Chapter 78 - 78

Seeing the smooth return of Senju Kogane, Senju Ryuken immediately smirked with satisfaction. He knew that Aizen, that little monster, was likely a corpse by now. Ryuken strolled over to Kogane and asked quietly, "Kogane how did things go? How did you handle Aizen's body?" He didn't even consider the possibility that Kogane might have failed.

"Don't worry, after I dealt with the body, whether it was a wound or a fatal injury, it's no different from one of those special Air Ninja bombs. Even a top-tier medical ninja wouldn't see anything amiss," Senju Kogane replied with a smile. However, there was something unsettling about that smile!

"Excellent work, Kogane. You've handled this matter perfectly. Upon returning to Konoha, I'll reward you handsomely!" Still basking in his victory, Ryuken didn't notice this detail, instead lavishing praise on Senju Kogane.

"However..." Kogane's voice trailed off, as if something was amiss.

"However, what?" Ryuken's expression turned serious, his brow furrowing. Could something have gone wrong while dealing with Aizen's body? This was no small issue.

Ryuken leaned closer to Kogane, speaking in a hushed tone. Suddenly, the sound of flesh tearing filled the air! Ryuken's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. He looked down at his chest.

At that moment, a Zanpakuto with an emerald-green hilt pierced his heart, blood steadily oozing out. Then, the figure of Senju Kogane before him warped and transformed into someone he never could have imagined!

"The only difference is that the corpse's name isn't Aizen, it's Senju Kogane!" With a playful tone, the figure whispered in Ryuken's ear.

"Aizen?! You... bastard..." Ryuken gritted his teeth, a ghostly roar escaping his lips.

"Indeed, Commander Ryuken, it is I!" Aizen's face, as always, was adorned with a gentle smile. However, this smile was utterly different from any Senju Ryuken had seen before. It was brimming with cruelty and malice!

Only now, in this moment, did Ryuken realize that he had never truly known Aizen.

After impaling Ryuken's heart, Aizen didn't immediately finish him off. Instead, he leisurely walked towards the remaining Konoha shinobi.

Ryuken slumped to the ground, yet his eyes held no despair. He was secretly activating a seal within his body. Simultaneously, he watched Aizen depart with a lingering doubt.

But in the next instant, Senju Ryuken's eyes widened, and a cold sweat broke out across his skin! He watched as Aizen moved silently, yet the Konoha shinobi seemed to see and hear his every command, gathering around him as if awaiting orders from their superior.

At some point, Aizen had found an opportunity to unleash Kyōka Suigetsu. Whether it was these ninjas or Senju Ryuken himself, they were all victims of his deception!

Afterward, Aizen sneered, gently raising the Zanpakuto in his hand.

Ah! Ah! Ah!

Screams filled the air, sending shivers down one's spine! The Konoha shinobi were slaughtered like animals, brutally killed one by one by Aizen! This grotesque and bloody scene chilled Ryuken to the bone! In his eyes, as he looked at Aizen, besides hatred, there was a faint trace of fear that he didn't even notice! "This technique must be a type of illusion, but it's definitely not ordinary. It's likely a secret technique or a Kekkei Genkai. From what I've seen, it's similar to the Uchiha clan's ability to manipulate senses..." Ryuken silently analyzed the abilities of Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu.

Having dealt with these "small fry," Aizen flicked the blood off his blade and walked towards Ryuken.

Seeing Aizen slowly approach, Ryuken's heart pounded. "Everyone underestimated you, Aizen! The true genius of your class wasn't the sharp Namikaze Minato in the ninja academy, nor was it Senju Nawaki who once shone in the Second Shinobi World War. It was you, the one who always remained unremarkable. You hid yourself so deeply, Aizen!" Looking at the condescending Aizen before him, Ryuken spoke in a deep voice.

Aizen's attack, despite the advantage of Kyōka Suigetsu's surprise. His timing, speed, strength, and control, It was far beyond that of a Jonin, or even an elite Jonin! Such talent and strength were simply terrifying! And indeed it was!

Before using Kyōka Suigetsu, Aizen had already activated his Reiatsu. When he attacked, he didn't hesitate to unleash his full kendo prowess. Otherwise, even with Kyōka Suigetsu's aid, a special Jonin wouldn't have been able to successfully take down a top elite Jonin!

"Really? Then I'm truly honored!" Aizen smirked.

"However..." Ryuken's voice faltered, and he paused.

"However, what?" Aizen raised an eyebrow.

"However, you're too young! Too confident! Did you think you could easily kill me with these tricks, Aizen? You underestimate me, Senju Ryuken!" Ryuken's expression changed as he roared furiously. A majestic chakra erupted from his body, distorting the surrounding air! "Water Style: Exploding Water Shockwave!"

A massive wave of water surged around Ryuken, rapidly rising over ten meters high before violently spreading outwards! This powerful attack and its wide range forced Aizen to retreat continuously.

"Hahaha, Aizen, you are indeed powerful, but you're still too inexperienced! Today, I'll show you the true might of the Senju Clan!" Ryuken stood atop the waves, laughing at Aizen. His voice dripped with contempt and arrogance, as if he could obliterate Aizen in the next moment. At the same time, the wound on Ryuken's chest was healing at a speed visible to the naked eye! Within a few blinks, it was completely healed!

Seeing this, Aizen's eyes narrowed slightly. He felt a bit surprised, but it also made sense.

"Aizen, that strike just now was truly painful. I almost died by your hand! But in return, you will die by mine!" Ryuken glared at Aizen, his eyes filled with icy, biting, and maniacal killing intent! "Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

Ryuken swiftly formed hand seals, unleashing this S-rank ninjutsu that once appeared on the battlefield of the Land of Rain!