran into trouble, everyone would inevitably wonder whether something terrible had happened to Konoha.

A Chunin could not accomplish much on the battlefield, but he could stabilize public sentiment and unite everyone. He could develop secret techniques, help other Jonin conduct experiments, and his offensive ability was absurdly poor, to the point that he could barely inflict damage. What was there to target?

With public support in one hand and technology that was somewhat useful but not all that useful in the other, Aizen's standing in the village could not be called merely unremarkable. It could only be called unshakable. When many Jonin entrusted others with their children, Aizen was their first consideration.

Having a complete fallback in this cruel world truly made people feel warm.

"Yo, you're already here, Aizen?"

"Good morning, Akimichi Jonin."

Looking at the plump middle-aged man who had been waiting outside Konoha's conference hall for some time, Aizen smiled gently and gave a bow.

"May I ask what meeting requires my attendance? I am only a Chunin and do not possess strength as great as everyone else's. In theory, there should be no need for me at a meeting like this."

"Judging by the timing, it should be about assigning squads. Graduation season is coming up, after all. Still, it is strange. Why invite a Chunin like you?"

Torifu Akimichi, who was standing at the entrance and wore the same puzzled expression, could not understand it either.

As a member of the Second Hokage's personal guard back in the day, Torifu Akimichi was an exceptionally senior Jonin of Konoha. Though he had retired, the Akimichi Clan often doubled as gate guards throughout Konoha, and at crucial times, Torifu Akimichi would occasionally take on guard duty outside the Konoha offices as well.

Meetings for Jonin had become fairly common in recent years. Aside from those currently stationed along the borders to monitor the movements of the major nations, nearly all Jonin within Konoha had arrived.

Yet these Jonin all looked strangely at Aizen, who stood among them looking completely out of place amid the many green flak jackets.

It was not because they envied him for being able to wear a handsome Haori instead of a green flak jacket. Rather, they were all Jonin, so was it really appropriate for a Chunin to suddenly show up?

Aizen did not explain anything. He simply spread his hands toward the Jonin who had come in during their rotation, wearing a helpless expression as though he knew nothing at all. This only made them even more puzzled.

Such a thing was neither particularly common nor particularly rare, but if the person involved was Aizen, things were different. Even clan Ninja felt an inexplicable sense of trust when faced with Aizen's gentle smile and bearing.

But strength was an objective fact. Everyone could accept him being a Chunin, but now he had even come to a Jonin meeting. Was this some sort of hint? So were they supposed to support Aizen or what?

Just as the murmuring reached a certain point, the doors opened once more.

The Third Hokage appeared before everyone, wearing a Conical Hat.

This time, however, he had not brought the two Advisors who usually stood at his side like a pair of guardian deities. He sat before the Jonin alone.

"Normally, this would be the time to discuss Jonin-led teams from the Ninja Academy. But while we have this opportunity, I wish to announce something."

Looking over the crowded gathering of Jonin, the Third Hokage coughed and turned his gaze to Aizen, who looked utterly bewildered.

"I want Sosuke to become Konoha Acting Advisor."

"...?"

The room immediately fell silent.

Before the Jonin could say anything, Aizen stepped forward and bowed to the Hokage.

He was not expressing gratitude. He was directly declining the appointment. Faced with such an honor, Aizen refused without hesitation.

"I am young, lacking in ability, and have no experience whatsoever in this field. I am merely an ordinary Chunin. I absolutely cannot shoulder such an important responsibility. I ask that the Third Hokage withdraw this order!"

"Are you saying my judgment was wrong, Sosuke?"

"I would not dare... but..."

"Since my judgment is not wrong, why do you think you cannot do it?"

"But... I..."

"This is the position best suited for you. In the name of the Hokage."

"..."

Seeing the expression on Aizen's face as though his logic had encountered a bug, not only the Third Hokage but even the Jonin gathered there broke into warm laughter.

Even those who had originally intended to object tactfully joined in.

Because on further thought, the position of Acting Advisor truly seemed perfectly appropriate.

As long as Aizen was not the Hokage, that was enough.

It sounded absurd, but this was Sosuke Aizen. If he raised the call, never mind anyone else—the villagers would absolutely support him.

Ever since he had entered school at six and come into contact with the Will of Fire, he had used it as his guiding principle. For fourteen years without interruption, he had built a formidable reputation by doing good deeds throughout the village and helping others.

