Naruto: The ANBU God

Land of Grass.

Konoha's Front Line Camp.

In the largest tent, situated at the heart of the camp, the atmosphere was tense.

"I can't believe it," Jiraiya murmured in amazement. The commander-in-chief of Konoha's forces held a document in his hands, his eyes scanning over and over the lines detailing the events of the battle of Kikyoyama.

"Orochimaru, you've really found a gem. This battle has shaken the entire world!"

There was no doubt that Luo Lei's feats were extraordinary.

Even Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, found himself astounded by the report. His face reflected various emotions: surprise, admiration, and, though he was reluctant to admit it, a touch of envy.

What bothered him most was the feeling of having been surpassed. Jiraiya had bet everything on Minato, confident that his pupil would outshine Luo Lei by a wide margin.

Now, that expectation was crumbling before his eyes, leaving him with a sense of bewilderment and, yes, a somewhat bruised ego.

"What kind of Kekkei Genkai is this? Laser beams from the eyes? Sounds crazy..." Still holding the report, he murmured in amazement.

His eyes shone with curiosity, but soon his expression darkened as he considered the side effects mentioned in the report.

"The old man seems to have given in again," Jiraiya frowned. "Even if Luo Lei recklessly kills Konoha ninjas, they're willing to cover it up and blame Sunagakure. I can't understand it..."

His expression turned more serious. "If you make a mistake, you must face the consequences. What Luo Lei did was clearly rebellious and reckless."

Suddenly, a yellow flash illuminated the tent, accompanied by a faint sound of shifting air.

Minato appeared, his face radiant with enthusiasm.

"Jiraiya-sensei!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride. "I just eliminated an elite squad from Iwagakure. Nine Jōnin and ten Chūnin, all neutralized."

"Good," said Jiraiya, not caring much. He took the scroll Minato offered him and placed it on the table.

Minato was disconcerted by the cold reception, frowning.

His confusion was palpable. He had eliminated an elite squad from Iwagakure, a feat that would normally have been met with praise and celebration. However, Jiraiya's lack of reaction was baffling.

Sensing his student's perplexity, Jiraiya tried to soften the situation. "Minato," he said encouragingly, "you need to keep pushing yourself. Keep up the good work."

With these words, he handed Minato the document he had been reading moments before.

Minato took the paper, his face a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

'What is Jiraiya-sensei trying to tell me?' he wondered.

But as soon as he read it, "How is this possible?!"

The buzz of disbelief filled his head as he reread the details over and over. Each word seemed incredible, believing nothing.

Over a hundred Jōnin, six hundred and twenty-eight Chūnin, one thousand and thirty-five Genin... and the legendary Chiyo and Ebizō. All fallen to Luo Lei.

The scale of the massacre was incomprehensible.

He wondered if this could really be the same Luo Lei he knew. As a genius recognized in his own right, Minato had always harbored a certain pride and arrogance about his own abilities.

Since becoming Jiraiya's apprentice, he had grown exponentially, mastering advanced techniques like Sage Mode and the Flying Thunder God Technique. He had come to believe that Luo Lei was no longer at his level.

Even when he heard about Luo Lei eliminating an elite squad from Sunagakure, he didn't give it much importance. After all, he himself could have achieved something similar without much effort.

But this... this was something completely different. The scale and brutality of the massacre defied all logic.

How had Luo Lei achieved it? Even with the Flying Thunder God Technique, such a feat seemed almost impossible. And defeating veterans of Chiyo and Ebizō's caliber... This was more complicated.

"Jiraiya-sensei, this can't be true!"

Minato with his eyes, wide open from the shock. "Did Luo Lei really... do all this?"

Jiraiya nodded with a bitter smile. "It's real, Minato,"

"It all happened while you were on a mission. And if we count the Konoha ninjas who fell... the number would be even higher."

Minato was stunned, his mind struggling to assimilate this new information.

Jiraiya continued, his tone becoming more somber. "It seems Luo Lei has awakened some kind of unknown Kekkei Genkai. It has amplified his abilities exponentially, but... it comes with a price. When he uses it, he suffers side effects that make him... relentless."

The Sannin paused, his eyes studying his student's reaction. "The higher-ups in Konoha have decided to cover this up. They've issued a gag order to all ninjas who participated in the battle of Kikyoyama."

"I understand..." Minato murmured, lowering his head. The weight of this revelation seemed to overwhelm him.

Seeing his student's internal struggle, he decided to press. "Are you going to let yourself be surpassed?" he asked challengingly. "Luo Lei's actions have disrupted all of Konoha's plans. It's both a pressure and a motivation for you, Minato."

At these words, something seemed to ignite in Minato.

He looked up, his eyes now burning with determination. "Jiraiya-sensei, I promise you I'll give it my all," he declared, his voice firm and resolute.

He had made a decision: he too would shine. Whatever happened, he would measure himself against Luo Lei. The rivalry, once friendly, had now transformed into something more intense.

____

Kikyoyama, newly conquered battlefield.

The air was charged with euphoria. Konoha's front-line camp, established on the slopes of Kikyoyama, buzzed with activity. Flags with the Leaf symbol waved proudly.

At the heart of the camp, a large tent stood majestically.

Long tables occupied the center of the tent, loaded with a variety of dishes and drinks. The aroma of roasted meat and wine mixed with the incense burning in the corners.

At one end of the tent, seated, Luo Lei and Orochimaru shared a smaller, private table. In front of them, a selection of the finest delicacies and the finest sake, a feast fit for heroes.

"Luo Lei-kun," he whispered, while eating, "The old man has given in again." He took a sip of wine, savoring both the drink and the moment.

"Now all of Konoha proclaims you their hero. They're elevating you, Luo Lei, but only so the fall will be more painful."

Luo Lei laughed at this. "Of course," he responded with disdain. "The higher-ups in Konoha want to turn me into everyone's idol, just so they can bring me down later."

Pouring himself more wine. "Doesn't it scare you?" Orochimaru asked, curiosity shining in his eyes. "Your current power surpasses even us, the Sannin. When they knock you off that pedestal, will you be able to bear it?"

Luo Lei shrugged. "Why couldn't I?" he responded, his tone defiant.

He laughed at this idea. He wouldn't be like Homelander, trapped by his own image. As long as he didn't carry the weight of being an idol, no one could threaten him.

As for the supposed side effects of his Kekkei Genkai, Luo Lei kept silent, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. Let them think what they wanted; he wouldn't bother to explain.

From the beginning, his goal had been clear: to be the Homelander of Konoha, with no need for "side effects" to justify his actions. It was his choice, his path, and no one could divert him from it.

________

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