Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

"Yeah! Seeing how Minato-sama trusted Aizen-sama just now, I'm sure he has everything under control," Hoshinohara said with unwavering confidence in Aizen.

Meanwhile, Aizen had returned to the river, submerging himself in its depths. Beneath the surface, his hands moved methodically, forming intricate seals while releasing cursed spells at strategic locations throughout the riverbed. His demeanor was calm, precise, and utterly unhurried—he had planned for this moment meticulously.

Aizen wasn't pressed for time. The technique he was preparing—an evolved version of his Phantom Mist Ninjutsu—was not merely a distraction but an intricate blend of illusion and natural manipulation. Originally conceived as a subtle cover for his Kyōka Suigetsu's true abilities, the original version was a mere B-rank jutsu. But with his deep understanding of molecular-level manipulation derived from Bleach's Reiatsu mastery and his adaptation of advanced Water Style techniques, Aizen had elevated the Phantom Mist to new heights.

This upgraded ninjutsu, now operating at an A-rank level, was a formidable weapon. Once activated, it could overwhelm opponents unless they deployed equally advanced Fire or Wind Style techniques—or an outright S-rank counter. The illusion itself was designed to continuously regenerate as long as Aizen's chakra reserves endured, making it nearly impossible to fully dispel.

However, Aizen was nothing if not cautious. Despite his overwhelming abilities, he preferred precision and control. Rather than risk alerting Sand Shinobi's perception ninjas—who could detect chakra anomalies in their water supply—Aizen opted for a subtler approach.

His plan involved laying chakra-based spells beneath the river, which would initially generate harmless, natural mist. This mist, lacking any detectable chakra signature, would blanket the entire Sand Shinobi army without raising suspicion. Then, with a secondary activation, Aizen would convert this harmless fog into his Phantom Mist, creating an impenetrable illusion that would throw the enemy ranks into disarray.

The hours ticked by as Aizen completed his meticulous work, his movements flowing seamlessly in the dim light of dawn. By the time the first rays of sunlight pierced through the horizon, the banks of the river were shrouded in a thick fog. While such fog was common near Kikyo Mountain during the early morning, its unusual density and expanse went unnoticed by the tired and complacent Sand Shinobi forces.

Patrolling and reconnaissance units passed through the mist, none of them finding any anomalies. The fog seemed natural, devoid of any chakra presence. Their senses dulled by fatigue and overconfidence from recent victories, the Sand Shinobi failed to recognize the subtle danger lurking around them.

While the Sand Shinobi army remained relaxed, a stark contrast was evident among the Konoha forces hidden within their ranks. Yama Commander and his team, who had infiltrated the enemy camp under the cover of darkness, were growing increasingly tense.

Hidden within the shadows of a tent deep inside the Sand Shinobi encampment, Hoshinohara observed the thick fog spreading just as planned. His voice, barely above a whisper, carried an air of excitement. "As expected, the fog is thickening. Just as Aizen-sama instructed—once we sense chakra within the mist, we can begin."

Commander Yama nodded sharply, his tone measured but resolute. "Remember, our mission isn't to rack up a body count. It's to amplify Aizen-sama's ninjutsu and create as much chaos as possible. Don't let bloodlust cloud your judgment."

Hoshinohara thumped his chest in reassurance, his expression determined. "Don't worry, I won't lose focus during such a critical operation." As he spoke, he pulled out a small vial containing Aizen's soul elixir, a special concoction designed to shield them from the disorienting effects of the Phantom Fog. With a steady hand, he prepared to ingest it as soon as the second stage of the mist's transformation was triggered.

Minutes later, Aizen, stationed at the river, sensed that the fog had fully engulfed the Sand Shinobi encampment. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he began forming hand seals. His chakra surged, rippling through the air like an invisible storm.

Suddenly, the dense, seemingly harmless mist changed. The illusionary technique took hold, and the Phantom Fog spread its influence, warping the perceptions of those trapped within its embrace.

"What is this?!" A Sand Shinobi reconnaissance ninja froze, his senses overwhelmed. He stumbled backward as a wave of foreign chakra pressed against him, its oppressive weight suffocating. Panic quickly overtook him. "Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

The alarm, a low, haunting wail, echoed through the camp, rousing Sand Shinobi from their slumber. Confusion reigned as disoriented shinobi scrambled to defend against an unseen enemy. The heavy fog played tricks on their senses, creating the illusion of attackers where there were none.

Within the chaos, Commander Yama and his team sprang into action. Each had consumed the soul elixir, rendering them immune to the Phantom Fog's disorienting effects. Emerging from concealed positions throughout the encampment, they moved like shadows, striking swiftly and creating confusion wherever they went.

"Strike and retreat! Keep them guessing!" Yama's voice was low but firm as he coordinated the team's movements.

Konoha's elites used basic ninjutsu such as the Clone Technique and Transformation Jutsu to appear in multiple locations, magnifying the sense of chaos. The Sand Shinobi, already thrown into disarray by the Phantom Fog, began to turn on one another, their attacks striking allies they believed to be enemies.

The clash of steel and the roar of ninjutsu filled the air, blending with the cries of confusion and pain. Sand Shinobi unleashed powerful techniques at phantoms conjured by the fog, inadvertently damaging their own ranks.

Namikaze Minato, hidden on the outskirts of the chaos, observed the scene with a faint smile. "The third phase is progressing perfectly," he murmured to himself.

Utilizing the sensory techniques passed down from the Second Hokage, Minato locked onto the densest concentration of chakra within the Sand Shinobi camp. "That's where their commanders are gathered," he noted, his tone calm yet decisive.

Far from the commotion, Aizen emerged from the river, his figure wreathed in an aura of quiet authority. The Phantom Fog had done its work, sowing distrust and fear within the enemy's ranks. Now, the time had come to deal the decisive blow.