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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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Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, submerging large areas of New Orleans, and Mississippi and Alabama were not spared.
On August 30th, the White House pledged substantial aid to the affected population, with supplies ranging from baby formula to generators already being urgently transported to the disaster areas.
After the hurricane made landfall east of New Orleans around 6:10 AM, it caused the collapse of up to 20 buildings in the outer regions.
As major television stations reported on the disaster, New York's attention shifted away from the shooting incident of the previous two days.
Many homes were submerged, and the authorities were unable to determine the exact number of casualties for a time.
The energy market quickly responded, with crude oil prices rising by $4 to $70.8, easily setting a new historical high.
Rescue efforts were ongoing, and the NBA began contacting players in New Orleans.
PJ Brown, represented by Mark Bartelstein, was still in New Orleans, and his phone was unreachable.
Everyone could only wait.
The weather in Greenwich was still good.
At Peninsula Manor, Lee was not sunbathing with the girls but was instead in his study, watching the news on his computer.
Without any surprise, natural gas prices were also rising, which would bring him hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue in the coming months.
Nacho, dressed in a black shirt and black jeans, entered the study and saw Lee still staring at the computer.
He walked over and whispered:
"We've been monitoring Amaranth's trader, Brian Hunter, and there has indeed been a large influx of cash."
Having entered the energy market earlier than Axe Capital, the investment foresight of his next-door neighbor made Lee feel as if the other party was the true transmigrator.
There were no trophies in the study, only photos of Lee with the girls, and pictures of him with his friends.
Thinking about how Bobby had been eavesdropping on "next-door" information, Lee knew that Axe Capital must have also participated in the crude oil market.
Although such business tactics were somewhat unsavory, if there was an opportunity to acquire the neighboring Amaranth and truly become one entity, Lee felt it would be acceptable.
"Perhaps in less than three months, the genius trader next door will bring us nearly a billion dollars in revenue."
"Next year, Kim and I will return to New Mexico, invest in some businesses there, and stay for a while."
Hearing Lee's words, Nacho nodded, feeling a bit apprehensive about the immense profits this time:
"Has the Securities Committee issued us a warning? Or will they directly raid our office?"
As the head of security for Axe Capital, Nacho had witnessed raids by the Securities Committee and federal prosecutors.
If they wanted to find trouble, they would most likely succeed.
Among the more than 200 hedge funds in Greenwich, almost none were truly law-abiding and honest.
With small profits turning into huge gains, and having been prepared, Lee shook his head and again stared at the computer, whispering:
"It's fine, we just have better foresight!"
Under the influence of the hurricane, Lee quickly initiated a fundraising campaign at the University of Connecticut.
James Dolan also announced that a charity event would be held at Madison Square Garden to aid families affected by the hurricane.
In addition to the charity event, the New York Knicks would donate half of their preseason revenue to raise funds for subsequent disaster relief efforts.
NBA staff arrived at the disaster site to express their condolences and deliver supplies.
Since Lee was originally scheduled to attend the NFL's opening game and memorial event on September 11th, he would have to miss the fundraising game initiated by TNT in Houston.
The New York Knicks' official training camp started very late this year.
Gasol and others had to participate in the European Championship, which meant they wouldn't get much playing time in this year's preseason.
Hill was still recovering, and ultimately, Ron Artest represented the New York Knicks in the game held in Houston this weekend.
On Thursday, September 8th, the NBA announced the roster for the charity game organized by Kenny Smith.
Famous players such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Steve Francis, and Stephon Marbury all appeared on the roster.
Player representatives from 30 teams would participate in Sunday's game.
Ticket prices at the Toyota Center that day ranged from $10 to $25, with courtside seats starting at $300.
Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Avery Johnson would also participate in the event.
For TNT, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Craig Sager would be responsible for broadcasting the game.
In addition to the charity game, the NBA planned to help the New Orleans Hornets relocate.
Recently, Vice President Russ Granik gave a definitive answer in an interview:
"Even if the Hornets' home arena can operate, our players will not be able to play in New Orleans for a long time."
