After hearing Orochimaru's words, Nawaki's expression instantly lost its composure.
He clenched his fists tightly. A nearly ferocious look appeared on his usually calm and composed face, his eyes wide as he stared fixedly at Orochimaru and shouted in a deep voice.
"What did you say, Orochimaru!?"
"Th-This... all of this was ordered by Big Brother Aizen... and it was not long ago? What exactly is going on!?"
After hearing this news, Nawaki could barely control his emotions.
In his memories, Aizen had been missing for fifteen years since that great war long ago.
A full fifteen years. Even though he had always believed that Aizen was still alive somewhere in this world—
That endlessly long passage of time could still drive one to collapse...
To Nawaki, Aizen had been his mentor in life and the pillar of his heart!
Like an elder, Aizen had taught him everything and given him values and a worldview far beyond those of someone confined to a single village.
Yet... someone so important to him had suddenly vanished...
Without a doubt, this had been an incomparably heavy blow to Nawaki.
At this moment, within the underground space.
Kidomaru and the others, tightly bound by branches, wore ugly expressions and could barely breathe. Yet neither Nawaki nor Orochimaru paid them much attention.
Nawaki stared fixedly at Orochimaru, as though everything he knew had been shattered. His gaze was filled with agitation as he desperately sought the answer from Orochimaru's mouth.
Seeing Nawaki's expression at that moment.
Orochimaru seemed to have received an answer that completely satisfied him. A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he said hoarsely and softly.
"It means exactly what it says. All of this was ordered by Aizen..."
"And not long ago, he returned to our side after being