Aizen's POV
"Sorry, Aizen. Otōsan told me to come early."
Seeing Kurenai reject my invitation again makes my blood boil.
Yes, I know. She's just five years old, innocent, only following her father's orders. But still… it's too much.
Minutes ago, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio turned me down.
Before that, the boy from the Aburame clan did the same.
It's like those clans don't even want their children to have any contact with us.
I thought if I tried to be a good boy, things would change.
But there's been no progress. No results.
Thinking about the other children from my clan getting the same treatment makes me want to kill everyone directly or indirectly responsible for this.
After all, they don't have a mature mind like me.
They don't understand why nobody wants to play with them.
And if they get angry… the whole of Konoha will hear, "Evil Uchiha."
Everyone says the Uchiha are crazy.
But no one ever asks what's driving them to that point.
From an early age, we're isolated.
Humiliated.
Badmouthed.
Cursed.
And then you tell us we're supposed to love Konoha?
"...It's okay. I understand," I said with a smile, before turning away.
This was my last attempt at forming connections before applying for graduation.
Now, I only have one thing left to focus on. Myself.
But…
I turned, only to see Kurenai laughing with Rin before walking away without a glance back.
Shinku Yūhi.
You don't want your daughter associating with me because you're part of the Hokage faction.
I get it. You're thinking about your own future and hers.
But don't mistake understanding for mercy.
Anyone who isn't with me is against me.
That's one of the many policies I uphold.
So if you reject me, then it's only natural I see you as an enemy.
You've looked at the current prosperity of the Hokage faction, seen the weakness of the Uchiha, and decided to stay away from us.
Good.
Very good.
But what you don't know is that the Uchiha will rise again.
And Konoha?
Konoha will become nothing more than a stepstone beneath our feet.
You don't want your daughter to stand with us?
Then I'll make sure she ends up by my side.
Willing or not, she'll become a tool in the downfall of Konoha.
I'll twist her perception, slowly, piece by piece.
Until she no longer sees Hiruzen as a protector...
But as the enemy he truly is.
Imagine it.
The daughter of a loyal Hokage subordinate raising her hand against him.
I'd call that justice. Wouldn't you?
"Why are you smiling? Did something good happen?"
"Not now," I replied, turning slightly. "But it definitely will in the future. So, have you decided?"
Beside me stood Kakashi.
Or rather, his shadow clone.
Both of us had taken to using clones to attend the Academy.
Our bodies were still too young. Putting them under constant strain would only lead to long-term damage.
So we rotated.
Some days I'd come in person, like today. Other days, I'd send a clone.
Kakashi followed the same pattern.
"I have," Kakashi nodded. "But I still need to talk it over with my dad."
Which meant we had to wait. Sakumo was currently on a mission.
"Then let's keep training hard," I said, glancing toward the Academy building. "So they don't find a reason to reject us."
I already talked to Grandpa. Rejected immediately.
How much more do I have to butter him up just to get a maybe?
And even then, that's just step one.
He'd still have to convince the clan head and the elders.
Ugh. It's like trying to push a boulder uphill with my face.
Still, I'm going to apply anyway.
With Kakashi getting permission, they'll definitely allow me too.
After all, they wouldn't pass up a chance to boost the clan's prestige.
Especially now, when everyone knows a new Hokage will be chosen once the war ends.
Just hope that the Cyclops doesn't set his eye on me.
But Hiruzen won't let him cause trouble.
Not now, at least.
If a talented shinobi were to be killed, it'd put the other clans on high alert against the Hokage.
After all, next time, it could be their prodigy on the chopping block.
Still, I can't afford to let my guard down.
I'm an Uchiha, after all.
"Let's meet at Ichiraku Ramen," I said, moving quickly. Thinking too much was starting to make me hungry.
"Hmm, okay," Kakashi's shadow clone replied before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
************
Should Orochimaru be female?