Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

"Sasori, you can finish him now," Aizen remarked, his tone calm, almost amused.

The words jolted Sasori into action. With a mix of determination and gratitude, he dragged his damaged puppet body toward the helpless Third Kazekage. 

At that moment, Third Kazekage had not lost consciousness but was in a daze, his mind briefly clouded after the overwhelming blow from Aizen. Upon hearing the exchange between the two, he managed to twist his head slightly, his face pale, and his body too weak to move.

"Sasori..." Third Kazekage's voice was strained, each word uttered with great effort. "Why are you doing this? And that man... Aizen... isn't he a Konoha ninja? How did you... ally with someone like him?"

His mind reeled at the situation. He had always prided himself on being aware of potential threats, yet the appearance of Aizen, with such overwhelming strength, was beyond anything he had anticipated. 

But in this moment, Third Kazekage's curiosity was directed at Sasori. He struggled to comprehend why the once-celebrated genius of Sand Village sought his demise.

Sasori sneered coldly, his voice laced with venom. "Heh, Third Kazekage... if it weren't for you insisting on starting the Second Ninja War, my parents wouldn't have died on the battlefield. All of this... it's because of you."

The bitterness in Sasori's tone was unmistakable. His hatred burned brighter than ever as he stood over the fallen Kage. 

Third Kazekage's expression shifted to one of resignation. Despite his grievous injuries, he managed a wry smile. "I see..." he murmured, his voice almost inaudible.

Summoning his last reserves of strength, Third Kazekage spoke again, his tone solemn. "I admit that my decision to launch the Second Ninja War was driven, in part, by ambition... But Sasori, as a member of Sand Village, you should understand the unforgiving environment we live in. That war... it was not for me. It was for the survival and future of our village."

His voice grew firmer despite his weakening body. "Your grandmother Chiyo... even your parents... they all shared the same vision. We fought not for ourselves but for our home. I have never regretted my decision."

With those words, Third Kazekage closed his eyes, resigned to his fate.

Sasori froze, his mind conflicted. But soon, a surge of anger overtook him, and his expression darkened. "Enough! Sand Village, Sand Village! I'm sick of hearing about that cursed village!" His voice grew louder with each word, trembling with rage. "You! Chiyo! You're all the same! Always talking about that broken village! I don't care about your village! I just wanted my parents back!"

With that final outburst, a blade extended from Sasori's mechanical arm, and in one swift motion, it slashed across Third Kazekage's throat.

The strongest Kazekage in Sand Village's history met his end at the hands of Sasori.

As Third Kazekage's body fell lifeless, his soul began to emerge, floating toward the Pure Land. 

But Aizen's cold gaze fixed on the ethereal figure. With a faint glint in his eyes, a wave of soul-annihilating energy erupted, striking Third Kazekage's soul. 

The spectral form disintegrated instantly, fading into scattered motes of energy.

Sasori watched the scene unfold, his chest rising and falling heavily. His expression was a mix of exhaustion and confusion, the weight of his actions pressing heavily on his mind.

He had spent years consumed by his hatred for Third Kazekage, but now that his revenge was complete, there was no satisfaction—only a deep, gnawing emptiness.

Aizen stood silently, watching Sasori wrestle with his emotions, making no effort to console him. He understood that this was a journey Sasori had to navigate on his own.

After what felt like an eternity, Sasori finally composed himself, his gaze shifting to Aizen as if suddenly remembering his presence.

"Apologies, Lord Aizen. I got a bit lost in thought," Sasori said with a tinge of embarrassment.

"It's fine. I understand," Aizen replied with a calm smile.

Sasori managed a faint smile in return, though traces of pain and uncertainty lingered on his face. After a brief moment of silence, he straightened up and asked, "Lord Aizen, what are your plans for me moving forward?"

Aizen's expression remained relaxed as he responded, "I have no specific tasks for you."

Sasori blinked, caught off guard. "None?"

"For now," Aizen continued leisurely, "you are free to go wherever you wish and do as you please. There are no restrictions."

Sasori's confusion deepened. "I see..."

"However," Aizen added, his tone gaining a subtle edge, "if someone claiming to represent the Akatsuki approaches you with an invitation, you should join them."

"The Akatsuki..." Sasori repeated the name thoughtfully before asking, "Lord Aizen, do you intend for me to act as a spy?"

"Not exactly," Aizen replied with a faint smirk. "I simply want you to monitor the organization's activities. Above all, do not reveal any connection between us. If all goes according to plan, I intend to become one of the key figures behind the scenes of that group."

"Understood. I won't let you down, Lord Aizen," Sasori affirmed, his voice firm with resolve.

"Good," Aizen said, his approval evident. He reached into his robes and retrieved a wooden kunai etched with intricate runes, tossing it to Sasori.

Sasori caught it, his expression curious. "What is this, Lord Aizen?"

"It's a specially crafted Flying Thunder God Kunai, imbued with a space-time coordinate. Should you need to contact me, channel your chakra into it, and I will arrive immediately," Aizen explained smoothly, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Aizen had prepared these kunai for his subordinates, understanding that they were still in their formative stages and might encounter situations where his intervention was necessary. Sasori, however, saw it as a gesture of care and trust.

"Lord Aizen..." Sasori murmured, his gaze filled with rare emotion.

After this exchange, Aizen parted ways with Sasori and began his journey back to Konoha. The trek took over two months, and by the time he arrived, the chill of winter had enveloped the village.

The streets of Konoha were adorned with festive decorations, lanterns glowing warmly against the crisp winter air. The bustling preparations for the New Year filled every corner of the village, creating an atmosphere brimming with celebration and renewal.