Actors meet Actors

Aizen's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Hiruko?" This name held some significance for him, though the details remained hazy."That's right," Senju Nao confirmed. "He's a highly skilled medical-nin and a trusted confidante of Tsunade-sama."

This guy is the villain in the Naruto theatrical version, a former student of Sarutobi Hiruzen and a teammate of the Sannin.

Unfortunately, compared to the Sannin, Hiruko's talent is limited, and he can only grow up to Jōnin level.

This also made him secretly jealous of the talents of those geniuses, and he secretly developed the Chimera Technique that could absorb the Kekkei genkai of others.

Aizen is not surprised that this guy works in the medical department.

Because Hiruko can develop the Chimera Technique, it is obvious that Hiruko has good bio-transformation knowledge.

The talents in this area are almost all concentrated in the medical department.

Aizen is very interested in this Chimera Technique.

To be more precise, Aizen is not interested in Chimera Technique's rough fusion of blood-based boundaries. What he is really interested in is why this Chimera Technique can carry the boundaries of blood with different attributes.

In the original book, aside from the descendants of the Six Paths above the Kage-level, only the future Fifth Mizukage—Terumi Mei—has two Kekkei Genkai.

But Terumi Mei's Lava Style and Boil release are both Kekkei Genki with similar attributes, and it is barely reasonable to accommodate them in one.

However, this guy in the original book, can integrate the four Kekkei Genkai that obviously have conflicting attributes, such as Steel release, Storm release, Dark release, and Swift release, without rejection.

How did this guy do it?

Aizen learned from the memory of the villain in his head... In Shinigami universe, the main material for making that Hōgyoku is something called an ethereal stone.

"This mysterious stone is said to exist even before the Soul Society's creation," Aizen mused, his thoughts drifting between worlds. "It's incredibly rare and supposedly holds any energy within the Shinigami realm."

A nagging suspicion gnawed at him. Perhaps the key to his own ambitions – his Hogyoku – lay with this enigmatic Hiruko. But patience was paramount. Hiruko, as a medical-nin Jounin leading a squad, undoubtedly possessed formidable strength. While overpowering him wouldn't be impossible for Aizen's current skillset, brute force wasn't the answer. Unlike his previous encounter with the Cloud ninja, eliminating someone of Hiruko's stature would trigger a relentless Konohagakure investigation.

Aizen, far from reckless, wouldn't risk such unwanted scrutiny. However, even a Chunin like himself harboring dreams of conquering a Jounin squad leader was delusional. Growth, significant growth, was necessary.

"Hiruko is known for his gentle and courteous demeanor," Senju Nao remarked, oblivious to the storm brewing within Aizen. "He shares a strong rapport with Tsunade-sama. I'm certain the two of you will get along easily."

"Indeed, I look forward to it," Aizen replied, a glint of intrigue flashing across his eyes. A subtle smile played on his lips. He sensed a kindred spirit in Hiruko. Despite harboring, perhaps, a deep-seated resentment towards the Sannin, he maintained a cordial facade with Tsunade. After all, genuine trust wouldn't entrust a student to a teacher harboring animosity. Aizen, a master manipulator himself, recognized the mask readily. A wicked chuckle rumbled within Aizen. The prospect of working alongside such a fascinating leader promised to keep his tenure in the medical department far from monotonous.

"Aizen, mastering Healing Jutsu and Chakra Scalpel is just the beginning," Senju Nao emphasized, schooling him with a serious expression. "These techniques form the basics of medical-ninjutsu!"

"Understood," Aizen acknowledged, feigning receptiveness to his superior's instruction. He soon found himself joining the ranks of the "fish practitioners (Dummy)," diligently honing his Chakra Scalpel technique while revisiting Healing Jutsu. Just as Aizen was about to head out for lunch, Senju Nao unexpectedly announced Tsunade's early return and requested Aizen accompany her to the office.With an empty stomach, Aizen was ushered into Tsunade's office by Senju Nao.

"Those darn Sand Shinobi! They've concocted a new poison, and it's wreaking havoc on our Konohagakure frontline!" Tsunade's voice boomed through the door even before they entered. "It's been less than a month since we deciphered the last one! That woman should be knitting booties for her grandkids, not gallivanting on battlefields and concocting deadly concoctions! Does she have a death wish?!"

Aizen and Senju Nao exchanged a glance upon hearing Tsunade's frustrated tirade. "Tsunade-sama, getting upset won't solve anything," a gentle, resigned voice replied. "We all know Chiyo from Sunagakure is a force to be reckoned with. This time, the medical department has its work cut out for us." The speaker's tone sent a jolt through Aizen. It was a familiar modulation – a blend of gentle amusement, understated wisdom, and a hint of underlying kindness. This... this was...The very same tone Aizen himself often adopted when manipulating others! Aizen narrowed his eyes, a new wave of intrigue washing over him.

Senju Nao knocked on the door, and Tsunade's voice echoed from within. Following Senju Nao inside, Aizen finally met the man whose voice had piqued his curiosity. He was tall and lean, with pale skin and flowing white hair that framed a handsome face. He stood before Tsunade's desk, turning curious eyes towards Aizen. "Tsunade-sama, I've brought Aizen," Senju Nao announced respectfully.

"Ah, Aizen," Tsunade greeted with a smile, glancing at him before addressing Senju Nao. "Good work this morning, Nao. How did Aizen fare with the Chakra Scalpel? Offer him any pointers?" As Tsunade spoke, the white-haired man shifted his gaze towards Senju Nao, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Aizen possesses remarkable talent," Senju Nao reported truthfully. "He grasped the Chakra Scalpel after merely observing a single demonstration. He spent the rest of the time practicing on his own."

At this revelation, a faint flicker of something akin to jealousy flickered across the white-haired man's eyes, a subtle shift in emotion that escaped both Tsunade and Senju Nao. Aizen, however, with his keen observation skills, couldn't help but notice. "That's commendable, Aizen," Tsunade acknowledged with a chuckle. "But talent alone won't pave your path on the ninja journey. To become a formidable shinobi, hard work is essential."

"Yes, sensei," Aizen replied respectfully. "Now, let me introduce you," Tsunade continued with a smile. "This is my friend, Hiruko. He's an exceptional medical-nin. You might have heard Nao mention him – I plan for him to initially guide you in mastering medical ninjutsu techniques."

As Tsunade introduced Hiruko, the man offered Aizen a warm smile, which Aizen politely reciprocated.In that moment, two masked figures stood before each other, a silent play about to unfold.

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