Naruto: The new beginning

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In the conference room, Jiraiya and Yagura Karatachi were engaged in an unexpectedly lively conversation.

Due to the isolationist policies of the Hidden Mist Village in the Land of Water, the village had long been shrouded in secrecy. Outsiders knew little about their customs and traditions.

Yagura shared non-sensitive details about Kirigakure's culture, which piqued Jiraiya's curiosity.

In turn, Jiraiya's extensive travels and vast knowledge of the ninja world fascinated Yagura. What had begun as a tense diplomatic exchange quickly turned into a genuine and engaging discussion.

The shift in atmosphere was so abrupt that even Sasuke, who was quietly observing, found himself struggling to process the change.

He had been prepared for tension, perhaps even hostility, but instead found himself listening to laughter and stories.

Sasuke's thoughts wandered, his attention shifting to the idea of a combat mission. He suspected Naruto had been sent on one and felt a burning desire to prove himself as well.

Facing someone like Zabuza Momochi, a swordsman of the Mist, seemed like the perfect opportunity to test his growth.

Itachi, noticing Sasuke's restlessness, placed a calming hand on his younger brother's head. The gentle gesture quelled Sasuke's eager thoughts, softening the sharpness in his gaze.

Meanwhile, Zabuza was silently relieved. Though he wasn't afraid of Sasuke, the last thing he wanted was unnecessary conflict with Konoha, especially over a misunderstanding.

He had been hoping to check on Haku after the meeting but found himself stuck listening to Yagura and Jiraiya's increasingly animated discussion.

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When Naruto and Shisui followed Minato back into the conference room, they were greeted by the sight of Jiraiya handing a signed copy of his Icha Icha series to Yagura.

The stack of books in Jiraiya's hands caught Kakashi's attention immediately. His lone eye sparkled with warmth and longing it was the collector's edition of the Icha Icha series, complete with signatures.

Kakashi had painstakingly acquired his own set, not because he couldn't buy them outright, but because keeping them safe from fire, theft, and Jiraiya himself was a constant battle.

'This world is cruel to those of us who simply want to read,' Kakashi lamented silently.

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Minato lightly knocked on the doorframe to announce his presence, drawing everyone's attention and subtly reminding Jiraiya of the formal setting.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting," Minato said politely.

"It's no problem," Yagura replied with a respectful nod. "Having the opportunity to converse with Jiraiya-sama has been enlightening."

Naruto couldn't help but wonder whether Yagura's expression of "enlightenment" was genuine or influenced by Jiraiya's eccentric storytelling.

Once everyone had taken their seats, Minato provided a concise report on Konoha's recent victory over the Hidden Sky Village's attack.

Though he withheld specific details, the speed and efficiency with which Konoha had neutralized an airborne force impressed Yagura and his delegation. They silently reassessed their perception of Konoha's military strength.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yagura brought up the primary issue that had prompted their visit:

"Although it's embarrassing to admit, I must ask. Fourth Hokage, how did you come to realize I was under genjutsu? And what do you know about the man who calls himself Madara Uchiha?"

Yagura's question made the Kirigakure ninja visibly tense. The humiliation of their Mizukage being manipulated for so long without anyone realizing it was a sore spot for the Hidden Mist.

The fact that outside help had been required to free him from the illusion only added to their shame.

Zabuza, once branded a traitor for attempting to assassinate Yagura, was now one of his most trusted allies. His actions had been reinterpreted as an effort to save the Mizukage from control.

This shift in perspective had earned him a vital role in Kirigakure's ongoing reforms.

Minato had anticipated this question and nodded solemnly. "Can you describe the individual in detail? I need to confirm if we're speaking about the same person."

"An orange swirl-patterned mask," Yagura began. "He revealed a single Sharingan in his right eye. Unlike ordinary Sharingan, its pattern was unique, and his dojutsu abilities were incredibly powerful. He also used a space-time ninjutsu that allowed him to disappear and reappear at will."

Yagura's gaze flicked to Shisui, whose reputation as a master of the Sharingan had not gone unnoticed. However, Kirigakure had ruled out both Shisui and Kakashi as suspects Shisui's presence in Konoha was accounted for, and Kakashi's Sharingan was in the left eye, unlike the masked man.

Kakashi's thoughts raced. The description of the masked man stirred uneasy suspicions. He glanced at Minato, silently pleading for confirmation.

If his suspicions were correct, it would explain much about the events that had haunted him for years, including the attack on Konoha thirteen years ago.

Minato read Kakashi's expression and sighed inwardly. He had kept the truth from Kakashi to protect him, but now was the time to reveal it.

"The man you described is the same one I fought thirteen years ago during the Nine-Tails attack," Minato said. "He claimed to be Madara Uchiha, but I'm certain he isn't. His abilities and motives don't align with the real Madara."

The room fell silent. Kakashi's heart sank as conflicting emotions overwhelmed him. If the masked man was who he suspected, then his former teammate had survived but as an enemy.

Shisui and Itachi exchanged grim looks. This revelation explained much about the Uchiha clan's strained relationship with Konoha.

To think that someone claiming to be Uchiha had orchestrated events that painted their entire clan as traitors…

Only Sasuke seemed unaffected, pondering whether the masked man was a Uchiha in hiding or someone who had stolen their eyes.

Yagura broke the silence. "Do you know anything more about his motives or whereabouts? This information is critical to us."

Minato nodded. "The man you described is connected to a group called the Akatsuki. It's an organization of rogue ninjas, many of whom are extremely dangerous. Their goal is to capture all the Tailed Beasts, though the specifics of their plan are unclear. I suspect their base is located in the Hidden Rain Village."

The mention of the Akatsuki sent a ripple of unease through the room. As the Three-Tails Jinchūriki, Yagura understood the implications.

The Hidden Mist had already lost the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata, who had gone missing. It was imperative to recover him before the Akatsuki struck.

"Thank you for sharing this," Yagura said solemnly. "In return, I promise that if we uncover any information about the Akatsuki, we will share it with Konoha."

Minato nodded, appreciating Yagura's cooperation. "We're facing a common enemy. Together, we stand a better chance of stopping them."

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