Nawaki's Request, Aizen's Recollection

At the edge of the clouds, the horizon was stained red.

Through the afterglow of the setting sun, the day displayed its final brilliance before gradually fading into oblivion.

The sun slowly sank beneath the clouds, and the night descended in a steady crawl.

Under the dim moonlight, within the lush forest outside Konoha, pairs of calm, composed eyes slowly opened.

"Rustle, rustle, rustle—"

A gentle breeze swayed through the forest, stirring the branches into a soft chorus.

Yet, at this very moment, the sound felt like a trembling overture, a mournful cry for everything about to unfold this night.

"Wake up, everyone!"

"All Rock Ninja units, remember: your mission tonight is to follow the original plan to the letter. Now, move!"

A low, gravelly voice echoed slowly through the verdant, shadowed forest.

As his voice faded, the previously silent woods were suddenly filled with the sound of countless figures cutting through the air.

Black silhouettes darted between the treetops under the moonlight, each back seemingly imbued with a sense of grim determination.

Meanwhile.

In another forest not far away, a tall figure standing upon a tree trunk spoke in a flat tone.

"Pass the word down. Order all Sand Ninja to move now!"

Upon hearing his command, the figures beside him vanished from their spots instantly.

Immediately after, a series of hurried movements erupted from the forest below.

The young man standing on the tree trunk cast a calm glance downward. His dark-rimmed eyes, which seemed perpetually weary, held a trace of doubt as he murmured softly.

"Will a sneak attack like this... really have any effect on Konoha..."

As he spoke, his expression remained unchanged, but his arms, crossed over his chest, tightened into a grip.

"Swish!" "Swish!" "Swish!"...

With such a massive force of ninja beginning to