The white light swirling around Aizen had already begun to fade.
After dealing with Dai, he no longer needed to use such an enormous amount of chakra to fight, not with Kyoka Suigetsu at his disposal.
At Jiraiya's words, his eyes lowered slightly. His face showed no emotion.
Far away, Sage Fukasaku, perched on Jiraiya's shoulder, heard Jiraiya's words and froze. He asked in a low voice,
"Little Jiraiya, what are you thinking? Are you really not going to fight!?"
Jiraiya slowly shook his head, his voice hoarse.
"Even if I tried to stop him, I probably couldn't bring him back. His heart isn't here anymore..."
"I'm sorry, Lord Fukasaku, Lady Shima. I've really put you through a lot this time."
Hearing Jiraiya's words, Fukasaku and Shima both looked taken aback. Sage Fukasaku shook his head, glanced at Aizen, and said gravely,
"But if we don't stop him here, Konoha will probably suffer serious losses because of him."
Jiraiya's hands hung at his sides. His gaze was calm, his voice heavy.
"Sakumo and the others and I will stop him our own way. Please don't worry, you two."
His expression was perfectly calm as he spoke. Sage Shima looked hesitant and said with concern,
"Little Jiraiya..."
Fukasaku gave Jiraiya a long look and said solemnly,
"I understand. Remember, no matter what happens, you'll always be Mount Myoboku's finest disciple, Little Jiraiya!"
After speaking, he glanced at Sage Shima beside him and said gravely,
"Let's go, Shima."
Hearing Fukasaku's words, Shima still looked hesitant. She tried to persuade him,
"But what about Little Jiraiya..."
Fukasaku shook his head at her and said solemnly,
"Let him handle it himself. Trust Little Jiraiya!"
With that, the two Sages leaped from Jiraiya's shoulders, one after the other, and landed in front of him.
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