Book Artist: "Pfft, Kabuto Yakushi is supposed to be a powerful weapon against Aizen? As I recall, that guy was originally Aizen's man, right?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Yes, but Obito doesn't know that yet."
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "In other words, Kabuto is a spy Anran-san planted right next to Obito?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Innocent Obito... he's sweeter than a chocolate parfait. He was fooled by Aizen-sama before, and now he's going to be played by Kabuto? Tragic."
This is an Actor: "It is his own choice. And Kabuto is indeed very loyal."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Not as loyal as me."
This is an Actor: "?"
Aizen was left momentarily speechless by Konan's sudden competitive streak. Why are you competing for favor here? As a family member, you're actually trying to outdo a tool? It's hardly worth the effort, is it?
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Oh, I remember Orochimaru and Danzo are still alive, aren't they? If so, isn't Kabuto in danger of being exposed?"
This is an Actor: "Which is why I have prepared a plot to 'whitewash' him."
Shark-Faced Guy: "As expected of Aizen-sama; every plan is interconnected. Are you placing me in the Allied Shinobi Forces to assist with Kabuto's operations?"
This is an Actor: "Ah, not really. I simply find you an eyesore and don't want you coming to the Pure Land. Whether or not you cooperate with Kabuto is entirely up to you."
Shark-Faced Guy: "..."
Book Artist: "Pfft! Hahahaha! Free-range! Completely free-range! As long as you don't show up in the Pure Land, you can do whatever you want. Is that the subtext, Anran-san?"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "I feel like Kisame-san's heart just suffered a thousand critical hits."
Curly-Haired Boy: "Is he an eyesore? You're right. If you saw a shark face like that while eating sashimi, you'd lose your appetite. It'd be like the sashimi suddenly grew a head and stared back."
Shark-Faced Guy: "Not only would it stare, Gin-san, it would bite. Do you want to try it?"
Book Artist: "Kisame-san... is that a serious 'bite'?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "What's wrong with biting?"
Li Mochou's face was the picture of genuine curiosity.
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "Ahem, Mochou-neesan, it's better not to delve into that. It's too early for you."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "I feel for Mochou. Even a thirteen-year-old like Ruiko can say such things in front of a twenty-nine-year-old Taoist nun..."
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "Sorry, Mochou-neesan. I just think this topic isn't suitable for you yet."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "It's alright, I understand."
Curly-Haired Boy: "Humph! Mochou-chan has to grow up sooner or later. Shouldn't we start imparting some 'knowledge' in this area to her now?"
Book Artist: "That isn't knowledge, it's poison!"
How on earth does Gintoki have the nerve to use the phrase 'instilling knowledge'? Judging by his behavior, does he really have no self-awareness?
Sitting in her classroom, Eriri shook her head and sighed helplessly. At that moment, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure from the corner of her eye. "Is that... Kasumigaoka?"
Long black hair draped over shoulders, a signature white headband, and slightly fleshy legs wrapped in black stockings. Although Eriri couldn't see her face from this angle, the silhouette and outfit were unmistakably Kasumigaoka Utaha. However, she was in a bizarre state, walking unsteadily, her gait staggering.
Did she drink fake wine or something?
Eriri made a malicious guess. She stood up decisively and began to trail the other woman. I'm not worried about her getting into trouble. I just want to catch this sinister woman looking ugly for once. Yes, that's it!
With that thought as her shield, Eriri quietly followed Utaha through the corridor until they reached a building with a red roof.
"I remember this being the school's abandoned storage room. What is Kasumigaoka doing in a place like this?" Eriri watched as Utaha pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The storage room was a single, isolated space. If Eriri just burst in, she would be caught red-handed as a stalker. That would be impossible to explain.
Wait.
Glancing toward the utility room window, Eriri had a brilliant idea. Utilizing her Qinggong technique, she tapped the ground with her toes and leaped silently upward.
Pat.
Landing easily on the ledge in front of the window, Eriri peered through the glass. Then, she froze in shock.
Flames!
Her pupils reflected a brilliant, crimson fire. Kasumigaoka Utaha was bathed in flames, her expression one of slight intoxication rather than pain.
Seeing this, Eriri hurriedly opened the group chat.
Book Artist: "Everyone, look at this! What's going on? [Picture]"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Kasumigaoka Utaha is on fire? I'm not judging, Eriri-chan, but even if she's your love rival, this is a bit too harsh."
Book Artist: "Bullshit! I didn't set the fire! Besides, who looks that happy while being burned? Even if you're a masochist, you still have to respect the laws of physics!"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "Even though she's covered in flames, she doesn't appear to be getting burned at all. This looks like the fire-ability users from my world."
This is an Actor: "If I'm not mistaken, this is an awakening. Since your world is undergoing a spiritual energy revival, it isn't surprising that beings are emerging based on the new rules."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "A derivative of the rules? Does that mean Utaha's situation isn't unique?"
This is an Actor: "Precisely. Which is why Eriri needs to be prepared."
Book Artist: "Pre—prepared for what?"
Eriri felt a sudden surge of panic. Instinct told her something was very wrong.
This is an Actor: "When individuals who were previously powerless suddenly gain strength, it is difficult to guarantee they won't develop ambitions. Furthermore, if these individuals become widespread, they will disrupt the established order. The current powers-that-be will not sit idly by as their influence erodes. What do you think happens next?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "A conflict between the old world and the new. Chaos. Is this what they call a 'man-made disaster'?"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "It might not just be a human problem. Eriri mentioned her family has all kinds of mutated animals. They probably won't be very friendly to humans once they change."
Book Artist: "Stop it! If you keep talking like that, I'll feel like human society is actually ending! Damn it! This was supposed to be an ordinary world; why is this happening?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "So, what are you going to do, Eriri?"
Book Artist: "I feel hopeless. I'm going to go eat some pudding to calm my nerves."