103

"So, is this your true face, Aizen? It's truly eye-opening!" Hiruko looked up at Aizen, his face still filled with awe.

"Aren't you the same, Hiruko? Hiding your true nature within the medical department," Aizen retorted with a sly smile.

Hiruko was momentarily stunned, then chuckled wryly. "For someone like me, it's a necessary survival tactic. But..." He paused, looking at Aizen with a hint of curiosity. "But for a genuine genius like you, there's no need for such pretense. If I'm not mistaken, the method you used to subdue me just now was a shockwave of specialized chakra infused with spiritual pressure. With such power, why do you still need to hide yourself to achieve a certain goal?"

Reiatsu suppression affected not only the body but also the soul directly. In his initial shock, Hiruko hadn't fully comprehended Aizen's method. But upon regaining his composure, he had gleaned some clues.

However, instead of feeling contempt for Aizen's perceived deception, Hiruko was filled with awe. This method was typically employed by high-level ninja to overpower weaker opponents – a display of absolute dominance.

Hiruko speculated that Aizen's true combat power might have already reached the Kage level. How else could he have so effortlessly subdued him in such a simple and crude manner?

This was the power that bordered on the Kage level, a level achieved by only a handful of ninja in the entire world.

The fact that Aizen had attained this level at the mere age of fourteen astounded Hiruko.

Logically, Aizen should have embraced his power, made a name for himself in the ninja world, and basked in the admiration of countless shinobi. Yet, he chose to maintain a facade of approachability and weakness. This baffled Hiruko.

"It's because, like you, I want to break the shackles of my own talent and reach an even higher level," Aizen replied nonchalantly.

"How is that possible? With your immense talent, becoming Hokage shouldn't be out of reach. Why would you have such a goal?" Hiruko found Aizen's answer hard to believe.

He had never witnessed such talent as Aizen's before. In Hiruko's eyes, Aizen was the very embodiment of talent.

"Heh, do you think it's that easy to reach the Kage level? Think about it. How many truly exceptional ninja have emerged since the era of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha?

Take Konoha, for example. Hatake Sakumo, Mitarashi Zashi, Orochimaru, they are all extraordinary. But can any of them truly compare to those two?"

Aizen's words gave Hiruko pause, leaving him deep in thought.

"Now consider this: in the years since the founding of the hidden villages, how many legendary ninja have been comparable to Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha?"

"Do you still believe it's easy to become the next Hokage?" Aizen asked, fixing his gaze on Hiruko.

Hiruko gulped, sobered by Aizen's words. Indeed, there hadn't been many shinobi who rivaled the First Hokage's strength throughout history. How could such an achievement be easily attained?

Recalling his earlier boast about becoming the next God of Shinobi, Hiruko wished he could disappear into the ground.

"So, do you now understand my purpose?" Aizen inquired softly.

Hiruko nodded emphatically.

Then, a hesitant look crossed his face as he cautiously asked, "Is your purpose in coming to me today related to the technique I've been developing...?"

Hiruko wasn't foolish. Based on Aizen's words, he had a hunch about Aizen's intentions, but he hoped he was wrong.

"Yes and no," Aizen replied with a cryptic smile.

"Huh?" Hiruko was puzzled. Could it be that Aizen wasn't interested in the Chimera Technique? If not, what else could Aizen possibly covet?

"I have no interest in your Chimera Technique. In fact, I can even assist you in its development. You're aware that I control many aspects of the medical department. With my help, you'll have access to far greater resources than you currently possess. The completion of your technique will be within reach!"

Aizen laid out his offer with a smile.

Hiruko's eyes lit up. If Aizen could truly help him, the development of the Chimera Technique would be significantly accelerated.

He also knew that Aizen's medical ninjutsu skills far surpassed his own.

However, even the most enticing offers came with a price.

"What are your conditions?" Hiruko asked, anticipation mingled with apprehension.

He was already tempted, but Aizen had revealed his true colors. If Hiruko refused, he would likely face death.

Hiruko wasn't stupid. He had no choice but to accept. Survival and the promised benefits were a blessing in this dire situation.

"I need you to create the most crucial component of the Chimera Technique," Aizen declared, his eyes flashing with a menacing glint as he locked onto Hiruko.

"What?! How does he know about it?!"

Hiruko's expression contorted in shock and disbelief. This was his deepest secret.

Faced with the threat of imminent death, Hiruko weighed his options – his life, his ambitions, and the benefits Aizen offered.

After a brief internal struggle, Hiruko stood up and sighed, "Fine, come with me."

He turned and walked towards the depths of the laboratory.

Aizen smiled, satisfied, and followed Hiruko without hesitation.