Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki Chapter 20: Orochimaru Takes a Disciple, Kazuyama Demands a

Kazuyama returned from his trip to the Land of Hot Water with significant earnings, allowing him a rare period of leisure.

His reappearance at the Academy, however, sparked groans of despair among the students. The sight of their "Demon Sensei" was enough to send many into a panic. Yet, so t his return with confidence—none more so than Kakashi and Obito.

"Hmph! So you, the Demon Sensei, are back!" Obito exclaid. "I'll have you know that my concealnt techniques have improved significantly. You'll never find this ti!"

Kakashi remained silent, but his sharp gaze and slight smirk revealed a quiet confidence.

"Really? Hahaha, let's play hide and seek, then," Kazuyama said, his laughter echoing across the training ground. "Everyone! Five minutes to prepare!"

With that, the torturous ga of hide and seek began. As soon as the words left his mouth, the students scattered in all directions, vanishing into what they believed to be foolproof hiding spots.

Kazuyama activated his Hive Mind, scanning the area as his vision sharpened. Watching the students dive into their chosen hiding spots, he couldn't help but chuckle. The chaotic flurry of attempts to outwit him was a sight he'd grown fond of.

Once the five minutes were up, Kazuyama began his ga of "peekaboo." One by one, he systematically found each student, their hiding spots no match for his keen eyes and expertise.

In the end, only Kakashi and Obito remained unfound, which made him pause with so respect. Surviving the first round of his search was no small feat, and the two had clearly made significant progress in their skills.

"Not bad," Kazuyama remarked. "But unfortunately, not good enough."

Leaping onto the Academy roof, he landed with practiced ease. His feet ca to rest on two tiles, and he gave a sly grin.

"What, still not showing yourselves?" he said mockingly. "Do I have to step on you?"

Beneath his feet were none other than Kakashi and Obito, cleverly transford into tiles using the Transformation Technique. The two had gone to great lengths, first discarding the original tiles, then perfectly blending into the rooftop. Their strategy was creative and ticulous.

However, Kazuyama's Hive Mind had already shifted into it's advanced compound eyes form, greatly enhancing his perceptive abilities. Though their disguises were seamless to the naked eye, they were no match for his heightened vision.

"Boom!"

Two thuds echoed simultaneously as Kakashi and Obito reverted to their original forms, pinned firmly under Kazuyama's foot.

"Really?! How did you find us?" Obito yelled in frustration. "We hid so well—it took us forever to co up with that plan!"

But no matter how much he protested, Kazuyama's firm grip kept him rooted to the spot, unable to move.

"Heh," Kazuyama chuckled. "You've both improved, but it's still not enough."

He paused, ready to offer so advice. "Next ti—"

Suddenly, a cold, oppressive aura rose behind him, cutting his sentence short. His instincts flared, and with a flash, he darted away from his position.

"Who?!" Kazuyama spun around, eyes sharp as he scanned the area behind him.

The unexpected shift startled Kakashi and Obito, who quickly scrambled to their feet, their attention now focused on the ominous presence.

"Heh, not bad," ca a hoarse, chilling voice.

Kazuyama's heart tightened at the sound, his body instinctively tensing. A pale figure erged from the shadows, exuding a sinister, malevolent energy.

It was Orochimaru, one of the Three Legendary Sannin of Konoha and the prized disciple of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. His pale skin and pride-filled eyes radiated an aura of cold authority, and his power was palpable—undeniably Kage-level.

Kazuyama's mind raced. Though still a teenager and technically an assistant teacher at the Academy, he had managed to detect Orochimaru's presence—a feat that even the Sannin seed to find surprising.

Orochimaru's lips curved into a faint, unsettling smile as he studied the boy.

"No wonder... I've had the feeling soone was watching . It turns out it was you, Lord Orochimaru," Kazuyama said calmly, his voice steady despite the tense atmosphere.

"I wonder what brings you here to see ?"

Though he was face-to-face with one of the most formidable shinobi in the village, Kazuyama showed no fear. He stood his ground confidently. After all, they were still within Konoha, and Kazuyama was certain Orochimaru wouldn't dare act against him here.

"Heh, you are worthy of being promoted to Jōnin by the old man. Just from this perception and insight, you are indeed not bad." Orochimaru's voice carried a rare hint of approval.

