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

Kirigakure, Mizukage Tower.

If Konoha's Hokage Tower was full of energy, and Sunagakure's Kazekage Tower carried a grim intensity, then the Mizukage Tower was like a dank, muddy swamp—uncomfortable, damp, and oppressive.

"Tsk, tsk... this is Kirigakure indeed."

"This place is just miserable."

Kazuyama had seen a lot, but Kirigakure still shocked him deeply. Entering the Mizukage Tower, he was reminded of the darkest dungeons in fantasy worlds—the kind with sinister magic lurking underground.

A crisp, powerful voice suddenly greeted him. Kazuyama narrowed his eyes, expecting some terrifying presence. But instead, a small green-haired boy stepped forward.

Yagura Karatachi, the new Mizukage of Kirigakure. Young, innocent-faced… and yet the one who had taken over after the death of the Third Mizukage, who had been controlled by Madara Uchiha to assassinate Kazuyama.

"Chōmei, can you detect if he's under Genjutsu?"

"What? Are you kidding me? How would I know? I'm terrible at Genjutsu!"

Kazuyama wondered if Yagura had been manipulated—but this glare he gave made it clear: Yagura was real, and naturally so.

"Hey, staring like that is rude, you know?" Yagura protested, looking annoyed. "So what if I look young? I'm still the Mizukage!"

Kazuyama laughed and quickly apologized, "Just an accident, pure accident."

He then presented the scroll: "Lord Mizukage, here's the truce agreement from Konohagakure. We hope you'll sign it soon so we can return."

Jūzō stepped forward beside the Mizukage. Yagura raised an eyebrow, but then understood Biwa's silent ANBU signal: This guy's crazy. Better get them out fast.

A madman? Yagura was confused, but he also trusted Biwa. The swordsman's instincts and strength were impeccable.

After a long look at Kazuyama with that oddly unsettling smile, Yagura said, "Heh. Truce agreement—got it. Jūzō, escort them to rest. I'll sign and hand it over later."

He took the scroll inside his office. Once inside, his eyes glazed over—clearly under Genjutsu.

Three figures appeared in front of him: Muren Uchiha, Nagato, and Black Zetsu.

"So it really is the truce agreement... but I didn't expect that bastard Kazuyama to deliver it." Muren sneered, grabbing the scroll and tossing it on the table.

Nagato's gaze flashed dangerously as soon as he heard Kazuyama's name. He had suspected something was off about him all along—and when Akaashi died before his eyes, Kazuyama had seemed like a curse that had to be erased.

Black Zetsu interjected, "Enough. Don't spook them. We just need them gone. Nagato, what's the status with the Taketori Clan?"

He watched as Muren and Nagato both nodded. The Taketori Clan—also known as the Kaguya Clan—were fierce fighters with unique Kekkei Genkai. They'd fought in the Third Shinobi War and pressured Konoha greatly—only to be forcibly recalled when they couldn't be controlled.

Black Zetsu smiled: the plan was unfolding exactly as he had orchestrated.

"Hmph, just a bunch of brainless beasts."

"Nagato, what's your take?"

Muren Uchiha had no fondness for that clan—mostly because of their infuriating temperament.

"It's not going well. They're completely uncooperative."

"I think your plan needs a change. A clan you can't control is better off wiped out."

Nagato's view was blunt: if they couldn't be used, better to destroy them than risk them becoming enemies. Since awakening the Rinnegan, his confidence in his power had only grown.

"Let's set that aside for now."

"They're still strong. If we can bring them to our side, it'd be useful."

At this point, Black Zetsu had fully taken on the role of strategist. Muren was all brawn and no brains, always itching for a fight. Nagato was just as extreme, obsessed with killing and darkness.

Saddled with these two, Black Zetsu could only sigh internally.

The three continued mapping out their plans while Yagura Karatachi stood off to the side, silent as a statue.

...

Meanwhile, Kazuyama and his group of five were led into a courtyard by Kirigakure ninja.

This would be their place to rest.

"Tsk, tsk... Kirigakure really is gloomy."

"We must've been watched by half the village on the way here."

"Pakura, we better stay inside."

Kazuyama shut the door. The smile on his face vanished, replaced by a serious look.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them."

"If you want to look around, go ahead. But be careful."

"Give me your technique kunai."

Pakura's sudden request caught Kazuyama off guard, but he quickly grinned with a look that said, of course, that's my wife.

"Hehe, relax. I'll be careful."

"There's something mysterious about this village. I need to dig into it."

Now that he was here, Kazuyama had no intention of just hanging around for a few days before heading back.

There was something in Kirigakure that drew him in—and he was going to uncover it.

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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