"The Hornets' new training camp and preseason locations are already being planned. The good news is we've contacted the players, and thank God, they're all safe."
"The bad news is we can't determine how long the Hornets will need to relocate, which is a test for them."
The league offered several alternative plans, with Oklahoma City being the most proactive.
Fox Sports and The Oklahoman confirmed the news immediately and were the first to respond:
"Oklahoma City needs an NBA team, and we welcome the Hornets."
If all goes as expected, once the Hornets officially relocate, their name will become the Oklahoma City Hornets.
Chris Paul was somewhat unlucky.
In his first season as a professional, he would not be able to hear the cheers of New Orleans fans.
Fortunately, Oklahoma City fans were very enthusiastic, and many had already become ten-year loyal fans of Paul.
At 8:30 PM on Sunday, the 11th, half an hour before the charity game began, Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu had already appeared at the Toyota Center.
Tonight, over 5,000 evacuees received free game tickets.
Landrieu and the staff visited the affected residents, constantly offering comfort to the cameras:
"We will not succumb to tragedy. The American people have extended their hands, and everyone will soon complete the rebuilding!"
The players were also interacting with the affected people present.
Boosted by the Divisional Finals and the ESPYs, Wade became the most popular player at the venue.
LeBron James was also very popular and encouraged fans alongside Wade.
The two met at the draft and had a good relationship.
After satisfying fans' photo requests, James, wearing a training uniform, whispered:
"Why aren't superstars like Lee and Shaq here?"
Wade glanced at James, stretching and answering his question:
"Shaq is in Miami, launching a fundraiser with his brand partners. As for Lee, he should be attending the 9/11 memorial event in New York."
"Don't worry about them, we're the biggest stars tonight!"
TNT's broadcast really kept circling around the two, occasionally giving Kobe some screen time.
Even Kevin Garnett couldn't compare to them.
The past-his-prime MVP was currently chatting with his good brother, Kobe.
Ron Artest was a bit annoyed.
He felt he deserved more respect, but few people paid attention to him.
Unable to share his championship experience, Ron Artest could only bury himself in practice, occasionally greeting Jermaine O'Neal and a few others.
Charles Barkley hugged everyone he met on the court, and when interviewed, he immediately praised loudly:
"We all live in this world, and I really appreciate players using their time to do something positive!"
"Everyone can make a difference. Little by little, that's the purpose of us organizing this game."
Stephen A. Smith's show recently significantly improved Kobe's public image, and fans who love pure basketball fell in love with the champion guard.
Striving to be a high-quality idol, Kobe kept posing for photos with fans, signing autographs continuously, and finally, during an interview, he said with an admiring expression:
"I thought in my heart that tonight should be a sad scene."
"But when I interacted with each fan, I found everyone was very energetic."
"Everyone has immense energy; the hurricane won't knock us down!"
Kobe's words made the surrounding media reporters nod repeatedly.
This was the high-quality idol they expected.
Ten minutes before the game started, Iverson also suddenly visited, and a cheer quickly erupted on the scene.
Iverson, who spoke his mind in public, was also forgiven by the fans.
"The Answer" was simply pure.
Although he had constant off-court incidents, many fans still loved this rebellious little guy.
Allen Iverson would not be playing tonight, but Kevin Garnett and Kobe quickly came over, and the three embraced in greeting:
"Some people only care about making money and don't care about the fans at all. When you clear up misunderstandings in public, everyone will soon realize who truly loves basketball the most!"
Kevin Garnett, who had repeatedly "fought and retreated" in New York, didn't like Lee at all, and Sprewell's championship experience made "The Big Ticket" hate New York even more.
Kevin Garnett's words quickly resonated, and Iverson, feeling the goodwill of the fans, shook his head and said proudly:
"That's right, Bro! No one says that the player with more championships will become the greatest of all time."
"Those damn media are all licking his ass. Fans will sooner or later realize who loves basketball more!"
"They can continue to brainwash, but in the future, more fans will wake up. Who cares about those boring metrics? Basketball isn't math."
After saying this, Iverson, shaking his head, also bumped fists with Kevin Garnett.
The two became increasingly excited, wishing they could talk all night and directly start a denunciation meeting.
