421.Heartless

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Hearing Ibiki's words, Sarutobi's gaze deepened slightly. After a moment of silence, he pondered and asked, 

"What happened?" 

Ibiki hesitated for a moment before replying. 

"According to reports from Daiku, Nawaki seems to have been under Aizen's command all along. This time, he returned to the village as part of the Espada's attack on Konoha." 

"However, at a critical moment, Nawaki fought against the Espada members to protect Daiku and other Konoha ninjas." 

After a brief pause, Ibiki continued in a serious tone. 

"Although he was previously under Aizen, at this moment, he is standing on Konoha's side. Moreover, it appears that he has mastered the First Hokage's Wood Release." 

Hearing this, even Sarutobi, with his calm demeanor, was slightly shocked. His aged face tensed as he asked gravely, 

"That child can use Wood Release?" 

Ibiki nodded solemnly. 

Sarutobi's clouded eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke firmly. 

"If that child can aid Konoha, it shows he hasn't strayed down the wrong path because of Aizen. In such a critical time, Konoha needs him." 

"Pass down the order. instruct our ninjas to cooperate with Nawaki's leadership as much as possible. Also, gather intelligence on the Espada members. In this war, everyone must contribute to Konoha with all their strength." 

"I understand, Lord Third." 

Hearing Sarutobi's command, Ibiki nodded slightly before turning to leave. 

Left alone in his office, Sarutobi gazed through the window at the wreckage of Konoha outside and let out a soft sigh. 

---

Meanwhile 

Deep in the forests outside Konoha... 

Tap, tap, tap. 

Gentle footsteps echoed through the forest as three figures slowly emerged from the shadows of the trees. 

At the forefront was Aizen. 

He wore a relaxed smile, as if everything was under his control. 

Behind him, Zetsu walked, his sidelong glance fixed on Gin Ichimaru as his thoughts churned. 

Lord Aizen left the battlefield just to find this guy? 

It seems his appearance is connected to the One-Tail, Shukaku. But he doesn't show much respect for Lord Aizen... what a peculiar individual. 

As if sensing Zetsu's gaze, Gin suddenly tilted his head slightly, a wide grin spreading across his face. His eyes narrowed as he chuckled softly. 

"Zetsu, are you really that interested in me? You've been watching me this entire time!" 

Hearing this, Zetsu turned his head slightly, suppressing his doubts and replying casually. 

"Just curious about you." 

"Lord Aizen mentioned you before. I've been wondering what kind of person you might be... but it's a bit disappointing. I haven't found anything particularly special about you." 

Hearing this, Aizen's smile deepened slightly, but he remained silent, not intervening in their exchange. 

Gin's grin widened, a sharp gleam flashing in his narrow eyes as he chuckled. 

"What a pity to disappoint you. I'm just a very ordinary person, naturally incomparable to Captain Aizen." 

Zetsu froze for a moment. 

This guy... dares to compare himself to Lord Aizen? 

His previously casual expression tightened slightly as he turned to Gin, his yellowish-red eyes flickering. He spoke softly. 

"Gin, Lord Aizen is someone I deeply respect. Your words are a bit too frivolous." 

Gin narrowed his eyes, his grin unfaltering as he replied with a soft laugh. 

"Oh, did I make you angry?" 

Zetsu shook his head lightly. 

"Just hoping you'd adopt a more respectful attitude." 

Gin casually clasped his hands behind his head, his gaze shifting to Aizen ahead. He chuckled. 

"Captain, no matter where you go, you always seem to attract such devoted followers. This must be your innate charisma." 

Hearing Gin's words, Aizen's serene smile remained as he glanced at him briefly. His voice, calm yet magnetic, responded. 

"Gin, while this is a new world, don't be too careless. And don't underestimate the shinobi of this world. If you get taken down, even I would be disappointed in you." 

At that moment, a sly smile spread across Gin's face as he chuckled ominously. 

"Though I feel deeply hurt hearing you say that, I can't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation at the thought of something so unlikely happening."

Hearing his words, Zetsu's brow furrowed slightly. 

However, his focus did not linger on Gin; instead, he instinctively glanced around the area and softly addressed Aizen. 

"Lord Aizen!" 

Aizen gently raised a hand, smiling. 

"Keep moving, Zetsu. Leave the rest to Gin to handle." 

With that, he continued forward, leaving behind a confident figure. 

Zetsu hesitated for a moment. Although he doubted that someone as seemingly unreliable as Gin could handle the attacking Iwagakure shinobi, he quickly followed in Aizen's footsteps without further question. 

Gin watched the two as they moved away, his smile faltering slightly. 

"Captain, Zetsu, are you really abandoning me like this?" he called out. 

Aizen gave no response and continued walking. Zetsu, however, glanced back nervously, worried that Gin might not be able to handle the incoming attackers. 

After all, Zetsu hadn't sensed the presence of a strong warrior in Gin. 

Watching their retreating figures, Gin's expression shifted to one of mock surprise, followed by a bitter smile. 

"Honestly, leaving me here in front of this group... Captain, you're too heartless." 

As soon as the words left his mouth. 

Swish! Swish! Swish! 

The sound of rapid movement echoed through the dimly lit forest. 

From the shadows of the thick foliage, multiple figures leapt out, charging straight toward Gin. At the same time, a deep, booming voice resounded from a distance. 

"Earth Style. Heaven's Canopy!" 

With the voice came a massive boulder that materialized out of thin air above Gin, hurtling toward him with tremendous force. 

In that moment, Gin, who still had a hint of surprise on his face, suddenly broke into a twisted smile. 

He licked his lips lightly, his narrow eyes narrowing further as if speaking to himself. 

"So, you lot chose me because you thought I was the weakest one here? Isn't that a bit too much?" 

As his words fell, Gin casually unsheathed a standard-issue blade from his waist. 

"Shinso," he muttered with a low chuckle. 

The ordinary katana in his hand suddenly transformed into a blade as short as a dagger, so small it seemed more like a toy than a weapon. 

However, despite the small blade in Gin's grasp, the smile on his face remained eerie, while a cold gleam flickered in his eyes. 

He shifted his stance slightly, the hem of his robes swaying as his body twisted. 

Adopting an unusual pose, Gin held the shortened blade in his hand, the tip pointing directly at the incoming shadows. With a sinister laugh, he whispered. 

"Ikorose, Shinso." 

As the words left his mouth, an astonishing scene unfolded in Zetsu's view as he glanced back to monitor the situation.