Naruto: The new beginning

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The first group of Sky Ninja reinforcements was dealt with swiftly by the combined efforts of Asuma's and Kurenai's squads, as well as Uchiha Izumi and the Konoha Police Force.

The second wave of reinforcements was intercepted by Yamato leading the Anbu, who executed a well-planned ambush.

Once the first wave was neutralized, the remaining Konoha forces joined to handle the second wave.

Meanwhile, Shisui's Shadow Guard focused on taking down the few undamaged aircraft that remained operational.

Naruto was assigned to lead Team Gai, Kimimaro, Kiba, Hinata, and Shino into the fortress to destroy its energy core.

Neji and Hinata had previously observed with their Byakugan that a massive chakra aggregate was located within the fortress the dark chakra drained from the captured refugees was being funnelled into this core.

Destroying it would render the fortress incapable of flight. Naruto suspected that the core was likely tied to the Zero-Tails, though its chakra paled in comparison to that of a true Tailed Beast.

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By the time Naruto's team entered the fortress, most of the Sky Ninja forces had been lured outside, leaving behind only a few dozen guards.

When the remaining defenders spotted the Konoha intruders, they quickly surrounded them.

Naruto and his group, however, were unfazed.

"Konoha Whirlwind!" shouted five of them in unison, unleashing spinning kicks. Even Kimimaro, though silent, executed the same move with precision.

His distinct clothing and serious demeanour, however, immediately marked him as the leader in the eyes of the Sky Ninja, and they focused their attacks on him.

Akamaru transformed into Kiba's twin, and together they launched their signature attack.

"Fang Over Fang!"

The two white tornadoes barreled into the enemy ranks, scattering Sky Ninja-like leaves in a storm.

Meanwhile, Neji and Hinata activated their Byakugan, their coordinated strikes leaving no room for error.

"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"

Each strike landed on a different enemy, incapacitating them in seconds.

Naruto refrained from using large-scale jutsu due to the close-quarters melee. Instead, he targeted individual enemies with his Rasengan every few seconds, efficiently taking them down one by one.

Suddenly, Neji's voice rang out: "Something's wrong! Someone's chakra just surged dramatically right near the core!"

Hinata, delivering a final blow to an opponent, added, "Yes, it felt like an ordinary person before."

Naruto frowned, realizing what this meant. "It's Shinnō. He's transformed. We need to finish these guys off and move on!"

The team responded with renewed vigour, pushing the Sky Ninja to their limits.

"My youthful disciples, show them the power of your youth!" Gai shouted, inspiring his team.

"Yes, Sensei!" Lee yelled enthusiastically.

"Fang Over Fang!"

"Gentle Fist: Air Palm!"

In just a few minutes, the remaining Sky Ninjas were subdued.

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Dividing the Team

As Shinnō began moving toward them, Naruto turned to his team. "Neji, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, Tenten you all go outside to help the others. There aren't many enemies left in here. We'll handle what's left, including Shinnō. Neji, you're in charge."

Neji nodded without hesitation, understanding the situation. Kiba, however, frowned. "Why isn't i the captain?!" he demanded.

Naruto stared at him for a moment, letting the silence hang before replying, "Because you're the only one questioning my decision."

"Huh?" Kiba blinked, confused.

Naruto didn't explain further. He gestured toward Gai. "Let's go, Sensei."

Gai gave a thumbs-up and followed Naruto, leaving Kiba standing there in frustration.

Shino adjusted his sunglasses and calmly addressed Kiba. "Naruto is a Special Jonin and the captain of this mission. His orders aren't up for debate. If we delay, our comrades outside could suffer casualties. Let's move."

Kiba sighed, recognizing the truth in Shino's words. He glanced at Hinata and Akamaru, who gave him encouraging looks, before muttering, "Fine, I get it." He quickly followed the others as they left the fortress.

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Confronting Shinnō

Naruto and his team pressed forward until they finally reached their target—Shinnō.

The man who once appeared as a kind, frail healer had transformed dramatically. His youthful appearance, long black hair, and bulging muscles were a stark contrast to his previous form. His upper body was bare, radiating arrogance and power.

Naruto stared in disbelief. 'Is this guy a Saiyan? How do medical ninjas just turn into bodybuilders overnight?'

Shinnō smirked, his voice dripping with confidence. "Impressed? With the power of the Zero-Tails and my perfected physical activation technique, I've achieved the ultimate body!"

Gai narrowed his eyes, his expression serious. "You… I know you! You helped us once, outside the village."

Shinnō laughed. "Yes, that's right. Your data was instrumental in perfecting this body! Thanks to you, I've also mastered the Eight Gates Formation."

"What?!" Gai's face darkened. "How dare you use the power of the Eight Gates for something like this!"

Before Gai could react further, Shinnō vanished in a blur of speed, reappearing to deliver a powerful punch. Gai barely managed to block it, but the force sent him skidding backwards, leaving deep gouges in the ground.

"Sensei!" Lee shouted in alarm. Kimimaro, along with the others, immediately took defensive stances, recognizing the overwhelming power of their opponent.

Shinnō sneered. "With this ultimate body and the Anker Bandian fortress under my control, ruling the world is only a matter of time!"

Gai stood, brushing dust from his arms, his expression resolute. "I don't care about your ambitions. If you're threatening my village, you're my enemy. And I will stop you!"

Naruto stepped forward, his hands forming a seal. "You're not doing this alone, Sensei. Let's take him down together!"

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