I Was Blind

"Understood," Danzō nodded, a twisted smile curving his lips. "Let's do what's necessary to trap him in his own web."

Koharu leaned forward, her eyes shining with approval. "Hiruzen, I must admit I'm impressed. This strategy of yours... it's brilliant in its simplicity."

"Exactly," added Homura, rubbing his hands with enthusiasm. "Once Luo Lei is trapped in the role of idol, we can handle him as we please. After all," his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, "We all know here what he really did."

The eyes of Koharu, Homura, and Danzō gleamed, their smiles reflecting an almost predatory satisfaction.

"The higher he rises now," Danzō murmured, "the more painful his fall will be when the time comes."

Koharu nodded, adding in a soft voice laden with intent: "And if he ever gets out of control..."

"We'll handle him as we've handled the Jinchūriki," Homura completed, his tone making it clear this wasn't a casual comparison.

"Only..." Frowning, Homura said, "Luo Lei, being the ANBU vice-captain, must know many of our darkest secrets. Things that should never see the light of day."

A heavy silence fell over the room as everyone understood these words.

"Hmm..." Hiruzen's cold snort cut through the silence with resentment. "I was a fool," he growled, his voice barely containing his frustration. "A complete idiot to promote him to ANBU vice-captain."

The Luo Lei everyone knew, a discreet and obedient ninja, a fervent defender of the Will of Fire, had transformed into something completely different.

In the past, he had been considered trustworthy enough to participate in ANBU's most secret operations. Hiruzen, in his confidence, had hidden nothing from the young ninja. He had even allowed him to participate in Minato Namikaze's "Hero to the Rescue" incident, an elaborate farce orchestrated by Konoha's top management.

This incident, presented to the public as an attempted kidnapping of the Kyubi Jinchūriki by Kumogakure ninjas, had actually been a carefully staged act. The idea that a few Kumogakure ninjas could attempt such a feat was, in reality, laughable. It had all been a game created by Konoha's leaders to control the Kyubi Jinchūriki.

The trust Hiruzen had placed in Luo Lei had now become a source of deep concern and regret. The loyal and malleable ninja, shaped by the Will of Fire, had disappeared.

In his place had emerged a transformed individual, endowed with a mysterious and powerful Kekkei Genkai, who acted without scruples and without regard for established norms.

This new Luo Lei, with his newly discovered power and apparent disregard for rules, represented a potential threat to the carefully maintained status quo in Konoha. The knowledge he possessed about the village's secret operations, combined with his new and unpredictable nature, created a new and uncomfortable scenario.

"There's nothing to fear as long as we have the last word," Koharu said calmly.

"Exactly," Homura nodded confidently. "After all, Luo Lei is just an individual. We control all of Konoha. He can't... he wouldn't dare eliminate everyone who opposes him, would he?" The doubt in his voice betrayed his apparent confidence.

Danzō, his face shadowed, intervened. "Hiruzen, Orochimaru seems to be playing a dangerous game. Getting so close to Luo Lei... if something goes wrong, the consequences could be catastrophic." His words barely concealed his contempt for Orochimaru.

That bastard.... he just stood there watching while Luo Lei beat him.

Hiruzen, after a pause, responded. "I know Orochimaru. He's my student. His loyalty is to Konoha and victory. He won't do anything to harm us." Despite his words, a hint of doubt crept into his voice.

"Let's hope you're right...." Danzō muttered.

Koharu, trying to lighten the mood, suggested with a forced smile: "Perhaps we should call our new 'Superhero' back to the village."

"No way!" Hiruzen's response was sharp.

Taking a puff from his pipe, he explained: "Luo Lei is too volatile. We must wait for the war situation to stabilize before risking bringing him back. One wrong move could be disastrous."

Looking significantly at Danzō, he added with a tone laden with irony: "We've already learned that lesson, haven't we?"

"Sarutobi, you..." Danzō's fury was palpable, but he contained himself.

Indeed, it's a lesson from the past, helping Homura to say nothing and being incriminated by Luo Lei for a time, which resulted in Root's bad reputation, and he has nothing to say.

"Danzō, be careful what you say about the Sannin," Koharu warned. "Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru... they're all Hiruzen's precious disciples. He knows how to handle them. We don't need you crossing that line."

Danzō sank into a tense silence, his face an impenetrable mask.

Hiruzen cast a penetrating look at Danzō before looking away.

Koharu, taking a sip of tea, skillfully changed the subject. "By the way, it's time for Jiraiya and Minato to stand out in the Land of Grass. Especially Minato," she said expectantly. "With Luo Lei holding the title of 'Killing God', Minato needs to forge his own legend."

"I've already taken care of that," Hiruzen replied, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "If Minato stands out on the battlefield, I'll make sure Konoha promotes him properly."

Homura nodded approvingly. "It would be smart to promote Luo Lei and Minato together. It would maximize our impact and reinforce our village's image of power."

"I agree," Koharu and Danzō affirmed in unison.

Hiruzen set down his pipe, his expression turning solemn. "The battle of Kikyoyama has concluded. Sunagakure is severely weakened, unable to mount another significant offensive. I'll call Orochimaru back."

His voice grew harder as he continued. "As for Luo Lei, I'll send him to other fronts. Compared to Sunagakure, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and even Kirigakure are our real enemies."

After these words, he shook his head.

At this stage, Sunagakure was barely the first course. Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure, which hadn't even participated in World War II, were Konoha's true enemies.

Therefore, although Luo Lei was uncontrollable, Hiruzen still wished to keep him on the battlefield. Even if he killed a thousand enemies at the cost of eight hundred allies, he was willing to accept it.

"Well, let's conclude this meeting," he declared, making a tired gesture.

Koharu and Homura slowly rose. Without a word, they pushed Danzō's wheelchair towards the exit.

When the door closed behind them, Hiruzen exhaled a long puff of smoke, his eyes getting lost in the wisps rising towards the ceiling. His gaze, normally sharp, seemed unfocused, lost in bitter reflections.

"At first, I was blind," he murmured, barely audible. "I didn't see Luo Lei's true nature. I can only say he was extremely skilled at hiding his true intentions..."

A bitter laugh escaped his lips. "Ah, Sakumo," he said to the air, "What an apprentice you've left behind!"

________

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