First Show of Power

A glint of recognition flashed in Aizen's eyes as he saw the telltale cloud emblem on the attacker's forehead protector. "A Cloud Ninja? Could it be...?"

Before Aizen could finish his thought, the Cloud Ninja launched a surprise attack. Reacting instantly, Aizen countered with his blade. A steely glint emanated from his eyes as his Zanpakuto, a ferocious longsword, slashed at the Cloud Ninja with a deceptive maneuver.

The attack found its mark. A puff of dust erupted as the blade tore through the Cloud Ninja's left shoulder, drawing a pained grimace. Given the element of surprise and the fact that Aizen appeared to be just a ten-year-old boy, the attacker likely underestimated him, leading to this lapse in defense.

For this initial confrontation, Aizen poured one-tenth of his strength into a focused strike, maximizing the impact. The result was undeniable. However, Aizen didn't press his advantage. Instead, he opted for a tactical retreat, diving underground using an Earth-style technique – a skill likely learned during his ninja academy training – to evade any potential counterattack. Aizen wasn't arrogant enough to believe he could easily defeat an experienced Jonin, especially on his first encounter.

Concealing himself and waiting for an opportune moment was the smarter course of action. Meanwhile, the wounded Cloud Ninja, realizing his initial attack failed, also opted for a strategic retreat. He leaped onto a thick branch and crouched low, scanning his surroundings with a guarded expression. Only now, concealed beneath the earth, could Aizen finally get a good look at this mysterious Cloud Ninja. Aizen's eyes narrowed in surprise. The Cloud Ninja's muscles writhed momentarily, then the wound on his shoulder stopped bleeding. Aside from a raw gash, the injury seemed almost healed."Is this a secret technique of Cloud Ninja Village?"

Aizen thought his expression hardening. "This guy's definitely not your average Jonin." Most ninjas prioritize offense over defense. Even powerful Kage-level fighters can be brought down by a well-placed kunai. Aizen's attack was almost as powerful as an A-rank jutsu. In his mind, he envisioned a strategy of hit-and-run tactics, gradually wearing down the enemy until they were vulnerable to a final blow. He never anticipated this…"A new variable," Aizen muttered, his aura melding with the surrounding earth as he observed the Cloud Ninja in the darkness.

He could have easily escaped after the initial confrontation and sought help from the village. However, a ten-year-old student eluding a powerful Jonin would raise suspicion. To avoid revealing his full strength while simultaneously proving himself to Konoha's elite, Aizen needed to eliminate this Jonin. The truth was, Aizen had no way of stopping the Cloud Shinobi, if he chose to flee.

"Damn kid, how strong can one kid be?" cloud shinobi cursed inwardly, vigilance etched on his face as he surveyed his surroundings. "If it weren't for the Yeyue clan's secret Lightning Style chakra technique that stimulates cell regeneration, that blade would have crippled a regular Jonin."He readily admitted his initial underestimation.

After all, how much power could a mere child possess, right? For a Jonin mastering powerful secret techniques, crushing a child-like Aizen should be effortless. Yet, the seemingly innocent prey had transformed into a cunning predator. "What now?" The cloud shinobi thought, his eyes scanning the area. "The kid didn't flee; he burrowed underground to mask his presence.

He must be close by. Should I leave, or…"Their mission, as instructed by their superiors, was to create chaos within Konoha, not engage in open conflict. But Aizen, with his exceptional talent at such a young age, posed a significant threat to their village in the future. An opportunity like this wouldn't come again easily.

Normally, every village's prodigy received rigorous protection when venturing out. Jōnin, or even Elite Jōnin, would always be assigned to escort missions. Sneaking into an enemy village for assassination was a near-impossible feat, even for Kage-level fighters. However, under special circumstances, Cloud Shinobi Village was prepared to pay a steep price to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and plunge Konoha into turmoil.

The cloud shinobi made a decision. He was willing to risk being discovered and eliminated by Konoha's forces to eliminate this future menace. A slight change in Cloud Shinobi's expression betrayed his intent. Aizen, with his keen senses, seized this fleeting opportunity. He unleashed a barrage of high-pressure water blasts at cloud shinobi with a Water Style jutsu.

"Don't underestimate Cloud Shinobi!" he roared with a bloodthirsty grin. Lightning crackled around him as he effortlessly dodged Aizen's attack. A prepared Jonin could be a formidable opponent indeed. Aizen's attack, however, revealed his location.

"Gotcha, kid! Lightning Style: Thunderstorm!" A vicious glint flashed in the cloud shinobi's eyes. He went all-out, determined to leave Aizen no chance of escape. His speed surpassed that of a typical Jonin. He materialized above Aizen's hiding spot. In each hand, he formed a crackling ball of lightning and hurled them downwards with ferocious intent. But that wasn't all. As the thunderballs descended, they merged with a deafening crackle, creating a devastating storm.

A massive electrical explosion erupted, engulfing the area around Aizen in a radius of dozens of meters. The potent electric current and thunder ravaged everything within its reach."Heh, little devil," the cloud shinobi sneered, looking upon the ravaged landscape where Aizen's body presumably lay. "Your talent is undeniable. A mere Jonin might have fallen for your tricks. But against me, consider yourself unlucky!"

"Oh, really?" A faint, mocking voice echoed from behind the cloud shinobi, causing the smug smile to vanish from his face.