Within the Land of Rain.
The torrential rain from the sky had eased considerably by now, and the gloomy clouds were slowly dispersing, gradually revealing a clear, bright sky.
In a shadowy forest.
"Pat... pat..."...
Heavy and light footsteps rang out in alternating rhythm.
Two figures appeared beneath the towering trees.
"Should I call you Sosuke... or Lord Aizen...? And I'd like to know... what are your plans...?"
The burly, middle-aged ninja behind him asked hesitantly.
At his words, the tall figure ahead of him stopped.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Sosuke's handsome face. He turned his head slightly and glanced back at him through his glasses, speaking gently.
"Just call me Aizen. That might be more convenient."
"As for my plans... for now, my goal is to take control of the Sand Ninja..."
As he spoke, his eyes narrowed slightly, as though he were discussing something rather amusing.
At his words, Chidong's burly face tightened, and he replied uneasily, "That's one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, Sunagakure... What you're saying is a little... And... and besides..."
Sosuke interrupted him, smiling gently.
"Don't worry. I won't send you to slaughter your own people."
"Still... I may need you to take the position of Kazekage. That would make our plan go much more smoothly."
At Sosuke's words, Chidong froze for a moment. Then, his face filled with disbelief, and he stammered in shock, "K-Kazekage!? How could that be possible? That's an absurd idea..."
Sosuke merely glanced at him and said softly, "Only the incompetent use the word 'absurd' to excuse their own mediocrity."
Under Sosuke's calm gaze, Chidong felt a faint chill creep down his back. His expression stiffened, and he swallowed, not daring to move carelessly.
Sosuke continued in a quiet voice.
"Amegakure is already under