This was not like Ninja taking missions for money. Aizen volunteered his help for free. He even helped care for children and taught them the Will of Fire. Many children had grown up watching Aizen, and the young and middle-aged people all respected him.

Still, having a twenty-year-old Chunin become Hokage was indeed a bit much. Advisor was good. The title of Acting Advisor sounded grand, but when they thought about it carefully, there seemed to be no issue.

Acting Advisor was merely an Advisor's proxy and held no actual authority.

Becoming Acting Advisor while still young meant that in a few years, becoming a full Advisor would be a certainty. He would not compete with them for resources, since they were not even on the same track. Naturally, these Jonin were happy to show Aizen goodwill.

After all, Sosuke Aizen's reputation in the village was universally praised. He was practically Konoha's number one White Moonlight, personally helping everyone he came across. Even blockheads like the Uchiha Clan held him in high regard. Whether such a person became Hokage or not would be troublesome. Advisor was just right.

"Hey, Sosuke, just take the Advisor position. Otherwise, Old Man won't know how else to reward you."

"And your research needs materials and authority too, so just accept it."

"An Advisor just helps the Hokage make judgments. There's nothing special about it. Just accept it."

Whether they had been planted by the Hokage beforehand or whether the Jonin genuinely thought so, the Jonin of Konoha showed no hostility toward the embarrassed Aizen. One after another, they grinned and congratulated the youngest Advisor.

"To be honest, Sosuke, at first I intended to cultivate you for an even more important position."

After the laughter faded, the Third Hokage's expression turned serious. Looking at Aizen's awkward face, he spoke in a low, solemn voice.

"However, a Kage is the face of a village. Sosuke, your strength truly is not enough for such a position. Blut Vene is a great invention, but it is not enough to convince the outside world. I hope you understand my concerns."

"But you cannot simply continue serving as you have. Your talents are certainly not limited to this. Therefore, I believe you can take on this position. A Konoha Advisor does not need to be exceptionally powerful. But he must possess an unwavering heart devoted to Konoha."

"Because no one in this world loves this village more than you do. No one's Will of Fire burns brighter than yours. Even in this room, including myself, no one loves this village more than you do. Not everyone is willing to give up everything for the village. Sosuke, you have earned this."

"..."

Aizen's expression shifted from mild surprise to lowered contemplation, then finally settled into determination as he nodded.

"I understand, Third Hokage. I will accept this position. If my opinions can help carry on the Will of Fire, then no matter what, I will devote all my strength to helping everyone in Konoha."

"Yes, that is it."

The Third Hokage looked at Aizen, whose expression had gradually calmed and now carried a trace of purpose, and nodded with even greater approval.

This was what he liked about Sosuke Aizen: he understood everyone's thoughts so well.

Though his other two old friends had voiced considerable objections, Danzo had already gone to dissuade them, so there was no major problem.

When Danzo handled things, he was at ease.

"Then take your seat as Advisor for now and familiarize yourself with your duties."

"Yes."

"Next is the matter of leading Genin teams..."

Aizen sat in the nearest chair behind the Hokage, took out pen and paper, and began recording the statements made during the meeting.

The affairs of Konoha's Ninja were neither especially major nor especially minor. In truth, adding one more Advisor only required a few closed-door meetings like this.

The clan Ninja had already leaked word of it, the villagers had no objections, the Daimyo was pleased to see it happen, and the core Jonin welcomed it as well. There was no issue at all.

As for which children the Jonin would choose to lead, they already more or less knew. Everyone was merely going through the motions. The true focus of this meeting had been the sudden announcement of Aizen becoming Acting Advisor.

Yet during the meeting, a Ninja dressed entirely in pitch black suddenly appeared in the room using the Body Flicker Technique and handed a scroll to the Hokage.

News delivered by such means could not possibly be trivial.

As he read the words on it, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face immediately darkened.

"Everyone, there is new information."

After reading the scroll, the Third Hokage took a deep breath as he faced the Jonin of Konoha below him.

"Sunagakure in the Land of Wind has undergone a massive upheaval. The Third Kazekage, the Kazekage Guard, the puppet master Sasori, and others have been confirmed missing. The information is accurate."

Oh my, this is truly...

Something big was about to happen.

Watching the Jonin's expressions change abruptly, Sosuke Aizen pushed up his glasses from his seat as Advisor, his heart utterly calm.