Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

Whoosh—

"Advisor Gojo, there's intel you might want to see."

A Root ninja, clad in a gray-white uniform and an animal mask, materialized within the press tent.

Gin, understanding the situation, ushered his fellow reporters out, leaving Gojo Kaigetsu in privacy.

Gojo Kaigetsu accepted the intel report. It was from the underground exchange.

Orochimaru's Root operatives were undeniably efficient.

In just a day, the bounty on Kazuma and his two subordinates had been claimed…

"What?! That much?!" Gojo Kaigetsu's eyes widened in surprise.

He hadn't expected the bounty to be so high.

They were just mid-level Jonin; their value stemmed primarily from their association with the Guardian Ninja Twelve. He'd estimated their combined bounty to be roughly equivalent to Asuma Sarutobi's.

Asuma's bounty was what? Thirty-five million ryō for a Konoha elite Jonin, the son of the Third Hokage.

And Kazuma, Fudo, and Fuyo's combined bounty? A staggering three hundred million!

Nearly ten times Asuma's bounty, practically equivalent to the initial funding for the "Four Nations Invasion Plan."

Something was off. Very off. Gojo Kaigetsu frowned. "This… doesn't make sense. The bounty is too high. What's going on?"

"After… extensive interrogation, the Land of Rice Paddies underground exchange revealed that the existing bounty on the Guardian Ninja Twelve was relatively low, around ten million ryō."

"But recently, a mysterious benefactor issued a second bounty."

"Targeting all Konoha ninja. Practically everyone on the bounty list received a… bonus."

"The exact amount is unknown, but it seems Konoha ninja have become prime targets for bounty hunters. The risks of undertaking missions have increased significantly."

Gojo Kaigetsu understood.

Like a twisted incentive program, on top of existing bounties, someone was offering bonus rewards for assassinating Konoha ninja.

His eyes narrowed. That Kumogakure Elder Advisor was playing a dangerous game.

Whoosh—

An Anbu operative appeared, kneeling before Gojo Kaigetsu. "Advisor Gojo, the Raikage of Kumogakure has sent a secret emissary, requesting a meeting with you. She's waiting in the Hokage Tower meeting room."

Gojo Kaigetsu, flanked by a Root and an Anbu operative kneeling before him, felt a surge of… satisfaction.

Simultaneously holding authority over Root and Anbu… his power as a Konoha elder and Hokage Advisor had reached its peak.

"You're dismissed. I'll head to the Hokage Tower now."

"Yes, Advisor Gojo!"

…

…

Mabui, clad in her signature dark attire, sat in the meeting room, a nervous energy thrumming within her.

This mission to Konoha carried immense weight.

It was also meant to be a surprise for Samui, a chance for her to finally return home. She hadn't even told Samui, wanting to avoid any potential leaks through the Heart-to-Heart Communication Jutsu.

'The Raikage's orders…'

"You must be Mabui-san~" Gojo Kaigetsu's playful voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She looked up.

'So tall, so strong, so handsome…'

'This is Samui's… contact…'

The Fourth Raikage was also tall and muscular, but his aura was different. A exuded raw, untamed power, while Gojo Kaigetsu's strength was more… refined, elegant.

A perfect clothes hanger.

Handsome looks often made a good first impression.

She recalled the countless sleepless nights, alone in her room, enduring the… sensations transmitted through the Heart-to-Heart Communication Jutsu.

Those… intimate moments.

Mabui blushed, her gaze dropping. She couldn't meet Gojo Kaigetsu's eyes.

"Greetings, Advisor Gojo." She extended a hand, their handshake brief and formal.

"I'm here on behalf of the Raikage to… negotiate a deal."

"A deal?" Gojo Kaigetsu stretched languidly. "I'm listening."

"You already know that Samui is a Kumogakure agent, don't you?"

"Indeed."

Though she'd expected this, hearing it confirmed still surprised her. He knew… and yet he continued to… with Samui. It was… unbelievable.

"When… did you find out?"

"That information isn't part of the Raikage's deal, is it?" Gojo Kaigetsu smirked. "Of course, if it's a personal request from Mabui-san, I wouldn't mind discussing such… private matters."

"…Let's focus on official business," Mabui said, shaking her head. "Samui's intel mentioned Konoha's Avengers Initiative, created to eliminate bounty ninja and their employers, correct?"

"Yes."

"Such an endeavor requires more than just Konoha's participation to be effective," Mabui stated, pointing out a crucial flaw.

Eliminating the underground ninja networks was simple enough. Just dispatch Anbu squads to raid the exchange offices.

Konoha had already purged the Land of Fire, making it a no-go zone for bounty ninja.

But the exchange offices were merely intermediaries. Countless bounty ninja and employers conducted anonymous transactions through them.

Even if the exchanges were eliminated, other organizations would emerge, like weeds.

It was a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.

To truly eradicate the threat, they had to target the financiers and the ninja themselves.

This required intel, meticulous investigation, and tracking.

But that raised the usual dilemma. They couldn't investigate everyone, could they?

The ninja world was small. The wealthy patrons were well-known. What if they uncovered something… uncomfortable?

What if… the ones funding the terrorism were the same ones fighting against it?

Konoha's attempt to create a trans-village organization to police the ninja world would face significant resistance.

While Konoha's influence was undeniable, they weren't yet a global power, a ninja world police force. Such a move could even unite other villages against them.

In the end, the Avengers Initiative would likely be limited to operating within Konoha's borders, eliminating minor threats.

