Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki Chapter 14: The Pitiful Five-Man Team from Kumogakure

This is a team of five Chūnin from Kumogakure. Their year-round life in the mountains has made them exceptionally strong and physically fit.

"Really, when can we fight? We've been patrolling for a month already," one of them grumbled.

"Stop complaining. Lord Raikage has already gone to talk to the Daimyō," another responded, irritation evident in their tone.

The group remained unaware of the silent figure approaching them, too absorbed in teasing one another. Their current mission was a dull one—re exploration and patrol, devoid of any action.

Kazuyama approached cautiously, using chakra to mask the sound of his footsteps. He leaned in close, eavesdropping silently.

This type of situation was all too familiar to him, and he knew he couldn't afford to make any mistakes. Not that he was worried—he had left a mark with Heichi Yamanaka, ensuring he could instantly activate the Flying Thunder God Technique to escape if anything went wrong.

"Tsk, as if I don't know. I was just complaining," one ninja muttered dismissively.

"By the way, it's true that the Land of Hot Water has abolished their Hidden Village. Many of their missions now rely on ninja from other villages," another added.

"Lord Third is sothing else," soone quipped. "He's got us doing missions in the Land of Hot Water instead of focusing on our own country."

Huh? The Third Raikage? That brute actually ca up with this? Kazuyama thought, barely suppressing a smirk. Missions outside his own country, completely ignoring whether the Daimyō was upset... Classic.

"Hey, you know—the hot springs in the Land of Hot Water are incredible," one ninja said slyly, flashing a wicked grin that made it obvious his interests went far beyond just relaxing.

"Co on, we're still on a mission. We'll talk about it later," the more mature-looking ninja interjected. "So ti ago, the surprise attack squad had an accident. The mission target wasn't dealt with, and now the higher-ups are forcing us to patrol, just in case Konoha reacts."

His statent drew solemn nods from the group. The thought of taking action against Konoha had been festering for a long ti. If it weren't for the current truce, they would have struck long ago. Their patience, however, was wearing thin.

"Kazuyama, who is the target of their mission?"

"Soone you know well."

"Huh? The Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails?"

"Well, not yet, but she will beco a Jinchūriki in the future. I think Kumogakure wants to capture her because they see the special constitution of the Uzumaki Clan in her. It seems that Kumogakure is ready to go to war with Konoha."

Though Kazuyama couldn't speak aloud, he wasn't truly alone. Inside him was a new companion—Chōi, the Seven-Tails. The two shared a lively rapport in their inner world, often chatting like old friends. However, Chōi wasn't content to simply spectate; he had his own ideas.

"Hey, Kazuyama, don't you want to get moving? Just sitting around and watching is boring!"

"Huh? Move? I'm on a covert mission. If I start moving, I'll blow my cover."

Kazuyama felt Chōi was being absurd. Acting now would jeopardize everything. He'd already gathered enough intel—everything matched the predictions of the old man, Hiruzen Sarutobi. He prepared to retreat, intending to report back.

But then, Chōi piped up again, forcing Kazuyama to pause.

"It's a covert operation!"

"I'm telling you, my Scale Powder is top-notch. It does it all—killing, confusion, poisoning, paralysis—you na it, I've got it!"

Kazuyama froze. !!! Is it really that versatile?

"Of course! Back when I was sealed in that cave with nothing to do, I spent ages refining it. I used chakra to enhance its effects and would toss it out to test it on passing insects. Watching how they reacted was my only entertainnt!"

Chōi's voice brimd with pride, though Kazuyama couldn't help but think, What a mischievous bug he still is.

"What do you think, Kazuyama? Do you want to do sothing?"

"I think it's okay. How about paralysis?"

"Or should I just kill them? I've never killed anyone before, but I think my Scale Powder can do the trick!"

Kazuyama Gekkō's gaze shifted to the five shinobi ahead of him. A faint smirk crept across his lips. An opportunity had presented itself—one he couldn't afford to pass up. If this Scale Powder was as effective as Chōi claid, it would be invaluable for future missions.

"Let's do it!"

"Okay! I'll teach you how to condense Scale Powder using chakra. You can generate it directly inside your body."

Without hesitation, Kazuyama moved upwind of the group, following Chōi's instructions. He began to concentrate his chakra, feeling an unfamiliar sensation building within him after a short while.

So, this is Scale Powder?

"Go ahead, Kazuyama. What effect do you want?"

"Paralysis first, preferably the kind that blinds them."

"Got it! Just release the Scale Powder inside you—spray it out."

Mimicking the technique for Fire Release, Kazuyama clasped his hands together and exhaled sharply. A dense cloud of phosphorus powder, invisible to the naked eye, shot forward.

"Damn it! Do you think Scale Powder is flour? You just sprayed it all at once like that!"

Chōi's exasperation rang loud in Kazuyama's mind.

"Couldn't you let it disperse gradually? So much chakra was used to condense that, and you wasted it all in one go!"

Chōi was furious. Who in their right mind used phosphorus powder like that? The way Kazuyama Gekkō had just sprayed it out, no amount of chakra would ever be enough. What a waste!

"Damn it, you didn't say anything!" Kazuyama snapped internally.

"Besides, you told to spray it!"

"Oh, damn it, my chakra!"

The amount of chakra, amplified several tis, was instantly reduced by more than half from a single mouthful of Scale Powder. A hollow emptiness coursed through Kazuyama, leaving his entire being unsettled. But now that the powder had been released, there was no ti for regret.

"Chōi, won't all this powder poison them to death? If there are Shibito among them, that could be troubleso!"

Kazuyama wasn't exactly a saint. He had been living in this harsh, unforgiving world for years, long enough to grow desensitized to life and death. After all, this was a cruel world where survival often outweighed morality. However, he had a mission. If an accident led to his demise, the consequences would far outweigh any short-term gains.

Not that he was easy to kill. With the Flying Thunder God Technique, invisibility, and the ability to fly, Kazuyama survival was almost guaranteed unless soone truly formidable ca after him. For now, he was confident in his safety.

"No," Chōi replied, "at most, the paralysis effect will be significantly enhanced. Originally, if you had released a smaller amount, they'd be paralyzed for half a day. With this dose, they'll need at least two days to recover."

Two days... Damn it. Once this job is done, I can't stay here. I'll have to run for my life.

The five patrolling targets suddenly detected a strange powdery gas. Monts later, chaos erupted.

"Ah!"

"What is that?!"

The screams were sharp but short-lived. In an instant, the paralyzing effect overwheld the five individuals, rendering even their tongues immobile. Their sight faded into darkness, and one by one, they collapsed heavily to the ground.

Thud!

Under the intense paralysis, the group convulsed, helpless and immobile.

Kazuyama and Chōi stood silently, observing the aftermath. The sight of the five people twitching uncontrollably filled the air with an eerie stillness.

"Was the dosage really that excessive?" Kazuyama muttered.

"Well..." Chōi responded, hesitating. "I've never seen anyone convulse like that before. It's... kind of funny, actually."