Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

Aizen was unfazed by the puppet body of the Sasori. 

However, unlike in the original records, Sasori had only two scrolls on his back instead of four. One scroll contained fire-based chakra, and the other held water-based chakra. 

It was clear these were Sasori's two S-rank techniques.

While these techniques were undoubtedly more powerful than his previous combination of hidden weapons, Aizen showed no interest in witnessing them. 

Boom!

Just as Sasori prepared to go all out in a desperate attempt to take down Aizen, an immense, crushing aura fell upon him like a mountain. 

The overwhelming pressure forced Sasori to his knees, his body trembling and unable to move even a single finger. 

At the same time, his thoughts became muddled, as if frozen. All he could do was stare at Aizen in utter shock. 

The sound of Aizen's footsteps echoed across the gravel as he slowly approached. 

When Aizen stood directly in front of him, Sasori shut his eyes in despair. He was certain this was the end. 

But the final blow never came. 

Instead, the oppressive weight on his body suddenly vanished. 

Confused, Sasori opened his eyes and looked up at the terrifying figure before him. 

"Who are you? What is your purpose in seeking me out?" Sasori, regaining his composure, asked calmly, though his heart still raced. 

"Me? Aizen." Aizen adjusted his glasses, a faint smile playing on his lips. 

"Aizen?" 

Sasori repeated the name, his brow furrowing in confusion. 

He had never heard of anyone named Aizen. 

This wasn't surprising. 

While Aizen had made a small name for himself during the Second Shinobi World War, it was overshadowed by the meteoric rise of figures like Namikaze Minato and Senju Nawaki. 

Compared to them, Aizen's reputation remained obscure. 

Additionally, Sasori, being young and reclusive, paid little attention to the previous generation of Konoha's geniuses. 

Yet now, the name "Aizen" was etched deeply into Sasori's memory. 

His gaze on Aizen was filled with dread. 

How could such a powerful ninja exist in the world? 

Sasori's own combat ability was on par with an ordinary quasi-Kage, making him one of the stronger individuals in the shinobi world. 

But against Aizen, his proud puppet Hiruko had been utterly insignificant. 

The most terrifying part was Aizen's method: he had defeated Sasori without moving, using only sheer oppressive force. That alone was enough to immobilize and disarm him completely. 

Such power defied logic and shattered Sasori's understanding of the shinobi world. 

Could a human being truly wield such strength? 

Sasori's mind spiraled into confusion. 

"As for my purpose here, there are two reasons," Aizen said, breaking the silence. 

The calm tone pulled Sasori from his thoughts, drawing his full attention back to Aizen. 

"First, I plan to eliminate the Third Kazekage and ignite the spark that will start the Third Great Ninja War!" 

Aizen's eyes narrowed, a glint of cold calculation flashing through his glasses. 

"Kill the Third Kazekage? Start the Third Ninja War?" Sasori's expression momentarily shifted to shock as he regarded Aizen with a questioning gaze. 

Sasori didn't doubt Aizen's capability to achieve such a feat. What puzzled him was Aizen's reasoning—why someone so powerful would deliberately initiate a ninja war. 

However, the thought only lingered briefly before Sasori dismissed it. 

After all, it had nothing to do with him. 

"The second reason I am here," Aizen continued, his voice calm and deliberate, "is for you." 

Sasori blinked, momentarily stunned as he processed Aizen's words.

"For me?" 

He couldn't hide the confusion in his voice. Though he was an unparalleled genius in the art of puppetry, he couldn't fathom why someone as formidable as Aizen would seek him out specifically.

Even if Aizen wanted to recruit someone, there were countless renowned shinobi across the Five Great Nations. Why, of all people, did he choose him? 

Aizen's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Your pursuit of eternal art aligns perfectly with mine. That's why I've sought you out." 

"Eternal art?" 

Sasori's expression shifted to one of shock. He stared at Aizen, his voice trembling slightly with anticipation. 

"Do you mean to say... you too seek eternal beauty?" 

"Indeed," Aizen replied, his tone measured and resolute. "Everything in this world, from the mountains to the seas, even the sun and the stars, will eventually fade away. Even a being as powerful as I am will one day return to dust." 

Aizen's gaze deepened, his voice heavy with conviction. "I wish to uncover the secrets of life itself—to grasp the true meaning of eternity." 

As he spoke, Sasori's initially guarded demeanor softened. Aizen extended his right hand, his eyes filled with sincerity as he said, "Sasori, join me in this pursuit of true, eternal beauty." 

Sasori stood frozen, staring blankly at Aizen, his thoughts a whirlwind. 

How long had it been since anyone understood him? 

Ever since he had immersed himself in the pursuit of eternal art, no one in the village had shown him any understanding. 

Even his grandmother, Chiyo, the person closest to him, had dismissed his ideas as heresy. She had gone so far as to banish him from Sunagakure. 

Now, this extraordinary figure, Aizen, not only shared his ideals but actively sought him out, aligning with his vision of art and eternity. 

It was almost too much to believe. 

Yet, there was no falsehood in Aizen's words or tone. Everything about him conveyed genuine sincerity. 

For someone like Aizen to go out of his way to invite him, Sasori couldn't help but feel flattered—although he knew deep down that Aizen's overwhelming power played no small part in his decision.

If it were just an ordinary individual... 

Even if they truly appreciated Sasori's pursuit of eternal art. 

Sasori wouldn't have had such a strong reaction! 

Even if, hypothetically, the Third Kazekage suddenly expressed admiration for Sasori's concept of eternal art.

Sasori would likely have scoffed coldly and turned away, perhaps even retaliating with deadly intent. 

The same sentiment, depending on the individual expressing it, can evoke vastly different reactions.

Just like now, with Aizen... 

By demonstrating his unparalleled strength and revealing an alignment with Sasori's ideals, Aizen had captivated the Sasori completely. 

This dynamic mirrors the realities of power dynamics, where admiration carries weight based on its source. 

In both the shinobi world and any other, the value of words often depends on the face or the power behind them. 

And so, when Sasori saw Aizen's extended hand, he hesitated only for a moment before reaching out and gripping it firmly without any further doubt.