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

Because of a single sentence from Mito, Kazuyama's mind was in turmoil, waves of emotion surging within him.

Still, having lived two lives, his mentality was stable. He quickly suppressed his thoughts and responded calmly, "Lady Mito, what are you talking about? A Jinchūriki? Me? How is that possible."

Mito smiled at the young man in front of her. Though he was only in his teens, he was remarkably skilled at hiding his true emotions.

A rare talent indeed.

"Child, I've lived a long time, and deceiving an old woman like me does you no good," she said gently. "This room is under a barrier—no sound can escape, so there's no need to worry.

"After all, I am the first Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. Though I've never used its power, the Nine-Tails has always influenced me."

"It has given me the ability to sense malice... and the ability to sense others of the same kind."

Her gaze sharpened. "The chakra of the Tailed Beasts is vast and distinct. There's no mistaking it—you have a Tailed Beast inside you."

Kazuyama's heart sank. Damn it... so this is why I was called here. She's known all along.

His thoughts raced. What should I do? If she tells everyone I'm a Jinchūriki, I'm done for. No... not entirely. At worst, they'll imprison me. But imprison me? With the Flying Thunder God Technique? Like hell that'll happen!

As he spiraled into a storm of possibilities, Mito let out a soft laugh, interrupting his thoughts.

"It's okay, child. Don't worry. I have no intention of revealing your secret," she said kindly. "I don't believe someone with no malice in their heart would harm the village that raised them."

"As for how you became a Jinchūriki and which Tailed Beast you carry... that doesn't interest me." She paused, her expression softening. "What interests me is you, Kazuyama."

Her voice grew wistful as she sighed.

Her next words made Kazuyama's heart tremble—and even Chōmei within him seemed to shudder.

"All my life, I have believed that Tailed Beasts are not inherently evil. Even though the Nine-Tails is filled with malice, I've always wanted to use love to reach it."

"For half my life, I've fought against the Nine-Tails' hatred. At times, I thought I had chosen the wrong path... but now, I see I wasn't wrong."

"You've shown me something extraordinary—not everyone passively endures their bond with a Tailed Beast."

"There are people who embrace them, who open their hearts and accept them."

"Kazuyama, thank you for showing me the possibility of true harmony between humans and Tailed Beasts."

With those words, Mito, who was leaning against the bed, bowed her head slightly toward him.

Kazuyama was taken aback. "Lady Mito, what are you doing?!"

He hurriedly stepped aside, panicked. Despite his carefree nature, he understood the weight of the moment.

The elderly woman before him had devoted her life to Konoha and its peace, despite all the hardships she had endured. He couldn't bring himself to accept such a gesture from someone like her.

"If you don't mind, could you tell me which Tailed Beast resides within you?"

"Of course, you're under no obligation to answer. It's your secret, after all."

"But regardless, I ask you—please look after Kushina in the future. She may seem strong, but at the end of the day, she's still just a young woman."

"Minato may be exceptionally talented and deeply cares for Kushina, but he's not a Jinchūriki. He can't truly understand the struggles that come with it."

"Your presence is very important to her."

Kazuyama listened to the old woman's request, a mixture of emotions stirring within him. She was about to die but still worried about the next generation... How could he refuse?

With no choice, he nodded.

Mito smiled in relief at his agreement. "Don't worry, once the Nine-Tails changes hosts, I'll leave this world—and your secret will go with me."

"That's enough. You can go now. Thank you, my boy."

After saying this, Mito withdrew her gaze and quietly waited for the final moment to arrive.

Kazuyama turned toward the door and reached for the handle, but just as he was about to open it, his hand paused.

"The partner inside me..."

"The Seven-Tails... His name is Chōmei."

With those words, Kazuyama pushed the door open and stepped out.

Mito trembled slightly, a faint smile forming on her lips as she murmured softly, "So, the Tailed Beasts have names... Unfortunately..."

"Kazuyama, you're out."

"Did Lady Mito say anything to you?"

Kushina was the first to run up, her concern evident as she looked at him.

Kazuyama smiled slightly at the girl in front of him. "Lady Mito told me to keep you company. She said she knew how difficult the road would be for a Jinchūriki."

"I'm friends with Minato, and she asked me to look out for you—to make sure the Nine-Tails doesn't influence your love."

Minato, standing nearby, chuckled softly. Lady Mito told me the same thing.

"Kushina, I told you so. Lady Mito definitely told Kazuyama to keep an eye on you."

Kazuyama was taken aback, then turned to look at the wooden hut behind them.

Lady Mito, you even thought of that…

Did she call Minato over to cover for me, just in case they got suspicious?

Huh... It's true that people who survived the Warring States Period are all very clever…

"Minato, you too?"

"Yes!"

He played along with the act. Since Mito had already covered for him, there was no reason not to go along with the flow.

"Kushina, don't worry, we will always be friends."

Kushina's eyes reddened again at this.

Hiruzen couldn't help but let out a sigh, but for the sake of the greater good, he stepped forward.

"Kushina, let's begin."

"Remember what Lady Mito expects of you."

Kushina wiped away the tears brimming in her eyes and nodded firmly. Then, with a determined look on her face, she walked towards the hut.

The Nine-Tails succession ceremony officially began.

The ceremony went very smoothly, with few twists and turns. With the death of Lady Mito, Kushina successfully became the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. The sealing technique used was the Four Symbols Seal.

Thus, Kushina became the second Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.

In the evening, when she returned home, Kazuyama sat on the roof and looked at the night sky. Suddenly, Chōmei's voice rang out:

"Kazuyama boy, thank you..."

"Chōmei, are you scared of the Nine-Tails? Why are you talking nonsense?"

"Damn you, Kazuyama! I was just moved by what the human woman said, about love... I don't know if that Kurama bastard will ever get the so-called love..."

Although the Tailed Beasts are always fighting, they all share the same origin and still hold feelings for one another deep down.

"Hahaha! That fox will definitely find love," Kazuyama said with a grin.

"Just like I have you, Chōmei. I'll love you too!"

Chōmei: …

"Forget it. I don't need your love. I'm not into you... You're so ugly."

Kazuyama: @@¥@!@#