Sparse dark clouds spread across the sky.
As the Kurohitsugi towering high in the air like a pitch-black giant slowly dissipated, the tense expressions on the faces of those below gradually eased as well.
Finally... it was over...
Such thoughts flashed through Nagato and the others' minds.
"Whoosh!"
At that moment, Aizen, who had been high in the sky, suddenly flickered. In the next instant, he appeared before everyone.
Aizen had already returned to his previous appearance. Compared to the first evolved form of the Hogyoku, the smile on his sharply defined face was noticeably gentler.
Seeing Aizen appear before them completely unharmed, Nagato and the others hurried forward, saying excitedly.
"Lord Aizen, thank goodness you're alright."
Konan also looked at him joyfully, a faint blush appearing on her beautiful face as she said gently.
"Welcome back, Lord Aizen."
Gin, standing at the rear, narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Aizen with a light chuckle, his voice flippant.
"As expected of Captain Aizen. You only needed a single Kido to take care of that guy. If I had been the one dealing with him, it really would have been quite troublesome."
Hearing Gin's words, Aizen's lips curled into a faint smile. He glanced at him and said in a magnetic voice.
"Even with the Hogyoku's first evolved form, I only defeated him after using a fully incanted Kurohitsugi. No matter what, that fellow's strength was enough for him to take pride in."
"I believe... there are fewer than ten people in this world who can surpass him."
Hearing Aizen's words, everyone could not help clicking their tongues in amazement at Jashin's strength.
Nagato's expression, however, grew heavier.
Naturally, he trusted Aizen's words without question.
Just thinking that nearly ten people in this world could defeat Jashin, who possessed such