Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

Aizen's initial shock at Tsunade's offer gradually morphed into cautious speculation. Perhaps Senju Nawaki, aware of Aizen's aspirations to become a medical-nin, had put in a good word with the Sannin. It was a plausible explanation, given their friendship.

However, a deeper analysis exposed a glaring flaw. Apprenticeships under Hokage disciple weren't mere training grounds; they were pathways to leadership, a way to pass the torch. Uchiha Fugaku's situation was a prime example. Despite his undeniable talent, his lineage barred him from joining the future Sannin's ranks. Clearly, talent and intelligence weren't the sole deciding factors. The future Sannin would choose an apprentice to inherit their legacy, someone who could potentially carry the mantle forward.

Senju Nawaki's genuine surprise further solidified this theory. Ultimately, the true power rested with the Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi's approval was paramount. But why Aizen? Talent alone wouldn't explain it. After all, in a world driven by loyalty and connections, wouldn't resources be better spent on allies and kin? Aizen couldn't fathom a logical reason for the offer.

'Was there something more at play, a hidden agenda he wasn't aware of?' The weight of the unexpected opportunity pressed heavily on him, demanding a decision that could alter the course of his future. 'Hold on,' Aizen thought, a cynical smirk twisting his lips. 'Forget the white-eyed wolf. Let's say I dedicate myself to Konoha's betterment, and hone my talent for the greater good. Is that what they're aiming for?' The whole notion struck him as ludicrous. Why dedicate his life to a village that might not reciprocate the loyalty? Why was the Hokage succession such a tangled web of bloodlines and mentorship, a stark contrast to the supposed meritocracy preached throughout the generations?

The Will of Fire, the village's founding principle, spoke of unity and sacrifice for the greater good. Yet, the reality was a far cry from the ideal. From the First Hokage to the Seventh, the succession seemed more like a power grab within a select few. If talent alone mattered, Tsunade wouldn't have been put down to apprenticeship. And Aizen wouldn't be offered a direct line to the Hokage position.

What was this "direct line" anyway? A seat at the core table, access to exclusive privileges, and even the potential to inherit the mantle. Aizen's talent was undeniable, but under normal circumstances, Hiruzen would likely groom him for Anbu – a brainwashed tool used for the Hokage's bidding. It might be a step closer to the Hokage lineage, but a far cry from a true disciple. In essence, wasn't Hiruzen's approach just a milder version of Danzo's ruthless tactics?

Perhaps, if Minato hadn't caught the eye of Kushina, his fate might have mirrored Aizen's current predicament. But Aizen had no such connections – no influential lover, no powerful family ties, no prior bond with the Hokage. So, why the sudden offer? The possibilities swirled in Aizen's mind, a tangled web of potential motives. Perhaps...A flicker of memory sparked in Aizen's mind, leading him to a tentative guess. Before he could voice his thoughts, a harsh voice cut through the air.

"Hold on, brat," Tsunade barked, her brow furrowed in annoyance. "Do you really have second thoughts? Don't tell me you think I'm not good enough to be your teacher!" Truth be told, taking Aizen as an apprentice wasn't high on her list of priorities. Only Hiruzen's persuasion – and perhaps a hint of something special she saw in Aizen – convinced her to consider it. Snapped out of his contemplation, Aizen shook his head vigorously. "No, no, Lady Tsunade! I wouldn't dream of..."He wasn't a fool. Despite the unknown reason behind the offer, becoming a direct descendant of the Hokage line presented nothing but advantages.

"Wait a minute!" A raspy voice interrupted Aizen mid-sentence. The sudden intrusion sent shivers down everyone's spine – Hiruzen, the future Sannin, the graduating genin, all turned their attention towards the source of the voice. A wiry figure, resembling Hiruzen in age, stepped into view. Clad in a long black coat, he leaned heavily on a cane. Short, white hair framed a face etched with scars – a bandage covered his right eye, while a jagged line split his lower lip. This man approached slowly, his gaze burning into Aizen.

"Danzo," Hiruzen rumbled, a puff of smoke escaping his pipe. His expression remained unreadable. "What brings you here? And what did you mean by 'wait a minute'?"Tsunade mirrored his displeasure, her eyes narrowing at the newcomer. This was Konoha's infamous Root leader, Shimura Danzo. The tension in the air thickened, a silent battle of wills brewing between the two powerful figures.

Aizen, recognizing the newcomer from his brief appearance in the original work, stole a cautious glance at him. This Danzo was younger, his features less hardened by time. The most striking difference was the single bandaged eye – unlike the original, where his hand was wrapped, signifying extensive Sharingan transplants. Aizen's mind raced. While Danzo might not have yet received Hashirama's cells, his interest in Aizen and the bandaged eye hinted at potential involvement with the Uchiha clan, perhaps even a Sharingan hidden beneath the wraps. Ignoring Hiruzen's question, Danzo turned his sharp gaze on Aizen.

"This concerns this year's exceptional graduates, Hiruzen. Your approach seems rather unbalanced. Uchiha Fugaku's situation can be understandable. But Namikaze Minato, Senju Nawaki, Uzumaki Kushina – all swept up by your precious students. Even Aizen, the remaining promising seedling, you've offered to Tsunade as an apprentice. Isn't that a bit excessive?" Hiruzen puffed calmly on his pipe, unfazed by the accusation. "Danzo, Minato, and the others chose Jiraiya willingly. There was no coercion involved. As for Aizen, his interest in becoming a medical-nin prompted the recommendation to Tsunade, who was quite impressed by his talent. He was on the verge of accepting her offer before your interruption. In this matter, I played a role of guidance, nothing more.

"His words resonated with the young graduates, including Aizen, who saw no fault in Hiruzen's actions. Danzo scoffed. "Hiruzen, your words are honeyed lies. These fresh-faced graduates lack the foresight to make such decisions. They cling to your every word as the Hokage, naturally believing them to be in their best interests." With a self-assured smile, Danzo locked eyes with Aizen. "You, Aizen. I've heard whispers of your aspirations – to become a formidable medical-nin. I, for one, am eager to help a promising young talent like yourself achieve your goals. After all, Root boasts its own highly skilled medical ninjas. Perhaps you'd be interested in joining us?"

The unexpected offer hung heavy in the air, a challenge thrown down between the two leaders. Aizen, caught in the crossfire, couldn't help but wonder: what path would this unforeseen opportunity lead him down?