Kobe was a bit silent.
He couldn't interject.
After losing in the NBA Finals for many consecutive years, he was always beaten badly whenever he defended Lee.
Some disparaging words were simply unspeakable.
After a moment of silence, Kobe finally agreed with a sound:
"That's right, basketball doesn't lie, and fans will see our efforts!"
The low-voiced conversation between the MVP, scoring champion, and champion guard quickly attracted the attention of media reporters.
Kevin Garnett had to rein in his emotions.
Speaking ill behind someone's back didn't fit his tough-guy persona.
As the game was about to begin, Iverson, dressed in hip-hop attire, constantly clapped on the sidelines, occasionally greeting fans and cheering on the players on the court.
LeBron James inadvertently discovered that he and Dwyane Wade seemed to have great chemistry.
Both possessed explosive athleticism, were equally fierce on fast breaks, and their alley-oop connections also drew cheers from the fans.
Watching Dwyane Wade and LeBron James high-five in celebration, Charles Barkley on the commentary desk chuckled and boasted:
"The '96 draft class was called the 'Golden Generation.' Looking at it now, the '03 draft class is not bad either. The future belongs to the young people."
"It's a pity we can't see Dwyane Wade and LeBron James team up. They are rivals in the NBA. I'm somewhat looking forward to the Cavaliers and the Heat meeting in the playoffs!"
Kenny Smith also took over the conversation, thinking of last season's playoffs, and added jokingly:
"Dwyane Wade and LeBron James will continue to challenge Clay Lee in the coming years!"
"Compared to their competition, what I'm more looking forward to is who can defeat the New York Knicks first."
"At 28, Clay Lee is still in the prime of his career. This new season, the New York Knicks will once again aim for a four-peat, and Michael Finley's addition has bolstered the bench's firepower."
Kevin Garnett performed vigorously, occasionally pounding his chest and roaring.
His partner, Kobe, also gave his good brother face, fully committing, and constantly putting on scenes of one-on-five high-difficulty air balls.
On the Eastern Conference team's side, it was more about Dwyane Wade and LeBron James' counterattacks.
The two would occasionally connect with an alley-oop, and their exaggerated athleticism drew continuous cheers from the fans!
When Kanye West appeared at the venue in the fourth quarter, Marbury immediately handed him the microphone, and he sang a song that ignited the atmosphere.
All the players twisted wildly to the music, and ultimately, the Eastern Conference team won this charity game.
After the game, Iverson, who was once again interviewed by TNT, was particularly emotional.
After sending blessings to the disaster-stricken people of New Orleans, he raised his voice and said passionately:
"I saw a pure basketball game. No one cared about winning or losing, no one discussed statistics, everyone enjoyed the happiness that basketball brought!"
"I like this kind of basketball atmosphere. This sport unites all of us."
On Monday, September 12th, mainstream sports media all reported on this charity game and gave it high praise.
Iverson's emotional speech further inspired Philadelphia fans.
"The Answer" was no longer decadent, and the 76ers were setting sail again this new season!
Lee, who participated in last night's opening ceremony, once again spent a fortune, as per usual, sending blessings to the New York Fire Department on behalf of his personal foundation and Axe Capital.
The 9/11 Memorial Day also had the Secretary of State present.
Lee, who had been socializing all night, didn't wake up until 10 AM.
Only Krysten Ritter remained at the home on 82nd Street, but at this moment, the little follower was still curled up on Lee, sound asleep.
Pulling the octopus off him, Lee went downstairs, picked up the newspaper, and while rehydrating, looked at today's news.
He was surprised to notice that several articles in the sports section praised Iverson and Kobe's performance in last night's charity game.
Stephen A. Smith's show truly activated Iverson, and Lee felt relieved about this.
Having just digested [Tony Parker's Extraordinary Speed] recently, Lee nodded secretly as he looked at the newspaper, thinking, with resistance, the game is more interesting.
Krysten Ritter, naked, hugged Lee from behind.
Sensing his good mood, she curiously asked:
"Darling, what's making you so happy?"
"I found new fun!"
...
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