Naruto: The new beginning

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Temari left with a heavy heart. The possibility of a spy being responsible for the defence of Sunagakure weighed on her. If she couldn't uncover the truth, she knew she wouldn't sleep soundly.

The next day, when Naruto arrived at the Kazekage's office, he noticed something unusual.

Temari's tired expression showed she hadn't slept, and now she sported dark circles under her eyes.

Gaara, as always, had his characteristic dark rings beneath his eyes, but now Temari and Maki had their own new set, the result of their sleepless night.

"Thank you for the information," Maki said, despite his exhaustion. He knew that without Naruto's tip, their situation could have escalated into a greater disaster.

After an overnight investigation, they discovered that Yura, a trusted village shinobi, had been manipulated through a subtle genjutsu.

Chiyo, with her extensive knowledge, confirmed the technique bore the signature of Sasori of the Red Sand.

The revelation left Maki drenched in cold sweat. Sasori, an S-rank rogue ninja, was infamous for his ability to devastate entire nations.

If Sunagakure's defence secrets had fallen into his hands, the consequences would have been catastrophic.

Thankfully, discovering this early not only prevented a potential disaster but also gave Sunagakure a chance to use Yura as a double agent.

"You're welcome, ally," Naruto said with a grin, satisfied that he had managed to frustrate the Akatsuki's plans.

Gaara handed a scroll to Temari. "I've written the response. Temari, you will accompany Naruto to Konoha to discuss the upcoming Chūnin Exams. I'm counting on you, sister."

Temari felt a rush of happiness but quickly masked it to maintain the image of the dignified elder sibling of the Kazekage. She resisted the urge to ruffle Gaara's hair.

However, Naruto couldn't help but find Gaara's phrasing amusing. "It sounds like you're entrusting us with an important package," he muttered, before thinking, Shikamaru, if you want a wife, just say so already...

Kakashi, ever calm, acknowledged Gaara's instructions and bid him farewell.

"Wait," Gaara said. He removed his Kazekage hat, placed it on the desk, and retrieved a large box. "Naruto, this is a personal gift from me."

Naruto immediately understood. He patted his chest and said with confidence, "Don't worry, whether it's the gift or... other matters, I'll handle everything perfectly."

Gaara nodded, personally escorting the group out of the village gates.

---

On the journey, Naruto noticed Temari yawning repeatedly. "Are you okay? We can rest for a bit if you need to."

"I'm fine," Temari replied, brushing it off. "This is nothing. Don't underestimate the stamina of a Sunagakure kunoichi, ha."

"You're not convincing at all," Naruto teased. "By the way, where's Kankurō? I haven't seen him."

Temari let out a sigh. "He's holed up at home, tinkering with his puppets. If he doesn't have a mission, he doesn't leave his workshop."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Has he always been like this?"

"No, it started after he came back from exploring those ruins recently," Temari admitted.

Naruto's curiosity was piqued. "So, what's he building now?"

"Some kind of steel puppet. He says it's indestructible, but seriously, if it were that easy, our puppets would have been upgraded ages ago."

Naruto chuckled. "You don't get it. Tech geniuses like Kankurō are capable of anything. Who knows? Maybe one day he'll build a giant robot or even a full Gundam."

Temari laughed her earlier fatigue lifting. The group continued their journey, chatting about lighthearted topics.

---

That evening, they camped in the desert. Naruto pulled out a scroll and summoned an impressive array of supplies tents, cooking utensils, ingredients, and even dry firewood.

Temari watched in awe as the team worked in unison. Sasuke gathered firewood, Sakura set up the tents, and Naruto prepared the cooking tools. Kakashi, meanwhile, skillfully cut vegetables and meat for a stew.

When dinner was served, the trio exclaimed in unison, "It's delicious!" Their synchronized actions and expressions left Temari speechless.

"Kakashi-sensei, this is amazing!" Temari praised after taking a sip of the soup.

Kakashi smiled. "I learned this recipe from a veteran genin during my early missions. It's simple but perfect for the field."

Temari couldn't help but compare Konoha's methods to Sunagakure's. Back home, field missions meant dry rations and military pills. Here, it felt more like camping with friends.

After her second bowl, Temari thought to herself, Forget being a ninja. This is living.

---

After three days of travel, the group reached a small town in the Land of Rivers. By this time, Temari had fully integrated into their routine. She even looked forward to Kakashi's nightly soup-making sessions.

However, as they entered the town, two figures in white cloaks blocked their path.

"Please stop," one of them said. "Judging by your forehead protectors, you must be Konoha shinobi. May I ask your names?"

Naruto grinned mischievously. "Kakarot."

Sasuke, ever stoic, added, "Vegeta."

Sakura chimed in, "Bulma."

Kakashi sighed, playing along. "Sakata Gintoki."

Temari stood frozen, utterly confused by their antics.

Before she could protest, Naruto introduced her. "This is Videl from Sunagakure."

The cloaked men seemed puzzled by the names but decided not to question it further. One of them removed his hood. "We're looking for information about the disciple of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya."

Naruto instantly recognized them. With a groan, he muttered to himself, 'Dad, do you want to get involved or not?'

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