Endurance

Konoha

Due to the grand celebration taking place.

The entire village was lively, filled with an atmosphere of prosperity—or at least, it seemed so on the surface.

As for the absolute protagonist of this celebration, of course, it was the Ninja God, the Superhero of Konoha: Luo Lei.

After killing Counselor Homura and massacring the ninjas of the Mito clan, Luo Lei was in the village of Konoha.

The invisible aura he generated had risen several levels once again.

Before returning to the village, many people in Konoha with some common sense knew that Luo Lei was very strong.

But... after seeing it with their own eyes, only then did they realize how unbelievable they had been.

Luo Lei was beyond words or any classification like "strong"—he was simply an invincible being, someone who didn't have to show respect to anyone!

After the celebration began, Hiruzen gave a brief speech with a calm expression and then left with Koharu and Danzo, stating that there was still something to resolve.

So far, Konoha's celebration for winning the war had completely turned into Luo Lei's one-man show...

…

Hokage Mansion.

Hokage's Office.

Boom! Chaos!

Shattering several objects around him, Hiruzen was out of control, burning with fury and helplessness. He destroyed everything he could see, as if that would release the frustration that corroded him from within.

"Everything is always done his way!! That damned Luo Lei!!"

His fury was palpable, and Koharu, who was standing to the side, frowned.

Her face turned cold as she gritted her teeth: "This Luo Lei has gone too far! He has humiliated us in front of the entire village, in front of everyone!"

However, deep down, she felt a certain pleasure. Homura was dead, and with him, all his resources and privileges would pass into her hands. It was an opportunity she didn't intend to waste.

"What are we supposed to do now?" Danzo roared, his face darkened with anger and resentment. "Luo Lei just returned and slapped us in the face, in front of everyone. In front of all those civilians!"

"We underestimated him!" Koharu exclaimed with disdain. "He doesn't care about his title of Superhero at all! He's a monster without conscience, a being who only feeds on power and destruction! He's irrational!"

"SHUT UP!!"

Hiruzen's voice thundered through the room, cutting off their thoughts. His eyes were bloodshot, and the fury in his gaze was evident. "Why are you talking like this now, when it's already too late?! Why didn't you do something before?! Now all you can do is talk about how we failed!!"

"..."

Koharu, clearly embarrassed, lowered her gaze and murmured, "But we supported you... we were always on your side..."

Danzo shrugged helplessly. "The situation isn't like it used to be... I had no choice but to hide and avoid being the next target of Luo Lei. That man knows no limits, Hiruzen!"

"Hmph!"

Hiruzen snorted coldly, pulled a new pipe from the drawer, and began to smoke, releasing the smoke slowly.

But the coldness in his tone froze the room: "After the celebration ends, we'll summon the main clans for a meeting. After today's events, many have lost their way, feeling too free... I need to put them in their place and give them a clear warning."

"..."

Koharu and Danzo exchanged brief glances, hesitating for a moment.

"If you have something to say, say it now! This is not the time for hesitation or silence!"

"Now that Luo Lei has returned, what are we going to do about it?" Koharu took a deep breath. "With all his contributions in the war, the position of ANBU deputy captain is no longer enough for him. We have to recognize it, even if it pains us..."

Danzo also let out a sigh and rubbed his temple: "Fortunately, at least, he doesn't seem interested in the position of Hokage... but if he were to want it..."

He didn't finish the sentence, but the silence that followed spoke volumes.

Both Koharu and Hiruzen knew perfectly well what that would mean. If Luo Lei really wanted to be Hokage, no one in Konoha could stop him! And if that time came, Hiruzen wouldn't hesitate to fight to the death to protect what was his by right: the position of Hokage.

"ANBU is no longer worthy of him!" Hiruzen roared helplessly. "Let him form his own group of Konoha's Superheroes!"

After taking a few more puffs from his pipe, his voice became grave: "That group of superheroes will be completely independent of Konoha's politics. They will have the highest privileges. They can disobey the council's orders if they deem it necessary, and Luo Lei will be the absolute leader!"

"What?!"

"You're giving him too much power! This is madness, Hiruzen!"

Koharu and Danzo's reaction was immediate.

Koharu leaned forward, her eyes full of terror: "Once that group of Superheroes is established, it will become Luo Lei's private force! He won't answer to anyone! But he'll enjoy all the resources and benefits of Konoha! Hiruzen... this... this is condemning us to live under his shadow!"

"Hehe... do we have any other choice?"

Hiruzen let out a bitter laugh, his eyes filled with sadness as he exhaled the smoke: "Only this way can we maintain the stability of the village. It's a necessary sacrifice to guarantee balance... and also to gain the greatest possible benefits."

"Tsk... fine, damn it!" Koharu hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded.

"Yes, I suppose... there's no other choice..."

Danzo also hesitated before speaking: "Regarding Root, couldn't you...?"

Before he could finish the sentence, Hiruzen interrupted him coldly, his eyes piercing into him: "Don't think about it, Danzo. Keep your Root as it is. Nothing similar to Luo Lei's group will be allowed."

"....."

Danzo pressed his lips together, his face twisted with a bitter smile. He lowered his head, resigned. He knew there was nothing more to say. He had wanted to secure more privileges for Root, something similar to what Luo Lei was getting, but he had hit a wall.

As a politician, he understood that sometimes patience was the only option.

________

Time: If you're craving more (and I know you are!), I have just what you need. On my Patreon, you'll find exclusive chapters. Join our community and be the first to discover what happens next!

👉 [patreon.com/Athome790]

Your support fuels me. Thank you for the support! 💖