Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

"It seems I've proven myself stronger, Hatake Sakumo. Now, according to our earlier agreement the loser must pay the price," Aizen said with a smile, his gaze fixed on Sakumo.

Hearing this, Hatake Sakumo did not lift his head but replied in a low, almost lifeless voice, "Just kill me."

The words sounded as if they came from someone already teetering on the edge of death, drained of all vitality.

At his pitiful state, Mitarashi Zashi and Yoru's eyes welled with tears, their cries of anguish echoing in the desolate silence. But Sakumo, now numb to all emotion, remained unmoved by their grief.

"Death? No, no, no. After burning your soul, your life is already forfeit. Unless someone like Sage of Six Paths, intervenes, survival is beyond you," Aizen replied with a dismissive smirk, outright rejecting Sakumo's plea.

"Then what else do you want? Other than my life, I have nothing left of value," Sakumo's voice remained flat, drained of any inflection.

"Come now, Konoha's White Fang surely has something worthwhile to pass on," Aizen replied, a cryptic smile playing on his lips. He then called out to the breathless Hyuga Gin, "Gin, come here!"

Hyuga Gin walked over, his face a mix of confusion and unease.

"Hatake Sakumo, this young man has looked up to you for as long as I can remember. You're his idol, and he's been training tirelessly in the art of short sword techniques." Aizen pointed toward Hyuga Gin with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Given that you're nearing the end, wouldn't it be wise to leave a legacy behind?"

Sakumo finally raised his head, his dim eyes meeting Hyuga Gin's. He looked the young man over for a moment, then turned away, speaking coldly to Aizen, "Hatake family's sword techniques are a guarded legacy. They will never be taught outside the family. So, go ahead. Kill me."

Ignoring Gin's disappointed expression, Sakumo fixed his gaze on Aizen, unflinching. This was the second time he'd demanded, "Kill me." The implication was clear: he was unafraid of death, and Aizen's threats held no weight. He wouldn't hand over the Hatake sword, no matter what the cost.

Sakumo even hoped, in some small way, that his refusal would provoke Aizen, to see if it would rattle his composure, however briefly.

But Aizen, ever the master of manipulation, was unperturbed. His expression didn't falter; if anything, his smile only grew more sinister.

"Relax, Sakumo! This request is entirely for your benefit. Don't misunderstand my generosity," Aizen said, his smile growing colder, more unsettling.

"What do you mean?"

Seeing Aizen's strange expression, Hatake Sakumo felt a pang of unease and asked instinctively, "What are you planning?"

"I seem to recall… you have a son, Hatake Kakashi, don't you?" Aizen grinned, his eyes glinting with malice.

Hearing this, Sakumo's pupils shrank, and his once lifeless gaze flared with intense emotion. "Aizen! What do you plan to do? What are you going to do to Kakashi?!"

Despite his injuries and the struggle to even stand, Sakumo's body shook as he glared at Aizen with bloodshot eyes, anger and desperation filling his voice.

"What do I plan to do? I'm just a concerned citizen," Aizen replied with mock innocence. "What bad intentions could I have for a child? It's just… I heard that Kakashi's mother passed away when he was born, and now his father seems close to following. Imagine, a five-year-old, orphaned and alone in this harsh ninja world… if something unfortunate happened to him, your family's swordsmanship would be lost forever, wouldn't it?"

Aizen's words were laced with cruelty, his tone light and almost gentle, as if he were genuinely concerned about Sakumo's legacy.

Sakumo bit down on his lip, drawing blood, his gaze filled with a mix of pain and helplessness.

"Aizen, you're a powerful figure—beyond even Kage-level! How could you stoop so low?!" Yoru shouted, unable to contain his fury at the blatant threat against Sakumo's son.

Zashi, though silent, clenched his fists, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Aizen, reflecting his own anger and frustration.

"Low?" Aizen sneered, his expression dismissive. Then his eyes turned cold, filled with murderous intent. "If you all think I'm despicable, then I won't bother with the Hatake family's swordsmanship. What do you say to that?"

The implication was clear: without Sakumo's cooperation, Aizen's patience with Kakashi's fate would run out.

Feeling the deadly intent radiating from Aizen, Sakumo's face fell, and he quickly responded, "No! I'll honor our agreement. I'll teach you the Hatake sword style."

For the sake of his son, Sakumo was left with no choice but to yield.

But Aizen's smile turned colder. "Too late. I suddenly find myself disinterested in your swordsmanship. You should keep it for yourself."

At those words, Sakumo's face turned pale. His expression shifted, and finally, in a low voice filled with resignation, he asked, "Then… what must I do for you to accept the Hatake swordsmanship?"

He knew Aizen was testing his resolve, punishing him for his previous refusal. And if he wanted to ensure Kakashi's safety, he had no option but to swallow his pride.

"That's better. Remember, Sakumo, I'm not asking you for anything. I'm doing you a favor, understand?" Aizen replied, satisfied, watching as Sakumo nodded numbly.

"Good. Since you're asking for my help, then act like it. Surely, the legendary White Fang knows what it means to show proper respect."

At these words, Sakumo's body shuddered, and he gritted his teeth, his pride in tatters. Yet, for his son's life, he had no choice but to bow his head.