"Bring back the body of a 'Pillar Man'?"
Joseph, who had still been immersed in the joy of obtaining a divine artifact, snapped out of his shock upon hearing that.
He subconsciously rubbed his chin.
Santana, whom Speedwagon had taken away, surfaced in his mind.
If he wanted to retrieve it, he would inevitably have to explain why.
But for the time being, he did not want to reveal the existence of the Star Council.
That meant he could only find a way to get to Rome and defeat another Pillar Man.
"Alright. I'll do my best."
Joseph nodded and agreed to Aizen's request.
Then, as though he had thought of something amusing, his expression changed.
His formerly serious face instantly crumbled, and the corners of his mouth curled into an exceptionally confident, even somewhat arrogant grin.
This overly young yet overly tall man abruptly rose from the Libra seat.
With his hands on his hips and chin held high, he struck an exaggerated JOJO pose.
He thrust out his broad chest, looking full of high spirits.
"I thought this was going to be a little troublesome!"
"But with the things you've given me, taking down the other Pillar Men will definitely be easy."
"Just wait and see!"
Seeing Joseph act as though victory was already in his grasp, practically floating with confidence, Aizen's eyes narrowed slightly behind his lenses, an imperceptible chill flashing through them.
"Don't celebrate too early, Joseph."
Aizen promptly poured cold water over him.
Yet his voice remained gentle, carrying a charm that seemed to pierce straight into one's heart.
"Tools are ultimately just tools."
"The one who truly decides victory or defeat is always the user."
The smile on young Joseph's face stiffened.
He turned to look at Aizen, seemingly about to retort.
But Aizen