Naruto: The new beginning

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"Lord Hokage, all the enemies inside the barrier have been neutralized or captured." Shisui threw a bound man onto the ground and continued, "This man is their team leader. The rest have been handed over to Ibiki for interrogation."

"You've done well." Minato, acknowledged Shisui's report, momentarily breaking from his thoughts. He then turned to Inoichi. "Inoichi."

"Understood." Inoichi stepped forward, ensuring the prisoner was restrained and subdued. He placed his hand on the man's forehead, activating his clan's mind-reading technique to extract information.

At that moment, Naruto entered the room. "Lord Hokage, all the wounded have been sent to the hospital. The civilians trapped during the attack have been guided to safety by my shadow clones. The available guards and ninjas without active missions are aiding with the cleanup."

Naruto's formal tone was unusual, as he rarely addressed Minato with such deference. But at this moment, he wasn't just Minato's son he was a Konoha special Jōnin, fulfilling his duty.

"Excellent work." Minato praised him, clearly impressed by Naruto's efficiency in managing the crisis. Inwardly, he admired how his son, alone, could coordinate efforts to protect hundreds of lives.

"Inoichi and Ibiki will need some time to extract intelligence. As a precaution, I've already summoned Team 8. Naruto, I want you to lead them in tracking the Sora-nin remnants. Shisui and the Shadow Guards will support you. Once you locate their base, you will have full authority to act."

Kushina was currently maintaining the village's protective barrier.

The chakra required to sustain such a large-scale defensive technique was immense, but with Kushina's strength as a jinchūriki, she could handle it single-handedly.

"Understood." Naruto and Shisui responded in unison before leaving.

Outside, Team 8 Hinata Hyūga, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka, and Akamaru waited alongside four of the Hokage's Shadow Guards. Kiba, brimming with energy, called out, "Let's go, Naruto! We're ready!"

The remnants of the Sora-nin were still within Naruto's sensory range, though they were moving fast and nearing the edge of his perception.

Naruto activated the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, gesturing for everyone to gather. "Put your hands on me."

Though it was a tight squeeze for nine people and a dog, Naruto's expression remained calm. As soon as everyone secured a hold, including Akamaru who perched on his feet, Naruto transported them to a forest just outside Konoha.

Without needing orders, the group leapt into the trees, scanning their surroundings. In the distance, they spotted a group of airborne figures flying in formation, shifting between a V-shape and other patterns like migrating geese.

"They're moving fast. If we chase on foot, we'll lose them soon," Naruto muttered, considering the situation.

Shisui spoke up, "Our mission is to locate their base, not engage prematurely. We'll maintain a safe distance to avoid detection."

Naruto nodded. "Kiba, Akamaru, track their scent. Shino, can your bugs handle this?"

Kiba grinned confidently. "Leave it to us!"

Akamaru barked in agreement, tail wagging.

Shino, ever composed, replied, "I've already prepared. My bugs are ready to assist."

As they pursued the Sora-nin, Naruto couldn't help but think the scene felt oddly reminiscent of a song, but he shook off the thought, focusing instead on the mission.

The Sora-nin occasionally doubled back, likely to check for pursuers, but Team 8's skill allowed them to remain undetected.

The journey was gruelling, and Naruto noticed Hayate coughing intermittently. Concerned, he asked, "Brother Hayate, are you okay?"

Hayate gave a reassuring glance before replying, "It's nothing just an old injury. I can handle it."

Naruto frowned but chose not to press further. Instead, he made a mental note to minimize injuries in his missions, leaving dangerous tasks to his shadow clones whenever possible.

After hours of pursuit, Naruto sensed a large gathering ahead. "We're close three to four kilometres out. Hundreds of chakra signatures. It must be their base."

"Prepare for battle," Shisui ordered. The Shadow Guards retrieved their mechanical wings from storage scrolls, readying themselves for an assault.

They stopped about a kilometre away, concealing their presence. From their vantage point, they could see a massive mechanical fortress looming in the distance.

"Hinata," Naruto whispered.

Hinata activated her Byakugan, veins bulging around her eyes. She scanned the fortress carefully, her gaze sharp and focused. After a moment, she gasped softly, covering her mouth.

"What is it?" Naruto asked, concern evident in his tone. "What did you see?"

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