Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki-Chapter 705 - 705: The Land of Snow

Years later, in the Land of Snow.
"Kazuyama-uncle."
"Oh, Koyuki! What's this? That kid Michihito didn't come with you?"
This was the Land of Snow—but it was no longer a land buried year-round in blizzards. From the top of its tallest tower, one could now look out over a sea of green, even catching sight of two massive beasts racing freely across the plains in the distance.
"Michihito and Senko went with Pakura-aunt to train. They said they're preparing to return to the village for the Chūnin Exams."
"Oh? Come to think of it, it's about that time again. No problem, I'll send them back when it starts. What about you? Want to visit the Land of Fire with me? The scenery there is nothing like here."
Kazuyama Gekkō stood on the tower's edge, drinking in the cool wind—and his sake—as he gazed over the now-vibrant Land of Snow. Beside him stood Kazahana Koyuki, the rightful princess of the country.
"Can I really go? The rebellion may be over, but the people still rely on me."
"Ah, compared to this, acting used to be so much easier."
Koyuki sighed, shaking her head helplessly. Only after losing something do people realize its value. Once a famous actress, she had given it all up for the sake of her homeland. Though the nation was prospering, her daily workload had become overwhelming.
"Hey, Princess, there are still piles of documents waiting for your signature! What are you doing here?"
"Oh? Lord Kazuyama, you're here too. That explains it."
See? She hadn't been gone long before someone came looking.
The newcomer was fair-skinned, strikingly beautiful, long-legged—and far taller than average. It was Samui.
"Oh, Samui, haha! Looks like you've taken quite a liking to the Land of Snow too."
"Well, the Land of Rain is wet all the time. It's nowhere near as comfortable as here."
"Too bad Konan says she can't be without anyone nearby. Otherwise, Mabui would've come to enjoy the scenery too."
Samui and Mabui had long since accepted their new lives. Though they had left Kumogakure, their quality of life hadn't worsened.
At least, not since they were no longer under Orochimaru's shadow.
Over the years, both had adapted completely to life under Konan and Kazuyama Gekkō's care—and by now, they were even content.
"Samui, I've only been out for a short while. How can there be so much work already?!"
"Can't you let me rest for a bit?!"
Koyuki looked utterly ready to collapse.
Ever since her uncle Kazahana Dotō and the rebel forces had been crushed by Kazuyama Gekkō, the Land of Snow had entered a true springtime of peace. The country had opened its borders and even established diplomatic ties with the Land of Waterfalls.
But the result was that the princess—no, now the queen—was busier than ever.
"Hahaha, Koyuki, you must understand—this is part of being the ruler of a nation."
"Still, I'll make you a promise. Once the Chūnin Exams start, I'll take you with me. Samui can handle things here for a few days."
At that, Koyuki smiled brightly, while Samui froze, dumbstruck.
Watching the two of them—a queen and her attendant standing like twin statues—Kazuyama Gekkō laughed aloud. Then, in the next moment, he stepped forward, his body lifting effortlessly into the sky as he soared away.
"No matter how many times I see that, it still leaves me speechless."
"Samui, doesn't it amaze you too?"
Samui gave a quiet nod. "Amazed" didn't even begin to describe it.
To her knowledge, there wasn't another person alive who could do what Kazuyama Gekkō just had. There wasn't even the faintest hint of chakra flow—he simply flew. Was this what true Sage Arts were?
Samui knew about Senjutsu. Ever since acquiring her Cursed Seal, she could sense natural energy herself—but feeling what Kazuyama Gekkō used was beyond her entirely. Perhaps only a true Sage could understand.
As Kazuyama left the tower, his flight grew faster and faster. It was a transformation rooted in the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave—using natural energy to lift his body and soar through the air at blinding speed. In only a few breaths, he had already reached the plains below.
"Hey! You two, having fun running wild out here?"
"Matatabi, where's Yugito?"
The two massive beasts chasing each other across the field were none other than Kokuō and Matatabi.
Kazuyama had kept his word—he had brought Kokuō to the Land of Snow, just as promised.
This vast, open land was perfect for Tailed Beasts. And along with them came Yugito, who was enjoying herself as much as the beasts.
"Oh, Kazuyama, Yugito went to sleep. Said that bastard Rōshi bullied her—they agreed to play with fire, and he used lava instead. She got mad."
"Haha, sounds like him. That old bastard Rōshi never plays fair—always hurling magma. Drives her crazy every time."
Rōshi—the very same Four-Tails Jinchūriki everyone knew.
Over the years, Kazuyama had gone to great lengths to fulfill his vision.
Of the nine Tailed Beasts, only the Three-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails remained outside his influence. The rest were under his command.
"You know, it's strange. Why didn't that guy Utakata come with us to the Land of Snow?"
"Is there really a need for him to stay in the Land of Water?"
The Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata, had joined the anti-Ten-Tails alliance but chose to remain in Kirigakure instead of coming along.
"Him? Probably for his student's sake."
"But with Mei Terumi keeping an eye on him, nothing should happen."
"I'll have to head back to Konoha soon anyway. The Chūnin Exams are starting, and my son and daughter need to participate."
Kazuyama landed gently on the ground and, with a casual motion, conjured a reclining chair before lying down comfortably.
Sensing his arrival, a middle-aged man came charging toward him from afar.
The moment he arrived, he started shouting.
"You bastard! Kazuyama Gekkō! You lied to me!"
"I agreed to train your apprentice, and what happened? That brat's just as insufferable as you! Doesn't follow any rules at all!"
"He keeps yelling, 'Let Sun out! Let Sun out!' Damn it all!"
Seeing Rōshi practically losing his mind, Kazuyama quickly created another chair and gestured for him to sit before he keeled over from anger.
It didn't calm him much, but Rōshi sat down anyway, still fuming.
"Alright, alright. Yugito's always been like that, not just today."
"Hahaha. Still, during our last fight with Akatsuki, didn't you think something was off?"
Kazuyama's words instantly silenced everyone—human and beast alike.
"That creature... with both the Sharingan and Rinnegan."
"Yeah. Something wasn't right. Even my full-strength attack couldn't take one of them down completely."
"And that puppet... even Sun couldn't finish it quickly. That's absurd."