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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.

The return of Itachi

I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.

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***

On July 20, 2004, Miami welcomed “Shaq Day.”

Although many commentators were not optimistic about Shaquille O’Neal’s future, believing that the league’s top center was on the decline, his influence was undeniable, and the entire city cheered for his arrival.

To welcome Shaq’s arrival, thousands of fans gathered near the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami.

Helicopters hovered overhead.

Television stations would not miss this hot topic and naturally broadcasted it live.

“South Florida Welcomes Shaq,” remote-controlled planes also flew around, with hanging banners that were particularly eye-catching.

On the streets and lawns, a large number of fans wearing black and red T-shirts eagerly awaited, and as 9 AM approached, the scene became exceptionally noisy.

Soon, screams erupted from the crowd as a white 18-wheel super truck drove from the other end of the road.

As the vehicle slowed down, two burly bodyguards got out to maintain order in advance.

The cheers grew louder, and as the bodyguards approached the passenger door, Shaquille O’Neal, wearing a black T-shirt and white shorts, squeezed out of the car with difficulty.

To show off, the somewhat corpulent Shaquille O’Neal looked a bit comical squeezed into the somewhat narrow passenger seat.

But as a bodyguard handed him a water gun, Shaquille O’Neal shrieked and “fired” into the crowd, instantly igniting the scene.

Shaquille O’Neal, posing as a “Terminator” for the fans, also sprayed nearby sports media with water before walking towards the American Airlines Arena with the police clearing the way.

To welcome the league’s top center, the stage had already been set.

As Shaquille O’Neal ascended the stage, the host, wearing a red Heat jersey, could no longer contain himself and excitedly shouted into the microphone:

“Shaq, our Mayor, Mr. Pelleas, plans to give you a gift!”

Miami Mayor Alex Pelleas, dressed in a light gray suit, took a velvet black box from a staff member and said to Shaquille O’Neal into the microphone:

“In Miami, we usually give a key to outstanding individuals, but we believe you should have a special, giant key!”

“We believe your arrival will bring a huge impact to the Miami community, and we believe you will bring an NBA championship to Miami!”

“Shaq, Miami officially welcomes you now!”

The giant plastic key was exquisite.

Shaquille O’Neal’s smile was exceptionally bright as he accepted this special gift, waving the key to greet the fans, and applause and cheers erupted again.

Emotional, Shaquille O’Neal took the microphone and shouted:

“Hello Miami! I said, Hello—Miami!”

“Hello Shaq!”

The fans’ shouts in response rose and fell.

Shaquille O’Neal was clearly very satisfied with this welcome ceremony and boasted again:

“Thank you for welcoming me, I will remember this wonderful moment!”

“Yes, I will bring a championship to Miami, I promise you!”

Taking advantage of the enthusiastic atmosphere, City Hall staff brought up a framed certificate and seized the opportunity to announce loudly:

“On behalf of the Miami City Hall, I declare today to be Superman, Diesel Power’s Shaq Day!”

Shaquille O’Neal grinned from ear to ear, and soon another staff member presented gifts: one purple and one red, two traditional Cuban T-shirts.

Changing clothes on the spot, the happy Shaquille O’Neal began to strut like a model, striking poses for photos, which further amplified the cheers at the scene.

Having received the respect he desired, Shaquille O’Neal also expressed his desire to integrate into the city, shouting in somewhat halting Spanish:

“Thank you everyone!”

There were many local Latinos, and hearing Shaquille O’Neal’s words, their screams grew even louder.

After a round of boasting, everyone on stage turned around, and the live host led thousands of fans in a countdown chant:

“10, 9, 8,…1!”

As cheers erupted again, a giant poster of Shaquille O’Neal appeared on the front wall of the American Airlines Arena:

“Shaq in Black!”

The “Shaq Show” concluded perfectly.

After the grand welcome ceremony, Shaquille O’Neal still had to go to the American Airlines Arena to complete the press conference.

Looking at his massive poster, Shaquille O’Neal’s face was full of smugness.

As a superstar, besides making money, he also had to show off!

American sports media did not expect the Heat to hold such a welcome ceremony for Shaquille O’Neal.

During the Finals, although Shaquille O’Neal was very efficient, his Defense was visibly poor.

In recent days, besides news about Shaquille O’Neal, the remaining news was about Clay Lee’s surprise appearance at an outdoor basketball court in Singapore.

The Pepsi event was surprisingly fun, with no script.

