Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

"Appointing an Uchiha as commander-in-chief of a battlefield?!"

"You've got to be kidding me! Did I hear that right?!"

"Why would the Uchiha clan be given such an important position?"

The uproar in the room was instant, with council members raising their voices like squawking hens, each trying to outdo the other in their objections.

Even Shimura Danzo, a perpetual opponent of the Uchiha, sat silently with a face so dark it was almost as though the shadows themselves clung to him. Yet, he refrained from speaking, seemingly calculating the implications.

At the center of the storm, Uchiha Kuroyami remained calm, his face an unreadable mask. He ignored the chaos around him, sitting with the composed authority befitting his position as a clan head.

"Enough!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice thundered through the chamber, silencing the arguments in an instant. His sharp gaze swept across the room, pinning each dissenting voice under his scrutiny.

"Let me make this clear," he began, his tone cold and uncompromising. "If you all have an issue with Uchiha Kuroyami's appointment, then step forward and tell me who among you is better suited to take charge of the southeastern front against the Mist Village."

A heavy silence fell over the room. The council members exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier bravado fading.

The Mist Village was no trivial opponent. Under the command of the Third Mizukage, Yagura—a Jinchūriki of the Three-Tails—alongside the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and bolstered by bloodline clans such as the Hozuki, Kaguya, and Yuki, their strength was formidable.

Konoha's elite forces were already stretched thin, fighting on multiple fronts. Assigning anyone but the best to face the Mist would be suicidal.

The tension in the room was palpable. The councilors, though reluctant, could not deny the logic behind Hiruzen's decision.

Even Danzo, ever the schemer, remained silent, understanding the precariousness of Konoha's position. Despite his disdain for the Uchiha, even he could not propose a viable alternative.

One by one, the council members lowered their gazes.

"This appointment is final," Sarutobi stated, his voice steady as he concluded the matter. "Uchiha Kuroyami will lead the southeastern front, supported by Hyuga Kyosuke and Kosuke Maruboshi. That is the decision of this council."

Reluctantly, the room nodded in agreement.

Hiruzen took a deep breath before announcing the final appointment.

"Lastly, Namikaze Minato is appointed as commander-in-chief of the western front, with Aizen as his deputy. Together, they will lead 6,000 shinobi against the Sand Village's invasion."

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Then, the objections erupted.

"Lord Hokage, isn't this too reckless?" one elder exclaimed. "Minato is undoubtedly skilled, but he's only nineteen! Far too young for such a responsibility."

"Yes," another chimed in. "If he were appointed as a deputy like Aizen, I wouldn't object, but as commander-in-chief? This is too much!"

"Traditionally, no one assumes the role of commander-in-chief without first serving as a deputy to gain experience. This decision feels premature!"

Minato sat rigid, his fists clenched tightly beneath the table. Though he said nothing, the weight of the criticism stung.

Hiruzen observed him closely, understanding the frustration behind Minato's calm exterior. The Hokage sighed inwardly. He had absolute faith in Minato's abilities, but the young man's age and relative inexperience were hurdles he couldn't simply ignore.

Yet, Konoha's dire situation left him little choice.

Hiruzen raised a hand, silencing the room once more.

"Let me remind you all," he began, his voice heavy with conviction, "that our elite forces are already stretched thin across three other fronts. The 6,000 shinobi assigned to the western front are composed primarily of Genin, with only a handful of Chūnin among them."

The room grew quieter as the gravity of the situation settled in.

"Given the circumstances, there are few candidates who can lead this force effectively. Minato's strategic brilliance, quick decision-making, and exceptional combat abilities make him the best choice."

Hiruzen paused, his gaze meeting each councilor in turn. "If any of you have a better candidate, speak now."

Once again, silence reigned.

Unlike Uchiha Kuroyami, whose appointment was met with reluctance but eventual acceptance, Namikaze Minato's nomination faced outright rejection from many council members.

The reason was simple: while Kuroyami's ability and experience were undeniable despite political opposition, Minato's age and lack of command history were considered glaring issues by the higher-ups.

Murmurs filled the room as the council debated among themselves, and soon, one of the senior members spoke up.

"Hokage-sama, I believe it would be more appropriate for Tsunade-sama to take command of the Western Front."

This suggestion quickly gained traction.

"That's right! Tsunade-sama would be a perfect fit!"

"Yes, Sand Shinobi Village is notorious for their use of poison in battle. Who better than Tsunade-sama, a legendary medical ninja, to counter them?"

"Exactly! It's strange that she hasn't already been assigned to this position!"

The chorus of agreement grew louder, each voice reinforcing the suggestion.

Hearing their arguments, Hiruzen's expression darkened like a storm cloud. His patience wore thin as the reality of the situation gnawed at him.

Tsunade's hemophobia is one of Konoha's best-kept secrets, he thought grimly.

Her debilitating trauma rendered her incapable of setting foot on the battlefield, but this was something he could never disclose—not to the council, and certainly not to the shinobi forces.

If word got out about her condition, it would paint a target on her back. Enemy nations would seize the opportunity to exploit her vulnerability, and Konoha would lose the deterrence her name alone commanded.

To the outside world, Tsunade remained a symbol of strength, one of the legendary Sannin. Her presence in Konoha's ranks forced their enemies to reserve resources and power in fear of her possible intervention.

But in truth, her inability to fight was the very reason Hiruzen had nominated Minato for the position.

Caught in this impossible situation, Hiruzen turned his gaze to Aizen, who had been silently observing the proceedings.

Seated calmly at the side of the room, Aizen met the Hokage's glance with a faint, knowing smile.