Aizen's Words, the Shocked Crowd

"BOOM—"

With a deafening roar, the ground where the two giant beasts stood shattered into a chaotic mess.

At this moment, Shukaku's massive body had slowly dissolved into a pile of yellow sand. Kumamoto stood atop the scattered grains, tilted his head back, and let out a furious roar.

"ROAR—"

Just then, the sand suddenly surged, condensing once more into a giant beast's head. A sharp, hate-filled voice rang out across the field.

"Small fry! This is nothing but a puppet that doesn't even possess one-tenth of my true power. You just wait—once I get out, I will personally tear you to shreds!"

The sand, transformed by Shukaku, spat these venomous words right in front of Kumamoto.

This scene not only startled Kumamoto but also sent a jolt of shock through the Konoha group in the distance.

Immediately following this, a ferocious, angry expression twisted Kumamoto's bear face. He roared at Shukaku's giant head, raised his thick, heavy paw, and slammed it down!

"SPLAT—"

The head Shukaku had just reformed disintegrated under the blow, slowly scattering across the ground until it fell completely silent.

After finishing off Shukaku, Kumamoto panted heavily, shook his fat backside, and plopped down onto the ground.

"HISSS—"

With a soft sound, white steam suddenly began to rise from his massive body.

Gradually, the crimson glow in his pupils faded, and the bulging, corded muscles on his frame began to recede, transforming from sturdy, powerful muscle back into layers of soft, flabby fat.

He had returned to his original, round, giant bear appearance.

Just as the head-bowed Kumamoto was about to follow the scent to find Aizen, a glimpse from the corner of his eye made him freeze.

He tilted his bear head with curiosity, his giant beastly pupils flickering with interest as he looked at