Lee, disguised with makeup, blended into the court, eventually drawing onlookers and completely igniting the atmosphere.

ESPN released a photo of Lee with thousands of fans, and this news made some New York fans feel a bit sour:

“Why doesn’t Lee show off his skills at Rucker Park!”

“It’s simple, New York is not a safe city!”

“Is Los Angeles safe? Why do you only play in your own garages?”

“Because we prefer to spend time with our families!”

Fans from New York and Los Angeles started a regional war, and another online battle ensued.

This was not the first time that fans from both sides had been at odds.

Madison Square Garden is a basketball mecca, and New York fans are very proud of it.

The city has an extremely strong basketball atmosphere.

Los Angeles fans don’t like New York.

As a traditional powerhouse, the championship banners hanging above their Staples Center also give their fans a strong sense of superiority.

Neither side saw eye-to-eye with the other, and ever since more and more fans started surfing the internet, the two sides frequently argued.

Being East Coast and West Coast, regional insults were a common occurrence.

Lee’s Asia trip was usually hosted by local basketball association officials, which differed from Europe and America, with more official events.

Pepsi had originally planned a show in China but ultimately did not get approval, only managing to do it in Singapore.

The half Asian ancestry brought more sense of identity.

In short, the event was very successful, a very good attempt.

Cultural differences made American sports media not quite understand some official events, but with tens of thousands of fans participating in each city, many commentators recognized Lee’s influence.

Of course, what was most talked about was Nike founder Phil Knight’s recent public statement to the media:

“Michael Jordan is the cornerstone of Nike’s success, and Clay Lee has expanded our influence.”

“Nike will offer Clay Lee a lifetime contract, which will make our relationship even closer!”

Although Phil Knight planned to step down as CEO this year, his influence on the board of directors is unquestionable.

Money is the best form of respect.

On a TNT show, when discussing this matter, Charles Barkley spoke sourly, always believing he was born in the wrong era.

Individual news, national team news—by the end of July, as the United States Men’s National Basketball Team’s warm-up games approached, onlookers also began discussing the Olympics.

Kobe, who became the Lakers’ leader, did not receive the anticipated attention.

Most commentators were not optimistic about them.

Although the Lakers were very human-hearted, offering Vlade Divac a contract, for fans who only cared about winning, this signing was a failure.

On July 22, the Celtics traded Atkins, Jumaine Jones, and Chris Mihm to the Lakers:

In exchange for Rick Fox, Gary Payton, and a 2006 first-round draft pick.

Two veterans were cleared out, and Kobe’s old teammates were one fewer.

Kobe, who was diligently practicing, was not satisfied with this trade, but he still had to travel to Denver recently to continue resolving his trespassing issue, so he wasn’t in the mood to complain further to the Lakers.

On the evening of July 22, Lee, who had just returned to Manhattan, attended a charity All-Star game that night.

Compared to the somewhat aloof Michael Jordan, Clay Lee’s Asia trip was more down-to-earth.

Michael Jordan went to Taipei to meet fans at the end of May, staying for only 23 hours in total.

He signed an autograph and met with fans for two minutes, and at the press conference, reporters were limited to asking only four questions.

It was the same when he went to Hong Kong.

The local media used the term “whirlwind visit,” clearly expressing some dissatisfaction with Michael Jordan.

Lee didn’t have these worries because he didn’t go there at all, which was also to save face for Michael Jordan.

Otherwise, the two would definitely be compared.

Madison Square Garden is not only the home of the New York Knicks but also the home of the Rangers.

Tonight’s event was to raise funds for impoverished communities in the downtown area, and most of those present were New York local artists and sports stars.

Before the event started at 7 PM, a large number of sports media surrounded Lee.

Lee, who had been busy for more than half a month, had to smile again, and a New York Times reporter asked about the Heat’s new season:

“Lee, after Shaq joined the Heat, will this affect the landscape of the Eastern Conference?”

Not only the Heat, but as Rookie players gradually entered their peak, the Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons visibly strengthened.

Kenyon Martin was traded, and the Nets, an old opponent, seemed to have weakened considerably, but as long as Kidd was there, they still had a good chance of securing a playoff spot.

Lee wasn’t aware that Miami had held a grand welcoming ceremony for Shaquille O’Neal, but hearing the implication of the question, he immediately replied confidently:

“It won’t be affected too much. Think about our age structure. In terms of game experience, the team has a huge advantage.”

“We know how to win championships and how to play the game correctly.”

