บท 50: He is here

Dawn began to tinge the sky with pink and golden hues over the Land of Grass, a brutal contrast to the tension in Konoha's front-line camp.

The morning dew glistened on the tall grass surrounding the camp.

At the heart of the camp, an imposing tent stood above the rest.

This tent, larger and more robust than the others, served as the command center and meeting point for Konoha's leaders.

Inside, the air was charged with anticipation.

Jiraiya, with dark circles under his eyes evidencing a sleepless night, presided over the meeting. Beside him, Minato Namikaze, the "Yellow Flash of Konoha," remained silent, his intense gaze fixed on the map.

Around the table gathered some of the brightest minds and most powerful ninjas of Konoha. Shikaku Nara, with his characteristic expression of boredom. Inoichi Yamanaka, his blonde hair tied in a ponytail, listened attentively. Choza Akimichi, imposing in his stature, represented the brute force that complemented the strategy.

Other high-ranking Jōnin completed the circle.

Jiraiya, with a yawn that betrayed his lack of sleep, addressed the group seriously.

"I have summoned you all to discuss something crucial. I plan to launch a general attack against the Iwagakure army this very afternoon."

He paused, his eyes scanning the faces of those present. "It will be a surprise attack, and I assure you there will be unexpected elements."

The reaction was immediate.

"What?!" exclaimed one of the Jōnin.

Another, showing more respect in his tone, questioned: "Jiraiya-sama, why such haste?"

The tent filled with overlapping voices, each expressing their concern and confusion.

They couldn't understand why Jiraiya was in such a hurry.

In the morning, he announces that they would fight against Iwagakure in the afternoon. The time was too short and war was not a children's game!

Shikaku turned his gaze towards Minato. The young ninja, now nicknamed the "Yellow Flash of Konoha," remained impassive, his expression carefully neutral.

This detail did not go unnoticed by him.

"Hmm," he muttered to himself, his eyes narrowed in reflection.

Jiraiya's unusual haste, Minato's calmness, all pointed to a conclusion that was as obvious as it was worrying: they were trying to secure a decisive victory before Luo Lei's arrival on the battlefield.

This move, although he understood it, went beyond simple strategy. It was a reflection of the complex internal conflicts that agitated Konoha.

The rivalry between the Sannin, the tensions with the village's high command, and the destabilizing factor that Luo Lei represented, all converged in this precipitated decision.

Shikaku felt a growing unease in his chest. Although he understood the logic behind Jiraiya's strategy, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were overlooking something crucial.

A vague but persistent premonition settled in his mind.

"Jiraiya-sama," an ANBU began, "Couldn't we take at least one more day? Attacking this afternoon... we could be unprepared. The effects could be unexpected and dangerous."

Jiraiya fixed his gaze on the ANBU, his expression hardening slightly. "I'll take care of explaining it to the old man," he responded, his tone making it clear that there was no room for further discussion.

"There's no need for you to rush to inform. Understood?"

The ANBU, catching the veiled warning, sketched an uncomfortable smile and immediately fell silent.

It was evident that if things went wrong, Jiraiya would take responsibility.

Satisfied with having silenced the most vocal opposition, Jiraiya turned to the rest of the Jōnin. "Does anyone else have anything to add?"

The silence that followed was eloquent. One by one, the Jōnin began to nod, some with more enthusiasm than others.

"No comments."

"Let's listen to Jiraiya-sama. We'll attack the Iwagakure army this afternoon."

"Alright, let's go back and prepare."

The majority, seeing Jiraiya's determination and his willingness to take responsibility, decided to support the plan.

Even those who had doubts chose to remain silent, recognizing the futility of opposition at this point.

Satisfied with the apparent unanimity, Jiraiya nodded. However, his gaze lingered on three figures who had not yet expressed their opinion.

"Shikaku," he said with curiosity and a touch of challenge, "What do you think?" His gaze moved between Shikaku, Inoichi and Chōza, the InoShikaCho trio.

The Ino-Shika-Chō formation has a history dating back to the Sengoku era, long before the founding of Konoha.

The Yamanaka, Nara and Akimichi clans forged an aliance that transcended generations.

When Konoha was founded, this alliance became one of the village's fundamental pillars.

Jiraiya, aware of the historical and current importance of this alliance, now sought their support. His gaze moved between Inoichi, Shikaku and Chōza, evaluating their reactions.

