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

"How do you know...?"

"Don't tell me… you're actually a ghost?"

Terumi trembled, staring at Kazuyama Gekkō in fear.

She had never revealed her Kekkei Genkai. Everything she'd achieved was thanks to her control over chakra and her exceptional Water Release techniques.

She couldn't understand how this man knew so much.

"Heh, a ghost?"

"Just a nickname. As for how I know about you—that's not your concern."

"All I'll say is, if you stay in Kirigakure, your talent will just be wasted year after year."

Kazuyama pulled out a cigarette from his coat, lit it, and took a contented puff.

The night was long—he had all the time he needed to persuade her.

"So what? I'm from Kirigakure. What, am I supposed to betray my village?"

"Even if Kirigakure's lost its way lately, I believe that one day, things will be set right. It will be a great village again."

Kazuyama couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her stubborn expression.

He'd seen this kind of reaction before—first from Pakura, then Yugito, and later Konan and Yahiko.

Didn't they all end up leaving their villages with him?

As she listened to him, Terumi's face grew more serious. She knew exactly what was wrong with Kirigakure.

But what could she do? She had just become a Genin, and even that brutal exam had pushed her to her limits.

"What's wrong? Frustrated? Feeling helpless because you're too weak to change anything?"

"Then all the more reason to leave. Travel. Seek out real strength. Then, when you come back, you'll have the power to change this village."

"You already know my name, so you should know my strength. I can make you stronger."

"And, hehehe… if I'm not mistaken, you really want to find love too, don't you?"

Boom!

Terumi, who had just been wrapped up in worry about her future and her village, instantly turned beet red at his last line.

The nervousness, pain, and inner conflict vanished. Her face was completely flushed.

"Hah, this girl's pretty funny—blushed just like that."

"Kazuyama, you're something else. Who just asks that out loud? Hahaha!"

"Still, not gonna lie, she looks pretty cute when she blushes. Tsk tsk."

The three Snake Princesses surrounded Terumi like they'd found a new toy, teasing her as she practically steamed like a kettle.

Her already red face deepened even further—down to her neck.

Mortified, Terumi tried to cover her face, but more than anything, she wanted to fight back!

She wanted to beat the four of them to a pulp! How could they bully a girl like this?! It was outrageous!

But paralyzed as she was, she couldn't move. Just then, Kazuyama spoke again.

"Alright, you three, that's enough. Quit bullying her."

"She's going to be my future disciple, so ease up."

At his words, the Snake Princesses finally backed off and returned to his side.

But Terumi froze at what she just heard.

What was he talking about? Since when was she his disciple?

That wasn't right.

She never agreed to that.

"Hey? Terumi, if you stay quiet, I'll take that as a yes."

"Good disciple, I knew you were a promising one. Don't worry, Sensei's got your back."

"I'll make sure you become a powerful ninja."

"And don't worry—though you're leaving Kirigakure now, I'll bring you back someday. When that time comes, you'll be the guiding light of the village, lighting the way forward."

Not giving Terumi a moment to react, Kazuyama stepped right up and flicked his right hand.

Surging Senjutsu chakra erupted around him, and at the same time, Tailed Beast chakra from Chōmei flared within his body.

In the next instant, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

With his immense chakra reserves, Kazuyama made a swift leap across the sea.

The next time they appeared, they were already in the Land of Fire.

"Hey! I didn't agree to be your disciple! And where the hell are you taking me?!"

"Hey!! Don't come any closer!"

Kazuyama didn't care what Terumi was yelling. He activated the Flying Thunder God Technique again.

A few chained jumps later, Kazuyama brought Terumi to an old, familiar place—one of his personal getaways—the Land of Frost.

Why there? Because Terumi was adept at Water Release, and the frost-covered, snow-laden land was a perfect place for her to train.

"Ugh, it's freezing..."

"Where is this?"

The scenery shifted rapidly until a wave of cold air hit her like a wall.

Terumi shivered hard. Even though her body was still paralyzed, the cold made her tremble uncontrollably.

"Hehe, sorry about that. Haven't been back in a while—forgot to light a fire."

"I'm cold too."

"Tagorihime, help out, will you?"

Still dressed in short sleeves, Kazuyama was also shivering. He quickly turned to the Snake Princess for help.

Tagorihime shot him a look, then casually raised her hands and released a stream of Senjutsu chakra, spreading it through the room.

The chakra formed a barrier, shielding them from the cold. Only then did Kazuyama and Terumi start to feel normal again.

"Phew... Where the hell is this place?"

Terumi finally caught her breath and shot Kazuyama a deadly glare.

She could tell without a doubt that they weren't in Kirigakure anymore. As misty as that place was year-round, it was never this freezing.

"Call me Sensei."

"Relax. I promised to introduce you to someone—you'll meet them soon enough."

"Who knows? Maybe it'll even lead to something romantic. Wouldn't that be a nice outcome? Hahaha!"

Now that the chill had faded, Kazuyama quickly set about making a fire, still chatting away like nothing had happened.

Terumi glared at him fiercely, her voice filled with anger.

"Don't even dream about it! You abduct me and expect me to be your disciple?!"

"What kind of delusion is that?!"

"Hmph! Even if I did want to fall in love, I'd never pick—"

"Uh…"

Her voice cut off.

Why?

Because Kazuyama had pulled a photo from his pocket.

And on it was none other than Kakashi Hatake—without his mask.

No kidding, the guy was seriously good-looking. Combined with that cool, aloof vibe of his, he really did come off like a cold-faced little prince.

"Hehehehe. Well?"

"Got anything to say?"

"This is your senpai—one of my first disciples. He's about your age."

"So? What do you think? Caught your interest?"