Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki Chapter 175: One Trap After Another

[Ding! Detection complete! Due to the host's influence, Minato Namikaze was at a disadvantage in his battle against A, causing him to miss an opportunity to showcase his talent. As a reward, 2 Taijutsu has been awarded.]

Kazuyama, who was in the middle of his journey, suddenly felt a wave of confusion.

What was going on? Namikaze was fighting A?

Shouldn't Minato be at the battlefield in the Land of Grass? Why was he in the Land of Hot Water instead? And more importantly—he was at a disadvantage?

Could you bla him? No! Facing that maniac A and still being alive was already a miracle.

Collecting his thoughts, Kazuyama activated his Hive Mind and surveyed his surroundings.

Based on his estimate, he had already entered the range of Iwa's territory.

It didn't take long for his senses to prove him right.

Several figures were rushing in his direction.

The one leading the group had a brown mullet, a sowhat gloomy expression, and radiated a powerful aura.

The mont Kazuyama laid eyes on him, his pupils contracted. He recognized the man instantly.

Iwagakure's Jōnin—Kakkō. One of Iwa's finest, skilled in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu.

But more importantly, it was his tactical prowess—sharpened through years of combat experience—that led to Obito's "death" during the Kannabi Bridge mission in the original story.

Simply put, he was an incredibly dangerous opponent.

"Stop! If you co any closer, I'll have to attack!"

Kakkō narrowed his eyes, doubt flickering across his face.

The person before him looked like Kakuzu—no forehead protector, just ordinary clothes. Sothing was off.

To make matters more suspicious, he was carrying soone. Judging by the clothing, it was a ninja.

Hearing the warning, Kazuyama slowly ca to a halt, his gaze locked onto Kakkō.

Who was Kazuyama Gekkō? An actor of the highest caliber.

At this mont, he had mimicked Kakuzu's appearance and deanor with 99.9% accuracy—enough to intimidate even an experienced shinobi.

"Hmph, an Iwa ninja? How convenient."

"I have a business proposition for you. I wonder if you'll be interested."

His voice carried a quiet nace, exuding a suppressed power.

Kakkō's wariness heightened instantly.

"Who are you? Why are you here?"

"? My na is Kakuzu. I'm a bounty hunter, and your higher-ups in Iwa should know ."

At the ntion of that na, Kakkō's eyes widened in shock.

Yes, he had heard of Kakuzu—a powerful rcenary rumored to do anything for money.

"What kind of deal do you want?"

"Here, this is the target of the deal."

Kazuyama smirked slightly and casually tossed Toroi's body onto the ground.

Only then did Kakkō get a clear look at the face of the fallen ninja.

"Kumo Jōnin… Kekkei Genkai user… Magnet Release… Toroi..."

"You actually killed him?"

The Iwa ninjas around them exchanged shocked glances.

"How much is he worth? If the price is right, I might consider trading for sothing else," Kazuyama continued.

"Such as certain information."

Kakkō steadied his mind, wariness creeping into his gaze as he slowly approached.

"How much do you want?"

"Hmph. The Bounty Station is offering 50 million, but I think that's too low. This is a Kekkei Genkai ninja—surely Iwa isn't that stingy?"

Kazuyama deliberately nad the Bounty Station's price, aiming to take the lead in negotiations. As a seasoned rogue, he knew better than to let himself be controlled.

Hearing the ntion of the Bounty Station, Kakkō nodded, clearly familiar with it.

"I need to report this to the Tsuchikage."

"How long will that take? My ti is valuable."

"Not long. Stay here and wait. You two, keep an eye on him—I'll be back soon."

With that, Kakkō turned and sprinted toward the rear camp.

Kazuyama, however, remained completely unfazed. After all, the one standing before the Iwa shinobi wasn't really him—it was his shadow clone.

He wouldn't risk his own life. Right now, he was watching the whole scene unfold from kiloters away.

"Kazuyama, do you think Iwa will suspect anything?"

"No. I hope he goes straight to Tsuchikage Ōnoki. If it's Ōnoki, he'll definitely recognize Kakuzu."

"Who exactly is this Kakuzu? How can you be so sure that Ōnoki will know him?"

"Hmph. Just an old war dog."

Kakkō wasted no ti. Upon arriving at the base camp, he went straight to the communication unit.

"Contact the Tsuchikage imdiately. I have critical information."

The ninja in charge looked confused but, seeing Kakkō's serious expression, didn't dare delay. He quickly activated the Iwagakure's unique information transmission jutsu.

Placing his hand on a specially treated rock, the ninja turned back to Kakkō.

"I asked the Tsuchikage if it's true that the bounty hunter Kakuzu has arrived, bringing the body of Kumo Jōnin Toroi in exchange for money."

"He's asking for more than 50 million ryo and claims to have additional information."

As the technique activated, several lines of text appeared on the rock, glowing with a strange yellow light.

"Urgent report—requesting imdiate response from Lord Tsuchikage."

This was Iwa's Rock Technique—discreet and uniquely suited to their village.

A reply ca swiftly.

"If it really is Kakuzu, agree to his terms. As for the additional information, hear him out first—pay only if it's worthwhile."

It was a simple ssage, but it imdiately gave Kakkō clarity on what to do next.

Far away in Iwagakure, Tsuchikage Ōnoki hovered in the air, holding the stone in his hand. A flicker of surprise crossed his face.

"Lord Tsuchikage, do you know this Kakuzu?"

The two ninjas beside him couldn't hide their curiosity.

Ōnoki nodded.

"He was from my generation—very strong. Originally a Takigakure ninja, but he betrayed them for money and beca a bounty hunter."

"I hired him before."

"I didn't expect him to still be active during this war… and he even killed a Kumo ninja with a Kekkei Genkai."

"He must have taken on a bounty. Heh… lucky for us the Bounty Station didn't offer enough, or we wouldn't be getting this deal."

"The body of a Magnet Release user will be useful."

Just as Kazuyama had predicted, using Kakuzu's na to mislead Ōnoki had worked.

Ōnoki, who had extensive experience dealing with rcenaries, was certainly familiar with Kakuzu.

"Tell Hibana—once the money is paid, bring Toroi's body back to the village and hand it over to the researchers imdiately."

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage."

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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