Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

"Who are these people?"

Looking at these ninjas who obviously did not belong to Konoha, Aizen was a little surprised.

"They are all ninjas from the Hoshikage Village. You should have heard of them before, Aizen," Namikaze Minato explained with a smile, sensing Aizen's curiosity.

"Oh! It was them!" Aizen suddenly realized.

Aizen had also heard about this small ninja village that did not appear in the original chronicles.

They were a small ninja village located in the Land of Waves.

Aizen was surprised when he heard about them for the first time. After all, the Land of Waves was never known for having its own ninja village in the original timeline.

When he heard the news of this village again, it was already after the outbreak of the Third Ninja World War. Two years ago, their country and village had been occupied by the Mist Ninja!

Even the people in their village were slaughtered by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist! Only a few survivors remained...

"We Konoha have always had an alliance treaty with Hoshikage Village. After the village was destroyed, we accepted these exiled ninjas, and Hoshikage's remaining forces requested our help in rebuilding their village after the war. In return, they have joined our Konoha fighting force!" Namikaze Minato explained in a deep voice.

"So that's how it is," Aizen understood.

The ninjas of Hoshikage Village sought to repay Konoha by fighting alongside them, hoping for assistance in rebuilding their home.

"Did Lord Hokage approve this?" Aizen asked.

"Of course. With the village currently facing four enemies simultaneously, any additional power is welcomed. And since Hoshikage was an allied village, it was only reasonable for us to help them!" Namikaze Minato nodded.

Looking at those Hoshikage ninjas and recalling the information about them, Aizen couldn't help but be a little puzzled.

"Speaking of which, although the Mist Ninja Village is known for its brutality, they rarely destroy entire nations or villages outright. Occupying the Land of Waves makes sense, but why would they eradicate Hoshikage Village so completely?" Aizen questioned, his tone contemplative.

"This... I'm not entirely sure," Namikaze Minato admitted, "but I overheard Lord Hokage mentioning that the people of Hoshikage Village were distantly related to the Hozuki Clan of the Mist. Both shared the ability to liquefy their bodies through a secret technique. Additionally, they were rumored to master a powerful illusion technique capable of trapping opponents in vivid dreamscapes."

Minato continued, "Now, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are led by the strongest member of the Hozuki Clan. I suspect this shared heritage played a role in their animosity toward Hoshikage."

Hearing this, Aizen grew thoughtful.

"All right, Aizen, let's not dwell on it. This matter doesn't concern us directly. Besides, the representatives of Hoshikage Village are here now. Even though they're a small village, we need to treat them with diplomatic respect," Namikaze Minato reminded gently.

At this, Aizen nodded and set aside his curiosity, turning his attention to the approaching group of Hoshikage ninjas.

"Minato sama! Aizen sama! Greetings, I am Nao Yumetsuki, the leader of this group. Allow me to introduce my comrades."

The speaker, a middle-aged ninja with sharp features, gestured toward the gathered group as he introduced them to Aizen and Namikaze Minato.

Aizen and Minato exchanged polite greetings with Nao Yumetsuki and his team.

"Mr. Nao, may I ask, is that young boy over there your son? I noticed him glancing curiously at us earlier," Aizen asked with a smile, pointing toward a child hidden among the group.

The boy, dressed in a dark brown ninja uniform adorned with the village insignia, peered out timidly from behind a woman. His features were strikingly handsome for his age, with sharp eyes that sparkled with curiosity and intelligence.

"Yes, Aizen sama. That's my son, Yumetsuki Kaito. Despite his young age, he's the most talented ninja in our village!" Nao Yumetsuki beamed with pride, his expression radiating affection and admiration.

Aizen observed the boy more closely.

"An impressive child indeed," Aizen said with genuine praise.

Through his perception, Aizen detected that Kaito already possessed the chakra reserves of an Elite Chūnin. More intriguingly, Aizen sensed a unique chakra signature within him—a latent power indicative of a powerful kekkei genkai.

The boy's potential rivaled even prodigies like Hatake Kakashi.

"Thank you, Lord Aizen, for your kind words!" Nao Yumetsuki's tone was filled with reverence and gratitude.

Minato, standing nearby, also regarded the boy with interest. "Aizen is right—this boy has incredible potential," he added, nodding in agreement.

Even Kakashi, Minato's sharp-eyed protégé, turned his gaze toward Kaito, his curiosity piqued.

After a moment of thought, Aizen addressed Nao Yumetsuki again. "Mr. Nao, your son is a rare talent. I believe it would be a waste to risk him on the battlefield. Allow him to stay with me and Minato—his skills could develop even further under our guidance."

Nao Yumetsuki froze for a moment, overwhelmed by emotion. To him, Kaito was not just his son but the hope for village's future. Aizen's proposal offered both safety and opportunity for the boy.

"Thank you, Aizen sama! I cannot express my gratitude enough!" Nao Yumetsuki said, bowing deeply.

From the corner of his eye, Kaito watched the exchange with curiosity, his attention now fixed on Aizen.

Namikaze Minato and the others didn't question Aizen's suggestion. Over the years, Aizen had solidified his reputation as a kind and considerate leader, making even unconventional decisions seem reasonable.

"Now that everyone is acquainted, Aizen and I need to finalize the next set of orders," Minato announced, bringing the conversation back to their mission.

The assembled group of the ninjas straightened, their expressions turning serious as they prepared to receive their tasks.

Once the arrangements for the ninjas were complete, Aizen and Minato convened with the high-ranking officers of the Western Army. Detailed instructions and strategic orders were issued with precision.

Under their command, Konoha's Western Army mobilized in full force, advancing to meet the Sand Shinobi with unrelenting determination.