Naruto: The new beginning

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The chakra cloak gradually faded as Sakura continued pouring chakra into the large reservoir of her Yin Seal.

As the cloak vanished entirely, a purple diamond-shaped mark materialized on Sakura's pale forehead her Yin Seal was finally complete!

Sakura wondered for a moment if she was dreaming. In the past three years, why hadn't she thought to punch Naruto for this kind of situation?

Naruto glanced at her forehead and asked, "Was that enough?"

Sakura shook her head. "Not quite. There's still some chakra left, but I can't form a proper chakra cloak anymore. But, Naruto... you gave me so much chakra are you okay?"

Naruto waved dismissively. "No big deal. For Kurama, that's just a drop in the bucket."

Kakashi, observing the scene, sighed as he reopened his book. "If the problem is resolved, pack your things. We leave in half an hour. Don't forget to bring the kunai Naruto gave you."

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The Land of Rain

The Land of Rain is bordered by three small nations, the Land of Grass, the Land of Birds, and the Land of Rivers and three great nations, the Land of Fire, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Wind.

In times of peace, it could have been an ideal location for development, benefiting from its central position and access to trade routes.

But in the world of shinobi, it is anything but peaceful.

Whenever a war breaks out, the Land of Rain inevitably becomes a battlefield. Whether they wish to be involved or not, the nation is always dragged into the chaos.

Even when the war ends, the Land of Rain remains the ultimate loser. The so-called "Demigod," Hanzo of the Salamander, was unable to prevent this fate.

The founders of the Akatsuki Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato were orphans of the Second Shinobi World War. Nagato's involvement was likely manipulated by Black Zetsu, though he, too, lost his parents to the war.

Growing up in such an environment left them with a deep hatred of conflict. Their original goal in forming Akatsuki was to bring about world peace.

However, after a series of tragic events, their mission shifted. Their current aim is to amass power, impose suffering, and force the world to understand the pain only then, they believe, will true peace emerge.

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The rain in the Land of Rain is ceaseless, prompting Team 7 to don white cloaks with hooded buttons before departing. Naruto lamented not preparing hidden blades to go with the look.

The atmosphere of the Land of Rain was bleak compared to the Land of Fire. Whether it was the weather or something else, it seemed devoid of life.

As they travelled, Naruto discreetly left Flying Thunder God markers in inconspicuous spots.

When the group approached Amegakure's gates, a group of men wearing bamboo hats and armed with spears stopped them.

"Stop. Are you shinobi from Konoha?" one of the guards asked.

The group halted, and Kakashi stepped forward, pulling out a scroll. "I'm Kakashi Hatake of Konoha. Lord Hokage has sent us to deliver this a joint letter from Konoha and Sunagakure."

The leader reached out. "Hand over the letter."

Kakashi retracted the scroll. "The letter is to be delivered directly to the leader of Amegakure, Hanzo of the Salamander, as per our instructions."

The guards behind the leader bristled, pointing their spears at the group. "Do you think we'd let you get close to Hanzo-sama?"

Sakura tensed, preparing for a fight, while Sasuke's hand hovered over the hilt of his blade.

Naruto, however, was perplexed. Hanzo has been dead for years. Do they not know, or are they pretending?

Remaining calm, Kakashi spoke flatly, "Raising your weapons against us means declaring war on both Konoha and Sunagakure. Are you certain about this?"

The guards hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances. Finally, the leader relented. "Understood. We'll inform the higher-ups."

After a short wait, a messenger returned. "Lord Hanzo has granted you an audience."

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Inside Amegakure

Amegakure was a village of towering, steampunk-esque structures connected by countless pipes and drainage systems. Despite the constant rain, the streets were surprisingly dry.

Naruto activated his sensory abilities, noting the presence of chakra signatures hidden throughout the mist.

Payne's Rain Tiger at Will Technique, he realized. By mixing his chakra into the rain, anyone caught in it could be detected.

Naruto stayed alert. "We're delivering the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki straight to their door," he thought grimly. "I hope Nagato isn't tempted to take me."

Amidst the chakra fog, three particularly strong signatures stood out Nagato, Konan, and an unknown presence.

Under the watchful eyes of their Ame escorts, Team 7 entered a heavily guarded hall. Guards stood every few meters, and a small compartment in the centre was manned by elite ninjas.

The paranoia that defined Hanzo's final years was evident. Only his most trusted subordinates had been allowed to approach him, and even after his death, this protocol persisted.

From within the compartment, a deep male voice called out, "Hatake Kakashi. Leave the scroll there."

Kakashi complied, placing the letter on a tray. A guard retrieved it and carried it to the compartment. The door opened slightly, revealing only a hand as the letter was taken. Moments later, a reply was passed back.

Without ever seeing the leader's face, Team 7 was escorted out.

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Afterwards

Once out of sight, Sakura frowned. "Kakashi-sensei, are we really leaving just like that?"

"Of course not," Kakashi replied. "We'll double back. Naruto, did you leave your marks?"

Naruto grinned, giving a thumbs-up in Gai's signature style. "Of course!"

"Good. Get ready."

---

Meanwhile, atop a high tower, Konan presented a scroll to Pain, who stood in the rain.

"Konoha has extended an invitation for a joint Chūnin Exam," she explained. "It's likely a cover for gathering intel. In the past, Hanzo sent several jōnin to participate."

Pain tilted his head upward, letting the rain run down his face. "Send a few groups. Let Konoha believe Hanzo is still in control. Meanwhile, gather intel on the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."

"Understood." Konan dissolved into countless paper fragments, scattering into the rain.

Pain suddenly turned, sensing movement. "A rat has slipped in. This chakra signature is Flying Thunder God. The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki..."

Emerging from the ground, Black Zetsu smirked. "Could it be they've learned something from Orochimaru? Are they here to capture him?"

Pain's eyes remained cold. "No. Konoha likely has doubts about Hanzo's absence. For now, drive them away."

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