Naruto: The new beginning

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In the last chapter, we mention that the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and Orochimaru reached a preliminary agreement.

They want to strike against Konoha, but there is some disagreement on how to do it and to what extent.

Orochimaru wants to kill the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and deliver a message to his former teacher.

Rasa disagrees, as killing a Kage is too extreme.

He only wants to weaken Konoha, not provoke a full-blown conflict. There is no need to go that far.

Orochimaru agrees on the surface but insists that his deep-seated hatred requires a more severe blow against Konoha.

Rasa concedes that it makes sense. In negotiations, when one party steps back, the other should also compromise.

As a gesture of sincerity, Rasa offers to use the village's most powerful weapon, the One-Tail Shukaku.

Orochimaru appears satisfied but secretly makes other plans. Thus, a superficial alliance forms, and the two further discuss the so-called "Crush Konoha Plan."

At this time, news of Jiraiya's return to the village hasn't yet spread.

However, Orochimaru understands that, given Konoha's current strength, relying only on himself and the alliance with the Sand Village won't be enough to achieve his goal.

He needs additional resources, but there is no need to inform Rasa about this.

****

"It's alright to tell you," Minato says at dinner, responding to Naruto's question. "Jiraiya-sensei went to find Tsunade-senpai, which is why you haven't seen him lately."

"Tsunade?"

"Yes. Even though we suspect that the Sand Village might be planning something big, they haven't made any overt moves yet. All we can do is take precautions. If Tsunade-senpai returns, even if war breaks out, our losses will be minimal."

Naruto thinks to himself, "Of course. She's the legendary healer who could heal the entire village single-handedly, and she's the one who can rally all of Konoha."

"But what if she can't be found?"

"Whether or not Jiraiya-sensei succeeds, he will return before the exams start. I won't allow the enemy to make any moves in Konoha, so you should focus on the exam. Until your generation is ready, we elders will handle these threats." Minato smiles warmly.

Naruto nods and continues eating, feeling that the food tastes even better. "Orochimaru, let's see if you can survive this."

"By the way, after Orochimaru's betrayal, did he go directly to the Land of Sound to establish the Sound Village?" Naruto suddenly remembers that in the original story.

Orochimaru betrays Konoha because he is obsessed with immortality, and that's when he begins experimenting on himself.

But since Itachi hasn't defected yet, maybe Orochimaru didn't leave the Akatsuki, and he could have even invited Pain to join forces! I'm not prepared for this level of threat!

Fortunately, Minato's words reassure him: "No, according to Jiraiya-sensei's investigation, Orochimaru did join the Akatsuki to avoid Konoha's pursuit, but he deflected for unknown reasons and was subsequently hunted by members of the Akatsuki."

"Is that so? One more thing, Dad—when you fought Obito, didn't you leave the Flying Thunder God mark on him?" Naruto asks, thinking that the mark is still there.

They could gather a team of strong allies like Kushina, Kakashi, Guy, Shisui, Fugaku, Itachi, Jiraiya, and more, and attack them all at once.

That way, they wouldn't have to worry about these constant threats.

"I did, but it wasn't effective after that," Minato admits, a little embarrassed. "But the mark was lost during the battle."

"Can someone erase the Flying Thunder God mark?" Naruto is surprised. Isn't it supposed to be permanent?

"It wasn't erased. My Rasengan was too powerful, and it obliterated everything below Obito's chest, causing the mark to disappear. We still aren't sure how he survived, but someone must have rescued him."

"...Okay, so even if Obito survived, he's not exactly in one piece. Is he even human anymore?"

"Does pervy sage know the full details about the Akatsuki organization?"

Minato doesn't correct Naruto's nickname for Jiraiya and replies, "I told Jiraiya-sensei everything I knew, including that this information came from your dreams."

"He wouldn't do something reckless, like storming into Amegakure alone, would he?" Naruto asks, worried that Jiraiya might feel it is his responsibility to correct the mistakes made by his former students.

Even with his strength and intelligence, what would happen to Konan and her 600 billion paper bombs?

"Don't worry. I've convinced Jiraiya-sensei not to take any immediate action. He won't do anything without discussing it with me first."

"Alright." Naruto processes the large amount of information he receives today and considers what steps to take next.

In any case, strength is the foundation of everything. If there's any doubt, becoming stronger is the priority. Once this exam is over, Naruto decides that he should also start training as a sage.

****

In the following days, Naruto's shadow clones begin practising ninjutsu related to the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, such as the time-space barrier that Minato uses to deflect a Tailed Beast Bomb.

Meanwhile, Naruto himself continues his physical training, sparring with Hinata, Sasuke, and the ever-energetic Kiba.

One difference is that Naruto no longer needs Kushina to make excuses to walk Hinata home. The two are now holding hands freely.

One day, a little girl suddenly runs out from the Hyuga Clan's gate, pouting and glaring at Naruto before pulling Hinata back inside.

"Sister, I've been waiting for you for so long! You haven't spent time with me for almost a month!"

Hinata hugs the little girl and apologizes, "This is my sister, Hanabi. She's been very attached to me since she was little. Maybe it's because I haven't had much time for her lately, so... so..."

Hanabi struggles slightly but then hugs Hinata tightly as well, thinking happily, "It's been so long since my sister held me like this." She turns back to Naruto, almost as if to show off...

Unfortunately, Naruto doesn't notice whether she rolls her eyes or not. He thinks this little girl is cute.

Even if he had seen it, he wouldn't have minded.

After all, if he marries Hinata in the future, he'd have to deal with the whole clan.

Who knows, maybe the fox spirit inside him makes him immune to their stares.

"It's alright, Hinata." Naruto knows about Hanabi. Hanabi seems to be attached to her sister, and Naruto wouldn't get upset over such a small thing.

Hinata says seriously, "Naruto-Kun, please do your best in tomorrow's exam. I'll be doing my best too!"

"Okay." Naruto gives Hinata the same warm smile as Minato. "Let's both do our best."

****

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