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

Another month had passed.

The door to the Gekkō Clan residence was knocked on under the pale glow of the moonlight.

Kazuyama opened the door and, seeing the ANBU operative standing outside, didn't show the slightest hint of surprise. After all, Sakumo Hatake was currently in charge of the ANBU, and it made perfect sense that he would send them to deliver a message.

"Lord Sakumo has ordered that you report to Lord Hokage's office," the ANBU said flatly. "There's a mission."

Kazuyama nodded in acknowledgment. Without further delay, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique right in front of the messenger and vanished instantly.

The abrupt use of spatial ninjutsu left the ANBU stunned. Staring at the empty spot where Kazuyama had been, he muttered in disbelief, "No wonder Lord Sakumo values him so highly. Spatial ninjutsu... It's terrifying."

Kazuyama's Flying Thunder God Technique had been marked on the roof of the Hokage Building. Whether by habit or mischief, most of his teleportation markings in the village were located on rooftops.

"Since you're here, stop lurking on the roof and come in already," a familiar voice called out. The window to the Hokage's office creaked open, revealing Heichi Yamanaka poking his head out.

"Yo, Heichi," Kazuyama said as he stepped through the window without hesitation. "Looks like we're on another mission together."

Inside, the room was already filled with people. Standing at the front was Sakumo, flanked by five shinobi, including Heichi.

"You're the last one to arrive," Sakumo said with a grin. "Didn't think you'd keep us waiting."

From behind his desk, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, twitched with irritation. "Kazuyama, you little brat," he snapped. "Get rid of that mark you left on my roof, or I'll handle you myself!"

Kazuyama gave a sheepish laugh. "Come on, Lord Hokage, it's just a marking. No need to be so petty."

"Get rid of it. Now!" Hiruzen barked, exhaling smoke from his pipe.

After a sharp glare at Kazuyama, the Hokage took another drag on his pipe, letting the smoke dissipate as he shifted focus. "This mission is a reconnaissance operation. It's to prepare for the upcoming war," he explained. "The primary goal is to uncover Sunagakure's movements. If possible, gather intelligence on the enemy's military strength."

He gestured to Sakumo, signaling him to continue.

Sakumo stepped forward, his tone serious. "I don't need to elaborate on how crucial this mission is. I'll be leading the team deep into the Land of Wind. We may have to infiltrate Sunagakure itself. That's why I've selected Kazuyama for this mission. His Transparent Escape Technique and Flying Thunder God Technique will be invaluable."

As his name was mentioned, Kazuyama shifted uncomfortably under the attention. Sakumo's confidence in him was evident.

"However, the Flying Thunder God Technique has its limitations," Sakumo said, his tone steady but firm. "Especially when it comes to teleporting others or moving an entire group. It's best to reserve it for crises."

He had already learned from Heichi about what had happened in the Land of Hot Water. Kazuyama had used a massive amount of chakra to teleport Heichi, and given his young age and limited reserves, it was clear this technique wasn't without significant drawbacks. Taking this into account, Sakumo decided to keep it as a final trump card.

Turning his attention to the group, Sakumo reviewed the assembled team members aloud:

"From the Gekkō Clan: Kazuyama, intelligence officer.

From the Yamanaka Clan: Heichi, guard and perception specialist.

From the Hyūga Clan: Kōjin, also responsible for guard duty.

Ken Aoyama: combatant.

Tsukiyuki: combatant.

Nozuki: medical personnel."

Each name was marked by a confident nod from Sakumo as he scanned the room. This was a team of elite specialists he had carefully selected, ensuring they had the skills needed not just for the mission's success but also for their collective survival.

"Lord Hokage, we're leaving," Sakumo announced.

With the team assembled and ready, they departed the Hokage Building under Sakumo's lead, heading southwest toward their destination.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Wind, within Sunagakure Village, the harsh environment of constant sandstorms and barren landscapes seemed almost nurturing—perfect for shaping resilient and battle-hardened shinobi.

In the Kazekage Building, the Third Kazekage, Hatazaemon, examined the intelligence report in his hands with a composed expression.

Two middle-aged figures stood across from him. One of them, a woman with light purple hair and a serious demeanor, spoke firmly. "Hatazaemon, I request to lead the surprise attack team in this war."

The man beside her sighed softly, as though anticipating the conversation.

Kazekage Hatazaemon regarded her with a steady gaze. "Chiyo, I know your desire for revenge, but I have my own strategy for this war with Konoha. You and Ebizō will remain in Sunagakure, overseeing the Medical-nin. I will not send you to the front lines."

Chiyo's expression hardened. Her son and daughter-in-law had been killed by Konoha's White Fang in the last Shinobi World War, leaving her with a searing hatred for him and Konoha as a whole.

"Hmph! Who else is more qualified to lead the charge than me?" she countered sharply. "Have you forgotten Hanzō? If I hadn't gone to the frontline in the last war, Sunagakure's losses would have been far greater."

Her determination to avenge her family burned fiercely, and she refused to back down.

The Kazekage's tone remained calm but firm. "Chiyo, do not forget—I am the Kazekage. The surprise attack team already has a leader, and your input is unnecessary."

As he spoke, the entire office seemed to tremble. A dense wave of black Iron Sand appeared in the air, swirling ominously. This was the Kazekage's Magnet Release: Iron Sand, a technique that cemented his reputation as the most powerful Kazekage.

Chiyo's expression shifted slightly at the sight of the Iron Sand, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of showing weakness. With a sharp snort, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the office.

Once she had left, Ebizō stepped forward. "Who do you intend to appoint as the leader of the Special Assault Team? Pakura?"

Hatazaemon didn't respond verbally, simply gesturing in dismissal. Ebizō accepted the non-answer and exited without further comment.

When the room was empty, the Kazekage dispersed the hovering Iron Sand. His face remained stoic as he returned to the intelligence reports. Ebizō was correct—he planned to assign Pakura to lead the vanguard. Her possession of a Kekkei Genkai made her one of Sunagakure's strongest assets, and her presence would significantly bolster the assault team.

Outside the window, the relentless desert winds howled, stirring up waves of golden sand around Sunagakure.

A few days later, Sakumo's squad finally entered the Land of Wind.

The vast desert stretched endlessly before them, the scorching heat and barren landscape testing their resolve.

Kazuyama broke the silence with a grumble. "I don't know how Sunagakure survives in the middle of all this sand. If it were me, I'd have gone crazy ages ago."

Kazuyama kept grumbling non-stop—after all, the endless desert was utterly frustrating.