The backing of Ino-Shika-Chō would not only validate his attack plan, but would also send a powerful message to the rest of the village.

As he waited for their response, he cast a discreet glance towards Minato. He had been thinking long-term, beyond the battle.

If Minato aspired to become the Fourth Hokage in the future, he would need more than the support of Jiraiya and the Third Hokage. The backing of influential clans like the Yamanaka, Nara and Akimichi would be crucial.

Shikaku, with his sharp intelligence, sketched a smile that mixed resignation and caution. "Jiraiya-sama," he began, carefully measuring his words.

"The Iwagakure army is not an easy opponent. Without proper preparation, we risk an extremely fierce battle."

Inoichi, catching the subtlety in Shikaku's words, quickly added: "It's true. With our current forces, at best, we could only achieve a stalemate against Iwagakure. We must proceed with extreme caution."

Chōza, completing the trio, nodded in agreement. "Our concern is valid. A significant part of our clans' elite is here. A false move could have devastating consequences for our families and for Konoha."

Jiraiya, with a smile, responded: "Oh? It seems your clans don't have much faith in Minato and me."

At that moment, Minato, who had remained silent until now, intervened with determination, "Jiraiya-sensei, once the battle against Iwagakure begins, I will fight with all my power. I will show the world that the Yellow Flash of Konoha is not inferior to the God Killer."

Jiraiya smiled, a spark of pride shining in his eyes. "Excellent. And to ensure our final victory, I have made arrangements for Mount Myōboku to participate at a critical moment in the battle. Iwagakure won't know what hit them."

The reaction in the tent was instantaneous.

A murmur of excitement ran through the Jōnin present, their faces lighting up with surprise and renewed confidence.

The mention of Mount Myōboku, one of the sacred places of the world, completely changed the tone of the meeting.

The participation of the toads in the battle practically guaranteed Konoha's victory.

Even Shikaku, normally imperturbable, could not hide an expression of surprise with a hint of frustration.

He realized that he had underestimated Jiraiya's preparation. The meeting, he understood, was not so much a consultation as an announcement of a plan already in motion.

"Shikaku, do you still have any concerns regarding your clans?"

Shikaku, recognizing the change in dynamics, responded with resignation, "No, Jiraiya-sama. None remain. As commander-in-chief, your orders will be obeyed without question. Our clans will align absolutely with the decision."

Inoichi and Chōza, following Shikaku's lead, nodded solemnly. "We agree," said Inoichi. "You have our full support," added Chōza.

Jiraiya smiled, satisfied. "Excellent. Then, procee—"

But before he could finish, the tent entrance burst open.

An ANBU burst in, without even announcing himself, his agitated breathing indicating the urgency of his message.

Jiraiya frowned, visibly annoyed by the interruption. "What's happening?"

The ANBU, catching his breath, blurted out the news that would change the entire panorama.

"Jiraiya-sama... Luo Lei-sama has arrived at the camp."

The silence that followed was absolute.

Jiraiya's expression went from annoyance to shock in a matter of seconds. A pale color spread across his face.

".....WHAT?! So soon?" He shouted, grabbing his hair.

What Jiraiya didn't know, what he couldn't understand, was that the speed with which he had arrived at the camp was not the product of haste, but the result of deliberate restraint.

"So soon?"

Minato, momentarily disconcerted, thought of his own Hiraishin no Jutsu technique and a spark of confidence shone in his eyes; after all, in terms of speed, he should be the fastest.

The reaction of the rest of the Jōnin was of barely contained jubilation.

"Haha! Luo Lei-sama is here!" exclaimed one, his voice mixing relief and excitement.

Another added, with a tone of absolute confidence: "With Luo Lei-sama and Mount Myōboku on our side, how could we lose?"

The atmosphere in the tent transformed.

The initial shock quickly gave way to a wave of optimism. For many, Luo Lei's presence meant a sure victory.

The memory of his feats in Kikyoyama was fresh in their minds, fueling their hopes for a crushing victory over Iwagakure.

However, not everyone shared this unbridled enthusiasm. Shikaku, Inoichi and Chōza exchanged glances.

Although relieved by the unexpected reinforcement, a part of them couldn't help but feel some apprehension.

Shikaku, in particular, couldn't help but frown. Yes, the battle against Iwagakure would probably be resolved in their favor now.

But Jiraiya's machinations, combined with the arrival of the unpredictable "God of Slaughter," pose new complications.

________

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