Naruto: The new beginning

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The situation couldn't be "handled" directly, as it was not during a time of war. In this case, since taking a life was unavoidable, the opinions of the client, the leadership of Hoshigakure (the Village Hidden in the Stars), had to be considered.

Natsuhi, who had already exposed Akahoshi's crimes, successfully became the new leader of Hoshigakure. Her prestige far exceeded Akahoshi's, as her leadership style was rational and thoughtful, unlike Akahoshi's oppressive and reckless methods.

Understanding the consequences of provoking Kumogakure (the Village Hidden in the Clouds), one of the Five Great Shinobi Nations, Natsuhi made a calculated decision.

She released the four captured Kumogakure shinobi to avoid further conflict, even though Akahoshi's actions had nearly sparked war by targeting their families.

Before their release, Natsuhi summoned Hoshigakure's key members in front of the four prisoners and declared, "The Third Hoshikage banned the use of the meteorite ('star') long ago, recognizing its harmful effects on the body. However, Akahoshi maliciously restarted the practice."

"Today, I will destroy the meteorite once and for all. Additionally, I will renounce the title of Hoshikage. This village will focus on rebuilding itself from the ground up until we are truly worthy of being called a Hidden Village!"

With chakra swirling in her hands, Natsuhi crushed the meteorite into powder and tossed it into the air in front of the Kumogakure shinobi. "This is what you came for. Take it and leave!"

"You little-!" Karui, known for her fiery temper, struggled against her bindings, ready to lash out despite being restrained.

Naruto quickly asked Hinata to block the prisoners' chakra points with her Gentle Fist technique, ensuring they wouldn't retaliate once freed.

Hinata, understanding Naruto's subtle intent to let her vent her frustrations over past grievances, executed the technique without hesitation.

As for the prisoners' eventual escape, Naruto reasoned it was up to the Raikage and the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki to handle.

With the sea as their only route back to Kumogakure, they wouldn't have to worry about interference from other rogue organizations.

With the crisis resolved, Hoshigakure began its path to recovery under Natsuhi's leadership.

The village sent a group of injured children to Konoha for medical treatment, accompanied by Naruto and his team.

On the journey, the children marvelled at the world outside their village. Their excitement mirrored Kiba's joy when walking Akamaru for a stroll.

However, their awe quickly turned to amazement when they noticed Konoha's shinobi of similar age reading or practising chakra control even while travelling.

The dedication of these ninja from the Five Great Nations was a stark contrast to Hoshigakure's reliance on shortcuts like the meteorite's power.

Inspired, the children resolved to train using their abilities after recovering. Yet, much of their motivation stemmed from witnessing Naruto's strength firsthand.

Observing him train, even after completing his mission, spurred them to follow his example.

The mission was deemed a success. Although the original client had perished, Hoshigakure expressed gratitude to Konoha for their intervention.

Witnessing the battle between the Two-Tails and Naruto's team from afar left no doubt in the villagers' minds that without Konoha's help, they couldn't have survived.

After returning to Konoha, Team 7 took a few days off. Naruto began training in Sage Mode under Fukasaku's guidance at Mount Myōboku.

Seated atop a massive stone pillar, he attempted to empty his mind, as instructed.

The gentle sounds of nature calmed him, and for a brief moment, he forgot his surroundings and identity.

"It seems three lazy frogs are still waiting for me to bring their food!"

Startled, Naruto lost his balance and plummeted headfirst. Fukasaku caught him mid-air with his tongue, placing him back on the ground as the slate he'd been sitting on shattered below.

"Take a break, Naruto. You've improved a lot recently," Fukasaku said.

Naruto nodded, wandering off into the giant jungle to find a leaf large enough to serve as a bed. As he lay on the swaying leaf, he reflected on his progress.

Despite a happy life with friends, family, and even a special someone, his training in Sage Mode frustrated him. His inability to quiet his thoughts made the process slower than expected.

In the sealed space of Naruto's mind, Kurama watched him sleep, his brow furrowed even in rest.

With a sigh, the Nine-Tails gathered a small amount of chakra on the tip of his tail, offering it silently.

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Meanwhile, Sakura, looking utterly exhausted, joined Naruto and the team.

"Why so down, Sakura? Weren't we all on break?" Naruto asked curiously.

Scratching her pink hair in frustration, Sakura groaned. "You may have had a vacation, but I was stuck helping at the hospital the entire time!"

Naruto remembered the influx of patients from Hoshigakure and guessed Tsunade had assigned Sakura extra duties. "Shishō must want you to gain more experience," he offered in consolation.

Sakura sighed deeply. "That's what I thought at first. Tsunade-sama gave me a one-hour crash course, then dumped every patient on me, claiming she had urgent village matters to attend to."

"But last night, Shizune-san and I found her at an izakaya with Jiraiya-sama, both completely drunk! Jiraiya-sama had also ditched his responsibilities to 'discuss important matters' with her."

Naruto could only laugh awkwardly. "Ah... well, that does sound like them."

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