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

Hiruzen looked at the smiling Sakumo and, for a moment, couldn't discern the man's true attitude.

Sakumo had always been a loyal supporter. He was highly skilled and served as the Anbu Commander, earning the fearsome reputation of the White Fang of Konoha during the Second Shinobi World War. His achievements were countless. Yet why would someone so successful choose to retire after just one intelligence mission?

"Lord Hokage, do you know…" Sakumo began, his voice calm, as if discussing something trivial. "When faced with a difficult situation, I haven't been as composed as my subordinates. I don't know when it started, but I began attributing every solution to death."

"On the battlefield, when facing the enemy, killing them is the only option. But when it's my turn, I lose the ability to think. At that moment, my only thought is to die with the enemy."

Though his voice remained steady, Hiruzen saw through it. The man before him, Konoha's White Fang, had clearly been shaken—broken, perhaps—by what should have been a routine mission.

"We managed to escape the Land of Wind thanks to Kazuyama and the Flying Thunder God Technique. If not for Kazuyama's calmness, the mission would have been far more difficult."

He paused, a faint bitterness creeping into his expression. "At the time, Ken Aoyama was already injured. I didn't know whether to abandon the mission to save him or abandon my teammates for the mission. Either choice would have left me burdened with guilt."

It was clear that this was how he really felt.

"So, I've decided to resign as ANBU captain. A blade is most effective when it has no emotions, no thoughts—it simply cuts where it's told to. Isn't that right?"

Hiruzen silently lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly as he considered Sakumo's words. After a long pause, he finally spoke.

"Sakumo, what made you change your mind…? You've always been my right-hand man. I value you deeply, and the ANBU needs you."

In truth, Hiruzen held Sakumo in the highest regard. The man was indispensable—practically a second Hokage. Despite his occasional overbearing nature, his strength and intelligence made him invaluable.

"Kazuyama," Sakumo said after a moment. "That brat is unorthodox, no doubt. His methods can even seem absurd at times."

A small, almost amused smile crossed his face as he recalled the infamous One Thousand Years of Death technique the young shinobi had used on him during training. Despite his endurance, it had hurt enough to nearly draw a cry from him.

"But when it comes to the mission, his thinking and mentality are rare. He's better than me. The only thing he lacks is fighting spirit. He has immense strength but actively resists combat. Even so, none of that can overshadow his brilliance."

When Kazuyama forced him to choose, that serious expression was probably his true self.

Such a genius knows how to conceal himself well, compared to him, I really am not enough.

Even Sakumo knew his position in the village and had heard the rumors about him. But with his immense strength, he simply didn't care. In his mind, as long as his fists were strong enough, any rumors would crumble on their own.

However, after this mission, he realized he was wrong. The situation had been so critical, yet he'd allowed himself to be distracted. If he ever made a real mistake during a mission, what would happen to him upon his return to the village?

"Lord Hokage, please accept my retirement," Sakumo said.

"In the future, I might even go to the Ninja Academy and become a Sensei, hahaha. My Kenjutsu is still something students could learn a lot from."

Hiruzen let out a small sigh at his words. In truth, this was for the best. Sakumo, who had chosen to step back, remained a sharp blade for Konoha. But by retiring, he could stay out of the spotlight—a good thing for both the village and himself.

"Fine," Hiruzen replied. "But until the position of ANBU Commander is filled, you'll need to continue serving."

Sakumo nodded. This was his responsibility, and he wouldn't shy away from it.

"Has the intelligence gathering on that kunoichi from Sunagakure been completed?"

"It's done. There were almost no obstacles. Heichi Yamanaka has documented everything," Sakumo said. "As for the kunoichi, she's already under Kazuyama's care and has moved into the Gekkō residence."

Hiruzen took a sharp drag on his cigarette.

"Do you think that fool won't be tempted? He actually brought a ninja from a rival nation into his home."

Sakumo laughed out loud. It was exactly what he'd been thinking. But since Kazuyama hadn't said anything, he didn't want to shatter his illusion.

"Who cares? That kid's picked up a lot of Fūinjutsu from Orochimaru, and the Five Elements Seal is probably one of them."

"Besides, his strength isn't weak, and that kunoichi won't cause much trouble."

"I have to admit, he's got good taste. Scorch Release as a Kekkei Genkai? Not bad at all."

"If we can persuade her to join us from Konoha in the future, she'll be a valuable asset."

"And hey, if they end up getting married, who knows? Maybe they'll combine the Transparent Escape Technique with Scorch Release and create an entirely new Kekkei Genkai."

An old man and a middle-aged man exchanged glances and laughed heartily.

Little did they know, the young man they were discussing—praised for both his strength and talent—was currently facing a three-way trial.

Gekkō Residence.

"Kazuyama, I never thought you'd actually sneak into the women's bathhouse and bring someone out unconscious!"

"I always knew you were bold, but I didn't think you were that bold—to the point of abducting a woman!"

Ebisami glared at Kazuyama, who was kneeling in the courtyard, her face filled with grief.

Pakura, standing beside her, was laughing quietly. Just moments ago, she had explained her origins—how she was from Sunagakure and had been captured by Kazuyama. To her surprise, Ebisami hadn't reacted to her being from another village at all. Instead, she was furious about Kazuyama's actions.

Pakura felt a surprising warmth in her heart. Were the people of Konohagakure really like this? Even though she was technically their captive, they treated her like a person, not just an elite ninja with a Kekkei Genkai. Did they trust her so easily?

"Auntie Ebisami, I didn't! I didn't!" Kazuyama stammered.

"I was just doing my job… The situation was critical. If I hadn't stepped in, it would've been too late!"

Kazuyama's face was covered in bruises, clearly the result of a beating.

"Hmph! Kazuyama, let me tell you this," Ebisami snapped. "You've already seen her naked, so how is Pakura supposed to find a husband now?"

"I don't care—when you come of age, you must marry her!"

Pakura: Huh? I didn't say I wanted to marry him.

Kazuyama: What the hell? She's really pretty, sure, but I'm not giving up a whole field of flowers for just one.