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

"Chen, I really appreciate this."

"Hmph, if it weren't for our history, I wouldn't have bothered coming."

Standing next to Sakumo was a short, middle-aged man with dark skin. His mere presence radiated an aura of immense strength.

He was renowned as Konoha's strongest Taijutsu master. His name was Chen, and his ultimate technique, the Leaf Dragon God, was feared by enemy ninjas across many nations.

Once, Chen had a disciple who, like him, devoted himself to the art of Taijutsu. Tragically, that student was killed during the Second Shinobi World War. Since then, Chen had lost his drive, retreating into retirement, disheartened and unwilling to pass on his skills.

It wasn't until Sakumo approached him with a plea to help Konoha train the next generation of talent that he decided to step out of the shadows once again.

"Hey, isn't that Chen-sensei?!"

"You've really become a teacher!"

Might Guy, sweating and full of energy as he trained on the academy's playground, spotted Chen immediately. As someone who pursued Taijutsu with unmatched determination, Guy deeply admired Chen.

"Chen, that's the promising student I mentioned. He's incredibly hardworking and disciplined," Sakumo said, gesturing toward Guy.

"His Taijutsu alone is already on par with the average Chūnin."

Chen's sharp eyes studied Might Guy's sweat-drenched form. For a moment, a flicker of brilliance lit up his gaze—but it quickly dimmed.

"Taijutsu and all that... Ugh..."

…

With the addition of Chen, a Taijutsu master, the energy at the Ninja Academy grew stronger day by day.

Even Kazuyama couldn't help but marvel at how Sakumo had truly brought about significant change within the Academy.

While Kazuyama was giving his students a lesson on concealment, a sudden fluctuation in space rippled through the area.

As someone who had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, he recognized immediately who it was.

"Everyone, study on your own. I have something to take care of," he instructed, swiftly preparing to respond.

In the next moment, the Flying Thunder God Technique was activated once more, and sure enough, two figures appeared instantly on the roof of the Ninja Academy.

One had blonde hair and an energetic presence—it was Minato, just returning from his mission.

"Kazuyama, I thought I activated the technique without alerting you," Minato said, sounding amused.

"Haha, are you kidding? How could I not sense the spatial fluctuations caused by the Flying Thunder God Technique?" Kazuyama replied with a smile.

He thought to himself, You're finally back! I've been waiting for you for so long!

Chōmei, his inner voice, chimed in: Yes, yes, yes! I've been waiting too!

Minato laughed. "Didn't I come back as soon as I completed my mission?"

"I heard Lord Sakumo became the principal of the Ninja Academy and implemented some major reforms?"

Kazuyama nodded, which made Minato's expression light up even more.

"That's great! I'm glad Lord Sakumo had the courage to make those changes. While the Ninja Academy has always trained talent, it did have too many restrictions."

"By the way," Minato continued, "I should be promoted to Jōnin after this mission, and I'll be assigned my own team to lead."

"I wonder what kind of students I'll be mentoring. I'm looking forward to it."

At that, Kazuyama's thoughts wandered briefly, and three faces flashed through his mind: the cold Kakashi, the sardonic Obito, and the sweet-smiling Rin.

So, Team Minato is finally coming together? Not bad.

But shaking himself back to the moment, Kazuyama focused on the matter at hand. "Minato, let's go! You have no idea how much Kushina missed you while you were gone."

"Oh, by the way, have you seen Fugaku since you got back?"

At the mention of Fugaku's name, Minato's expression darkened, and he shot a sharp glare at Kazuyama.

"No! How could I dare face him now? I bet he's sharpening his sword, ready to kill me—or you!"

Kazuyama smirked. Wow, you two insist there's nothing going on, but that reaction really hit the mark.

"Uh… let's head home quickly. Kushina's been staying at my place lately," Kazuyama said.

"At your place?" Minato asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, she's been getting along really well with Pakura, and she has a surprise for you!"

Before Minato could respond, Kazuyama grabbed him and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique. After a few rapid jumps, they landed directly in front of Kazuyama's house.

"Damn it, Kazuyama. The Flying Thunder God Technique is convenient and all, but this is overkill," Minato grumbled. "It wouldn't have taken that long to just walk back."

Minato had no idea what was going through Kazuyama's head. The nonstop chakra drain from the Flying Thunder God Technique was being handled by Chōmei, who was already buzzing with excitement for what was to come.

"Go on! Kushina's been waiting for you for ages."

"I'll leave you two to it," Kazuyama said with a sly grin. "I still have to get back to class."

With that, he disappeared using the Flying Thunder God Technique. What Minato didn't realize was that Kazuyama had only jumped to the other side of the house. Activating the Transparent Escape Technique, he slipped back into the residence unnoticed, climbing onto the roof to watch everything unfold.

"Kushina, are you here?" Minato called as he stepped into the house, his voice loud enough to carry through the halls.

"Ah! Minato, you're back!" Kushina exclaimed, running toward him. Her face lit up with joy as soon as she saw him.

"Well, I just got back today," Minato said, smiling warmly. "Kazuyama's mentioned you were here, so I came to find you. He was supposed to come back with me, but he had a class to teach and left."

"It seems you had a good time while I was gone. Sister Pakura, thank you for taking care of her."

Pakura nodded slightly, observing Minato with interest. Though they had met briefly before, their paths had rarely crossed due to their unique roles. She hadn't expected to become so close to Kushina, but their friendship had grown naturally over time.

Kushina quickly took Pakura's hand, introducing her to Minato with a flush of excitement.

"Kushina, didn't you have a present for him?" Pakura teased, her tone playful. "I think now is a good time."

At Pakura's reminder, Kushina's face turned bright red. She glanced deeply at Minato before sprinting toward the house.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Kazuyama trembled with anticipation. Curiosity getting the better of him, he snuck inside as well.

On a table, he spotted two bags of military ration pills. Two bags? He crept closer, careful not to alert Kushina.

Under his watchful eye, Kushina quickly grabbed a pink bag from the table and ran back out. Kazuyama studied the remaining black bag. A sweet fragrance wafted out as he slowly opened it.

Hmm? These are military ration pills too, but why do they smell so good? They didn't seem to be Kushina's handiwork.

Could it be…? Kazuyama's gaze shifted toward Pakura, who was waiting in the courtyard. His suspicions solidified. These must be hers. But who are they for?

"Huh? What's that delicious smell, Kazuyama? It looks amazing!"

Chōmei's voice chimed in, breaking Kazuyama's concentration. The gluttonous beast, originally excited to watch the unfolding drama, had been completely distracted by the enticing aroma.