Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

A look of bewilderment crossed Aizen's face as he surveyed the vast, desolate training ground. Based on the information he'd gathered, this location didn't align with the usual early graduation assessment site.

The sheer size of the training ground was another peculiarity. It dwarfed an ordinary training ground by five or six times. Namikaze Minato and the others shared Aizen's curiosity, their eyes scanning the expansive terrain. This unprecedented setting cast a shadow of doubt on whether the assessment would follow the traditional format. "Well, it's like this," a thin, middle-aged ninja named Hikaru Sato – the head teacher of Class A and the one overseeing their early graduation assessment – explained with a smile, anticipating their confusion.

"Since the Third Hokage and the others will be present, conducting individual tests would be an inefficient use of their time. Hence, this large area allows for simultaneous evaluation."

Sato, a former Jōnin whose strength had declined due to a serious mission injury, had transitioned into a teaching role. As he elaborated on the assessment procedures, a watchful gaze fell upon Aizen from the Head Teacher. Five students were participating in the early graduation assessment: Aizen, Namikaze Minato, Senju Nawaki, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uzumaki Kushina. Four of them hailed from the elite class, with Aizen being the exception.

Aizen had maintained a relatively low profile throughout his time at the Academy. Apart from his duel with Senju Nawaki two years prior, he hadn't garnered much attention. His academic performance remained consistently within the top ten, and his courteous demeanor had earned him widespread respect and popularity. While commendable, his achievements weren't exceptional.

However, Sato didn't underestimate Aizen. He was aware of Aizen's association with Minato and the others, a phenomenon often observed with talented individuals who attracts towards each other.

"Hey, Sato-sensei, where's Nawaki?" Minato inquired, noticing the lone absentee. Uzumaki Kushina and Uchiha Fugaku mirrored his confusion. "Hmm..." Sato began to address their concern. "Nawaki's probably arriving with Tsunade-sama," Aizen chuckled.

"Ah, of course!" Minato and the others reacted instantaneously, piecing together the missing puzzle. 'A keen mind and impressive reflexes,' Sato remarked inwardly, surprised by Aizen's seemingly nonchalant observation. While Minato and the others would eventually figure it out, Aizen's instant grasp of the situation hinted at a high level of intelligence, a trait often associated with elite ninjas. Of course, this is also Aizen's intention.. While maintaining a low profile, he strategically displayed a sharp mind to garner some attention from Konoha's leadership, particularly highlighting his intelligence.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps drew everyone's gaze. Leading the way was a middle-aged ninja in the iconic Hokage attire – the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Flanking him were three striking figures in their early twenties: A man in a beige kimono with long black hair, pale features, and snake-like earrings – Orochimaru, the future Sannin known for his unorthodox research.

A tall figure clad in silver armor, with white hair and crimson markings around his eyes – Jiraiya, another Sannin with a penchant for perversion and a knack for storytelling. A stunning blonde beauty with a curvaceous figure – Tsunade, the final member of the future legendary Sannin, renowned for her medical expertise and short temper.

Senju Nawaki, who had arrived alongside Tsunade, bolted towards his classmates, excitement radiating from him. The sight of this camaraderie drew a smile from the Third Hokage. "A lively bunch, these youngsters," Hiruzen chuckled.

"Indeed," Orochimaru chimed in, licking his lips with a hint of anticipation. His gaze lingered on Minato and Kushina. Jiraiya mirrored Orochimaru's curiosity, while Tsunade remained stoic, seemingly uninterested. Except for the ever-outspoken Kushina, all the participants – including a disguised Aizen – displayed a hint of nervousness in the presence of such esteemed figures.

Aizen subtly observed these Konohagakure legends. Hiruzen delivered a speech laden with the ideals of the Will of Fire, which deeply resonated with Minato and Nawaki. While Aizen and Fugaku maintained an outward display of similar enthusiasm, their true feelings regarding the Will of Fire remained veiled. Only Kushina, the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, yawned in a bored manner, a consequence of her unique position within the village hierarchy.

"With my speech concluded, your success depends solely on your own efforts!" Hiruzen declared, finally ending his address. Following his words, five Anbu ninjas materialized from the shadows, strategically dispersing themselves around the vast training ground. "These are your assessors for today's evaluation," Hiruzen explained with a knowing smile. "Successfully holding your own against any one of them for ten minutes will be considered a pass."

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