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"Whoosh—"
Dust flew, stones roared, and the sound of the raging wind howled like the wails of long-dead souls, sending shivers down one's spine.
On the desolate hills, countless crimson boulders stood, their shapes eroded by years of wind and sand, forming a unique landscape within the Land of Earth.
Despite being in his homeland, Nanli couldn't focus on the barren scenery. Instead, his eyes were wide, face pale, staring at the blood-soaked scene starkly different from the red rocks.
Cold sweat continuously dripped from his forehead. Even as a seasoned ninja, having experienced much slaughter, the sight before him stirred primal fear in his heart.
In the presence of three subordinates of that entity, the Cloud Ninja were like withered grass, crushed at a touch, utterly powerless.
Blood splattered like springs, pooling on the ground. Severed limbs flew through the air. In front of these three, the once-fierce Cloud Ninja could only scream in terror.
Witnessing this scene of sheer brutality, Nanli felt weak all over. If not for his combat experience, he might have collapsed. Even now, his body was drenched in cold sweat, lips pale and trembling, hands shaking uncontrollably.
The young Iwa Ninja behind him fared worse. Overwhelmed by the thick stench of blood, some fainted, while others bent over, vomiting violently, as if trying to expel their very guts.
Finally, the slaughter ended, leaving an eerie silence. Only the "drip" of blood falling from corpses into pools broke the stillness, reminding all that the carnage was real.
"What a pity... I liked this uniform," muttered Sasori, standing in the blood, looking at the stains on his black-and-white uniform, his young face expressionless but with a hint of regret.
Ulquiorra, untainted by blood, glanced at him, his emerald eyes calm and unreadable. He spoke softly, "A group once wore the same attire, yet they didn't understand the honor given to them."
He placed his hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. His eyes lowered slightly as he continued, "I once entrusted Lord Aizen's plan to them to understand human emotions. Their incompetence led to Lord Aizen's failure."
"Even so, the reborn Lord Aizen did not blame me. He awakened me from endless darkness and trusted me more than before."
Looking at Sasori, Ulquiorra's voice was cold, "Can you be a comrade worthy of Lord Aizen's trust?"
Sasori pondered quietly, while the blood-covered Saki watched without speaking. After a moment, Sasori looked up and replied calmly, "Lord Aizen promised me a technique to give puppets souls. For that, I am willing to join Las Noches."
Ulquiorra regarded him calmly and said, "Very well. But remember your words. If you ever hinder Lord Aizen's plans, I will act personally. This time, I won't let anyone interfere with my king's plans."
Though Ulquiorra spoke with a cold detachment, no one doubted his words' weight. Even Saki, long a follower of Aizen, found him mysterious.
Sasori's young face remained expressionless, his thoughts unreadable.
Suddenly, a hum filled the air, and a black curtain unfolded. Aizen emerged from the dark space.
Seeing him, everyone, including Nanli, tensed, their hearts trembling.
Finally facing this entity... Nanli thought.
Aizen ignored the bloody scene and didn't inquire about the Cloud Ninja. With a smile, he approached the tense Iwa Ninja.
"There's no need to panic. I am temporarily allied with Ōnoki, so you needn't fear me."
Nanli, who had imagined countless things Aizen might say, was stunned. All the Iwa Ninja were dumbfounded.
Then, many of the tense Iwa Ninja behind Nanli collapsed, crying. Even Nanli felt his body go weak but was inwardly overjoyed.
This sudden shift from hell to heaven made the Iwa Ninja embrace, cry, and sigh in relief. Some looked at Aizen with eager anticipation.
Nanli glanced back, smiled wryly, then took a deep breath, standing straight before Aizen.
"Forgive our display. I never imagined you'd cooperate with Lord Tsuchikage."
Aizen smiled gracefully at him and the Iwa Ninja. "No matter. Since the issue here is resolved, lead your troops back to Iwagakure quickly."
He glanced around, eyes flickering. "Konoha has sent the Hyūga Clan and Cloud Ninja here. None of your outposts are safe. Notify the Tsuchikage to withdraw his forces to avoid further casualties."
Hearing this, Nanli smiled bitterly, thinking of their fallen comrades. His eyes darkened, and he said respectfully, "Thank you for your concern. I'll inform Lord Tsuchikage immediately. Is there anything else you'd like me to convey?"
Aizen smiled slightly. "Tell the Tsuchikage that Las Noches will uphold our agreement. However, due to changes, he should provide the agreed items quickly."
Nanli was puzzled but nodded respectfully. "I understand, Lord Aizen. I'll relay the message to Lord Tsuchikage immediately."
Aizen nodded with a smile. Nanli waved, and the young Iwa Ninja hurriedly stood, standing respectfully behind him.
"Lord Aizen, we take our leave!"
Nanli said respectfully. Under Aizen's smiling gaze, the Iwa Ninja began their journey back to Iwagakure, relieved.
After they left, Saki asked, "Lord Aizen, if they reveal our presence..."
Aizen waved lightly, smiling. "Don't worry. Ōnoki isn't foolish. He won't expose us before we engage in this war."
"Besides, I'm eager for the second tailed beast. But considering the Shinobi world's asura, we'll proceed as before."
Hearing this, Saki glanced at Ulquiorra, then nodded respectfully.