The Final Resolve of Konoha's White Fang

Even Hatake Sakumo was shaken by Aizen's overwhelming power. 

"Aizen's strength is truly formidable. Even a strong person like Konoha's White Fang is barely holding his own against him," Hyuga Gin muttered, his voice filled with awe.

"This… How is this possible?" Zashi and Yoru stood frozen in disbelief, their eyes fixed on the young man who seemed to tower over the battlefield with his indomitable presence.

While they had suspected Aizen held his strength, this display far exceeded their expectations.

After all, who was Hatake Sakumo?

This was the very same warrior who had once slain three Kage-level opponents, critically injured two others, and decimated scores of Elite Jōnin in a coordinated ambush. His prowess had shaken the foundations of the major ninja villages, leading them to issue an unprecedented order: Any ninja encountering Konoha's White Fang on a mission was permitted to abandon it without punishment. Sakumo's mere presence had left even giants like Cloud Shinobi Village trembling, with the formidable Third Raikage himself opting to avoid direct confrontation.

But today, this legend—the man who had brought fear to four great ninja villages—was at an undeniable disadvantage against a fifteen-year-old boy. The entire fight had become a one-sided display, and anyone watching could see that if Aizen hadn't paused, Sakumo's defeat would have been inevitable.

"Heh, hard to believe, isn't it, Zashi, Yoru?" Orochimaru's soft chuckle broke through their daze, snapping Zashi and Yoru back to reality.

"Is this the reason you chose to serve Aizen... Orochimaru?" Zashi turned slowly toward Orochimaru, his voice hollow with shock.

"That's right. When Aizen revealed his true strength to me for the first time, he defeated me with a single move," Orochimaru said, a rare note of admiration in his voice.

This revelation left everyone around momentarily stunned.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, as Aizen momentarily paused his assault, Sakumo seized the opportunity to dispel Aizen's lingering sword energy using his kendo. Activating his Lightning Chakra Mode, he stimulated his cells to speed up his recovery.

Though his wounds had healed, Sakumo remained wary, his eyes locked on Aizen, filled with vigilance.

"What's this?" Aizen taunted, his smile tinged with mockery. "You're healed, and yet you still hesitate. Where's that confidence from earlier?"

Aizen's voice dripped with scorn. "Or do you think you can kill me with that glare?"

Hatake Sakumo's eyes flashed with brief anger. "Such an arrogant disposition," he muttered, though he recognized Aizen's power as undeniable.

Before this, Sakumo had viewed Aizen with a certain detachment, convinced that Aizen's power was no match for his own. But now, after witnessing the boy's strength firsthand, Sakumo was forced to truly see him for what he was.

"Aizen, from the moment I first encountered you, I knew you were a rare prodigy," Sakumo began, his tone filled with recollection.

He recalled their initial meeting during the Battle of Chishui City.

Aizen merely smirked, showing neither surprise nor impatience, and listened.

"And even then, I was certain your strength would one day reach the level of true sword intent," Sakumo said quietly, his eyes darkening as he considered the power that now stood before him. 

Sakumo paused, his gaze fixed on the young but formidable sword-wielder before him. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke:

"But I never imagined you would grow so powerful so quickly! In just three years, the once untested boy has reached this level! Even if I were to give everything, I am no match for you. Your talent, your strength—far beyond anything I could have expected. In all my years, I have never encountered a young man as remarkable as you."

Hearing this, a slight smile curved at the corner of Aizen's mouth. "Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment," he responded calmly.

Sakumo looked at Aizen deeply, his eyelids drooping slightly as he spoke in a low, serious tone:

"However, when I first met you and sensed your intentions… I knew then that you were someone ruthless, someone who would stop at nothing to achieve your goals. From your cold sword intent, I feel only indifference and malice. It's tragic that a genius like you can't use his power for good. What you bring to the world is nothing but suffering and slaughter."

As a sword master himself, Sakumo recognized the immense danger Aizen posed. Orochimaru, standing nearby, understood this too.

"Oh? Really?" Aizen's voice was indifferent, a hint of provocation glimmering in his eyes. "Then, what can you possibly do to stop me, Hatake Sakumo?"

Sakumo remained silent, knowing well that words without strength were futile. He understood that he couldn't theoretically hope to overcome Aizen's overwhelming power. Even with his strongest sword techniques, his chances seemed slim. Unless, somehow, he could elevate himself further, ascending to the level of a true super Kage-level powerhouse. It seemed an impossible feat, yet… he had one option.

The cost, however, would be unimaginable.

But with a clear grasp of Aizen's potential danger, Sakumo had already come to terms with the necessary sacrifice. He knew Aizen was only fifteen years old—meaning his power would only grow more devastating. Today, Sakumo resolved to eliminate this threat, no matter the cost.

"Aizen! Witness now the full strength of Konoha's White Fang!" Sakumo shouted, his voice intense with resolve. "And know that this will also be my final battle!"

As he spoke, Sakumo's aura surged, his presence growing overwhelmingly powerful. In mere breaths, Aizen's eyes widened as he witnessed Sakumo break through the limits of Kage-level, reaching the realm of the super Kage-level.

"So, you had such a hidden strength... Hatake Sakumo! I truly underestimated you," Aizen muttered, surprise flickering across his otherwise composed expression.

...

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