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

These days, Kazuyama has been enjoying himself immensely. Spending hours in the laboratory, he can't help but marvel at Orochimaru's genius—whether in the development of jutsu or groundbreaking research.

"Sensei, I don't quite understand. Can one create a Kekkei Genkai?" Kazuyama asks, though his thoughts drift elsewhere.

Of course one can create a Kekkei Genkai. Yamato's existence alone proves that.

Orochimaru lets out a quiet chuckle. "Haha, that's precisely what I'm researching now—whether Kekkei Genkai can be artificially created."

"If it can, then wouldn't it be possible to replicate an even more powerful Kekkei Genkai? Even advancements in life sciences... immortality sciences!"

Over the past few days, Orochimaru has fully welcomed Kazuyama's participation in his experiments. Though still a novice, Kazuyama's relentless dedication has earned Orochimaru's approval. This time, he's much more composed compared to his earlier recklessness. While his progress is still slow, he's starting to prove himself useful.

The once lonely, somber days of research feel a little less burdensome with a disciple by his side.

"Lord Orochimaru, Lord Hokage requests your and Kazuyama's presence," a voice suddenly called from outside the lab door.

Orochimaru, deeply absorbed in his work, frowned slightly, while Kazuyama stepped toward the door without hesitation. Spotting the masked ANBU operative waiting outside, Kazuyama immediately understood the situation—if Orochimaru was being summoned, it could only mean something urgent.

"We'll go now," Kazuyama responds. "Did the Hokage mention what this is about?"

The ANBU paused briefly before replying, "It concerns Iwagakure."

Kazuyama nodded, his thoughts drifting. This autumn had been nothing but chaos. First Kumo, then Suna, and now Iwa. Being surrounded on three sides... it was far from ideal.

"Let's go, Kazuyama," Orochimaru called from inside, having overheard. He set his work aside and stepped out of the lab, his movements measured and deliberate.

The pair followed the ANBU to the Hokage's office, where the atmosphere felt heavy and oppressive.

"Orochimaru, you're here," Hiruzen greeted, skipping formalities.

"Hm..." Orochimaru replied tersely. His silence, however, didn't faze Hiruzen, who knew his disciple's reserved nature well.

The Hokage got straight to the point. "According to frontline intelligence, Iwa has deployed a large force of shinobi into the Land of Grass, led by Han, their Five-Tails Jinchūriki."

He placed a bloodstained scroll on the desk—a grim reminder of the spies who had risked everything to deliver this crucial information.

"Jinchūriki? If I remember correctly, there was no Jinchūriki for the Five-Tails before…"

Orochimaru reflected on the events of the Second Shinobi World War. At that time, Iwagakure had only deployed the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki, not the Five-Tails.

"Well, that's why I asked you to come here."

"The current situation is that Iwagakure now has a new Jinchūriki for the Five-Tails, and he can already wield the Tailed Beast's power to a preliminary extent. As for their motive for entering the Land of Grass, I don't need to explain further."

Hiruzen's face grew stern. The Jinchūriki were critical in determining the outcomes of wars.

Standing nearby, Kazuyama thought to himself, If my calculations are correct, there's more to this meeting. And if my guess is right, it should involve the Nine-Tails.

"Orochimaru, I need your help."

"Lady Mito's health is failing, and we must ensure the Nine-Tails' continued existence as a deterrent to other nations."

Just as Kazuyama had suspected, the succession of the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki was imminent.

"Regarding the candidate, wasn't it decided a long time ago?"

"Also from the Uzumaki Clan, Kushina Uzumaki."

Orochimaru wasn't surprised. If Kazuyama could deduce this, it was obvious to him as well.

"That's true, but you must understand how important this matter is."

"In the village, aside from Lady Mito, only you, Jiraiya, and I have a deep understanding of Fūinjutsu. Jiraiya isn't in the village right now, so ensuring the safety of this operation falls to us."

As he spoke, Hiruzen turned to Kazuyama.

"Kazuyama, I called you here for this reason. As Orochimaru's disciple, I've seen the Five Elements Seal you used on Pakura. You've established a solid foundation in Fūinjutsu."

"You will participate in this mission to relocate the Tailed Beast. Minato Namikaze, who has studied Fūinjutsu under Jiraiya, will also assist."

So, Minato's involved? Of course he is. After all, the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails is his lover.

"As long as it's arranged by Lord Hokage, I'm just worried that I won't be of much help."

With Hiruzen and Orochimaru involved, Kazuyama didn't believe anything could go wrong.

Don't forget, the Uzumaki Clan possesses the Adamantine Sealing Chains, a Fūinjutsu technique that even the Nine-Tails cannot resist.

Still, one thing left Kazuyama puzzled. Logically, this matter was carried out in secret in the original story. So how did we get involved?

"Don't be so modest. You've grown quickly, and I estimate it won't be long before you become an elite Jōnin of the village," Hiruzen said.

"Sakumo has high hopes for you."

"All right, I'll have the ANBU notify you when it's time to proceed. In the meantime, prepare yourself."

"This is a matter of great importance, and there can be no mistakes."

Orochimaru and Kazuyama nodded before leaving the Hokage's office.

After they had gone, Hiruzen went alone to the residence of Lady Mito.

"Lady Mito, as you requested, they've been notified."

"Haha, thank you, Saru."

"But, Lady Mito, I don't quite understand. The Nine-Tails' transfer can clearly be done in private. Why involve them?"

"This was a decision I made after discussing it with Kushina. That child chose Minato Namikaze to protect her."

At the mention of Kushina, Mito smiled warmly.

"And I chose Kazuyama to confirm something. As for Orochimaru, since Kazuyama is now his disciple, bringing him along is a form of insurance."

"Saru, I've heard the surrounding villages have been restless lately."

Hiruzen nodded, his face serious.

"Don't worry. With me here, nothing will happen to Konohagakure."

"That's good, Saru. I'll leave the future in your hands. I'm tired—leave me alone for a while."

Hiruzen looked at Mito, the First Hokage's wife, who had dedicated her life to Konoha and endured the burden of being a Jinchūriki. He couldn't help but feel a deep respect for her.