Naruto: God Reborn

The chapter opens with a flashback to the survivor of the Iwa group, reports to the Tsuchikage, Ōhnoki. The shinobi details a grim account: their stronghold had been completely obliterated, and he was the sole survivor. His comrades were dead, and the entire mission had failed.

Ōhnoki listens, and though his face remains impassive, his mind races with concerns. Konoha was bound to notice Iwa's forces so close to their borders and would demand an explanation. If Konoha suspected foul play, they might even consider this a justification to ignite a conflict. However, Ōhnoki decides he will play the fool, denying everything. He will feign ignorance, the shinobi who invaded Konoha's territory were disguised as Iwa operatives.

____

Shikaku and Shikamaru arrived at the Senju Compound, taking in the surroundings of Aizen's new home. Shikaku gave an approving nod as they approached.

Shikaku greeted Aizen with a casual smile. "So, how are you settling in?"

Aizen glanced around, his lips curling into a slight smirk. "It's... peaceful. Much better than the orphanage, and leagues better than a prison cell."

Shikaku chuckled, while Shikamaru, standing a bit behind his father, gave a half-hearted yawn, clearly unimpressed, already looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. Aizen's eyes drifted to Shikamaru.

"Did you and your fellow Genin enjoy your conversation about me?" Aizen asked, his tone teasing but sharp.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, caught off guard by the question. "How'd you know?"

With a knowing smirk, Aizen folded his arms. "I sensed you all gathered together after leaving the Hokage's office. It wasn't difficult to deduce you'd be talking about the mission and probably exchange some theories about me.

Shikamaru sighed, giving a small shrug. "Troublesome... but, yes, you're right. They wanted answers, so I gave them the basics."

Aizen's expression was unreadable as he turned to Shikaku. "Shall we play?"

They settled in over a shogi board, and the pieces clinked as they moved with measured precision. Shikaku observed Aizen, his brows drawn in thought.

After a few moves, Aizen broke the silence, his tone deceptively calm. "I intend to deal with Danzo."

Shikaku's hand paused mid-move. His brows furrowed as he looked up. "Danzo? I'd guessed you might have a grudge... but why now?"

Aizen's gaze turned steely. "He tried to claim me once more, 6 years ago when he came to my cell. I think it's time to repay that kindness."

Shikaku frowned. He sighed. "I can't say I approve of you killing one of Konoha's elders... but Danzo is more of a curse than a blessing. Do what you must."

Off to the side, Shikamaru had no response, only a faint grimace at the turn the conversation had taken. "What a drag" ,he thought, finding Aizen's calm declaration particularly unsettling.

---

In a bar along his travels, Jiraiya caught sight of a familiar figure. Tsunade was hunched over the counter, drink in hand, looking deeply lost in thought. Without hesitation, Jiraiya slid onto the barstool beside her.

"Didn't expect to see you here, drowning your sorrows," he greeted with a smirk.

She glanced up, her expression half-surprised and half-annoyed. But instead of a quick retort, she simply sighed and muttered, "I met Minato and Kushina's brat."

"Naruto?" Jiraiya

She nodded.

Jiraiya chuckled but was curious. "Well, did he act like the high-and-mighty 'god' he claims to be?"

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "He certainly did. He had the nerve to call me an ant. The kid even proposed to me, said he'd like me to bear his child."

Jiraiya burst out laughing. "So, the mighty God... wants an heir with a mere 'ant'? Unbelievable."

Tsunade chuckled, then took a more somber turn. "Why is he so empty, Jiraiya? It's as if there's nothing in him but coldness and ambition."

Jiraiya's laughter faded, his expression sobering. "The kid's had it rough, Tsunade. Growing up without parents, no real connections... it does things to a person. And he didn't exactly stay on the right path." He told her about Aizen's early years, the mental torture he inflicted on villagers, and his years in confinement.

Tsunade's face paled. "He did... that?"

Jiraiya nodded. "We had to lock him up."

Downing her drink, she glanced back at Jiraiya. "Did you know he's out now?"

Jiraiya gripped her shoulders, looking dead serious. "He's free?"

"Yes, he's currently staying at the Senju Compound." Tsunade

Jiraiya's brows knit together. "Why would Sensei release him?"

---

The next day, Jiraiya returned to Konoha. Heading straight to the Hokage's office, he wasted no time getting to the point.

"Sensei," he began, "why in the world would you free Naruto?"

The Hiruzen glanced at Jiraiya, a mixture of resignation and weariness in his gaze. "You know the answer to that, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya scowled. "Yeah, he's a deterrent against other nations. But still... we both know it's risky to let him roam free."

Hiruzen sighed. "Risky, yes. But truthfully, even your most powerful seals wouldn't have held him forever. If Naruto wanted to leave, he could've done so at any time. We were fortunate he stayed as long as he did."

The revelation hit Jiraiya like a punch. "He could... have escaped all along?"

"Yes," Hiruzen replied, a grim look crossing his face. "He remained because he chose to, not because we held the power to restrain him."

---

In the Hokage's office, Aizen stood alongside his current team, Kurenai, Ino, and Sasuke. Suddenly Hana and Anko arrived

Hiruzen glanced around at the group assembled, noting the extra hands on deck.

"As you're aware, the last mission wasn't as straightforward as expected. With that in mind, Hana and Anko will join you."

Moments later, Tazuna, the client, arrived, and his brows shot up as he took in the group before him. "This is my protective detail squad?" he scoffed, his tone openly critical. "Four women and two boys?" He eyed Aizen suspiciously, focusing on his eyepatch and unusual attire. "What's the story with the one-eyed kid?"

Aizen's lips curled into a wicked grin. "Oh, me? I'm a convict," he said with a deadpan tone.

Tazuna's face went pale, his mouth opening and closing as he processed the remark. "A... a convict? Why would you send a criminal to protect me?"

"I'm joking," Aizen replied, though his dark smile lingered, making the statement feel far from reassuring.

Sasuke, Hana, and Tazuna all exchanged uneasy glances. Meanwhile, those aware of Aizen's past, remained silent, understanding the strange, unsettling truth behind his words.

Tbc