บท 14: The Hero

After reaching a consensus, Konoha's top leadership proceeded to implement their strategy. That same afternoon, Hiruzen made two crucial announcements to the village.

The first announcement revealed the existence of traitors within Root who had allegedly allied with Sunagakure, betraying the ANBU deputy captain, Luo Lei. Hiruzen assured the population that a thorough investigation of Root would be carried out.

The second piece of news was even more shocking: Luo Lei had awakened a mysterious Kekkei Genkai. Using this newly discovered power, Luo Lei had eliminated an elite team from Sunagakure, killing six Jōnin and eight Chūnin. Additionally, he had managed to incapacitate Pakura, a powerful Suna ninja known for her own Kekkei Genkai.

The reaction in Konoha was immediate and dramatic. The entire village was shaken by these revelations. Civilians, outraged by the news of betrayal, directed their anger towards Root. At the same time, Luo Lei quickly became a hero in the eyes of the people, admired for his bravery and power in the face of adversity.

In the following days, Luo Lei's story spread rapidly throughout the village. A narrative began to form, presenting him as the heir to the Will of Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo.

Interestingly, this led to a reevaluation of Sakumo's figure in the collective memory of the village.

People began to talk about how Sakumo's Will of Fire now lived on in Luo Lei. Sakumo's past mistakes were reinterpreted, and the belief emerged that Luo Lei would overcome any challenge that his predecessor had not been able to conquer. The population expressed their confidence that Luo Lei, along with Orochimaru, would lead Konoha's army to victory in the battle of Kikyoyama and, by extension, in the entire war.

...

In the heart of Konoha's camp in Kusagakure, the largest tent stood as a beacon of authority.

Jiraiya, the Sannin and commander-in-chief, sat at his desk, his forehead wrinkled in an expression of deep concern. His eyes scanned the intelligence report in his hands over and over, as if expecting the words to change with each new reading.

"What the hell...?" he muttered. "This doesn't make sense."

The report spoke of traitors in Root collaborating with Sunagakure, an absurd idea.

But what really chilled his blood was the news about Luo Lei. The young man had apparently annihilated an elite team from Suna.

Frustrated, he said, "How is this possible? A mysterious Kekkei Genkai? This reeks of lies all over."

His gaze got lost in the canvas of the tent, his mind miles away, in Konoha. 'Old man,' he thought, 'what mess have you gotten yourself into now?'

"Jiraiya-sensei?" Minato's voice cut through his thoughts. The young prodigy, who had been meditating in a corner, was now looking at his master. "Did something bad happen?"

Jiraiya looked at his student, a mixture of pride and concern in his eyes. "Minato," he said meaningfully, "It seems your rival has some new tricks up his sleeve."

He stood up, walking towards Minato with heavy steps. "Luo Lei, that kid who's always competing with you, has apparently awakened some kind of mysterious Kekkei Genkai. And not only that," he paused dramatically, "he has destroyed a complete elite team from Sunagakure."

Minato's eyes widened, a flash of excitement and challenge shining in them. "Really? It seems Luo Lei hasn't been wasting time."

Jiraiya nodded, his expression turning serious. "Listen, Minato. Luo Lei is Sakumo's disciple, and you're mine. Now that Sakumo is gone..." his voice broke slightly, "I can't allow you to fall behind. Do you understand?"

Standing up, Minato instinctively reached for one of his special Hiraishin no Jutsu kunai. He skillfully twirled it between his fingers, a confident smile forming on his face.

"Don't worry, Jiraiya-sensei," he said with determination. "I promise I won't lose to Luo Lei or anyone else."

Seeing his disciple's determination, Jiraiya couldn't help but smile. 'That's my boy,' he thought.

Out loud, he said: "Well said, Minato. With Sage Mode and the Hiraishin no Jutsu, I can't imagine how you could lose, even against a mysterious Kekkei Genkai."

...

At that same moment...

In the heart of Konoha's camp in Kikyoyama, the largest tent. A laugh resonated inside, followed by Orochimaru's mocking voice:

"Hahaha! It seems the old man finally gave in. He has 'cleaned up' Root and announced your triumph over Suna's elite team." His eyes gleamed with malice as he addressed Luo Lei. "Congratulations, Luo Lei-kun. You've become the center of attention in the village. Konoha's new hero."

Calmly, Luo Lei extended his hands in a casual gesture. "Hero? Well, I guess it's my duty to maintain peace and stability in Konoha." An enigmatic smile formed on his lips. "From now on, I'll be the Homelander of Konoha village."

Intrigued, Orochimaru tilted his head. "Homelander? I'm not familiar with that term."

"It means hero," Luo Lei explained. "I am Homelander, the Hero of Konoha."

Orochimaru nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Luo Lei's face. "Interesting choice of words," he murmured, before abruptly changing the subject. "But tell me, Luo Lei-kun, what exactly is the nature of your Kekkei Genkai? Your speed, strength, chakra... everything has improved dramatically. And that heat ray..." His eyes shone with barely disguised greed. "It's an impressive killer technique."

Maintaining a neutral expression, but with a flash of amusement in his eyes, Luo Lei responded: "Actually, Orochimaru, it's an unknown Kekkei Genkai. I'm still investigating its limits. If I discover anything interesting... perhaps I'll discuss it with you."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, his mind working at full speed. "A Kekkei Genkai with unique abilities?" he muttered quietly. "Fascinating. Simply fascinating."

For a moment, silence reigned in the tent. Finally, Orochimaru broke the silence, his voice laden with anticipation:

"Luo Lei-kun, tomorrow we'll launch our attack against Sunagakure's army." His eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and scientific curiosity. "I hope you use all your power. I want to see... no, I need to see what you're capable of."

Luo Lei nodded, a cold smile forming on his lips. "Don't worry, Orochimaru. I'm eager to 'save' those poor Suna soldiers from this world of wa

What is the name of Ōnoki's son?

________

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