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

The Ninja Academy, established by the Second Hokage as a training ground for future shinobi, is a cornerstone of Konoha's education system—but it is far from flawless. Its relatively recent founding has resulted in notable gaps in its curriculum. Take, for instance, the current generation of students, like Kazuyama Gekkō. Beyond basic ninjutsu training and general knowledge, the academy provides little to truly cultivate the full potential of its students.

Unless a student demonstrates exceptional talent, like the legendary Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, or hails from a prominent clan with its own resources—such as the Sarutobi or Nara clans—their growth often remains stunted. Meanwhile, the once-dominant Senju Clan has faded into obscurity, and the Uchiha Clan, though experiencing a resurgence, operates under close scrutiny. It is no secret that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, likely has plans to address these shifting power dynamics and restore equilibrium within the village.

The Hyūga Clan continues to thrive under the steady and capable leadership of its Clan Head, maintaining stability and avoiding any major disruptions.

The Gekkō Clan, however, has fallen on hard times. Fortunately, Kazuyama Gekkō's efforts are keeping the clan afloat. Though he's only a Chūnin, his skills in concealment have garnered the attention of Hiruzen, who recognizes his potential.

At this time, Hiruzen is still in his prime, maintaining firm control over Konoha. Reflecting on his position and abilities, Kazuyama considered that becoming a teacher at the academy might not be such a bad idea.

In the Hokage's office, an Anbu knelt before Hiruzen, delivering a report.

"Have you informed him?" Hiruzen asked.

"Yes, but..." The Anbu hesitated.

"What is it? Speak," the Hokage commanded.

"Lord Third, are you really assigning him to teach students? He's only 14 years old."

Hiruzen chuckled softly. "So what if he's 14? He's the current head of the Gekkō Clan."

"But he's just a Chūnin. Even if he's from the Gekkō Clan..." The Anbu trailed off as Hiruzen raised his hand to silence him.

The Hokage stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he gazed out the window. "Do you really think he's just a Chūnin?" he said, a knowing smile on his face. "Kazuyama has talent—tremendous talent—but he's also lazy. He's exceptionally skilled at hiding his abilities. On paper, Suzaku Nara may be leading the mission to Takigakure, but Kazuyama is the linchpin. Only his 'Transparent Escape' technique can infiltrate their defenses undetected and extract vital information."

Hiruzen had his own judgment about Kazuyama Gekkō. To him, Kazuyama was a rough piece of jade—one that, with time and refinement, would undoubtedly shine brilliantly.

...

The next day at the Ninja Academy, a group of children gathered in the classroom. Each had received a message announcing the start of an exciting new course: Ninja Stealth Training.

Yet, the identity of their new Sensei remained a mystery.

"Hey, Kakashi!"

Obito Uchiha, sporting his signature goggles, slung an arm around Kakashi Hatake, the boy genius.

"Do you know who the new Sensei is?"

"I have no idea," Kakashi replied flatly, attempting to pull Obito's arm off his neck. "And would you please let go of me?"

Kakashi's expression darkened as he shot a glare at Obito's overly casual behavior. If it weren't for the others in the room, he might've been tempted to punch him right in the face.

"Hmph! You're as boring as ever, Kakashi."

Obito glanced around the room. "Huh? The Sensei isn't here yet? Seriously? Late on the first day? How unreliable!"

Obito strolled to his seat, grumbling under his breath, but his mood did a complete 180 when he spotted Rin Nohara sitting nearby. His face lit up, and a dreamy smile spread across his lips as he hurried to grab the seat next to her.

Unbeknownst to the students, every move in the room was already under close observation. Kazuyama, their Sensei, had arrived long before they entered. Using his mastery of stealth, he maintained a translucent state, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. This was his way of introducing himself—by observing his students without their awareness.

Kazuyama's eyes lingered on Kakashi and Obito. Watching the young prodigy and the boy destined to become the future instigator of the Fourth Shinobi World War, he couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.

He arrived early, noticing things others often missed. He could accomplish feats others only dreamed of. For example…

Kakashi was sitting quietly, minding his own business, when someone suddenly yanked his mask down.

"What? Kakashi, you took off your mask!"

Obito's loud shout practically shook the classroom, as if it had caused a mini earthquake.

Kakashi was equally startled—he hadn't even noticed when his mask had been pulled down. Reflexively, he reached up to cover his face, but it was too late; the mask had been shredded in the process.

All eyes turned to him, and young Kakashi flushed a deep red.

"So cool! I never imagined Kakashi was this handsome under the mask!"

"I can't take it anymore—I want to have Kakashi's child!"

The female students erupted into a frenzy.

Even Rin Nohara's eyes sparkled with excitement. Though she had always thought Kakashi was particularly handsome, seeing his face in person left her completely captivated.

"Damn it!"

Left with no choice, Kakashi tore some fabric from his clothes to cover his face. His gaze swept across the classroom with a deadly intensity, determined to uncover the culprit.

"Hahaha! Kakashi, you're not as handsome as me!"

"I'm definitely the most handsome guy in our class!"

Unlike the rest of the class, Obito's reaction was entirely different. Seeing Kakashi's face had somehow boosted his confidence, and he leapt onto a table, laughing loudly.

But his moment of triumph didn't last.

The next second, Obito went flying through the air as if struck by an invisible force. He soared toward the podium, howling in pain.

"Ah! My butt!"

Thud!

The crash echoed as Obito hit the ground, rolling and clutching his backside.

Kakashi froze for a moment, staring at the absurd scene. The pose, the impact—it was oddly familiar.

Wait! Could it be?

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. This was unmistakably the effect of that technique—his father's secret Konoha Taijutsu move: One Thousand Years of Death.

Could my father have done this?

The classroom erupted into laughter. Obito's ridiculous posture and the hilarity of the situation were too much to ignore.

"Heh, is it funny, everyone?"

A voice suddenly rang out in the classroom, one that was unfamiliar to most.

"On the battlefield, concealing oneself is the most critical skill. If concealment fails and you're discovered by the enemy, it can put your entire team at a significant disadvantage."

"The purpose of this class is to teach you the art of concealment."

"I am your substitute Sensei, Kazuyama Gekkō."

"It will be a pleasure to teach you."

As the voice concluded, the speaker revealed himself. Kazuyama slowly emerged, seated casually on the lectern with a mischievous smile. In his hand was the torn remnant of Kakashi's mask.

"I knew that voice was familiar. It really is you, Brother Kazuyama."

Kakashi stared at him, his voice tinged with exasperation. "You actually tore my mask... that's a bit much."

"Here, I got you a new one," Kazuyama said, his face brimming with playful mockery.

Without waiting for a response, he pulled something out and tossed it to Kakashi—a colorful, garish mask.