Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

Third Raikage was not surprised that Zashi and Yoru died at Aizen's hands. With Aizen's strength and his betrayal of Zashi's information, it would have been unusual for them not to meet such an end.

Yet, Third Raikage was curious as to why Aizen would present this advantage to Cloud Shinobi Village. Indeed, this was an undeniable boon. Zashi and Yoru held high ranks in Konoha, recognized across the ninja world. Claiming responsibility for their deaths would significantly bolster Cloud Shinobi's standing, enhancing the village's reputation and even increasing the missions entrusted to them. This outcome aligned well with Cloud Shinobi's long-standing ambition to surpass Konoha as the leading ninja village.

"As long as it benefits us," Third Raikage thought, satisfied with the opportunity handed to him. 

Seeing Raikage's apparent enthusiasm, Aizen likely guessed his intent. However, with little personal interest in such political gains, he left with only a passing farewell. 

Watching Aizen disappear, Third Raikage sighed deeply, contemplating the enigmatic visitor. While wary of Aizen, he couldn't deny the strategic advantages that Aizen's information and actions provided. He wondered if there might be further opportunities to collaborate for mutual gain.

Meanwhile, Aizen, undistracted by Raikage's thoughts, had his own motivations. He was keen on keeping his activities and intentions concealed, minimizing the spread of intelligence about his capabilities. 

In his clash with Hatake Sakumo, Aizen had discovered a vulnerability: his endurance in prolonged combat required improvement. While Aizen could easily outlast average super-Kage-level foes, he faced limitations when confronting stronger adversaries. His encounter with Sakumo revealed this; as Sakumo temporarily elevated to super-Kage status, his strength proved overwhelming, especially with his final strike, which almost warped the space around them. Aizen's techniques, even the Flying Thunder God and Wood Style, had little effect, forcing him into a direct confrontation.

Ultimately, Aizen relied on the Sage Body's regenerative prowess to withstand Sakumo's attacks. Although victorious, the battle was a stark reminder, tempering any overconfidence. Despite his formidable power, Aizen recognized that the hidden dangers within the ninja world ran deep. 

"I still need to proceed cautiously, to bide my time and continue to grow. Once I've advanced my plans, attained true super-Kage-level strength, and reached Six Paths-level combat power, I'll finally have the foundation needed to face all challenges."

Standing atop a large tree, Aizen thought to himself before vanishing into thin air.

Not long after Aizen's departure, a piece of news spread from Cloud Shinobi Village, sending shockwaves through the entire ninja world.

According to the report, Konoha's Anbu Captain, Zashi, along with a squad of elite Anbu operatives, attempted to collaborate with spies to steal Cloud Shinobi's core secrets. During the operation, they were discovered by Cloud Shinobi forces.

The result was catastrophic: the spy was executed by Cloud Shinobi, and nearly all of Konoha's elite Anbu members were decimated. Even Zashi and Yoru were said to have fallen at the hands of Cloud Shinobi.

It was further reported that the renowned White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, chose to prioritize the lives of his surviving companions over the mission objectives, negotiating with Cloud Shinobi for their release. His current whereabouts were unknown.

This news left the ninja world in an uproar, prompting every major village to investigate its authenticity—even Konoha was no exception.

People across the shinobi nations were now fixated on Hatake Sakumo's actions. The White Fang's decision to prioritize his comrades over the mission objectives stirred debate, and many wondered: where had he gone, and what would this mean for Konoha, now weakened by such a devastating loss?

As the shinobi world watched and speculated, Hatake Sakumo himself stood in silence, burning the bodies of his fallen comrades, Zashi and Yoru, with a somber expression.

Shortly after Zashi's death, Yoru's injuries had taken their toll, and he too had passed away.

Seeing Hatake Sakumo take the initiative to handle the remains of Zashi and Yoru, Orochimaru, lurking in the shadows, couldn't hide a sinister satisfaction.

With the ashes of his fallen comrades gathered, Hatake Sakumo, weakened and weary, began his long journey back to Konoha. Unable to move with the speed typical of a shinobi, he found a caravan to accompany and traveled for over a month to finally reach Konoha's gates.

As he looked at his familiar home, a faint glimmer of hope returned to his eyes, a spark after the grueling hardship he'd endured on his journey back.

"Hey, did you hear? It's about our Anbu mission in the Land of Lightning!"

"Of course, who hasn't? The news has spread across the entire ninja world! The loss of our Konoha Anbu elites was heavy this time," muttered one of the gate guards, sighing heavily.

"Yes, even Zashi and Yoru lost their lives—it's tragic," another added somberly.

"Alas! If we'd at least gained critical secrets from Cloud Shinobi to make up for it, it might've been worth the cost… but we didn't," the guard lamented, shaking his head.

"True! And Sakumo-sama... He risked everything to save his comrades instead of fulfilling the mission," murmured another. "I respect him deeply, but... perhaps his decision was misguided in this case."

Just as Hatake Sakumo returned to Konoha, these words of the guards reached his ears, making the light in his eyes fade once more. With a haunted expression, he walked slowly, each step carrying the weight of the world.

One of the gate guards finally noticed him. "That's… Sakumo-sama! He's back at last!"

"He looks... so worn down," observed another guard with sympathy, noting Sakumo's desolate appearance. "It's clear the mission affected him deeply."

"The entire village has turned against him over this," another guard whispered with concern. "I just hope he has the strength to pull through."

Unlike many villagers, these shinobi didn't criticize Sakumo, instead showing concern and empathy, knowing the struggles he'd endured. In a village rife with judgment, compassion like theirs was rare indeed.