[Demiurge added, "Of course, Shikamaru Nara won't easily believe it, but it at least gives Darui Raikage a decent way out and temporarily avoids a direct conflict."]
["The Raikage's side seems more inclined to believe this explanation, at least on the surface."]
[Aizen listened quietly, the gentle smile on his face never fading, and it even deepened slightly when he heard about "Naruto Uzumaki's reaction."]
["Assassination itself, whether successful or not, has never been the key," Aizen said slowly, his voice echoing low in the stone chamber with a composure that saw through everything.]
["The important thing is that through this probing, we see Naruto Uzumaki's current style of action and bottom line."]
["If he flew into a rage over his wife's danger, used military deterrence without hesitation, or even personally came to Kumogakure to exert pressure, it would mean that although he lost his divine power, his sharpness and decisiveness remain. We would then need to adjust our rhythm and be far more circuitous and cautious."]
[He took a slow step forward, the dim blue flames rippling across his white haori: "Yet, he chose to exert pressure through diplomatic channels. While outwardly forbearing, he is undoubtedly making other arrangements in secret."]
["This precisely shows that he is calmer than we expected, and also more powerless."]
["He realized that there was a problem within Kumogakure, but he did not dare or was unable to intervene directly with the absolute, overbearing posture of the past. This is precisely what we wanted to confirm."]
[Demiurge nodded slightly: "You are wise, Lord Aizen. Then, next we—"]
["Patience." Aizen interrupted him, his tone still calm, yet carrying an unquestionable weight, "The seeds have already been sown. The cracks of suspicion will quietly take root between Konoha and Kumogakure, between Naruto Uzumaki and Darui, and