In the distance, blood gurgled from the Third Kazekage's chest. His face was pale as he panted roughly, staring at Aizen with a grave expression.
"When did you cast the genjutsu...?"
At his question, Aizen's lips curled slightly and his eyes narrowed. He chuckled softly.
"From the moment we first met, you had already fallen into my genjutsu. Like a moth caught in a spider's web, powerless to struggle, all that awaited you was a shortcut to death."
The Third Kazekage furrowed his brows. He carefully thought back to his first encounter with Aizen many years ago, trying to recall what had seemed strange about him at the time.
That guy hadn't been anywhere near this powerful back then... He'd barely managed to escape from him...
Could it be...?!
Suddenly, the Third Kazekage remembered the absurd theory Kyohaku had mentioned earlier. His pupils shrank abruptly, and he asked in disbelief, his voice low.
"Could it be that you've been hiding your true strength from the very beginning...?"
Aizen smiled at the Third Kazekage's words. A glint flashed in his eyes as he looked at him and chuckled softly.
"How did you figure that out, Third Kazekage?"
As he spoke, the amusement in his eyes gradually faded. His voice remained light.
"Back then... countless opportunities to kill you lay before me. I simply didn't act because the time wasn't right..."
"Now... it's time for you to die in peace..."
The Third Kazekage's brows knit together. His face darkened as he spoke in a low voice.
"You've been hiding your true strength since then. What exactly are you trying to do!?"
"You're even trying to start another war by killing me..."
His eyes turned cold as he stared at Aizen and asked,
"Could it be... that you were the one who caused