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

The Ninja Academy's graduation assessment had officially begun.

This was the first assessment since the reforms, and it was attended by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with advisors Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and a group of jonin. It was considered the most grand and formal evaluation yet.

On the Academy's training grounds, a platform had already been set up for the event.

The principal, Sakumo Hatake, entered with a stern expression, leading a group of teachers. He stepped forward slowly, his sharp gaze sweeping over the students gathered for the test.

"This graduation assessment marks the first since the Academy's reforms. I hope all of you give it your all and showcase your unique talents!" His voice carried authority and encouragement.

"Now, let the assessment begin! Examiners, take your positions!"

With those words, he fell silent.

Kazuyama, as a Jōnin instructor, used the Body Flicker Technique to appear directly on the central platform.

His appointment as the examiner was widely recognized; after all, he was one of the Academy's rare Jōnin teachers. Additionally, the new assessment format, tailored to individual circumstances, made having a single examiner more effective.

"Wow, so many familiar faces. I hope you all show your individual strengths," Kazuyama said with a grin.

"First, Might Guy!"

The young ninja didn't hesitate. With an excited leap, he landed on the platform, bursting with energy.

"Kazuyama-sensei! This time, I will definitely graduate!"

"Come on!" Kazuyama encouraged him.

The moment the words left his mouth, Might Guy launched a swift attack. Under the rigorous training from Chen in recent weeks, his speed had significantly improved.

A rapid series of close-range attacks followed, so fluid and precise that even Kazuyama couldn't help but marvel. The future taijutsu master's brilliance was already beginning to shine.

"Leaf Whirlwind!"

Two powerful wind-inducing kicks tore through the air in quick succession. Kazuyama smiled slightly, evading the strikes with ease.

The sharp sounds of the kicks cutting through the air caught the attention of the onlookers, drawing silent amazement. Producing such sounds with raw kicking strength required remarkable speed and power.

Chen, observing from below, smiled faintly, clearly pleased with Might Guy's performance.

"That's enough. No need to continue. You've passed," Kazuyama announced before Guy could launch another attack.

"I don't think anyone will disagree."

Might Guy froze for a moment, then erupted into cheers. He leaped forward, attempting to hug Kazuyama in excitement, but he swiftly blocked him,

"Go on, there are others waiting to be assessed!"

Kazuyama tossed Might Guy off the platform with ease.

"Next, Asuma."

Oh? Even the Hokage's son needs to be assessed?

Kazuyama thought to himself. He couldn't help but flash a wicked smile as Asuma leapt confidently onto the platform.

Pakura, watching from below, noticed the expression on Kazuyama's face and silently prayed for Asuma. She knew that smile all too well—Kazuyama was about to start making things difficult.

Hiruzen, standing nearby, twitched slightly at the sight of his son stepping onto the stage.

"Hiruzen, your son should graduate soon too," one of his advisors teased.

"We'll see. If his abilities aren't up to par, he can spend a few more years studying," Hiruzen replied with measured calm.

Homura chuckled lightly at the exchange, his tone joking, but Hiruzen couldn't shake the unease. He glanced at Kazuyama's smirk and felt something was off but chose to remain silent, focusing intently on Asuma's performance.

"Come on, Asuma, let me see what you're made of," Kazuyama called out.

Hmph, brat. You've been acting too full of yourself. Let's see how you handle this, he thought, already preparing his next move.

Asuma wasted no time. With a sharp "Hey!" he charged forward, fists raised, launching a flurry of punches aimed straight at Kazuyama's face.

The bold move made Kazuyama's face darken instantly.

Good boy, aren't you ruthless? Don't people say not to aim for the face? Yet here you are, aiming right for mine.

Fine. I was going to go easy on you, but you asked for it!

Kazuyama sidestepped the attack effortlessly, then grabbed Asuma by the collar and threw him across the platform.

Asuma quickly recovered, landing on his feet with practiced ease. Without hesitation, he began forming hand seals.

Kazuyama watched with interest, but then frowned. Those seals... they seemed oddly simplistic. This wasn't the powerful Fire Release he expected from the Sarutobi Clan.

"Fire Release! Flame Bullet!"

In an instant, several fist-sized fireballs shot out toward Kazuyama. The attack was swift but... underwhelming. The small fireballs floated through the air, and a faint, awkward silence settled over the spectators. Somewhere in the crowd, it almost sounded like a crow let out a mocking caw.

The Sarutobi Clan, a prestigious family known for its mastery of Fire Release... and this is what he came up with? Even the Uchiha's Phoenix Fire is much stronger than this.

Kazuyama let out a long sigh.

Without a word, he vanished from sight, reappearing just behind Asuma. The small fireballs drifted harmlessly off the platform, barely worth a second glance.

"Where is he? Where did he go?"

Asuma turned frantically, trying to locate Kazuyama, who had seemingly vanished. His composure faltered, leaving him flustered.

Below the stage, Hiruzen's face darkened with displeasure. Not only were Asuma's fireballs pitifully small, but now he was panicking over a simple disappearance.

This is disgraceful.

Meanwhile, Kazuyama hadn't gone far. He had merely moved behind Asuma, his hands silently forming the Tiger Seal.

The crowd gasped at the sight. Tiger Seal? Fire Release? Isn't this overkill for a student?!

Only a select few—Pakura, Obito, Sakumo, and Hiruzen—seemed to grasp what was happening. They covered their faces in collective embarrassment, knowing exactly what was coming.

I can't watch this... This guy is shameless. He's actually using that technique!

"Asuma, behind you!" Kurenai Yūhi called out, unable to hold back any longer.

Asuma started to turn, but it was too late. Kazuyama struck swiftly.

"Kid, go back and practice some more! Behold, the ultimate taijutsu of the Leaf Clan—One Thousand Years of Death!"

And with that, Kazuyama completed the infamous technique.

A high-pitched scream echoed across the training grounds as Asuma launched into the air, hands clutching his backside. The crowd froze, stunned into silence.

A single thought crossed everyone's mind: So that's how you use the Tiger Seal... But is this even a serious technique?!

Kazuyama casually blew on his hands as if they were smoking from exertion. Just then, a notification echoed in his mind:

[Ding! The host has used the One Thousand Years of Death technique more than three times in a row, triggering a long-term mission: Spread the fear of the One Thousand Years of Death across the Ninja World!]

[Every time the technique is used a certain number of times, a corresponding reward will be given.]

Kazuyama's eyes sparkled. A long-term mission? And rewards?! I always thought this technique was just for messing around, but now...

He laughed—a low, sinister chuckle. One Thousand Years of Death will be my ultimate weapon! Kill, kill, kill!

But to the onlookers, his laughter only seemed evil. Sakumo instinctively took a half-step back, his unease growing. This brat is up to something, and it definitely involves me…

"Next, Obito!" Kazuyama announced, his gaze shifting to the Uchiha stepping onto the stage.

Obito froze, eyeing his teacher warily. That smile... That smile was too much.

"Kazuyama-sensei, can you not smile like that? Just looking at you, I've lost all my will to fight," Obito muttered.

The crowd erupted into laughter. Kazuyama's smile was indeed unnerving.

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