The Curtain Falls

Just as everyone's attention was fixed on the fallen Pupil!

Several Rock Ninja seized the moment, launching a sneak attack toward Pupil!

Most of the Rock Ninja had originally been drawn to Sosuke, leaving only a few for Pupil and Shackle to handle, which they could barely manage.

Now that Pupil was dead, Shackle alone could hardly withstand such a large number of Rock Ninja!

Just as Shackle found himself overwhelmed!

In the giant crater in the distance.

The dust and smoke slowly dissipated, revealing Sosuke's body.

His clothes were tattered as if he had endured a violent explosion, and his wounds were severe; he looked to be on the verge of death.

Shijimi Tamako's eyes were dim; she had all but abandoned hope. After Aizen's death, she did not believe she could escape.

Moreover, in her eyes, such a life was meant to end anyway. Living under her father's control—what did it matter how well she performed as a woman? In the end, this was a land ruled by men.

She could only obey her father's orders, serving as nothing more than a tool for a political marriage.

Yet, at that very moment!

A soft murmur reached her ears, and the ears of everyone present!

Hearing that familiar voice, her eyes suddenly brightened! She looked forward, her gaze filled with anticipation!

Seeing that familiar figure, it was as if color had been injected back into her dull eyes!

They became vivid and endearing once more!

"Aizen!!"

She cried out with a sob, her voice brimming with joy and relief!

Thank goodness! This guy was still alive! It was truly wonderful!!

Perhaps, from this moment on, she had rekindled her hope for life!

The Rock Ninja on the field also turned to look in Sosuke's direction upon hearing that voice!

Although Shackle was physically exhausted from facing the Rock Ninja, seeing that Sosuke was still alive filled him with fighting spirit once more. He fought to drive back several enemies and exclaimed in surprise!

"Captain Aizen! You're alive! Thank goodness!"

If Captain Aizen was alive, they still had hope! Pupil's death would not be in vain; there would be those to accompany him in the afterlife!

Thinking of this, Shackle looked at the surrounding Rock Ninja with a gaze full of determination.

"How is this possible! How could this brat still be alive! My Sulfur Blast was an A-rank ninjutsu released at over-capacity! How could this kid survive such an explosion!!"

Yamanosuke muttered in disbelief, a deep shadow hidden in the depths of his eyes!

The rest of the Rock Ninja were equally astonished!

They knew that just moments ago, they had all unleashed various ninjutsu upon Sosuke!

Under such dense bombardment, even a Kage would have struggled to survive! That this kid was not dead was truly shocking!

They saw Sosuke standing in the crater; although his clothes were ragged and his face deathly pale!

He still firmly raised his palm toward them, murmuring something!

"What is that guy doing!?"

"Look at his miserable state, what could he possibly do? Let's hurry up and capture Princess Tamako!"

"No, he seems to be preparing a ninjutsu!! Should we stop him!? Captain Yamanosuke!?"

The Rock Ninja discussed among themselves, looking at Sosuke in the crater, all hesitant to approach.

Yamanosuke took a deep breath, watching the still-murmuring Sosuke with a grim expression. He instinctively felt that something was wrong, though he did not know where this feeling came from.

"Go! No matter what this brat is planning! He is already severely wounded; kill him now to prevent future trouble!"

Looking at Sosuke in the crater, he said in a deep voice!

Consequently, the many Rock Ninja rushed toward Sosuke again, while some stood back to weave signs and release ninjutsu!

Yet Sosuke stood in the crater, facing the many rushing Rock Ninja. He watched them closely, a smile curling the corners of his murmuring lips.

His slender, pale palm remained aimed at the charging Rock Ninja!

The incantation he was chanting was nearing its end.

"...All things in the universe, spread your wings, you who bear the name of man... Truth and temperance, upon this wall of dreamless sin, stand only!"

As the chant concluded, Sosuke smiled faintly and spoke softly to the Rock Ninja rushing toward him.

"Hado #33. Sokatsui!"

The instant Sosuke's words fell!

Yamanosuke's sense of unease reached its peak!

Feeling the violent fluctuation of chakra, the corners of his eyes couldn't help but twitch!

"No! Fall back, quickly!"

He hurriedly shouted at the Rock Ninjas charging toward Sosuke, but the scene that followed caused his voice to come to an abrupt halt!

Under the observation of Shackle's Byakugan, that violent fluctuation of chakra was impossible to conceal!

He stared in shock at the location where Sosuke stood, unable to believe that this was a ninjutsu that their Captain Aizen could actually unleash!

A pillar of azure flames surged violently from the deep crater, like a gushing geyser of hellfire, wantonly plundering the lives of the Rock Ninjas charging toward Sosuke!

There were no cries of pain, nor any heart-wrenching screams!

There was only the sound of the raging azure flames burning; in that instant, nearly ten Rock Ninjas were incinerated to nothingness within that azure fire.

Everyone present stared blankly at this horrifying scene.

Yamanosuke's eyelid twitched slightly!

He could not help but feel a deep sense of dread!

However, before he could issue his next command, a figure had already appeared at his side!

Sosuke looked at him indifferently, standing perfectly straight without the slightest appearance of being injured, as if he were slowly extending his finger to gently press it against his chest.

"Hado #4. White Lightning."

In his trembling eyes, a bolt of ghostly blue lightning pierced through his heart.

Yamanosuke, killed in action!

The remaining Rock Ninjas looked at Sosuke in disbelief, as if they were seeing a devil!

They could not believe that this young-looking brat could so easily slaughter them, and even kill Captain Yamanosuke!

The remaining Rock Ninjas were simply unable to defend themselves against Sosuke's Flash Step!

One after another, they met their end beneath Kyoka Suigetsu!

Among them, what surprised Sosuke was that one Rock Ninja, in his desperation, attempted to kill Shijimi Tamako. Sosuke, who had intended to intervene, discovered something!

Facing the sneak attack from the Rock Ninja, Shijimi Tamako's eyes were firm!

She actually drew her exquisite katana and bravely met him head-on!

In that life-or-death moment, the strike she delivered was one that even Sosuke found stunning.

Although she only severed the Rock Ninja's arm and did not kill him, it was enough for Sosuke to appreciate her talent!

Soon, Sosuke easily finished off all the Rock Ninjas!

Shijimi Tamako looked at him with excitement, tears still drying on her face.

At this moment, Shackle also walked over, carrying Pupil's body, and said in a low voice.

"Pupil violated the ninja code, but he was still our comrade. Captain Aizen, we must take him back."

"Yes, this is all my fault. As a captain, I failed to do my job. I am sorry, Shackle."

Sosuke also said, filled with guilt.

"It is not your fault! Aizen, do not blame yourself. You have also suffered very serious injuries yourself!"

Hearing Sosuke's self-reproach, Shijimi Tamako said to him with a hint of heartache.

Shackle, standing to the side, also quickly added.

"Captain Aizen, you have already done very well. Pupil's death has nothing to do with you! Please do not blame yourself!"

To this, Sosuke shook his head slightly and turned away, his back appearing extremely heavy.

Seeing this, Shijimi Tamako wanted to say something but hesitated.

After simply disposing of the Rock Ninjas' bodies, they did not obtain any useful information.

They then headed toward the Daimyo Mansion.

On the road, Sosuke, wearing his mask, looked up slightly.

Watching the azure sky, it seemed as if a throne had existed for eternity deep within the drifting white clouds.

He... wanted to ascend to that seat.