Naruto: The new beginning

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For the next several minutes, Naruto stood back, watching Shino's insects as they reproduced rapidly.

The first wave gave birth to a second, and the second to a third. It seemed endless, like a self-perpetuating cycle of silent destruction.

Naruto couldn't help but think, 'If this footage were shown to the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, would it be classified as a restricted film?'

Some of the parasites stealthily spread throughout the fortress, targeting critical but inconspicuous parts of the Sky Ninja's aircraft. Others stayed in place, multiplying further to ensure maximum impact.

Occasionally, Sky Ninja guards came by to inspect, but before they could raise an alarm, Naruto knocked them out with swift, precise strikes. His experience and speed ensured that no commotion broke out.

After ten minutes, Shino finally dispersed the remaining insects in his hand. "It's done," he said coolly. "The bugs will take care of the rest."

Shino had released tens of thousands of insects, sabotaging most of the Sky Ninja's aircraft.

However, under his deliberate control, the damage appeared minor and localized. The plan was to surprise the enemy when they attempted to take off, causing chaos mid-flight.

Naruto glanced at the subtle damage and thought, Shino's tactics are dirtier than I expected. He nodded to Shino, and they returned to the main team.

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"How did it go?" Shisui asked as they approached. He already knew from Hinata and Neji's observations that neither Naruto nor Shino was injured, but he was eager for the mission update.

"Mission accomplished," Naruto replied with a grin. "What about you?"

"We've set everything in motion. I'll explain the battle plan," Shisui said quickly. He detailed the ambush strategies already in place.

Naruto noticed that the Anbu were no longer with the group. It was clear they had moved into position for their ambush.

Makes sense. Stealth and ambush tactics are their speciality, Naruto thought.

Shisui ended his explanation with a decisive statement: "Let's begin the battle!"

---

With Shisui's signal, Asuma's and Kurenai's squads led the charge, closely followed by Uchiha Izumi and her team. As they approached the fortress, a Sky Ninja sentry spotted the approaching force and sounded the alarm. A small group of Sky Ninjas gathered to assess the situation, their numbers quickly swelling to over 30. They equipped their flight devices, injecting chakra to prepare for takeoff.

Among the Sky Ninja, a younger fighter moved to rush out, but a grizzled veteran grabbed his shoulder, holding him back.

"Are you stupid? There are dozens of them, and we're barely a handful! We don't even have air support yet," the older man barked, swatting the younger one on the head. "Wait for reinforcements!"

Grumbling, the younger ninja stepped back, but he couldn't suppress his impatience. When reinforcements finally arrived, the Sky Ninja launched themselves into the air, ready to rain down bombs and kunai. However, within moments, disaster struck.

Of the 40 who attempted liftoff, 36 plummeted unceremoniously back to the ground, their faces smashing into the dirt. Only three managed to stay airborne. The leader of the group, hovering in confusion, barked, "Drop the bombs now! While they're blocked by the smoke, we'll wait, where is everyone?"

The other two in the air pointed downward. "They didn't make it, Captain," one muttered.

The leader cursed under his breath, glaring at the soldiers stumbling below. "What happened?"

One of the grounded ninjas raised his hand sheepishly. "Our aircraft are... broken."

The leader's face darkened. "You, go back and warn the others to check their equipment. The rest of you prepare to engage the enemy on the ground!" He reluctantly abandoned his plan to engage midair, wary of Konoha's aerial combat specialists.

---

Meanwhile, Naruto, Kiba, and Hinata watched the debacle unfold from a distance. Naruto chuckled, his laughter barely contained, while Kiba burst into outright laughter. Even Hinata couldn't suppress a quiet giggle behind her hand.

"Well done, Shino!" Kiba exclaimed, clapping him on the back.

Shino adjusted his sunglasses, the lenses flashing ominously. "Kiba, if you touch me again, you'll be pulling insects off your hand for days."

Kiba froze mid-motion, his hand barely a centimetre from Shino's shoulder. The grin vanished from his face as he pulled back, muttering, "Noted."

Naruto interjected to diffuse the tension. "Alright, save it for the enemy. The next wave will be ours to handle. Everyone, regroup!"

---

On the battlefield, the Konoha ninjas were systematically dismantling the Sky Ninja's ground troops. Asuma cut through the enemy ranks with his chakra-enhanced trench knives, moving with precision and speed.

Chōji transformed into a massive human boulder and rolled through their formations, scattering soldiers like leaves in a storm.

Karin, channelling her Uzumaki heritage, struck with relentless power, each punch reminiscent of Kushina's ferocity.

Beside her, Haku moved gracefully, dispatching enemies with precise strikes from his senbon needles.

Uchiha Izumi led her team with elegance, employing Uchiha-style taijutsu that combined beauty with deadly efficiency.

Meanwhile, Yakumo Kurama, stationed at a distance, manipulated reality with her genjutsu, sowing confusion among the Sky Ninja.

Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji worked seamlessly together. With their support, Chōji barreled forward without fear, trusting his teammates to cover his flanks.

High above, the remaining airborne Sky Ninja found themselves intercepted by Shisui and the Shadow Guard.

Their leader quickly realized the futility of engaging Shisui in aerial combat and began retreating.

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Just as the Sky Ninja seemed to be regaining their footing, reinforcements poured out of the fortress nearly a hundred strong. Morale among the Sky Ninja surged, but the Konoha ninjas, far from discouraged, smiled knowingly.

Hidden in the shadows, Yamato formed a hand seal. Suddenly, dense roots erupted from the ground, entangling the Sky Ninja. His Anbu team emerged from their hiding spots, flinging shuriken and kunai with deadly precision, cutting down the disoriented enemies.

Naruto gave the signal to his companions. "Let's go!" he called out. Together, they joined the fray, determined to bring the battle to a decisive end.

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