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

"Well… Nozuki, how long will Ken's injuries take to heal?"

"Lord Sakumo, he's in a very bad condition. Apart from the wound on his back, he's also been poisoned."

"My Mystical Palm Technique can only temporarily stabilize his condition. He still needs follow-up treatment."

Nozuki's hands were covered in green chakra, the advanced Medical Ninjutsu technique known as the Mystical Palm Technique. By outputting chakra from the palms, it enhanced the healing of wounds and affected areas. The amount of chakra output needed careful adjustment based on the severity of the condition, making it a skill that only a few ninja medics could use. Excessive chakra output risked disrupting the patient's circulatory system and causing unconsciousness. The technique not only treated external injuries but could also effectively heal internal ailments.

"The Third's Iron Sand…"

Kazuyama suddenly thought of something and began frantically searching Pakura's body.

"Kazuyama, what are you doing!"

Sakumo's sharp reprimand cut through the tension, but Kazuyama didn't stop. He carefully searched Pakura's body with a determined expression that left no doubt he wasn't acting out of line.

"Damn it! I knew it!" Kazuyama cursed. "I figured out how they're tracking us—it's Iron Sand powder!"

Kazuyama suddenly ripped open the cloth near Pakura's waist, revealing a small trace of black powder to everyone.

The moment Sakumo saw it, his face darkened. "This is the Third Kazekage's Iron Sand."

"If Pakura has this on her, it must have been placed by the Third Kazekage. He's using his Magnet Release to track his subordinates."

"I used the Flying Thunder God Technique to take Pakura directly out of the village," Kazuyama said, his face tense. "That must have alerted him. That's why they were able to organize a pursuit so quickly!"

Sakumo's expression hardened as he processed the revelation. Kazuyama's grim face mirrored his.

No one had anticipated the Third Kazekage's strategic thinking. While the original accounts of his abilities might have left gaps, his tactical brilliance and ingenuity were undeniable.

"Damn it!"

Ken Aoyama coughed weakly, interrupting the moment. "Cough… Lord Sakumo, take them and retreat. I can hold them off for a while."

He knew his condition. The only safe option was for them to abandon him. They weren't far from the edge of the desert; without him, the others had a real chance of escape.

"Don't talk nonsense. I have no intention of abandoning my teammates," Sakumo said firmly.

"Since we set out on the same mission, we will, of course, go back together."

Kazuyama quietly took in the scene before him. He knew history was repeating itself. That same unwavering resolve to protect his comrades had once led Sakumo to face the scorn of the entire village in the original timeline.

Whether fortunate or not, this time the situation was completely different.

As Kazuyama pondered how they could escape, Kōjin Hyūga's sharp voice interrupted his thoughts.

"They're here! The pursuers have arrived!"

"The one leading them is Chiyo, the elder of Sunagakure!"

Sakumo's expression darkened immediately upon hearing this.

"They've caught up so quickly? How did they know we escaped here?"

Tsukiyuki looked equally shocked. They had taken a careful route to bypass the pursuers—how had they been discovered so soon?

At that moment, Chiyo and her squad of dozens of Sunagakure ninja surrounded the ruins. Her commanding voice echoed across the battlefield.

"Sakumo Hatake, come out quickly and face your death!"

"You're not getting away! Hand over Pakura!"

Chiyo's eyes burned with fury, her mind consumed by one thought—revenge on the man who had taken her son from her.

Sakumo cautiously glanced outside. The ruins were completely surrounded. Breaking out would be nearly impossible.

"Kazuyama, can your Flying Thunder God Technique teleport them away?"

Kazuyama shook his head grimly. It wasn't that he didn't want to help—it was that he couldn't. Without a technique to mark their destination, teleporting them was impossible.

"If Lord Sakumo can assist, there might be a chance," Kazuyama finally admitted.

Sakumo, who had all but dismissed the Flying Thunder God Technique as an option, suddenly perked up.

"What do you mean?"

"The only way I can activate the Flying Thunder God Technique right now is with this pile of kunai. If you can get them out of here, I can teleport them along with myself."

Kazuyama stared directly at Sakumo, his expression firm and unyielding. His meaning was clear: Sakumo would have to break out alone and get the kunai past their enemies for the plan to work.

The weight of the decision hung heavy in the air. Sakumo's face changed as he absorbed the implications. He glanced around at the others—the comrades who had accompanied him on this mission. How could he leave them behind?

Even if he did manage to break through, what if Kazuyama's Flying Thunder God Technique failed? Wouldn't that make him the one responsible for their doom?

As he watched Sakumo's face contort with hesitation, Kazuyama let out a helpless sigh. It was the truth: while Sakumo was an immensely powerful shinobi, his heart was unbearably fragile.

The next words from the group only made Sakumo's heart ache further.

"Lord Sakumo, take the woman and break out," said Ken Aoyama, who was lying on the ground receiving treatment. His voice was resolute, despite his weakened state. He had already accepted his fate—if it meant the mission could succeed, his life didn't matter.

"Haha, Lord Sakumo, you don't need to worry," Tsukiyuki added, his tone light despite the gravity of the moment. "I, Tsukiyuki, am ready to fight fearlessly by your side. While they haven't attacked yet, you should leave quickly!"

Heichi and Kōjin said nothing, but their steely expressions spoke volumes. Their resolve was clear.

Sakumo felt numb. His gaze shifted to Kazuyama, his expression torn between doubt and determination.

"Lord Sakumo, don't look at me like that," Kazuyama said sharply. "As long as you can get out, I can definitely lead them away."

"If you trust me, break through."

Kazuyama's frustration boiled over internally. Damn it, you old fool. Do you not trust me? Or do you not trust Tobirama Senju, the creator of the Flying Thunder God Technique? This is Space–Time Ninjutsu!

He clenched his fists, silently raging. If you delay any longer, none of us will leave this place alive. Forget it—do whatever you want. I'll guarantee my own survival, and Pakura's too. She's my mission target, after all, and I still have to bring her back.

Finally, Sakumo let out a heavy breath. "Okay... Kazuyama, promise me that you'll get them all out of here."

Sakumo patted Kazuyama's shoulder firmly, then walked out. His figure, burdened by the pressure, appeared slightly hunched.

"Hmph, Chiyo! Your Sunagakure responded quickly," Sakumo called out as he stepped forward. His voice carried a chilling calm. "You want to kill me? You'll have to prove you're strong enough!"

Though he felt helpless when it came to his comrades, Sakumo's fury burned like wildfire in the face of his enemies. Those who had pushed his team to the edge had awakened the wrath of a man turned demon. His presence was terrifying, his killing intent unmistakable.

His red eyes glared fiercely, reflecting his rage.

"Hmph! Sakumo Hatake, the blood of my son must be avenged!" Chiyo declared, her voice trembling with fury. "Today is the day you die!"

"White Secret Technique: The Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets!"

With a motion, Chiyo summoned ten white figures. The famed White Secret Technique, her ultimate Puppet Technique, unfolded before them. To simultaneously control ten puppets—this was the pinnacle of her craft.