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

Just as the flames of war reached the Land of Fire, Kazuyama Gekkō had already arrived at the border between the Land of Earth and the Land of Rain.

Don't ask why he ended up here instead of heading straight into the Land of Earth.

That would be because Kinrin, while tunneling underground, suddenly veered west instead of north. If Kazuyama hadn't suddenly sensed the surrounding air turn damp, they might have kept going the wrong way.

Kinrin burst out from underground, and the rain poured down on her massive snake head, drenching both her and Kazuyama completely.

"Kinrin, you moron! You're huge—how do you still not know which way is north?!"

"This looks like north to you?"

Already covered in dirt, Kazuyama had just managed to climb up and now was soaking wet. He was in a seriously foul mood.

"Oh come on, so I got the direction wrong. What's the big deal?"

"But seriously, Kazuyama, why did we come all the way over here? Weren't we supposed to be fighting?"

Relying on Kazuyama's chakra, Kinrin hadn't returned to Ryūchi Cave. This was the longest she had ever stayed above ground.

"The battlefield's just for show. Jiraiya and Tsunade are there—and I bet Minato's on his way too."

"With them on the front lines, Iwa's not going to stir up much trouble."

He wasn't exaggerating. Konoha now wasn't the same village that had been pinned from all sides in the original timeline.

Although the earlier battles had done some damage, it had been relatively minor.

This time, Konoha had come fully prepared for war. Even facing Iwa and Kirigakure at the same time wouldn't shake them.

...

"Hm? Something from Ryūchi Cave?"

Suddenly, Kinrin let out a low murmur. She had picked up a signal from the cave.

"Kazuyama, there's a message from Ryūchi Cave. It's from your sensei—Orochimaru asked Manda to pass it on."

"He says the village is about to settle accounts."

Kazuyama's expression immediately turned cold, his entire presence shifting.

He'd known this was coming. He had long expected the village would eventually turn on Orochimaru—but this soon?

He had only just left the village for the battlefield, and now they were already preparing to purge him?

That was harsh. Even if they were going to kill the donkey after it finished grinding the grain, this was a bit much. No need to beat it bloody too.

"I got it. Tell Manda to let Sensei know he needs to head for Takigakure immediately."

"I'll change course and meet him there."

"I'll take care of the Daimyō of Takigakure."

"Get him out of the battlefield—fake his death, defect, whatever it takes."

Kazuyama turned to Kinrin. She nodded, then vanished in a puff of white smoke.

...

The Land of Rain wasn't far from the Land of Grass, so Kazuyama made straight for Takigakure.

His thoughts raced the entire way. Orochimaru wasn't just a teacher to him—he was a friend. There was no way he could just stand by and do nothing.

Using his Phase Release, Kazuyama pushed forward at full speed. Even when he spotted Iwa shinobi along the way, he didn't stop.

Handling the Daimyō of the Land of Waterfalls came first.

...

The Daimyō's Manor sat in the heart of the Land of Waterfalls, surrounded by massive waterfalls, just like the village itself.

Though it didn't match the grandeur of the Fire Daimyō's palace, the castle ahead was still undeniably opulent.

"Who goes there?"

"This is the Daimyō's Manor of the Land of Waterfalls. Halt!"

Just as Kazuyama Gekkō arrived at the manor gates, the guards blocked his way.

He remained calm and smiled slightly.

"I've come to meet with His Excellency, the Daimyō of the Land of Waterfalls. I bring new commercial opportunities and hope to establish a partnership with your country."

His words made the guards frown. They weren't sure what to make of this visitor.

Still, they eventually escorted him inside to meet the Daimyō.

The Daimyō of the Land of Waterfalls was an elderly man, appearing slightly older than the Third Hokage.

When he saw Kazuyama, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"To think the famed Ghost of Konoha's Twin Stars would visit the Land of Waterfalls."

"I am Masaru Shibukawa, the Daimyō of this land."

"What brings you here?"

Though the Land of Waterfalls rarely engaged in diplomacy, that didn't mean they were out of touch. The name of Konoha's Twin Stars was now widely known.

"Ah, so you recognize me. But I'm not here on behalf of Konoha today."

"I've come on behalf of my sensei, Orochimaru. He wishes to form a partnership with your nation."

Kazuyama didn't waste any time—he laid everything out plainly.

Orochimaru's name needed no introduction. In the ninja world, it was known far and wide—even in a daimyo's court.

The moment Kazuyama said the name, Masaru froze, confused by what he meant.

"Orochimaru? I'm not sure I follow."

"Are you saying Lord Orochimaru intends to leave Konoha?"

It was just a guess—but Kazuyama's next words left him stunned.

"That's correct. My sensei is wholly devoted to scientific and ninjutsu research. He's planning to leave Konoha."

"He's looking for a quieter place to conduct his work."

"I wonder if the Land of Waterfalls might be willing to offer him such a place?"

Masaru's expression grew more serious. This conversation was starting to feel surreal.

One of the legendary Sannin—Orochimaru—planning to leave Konoha? Leave the Land of Fire?

And come to their little Land of Waterfalls?

"There's no need to be skeptical, Lord Daimyō. It's true."

"Since you know who I am, you should also know I'm Orochimaru's student. My sensei is still on the battlefield in the Land of Hot Water."

"But he'll be leaving it soon and coming here. I'm just here to deliver his message."

"To secure a place in your country for his research, he's willing to offer scientific contributions in exchange—essentially as payment for residency."

"You should know, my sensei isn't just a powerful ninja. He's also a brilliant scientist."

"He's especially skilled in pharmaceutical research—medicines that can enhance vitality and unlock the body's potential are his specialty."

The more Kazuyama spoke, the brighter the Daimyō's eyes became.

As the ruler of a country, money wasn't a problem—but with age, came fatigue. If what Kazuyama said was true, he had every reason to welcome Orochimaru.

Was the medicine really that effective?

Sensing his skepticism, Kazuyama smiled, pulled out a small bottle, and placed it on the table.

"This is a tonic that enhances blood circulation. Very effective, and practically no side effects."

"Well… unless you count a nosebleed. Then yeah, maybe one."

Masaru stared at the bottle, then broke into a wide smile.

"Very well. Someone, show Lord Kazuyama to his room."

"Kazuyama, while our hot springs may not compare to those in the Land of Hot Water, the constant waterfalls give them their own charm."

"Rest well. We'll discuss the partnership once you've had time to relax."

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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