章 32: Superhero

The world trembled at the news of the Battle of Kikyoyama. As the victor, Konoha found itself at the epicenter of a whirlwind of emotions.

When Luo Lei's feats against Sunagakure were announced, it was as if an earthquake of unimaginable magnitude had struck.

The streets of Konoha buzzed with activity. Ninjas and civilians alike gathered in the streets, their voices rising in a cacophony of celebration and pride. The victory, so crucial and decisive, had come at the most unexpected moment, when many feared that Konoha would sink into the quagmire of a prolonged war.

"It's like the White Fang reborn!" some shouted, comparing Luo Lei to his master. Others, with eyes shining with admiration, declared: "He has even surpassed the Sannin!"

The Battle of Kikyoyama quickly became the topic of every conversation. Luo Lei, the ANBU vice-captain, had transformed overnight into the living symbol of Konoha's power and determination.

However, as often happens with great victories, dark rumors were not long in surfacing. Whispers about Luo Lei's brutality, accusations of torture of Sunagakure prisoners, and even murmurs about the death of Konoha ninjas at his hands began to leak out.

Konoha's official response was swift and forceful. The high command categorically denied these accusations, labeling them as "enemy propaganda" designed to undermine Konoha's morale and tarnish the reputation of their new hero.

"They are lies!" officials proclaimed in public statements. "Desperate attempts by our enemies to diminish our glory and sow discord among us."

The population of Konoha, intoxicated by victory and patriotic pride, embraced this narrative with fervor. Far from questioning Luo Lei, their support intensified. In the streets, chants could be heard: "We won't let their lies divide us!" and "Luo Lei, the protector of Konoha!"

In a matter of days, Luo Lei's figure eclipsed even the legendary Sannin in the popular imagination.

______

At this moment, the Hokage's Office in the majestic Konoha mansion was shrouded in silence.

Around the meeting table, four figures remained motionless, each lost in their own thoughts. Hiruzen occupied the head of the table.

To his right, Homura and Koharu, the elder advisors, kept their gazes fixed on the polished surface of the table. And at the opposite end, Danzō, still confined to a wheelchair.

The air was charged with an uncommon solemnity, even for this group accustomed to making crucial decisions.

The reason for this atmosphere lay in the events of the previous day, when they had been forced to make a decision that went against their principles.

In an unprecedented move, they had issued an official statement denying the accusations against Luo Lei. Rumors of torture of Sunagakure prisoners and the death of Konoha ninjas at Luo Lei's own hands had been categorically denied.

Furthermore, a gag order had been imposed on all ninjas who participated in the Battle of Kikyoyama.

Most surprisingly, and perhaps most disturbingly, was the ease with which this gag order was obeyed. Far from showing resistance, the Konoha ninjas seemed relieved to be able to bury the memories of that day.

Fear of reprisals, or perhaps shock at what they had witnessed, had sealed their lips more effectively than any official decree.

In a turn of events, Konoha's casualties had been counted as victims of Sunagakure, thus erasing any trace of the truth.

Meanwhile, in the streets of Konoha, oblivious to the shadows looming over the Hokage's office, people celebrated their new hero. Luo Lei, the ninja who had led Konoha to a crushing victory, had become the center of all attention and praise.

The silence of the office was broken by a snort.

"Hmm..." Danzō, his voice laden with disdain, broke the silence. "We have bent. Luo Lei has become Konoha's hero, and his fame has shot to the clouds." His words, although spoken calmly, were impregnated with resentment.

Homura, his face shadowed with concern, murmured: "This Luo Lei... he has manipulated us all." His eyes, normally sharp, now showed astonishment and fear.

"Ha, ha..." Koharu's dry, humorless laugh cut through the atmosphere. After a pause laden with meaning, she spoke in a grave voice: "He's an unscrupulous madman. He acts without considering the consequences, doing as he pleases without any restraint."

Hiruzen exhaled a heavy sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the entire village.

Lighting his pipe, he inhaled deeply before exhaling several clouds of white smoke that swirled in the tense air of the office.

Initially, the news of the victory at Kikyoyama had filled him with joy, eager to share the triumph with the entire village. However, that initial enthusiasm had quickly transformed into horror and fury upon learning the dark details of Luo Lei's actions: the massacre of Sunagakure prisoners and the death of Konoha ninjas at his own hands.

His anger had been so intense that he felt as if all the blood in his body had boiled.

How could Luo Lei act with such disregard for life?! Did he not have even an ounce of self-control or consideration for the consequences of his actions?!

And yet, here they were, enduring the unbearable. The reality of the situation - the ongoing war, the desperate need for a victory, the delicate balance of power between the villages - had forced their hand.

After carefully weighing the pros and cons, Hiruzen had made the difficult decision to back Luo Lei, publicly denying his atrocities.

This decision, although pragmatic, weighed heavily on his conscience.

"Hiruzen"

Danzō broke the silence, his eyes narrowed, "Are you going to say something at last? What are we going to do? Are we going to let Luo Lei continue doing as he pleases, disregarding our rules entirely?"

Slowly exhaling the smoke from his pipe. Hiruzen, his eyes tired but still sharp, rested on each of those present before speaking.

"It's not that simple, Danzō," he said. "According to Orochimaru's reports, Luo Lei has awakened an unknown Kekkei Genkai. This would explain his sudden increase in power and... his erratic behavior."

Danzō leaned forward in his wheelchair, his eyes gleaming with interest. "A Kekkei Genkai? That changes things, Hiruzen. But it doesn't justify his actions."

"No one is justifying anything," Koharu interjected, her voice tense. "But if it's true, it would explain a lot."

Homura nodded slowly. "Powerful Kekkei Genkai always come at a price. Look at the Uchiha's Sharingan..."

Raising a hand, Hiruzen silenced them. "For now, our priority is to understand exactly what kind of Kekkei Genkai Luo Lei possesses. And in the meantime..." he paused, his eyes meeting Danzō's, "we'll give him what he wants."

"What do you mean?" Danzō asked suspiciously.

"Orochimaru mentioned that Luo Lei wants to be Konoha's 'Homelander', a hero for the village," Hiruzen explained, an ironic smile playing on his lips. "So we'll give him exactly that. We'll elevate him, turn him into the Superhero he wants to be."

"Hiruzen, have you lost your mind?" Danzō snapped.

The Hokage continued, ignoring the interruption. "But remember, the higher someone rises, the harder they fall. If Luo Lei makes a mistake, if he does something that tarnishes his hero image..."

"We could destroy his reputation in an instant," Koharu completed, understanding the plan.

Hiruzen nodded gravely. "Exactly. From hero to villain in the blink of an eye. It's a double-edged sword, and Luo Lei will find out the hard way if he doesn't learn to control himself."

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