Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

Aizen stood gracefully, his presence commanding immediate attention from everyone in the room.

"Esteemed leaders," he began, his tone steady and resolute, "as you all know, I am Tsunade-sensei's disciple. Regarding the proposal for my teacher to serve as the commander-in-chief of the Western Front, I must inform you of a crucial matter."

His voice carried weight, and the council fell silent, eager to hear what he had to say. The relationship between Aizen and Tsunade was well-known, and the senior officials were curious about what he might reveal.

"Aizen," one elder encouraged, "speak freely. If there's something Tsunade-sama wishes to convey, we are all ears."

"Indeed," another chimed in. "We value her wisdom—and yours."

The warmth in their tone wasn't entirely genuine. They respected Aizen primarily for his growing influence within Konoha, particularly over the medical corps, which would be pivotal in the war to come.

Aizen nodded, his expression somber. "Very well. I must inform you all that my teacher has made it abundantly clear—both to me and to Lord Third Hokage—that she will not be participating in this war. She has chosen not to return to Konoha."

The council members froze in shock, their disbelief plain on their faces.

"As you may know," Aizen continued, his voice unwavering, "Tsunade-sensei has lost many of her loved ones to war. The weight of those losses has left her deeply reluctant to return to this village, a place that holds so many painful memories for her. She has expressed her unwillingness to assume the role of commander-in-chief on this front—or any other."

The room erupted into murmurs, the shock palpable.

"This…" one elder began, his voice trailing off.

Another shook his head, muttering, "How can this be? At a time like this… Tsunade-sama's presence would have been invaluable."

Though none dared to voice their frustrations outright, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. Everyone understood that Tsunade was special.

If anyone else in Konoha had refused to return during such a critical moment, they would be labeled a deserter, perhaps even a traitor. But Tsunade?

As the granddaughter of the First Hokage, her unique position shielded her from such accusations. Even the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, could do little to sway her decision.

Though Tsunade's absence was frustrating, the senior officials knew they couldn't push the issue without risking further complications.

Hiruzen sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders. Initially, he had indeed considered appointing Tsunade as commander-in-chief of the Western Front. Even if she couldn't fight directly, her medical expertise and leadership in the rear lines would have been invaluable.

But with Aizen present, the need for Tsunade had lessened. Aizen's mastery of healing techniques and leadership of the medical corps had proven more than capable of filling the void left by Tsunade's absence.

With the council reeling from his revelation, Aizen seized the opportunity to shift the conversation.

"As for the appointment of Minato as the commander-in-chief of the Western Front," Aizen continued, "I can assure you that my teacher fully supports this decision."

His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each council member. "I, too, have no doubts about Minato's abilities. He is a shinobi of unparalleled talent and resolve, and I will give him my full support in this endeavor."

He paused, letting his words sink in before adding, "Together, we will ensure the safety of the Western Front."

The emphasis on "full support" was deliberate, his meaning clear.

Though Aizen's tone remained composed, the underlying message in his words wasn't lost on the council members. They knew all too well the influence Aizen wielded within the medical division.

In this war, where survival often hinged on timely medical treatment, having Aizen's support—or lack thereof—could mean the difference between life and death for their families and clans.

"If your children or relatives are injured on the battlefield, and they require medical attention..." Aizen's voice trailed off deliberately, the implication left hanging.

The expressions of the council members shifted. They understood the stakes. Openly opposing Aizen—or by extension, Minato—wasn't worth the potential fallout.

After much deliberation, the council members found themselves with no viable alternative. Without Tsunade willing to take up the mantle of leadership, Minato remained the only reasonable candidate.

They hesitated, not because they doubted Minato's capabilities entirely, but because they feared his youth and lack of battlefield command experience. Still, with Aizen's strong support and the potential consequences of alienating him, they had no choice but to concede.

One of the senior advisors spoke first, breaking the silence.

"Aizen is correct. Minato is the right choice for the Western Front."

Another quickly followed suit. "I agree. His abilities are beyond question."

"Yes, yes," another chimed in, eager to avoid further confrontation. "Minato is an excellent choice."

The tide had turned. One by one, the council members voiced their agreement, their earlier objections abandoned in the face of Aizen's influence and the stark reality of the war.

With the council's approval secured, Sarutobi Hiruzen allowed himself a moment of relief. He turned to Aizen, his expression one of gratitude and respect. Aizen's intervention had resolved a contentious issue with startling ease, solidifying his growing stature within Konoha.

Minato, standing nearby, gave Aizen a look filled with gratitude. Without his support, Minato knew the council might never have approved his appointment.

Aizen acknowledged Minato's gaze with a faint smile.

"Very well," Sarutobi Hiruzen announced, rising to his feet. "Since the appointments have been finalized, we must act swiftly. The situation on all battlefields is precarious, and there is no time to waste.

"To the commanders: you are to assume control of your respective troops immediately. For the rest of you, focus on logistics and support. Every resource must be mobilized to ensure our success. Is that clear?"

"Yes!"

The council rose in unison, their collective shout filling the chamber. Despite their lingering doubts and fears, the urgency of the war left no room for hesitation.

With the meeting concluded, Konoha's war machine roared to life. Groups of shinobi began assembling, preparing to head to their respective fronts. Supplies were loaded, battle plans distributed, and messengers dispatched.

Though much of Konoha's elite forces had already been deployed when the war began, the commanders themselves had only now been officially assigned. As a result, most of the troops on the Western Front had been operating without central leadership, waiting for reinforcements and direction.

By the time Minato and Aizen took charge, only around 4,000 shinobi remained stationed at the Western Front. Most were Genin, untested in large-scale combat, their inexperience a glaring weakness.

To bolster their numbers, Sarutobi Hiruzen had scraped together an additional 2,000 shinobi, though these were far from elite. Many were older veterans no longer in their prime, while others were injured or otherwise unsuited for prolonged combat.