Naruto: The new beginning

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Shizuka stood confidently in a sleek black ninja battle suit, her long hair tied back into a ponytail. Her stance radiated determination and skill.

Kimimaro, dressed in a loose robe reminiscent of Neji's style, had his long grey hair tied simply behind him.

One hand rested behind his back while the other extended outward, his robe fluttering lightly as he prepared for battle.

Despite being part of the more eccentric "Gourd Squad" for years, Kimimaro's demeanour and technique remained composed and disciplined.

The two nodded in acknowledgement, signalling the start of their sparring match.

"Nadeko Style: Rumbling Gale Fist!"

Shizuka launched the first attack, her four fingers forming a knife-hand strike. Chakra visibly radiated from her hand as she aimed at Kimimaro with precision.

Her speed wasn't overwhelming, and Kimimaro easily evaded the strike. However, when her attack missed, the ground beneath her cracked, forming a shallow, two-meter-long pit.

Watching from the sidelines, Naruto muttered, "That kind of power... probably doesn't match Sakura's 'ordinary punch,' but it's still impressive."

"Nadeko Style: Bangbo Roundhouse Kick!"

Shizuka leapt into the air, executing a split-leg spinning kick. Yet again, Kimimaro dodged with ease, leaving her attack to crash into the ground and form another crater.

Naruto tilted his head in thought. "This technique... It feels like a low-budget version of the Strange Strength Jutsu mixed with Granny Tsunade's Heavenly Foot of Pain."

Realizing that Kimimaro's agility made him difficult to land a blow on, Shizuka switched tactics, abandoning predictable moves in favour of a more calculated approach.

"Nadeko Style: Vacuum Barrage!"

The name sounded impressive, but the technique itself was a simple barrage of kunai thrown in rapid succession.

Kimimaro, unimpressed, weaved through the incoming kunai in a zigzag pattern, effortlessly dodging most and deflecting a few. Within moments, he closed the distance to Shizuka and launched a punch.

Caught off guard by his speed, Shizuka hastily raised her arms to block. The impact of his strike forced her back several steps. She gritted her teeth and exclaimed, "What incredible strength!"

Refusing to concede, Shizuka lunged forward, wielding a kunai. However, Kimimaro caught her wrist mid-strike, halting her attack.

Shizuka attempted to counter by driving her knee toward his abdomen, but Kimimaro smoothly released her wrist, sidestepped the blow, and swept her leg, causing her to fall to the ground.

Before she could react, Kimimaro aimed a fist directly at her face. Shizuka instinctively shut her eyes, bracing for the hit. Yet the expected pain never came.

Opening her eyes, she saw Kimimaro's fist frozen inches from her nose. His calm gaze and faint smile greeted her as he retracted his hand and extended it to help her up.

Still processing what had happened, Shizuka softly muttered, "I lost..." while taking his hand.

"You're strong," Kimimaro said sincerely as he helped her to her feet. His respect for opponents who fought with their all was evident in his tone.

Shizuka, sensing his genuine admiration, felt a mix of frustration and admiration. She turned her head slightly and let out a quiet hum, unsure of how to respond.

Naruto, who had been watching with others, clapped a hand on Kimimaro's shoulder and grinned. "I know a good place where you two can talk. Go for it."

Kimimaro, recalling Naruto's earlier suggestion to help Shizuka overcome her inner struggles, nodded. He turned to her and asked softly, "Want to chat?"

Shizuka looked at him and, despite her initial reservations, nodded. He was powerful, gentle, and honourable someone worth trusting.

As Kimimaro led Shizuka away, Jiraiya and Naruto watched with approval.

"Young people need space," Jiraiya remarked with a grin as he steered Sayaka toward a tour of Konoha.

Naruto chuckled to himself and prepared to head home but was greeted by an unusual sight: three familiar figures, Gen, Daiki, and Jiro, lying on the ground with large red lumps on their heads.

"Kaa-san? What happened here?" Naruto asked, confused.

Kushina stood nearby, arms crossed, looking both amused and exasperated. "These brats came looking for Kimimaro to spar, but when they found out he was busy, they started pestering me. So, I gave them some practice of my own."

Naruto sighed. "Right... So, how did it go on my end? Well, that sister seemed to warm up to Kimimaro."

"Good work," Kushina said with a sly smile. "Now, what kind of reward do you want?"

Naruto scratched his head awkwardly. "Maybe I'll just avoid the spotlight for now."

"Don't be shy! You did a great job!" Kushina laughed before adding, "Oh, and don't forget to invite Hinata to the fireworks festival tonight."

Naruto, flustered, stammered, "W-wait, you mean like a date?"

Kushina knocked him on the head lightly. "Not what you're thinking, idiot! There's a festival tonight, so take her out and have fun."

Blushing, Naruto muttered, "Fine, fine..." and turned to deal with the trio of troublemakers still sprawled on the ground.

He hoisted them effortlessly onto his shoulders, remarking, "Guess I'll take you to train with Gai-sensei. This'll teach you not to mess with my mother."

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