Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

After being struck by Aizen's slash, Zashi had silently activated his Purple Lightning Chakra Mode, forcing himself to suppress his injuries and conserve a bit of chakra for one final jutsu.

Although he knew he was no match for Aizen after their previous battle, he held onto a sliver of hope. Aizen had just fought Hatake Sakumo and used large-scale Wood Style jutsu. Zashi assumed Aizen's current state might be compromised, at least to the point where a sneak attack could make him pay dearly, if not kill him.

But reality proved harsh.

Aizen hadn't even acknowledged his attack from beginning to end, not sparing him a single glance.

"The gap...is it truly this vast?" Zashi murmured, a sense of hopelessness settling over him. The effort from his final attack drained what little energy he had left, and his suppressed injuries finally surged to the surface. His face turned pale, his throat tightened, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"Zashi!"

Seeing Zashi's state, Hatake Sakumo and Yoru cried out in despair, rushing forward to assist him.

"Cough...cough..."

I'm...not going to make it, Sakumo, Yoru...I guess...I'll have to go on ahead," Zashi whispered, blood trickling from his lips.

"No...no! You're not dying! I'll find someone to help you!" Hatake Sakumo shouted desperately, his voice filled with panic.

He and Yoru attempted to lift Zashi, but their own injuries were severe enough that they struggled even to stand. As they exerted themselves, pain wracked their bodies, causing them both to collapse back to the ground.

"Don't...waste your energy," Zashi managed weakly, his eyes fixed on his lifelong comrades. "Even if you did find a healer...with these wounds...it's impossible. I can't be saved."

"No, no!" Hatake Sakumo and Yoru choked back sobs, their faces contorted with grief and helplessness.

Deep down, they knew the truth, but neither wanted to confront it.

"This time...our faction has fallen completely into Aizen's hands. That man...he's too dangerous. I'm worried for Konoha's future. But...there's nothing more I can do…" Zashi whispered, even in his final moments, his thoughts consumed by Aizen's threat.

Hearing Aizen's name, Hatake Sakumo and Yoru exchanged sorrowful, troubled glances, sighing in resignation. Against an opponent as terrifying as Aizen, they had nothing left to offer. Soon, they would follow Zashi's fate.

They could only hope that someone in Konoha's future would rise to counter this threat, though even Sakumo found that hope painfully faint.

"We couldn't stop Aizen, and we can't even leave any information behind..." Sakumo murmured, despair filling his voice.

"Before long, Aizen will send someone to keep an eye on us, erasing any trace of information we leave behind," Sakumo murmured in despair. "I don't want Aizen to defile my body after I'm gone. Sakumo, please... burn my body and lay my ashes beside my wife."

With that, Zashi closed his eyes for the final time, his head tilting to the side as his last breath left him.

"Zashi!!" 

Sakumo and Yoru cried out in anguish, collapsing onto Zashi's body, their grief pouring out in tears and sorrow.

Meanwhile, Aizen and his group had traveled a distance away.

"Orochimaru, I want you and Gin to keep a close watch on Hatake Sakumo and the others. The moment Zashi and Yoru pass on, I want their bodies disposed of immediately," Aizen instructed Orochimaru.

"Understood," Orochimaru replied without hesitation, as if this were expected.

Aizen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze toward Cloud Village, a small smirk forming on his face. "There's a matter I need to tend to. I'll take my leave now," he said before disappearing into thin air.

In the Raikage's office at Cloud Village.

Third Raikage was in an unusually cheerful mood. Though he hadn't succeeded in recruiting Hatake Sakumo, he had managed to decimate Konoha's Anbu forces, severely crippling their strength. He had also uncovered a deeply embedded spy within Konoha, a double victory that left him feeling quite pleased.

The usually tough Raikage even allowed himself a bit of celebratory sake.

"Enjoying yourself, Raikage?" 

As the familiar voice echoed through the room, Third Raikage's good mood evaporated instantly. He looked toward the figure veiled in mist and immediately straightened, showing utmost respect.

"Ah, no, no… It's all thanks to your assistance, Sōsuke!" Third Raikage said, bowing slightly, genuine gratitude in his tone.

If it hadn't been for Aizen's information on Zashi, they would never have achieved such a successful operation.

Aizen's immense strength and enigmatic motives made the Third Raikage wary and vigilant. The sudden appearance of Aizen heightened the Raikage's unease, leaving him with a sense of foreboding.

"No need to thank me. I had my reasons," Aizen said, glancing at the Third Raikage with a hint of amusement in his tone. "However, since I helped you out in such a big way, shouldn't I receive something in return?"

Upon hearing this, the Third Raikage actually felt a slight relief, recognizing this as an expected move from Aizen. In fact, if Aizen hadn't asked for something in return, it would have made the Raikage even more anxious.

"Of course, Lord Sosuke. You've done Cloud Village a tremendous favor. Whatever you need, feel free to ask," the Third Raikage responded confidently.

Aizen smiled faintly and continued, "Nothing much—just a small request. I took out two individuals before coming here, and I'd like Cloud Village to issue an official statement claiming responsibility for their deaths."

"Not a problem!" the Third Raikage agreed without hesitation, finding this task simple enough. Then, with a hint of curiosity, he asked, "Who are these two?"

Aizen's eyes gleamed with a peculiar light as he replied, "Zashi and Yoru."

The Third Raikage's eyes widened in shock, momentarily frozen by the revelation.

"Is there a problem?" Aizen asked with a smile, snapping the Raikage back to his senses.

"No… no problem at all. You bestowing this honor upon Cloud Village is truly unexpected!" the Raikage said, masking his surprise. "To be honest, this is not just a favor; it's a tremendous gift for us."

He then looked at Aizen with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity, wondering at the deeper purpose behind such a gesture.