“The Heat still need to solve their rotation issues. Oh, and perhaps they also need to consider injury situations. Next season, the New York Knicks will continue to win the championship!”

At a press conference two days ago, local Miami sports media also asked about Shaquille O’Neal’s physical condition.

Shaquille O’Neal’s weight had reached 345 pounds, and a big fat man weighing over 300 pounds declared in front of the media that he would not lose weight, stating self-righteously:

“My body is in its best condition at 345 pounds. I must have enough muscle and fat on me because I need to battle in the paint!”

“No one can force me to eat salad, cucumbers, and chicken breast all day. Don’t ask me to lose weight, or I will definitely take them out!”

The New York Knicks’ attendance rate has been very good in recent years, which is related to their roster depth.

Therefore, when Lee talked about health and injury issues, everyone showed convinced expressions.

Although many commentators were saying that the new generation would outlast the New York Knicks, considering Lee’s age, no one believed this statement.

Due to the mid-level exception already being used, it was difficult for the New York Knicks to make further reinforcements.

However, some sports media still asked about the new season’s roster.

“Derek is excellent. We’ve played against him many times in the Finals. He has the ability to be a starting point guard on any team!”

“His arrival will help the bench. I don’t think any team can rival the New York Knicks’ rotation.”

Lee praised Derek Fisher, who had just joined the team.

Fisher sent him a text message right after the Finals, expressing his willingness to play off the bench.

Everyone could see that Lee was very satisfied with this trade, and after thinking about it, they also felt that Derek Fisher’s strength was indeed good, as he had been the starting point guard for the Lakers for many years.

Before the event started, Ken Griffin also brought his wife Anne Dias forward to greet Clay Lee.

Lee pulled Kim and Melinda forward to welcome them, and the two sides chatted and laughed, looking very close.

Reporters from the Chicago Tribune did not disturb them, only grumbled to their colleagues beside them:

“Last year’s Forbes 400, Lee and Griffin’s net worth estimates both exceeded $650 million.”

“No wonder New York tickets are so expensive. There aren’t many opportunities to watch billionaires play on the court!”

Every year, Forbes magazine publishes a list of the 400 wealthiest Americans, and Clay Lee appeared on the list after its release last September.

It was this list that made Lee turn down most interviews and talk shows.

There are many people who resent the rich, and Lee had no interest in discussing personal wealth on a show.

Perhaps this remark resonated with everyone, and most sports reporters felt a bit sour.

A few people from the Los Angeles Times suddenly whispered:

“I’ve said it before, Lee is not a pure basketball player at all. He lacks love for the sport!”

“But Ckay Lee has won 6 championships; he is the greatest of all time!”

“Damn it, one championship is enough! Fans care about the process of pursuing victory!”

“No wonder you guys keep losing. New York fans are used to attending championship parades in June. We don’t care about the process. We just like victory parties.”

This kind of trash talk had happened many times before: Willis Reed defeated Wilt Chamberlain, Walter Frazier defeated Delonte West.

The victories of these past few years felt like a return to the 1970s, with the East Coast once again defeating the West Coast.

On Friday, the 23rd, the New York Media were reporting on the charity event held last night at Madison Square Garden, which raised over $2 million for impoverished communities in the downtown area.

This money will be used to improve the educational environment for teenagers.

Lee personally donated $500,000 and earned the title of “Great Philanthropist.”

Before the weekend, the Cavaliers made another trade:

They sent out Kedrick Brown and Kevin Ollie to acquire Erik Snow from the 76ers.

This trade was clearly in line with Head Coach Van Gundy’s tactical philosophy: the Cavaliers were going to become a defensive powerhouse!

Most commentators gave positive reviews for this trade, as Erik Snow had proven himself with the 76ers.

At 31 years old, the point guard had Eastern Conference Finals experience, and Erik Snow would most likely be able to help the team.

Some people did not like this trade.

As Head Coach Van Gundy’s trusted confidant, Charlie Ward only felt wronged.

His starting point guard position was most likely gone again.

However, when interviewed by local Cleveland sports media, Charlie Ward expressed himself very magnanimously:

“I’m willing to take on any role on the team. With the Cavaliers, we play for each other, and our relationship is like family!”

Van Gundy was busy strengthening the team’s roster and naturally had no time to comfort his gay buddy Charlie Ward, whose physical condition was declining.

Fans also didn’t have much reaction after reading the reports.

During the tanking period, Charlie Ward was just a ball-handling guard, and such a role naturally wasn’t worth the fans’ attention.

