Camp

Bellflower Mountain.

The Third Ninja World War erupted, turning this place into the main battlefield between the Village of Konoha and Sunagakure.

For over a month, both sides have been waging a fierce war, suffering numerous casualties and failing to make significant progress.

In the heart of Konoha's camp, at Kikyoyama inside the largest tent, the front's commander-in-chief, Shimura Danzō, meets with Orochimaru.

Danzō, with a shadowed face, put the report on the table. "Of the three battle fronts, only Kikyoyama remains at a stalemate," he began.

"In Kusagakure, Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato have already launched the counteroffensive against Iwagakure. Meanwhile, in the Land of Waves, Tsunade's forces have not yet engaged in combat with Kumogakure."

Orochimaru, leaning against a tent pole, ran his tongue over his lips. "The Third Raikage is undoubtedly waiting for the right moment. When he and Tsunade face off, our pressure will decrease considerably."

"You think so?" Danzō rubbed his temples, the weight of the war visible on his countenance.

The pressure on Konoha was immense, facing three shinobi villages simultaneously, with Kirigakure as an additional unknown. If not for the victory in the Second Shinobi World War and the powerful ninja that emerged, the village would crumble.

"By the way, shouldn't the Anbu vice-captain, Luo Lei, have reinforced us already?"

Orochimaru seemed to remember something and smiled. "As a genius comparable to Minato and Sakumo's disciple, his strength should considerably alleviate our situation."

Danzō let out a dry laugh. "He has some talent, yes, and is consistent in his training. But commoners are commoners after all. He won't be able to reach her like that."

But Danzō knew that Luo Lei would not reach the battlefield.

The young man had refused to join Root, condemning himself in the process. 'You were loyal to Hiruzen,' he thought with disdain, 'but he gave you nothing in return. And now that Sakumo is gone, your existence has become expendable.'

Orochimaru, unaware of Danzō's thoughts, shrugged. "If hard work were everything..." His mind wandered to Minato, another commoner who, unlike Luo Lei, enjoyed the Hokage's favor. 'What does the old man intend with him?'

Noticing Orochimaru's distraction, he resumed the thread of the conversation. "With Sunagakure's current strength, a prolonged war would lead us to defeat. Our priority must be to stabilize the front."

Orochimaru nodded.

.....

Outside the tent.

Voices of alarm rose near the main entrance.

"Halt! Stop right there!"

"Mr. Luo Lei, this is the Konoha Camp. Even if you're the Anbu vice-captain, you must report to the commander-in-chief, Lord Danzō"

"Unauthorized intrusion into the commander's camp will be punished"

"If you insist on advancing, we'll be forced to use force....."

Inside the command tent, Danzō and Orochimaru interrupted their conversation.

Orochimaru, with an intrigued smile: "It seems our reinforcement has arrived."

Hiding his surprise, Danzō frowned. "Luo Lei... What does he think he's doing, barging in like this?"

Both stood up to investigate the disturbance.

Meanwhile, Luo Lei advanced with a firm step through the camp.

His relaxed posture contrasted with the growing tension around him. Thanks to his sharpened senses, he was fully aware of every ninja in the place.

Three Root Jōnin blocked his path.

"This is your last warning," one of them growled.

Luo Lei's countenance hardened. The good mood he brought from his meeting with Pakura vanished instantly.

In a fluid motion, his right hand moved to his back.

The Jōnin reacted instantly, their hands forming seals for a defensive jutsu. But it was too late.

Luo Lei's Short Sword appeared in his hand, its blade shining with a blinding white light.

The first Jōnin barely had time to open his eyes in surprise before the blade pierced his throat. A clean and precise cut.

The second tried to retreat, but Luo Lei was already upon him. A flash, and the shinobi's head separated from his shoulders in a perfect arc.

The third managed to dodge the first attack. His hands formed seals quickly. "Doton: Earth Wa-!"

His jutsu remained incomplete. Luo Lei, moving at an inhuman speed, appeared behind him. The Sword cut through the air once more, and the Jōnin fell, his head rolling on the ground.

It was all over in less than three seconds.

The witnesses were paralyzed. Had Luo Lei really executed three elite Jōnin in an instant?

Danzō and Orochimaru emerged from the tent just in time to witness the bloody scene. Both were stunned.

________

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