Kyōka Suigetsu suddenly rose under Aizen's control, surging upward from below.
Shoo–boom!!!
A roaring wind pressure, visible even to the naked eye, exploded outward. In just an instant, the surging heat wave was blown away!
"Th-That… is that Sword Aura?!"
A middle-aged Sand Shinobi chūnin, who had been spectating, cried out in shock.
The last time he had witnessed something like "Sword Aura" was during the Second Ninja World War, when Konoha's White Fang unleashed it. That technique—combined with Lightning Style—had terrified the Sand Shinobi. He had been young back then, and the memory left a deep scar on his mind.
"No—that's not Sword Aura. It's sword pressure!"
Another Sand Shinobi chūnin, clutching a similar sabre at his side, shouted back.
Unlike Sword Aura, which was a sharp and precise strike, sword pressure was more like a shockwave born of sheer momentum!
Even so, the wind pressure didn't fade. It continued to roar forward, surging toward the mountain wall behind them.
The civilians watching from nearby turned pale. Some even stumbled back in panic, certain they were about to see people crushed into paste against the wall.
But suddenly—Pakura realized Aizen had vanished.
Glancing sideways, she saw him appear in a flash—right between the oncoming sword pressure and the mountain wall.
Kyōka Suigetsu gleamed in his hands as he lifted the blade sharply to meet the rushing force.
Boom—!
The violent sword pressure was diverted, shooting straight up into the sky at a ninety-degree angle.
Even then, the gusts generated by the redirected strike blasted outward, forcing everyone to shield themselves as the gale ripped past.
When the storm finally died down, the villagers watching from the mountainside slowly lowered their arms.
There, standing calmly before them, was Aizen. He turned his head slightly toward them and spoke in a soft voice:
"Forgive me. Everything is fine now."
Though a strange white mask covered his face, everyone present felt as though they could see the warm, reassuring smile hidden beneath.
"Ohhh!!!"
Cheers erupted instantly.
They weren't only moved by Aizen's overwhelming strength, but also by the fact that his power had shielded so many from disaster.
In less than a minute, this mysterious "confidant" of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, had gained immense prestige among the villagers of Sunagakure.
Aizen leapt down from the mountain wall and approached Pakura. His tone remained gentle, that signature "Aizen tone."
"Apologies for the wait. Shall we continue?"
Pakura stared at him for a long moment. Then, with a decisive motion, she retracted the fireballs floating at her side and said evenly:
"No. That's enough."
The villagers and shinobi nearby froze in surprise.
Pakura's voice was calm as she continued:
"I have already witnessed the difference in our strength. And… you are indeed someone qualified to take Lord Baki's place."
With those words, she had effectively declared Aizen as the next Minister of the Anbu.
Had he not intervened just now, even if he won by strength alone, the atmosphere would have turned cold. There would have been awkwardness, even whispers of dissent.
But because his perfect rescue had unfolded right before everyone's eyes, Aizen had instantly won the people's hearts.
Instead of jeers, there were cheers.
"Not at all. Lady Pakura is the true heroine. I only hope to assist Lord Kazekage in the days ahead."
Aizen smiled behind his mask.
Even though no one could see his expression, his magnetic voice carried such warmth that it made people envision the same gentle smile Namikaze Minato once wore.
[Current template character: Aizen Sōsuke, unlock rate: 19.55%]
"He seems like such a good person."
Temari blinked, smiling softly. She couldn't help but feel a strong sense of goodwill toward him.
"Mm. For the village, having someone like that is a blessing."
Kankurō replied in his usual flat tone.
Gaara said nothing. His dark eyes remained fixed, quietly observing.
The decision was made—the new Minister of the Anbu had been chosen.
As the villagers excitedly discussed this mysterious man named "Aizen," the Sand Shinobi ninjas returned to their duties, whispering about the same topic.
Just as the three siblings were preparing to leave, a gentle voice called out:
"Are you the children of Lord Kazekage?"
They turned to see Aizen, mask still in place, smiling warmly as he approached.
"Hello. Just call me Aizen."
He greeted them with the same easy grace.
"Kankurō."
Kankurō answered bluntly. Apart from puppetry, little else ever held his interest.
"…Gaara. Gaara of the Sand Waterfall."
Gaara's reply caught both Temari and Kankurō off guard. It was rare for him to answer so openly.
"Is that so? Gaara… hello."
Aizen chuckled softly and reached out, his hand moving to pat Gaara's shoulder.
The sand will attack him!
Temari and Kankurō's eyes widened in alarm at his bold gesture.
Snap!
Yet, impossibly, Aizen's hand landed firmly on Gaara's shoulder. He even gave it a few light pats.
"Please take care of me in the future."
His tone was kind, almost brotherly.
Even Gaara's pupils shrank slightly.
The sand's automatic defense… hadn't reacted.
Why…?
"And what's the name of this beautiful young lady?"
Aizen asked casually, turning toward Temari.
"Ah—I… Temari. Hello."
She recovered quickly, though her voice carried a faint tremor.
Hearing that deep, magnetic tone, her young face flushed just a touch.
It was exactly the same voice, the same inflection, as Aizen Sōsuke.
Kenya felt as though he were addicted to the act.