Beside him, Kugi was also panting heavily, slumped on the ground and taking a long time to recover his composure.
Hearing his words, everyone nearby thought back to the overwhelming presence they had felt when facing Aizen. They all came to the same conclusion.
Could Konoha really escape tonight's predicament when faced with an enemy like this...
No one knew the answer.
The most fortunate thing, it seemed, was that Sosuke didn't care about them. They were also lucky they hadn't acted rashly.
Otherwise, not one of them would have survived.
In the distance, Aizen and his party continued toward Konoha, having gradually moved away from the area.
Just then, Aizen spoke softly.
"Minato, go to the Hyuga Clan's gathering place and look for that boy, Zongji. I expect he's finished his mission."
As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in Aizen's eyes. He continued,
"I don't want them buried along with everyone else in the battles to come."
Hearing Aizen's words, Minato nodded respectfully. A gentle look flickered in his pale eyes, as if he had thought of something, and he said softly,
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Aizen."
Aizen smiled faintly and waved a hand. Minato vanished from where he stood.
After all... no one wanted to be alone in this world, did they...
After Minato left, Aizen looked toward Konoha, now close at hand. His eyes flickered, a complicated look buried deep within them, before finally settling into stillness.
"Let's go."
As his calm words fell, the group slowly entered Konoha.
Konoha.
"BOOM—"
A thunderous collision rang out through the village as two monsters, each as large as a mountain, slammed into each other.
"CRASH—"
The One-Tail Shukaku, its body covered in violet curse markings, was sent crashing to the ground. Its massive body crushed