Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki

"Kazuyama, where are you going?"

"Not heading back to the fight?"

Underground, Kinrin was racing north. The golden python's scales were nearly indestructible, letting her tunnel at incredible speed.

"I'm not going back. Tsunade and the others can handle the rest."

"We're heading straight to the Land of Earth. This guy's worth forty-five million."

Kazuyama had considered handing him over to Orochimaru, but with the war just beginning, Orochimaru likely didn't have the time to study him. It was simpler to just cash in.

As he left the battlefield, the Five-Tails landed, triggering another massive tremor.

But without Kazuyama there to interfere, the Five-Tails managed to land steadily on all fours.

"Damn bastard, making me fly around up there for so long!"

"I'll tear him apart and swallow him whole!"

Kokuō, fuming with rage, stomped furiously.

At the same time, the ground shook again. A massive red hand burst through the dirt, caked in mud.

"Hm? Han, where's that Konoha ghost?"

"I'm going to rip him to pieces."

One beast fell from the sky, the other rose from the earth—finally crossing paths on the battlefield.

But no matter how hard they searched, there was no sign of Kazuyama.

"Damn, are those the reinforcements?"

"They've all been wiped out."

"Forget it, let's head to the main battlefield."

As they released their Tailed Beast forms, Han and Rōshi looked grim, but still rushed toward the center of the fight.

...

In the forests of the Land of Hot Water, Orochimaru stood on a tree branch, staring into the distance.

"Everyone, split into small teams and intercept the enemy."

"If you run into Mist's elite units or the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, pull back and wait for reinforcements."

As shadows streaked past, Orochimaru also moved out.

But he didn't rush. He had his own plans—he needed to secure the battlefield, but also make sure his escape was covered.

He darted through the forest like a ghost, moving alone. He didn't need teammates. He was power itself.

Suddenly, the sound of intense battle rang out ahead.

He slipped closer without a sound and saw a group of Konoha shinobi locked in combat with a small team of Mist ninja.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes but didn't intervene right away. This wasn't just any team—it was Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu.

He was watching them because of Ebisu's connection to Kazuyama. Ebisu and his mother had long lived with Kazuyama's family. Orochimaru had even met them during a visit.

Their opponents weren't particularly strong—just average Chūnin level.

He studied the three. Guy fought like a raging bull, his punches heavy and direct—brutal but effective.

Ebisu and Genma were more composed, using a mix of ninja tools and ninjutsu to suppress the enemy. The three worked well together.

"Hehehe, no surprise—they were trained by Kazuyama."

"They're still young, but they've seen real combat."

"Too bad—I can't let them go any deeper. These little seedlings need to be protected."

"Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands..."

The sudden strike of a giant snake instantly ended the skirmish.

The Mist ninja were swallowed up in an instant.

The three were startled, but quickly turned toward the source.

Orochimaru stood on a branch, looking down at them.

"You three, fall back. Stay out of the thick of the next fight."

"Your safety comes first."

Leaving those words, Orochimaru vanished into the trees.

Guy, Genma, and Ebisu exchanged looks.

"We're being protected?"

"Yeah, by Lord Orochimaru himself. That's just insane."

This was Orochimaru, after all—the man who could chill you to the bone with a glance.

Unlike the intense fighting in the Land of Grass, the conflict in the Land of Hot Water was more of a tactical chess match, with small squads clashing throughout the region.

Might Guy clenched his fists, eyes burning with determination. "Lord Orochimaru may be powerful, but we can't keep hiding behind him. We've got to grow stronger too!"

Shiranui Genma scratched his head. "That's true, but Lord Orochimaru's power is on another level. If he says to fall back, there's probably a good reason."

Ebisu added thoughtfully, "Maybe he sensed a more dangerous enemy ahead. Still, we can find chances to train ourselves even while staying in the rear."

Just then, they heard a commotion in the distance.

The three exchanged glances and quietly moved to investigate. Another team of Konoha shinobi had clashed with Kirigakure forces.

Guy's blood surged. "No matter what, we're all Konoha shinobi. We can't just stand by."

With perfect coordination, the trio launched a surprise attack from the side.

Fights like this were common across the battlefield in the Land of Hot Water...

Meanwhile, in Takigakure—a village once known for its peace—an attack was underway.

"Damn it! Who are you?"

"Why are you targeting Takigakure?"

Yahiko, Konan, and Akaashi stood with a group of Takigakure shinobi, facing down a single man.

Their expressions were grim. They recognized him immediately—he was the one who had hunted them down and kidnapped Nagato.

They never expected he would follow them all the way here. Damn him.

"Konan, Akaashi, we have to avenge Nagato!"

Facing the one who had torn their brother from them, Yahiko's eyes blazed with fury.

At that moment, Muren Uchiha arrived, having traveled from the Land of Water using his Dōjutsu.

His eerie Mangekyō Sharingan rotated slowly as he stared at the trio, a faint smirk on his lips.

They were his targets. Capturing even one would be enough.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

A massive fireball roared to life, even larger than before.

Boom!

Everyone scattered, dodging quickly. Yahiko formed hand seals in a blur.

"Water Release: Raging Torrent!"

Water met fire in a violent clash, sending a massive cloud of steam into the sky, obscuring the surroundings.

Just as Yahiko finished his jutsu, Muren activated his Dōjutsu. In an instant, he was in front of him, a large hand clamping around his neck.

"Damn it—this technique again!"

"Yahiko! Paper Shuriken!"

Dozens of white paper shuriken flew at Muren.

At the same time, Akaashi used Body Flicker to appear beside them.

"Eat this!"

But Muren showed no concern under the double assault from Konan and Akaashi.

His Dōjutsu allowed him to stretch the distance between himself and anything within his sight.

The shuriken couldn't touch him. Neither could Akaashi's fists.

"Damn it, what is this freakish ability?!"

"Let go of me!"

Yahiko struggled, his body suddenly enveloped in a surge of water.

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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