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

"I heard that you used the Five Elements Seal on that kunoichi?"

"It seems you've also finished learning the Fūinjutsu scrolls I gave you."

Orochimaru looked pleased with Kazuyama's rapid progress. No matter what technique he taught him, Kazuyama mastered it quickly. The only area where he fell short was scientific research—completely lacking talent in that regard.

"By the way, Sensei, can you tell me about Danzō?"

If anyone in Konohagakure knew the most about Danzō Shimura, it was undoubtedly Hiruzen. However, asking the Lord Hokage directly was out of the question, so Kazuyama turned to his own teacher for answers.

"Hmph. Hatake Sakumo told you about this, didn't he?" Orochimaru sneered. "Since he's already mentioned it, I'll give you a general idea."

If Sakumo were here, he'd probably say, So I'm just taking the blame for this, huh?

"Konoha isn't composed solely of its visible ninja forces and the ANBU. There's another faction called Root, led by Danzō Shimura. I won't tell you much more, but remember—avoid dealing with him as much as possible. It's not in your best interest."

As Orochimaru spoke, his expression turned cold, and Kazuyama could sense the tension. It was clear his teacher had personal experience with Danzō.

I'll need to be more cautious moving forward, Kazuyama thought. For now, I have someone protecting me, but if Sensei were ever to defect, things could turn disastrous.

"That's enough. If there's nothing else, go home. The techniques I've taught you should suffice for now," Orochimaru said dismissively. "And, as soon as possible, bring me some blood. I have experiments to finish."

Kazuyama hesitated, then spoke eagerly, "Sensei, I feel like I've been thinking more clearly and sharply lately. I'm sure I can help with your research. Why don't we give it another try?"

His face lit up with excitement, exuding confidence. Orochimaru paused, glancing at him sideways, intrigued despite himself.

"Really?"

"Absolutely!"

"Well... if that's the case, it's a good thing. In that case, come over here and dissect a frog first. If you pass, I'll give you another chance."

"Okay! I'm sure I can pass Sensei's test!"

Kazuyama: Dissection again? Dissection is fine, but why is it always frogs? Can't you change it?

No wonder Orochimaru and Jiraiya don't get along. Jiraiya works with toads, and here you are, dissecting them nonstop.

Still, if getting back into Orochimaru's laboratory meant enduring this, Kazuyama was willing to take the risk. It's just dissection! Let's do it!

In truth, it wasn't that he knew nothing about research—it was just that his intentions for entering the lab weren't exactly pure. Was he there for the experiments? No. His real goal was Orochimaru's research results.

The last time he had tried to swipe some medicine, Orochimaru caught him in the act and promptly threw him out. Forced to pretend ignorance, Kazuyama had no choice but to bide his time. This time, he was determined to keep his composure and avoid acting rashly—at least until he could steal something better.

Hah, the Kusanagi sword was amazing, but I don't know Kenjutsu. I guess I'll have to visit Sakumo and see if I can get my hands on some Hatake-style Kenjutsu.

Lost in thought, Kazuyama began dissecting the frog. Before long, it was completely dismembered.

"Sensei, I'm done," he announced.

Orochimaru glanced back at the results, nodding slightly. While the outcome didn't entirely meet his expectations, it was significantly better than Kazuyama's earlier attempts.

Hmm... this boy seems to care about scientific research after all. Not bad—it's good to see that kind of dedication.

With his Kekkei Genkai and natural abilities, Orochimaru began to see Kazuyama as a promising disciple.

And so, Kazuyama re-entered Orochimaru's laboratory. This time, however, the room was filled with far more petri dishes than before.

To Kazuyama, these were treasures. If his guess was correct, the petri dishes were part of Orochimaru's experiments involving cells from the First Hokage.

Hold on! I must hold on!

…

Hokage Building

"What? ANBU?"

"Hiruzen! I said that kid should be handed over to me!"

Danzō was on the verge of exploding with anger. He had just come to the Hokage's office to request the transfer of Pakura to the Root Division. After all, a captive like her—if handled properly—could benefit both Sunagakure and himself greatly in the future.

His Root Division specialized in this type of manipulation, and with his expertise, he was confident he could bring Pakura under his control. As for her allegiance? Once she joins the Root, she becomes a part of Konoha. Simple.

But what did he hear?

Kazuyama had joined the Hokage's direct ANBU unit and had been assigned to oversee Pakura. This news shattered Danzō's plans, leaving him seething.

"Danzō, watch your words," Hiruzen replied, his tone firm. "Kazuyama is a Jōnin of the village and is now part of ANBU. He captured Pakura from Sunagakure, so it's only right that he is responsible for her."

"As for Pakura's treatment, that will depend on her condition. A ninja with a Kekkei Genkai—if she joins Konoha, it will only benefit us."

Hiruzen watched Danzō stew in his frustration, secretly pleased. Old bastard, you're always trying to undermine me, but not this time!

"What about the intelligence?" Danzō snapped. "Don't forget, she's a ninja from Sunagakure! The information in her head is the most valuable thing!"

"My Root Division can extract it and ensure it benefits Konoha!"

Danzō wasn't ready to give up, but Hiruzen wasn't about to let him succeed. In his view, Pakura was already as good as a Konoha ninja. It was only a matter of time.

After all, with Kazuyama assigned to her, Hiruzen was confident he would handle the situation, bringing this strong ninja with a Kekkei Genkai into Konoha's fold.

More importantly, if Kazuyama managed to gain Pakura's loyalty, she would stand firmly with him, leaving Danzō no room to interfere.

"There's no need," Hiruzen said calmly. "We already obtained all the necessary intelligence on Sunagakure the day Pakura was captured. Here it is."

He pulled out a report, holding it up casually.

This was another victory for Hiruzen, while Danzō was left fuming. With a cold snort that reverberated through the room, Danzō turned and stormed out.

As Hiruzen watched him leave, he laughed heartily.

"Danzō, I won this time! Hahaha!"

Once his laughter subsided, Hiruzen's expression turned serious.

"War is coming... The movements of Sunagakure and Kumo have been confirmed."

"Now, it's time to prepare."

"As for Iwa…" Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.

"Ōnoki... shall we play again?"