Not receiving the expected comfort, Charlie Ward, who threw himself into the training gym, was extremely depressed.

He really wanted to shout at the coaching staff:

“I contributed to the Cavaliers’ tanking!”

Before the weekend arrived, many sports media began reporting on the United States Men’s National Basketball Team again.

Due to some differences between international basketball and NBA rules, in less than a month, the coaching staff did not emphasize these issues too much but instead let the players get to know each other.

When asked by reporters about the rules, Larry Brown put on airs again:

“I’m not interested in educating players about rules in such a short time!”

“Instead of learning rules, it’s better to consider how to activate the players’ physical condition. Increasing shooting practice is much more useful than introducing rules.”

Since Larry Brown had repeatedly emphasized that he would use experienced veterans more, Hill and Duncan naturally received more attention.

In training camp, Grant Hill was very popular.

Allen Iverson always wore a bitter expression, and Marbury was still worried about his contract.

These two 1996 draft stars failed to take on leadership roles, so Hill naturally gained speaking power within the team.

When interviewed, hearing Larry Brown’s plan to stick with the starters, Hill just chuckled softly, then confidently said:

“We fully obey the coaching staff’s instructions. Through these few days of training, the young players have also gradually gained the Head Coach’s trust.”

“If I need to take on more tasks in key games, I am willing to accept such a challenge!”

Besides Hill and Duncan, Dwyane Wade has been the most talked about recently.

Shaquille O’Neal emphasized multiple times during interviews at the press conference:

“The Heat are Dwyane Wade’s team. I’m just his brother, and I’ll help him become a superstar like Clay Lee!”

“Dwyane Wade is a better player than Kobe, and perhaps we’ll win more than one championship together.”

Dwyane Wade, who was a junior on the United States Men’s National Basketball Team, was also a bit excited when he saw the news.

His popularity had recently surpassed LeBron James.

The Cavaliers were considered to have a promising future, but the Heat clearly aimed to capitalize on Shaquille O’Neal’s prime and win a championship within three years.

Dwyane Wade might not get many opportunities in the Olympics.

Most sports media, when interviewing this Rookie, would primarily ask about his new partner:

“Dwyane Wade, Shaq believes the Heat will win at least 50 games next season and then make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. What are your thoughts on this?”

Suddenly becoming the center of attention, Dwyane Wade was still a bit reserved, but he was very pleased with Shaquille O’Neal’s attitude, so he humbly said:

“It’s hard for me to make predictions. I’ve been extremely happy these past few days. Shaq is the best big man in the league, and I think he’s right.”

“I want to go further in the playoffs. Shaq has rich Finals experience, and he can help the team!”

Dwyane Wade, wearing a white practice jersey, still looked very green, and when answering questions, he didn’t boast confidently like a veteran.

On the other side, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony both looked a bit envious seeing Dwyane Wade surrounded.

The league’s top center meant the Heat might even make it to the Conference Finals next season!

Larry Brown didn’t like this atmosphere, but tomorrow was saturday and the players needed rest.

This team was harder to manage than he thought.

Allen Iverson deeply felt what it meant to be an “over-the-hill star.”

Although his reputation improved by joining the national team when many stars declined the call, sports media still had no interest in interviewing him.

The reason was simple: the 76ers were struggling, having lost to Clay Lee for many consecutive years.

No one believed Allen Iverson could make a comeback.

While Rookie players had promising futures, Allen Iverson, entering his prime, was instead plagued by injuries and starting to decline.

In this situation, besides routine interviews, no one paid attention to him anymore.

The Yahoo Sports reporter didn’t get a good position and couldn’t interview Dwyane Wade immediately.

After looking around, he finally approached Allen Iverson.

Seeing that a reporter finally remembered him, Allen Iverson quickly smiled and put on a superstar demeanor, but he immediately broke down when he heard the question:

“Allen! How would you evaluate the strength of this United States Men’s National Basketball Team?”

“Next season, facing the Knicks led by Clay Lee, can the 76ers secure a victory?”

“…”

Upon hearing the question, Allen Iverson turned and walked away, glaring angrily at the half-bald white reporter.

Dwyane Wade was a fan of Allen Iverson.

Seeing his idol leave in a huff and hearing the questions he disliked, he also felt a bit annoyed:

“Dwyane, Shaq thinks you can become the next Clay Lee. In the coming years, can you fulfill your potential?”

“I won’t be the next Clay Lee. I just want to be myself. You know, I like the Chicago Bulls, and among active players, I prefer Allen Iverson!”

