He deserves it.

The events following the confrontation unfolded with startling speed.

Danzō, severely injured in what was officially described as a "mysterious attack," was quickly removed from command. Orochimaru assumed control as deputy commander-in-chief, reorganizing the camp with a series of orders.

The first directive fell like a heavy cloak of silence over the camp: all witnesses to recent events were to forget what had occurred. The veiled threat of being accused of collaborating with the enemy effectively silenced any potential dissent.

The second order established that: Danzō, the former commander, had fallen ill and needed to return to Konoha for recovery. This explanation, though clearly fabricated, was accepted without question by everyone.

The third and most significant order elevated Luo Lei, until then deputy captain of Konoha ANBU, to the rank of deputy commander.

The shinobi present, having learned valuable lessons from Danzō, remained silent in the face of these drastic changes. However, many felt a secret relief. The power demonstrated by Luo Lei promised to be a weapon against Sunagakure.

Thus, the Konoha camp at Kikyoyama experienced a surprisingly smooth transition of power, at least in appearance.

It was rumored that Danzō, upon being informed of these developments while recovering, flew into a rage. His fury was such that it is said he vomited blood.

That same night, fulfilling the promise, after Luo Lei wrote the report and Danzō and Orochimaru approved the papers. With appearances maintained, Danzō was stealthily escorted back to Konoha by a team of his Root ninjas.

...

Konoha.

Hokage Mansion.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen leans over a large sand table, his tired eyes fixed on the tactical map of the shinobi world.

The map is a testament to the complexity of the Third Shinobi World War. Small flags mark troop positions: Konoha and Sunagakure at Kikyoyama, Konoha and Iwagakure in the Land of Grass, Konoha and Kumogakure in the Land of Hot Water.

Hiruzen took his pipe and quickly lit it. The aroma of tobacco fills the room as he exhales.

"A prolonged war against Sunagakure will wear us down," he muttered with concern. His eyes shift to the areas of the Land of Grass and the Land of Hot Water. "But Iwagakure and Kumogakure... that's where the real danger lies. Ōnoki and the Third Raikage are not adversaries I can underestimate..."

"And the Third Mizukage... Although he hasn't made any moves. We must be prepared for any eventuality."

The Third Shinobi World War has put Konoha in a precarious position. As victors of the two previous wars, they have become the main target of the other villages. Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure... all have set their sights on Konoha.

Having deployed their best assets: the Sannin - Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru - along with Danzō and the elite forces of the Hyuga, Uchiha, and Nara clans. But even this might not be enough.

"If necessary," he thought coldly, "even the academy students will have to be sent to the front." The idea turns his stomach, but Konoha's survival is at stake.

No matter the cost, no matter the methods he must employ, he is resolved that Konoha will emerge victorious from this war.

Suddenly, his thoughts drift to a painful memory.

"Sakumo..." he murmured. Slowly rising from his desk and approaching the window, his reflection in the glass showing his face.

"Why...? Why did you choose that path?" His eyes close, remembering the White Fang of Konoha. "Couldn't you have been guided by the Will of Fire and endured the adversities?"

Sakumo had always been a pillar of strength and tranquility, a shinobi who could be trusted without hesitation.

But his fame grew too much, especially after the Second Shinobi World War. It reached levels that began to make some uncomfortable.

"People clamored for you as the Fourth Hokage," he reflected regretfully. "I should have foreseen how those individuals would react."

A heavy sigh escapes his lips. His advisors, in their eagerness to maintain the status quo, had maneuvered to undermine Sakumo's prestige.

They used his last mission as an excuse to start a smear campaign.

"I never imagined you would go to such extremes," he said with pain in his voice. "Your death... shook the entire village. I scolded the advisors, but the damage was already done."

He turned back to the map. "If you were here, this war would be different. Konoha wouldn't be so on the defensive."

His gaze stopped at Kikyoyama. "Your disciple, Luo Lei..." A shadow crosses his face. "It's a real shame what has happened to him."

Initially, he had hesitated between Minato and Luo Lei as possible successors.

Minato, seemingly more docile and manageable, seemed the safe choice. So he assigned him to Jiraiya, while Luo Lei was left under Sakumo's tutelage.

The decision seemed clear then, but subsequent events had shown how deceptive appearances can be. Luo Lei, after joining ANBU, had surprised everyone with a series of passionate articles about the Will of Fire.

"In the new era, we must be guided by the Will of Fire of the Third Hokage"

"On the strongest Hokage in history: the Third Hokage!"

Titles that resonated with adulation.

Pleased by this show of loyalty, Hiruzen had promoted Luo Lei to ANBU vice-captain, entrusting him with the ideological and political work of the village.

Just a few days ago, he had sent Luo Lei to Kikyoyama to support Danzō and Orochimaru. An apparently routine mission that had turned into something worse.

The revelation that Homura had leaked Luo Lei's location to a Sunagakure spy hit him hard.

"It's all for the good of Konoha," Homura had declared, without a hint of remorse in his voice.

The truth behind these words was even more bitter. Before Sakumo's suicide, the council had tried to use Luo Lei against his own master. The young man's refusal to betray Sakumo had sealed his fate in the eyes of Homura and the others.

It was all part of a ruthless political game.

Hiruzen's initial fury had faded, leaving only a paralyzing indecision.

How could he act against his own advisors without further destabilizing Konoha in the midst of a war?

With a sigh, the Hokage finds himself choosing inaction. He justifies his decision as a necessary sacrifice: Luo Lei, as Sakumo's apprentice, becomes another offering to the Will of Fire. And he, Hiruzen, preserves his image of an impartial and just leader.

"Sakumo," he said through gritted teeth, "don't worry. Even if Luo Lei... Even if the worst happens, I'll take care of Kakashi. It's my compensation, the promise I make to you."

________

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