Hearing Aizen's words, Orochimaru's slit pupils flickered slightly. He couldn't help licking his lips as he thought to himself:
As expected, Sosuke... no... Aizen... you know something!
Jiraiya slowly composed himself, his expression turning grave as he watched Aizen. He said in a deep voice,
"Whatever you know, there's no doubt about it, Aizen—your ideas are far too dangerous!"
As he spoke, he slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they were filled with resolve. He said firmly,
"Today, we'll stop you here once and for all!"
"Whoosh—"
As his words fell, a breeze swept across the clearing. Beneath the heavy darkness of night, the surrounding trees rustled, and a murderous atmosphere settled over the scene.
Sakumo said nothing. He simply moved his one remaining arm behind his back and gripped the short blade there tightly, his expression grave.
Orochimaru and Tsunade took positions on either side, surrounding Aizen. Their expressions were equally solemn.
A faint smile played on Aizen's lips. He glanced casually at the four people surrounding him from every direction and chuckled.
"Your thinking is too naive, Jiraiya. Do you really think the four of you are enough to stop me?"
At his words, everyone present looked grim.
Just then,
a sudden rush of air came from the shadowy forest nearby.
"Whoosh—"
A violent gust suddenly swept from between the trees toward everyone gathered there, sending dust billowing and currents of air lashing through the clearing.
Everyone reflexively raised their hands to shield themselves from the incoming sand and wind. Through narrowed eyes, they watched the scene gravely.
"Boom!"
With a deafening crash, the ground at the center of the clearing suddenly caved in. Through the billowing dust, a stern yet heavy voice slowly rang out.
"It's not just the four of you. I'm here