Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

As Aizen approached Minato Namikaze, Minato excitedly introduced him: "Aizen, this is Uchiha Fugaku, a friend from my class. He's a member of the Uchiha clan, and one of the strongest young prodigies in his clan. You've probably heard of him."

"Indeed," Aizen acknowledged with a veiled glance at Fugaku.

"Greetings, I'm Aizen," Aizen replied with a warm smile and gentle demeanor. It was clear his acting skills were well-honed.

"Hello," Fugaku responded politely, lacking the arrogance often associated with elite families. He studied Aizen with curiosity.

Being Minato's friend, Fugaku knew Minato's standards were high. It wouldn't be easy to earn his respect. Additionally, while Minato had mentioned Aizen, their introduction was casual. Aizen ranked ninth in his class C and placed ninth in the previous year-end assessment.

While impressive to most students, top prodigies like Fugaku might consider Aizen average. This wasn't an exaggeration. Though the gap between ninth and the top three might seem small, the difference in skill was vast. Aizen, for his entire life, might never reach their level.

This was especially true for geniuses like Minato Namikaze and Senju Nawaki – prodigies born once in a generation. Theirs was a far greater gap than the difference between ninth and the top three.

For comparison, before his reincarnation, Aizen was a mere rookie just starting to refine chakra. He was far from becoming a Genin ninja. With luck, he might become an average Genin in a few years.

But what about Minato? Not only did he possess chakra reserves comparable to a Genin, his actual combat strength rivaled that of a Chunin.

This disparity made the term "average" a generous description for Aizen.

Yet, despite his seemingly ordinary talent, Minato's recognition of Aizen added an intriguing layer of mystery.

Aizen was also surprised by Fugaku's polite demeanor. Most ninja children treated commoners with disdain. A well-mannered and disciplined noble like Fugaku was a rarity.

However, considering the original Naruto storyline, Aizen found this more understandable. The future Uchiha Fugaku would become the Uchiha clan leader. Lacking social skills and charisma like his second son, he wouldn't have risen to such a position. Additionally, Minato's influence likely played a role in shaping Fugaku's character.

"Aizen, this time, we can compete again and finish our unfinished battle." Namikaze Minato clenched his fist and said excitedly to Aizen.

Uchiha Fugaku, who was beside him, heard the words and looked at Aizen with even more surprise. When Namikaze Minato told him about Aizen before, he didn't say that there was still a tie-breaker between him and Aizen.

This made him a little shocked. Although Uchiha Fugaku was able to treat ordinary children with courtesy under the strict family upbringing of his parents since he was a child, he is also a rebellious genius in essence.

In the original work, he has the talent to open the Mangekyō Sharingan. The reason for Namikaze Minato being his friend is his unparalleled talent.

In all his previous battles with Namikaze Minato, he has never won a single one! How can he not be shocked and surprised by the sudden appearance of a peer who can compete with Namikaze Minato?

Especially Aizen, who is almost unknown among his peers.

However, although he was surprised by Aizen's strength, Uchiha Fugaku didn't wait for Aizen to speak, and immediately said: "This is not good, Minato, you promised to fight me two months ago".

After that, Uchiha Fugaku looked at Namikaze Minato with a burning gaze, his face full of fighting intent. The opponent he wanted to challenge the most was Namikaze Minato.

"Ah? This..." Namikaze Minato was little embarrassed when he heard this.

After a duel with Uchiha Fugaku two months ago, he did promise the latter to continue the challenge. Because, in that duel Uchiha Fugaku lost.

But now that he has invited Aizen first, if Aizen also wants to compete with him, it will be a little troublesome.

"No need, Minato, I'll leave you and Fugaku the chance to compete with you today." Aizen smiled lightly.

"This..." Minato looked a little embarrassed.

"Aizen, if you also want to challenge Minato, I can give you this opportunity today. I will continue to pester Minato tomorrow." Fugaku hurriedly said to Aizen.

"No need, Fugaku, thank you for your kindness, but I guess it's very difficult for me to have a chance to fight Minato today." Aizen's eyes turned slightly, and he said meaningfully.

Just when Minato and Fugaku were a little confused, a sharp voice suddenly sounded...

"Okay, Aizen, so you are hiding here. Do you think I can't recognize you if you change your hairstyle and wear a pair of glasses? You bastard, even if you turn to ashes, I recognize you!"

A teenager wearing a green ninja training suit, with an ordinary appearance, sprang out from there, pointing at Aizen and shouting arrogantly.

Facing this dubious self-proclaimed "Dragon Role," Minato and Fugaku furrowed their brows in unison, their gazes fixated on the newcomer.

"Well, well, if it isn't Sarutobi Funari. Long time no see. Seems those injuries healed up rather quickly," Aizen said to Konohagakure with a sly grin.

He wasn't a good person. While he might maintain a meticulously crafted facade, Aizen wouldn't shy away from a fight when necessary.

"Y-you..." Faced with Aizen's menacing presence, the chilling memory of his beatdown a month ago flooded Funari's mind. His arrogant demeanor crumbled, and he stammered, speechless.

"Hey, Funari, is the person you said bullying you earlier, is this guy?"