"Pfft, Yakushi Kabuto is the key to defeating Aizen? Wasn't that guy working for Aizen all along?"
"Hmm, but Obito doesn't know that yet."
"So Kabuto is actually Aizen-san's spy planted next to Obito?"
"Poor, naive Obito. He's sweeter than a chocolate parfait. First, Aizen played him, and now Kabuto is about to do the same."
"This was Kabuto's own choice. He is truly loyal."
Amegakure Village's Angel: Not as good as me.
This is an Actor: ?
Aizen was speechless at Konan's sudden comment. Was she competing for favor? Seriously? Fighting for attention with a mere tool as a member of his household—was that even necessary?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: By the way, I remember that Orochimaru and Danzo are still alive, right? If that's the case, isn't Kabuto at risk of being exposed?
This is an Actor: That's why I've already prepared a redemption arc for him.
Shark-Faced Guy: As expected of Aizen-sama, every plan is so tightly woven. You placed me in the Allied Shinobi Forces—was that to have me cooperate with Kabuto?
This is an Actor: Ah, not really. I just found you annoying and didn't want you in the Pure Land. Whether you want to work with Kabuto or not, that's up to you.
Shark-Faced Guy: ...
Doujin Artist: Pfft! Hahaha! He's totally being left to his own devices! As long as he doesn't come to the Pure Land, he can do whatever he wants? Is that what you're saying, Aizen-san?
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Feels like Kisame-san just took a massive blow.
Curly-haired Guy: Annoying, huh? Makes sense. Seeing that shark face while eating sashimi would be a total appetite killer. Like the sashimi suddenly coming back to life.
Shark-Faced Guy: Not only would it come back to life, but it'd also bite you. Wanna test it out, Gin-san?
Doujin Artist: Kisame-san, was that a serious bite?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: How can a bite not be serious?
Li Mochou looked genuinely curious.
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Ahem, Mochou-jie, maybe it's best not to dwell on this. This kind of topic… might be too early for you.
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: ?
Amegakure Village's Angel: Mochou looks so confused right now. Even Ruiko, a thirteen-year-old girl, can talk like this in front of a twenty-nine-year-old Taoist nun…
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Sorry, Mochou-jie. I just thought this topic wasn't suitable for you.
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: It's fine, I understand.
Curly-haired Guy: Hmph! Mochou-chan will grow up sooner or later. Shouldn't we take the chance to educate her about these things now?
Doujin Artist: But what you're teaching isn't knowledge—it's poison!
How does Gin even have the nerve to say "educate" with a straight face? With the way he acts in the group, does he really not have any self-awareness?
Sitting in the classroom, Eriri shook her head and let out a sigh. Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar figure. "Is that… Kasumigaoka?"
Long, jet-black hair draped over her shoulders, a white hairband on her head, black stockings wrapping around slightly plump legs.
Even though Eriri couldn't see her face from this angle, the figure and outfit made it pretty obvious—it had to be Kasumigaoka Utaha. But something about her seemed off. She was staggering as she walked, her steps unsteady.
Did she drink some bad alcohol or something?
Eriri thought with amusement. Then, without hesitation, she stood up and started following her.
It wasn't because she was worried something might happen to her—she just wanted to see this scheming woman make a fool of herself. Yeah, that was it!
With that thought in mind, Eriri silently trailed behind Kasumigaoka, following her through the corridor until they arrived at a red-roofed building.
"I remember this place—it's the school's abandoned storage room. What's Kasumigaoka doing here?" Eriri watched as Kasumigaoka pushed open the door and stepped inside, her curiosity growing.
But the storage room was a single room. If she just walked in like that, Kasumigaoka would definitely notice her. And getting caught following someone like this would be hard to explain.
Wait…
Her gaze shifted to the storage room's window. A better idea came to mind. She pushed off the ground lightly, using her agility to propel herself upward.
Tap.
She landed easily on the ledge in front of the window and peeked inside. The next moment, she froze.
Fire!
Deep red flames reflected in her pupils.
Kasumigaoka Utaha stood there, completely engulfed in the flames, a hint of intoxication on her face.
Seeing this, Eriri blinked in shock and quickly pulled up the group chat.
Doujin Artist: Guys, what the hell is going on? [Image]
Curly-haired Guy: Kasumigaoka Utaha… is on fire? Not gonna lie, Eriri-chan, even if she's your romantic rival, isn't this a bit too much of a punishment?
Doujin Artist: Nonsense! I didn't start that fire. And come on, who gets burned and still looks like they're enjoying it? Even the biggest masochist has limits!
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: She's covered in flames, but there's not a single burn on her. This looks a lot like the fire-wielding ability users on our side.
This is an Actor: If I'm not wrong, this is an ability awakening. Since this world has a spiritual energy revival, it's not surprising that new rules would bring about such changes.
Amegakure Village's Angel: A product of the new rules? So you're saying Kasumigaoka Utaha's case isn't unique?
This is an Actor: Exactly. Which is why Eriri should get ready.
Doujin Artist: R-Ready for what?
Eriri suddenly started to panic. Something about this felt off.
This is an Actor: People who originally had no powers suddenly gaining abilities—it's hard to say they won't develop ambitions. And if ability users start appearing everywhere, it could shake up the old order. The ones in power won't just sit back and watch their authority weaken. When that happens, what do you think will follow?
Curly-haired Guy: A clash between the old and the new, leading to chaos. Basically, a man-made disaster?
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: It's more than that. Eriri's world also has mutated animals running around. They definitely won't be friendly toward humans.
Doujin Artist: Stop it! If you guys keep talking like this, I'll start thinking human society is doomed. Damn it! This was just supposed to be an ordinary world—how did it end up like this?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: So, Eriri, what do you plan to do?
Doujin Artist: I'm feeling hopeless… Gonna grab some pudding to calm down.
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