The End (2)

As Jiraiya's voice faded, the pupils of Sakumo and Orochimaru constricted instantly, yet they had no time to react.

From behind Sakumo, a detached voice drifted slowly toward them.

"Overestimating one's own capabilities is always such a tiresome affair."

"Sakumo, do you wish to choose death?"

The voice pressed close against Sakumo's ear. Before he knew it, Aizen had appeared behind him, one hand resting calmly upon his back.

In this very moment, Sakumo's life and death rested entirely in his hands.

A layer of cold sweat had already drenched Sakumo's forehead, and his breathing grew ragged.

It was only after a long silence following Aizen's words that he slowly calmed down. He cast a glance over his shoulder, a flash of firm resolve in his eyes, and spoke in a deep voice.

"Even if it means death, I will drag you down to Hell with me, Aizen!"

As he finished speaking, he suddenly reversed the White Fang in his hand and thrust it downward with all his might toward his own body!

"Squish!"

The sharp blade pierced through his body, intended to impale Aizen along with him!

However, the moment he moved, Aizen had already stepped back, and his intent went unfulfilled.

The sharp White Fang remained embedded in his chest, and bright red blood began to spread across Sakumo's clothes.

His face was deathly pale, his forehead covered in beads of sweat, and he knelt on the ground, weak and barely able to support his own weight.

Seeing this, Orochimaru's expression turned slightly grim, and he rasped, "Sakumo!"

Sakumo shook his head at him, saying weakly, "It is nothing..."

With that, he cast a glance at the calm Aizen, his eyes struggling to stay open as he spoke in a trembling voice.

"I will surely avenge Kojika and