Chapter 2: Moral Standards
Aizen Sosuke was perhaps the most famous ninja in Konoha Village—without a doubt.
Almost everyone in Konoha had heard of the gentle, refined man who loved calligraphy.
He was kind and patient, always willing to help others. He spoke softly of the Will of Fire, explaining the meaning of sacrifice and courage in ways that could lift even the most burdened hearts. Many who had once fallen into despair found new strength after speaking with him.
Aizen also funded several orphanages and adoption centers under his own name, donating nearly all of his mission earnings to support them. Even the gifts he received from admirers or friends were redirected to the poor, often delivered personally to ensure they reached their destination.
In this dark, rain-drenched Konoha, Aizen's presence shone like a warm light.
Along the streets, both ninja and civilians greeted him with admiration and trust.
"Hello, Aizen-senpai!"
"Good afternoon!"
"Good afternoon, Master Aizen!"
"Good afternoon."
"Hey, Aizen, are you heading to see the Sandaime?"
"Good afternoon, Sato-jounin. Yes, I was just about to report to Hokage-sama's office."
"Aizen-nii! Here, take an umbrella!"
"Thank you. But don't forget your own errands, alright?"
Smiling kindly, Aizen patted the head of the blushing girl who had offered him the umbrella, then continued toward the Hokage's office.
Even covered in mud, his white haori marked him as someone respected beyond rank. No one in the entire village harbored hostility toward him. The white haori had become a privilege only Aizen Sosuke could wear.
After washing up in the Hokage Building's bath, Aizen changed into a fresh, spotless white haori. His serene smile never faded as he pushed open the office door.
"Hokage-sama, I've returned."
The man behind the desk said nothing at first.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the so-called Ninjutsu Professor and the most promising of Hokage, sat silently with his pipe in hand, gazing out the window at the heavy black rain.
After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"...Sosuke, come and help me sort this out. I haven't been keeping up with these reports lately. I'd appreciate your assistance."
"Of course, Hokage-sama. Then, I'll take the liberty."
With a respectful bow, Aizen stepped forward and began organizing the materials and scrolls on the desk.
None of the documents—some of which were highly confidential—were hidden from him. Yet, Aizen did not glance at their contents. His movements were precise, elegant, and focused solely on the task.
Even Hiruzen, who trusted few completely, couldn't help but observe the young man's disciplined efficiency.
After a while, the Hokage turned his gaze back to the window.
"...How is Hatake Kakashi? Still the same?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Pushing his glasses slightly, Aizen's gentle expression darkened with faint regret.
"He refuses to open up to anyone. He isolates himself, trapped in anger and sorrow."
"I see..."
"That's not good, Hokage-sama. If he continues like this, his emotions will consume him—like this endless rain. He's still a child. Even the strictest ninja code shouldn't let him be obsessed with his father."
At the mention of "father," the Hokage's hand holding the pipe paused. His face darkened.
But when he looked back at Aizen—who continued his work quietly—he sighed, as though releasing a burden.
"Even when facing me, you never compromise your principles. That's what makes you special. Tell me, Sosuke... did I do something wrong?"
"Hokage-sama, how could that be? You've never made a wrong choice."
After dusting off the last stack of documents and placing them neatly on the desk, Aizen turned toward him with his usual composed smile.
"Everything is for the Will of Fire. Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary. Sometimes, rumors serve a purpose. Sakumo-kun simply couldn't understand your intentions. It was a tragedy... one I can only try to prevent from repeating."
"Yes... a tragedy," Hiruzen murmured, rubbing his tired eyes. "I never expected him to take his own life."
He looked out the window again, the rain blurring his vision.
"A ninja should prioritize the mission above all else... but that can conflict with the Will of Fire. No matter what decision we make, the public always has something to say. I could have stopped the rumors—but I didn't. I didn't mean to drive him to that end, Sosuke. I truly didn't."
"I understand, Hokage-sama," Aizen said softly. "Sakumo-kun's death was his own decision. It wasn't your fault."
The Hokage said nothing, lost in thought.
After finishing his task, Aizen stood at attention once more and bowed deeply.
"There's one more matter, Hokage-sama. Kakashi-kun is still very young. I hope to adopt him as my son."
The Hokage blinked, surprised.
"Adopt him? Kakashi? Sosuke, if you do this, the village may talk. You're still very young yourself. Even if you wish to protect him, simple guidance should suffice."
Aizen smiled faintly.
"No, Hokage-sama. I wish to be his adoptive father. The First Hokage once said that the lives of children are more important than anything else. I'm merely following that belief—to do what I can."
Looking straight into Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, Aizen's expression was firm and resolute.
"Even if the leaves are burned by the fire and only ashes remain, that tiny flame will still illuminate others. That's what I believe."
