Naruto: The new beginning

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After listening to Naruto's explanation, Kakashi didn't know what to say.

If catching cats always involved handling creatures of this calibre, how would Konoha's shinobi even survive?

"This isn't the kind of cat you can just catch…" Kakashi said helplessly, rubbing his temples. "Forget it, let's pick up someone first."

The matter of dealing with jinchūriki-level strength was no small issue. It needed to be approached with caution.

"Understood," Naruto replied, creating six shadow clones and sending them to handle the arrangements.

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Meanwhile, Naruko ended up being scolded by Sakura after poking around for clues about the Star Thief.

Naruko had been curious about whether the Chakra Scalpel could be lethal in a fight, which naturally didn't sit well with Sakura.

Eventually, the team regrouped at Sakura's place. Aside from Naruto, none of the genin fully understood the concept of a jinchūriki.

Most of them had only heard fragmented stories about tailed beasts the legendary creatures that had wreaked havoc in Konoha long ago, sealed away by the Fourth Hokage and his wife.

"Come on, come on, just let me at him," Kushina said, cracking her knuckles eagerly. She clearly preferred fighting over debating.

Kakashi sighed, knowing his Sensei's wife's temperament all too well. Whether it was her adamant use of the Adamantine Sealing Chains or unleashing the Nine-Tails, Kushina could certainly back up her words with action.

He said resignedly, "Based on Naruto's intel, the Kumo shinobi are still far off at least outside our sensory range. They likely don't even know that the 'star' has been stolen yet. Most of them will probably head to Hoshigakure to investigate first."

Naruto added, "I'll send shadow clones to keep an eye on the village and intercept them if necessary. Let's focus on finding the star first, and worry about the cat later."

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "That's the best plan. With the 'star' in our possession, they'll have no choice but to come to us, allowing us to act."

Naruto created three more shadow clones, dispatching them to scout near Hoshigakure.

Meanwhile, the team followed the scent trail picked up by Pakkun.

Near a cliff, Kushina suddenly stopped. "There are people up there. Four more are heading in the same direction," she noted.

Naruto quickly activated Sage Mode and confirmed her observation. "They're less than a kilometre away. Hinata, can you see anything?"

Hinata activated her Byakugan and gasped. "It's Akahoshi and Sumaru! But Sumaru looks unconscious he's been kidnapped!"

The group was stunned. Why would Hoshigakure's acting Hoshikage take one of their hostages? What could they be plotting?

Kakashi deliberated briefly before instructing, "Let's not act rashly. Hide and observe for now."

Akahoshi and his subordinates were seen confronting a long-haired woman in Hoshigakure attire.

From their vantage point, the Konoha team couldn't hear the conversation but could clearly see their mouths moving.

Fortunately, Sasuke activated his Sharingan. Lip-reading was a basic passive skill of the dōjutsu.

Though Kakashi could have done the same, he decided to conserve his chakra.

Sasuke translated the exchange:

Akahoshi: "Lady Natsuhi, it really is you. Hand over the 'star' immediately!"

Natsuhi: "Give it up, Akahoshi. If you continue using the star's radiation for training, the children will die!"

Akahoshi: "So what? Sacrifices must be made for the village to grow stronger!"

Natsuhi: "The Third Hoshikage exiled me to prevent this exact abuse. I swore to intervene if anyone misused the star's power. I won't let you continue."

Akahoshi: "The Third was a fool, and I killed him for it! Only I can lead Hoshigakure to surpass the Five Great Nations!"

Natsuhi: "You monster! I won't let you get away with this. Peacock Beast Jutsu—"

Akahoshi: "Hold it! Will you risk your own son's life to stop me?"

Kushina could no longer restrain herself. Infuriated by Akahoshi's cruelty, she stepped into the clearing, forcing the rest of the team to follow.

Seeing Kushina, Akahoshi smirked. "Konoha shinobi… Perfect timing. Capture her!"

Before he could finish, Kushina lunged forward, landing a solid punch that sent Akahoshi flying several meters.

His subordinates froze in shock, but they quickly rallied. One began weaving hand seals. "Peacock Art—"

Naruto and Sasuke struck from behind, knocking them out with swift precision.

Naruto caught Sumaru and glanced at the unconscious foes disdainfully. "These clowns? They thought they could hurt my mom?"

Akahoshi staggered to his feet, sneering. "You're attacking the client? Do you realize how this will damage Konoha's reputation?"

Kushina frowned. She wasn't one to act impulsively, but scum like Akahoshi didn't deserve leniency.

She thought briefly about Minato's likely disapproval but dismissed it. A little nagging is worth it, she thought.

Natsuhi stepped forward. "You don't need to worry about appearances. I'm grateful you saved my son. This is Hoshigakure's internal matter. Now, please leave the rest to me."

Naruto couldn't help but notice Natsuhi's steely resolve, reminiscent of Kushina's determination.

"It's time to end this, Akahoshi," Natsuhi declared. "You'll pay for assassinating the Third and endangering my son. Peacock Beast Jutsu!"

Natsuhi unleashed a massive chakra beast that charged at Akahoshi. He retaliated with his own Peacock Beast, but he was noticeably weaker.

After a brief clash, Natsuhi's beast overwhelmed Akahoshi, sending him hurtling backwards.

"I won't die here!" Akahoshi shouted, forming chakra wings and leaping off the cliff to escape.

Natsuhi immediately gave chase, and moments later, Akahoshi's agonized screams echoed from below.

When Natsuhi returned, Sumaru had regained consciousness. Mother and son shared a tearful reunion before expressing their gratitude to the Konoha team. Sumaru even apologized for his earlier rudeness.

"What's next for Hoshigakure?" Kushina asked.

Natsuhi gestured to the unconscious subordinates. "I'll take them back to the village, expose Akahoshi's crimes, and ensure a proper leader is chosen."

Naruto interjected, "Why not become the leader yourself? The Third trusted you enough to leave the star's protection in your hands. If you don't take charge, who will?"

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