Naruto: The new beginning

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After the last visit from the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, Kurama (the Nine-Tails) established a connection with the Three-Tails, Isobu, and had a surprisingly cordial conversation.

The details of their discussion remained a mystery to Naruto, but the result was clear: Kurama had learned a unique cloning technique exclusive to tailed beasts.

The Three-Tails, Isobu, resembled a massive spiked turtle with a thick carapace covering even its head. However, what most didn't know was the peculiar nature of its internal structure.

Inside Isobu's body was a space resembling a dark red cave lined with curved patterns. But the real surprise was the presence of two miniature versions of Isobu one as large as a jeep, the other no bigger than a washbasin. These tiny forms worked in unison to manage Isobu's power.

When Kurama learned this, he was baffled. His body was biologically similar to a real fox, yet he couldn't split into such specialized forms.

The thought of gnawing his own flesh for chakra, as some creatures might, was abhorrent to him.

Curious, Kurama coaxed Isobu into teaching him the technique for creating "miniatures." After significant effort, Kurama succeeded in creating his first clone: a tiny fox version of himself.

Thrilled, he went to show off his new creation to Naruto and Kushina. Unfortunately, his moment of triumph was dampened when both of them jokingly referred to the clone as a "female fox."

Hurt, but undeterred, Kurama cooperated with Naruto and Kushina to refine the technique. Soon, they each produced a miniature fox, one dark and one light, that joined the Uzumaki family.

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The two tiny foxes, each just big enough to perch on Naruto's shoulders, brought joy to the household.

"You're too small to be called the Nine-Tails," Naruto remarked. "So, I'll call you Little Orange and Little Red based on your fur colours. Sound good?"

Minato, ever the creative mind, interjected. "Those names are too simple! I think—"

"That's fine," Little Orange cut in, nodding approvingly.

"I agree," Little Red added.

Naruto grinned. "Settled then!"

Kurama sulked in the background, lamenting his inability to maintain the majestic image he once prided himself on. His clones, with their adorable voices and clumsy tendencies, didn't help.

The two little foxes quickly integrated into family life. Special spots were set for them at the dining table, and they even learned to hold chopsticks with their small paws.

Watching the miniature Nine-Tails imitating humans picking at food, puffing their cheeks, and chewing enthusiastically was a sight too cute for words.

When Naruto and Kushina went out, the little foxes accompanied them, perching proudly on their shoulders.

Most villagers mistook them for harmless ninja pets or summons, far removed from the terrifying image of the Nine-Tails.

Some villagers even offered them treats, which Little Orange accepted with enthusiasm.

"There are so many kind people in this village," Little Orange mused.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Is your definition of a good person based solely on free food?"

"No," Little Orange replied, smug. "Don't forget, I can sense malice. Everyone I've met is genuinely kind."

Naruto couldn't argue with that logic.

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Far to the south, in Sunagakure, Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage, was working late into the night as usual. Known for his tireless work ethic, Gaara's dedication to his village was unmatched. His relentless 007-style schedule working from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., seven days a week was both inspiring and intimidating.

While many admired him, some Sand ninjas who tried to emulate his routine ended up hospitalized after just five days. Concerned, Gaara issued a stern warning to prevent further incidents.

However, Gaara himself remained undeterred. On this particular night, as he admired the quiet of the village at 4:00 a.m., a strange bird caught his attention outside the window.

Suspicious, Gaara summoned Anbu to investigate and alerted Kankuro, Sunagakure's resident scientific genius.

Kankuro, equally sleep-deprived but ever resourceful, arrived armed with a team and his latest invention: a prototype anti-air weapon.

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Ten minutes earlier, two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds stood in the desert two kilometres from Sunagakure.

Deidara adjusted his hat. "So, your spy's been exposed, huh?"

"Yes," Sasori replied. "Yūra's under my control no longer. No point worrying about it—let's proceed with the plan."

Yūra had been compromised long ago during Naruto's mission in the Chunin Exams, leaving his fate unknown.

"It's fine," Deidara said confidently, unzipping his clay pouch. "They'll get to see my art, hmm."

Reaching into the pouch, Deidara let the mouths on his palms chew a chunk of clay. Moments later, a bird-shaped sculpture emerged, growing larger as he performed a series of hand signs.

The clay bird swelled to the size of a vehicle, capable of carrying two or three passengers.

"Brother Sasori, what do you think of my art?" Deidara asked smugly.

Sasori didn't answer, simply remarking, "Don't take too long."

Flying over Sunagakure, Deidara observed the village's defences. "They've fortified the skies how quaint. Still, it only adds to the artistic value of destroying this place, hmm."

He crafted small clay spiders, dropping them on key sentry positions.

"Art is an explosion!" Deidara yelled, detonating the spiders in a series of fiery blasts.

The explosions rocked Sunagakure as Deidara began his assault. Gaara, having anticipated trouble, immediately mobilized his defences.

Meanwhile, Kankuro's team deployed the first wave of anti-air projectiles, aiming to shoot down Deidara's clay bird before it caused further damage.

Unbeknownst to Deidara and Sasori, their actions would soon ignite a chain of events that would echo across the Five Great Nations.

A new storm was brewing.

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