Naruto: The new beginning

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"Oh? Have you found it?" Yagura didn't answer directly but shifted his gaze to Naruto. "So, you must be Uzumaki Naruto, known as the Second yellow Flash and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"That's me," Naruto replied bluntly. "But you haven't answered Kakashi-sensei's question yet. As Mizukage, why is a Jinchuriki here with you?"

Naruto wasn't one to hide his identity especially since it was public knowledge among high-ranking shinobi.

After Raikage's outburst at the summit, anyone with influence in the ninja world likely knew.

Expecting him to keep it a secret was laughable. If not for his secretary calming him down, the Raikage would have broadcast the information across the entire shinobi world.

Zabuza, listening to the exchange between Yagura and Naruto, felt a mix of emotions. Back in the Land of Waves, he had thought that with enough effort, he could kill the "little yellow-haired brat."

Now, looking back, he was grateful they had been defeated. If he had struck Naruto back then, there was a good chance he would have unleashed a monster far beyond his ability to handle.

The memory of that battle and his subsequent survival was a relief.

And now, seeing how far Naruto had come, Zabuza thought, It's good to be alive…

Naruto's fame had grown exponentially. As the son of the Fourth Hokage, his reputation had spread throughout the ninja world in just a year.

Rumours swirled about him, even claiming that his head was worth 20 million ryo in the underground bounty exchange.

Many dismissed the idea, thinking a thirteen-year-old couldn't possibly possess such strength.

But Zabuza knew better.

Regarding Kakashi and Naruto's inquiry, Yagura understood their concerns. A Kage visiting another village without prior notice was highly irregular.

He spoke candidly, "As for why I'm here, I wish to confirm something personally with the Fourth Hokage. I mean no harm. If you're concerned, feel free to contact your village. I'm willing to wait."

One of Yagura's subordinates, surprised by his leader's deferential tone, spoke up. "Lord Mizukage, is this really necessary—"

Yagura raised a hand to silence him. "I have my reasons. No further discussion is needed."

"Yes, sir." The subordinate retreated, cowed by the lingering fear of Yagura's once tyrannical rule.

Kakashi studied Yagura carefully before responding, "Understood. We'll contact the village. Please wait a moment."

The team moved into the woods for privacy. Once out of sight, Naruto created a shadow clone and sent it to the Hokage's office.

Though they had received some intelligence, seeing and verifying it was necessary to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Initially, Naruto had tried calling for his mother, Kushina, but she wasn't in the village. In the end, the shadow clone delivered the message.

Taking advantage of the moment, Naruto struck up a conversation with Kurama. "Hey, how's your relationship with Isobu?"

Kurama propped his chin on a paw, reminiscing. "It's... fine. His shell is too hard, though. It's annoying to hit."

Naruto sighed. "I wasn't asking about how it feels to punch him. Don't you have any way of communicating besides fighting?"

Kurama swished his tail lazily. "What else is there? Do you expect us to sit down and have tea like you and that Hyuga girl?"

Naruto's eye twitched. "Why do you always bring up Hinata? Focus, you overgrown furball."

Kurama snorted. "You're one to talk. Haven't most of your 'friendships' started with fights?"

Naruto opened his mouth to protest but hesitated. "Well... okay, maybe a few..."

Kurama chuckled. "A few? You fought Sasuke practically every day as a kid. And don't get me started on the time you—"

"Stop!" Naruto cut him off, a faint blush creeping across his face. "Let's change the subject!"

Deciding to steer the conversation in a less embarrassing direction, Naruto mused, "What if we grabbed Isobu's tail, swung him around, and used him to knock Shukaku's head?"

Kurama blinked before grinning. "You know, that might actually work. Why didn't I think of that?"

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A short while later, Naruto received the shadow clone's memories. He turned to Kakashi and said, "Dad wants us to bring them to Konoha. He's interested in talking with the Mizukage. He'll be ready in a day."

Minato's interest was understandable. He wanted to learn more about the Land of Water and its current situation.

Whether the visit was for diplomacy or something more sinister, Konoha was prepared.

Kakashi felt reassured. He approached Yagura. "Thank you for waiting. Lord Hokage looks forward to speaking with you."

"Good to hear," Yagura replied with a faint smile. This efficiency... must be the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. Konoha truly is formidable.

As they began their journey, Zabuza finally spoke up. "Is... Is Haku doing well?"

Naruto smiled. "He's doing great. He's got good teammates and recently passed the Chunin Exams. He's thriving."

Zabuza's tense expression softened with relief. "Good. That's... good."

The Mist shinobi walking behind them were stunned. Was this really the infamous Demon of the Mist, Zabuza Momochi?

Only Yagura understood the bitter irony. Haku, a rare Ice Release user had become an asset to Konoha, not Mist.

It was yet another reminder of the mistakes he had made while under manipulation.

If only I had been stronger back then…

As they continued toward Konoha, the group walked in silence, each lost in their thoughts.

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