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

Ever since Kazuyama became Orochimaru's disciple, he had voraciously absorbed the knowledge imparted to him. Although Orochimaru had not yet allowed him to participate in his experiments, Kazuyama was fully aware that the day was not far off. Orochimaru's break from conventional ethics wouldn't occur until after the Third Shinobi World War, so there was no rush.

For now, Kazuyama spent his mornings attending Orochimaru's lessons and his afternoons studying at his mentor's home. He had already read through all of Orochimaru's books.

As time passed, the annual graduation season at the Ninja Academy arrived. As an assistant teacher, Kazuyama was invited to attend the ceremony.

On the morning of the graduation exam, a mix of older students and two notably younger teenagers were present among the candidates. The younger ones had applied for early graduation.

"Kakashi, I'll definitely graduate early this time!" Obito Uchiha said smugly to the boy standing beside him.

Kakashi didn't bother to respond, his attention fixed on Kazuyama. Since joining the Academy, Kakashi had excelled in every subject except the Stealth Course, where he repeatedly failed. That failure gnawed at him, filling him with a burning desire to redeem himself.

Kazuyama noticed Kakashi's gaze and offered him a teasing smile. Kakashi froze, momentarily flustered by the gesture.

Obito, still chattering on, was met with a blunt reply from Kakashi. "The examiners for early graduation are at least Special Jōnin level. You'd be lucky to last three minutes, so don't even think about it. Just go back to the Academy and start over."

Obito's face darkened with anger as he glared at Kakashi, itching for a fight.

The exams began shortly after, with candidates stepping forward one by one to demonstrate their skills. For this year's graduation, students were required to perform the Clone Technique, Body Replacement Technique, and Transformation Technique. Additionally, they were assessed on their Shurikenjutsu. Only those who passed all sections could graduate. The difficulty of this exam was notably higher than the one Naruto's generation would face in the future.

For older students who were serious about their studies, passing was achievable. The exams moved swiftly, with three separate exam sites operating simultaneously. One by one, candidates completed their assessments.

Kazuyama watched from the sidelines, his boredom evident. Among the candidates, there were a few familiar faces, such as Raidō Namiashi, Genma Shiranui, and Guy. Unfortunately, Guy failed the assessment—his lack of talent for ninjutsu proving to be a significant obstacle. It seemed his time to shine would come with the next generation.

Suddenly, a figure approached Kazuyama.

"What? Lord Sakumo, why are you here?" he asked, surprised.

The visitor was none other than Sakumo. "Lord Hokage would like you to be the examiner for the two early graduates."

Kazuyama was slightly taken aback. This felt like swapping out a commander mid-battle. The original examiner was a Special Jōnin, and he had only planned to observe. A last-minute replacement was unexpected.

"Fine. What are the requirements for the assessment?" he asked.

"Whatever you like, as long as it's not too much," Sakumo replied with a small smile. After all, one of the candidates was his son. Replacing the original examiner had been his idea.

Kazuyama instantly understood the unspoken meaning behind Sakumo's smile. Seriously? He wants me to put his own son through a stressful exam.

"Understood," Kazuyama replied. He couldn't refuse, and truthfully, he enjoyed training Kakashi and Obito. Both were destined to shape the future of the Ninja World.

As the exams for the other candidates concluded, the students and examiners cleared the venue. Kakashi and Obito, ready for their turn, ascended the platform, drawing the attention of those present. Their sudden appearance surprised many.

The Sensei overseeing the event quickly explained. "For this graduation assessment, two students have applied for early graduation. Lord Hokage has approved their request, and the assessment will be conducted by a Jōnin. If they pass, they will graduate directly."

Kazuyama stepped forward, flashing to the center of the platform. Facing the two with their serious expressions, he smiled slightly.

"I will be conducting your assessment. Do you have any objections?"

Both Kakashi and Obito shook their heads.

"Since you're applying for early graduation, I will assess you separately. The rules are simple: either attack with all your strength or defend with all your strength. Your goal is to last three minutes against me."

Kazuyama announced the rules with a calm smile.

However, his words left everyone slightly stunned. Although he was still in his teens, Kazuyama had been appointed a Jōnin by the Third Hokage himself. His abilities were exceptional, enhanced by the special Kekkei Genkai of the Gekkō Clan. For two students who hadn't officially graduated yet, lasting three minutes against him seemed nearly impossible.

"Um, Kazuyama Sensei, can I change my opponent?" Obito asked hesitantly, fully aware of Kazuyama's fearsome reputation. His question was more of a long shot than a genuine hope.

Kazuyama shook his head with a faint smile. "No."

Obito's face fell, his disappointment evident, but he didn't back down. Despite his frustration, he stood firm, determined to face the challenge ahead.

In the back of the crowd, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Sakumo watched the scene unfold with amusement. Seeing Kazuyama step in as the examiner brought grins to their faces.

"Sakumo, didn't I say this kid would take matters into his own hands?" Hiruzen remarked with a hearty laugh. "It's a shame only Kakashi and Obito applied for early graduation. If there were more, this would have been even more entertaining."

Hiruzen's gaze shifted toward the gathered students. Konoha was a vast and diverse community, home to many clans—the Gekkō, Uchiha, Hyūga, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Aburame, Sarutobi, and countless others. Together, these clans formed a unified village. As Hokage, Hiruzen deeply hoped to see more promising young talent emerge from their ranks.

His attention returned to the exam site as Kazuyama's voice rang out.

"So, which of you two will go first?"

Kakashi stepped forward without hesitation, his young face set with determination. "Kazuyama Sensei, please teach me."

The crowd murmured in admiration. Kakashi, the son of the famed White Fang, exuded a natural air of confidence and resolve that drew attention. His fighting spirit was clear for all to see.

"Very good, Kakashi," Kazuyama said approvingly. "Remember, the first element of a ninja battle is your momentum. If you don't have the mindset to win, how can you expect to succeed?"

His words struck a chord with many in the audience, and they nodded in agreement. However, among the few who knew Kazuyama well, mouths twitched in silent disbelief.

Hiruzen, Sakumo, and Chōmei shared a similar thought: You, Kazuyama, a ninja who relies on dodging and evasion above all else, teaching others to charge forward? Is that really appropriate?