Chapter 127: No One Can Stand in Our Way

Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Uh, so… is Kushina completely done with Namikaze Minato?

Scarlet Lotus Fairy: Seems like it. If you put yourself in her shoes, it's really disappointing to see the Fourth Hokage hesitating like that.

Doujin Artist: Yeah, I wouldn't be able to take it either. Nothing's more important than your own kid, not even the ninja world.

Soul Society's Villain: But this is exactly what makes Namikaze Minato the real Fourth Hokage. In the original story, he was the same—willing to give up his family for the good of the village.

Curly-haired Guy: The boss probably predicted Minato would act this way, that's why he let Kushina see it with her own eyes. Now she has no choice but to fully side with him. This move didn't hurt anyone physically, but it sure hit where it hurts. I'm gonna remember this one.

Wig Guy: I'm taking notes. The boss really is our role model.

This is an Actor: If I said this was just a coincidence, would you believe me?

To be honest, Aizen really didn't plan for things to go this far. No matter what Namikaze Minato or Kushina chose to do, it had nothing to do with his next steps.

He's not into stealing other people's wives either. In fact, he would've been happy to see those two reunited. But of course, it turned out like this. And now, like it or not, he's the one being blamed for breaking up a family.

Curly-haired Guy: We believe you, we believe you.

Wig Guy: We get it, boss.

Amegakure Village's Angel: Just promise me something. Even if you *do* want to do something like that again, at least don't do it in front of their kid, okay?

This is an Actor: …

Aizen, sitting on the throne, twitched the corner of his mouth slightly. If it weren't for all the underlings watching, he probably would've cursed out loud.

"Well, well. Now *that's* a familiar face." Kinkaku grinned wide, eyes locked on Senju Tobirama. "This guy came back to life too?"

"Uchiha Shisui, huh?" Pakura glanced at him with clear disdain. "Someone like him doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Lord Aizen."

"Daring to invade this place... they're really asking for it." Ringo Ameyuri shook her head with a sigh. "Our Third Raikage can be a real headache sometimes."

"You look pretty angry, Miss Kushina," Hozuki Mangetsu licked his lips and turned his eyes to her. "Want me to take care of the Fourth Hokage for you?"

Kushina lifted her head, her gaze full of killing intent. "Get lost."

"Geez, how boring," Hozuki Mangetsu shrugged. "I was just trying to help."

"Good morning, everyone from the Espada." Calm and unhurried, Aizen spoke from his throne, "As you can see, we have some uninvited guests. But first, let's enjoy some tea."

The room went quiet. Everyone waited in silence for the tea to be served.

Once each cup was filled, Aizen finally spoke again. "There are five intruders—Senju Tobirama, Namikaze Minato, Mu, A, and Uchiha Shisui."

As he finished speaking, the images of the intruders were projected onto the long table. Their abilities and specialties appeared along with them.

"Hmph, so they've all gained spiritual energy too," Kinkaku let out a small laugh. "Now *this* is getting interesting."

"True, but their spiritual pressure feels messy and rough," Pakura said calmly.

"Obito," Aizen looked toward Obito below the throne and asked gently, "Can you tell everyone what the intruders are after?"

Obito froze for a second, then answered in a raspy voice, "It's… Uzumaki Naruto." He glanced toward Kushina with a complicated look in his eyes.

But Kushina didn't look back at him. She just stared down, her face calm, as if everything from the past had nothing to do with her anymore.

"Huh? All this just for that brat?" Hozuki Mangetsu sneered. "What the hell are these ninjas thinking?"

"They believe Naruto is the one I've chosen to be the Jinchuriki of the Ten Tails," Aizen said with a soft smile. "Too bad—they're completely wrong."

"Man, these ninjas really are idiots." Ginkaku sighed and shook his head.

"Even if they are, we can't just let them run wild," Pakura frowned. "This is Lord Aizen's home. We can't let them step all over it!"

"Hmph, they're just trash," Hozuki Mangetsu scoffed as he pulled out his chair and stood up.

"Hozuki Mangetsu, where are you going?" Uchiha Itachi asked in a calm voice from beside Aizen.

"To take care of the intruders, of course." Hozuki Mangetsu patted the sword at his waist and grinned. "Give me five minutes—I'll wipe them all out."

Uchiha Itachi stared at him coldly. "Lord Aizen hasn't given the order. Sit down."

"Hey now, I'm doing this *for* Lord Aizen," Mangetsu spread his hands and gave a creepy smile. "If we let those guys keep causing trouble, it'll damage Lord Aizen's image."

"Mangetsu." Aizen gently swirled the tea in his cup, his voice calm and warm. "I'm happy that you want to help. But I'm not done speaking. Could you sit back down for now?"

Silence.

Hozuki Mangetsu looked at Aizen, a flicker of hesitation on his face.

"What's wrong? I didn't hear your answer, Mangetsu."

Buzz.

In an instant, an overwhelming pressure suddenly crashed down on Hozuki Mangetsu. With a thud, he dropped to his knees without any warning.

Drip. Drip.

Cold sweat started falling to the ground like rain.

So this is what spiritual pressure feels like?

Seeing this, Uchiha Obito took a sharp breath, his eyes flashing with shock.

After spending some time with these Espada, he had a basic idea of their power. He knew each of them was at least as strong as Pain. But even so… none of them could even stay on their feet in front of Aizen.

Just how strong is Aizen Sosuke?

"Looks like you understand now."

Looking down at Hozuki Mangetsu, Aizen then turned his gaze to the rest of the Espada. "Everyone. Don't underestimate the enemy, but don't worry too much either… In front of us, no one can win."