“Victory isn’t my only pursuit. Just like Allen Iverson, I enjoy the process of chasing victory, which is also why I chose jersey number 3.”

As Lee’s “fake fan,” Dwyane Wade had long stopped pretending.

He no longer maintained the persona he had before the draft and began to “trust the process.”

Many sports reporters nodded in satisfaction after hearing this answer.

Once the weekend passed, they would become loudspeakers, ready to relay the message to Lee.

Everyone was looking forward to the matchup between the Knicks and the Heat next season.

Sunday, July 25th, a rare weekend, but it had been raining for two consecutive days.

Peninsula Manor had too many trees, and with no neighbors nearby and the butler’s house near the gate being far away, the environment became exceptionally quiet.

This summer suddenly became somewhat humid, which ruined Lee’s sunbathing plans upon returning home.

Having not sunbathed during the day, and after several days of intense activity at night, it was almost noon, and everyone on the large bed was still sound asleep.

This huge bedroom had been renovated, maintaining its original style while adding many pieces of furniture.

The custom-made large bed had passed the test, with no abnormal noises after a night of activity, earning unanimous praise.

After 11 o’clock, Lee was woken up by the stuffiness.

Scarlett, who was snuggled in his arms, confirmed his words.

The soft, fair skin had indeed grown a size larger.

Melinda, who had been with Lee for half a month, was still asleep, completely buried in Kim’s chest. Neither of them reacted to Lee’s movements.

Krysten Ritter, who was cuddling Scarlett, had her long legs wrapped around Lee’s waist, and she was also woken up when Lee got up.

The little follower was still a bit groggy, having drunk too much last night and still having a headache.

Subconsciously, she caressed the smooth skin in her hand, which immediately woke Scarlett up as well.

Scarlett, who also propped herself up, quickly snuggled back into Lee’s arms, unconsciously murmuring in a husky voice:

“It’s still early, Clay, sleep a little more!”

Soon, the girl let out a soft cry, and after her softness was grasped, she was caught in a double-team.

As laughter erupted, amidst the low cries of the few people, Lee began his morning exercise again.

In the afternoon, Kim’s face was still a bit flushed after lunch.

Melinda in the study was only wearing a very thin nightgown and was currently reviewing contracts for Lee.

Kim, wearing a blue shirt, saw Lee flipping through recent Axe Capital emails.

After adjusting her emotions, she quietly introduced:

“Our neighbor, Amaranth, has shifted its investment focus to the natural gas market.”

“Brian Henke is currently the star trader at this company. He has made a lot of profit in energy trading.”

“However, they have attracted the attention of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Their earnings seem problematic.”

Lee, in a sage-like state, watched the light rain outside the window.

Hearing Kim’s introduction, he shook his head helplessly.

There were too many smart people.

The timing of their entry into energy futures was just right, giving Lee the illusion that they were also transmigrators.

“It’s okay, we started preparing for energy trading a long time ago. The market is huge, there’s no need to get nervous just because a competitor catches up.”

As soon as Lee finished speaking, Melinda looked up and softly reminded:

“Could it be that they got information from within Axe Capital? Expanding staff, perhaps Bobby was negligent.”

Amaranth has recently expanded alongside Axe Capital.

Both sides have grown from small hedge funds to now controlling assets exceeding $8 billion.

However, their investment strategies are not the same.

Axe Capital is a well-known “short seller” in the industry, while the good neighbor has more inside information.

Thinking of their recent overlapping investment directions, Lee just smiled.

Regarding Melinda’s suspicion, he shrugged his shoulders, returned to Kim’s side, and whispered:

“The timing of exit is also very important. Perhaps in the future, we will have the opportunity to acquire Amaranth, who knows.”

“Bobby snatched the San Diego County Employees’ Retirement Association’s pension fund, so it’s no wonder the other party has an opinion about losing such a client.”

“However, we need to prepare for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s accusations in advance, Kim, remember to help us monitor the commission’s news.”

Under the high profits, facing these minor accusations, the three exchanged smiles.

Everything was ready, just waiting for God’s help.

If Hurricane Katrina arrives as scheduled, Lee will make a huge profit.

Making money is for enjoying a better life.

Big houses, yachts, and so on all require money.

Listening to Kim and Melinda discuss the possible accusations, Lee embraced the girl who had accompanied him for many years.

Although he had donated a lot of money recently, he still felt he needed to increase his efforts:

“Just consider it praying for the future!”

…..

By the way, don’t forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me 🙂

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep