Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

The Konoha army advancing toward the fortress still numbered around 6,000. However, this was not the original army from two years ago. Heavy casualties had taken their toll, with more than half of the initial force lost over the course of the campaign. The current numbers were only maintained through consistent reinforcements from Konoha.

Sand Shinobi, on the other hand, had suffered even greater losses. Once brimming with confidence, they were now reduced to a demoralized force of 5,000, retreating to the strategic safety of the fortress.

This fortress, carved into a barren mountain of rock and sand, was designed specifically to counter large-scale Water Style techniques. Sand Shinobi had constructed it as both a defensive bastion and a final foothold in the Land of Fire. Should they lose this position, they would face the same fate as when they lost Chishui City during the Second Ninja War—forced to retreat to the Land of Wind, abandoning their ambitions.

For Sand Shinobi, the fortress represented their last stand.

Inside Fortress

"The Konoha army has mobilized its entire force? Minato and Aizen seem intent on forcing the issue," Chiyo remarked with a sly sneer.

Though Sand Shinobi had fewer troops, their advantageous terrain and four Kage-level warriors gave them confidence. Holding their ground against Konoha's assault seemed feasible.

At this point, Chiyo had abandoned any hope of defeating Konoha's Western Army outright. Instead, her strategy focused on holding the line, creating a stalemate that would tie down Minato and Aizen, preventing them from aiding other battlefronts.

"Elder sister, we cannot underestimate these two," Ebizō cautioned, his tone heavy with concern. "Their strength has grown immensely over the past two years. We must tread carefully."

Chiyo nodded grimly. "Yes, they are mirrors of Hatake Sakumo and Mitarashi Zashi—young prodigies who rise rapidly to challenge even the most seasoned warriors. This will not be easy."

...

The Konoha army finally arrived at the foot of fortress, their presence overwhelming. Leading the charge were Minato and Aizen, their commanding figures drawing the attention of all present.

From atop the fortress, Rasa narrowed his eyes at Aizen, his expression twisted with hatred. Memories of his previous defeat by Aizen left him seething with unresolved fury.

"Aizen…" Rasa growled, his teeth clenched as his fingers twitched with suppressed rage.

Noticing Rasa's obvious hostility, Aizen chuckled and turned to Minato. "Looks like our gatekeeper is an old acquaintance of mine. Minato, I'll handle him first as a greeting before we advance the army."

Minato's lips curved into a slight smile. "Very well."

Aizen activated his Water Style Chakra Mode, his figure rising effortlessly into the sky. His presence was an imposing sight, drawing the attention of both armies.

"It's Aizen! He's taking to the skies—he's probably preparing some kind of large-scale Water Style technique!"

"Stay calm! The terrain here is to our advantage. Aizen's wide-range Water Style is ineffective against the rocky sands of this fortress!"

Despite the reassurances of their commanders, ripples of unease spread through the Sand Shinobi ranks. For ordinary soldiers, Aizen's reputation was far more terrifying than Minato's. While Minato hunted elite targets, Aizen's attacks often caused widespread devastation, claiming the lives of countless regular ninjas.

"What is he planning now?" Rasa muttered, his eyes narrowing as he watched Aizen ascend.

Meanwhile, Sand Shinobi's Wind Style units and artillery teams prepared their countermeasures, ready to repel Aizen's Phantom Mist Jutsu or any other wide-range assault.

Hovering above the battlefield, Aizen smirked. "If you think my Water Style is limited to wide-area attacks, you're in for a rude awakening."

He extended his right hand, raising his index finger. Around him, faint blue water spheres began to converge, swirling together at his fingertip. The spheres compressed further and further, their glow intensifying until the mass became a single, small black orb no larger than a soybean.

As the tiny, compressed water orb hovered at Aizen's fingertip, it radiated an aura of unparalleled destruction. The oppressive energy swept over the battlefield like an invisible tide, sending chills down the spines of all who sensed it.

"This is…! No! This isn't good!"

Rasa's expression turned to sheer panic as he felt the overwhelming Chakra emanating from the water orb. He yelled frantically, but his words were lost in the chaos.

"It's already too late. Secret Art: Water Cannon!"

Aizen's voice was calm yet commanding as his words echoed across the battlefield. With a simple flick of his finger, the water orb shot forth like a cannonball, tearing through the air with devastating speed.

The dark, glowing orb left only a faint trail as it streaked toward the Rolling Stone Fortress, almost impossible to track with the naked eye. Even Rasa, a seasoned warrior, struggled to react in time.

Impact

Boom!

The explosion was deafening. The fortress tower shook violently as debris scattered in all directions, accompanied by a cloud of dust and smoke that obscured the area.

"Cough… cough..."

Emerging from the devastation, Rasa staggered out of the rubble. His once-pristine robes were now tattered, and his body bore the marks of the blast.

But the real damage was evident in the fortress itself. Aizen's Water Cannon had left a massive gap in the fortified walls—a breach spanning over 30 meters.

This wasn't just any ordinary wall. It was reinforced with layers of Chakra and sealing techniques, designed to withstand even the most potent S-rank ninjutsu. For Aizen to create such destruction with a single technique spoke volumes about the devastating power he wielded.

And while the wall itself had survived partial collapse, the Sand Shinobi stationed atop it had not been so fortunate. The lifeless bodies of hundreds of ninjas lay scattered, victims of Aizen's precision strike.

"Aizen!!"

Rasa's roar of rage echoed across the battlefield. His eyes were bloodshot, brimming with unrestrained hatred. The pain of loss and humiliation coursed through him, fueling his fury.

But Aizen, hovering calmly in the sky, barely acknowledged Rasa's outburst. His expression was one of serene indifference, as if the cries of the weak held no weight in his world.

As the Konoha forces gazed at Aizen, their faces were filled with admiration and awe. He descended gracefully to the front lines, his actions leaving an indelible impression on the hearts of his comrades.

Turning to Namikaze Minato, Aizen spoke with a faint smirk. "My gift has been delivered. The rest is up to you."

Minato's lips curled into a confident smile. "Don't worry, I'll take it from here."

His demeanor shifted instantly, becoming sharp and authoritative. Turning to his troops, Minato raised his voice. "Pass the order—full-scale attack! Advance!"

With his command, the Konoha Western Army surged forward like a tidal wave, their battle cries echoing as they charged toward the Rolling Stone Fortress.

While the Konoha army advanced, far from the chaos of the fortress, a shadowy group moved discreetly.