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

Back in the laboratory, Kazuyama had a million thoughts racing through his mind. The Nine-Tails, with its nine tails and overwhelming power, was undeniably a formidable being, but it had been repeatedly manipulated by the Uchiha—how pathetic.

"Hmph, what's so great about that dead fox? Can he fly?"

"Can he spit Scale Powder? Listen, kid, even if Kurama showed up, I wouldn't even give him a glance."

"Kurama's got nothing on me. I can fly forever, and there's nothing he could do about it!"

Chōmei's sharp voice rang in his mind, dripping with disdain for the Nine-Tails.

"Hahaha, calm down, Chōmei. Let him be strong if he's strong. As long as we're happy, that's what matters. So, how are the insects treating you lately?"

Kazuyama wasn't jealous of the Nine-Tails.

What's so great about it anyway? Just a stinky fox with a terrible temper.

Honestly, no one but Naruto would even get along with it. It's better to have his own Chōmei.

"Hey, I'm just complaining. Recently, all the insects have been big and fat, which is very good."

"I have to say, Kazuyama, you're a real all-rounder. You're even good at raising insects."

Raising insects was nothing to Kazuyama. Apart from fighting, he excelled at nearly everything. Just as he and Chōmei were chatting, Orochimaru suddenly spoke:

"Kazuyama, what do you think of Tailed Beasts?"

For a moment, both Kazuyama and Chōmei turned their attention to him.

Tailed beasts? What's there to think? Look at them standing? Sitting?

"I don't really have an opinion," Kazuyama said. "Although Tailed Beasts are very powerful, they're difficult to control. People who can't master their power as Jinchūriki don't last long, let alone remain effective in combat."

Orochimaru nodded at the thoughtful response.

"In my opinion, Tailed Beasts are ultimately external forces and therefore unreliable," he said. "The only power that is absolute is the power truly in one's own hands. Like your Kekkei Genkai, or the Flying Thunder God Technique. It may not seem as impressive as a Tailed Beast at first, but its potential is limitless."

That much was true. Look at Minato Namikaze, who relied on his Flying Thunder God Technique to surpass Orochimaru and become Hokage. Minato could even teleport the Tailed Beast Ball and the Tailed Beast itself—an ability so exaggerated it was almost unimaginable.

Even now, Kazuyama couldn't fully comprehend how Minato managed to transfer something as massive as the Tailed Beast Ball. The sheer chakra it must have required was beyond his imagination.

And Minato wasn't even a Jinchūriki. How terrifying was his chakra capacity? No comparison. His strength was pure natural talent and mastery.

Then there was Naruto. The Uzumaki Clan's special constitution gave him a chakra pool so vast it was absurd. After all, who else could start a fight with a thousand clones? Even Tobirama Senju wouldn't have understood how a kid could manage such a feat.

"Okay," Kazuyama said, brushing the thoughts aside. "I guess we're just going through the motions with the Nine-Tails. After all, the Uzumaki Clan's Fūinjutsu is unrivaled in the Ninja World. No one comes close when it comes to sealing techniques."

Orochimaru smirked. "Let's continue with the experiment, Kazuyama."

He nodded in agreement. To him, the Nine-Tails' presence was irrelevant. With two Uzumaki present, they already had everything they needed. Still, it was strange—why were they all traveling together?

…

Land of Grass, Iwagakure Village Garrison

"Han, are you okay?"

An Iwagakure Jōnin addressed the burly man in front of him, who was clad in intricate armor and a Duy.

"I'm fine. The Five-Tails is still relatively calm." Han's deep voice carried reassurance. "This armor was personally crafted by Lord Tsuchikage and can effectively suppress the power of the Tailed Beast."

Slowly, Han stood, his imposing two-meter frame exuding an overwhelming presence. The crimson armor adorning his body was a masterpiece, both elegant and functional.

As the Jinchūriki of the Five-Tails, Han's immense willpower, combined with his specialized armor, allowed him to perfectly suppress the beast within. This remarkable control was the reason Tsuchikage Ōnoki trusted him to leave the village and take on critical missions.

"That's good. Han's strength is as reliable as always."

The Jōnin regarded him with admiration. Han had always been a formidable ninja, known for his incredible strength and unshakable determination. Becoming a Jinchūriki only amplified his prowess. By sheer force of will, Han subdued the Five-Tails' influence, earning him recognition as the second strongest Jinchūriki in Iwagakure.

"The goal of this mission is to establish our own defensive line in the Land of Grass, in preparation for the attack on Konoha. Once the logistical supplies are in place, we'll begin the operation."

Iwagakure's intentions were clear. Their ambitions stretched beyond the Land of Grass, as they prepared to wage war against Konoha.

…

Regarding the Nine-Tails incident, seven days passed before the ANBU knocked on Orochimaru's door again.

Finally, on the eighth day, the ANBU returned.

"Lord Orochimaru, Lord Hokage requests your presence, along with Kazuyama."

Orochimaru and Kazuyama exchanged glances, thinking the same thing: Here it comes—the Nine-Tails transfer.

A house outside Konohagakure.

This was the room Hiruzen had prepared specifically for the Nine-Tails transfer.

Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Biwako Sarutobi, Mito Uzumaki, Kushina Uzumaki, and Minato Namikaze stood ready.

"Grandma Mito..."

"Kushina, it's alright, be strong," Mito said softly. "Remember what I told you: find love to fill your heart. That way, even as the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, you can still find happiness..."

As Mito spoke, her gaze drifted to the blond teenager beside Kushina. Minato Namikaze flushed under her knowing look.

Hiruzen, standing nearby, smiled at Minato and gave his shoulder an encouraging pat.

"Lady Mito, I'll take good care of Kushina! Please don't worry!" Minato promised earnestly.

Kushina's eyes, already red, brimmed with tears at Minato's words. Overcome with emotion, she began to cry.

Before she could respond, two figures landed outside the house.

"Orochimaru and Kazuyama have arrived," an ANBU announced.

"Everything is prepared, Lady Mito. We can begin at any time," said Hiruzen, opening the door to greet them.

Orochimaru and Kazuyama entered, their expressions unreadable.

"No rush, Saru," Mito said calmly. "Take everyone outside for a moment." Then, her gaze fell on Kazuyama. "Kazuyama Gekkō, stay behind. I'd like to have a word with you."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Kazuyama. The pressure was overwhelming.

What the hell?! Kazuyama thought, panicking. Why me? I'm just a regular ninja... no, a ninja who slacks off every day! What could she want from me?!

Hiruzen nodded. "Since Lady Mito has asked, Kazuyama, stay here. The rest of us will step out."

Mito's status as the First Hokage's wife and the Nine-Tails' long-time Jinchūriki was unshakable. For her final moments, Hiruzen was determined to honor her every request.

Soon, everyone retreated, leaving Kazuyama alone with Mito.

"Heh heh... I thought my senses were playing tricks on me," Mito said with a soft chuckle. "But to think Konoha still has a Perfect Jinchūriki like you..."

Kazuyama: !!!

Chōmei: ?