Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

The western front of the Land of Fire, Kikyoyama Fortress General Headquarters.

Namikaze Minato and Aizen stood before a sprawling map, their expressions sharp and calculating as they debated strategy. The youthful inexperience that once marked their features was long gone, replaced by the composed confidence of seasoned leaders.

It had been two years since their first triumph at the Battle of the Silver River. Under their command, Konoha's Western Army had reclaimed strongholds and driven Sand Shinobi's forces hundreds of miles back. The combination of Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique and Aizen's devastating Water Style techniques had proved a formidable challenge for Sand Shinobi.

However, Sand Shinobi had not taken these losses lightly. Despite their setbacks, their overall strength still surpassed Konoha's Western Army. Recognizing the threat posed by Minato and Aizen, they quickly developed countermeasures.

The Flying Thunder God Technique was the first target. Sand Shinobi established a Space Induction Unit, capable of detecting the slightest spatial distortions. They also distributed intelligence on Minato's Flying Thunder God Kunai, enabling their troops to neutralize the weapons on sight. These efforts forced Minato to modify his approach, limiting the scope of his devastating ambush tactics.

Aizen, with his mastery of Water Style, was the next target. Sand Shinobi assembled specialized Wind Style units to dispel the dense mists he used to dominate the battlefield. To counter his technique, they constructed massive cannons capable of dispersing his mist-based clouds before his attacks could fully form. These adjustments slowed the once-unrelenting momentum of Konoha's advance.

For over a year, the two armies were locked in a stalemate, each gaining and losing ground in turn. However, six months ago, the balance shifted once more.

Two key events turned the tide in Konoha's favor. Namikaze Minato achieved Kage-level power, elevating his abilities to a near-unrivaled level. Shortly afterward, Aizen followed, his ascension cementing his place as one of Konoha's most formidable shinobi. Together, the two leaders became an unstoppable force.

Minato's perfected Flying Thunder God Technique made him a living weapon. He could eliminate enemies ranging from Genin to Elite Jōnin with near-equal efficiency, his golden blur striking fear into Sand Shinobi's ranks. The frequency of his strikes earned him the title Yellow Flash, a name that quickly spread across the ninja world.

Aizen's rise was equally impactful. His tactical genius and refined techniques crushed opposition with precision and power. With their combined efforts, Konoha's Western Army began to reclaim lost ground, forcing Sand Shinobi to retreat.

Now, as the war neared another critical juncture, Aizen and Minato devised their next move. Namikaze Minato, however, couldn't hide his lingering doubts about Aizen's mysterious Fifth Division.

"Aizen, is the Fifth Division truly ready? The success of this operation depends heavily on them," Minato asked, his voice tinged with concern.

The Fifth Division, a combat unit formed by Aizen two years prior, had been kept shrouded in secrecy. Minato trusted Aizen implicitly but couldn't ignore the unorthodox origins of the unit, composed primarily of civilian ninjas with limited training.

Aizen met Minato's gaze, his calm smile unwavering. "Trust me, Minato. I'll personally oversee their deployment. Even if they falter, I'll ensure success."

It wasn't that Aizen was deliberately keeping secrets from Minato, but the revelation that Special Jōnin could be produced en masse was bound to create waves. If Minato discovered this, it wouldn't be long before Sarutobi Hiruzen found out as well. Although Aizen had prepared himself for such a moment, he preferred to maintain secrecy for as long as possible to avoid undue interference.

"Alright, since you're so confident, I'll trust you," Minato finally relented, impressed by Aizen's calm composure.

At that moment, a small figure entered the room, speaking with respect. "Minato-sama, the reinforcements you requested from Konoha have arrived," the boy announced.

It was Hatake Kakashi, Minato's disciple. Though he typically addressed Minato as his sensei, in formal settings like the war room, he maintained the proper decorum. A year earlier, when the war on the western front had stabilized, Minato had brought Kakashi to the battlefield as his personal guard, a role not merely for protection but also to cultivate the young prodigy into a future leader.

Aizen had taken similar steps, appointing Hyuga Gin as his own bodyguard. These assignments weren't just practical but strategic—mentoring the next generation of confidants and protégés. This practice wasn't new; during the Second Ninja World War, Aizen, Minato, and others had served as guards under Jiraiya, learning leadership while protecting their mentor.

"I understand, Kakashi," Minato replied with a kind smile before turning to Aizen. "Aizen, shall we inspect the reinforcements together?"

Aizen nodded, his smile faint but genuine.

The situation on the western front had shifted significantly in Konoha's favor. After months of relentless counterattacks, Minato was eager to end the conflict decisively. He had requested reinforcements to deal a final, crushing blow to Sand Shinobi's forces. Sarutobi Hiruzen, recognizing the potential for victory, had reluctantly approved the deployment of a thousand additional shinobi.

As Aizen and Minato stepped outside to inspect the incoming reinforcements, Aizen's gaze immediately locked onto a particular group of ninjas. They bore forehead protectors marked with four concentric circles.