Hyuga Gin?!
The name caused Aizen to pause, his usually calm demeanor momentarily disrupted.
This...
No wonder he always felt this boy looked familiar. Isn't this the Naruto world's version of Gin Ichimaru?
Aizen suddenly felt as though the world was cloaked in a dark, malevolent aura.
But...
When he considered his own identity, the irony made it easier to accept.
"Aizen-sama, is there something wrong with this Hyuga Gin? Or perhaps you have questions you'd like to ask him?"
The medical-nin, noticing Aizen's uncharacteristic stillness, asked in a hushed tone, trying to gauge the situation.
Aizen's thoughts snapped back into focus. After another brief glance at Hyuga Gin, he gave a faint smile to the medical-nin. "No need. Just compile a report on him for me later."
There was no rush to approach this intriguing young shinobi just yet.
"Understood, Lord Aizen!" the medical-nin responded with deep respect.
Aizen nodded slightly and departed, his mind already weaving new strategies.
In the following days, while familiarizing himself with his own spiritual energy and refining it to the level of an Elite Jōnin, Aizen took to observing Hyuga Gin from the shadows.
Through careful study of Gin's personal records and habits, Aizen swiftly gained a comprehensive understanding of the young Hyuga.
"He is a valuable asset—one worthy of cultivation."
This was Aizen's cold, calculated assessment of Hyuga Gin.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the leaves of a secluded forest near the medical department, a lone figure could be seen already engaged in intense training.
That figure was Hyuga Gin.
He trained with a relentless determination.
His routine included not only rigorous physical exercises but also kendo—a discipline that tested both skill and resolve.
At that moment, Hyuga Gin was wielding a short blade, repeating various foundational sword techniques with unwavering focus.
The basic forms—parry, slash, twist, thrust, and slice—were executed with precision, reflecting his dedication to mastering the art.
Clap! Clap!
Suddenly, the sound of clapping interrupted the silent rhythm of his practice, causing Hyuga Gin to tense in surprise.
'Who'?
Startled, Hyuga Gin quickly turned towards the source of the sound.
His Byakugan flared!
For someone to approach him so stealthily, they had to possess exceptional skill!
Then, a figure emerged from the shadows—a figure not much older than him, but strikingly familiar.
"Aizen-sama?!"
Seeing Aizen, Hyuga Gin's initial shock was quickly replaced by a mix of suspicion and confusion.
As a member of the medical department, Hyuga Gin was well aware of who Aizen was.
The vice-captain of the medical division, the youngest and most promising senior in the village.
One of Konoha's top prodigies, a future Hokage candidate.
Aizen, who was surrounded by countless accolades and admiration, was a figure revered by many young shinobi in Konoha.
In terms of rank, power, and prestige, Aizen was in an entirely different league.
He couldn't fathom why someone like Aizen would be here, watching him...
"You show promise—Elite Chunin-level strength at your age, and your swordsmanship is commendable," Aizen remarked, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of intrigue.
After a moment, Aizen's gaze shifted to the short blade in Gin's hand, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"But as I understand, the Hyuga clan primarily relies on the Byakugan and Gentle Fist for combat. What inspired you to take up swordsmanship?"
This situation left Aizen feeling slightly perplexed.
"Aizen-sama…"
Hyuga Gin's expression shifted, a mix of conflict and bitterness flashing in his eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he gritted his teeth and spoke with determination. "Lord Aizen, when I first joined the medical division, I heard rumors about you, so I won't hide the truth.
After all, if you investigate closely, this information isn't hard to uncover."
Aizen's expression remained calm, signaling that he was listening intently.
"Lord Aizen, as you might know, I belong to the branch house of the Hyuga clan. My parents defied the clan's authority, and as punishment, they activated the Caged Bird Seal, leading to their deaths. This has left me with a deep, unyielding hatred."
Aizen nodded, indicating his understanding. He had already gathered much of this information over the past few days.
"So, I despise my family, and I loathe the clan that controls them even more. I refuse to rely on the Hyuga clan's power and instead seek new strength to overthrow their rule!"
As he spoke, a flicker of ambition lit up in Hyuga Gin's eyes.
"But Aizen-sama, you must also know how powerful the Hyuga clan is. Even Konoha's higher-ups are biased in their favor; otherwise, they wouldn't allow the clan to continue oppressing the branch house.
Heh, Lord Aizen, I'm not afraid to admit that I don't believe in the so-called Will of Fire.
I only believe in power!
Especially the swordsmanship of Konoha's White Fang! Hatake Sakumo's unparalleled skills are what I truly aspire to.
If I can attain that kind of power, I can control my own destiny!"
As he finished speaking, Hyuga Gin's silver eyes gleamed with a mixture of madness and unshakeable resolve.
"I see... No wonder..." Aizen murmured to himself after listening.
Then, with a slight smirk, he looked at Hyuga Gin with teasing eyes and said, "So, you joined the medical division to learn medical ninjutsu and find a way to remove the Caged Bird Seal from your forehead."
Under the fringe of Hyuga Gin's silver hair lay the Hyuga clan's control mark: the Caged Bird Seal.
"Yes!" Hyuga Gin replied without hesitation.
He knew well that everything he had done could be uncovered with a thorough investigation.
Even the Hyuga clan was likely aware of his intentions by now.
Yet, the clan seemed to silently permit his actions, as if they found his desperate struggle amusing.
The Caged Bird Seal, a terrifying curse that burrows deep into the soul!
This seal was notoriously difficult to remove, with its complex structure reaching into the very essence of the soul.
For years, outsiders had attempted to break the seal in their pursuit of the Byakugan's power.
But without exception, all efforts had failed.
Even Konoha's medical division held classified files detailing research on the Caged Bird Seal, indicating the former Hokage's curiosity and fear of this mysterious curse.
This curse was not exclusive to the Hyuga branch house.
But in the end, even Konoha's top experts had failed to find a solution.
If Konoha's elites couldn't break the seal, what chance did a mere branch house member like Hyuga Gin have?
To the Hyuga clan, Gin's defiance was nothing more than a futile joke.
Yet, despite facing nearly insurmountable odds, Hyuga Gin refused to give up. Instead, he resolved to continue his quest...
"What a brave and determined young man," Aizen remarked sincerely.
Not everyone faced with such adversity could maintain such unwavering belief.
Those with such conviction, as long as they don't falter, are destined to become powerful in the future!
Aizen then looked directly into Hyuga Gin's eyes, his voice carrying a subtle, seductive tone:
"Tell me, young man, if I could help you break the curse of the Caged Bird Seal, what would you be willing to offer in return?"