As Aizen stood before many toad statues that seemed to tower over him, he focused his attention on the oil fountain.
The oil fountain was an ancient structure located within Mount Myoboku, surrounded by tall, majestic toad statues that seemed to watch over it with wise and knowing eyes. The fountain itself was an awe-inspiring sight, with a constant flow of shimmering oil cascading down from its mouth into a large basin below.
As he observed the fountain, he quickly lost interest in it, and began to retrieve a vial filled with violet liquid from his cream-colored robe.
Aizen held the vial in his hand, his eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The violet liquid within the vial appeared to pulse with its own energy, and its mere presence indicated that it was no ordinary substance.
He carefully uncorked the vial, and a faint, otherworldly aura emanated from the liquid, intertwining with the natural energy surrounding the oil fountain. Aizen used his spiritual energy to move the liquid out of the vial, and began to compress it as he controlled its shape and form. With precise manipulation, the violet liquid transformed into a small, solid shimmering orb that floated just above Aizen's outstretched palm.
However, the orb was rapidly growing in size, as it absorbed the surrounding natural energy. Noticing this, Aizen planted the God Tree seed within a few centimeters under the ground, and began to wait.
After a few minutes of waiting, it began to sprout. A small shoot broke through the ground, covered in vibrant green leaves that shimmered with violet-colored energy. The tree's growth was rapid, however, after reaching the size of Aizen, it began to slow down.
Aizen watched as the God Tree's growth slowed to a more manageable pace. The once rapid expansion seemed to stabilize as the tree reached a substantial height, its branches spreading wide and its leaves continuing to shimmer with the violet-colored energy. It had become a formidable presence, commanding respect and awe in the surrounding landscape of Mount Myoboku.
As the God Tree's growth reached a temporary pause, Aizen thought to himself, 'Now, it will take a very long time for it to grow fully. However, that is not a problem, the process can be sped up significantly with human sacrifices. The biggest problem right now is to locate an Otsutsuki, but I have plenty of time.'
He had learned from the ancient scrolls in the Fire Temple's library that the Otsutsuki had visited the ninja world in the past, with Kaguya Otsutsuki being one of the first of her clan to arrive on Earth. Kaguya had harvested the chakra fruit from the God Tree and became a deity-like figure in ancient shinobi history.
With the God Tree now firmly rooted in the Land of Toads, Aizen's plans were set in motion. He knew that in order for the tree to reach its maximum potential, it required an immense amount of natural energy, and the most potent source came from humans.
However, Aizen was interrupted in his thinking as he sensed his disciple arrive. He turned around, and focused his gaze on Sora, whose outfit was very different from before.
As Sora stood amidst the lush greenery of the Land of Toads, his loose-fitting, ankle-length robe billowed gently in the breeze. The ocean-blue fabric swayed like waves, reflecting his deep connection to the sea. The robe's rich color complemented Sora's striking ocean-like hair, which cascaded down his back like foamy waves.
The shihakusho, with its emerald green accents, added an intriguing contrast to the serene blue of his robe. The vivid green edges along the sleeves, hem, and collar represented Sora's cold but determined emerald eyes. His eyes held a glint of strength and purpose, showing the transformation he had undergone under Aizen's guidance. His Zanpakuto, Mizuryu, was wrapped around his waist.
As Aizen's eyes fell upon Sora, he couldn't help but nod at this transformation.
"Sora, you've come at the right time," Aizen said, his voice composed. "I want you to test a few things with Kido."
Aizen gestured Sora to look at the oil fountain, and said, "Go and bathe in it."
Sora's emerald eyes widened in surprise at Aizen's unexpected request. "Bathe in the oil fountain?" he questioned, uncertain of the purpose behind such an action.
"But.. Orochimaru said it's dangerous, and it can turn you into a toad statue." he said, and shuddered as he observed the surrounding toad statues.
There was a silence as he said this, but Aizen's expression remained calm and composed as he listened to Sora's concerns. "Indeed, the oil fountain can be dangerous to ordinary beings," he replied, his voice unwavering. "However, you have been undergoing rigorous training and have achieved a level of power and control far beyond that of most shinobi."
He walked closer to Sora, his eyes locking with the young shinobi's determined gaze. "The power you possess now, coupled with your deep connection to the sea and your strong spiritual energy, makes you uniquely qualified for this test," Aizen explained. "Bathing in the oil fountain will not harm you. Instead, it will allow you to harness the natural energy infused in the oil, enhancing your abilities further."
Sora hesitated for a moment, still wary of the risks, but he trusted in Aizen's judgment. He had come a long way under his master's guidance, and he believed in his own strength.
"Alright.. I'll trust you, Sensei," Sora finally said, mustering his determination.
"Remember, stay focused and maintain control over the energy you absorb. Let the power of the natural energy flow through you, but do not let it overwhelm you."
With that reassurance, Sora stepped forward and immersed himself in the shimmering oil fountain. As the energy intertwined with his own, he felt a surge of power that he had never experienced before. It was different from the chakra and spiritual energy he was used to manipulating. This energy felt ancient, primal, and connected him to the very essence of nature.