"…" What a great man.
This was the true successor of the Will of Fire.
No—perhaps the Will of Fire itself was merely an extension of his existence.
Watching Aizen stand before him—without even wearing the Konoha forehead protector, yet embodying the very spirit of the village—Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
For twenty years, he had watched this young man grow. Innocent, kind, and deeply responsible, yet never proud or demanding of recognition. He quietly dedicated himself to the daily life of Konoha while maintaining an unshakable inner core.
He was not the sun that illuminated the world, but rather the moonlight that reached into the hearts of the lonely and the suffering—soft, tranquil, and pure. Aizen was the light people turned to in their darkest moments.
Hiruzen couldn't deny it: if anyone represented the Will of Fire, it was this young man.
Even if there were ever conflict between the two of them, the village would likely side with Aizen.
And yet, despite his fame, Aizen harbored no ambition.
Elegant and composed, generous and poised—his skills in calligraphy and art were widely admired, and even the daimyo treated him with unusual respect.
But what did Aizen Sosuke do with such attention?
He simply smiled and continued to help others.
Changing the world quietly, one act at a time—that was who Aizen Sosuke was.
At only twenty years old, with no military achievements and only the rank of Chunin, he had become the white moonlight of Konoha, shining purely through character and compassion.
Could he be my successor?
A Hokage promoted from the Chunin ranks... what would the other nations think?
But if I don't... what will Konoha think?
Looking at the calm young man before him, Hiruzen slowly closed his eyes. In his mind, he compared Aizen to Minato he had once chosen—and made his decision.
"Thank you for your hard work, Sosuke... I truly regret what happened to Hatake Sakumo."
"You are the Hokage. If you were to apologize, Hokage-sama, it would only unsettle us. Please don't say such things."
"Thank you... I suppose I still need your comfort," Hiruzen said with a faint smile.
"This is my duty, Hokage-sama. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Ah, go on. I'll think carefully about Kakashi's situation."
The Hokage waved his hand dismissively.
Aizen bowed respectfully, his posture flawless. Unlike most shinobi who slipped through windows or vanished in smoke, he walked backward toward the door, bowed once more, and closed it softly behind him.
But the moment he left, a shadow moved in the corner of the office.
A man clad in armor reminiscent of the Warring States era stepped out of the darkness, his expression cold and disdainful.
"Hmph, Aizen Sosuke... Hiruzen, leave him to me. I'll train him. In this world, his naivety will only get him killed."
"Do not taint him with your darkness, Danzo."
Hiruzen's voice was weary, his gaze still on the storm outside.
"Aizen is a good man. Too good. Being a ninja is already cruel enough for him. I can't let him be corrupted. It would shatter the faith that so many hold in their hearts."
Danzo's tone sharpened.
"Without hardship, how can one grow strong? Without understanding darkness, how can one lead? You want him to be Hokage, don't you?"
"I don't intend for him to become Hokage."
"What?"
"People like Aizen Sosuke are better suited to serve as advisors... or elders."
"Advisors?" Danzo narrowed his eyes, understanding dawning.
"You intend to make him a symbol."
"Yes," Hiruzen said quietly. "A moral standard. The embodiment of the Will of Fire. His existence will serve as a model for the village—an ideal everyone can follow. That alone is enough."
He exhaled a long plume of smoke, eyes reflecting the darkened sky outside.
"A man like him... is more valuable as a symbol than I am as Hokage."
Danzo gave a low chuckle.
"To block doubt with admiration. Classic, Hiruzen. But remember—if you ever hesitate or lose your conviction, pass the Hokage's seat to someone who won't."
Hiruzen's gaze hardened.
"I won't forget that, Danzo."
Satisfied, Danzo nodded and turned to leave.
"You are the tree that stands tall. I am the root that dwells in darkness. Never forget our oath."
"I never have," Hiruzen murmured.
Danzo's form dissolved back into the shadows, leaving only the rain and the faint glow of the Hokage's pipe.
Half an hour later, in a hidden chamber deep within Konoha—
A whisper echoed in the darkness.
"...This is the first time we've met like this, isn't it? Sakumo-kun. I must say... I'm grateful you chose to end your life."
A faint blue light flickered.
"Otherwise, how else could I come into contact with the soul of a top-tier ninja without risk? This method is far safer than experimenting on Hashirama."
"Aizen—!!!"
Aizen's gentle voice cut through the anguish, melodic yet chilling.
"Truly... truly... how wonderful."
Before him, in a glass frame, floated a pale-blue soul fragment—its faint eyes filled with pain and rage.
Adjusting his glasses, Aizen Sosuke smiled softly, his tone calm and serene.
Just like moonlight.
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