Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki Chapter 116: Clash of the Kage’s Sons

"Earth Release! Earth Flow Spears!"

"Lightning Release! Wave of Inspiration!"

Earth and lightning clashed, sending rocks flying and crackling electricity through the battlefield. It was a confrontation between two groups of ninja.

Iwagakure had the numbers advantage with two teams—eight ninja in total—while Kumo had only one team of four. Yet, despite being outnumbered, the Kumo ninja were clearly stronger.

Beyond ninjutsu, the fight was a blur of flashing blades, kunai, and shuriken.

"Hmph! Damn you, Kumo! Die!"

"Dream on! Lightning Release! Lightning Ball!"

A barrage of lightning spheres shot forward uncontrollably.

Just as the battle raged on, a fine powder began falling from the sky. The mont it touched the ninja, their bodies convulsed, and within seconds, all ten collapsed, completely immobilized.

"Chōi, your paralytic powder keeps getting better."

"Of course! I've been refining it since you entered the Land of Rice Fields. Don't worry, use as much as you like—I've got plenty!"

"And I've improved the Scale Powder. It's colorless and odorless, completely invisible in sunlight!"

"A must-have for any traveler!"

Kazuyama slowly erged above the battlefield. The Scale Powder he had released was the reason for the paralysis, rendering every affected ninja helpless. His control over it was precise—none of them would recover for at least half a day.

He began searching the fallen ninja for valuables. Money, ninja tools, explosive tags—take everything useful. Then, he started his cleanup. The Iwa ninja's belongings were tossed east and buried under soil, while the Kumo ninja's were thrown west and covered with branches.

Once everything was taken care of, Kazuyama retreated to a distant tree, counting his newfound wealth. As he sifted through the bills, a satisfied smile crossed his face.

Even though he already had a decent fortune, there was sothing about easy money that never got old.

This was his third operation since arriving in the Land of Rice Fields. And each ti, his pockets got heavier.

"Eh? Is that..."

Kazuyama's gaze locked onto a familiar figure. If he recognized them, it ant they were soone of considerable fa.

The man ahead was slender, his face twisted into a hideous expression, accompanied by several other ninja. It was none other than Gari of the Explosion Corps, a wielder of the Kekkei Genkai: Explosion Release.

Kazuyama pondered the implications. Although Iwagakure and Kumogakure were at war, the conflict had yet to escalate into a full-scale battle. However, the presence of a Kekkei Genkai user signaled that Iwagakure had sent so of its main forces into the Land of Rice Fields.

Was this a sign of an impending large-scale war?

With that thought, Kazuyama quickly concealed himself and followed.

As he moved, his expression grew more serious. The sound of explosions echoed ahead, growing louder with every step.

Before long, he arrived at an open battlefield, where Iwa and Kumo forces were clashing. The fighters on both sides were people he knew well.

On Iwa's side stood a burly figure with a resolute face—Kitsuchi, the son of the Third Tsuchikage.

And on Kumo's side, the lineup was even more striking. The heir to the Raikage position, the future Fourth Raikage A, was battling alongside his rap-loving comrade, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer Bee.

An impressive showdown.

Gari's squad wasted no ti and dove into the fray.

"Explosion Release: Landmine Fist!"

With a single punch, a Kumo ninja was obliterated into nothingness.

Nearby, two figures observed the battlefield.

"Chōi, do you see that guy with the iron symbol on his arm?"

"Huh? Yeah, I see him. Why?"

"That's the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki—Gyūki's host. That iron symbol is a powerful Fūinjutsu."

"Really? Then why can't I sense Gyūki's chakra?"

"The seal suppresses the Eight-Tails. Unless he taps into its power, you won't sense a thing."

Kazuyama remained hidden in the shadows, carefully watching the battle unfold.

Killer Bee, still young at the ti, wielded his two swords infused with crackling lightning chakra, moving effortlessly across the battlefield with his Kenjutsu skills.

anwhile, the Fourth Raikage A was locked in fierce combat with Kitsuchi.

Kitsuchi's Earth Release mastery, combined with his Hardening Technique and Fist Rock Technique, made him an immovable force, capable of countering A's speed and thunderous defenses. Despite A's overwhelming agility, Kitsuchi stood firm like an unshakable Buddha, launching counterattacks from his fortified position.

Amidst the chaos, Gari pressed forward, taking down another Kumo ninja before setting his sights on Killer Bee.

Wielding the explosive power of his Kekkei Genkai, he clashed with Killer Bee in an intense back-and-forth exchange.

Just as their battle reached a stalemate, Killer Bee shifted his approach.

A surge of Tailed Beast chakra erupted from his body. In an instant, several octopus-like tentacles shot out, coiling tightly around Gari and trapping him in place.

He had no way to strike back.

"Damn it! The Eight-Tails Jinchūriki!"

"Earth Release! Golem Technique!"

Kitsuchi, having repelled A, widened his eyes at the sudden appearance of the octopus tentacles. Without hesitation, he activated another Earth Release technique. In an instant, a massive stone golem erged, charging straight at Killer Bee.

Kazuyama watched as Gari was ensnared by Killer Bee's tentacles, instantly intrigued.

The opponent was formidable, and any reckless action would bring more risk than reward. Yet, Kazuyama was not one to let opportunities slip by.

If he played this right, he could make a move, retreat quickly, and still reap significant rewards. But attacking was a problem. After much consideration, he abandoned the idea. Both sides were too strong, and as a Konoha ninja, interfering could draw unnecessary hostility.

anwhile, Gari struggled against Killer Bee's hold.

"Damn it! Let go!"

"Explosion Release! Impact!"

Unwilling to remain helpless, Gari unleashed a massive explosion, far more powerful than before. The sheer force tore apart the octopus tentacles, freeing him—though at a cost. The blast sent him hurtling into the air, his own technique injuring him in the process.

Kazuyama observed, licking his lips. The Iwagakure Explosion Corps were ruthless, always ready to detonate themselves without hesitation.

"Cough... damn Jinchūriki!"

Covered in black soot and wracked with pain, Gari could no longer control his descent. He plumted helplessly toward the ground.

Two Iwagakure ninjas imdiately moved to intercept, dashing toward his landing point.

"Hmph! Retreat!"

"Earth Release! Sandwich Technique!"

Kitsuchi, after a long glance at Killer Bee, made the call to withdraw. At the sa ti, he pressed a hand to the ground, forming a massive stone mountain that surged forward to crush the Kumo forces, covering their retreat.

The Kumo ninja reacted swiftly, retreating to a safe distance as the rock formation threatened to engulf them.

A rushed to Killer Bee's side.

"Bee, are you okay?"

Killer Bee nodded, retracting his tentacle legs. However, the sweat beading on his forehead did not go unnoticed by A.

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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