Naruto: The new beginning

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As the group travelled through the scenic landscapes and towns of the Land of Fire, Kakashi took on the role of an impromptu tour guide, sharing tidbits of trivia and cultural knowledge.

However, his skills as a guide were a far cry from those of a professional like Temari. Meanwhile, the visiting Kirigakure ninjas, despite being escorted, managed to avoid spending a single ryo along the way.

When the Kirigakure delegation finally entered Konoha, their arrival caused little commotion among the villagers.

With Kakashi and the others leading the group, the villagers offered only curious glances before returning to their daily routines.

Some even seemed on the verge of greeting Naruto warmly, his growing reputation from the previous year's Chunin Exams making him a familiar figure in the village.

"Do the commoners in Konoha lack respect for their shinobi?" Yagura, the Mizukage, asked with thinly veiled surprise. The casual and friendly demeanour of the villagers toward ninjas was starkly different from what he was accustomed to.

Kakashi responded without hesitation, his voice calm and confident. "Ninjas and civilians are all part of the same village. Why should they feel awe when we are their comrades?"

It was a textbook-perfect answer, highlighting the camaraderie between Konoha's shinobi and its civilians. Naruto, however, silently scoffed. Outsiders just don't get it.

The idea of Konoha's shinobi being revered seemed laughable when one considered the village's unique characters.

From the spandex-clad Rock Lee and his equally eccentric teacher, Might Guy, to Kakashi himself, reading questionable novels in public without care how could anyone take them too seriously?

Then there was the Hokage, who, despite his formidable reputation, often stood in line at Ichiraku Ramen with the most transparent of disguises. And let's not forget the fiery Kushina Uzumaki, who haggled over vegetables at the market with a temper that could scare even the toughest shinobi.

This is what makes Konoha special, Naruto thought with a small grin. 'But awe-inspiring? Not a chance.'

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The Meeting Begins

The formal meeting wasn't held in the Hokage's office but in a specially prepared conference room.

"The Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato," Minato introduced himself briefly, his voice calm yet commanding.

"The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi," Yagura responded, his tone equally measured.

The two leaders exchanged polite nods before taking their seats at opposite sides of the long table.

Yagura was accompanied by seven others, including Zabuza Momochi and several senior Kirigakure shinobi, while Minato was joined by Jiraiya, Shikaku Nara, and Kakashi.

Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Shisui stood behind them as silent sentinels.

From Sasuke's sharp gaze, it was clear he was fully aware of another Uchiha's presence.

Somewhere nearby, undoubtedly, Itachi Uchiha was observing, his mask blending seamlessly with the shadows.

Minato made an effort to appear warm and respectful, remembering Naruto's warning that Yagura disliked being treated like a child.

For his part, Yagura couldn't help but appreciate the Hokage's cordial demeanour.

He was also privately relieved that Terumi Mei hadn't accompanied him her flirtatious nature might have led her to propose an alliance far more personal than political.

As the formalities began, Minato cut straight to the point. "Mizukage-sama, to what do we owe the honour of your personal visit?"

Yagura opened his mouth to respond when—

Boom! Boom!

A series of explosions shook the village, the sound reverberating even within the reinforced walls of the conference room.

Both delegations stood immediately, tension rising as their gazes locked warily.

An Anbu operative rushed in, his voice steady despite the chaos. "Lord Hokage, we are under attack. Unknown enemies have approached from the air, dropping ninja tools and explosives. There are currently nearly a hundred attackers, and we cannot confirm if reinforcements are coming. Most have been stopped by the barrier, but over a dozen have breached the defences."

Suspicion filled the air as the Konoha shinobi turned their attention to the Kirigakure delegation. Uchiha's eyes flickered to life, Sharingan spinning as they scanned the room.

The timing was too convenient Yagura and his party arrived, and moments later, an assault began.

Sensing the hostility, Yagura's group instinctively formed a defensive stance. Despite their indignation, even they had to admit the circumstances looked damning.

Minato raised a hand, his expression calm but firm. "Stand down," he ordered, his voice cutting through the tension.

Turning to Shisui, he gave his next command. "Gather the Shadow Guard and neutralize the intruders within the barrier."

"Understood," Shisui replied before disappearing through the window.

"Naruto," Minato continued, "deploy your shadow clones to assist with evacuation and rescue. Take Sakura to the hospital to aid the injured."

"On it!" Naruto responded, grabbing Sakura and racing toward the hospital.

Minato then turned back to Yagura, bowing slightly. "Mizukage-sama, I must apologize for this interruption. Please remain here for your safety while we address the situation."

Yagura nodded, his voice steady. "I will comply, but let me be clear Kirigakure has no connection to this attack. However, I understand your suspicion and will remain here as a gesture of goodwill."

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The Battlefield

From the rooftop of the hospital, Naruto created hundreds of shadow clones, sending them to locate and assist the injured. His sharp eyes scanned the village, now protected by a massive blue barrier.

Explosions rippled harmlessly against its surface, a testament to the intricate seals Kushina had helped design.

The attackers, identified as remnants of the defunct Sky Ninja Village, were relentless. Their aerial advantage allowed them to evade ground forces, but Minato's swift coordination of Konoha's defence left little room for them to cause further destruction.

Naruto clenched his fists. "Let's show them what Konoha can do." With that, he leapt into action, determined to protect his village.

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