Pheww… nothing beats this herbal bath, Aizen muttered, sinking deeper into the hot water as steam curled around his face. His muscles gradually relaxed, the sting of bruises and soreness easing under the heat. The sharp scent of crushed roots and bitter herbs clung to the air—strong, earthy, but comforting in its own weird way.
This had become a nightly routine.
A month into the academy, and already, his body was being pushed harder than most kids could handle.
But then again, he wasn't most kids.
This bath wasn't just about relaxing. It was medicine. Recovery. A soak to boost regeneration, push toxins out, and strengthen his body. Like those cultivation novels from his past life, where martial artists soaked in spiritual springs to toughen their physiques.
Lowkey body refinement. Modern shinobi-style.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the warmth numb the aches, but not the thoughts.
And just like that, his mood soured.
"One month... It's only been a damn month since I started here."
And already, he could feel it.
The indoctrination.
Every lesson, every casual comment from the instructors—it was all soaked in subtle propaganda.
"The Will of Fire this." "The Hokage that."
He opened his eyes, expression dark.
Sarutobi. The so-called "Professor."
Back when he first arrived, Aizen wondered how a man like him, so painfully average in his eyes, managed to inspire such blind loyalty in so many powerful shinobi.
Now he understood.
The system was rigged from the roots.
Most of the teachers were from the Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado, or Umino clans. Others were civilians so deep in the system they practically worshipped it. And all of them, every last one, pushed the same narrative.
Hiruzen the Wise. The Hokage who sacrificed everything. The Elders who gave their lives for peace.
Rewritten history. One lesson at a time.
"They're planting seeds," Aizen muttered. "Grooming future pawns."
This wasn't about training shinobi.
This was about forging loyal dogs.
And the worst part?
It was working.
Especially on the commoners. Those without clan backing. Grateful to even be there. Swallowing the narrative like it was gospel.
No wonder nobody sided with the Uchiha.
He stared at the water, fists clenched beneath the surface.
"Looks like I can't stay passive anymore."
But first… something more important.
Aizen smirked.
"Time to spin the wheel. Gacha hour, baby."
[POINTS: 30]
Not a lot, but enough for one full pull.
"Let's go."
As the counter hit zero, ten glowing cards materialised in front of him, floating in the steam like summoned spirits.
He raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with a grin.
"Let's see what we've got."
1. MUICHIRO TOKITO (DEMON SLAYER)
"Oh-ho... Starting strong."
The Mist Hashira himself. One of the most naturally gifted swordsmen in the Demon Slayer world. And if memory served, he awakened the Demon Slayer Mark too.
"Wait... does that mean I might unlock it too? And... possibly die at 25?"
He blinked.
"Nah, let's not think that far. Survive the Third Ninja War and the Uchiha Massacre first. Then we'll panic."
Still, there was a problem. Using techniques like Total Concentration Breathing or the Mark might raise eyebrows.
I need a cover story. Something convincing.
2. YUBASHIRI (ONE PIECE)
"Won't be able to use it properly until I grow a bit… but it's a start."
3. BEN TENNYSON T-SHIRT (BEN 10)
"Let's gooo." Iconic. Not useful in combat, but perfect for the collection.
4. INSERT CARD (STATE: REINCARNATION)
Huh… now this is new.
I don't think I've ever seen something like this in any fanfic I've read. Like, ever.
From the description, it lets me bring any character I pull from the gacha into this world. Not as a typical summon, but as a full-on reincarnation. Like they'd be born into this world with their own identity and life. Pretty wild.
The catch? They won't have any of their original powers. So if I were to reincarnate someone like Zoro, he wouldn't be busting out Haki or cutting mountains from day one. He'd have to start from scratch, using this world's system. Makes sense. Can't have people breaking the power balance from the jump.
But there's a workaround too. Apparently, if I get my hands on a "Background Customizer" card, I can give them a proper identity. Maybe even slot them into a clan or bloodline. That opens up a ton of possibilities.
Honestly, I'm probably not gonna use this on anyone overpowered. If I get someone broken, I'd rather assimilate their abilities directly. But for mid or low-tier characters? Yeah, this could be sick.
Imagine stacking the Uchiha with a few extra genius kids from other worlds. Just casually reincarnate a few sharp minds or skilled fighters and let them cook. I could literally buff the entire clan from behind the scenes.
Man, just thinking about reincarnating someone like Batman into the ninja world cracks me up. No no-kill rule, no Gotham. Just missions, chakra, and shivs to the throat. He'd either lose his mind or become Hokage in like five years. Hahaha.
He burst out laughing.
"That's evil and I love it."
5. SUPER MARIO CAP (MARIO SERIES)
"Another collectible."
6. CHOCOBI (SHINCHAN)
Gotta try it later.
7. STEWIE GRIFFIN'S USED DIAPER (FAMILY GUY)
"Ewwww… WHAT THE HELL?!"
He gagged.
"Trash. Absolute trash."
8. SPECTRE RING (JAMES BOND)
"Goes in the collection."
9. ENHANCED SMELL (DEMON SLAYER)
Another Demon Slayer pull, this time an ability.
Tanjiro's supernatural sense of smell.
"Nice." Definitely useful. Not just for tracking, but sensing emotions, lies, danger… even finding out who didn't shower after training.
10. HEI'S MASK (DARKER THAN BLACK)
"Another one for the collection."
That wrapped up the batch.
He looked over all the cards, then tapped on Muichiro's template.
Assimilation Slot: MUICHIRO TOKITO [0%]
It wasn't an instant power-up. Assimilation worked gradually. Passively, even.
But if he wanted to speed things up?
He'd have to start living like Muichiro—swordplay, focus, combat experience. Basically, the full kenjutsu route.
He stood up, water dripping off his frame as the steam clung to his skin. Grabbing a towel and stretching slightly, he muttered under his breath:
"I'll ask Grandpa to give me a sword."
*************
Some sword suggestions