"The old man said that you should report to the Hokage Building tomorrow to receive your promotion order."

He had been observing the entire ga of hide-and-seek. Although the concealnt techniques of this group of students seed rudintary to him, Kazuyama Gekkō had found everyone with such speed and precision that it made their efforts seem utterly futile. To Orochimaru, who was notoriously difficult to impress, this performance warranted a rare, faint smile of acknowledgnt.

The Gekkō Clan's Transparent Escape Technique, coupled with their Kekkei Genkai, had already garnered a reputation, but for soone like Kazuyama to have also mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique was remarkable. His abilities had not gone unnoticed—Orochimaru found himself seriously considering the potential of this young ninja. Even for soone as demanding as Orochimaru, Kazuyama's skill was alluring enough to spark interest.

"Kazuyama... are you interested in becoming my disciple?" Orochimaru asked, his tone as smooth and captivating as ever, hiding the predator's intent behind a veneer of charm.

Kazuyama froze, disbelief flashing across his face. Did I hear that correctly? he thought, almost unable to process the question. Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, wanted to take him on as an apprentice? Was the sun rising in the west today?

But then the thought settled, and Kazuyama began to rationalize. Orochimaru was still loyal to Konoha at this point. Even though rumors hinted at so clandestine experints, publicly, he was still the celebrated Sannin and a leading candidate for the Hokage title. From that perspective, it made sense for soone of his caliber to seek out a prodigious disciple.

Kazuyama's eyes narrowed slightly, considering the implications. A part of him felt drawn to the prospect. After all, Orochimaru wasn't just a ninja; he was also the preeminent scientist in the Naruto world. Becoming his apprentice would an access to groundbreaking research and techniques. If Kazuyama played his cards right, he could gain far more than just training.

Half of his scientific research would beco mine, Kazuyama mused with a sly internal smirk. No, even more than half—after all, isn't it natural for an apprentice to "inherit" a master's knowledge?

In the depths of Kazuyama's mind, Chōi, his inner voice of reason—or perhaps cynicism—grumbled in exasperation. What the… why does anything immoral seem perfectly reasonable when it cos to you?!

"Heh, are you hesitating, Kazuyama?" Orochimaru's voice slithered through the air, his piercing gaze locked on Kazuyama. The silence had lingered too long, and Orochimaru couldn't help but voice his curiosity.

It puzzled him. He was one of the Sannin—the most revered ninjas in the entire Ninja World. In Konohagakure, only a select few could match his renown or strength. To be offered an apprenticeship under him was a dream many dared not even entertain. Yet here stood Kazuyama, hesitating.

Even though Kazuyama Gekkō was on the brink of promotion to Jōnin, until the Hokage officially signed the order, he was still just a Chūnin. For soone at his rank, this opportunity should have been nothing short of monuntal.

"Huh?" Kazuyama finally broke the silence, his expression serious as he t Orochimaru's gaze. "Lord Orochimaru is joking. Why would I hesitate? This is a great thing. It's just that… I am indeed thinking about sothing."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He was pleased the young ninja accepted, but what exactly was he thinking about?

"Haha…What are you thinking about, Kazuyama?" Orochimaru asked, his curiosity piqued.

Kazuyama didn't flinch. Instead, he responded with a boldness that montarily startled even Orochimaru. "I was thinking, since you, Lord Orochimaru, are going to take as your disciple, what will be the initiation gift? You are one of the Sannin. I'm sure you won't be stingy with your disciple, right!"

For a mont, Orochimaru said nothing. His usual composure faltered as he processed the audacious statent.

Orochimaru: …

Nearby, Kakashi and Obito, who had apparently been eavesdropping from the shadows, struggled to contain their reactions.

Kakashi: "What did I just witness… my god…"

Obito Uchiha: "Damn it! You can do that? I need to find soone to take as a disciple too! Who should I pick?"

Orochimaru's silence didn't last long. A laugh bubbled up from within him, growing into a rare, hearty laugh that echoed through the room.

"Hahaha…" His smile widened—genuine and unrestrained, a stark contrast to his usual deanor. Ever since he had accomplished sothing notable, everyone had treated him with great respect. He never expected to encounter such a brat who casually demanded things.

Interesting, Orochimaru thought to himself. Very interesting.