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

"Why is your Water Release so powerful?"

"Aren't you a Konoha ninja? How are you so skilled with Water Release...?"

Terumi could feel the overwhelming pressure from Kazuyama. The crashing waves alone showed her what true Water Release looked like.

She had always prided herself on her skill with Water Release. Though still young, her deep understanding of the element—combined with her Kekkei Genkai—had been a source of confidence.

But now, that pride had been utterly shattered.

"Put away those baseless assumptions."

"Kirigakure is good at Water Release? That depends on the individual. If that were really true, why are the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist known for their blades instead of Water Release?"

"Sunagakure specializes in sand manipulation, yet their village also produces puppet masters."

"Your thinking's stuck in the past."

Kazuyama slowly raised both hands. Guided by his chakra, another water giant rose from the crashing waves.

Terumi stood frozen. This man was terrifying. Sure, they were at the ocean's edge and had the advantage of terrain—but to unleash so many powerful techniques in succession spoke volumes about his strength.

"And who told you I specialize in Water Release?"

"As Kekkei Genkai users, the power gifted to us by our bloodline is what truly matches us. It's what makes us strongest."

"For example—"

Kazuyama raised one hand toward the water giant beside him.

Crystal Release activated.

The roaring giant was instantly transformed into a dazzling crystal statue. Then, it toppled into the sea with a tremendous splash.

Kekkei Genkai...

Kazuyama's—Konoha's Ghost—his bloodline powers were Transparent Escape and Crystal Release. So this was Crystal Release?

A jutsu that could crystallize anything...

Watching the scene unfold, Terumi clenched her teeth. A flame ignited within her.

She had her own Kekkei Genkai—two of them, in fact. She had her pride too.

She wouldn't be cowed by someone else's aura.

She knew that if she let herself be overwhelmed now, she might never recover from it.

Her hands moved rapidly, forming hand seals. Kazuyama's eyes flickered with delight when he recognized them.

In his previous life as a seasoned fan, he was more than familiar with many shinobi—including the one standing before him now and the jutsu she was about to use.

The moment she finished the seals, Terumi's expression turned fierce.

"Don't think I'll back down!"

"Boil Release: Melting Apparition Technique!"

A stream of yellow liquid spewed from her mouth—a viscous, highly corrosive acid.

The acid hit the blue barrier created by the Umbrella Canopy Technique with a sharp hiss, followed by thick white smoke.

Kazuyama nodded in approval.

"Not bad. A powerful acidic attack. Very good."

"But... if you can create acid using two elemental attributes, maybe there's another path you could take?"

Still maintaining the jutsu, Terumi gave him a confused look.

Another path? What did he mean?

Kazuyama only smiled, giving no explanation. In a flash, he reappeared by her side.

"Alright, that's enough. Cancel the jutsu."

"Let's keep going—your Kekkei Genkai is your greatest weapon."

"Come on. Let's head back."

Hearing that, Terumi deactivated her jutsu and watched as Kazuyama turned and began walking toward the town. She hesitated for a moment, then followed.

But it didn't take long before she caught herself.

"Wait, why am I following you?!"

"I haven't agreed to let you be my teacher!"

Even as she said it, her feet kept moving.

This was the Land of Frost—she didn't know a single person here. At this point, she had no choice but to stick with Kazuyama.

But as soon as they stepped back inside, she was greeted with a verbal smack straight to the head from him.

"Terumi, you'll be staying here on your own for the next few days."

"I'll leave you some money and supplies."

"As a ninja, learning to survive independently is a crucial lesson."

"You know I'm leading a team into Kirigakure, and I've got a contract to sign tomorrow, so I won't be back for a while."

Terumi: ...I...want to melt him.

Just as Kazuyama finished arranging Terumi's situation, the system prompt sounded.

[Ding! The system has detected that the host abducted the future Fifth Mizukage from Kirigakure, used PUA tactics and his good looks to shake her will, and made her accept him as her teacher. This behavior is highly appreciated by the system.]

[Special reward: Six Paths Resistance +10%!]

Not bad. Really not bad. Looks like Terumi had accepted her fate. Excellent.

Kazuyama was quite satisfied with the reward. After all, this was resistance to the Six Paths.

It was vital prep for facing Madara Uchiha down the line. Six Paths techniques were terrifying, and as an ordinary human, he needed all the cards he could get.

His gaze toward Terumi was now full of satisfaction.

But Terumi, still stressing about her own predicament, didn't even notice the way he was looking at her.

"Here, take this. It's your living expenses. And this—your pocket money."

"I'll be back in a week. Try not to starve to death."

Looking at the 5,000 ryo in Kazuyama's hand, Terumi pouted.

"Can I go back to the village and grab my piggy bank...?"

"That was my hard-earned money."

Kazuyama didn't respond—just vanished with the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Terumi stood there pitifully, glancing around the house, then let out a long sigh and resigned herself to her fate.

[Ding! The system has detected the host bullying someone weaker and even exploiting his own disciple. Terumi's piggy bank was clearly stolen by the host.]

[And that 5,000 ryo? Yeah, it came from her piggy bank too! Host, you're really turning into a money-grubbing beast!]

[But this attitude greatly pleases the system. Special reward: Silk Demon Binding Array and a bundle of top-quality steel wire!]

What the hell?

Kazuyama was baffled.

...

The sun rose, but as always, no sunlight pierced the thick fog of Kirigakure. In fact, the mist was even denser than the day before.

"Kazuyama, where were you yesterday?"

"You didn't come back all night."

Yep. Kazuyama had only just returned that morning. An all-nighter didn't faze him.

Seeing Pakura's worried look, Kazuyama smiled and shook his head.

Last night had been productive, to say the least.

He gained a new disciple and got the reward he was aiming for. Not bad at all.

"No big deal. I was wandering around Kirigakure, had a little inspiration, so I took some time to practice a new ability."

"I'll show you on the way back."

"Maybe even teach it to you. I think this one will suit you well."

Pakura's eyes lit up immediately. He didn't doubt Kazuyama for a second—his talent was well-known, after all.