But…

"Kumogakure is willing to join the Avengers Initiative," Mabui declared, revealing the core of their proposal.

The current ninja world order could be described as "one superpower, two major powers, two minor powers, and others."

If viewed as a balance scale, with Konoha on one side and the combined might of the other four on the other… the outcome was clear.

But with Konoha and Kumogakure on one side, and the others on the other… the scales tipped dramatically in their favor, especially with the Kumogakure Co-Prosperity Sphere backing them.

With Kumogakure's participation, the Avengers' jurisdiction would cover a significant portion of the ninja world. Sunagakure and Kirigakure, already bound to Konoha, weren't likely to switch sides…

The fight against underworld terrorism would be practically won.

And Iwagakure, the only village not participating… wouldn't they appear uncooperative? Such a stance would lead to isolation. Even for appearances' sake, they'd have to join.

That the Raikage would propose such a deal… it aligned with his personality.

Compared to the underhanded tactics of assassination, the Raikage preferred direct confrontation, channeling his Lightning Release chakra and crushing his opponents head-on.

He'd rather invest the vast sums spent on bounties into Kumogakure's military.

Underground exchanges? Bounty ninja? Financiers? To the Raikage, they were all superfluous.

His leadership style was the polar opposite of Ōnoki's.

"That's a… tempting offer," Gojo Kaigetsu said, nodding slowly. "And the price?"

Mabui breathed a sigh of relief. So far, the negotiations were proceeding as planned. The Raikage's instructions seemed feasible.

"Return the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii, and Samui, to Kumogakure."

"The Raikage wants Elder Advisor dead. He will lure the Elder Advisor to a suitable location, and the assassination will be handled by Konoha's Avengers… The Raikage guarantees no retaliation against Konoha. He will personally remain in the Raikage Tower and offer no support to Elder Advisor."

"Once Elder Advisor is eliminated, the Raikage will officially announce Kumogakure's participation in the Avengers Initiative, assisting Konoha in purging the underworld. He guarantees no repercussions against the Konoha Avengers."

"Eliminating terrorism and Elder Advisor could be the first step towards peace between our villages. Let's see… each other's sincerity."

Mabui continued, her voice now laced with a subtle persuasiveness. "Samui has told me everything. You suspect Elder Advisor of issuing the bounty and want him eliminated. But he's always within the village, beyond your reach. We can lure him out, giving Konoha a chance for revenge."

"The price is simply returning Yugito Nii and Samui. What do you say, Advisor Gojo? Do we have a deal? Before Elder Advisor's influence spreads to Konoha, let's unite and eliminate him."

Not just the Raikage, but Mabui also believed that Yugito Nii's defection was merely an act, coerced by Gojo Kaigetsu.

Once Elder Advisor was gone, the Raikage would likely reinstate Yugito, trusting in her loyalty to Kumogakure.

As for Samui, even if her body had… strayed, her spirit remained pure.

Gojo Kaigetsu, however, didn't immediately respond. He feigned a look of indignation. "Setting aside the fact that Yugito and Samui are utterly devoted to me…"

"It seems you're unaware that your Elder Advisor has already extended his influence to Konoha."

"What are you talking about?"

Slap—

Gojo Kaigetsu tossed photos of Kazuma's corpse and an intel report onto the table. "You might not know this yet, but three of the Land of Fire's Guardian Ninja Twelve, loyal to the Daimyo, have been assassinated by bounty ninjas."

"And their bounties, totaling three hundred million ryō, have already been claimed."

"Including those three, fourteen Land of Fire ninja, fourteen Konoha ninja, have died because of Elder Advisor's bounties. Each one an elite shinobi…"

"Furthermore, according to our intel, Eguchi has issued long-term bounties on Konoha ninja. This means every Konoha ninja on a mission is now a target."

"We will have our revenge! We will make Kumogakure suffer!" Gojo Kaigetsu's voice was cold and menacing. "Tell your Raikage, tell Eguchi, they can live in fear."

Mabui stared at the photos and the report, dumbfounded.

A bounty on all of Konoha? Where did Elder Advisor get the funds?

As the Raikage's secretary, she mentally reviewed the village's recent financial activity. The southern territories, constantly at odds with the elders, had recently received a large sum from the Raikage.

'Could it be…?' Mabui's face paled.

If true, this wasn't just embezzlement. It was an act of treason, the first shot in a Kumogakure civil war, the beginning of the Co-Prosperity Sphere's collapse.

'How could he? Does he even care about the village?'

Seeing Mabui's reaction, Gojo Kaigetsu's suspicions were confirmed.

"I'm curious," he continued, his tone sharp. "A mere village elder, even with clan backing, shouldn't be that wealthy. Where did he get the funds to issue bounties on Konoha ninja?"

"Has the Fourth Raikage been… sidelined? Is the village's budget being… misappropriated?"

"Even if Konoha were to adopt a ruthless approach, sacrificing a few high-value ninja to deplete Elder Advisor's funds…"

"Who do you think will crumble first? Konoha, under the threat of assassins? Or Kumogakure, torn apart by internal conflict? Will we need to intervene, or will your own internal strife deliver Eguchi to the executioner?"

Gojo Kaigetsu's words hit their mark.

Mabui felt her world tilting. Even Kumogakure's misappropriated funds had been discovered by another village. This intelligence gap… The clans' control over the Anbu had turned the Raikage into a blind, deaf fool.

She could already imagine the southern ninjas' reaction when they discovered their funding had been drastically reduced, or even completely cut.

The seeds of dissent, sown during the Kirigakure operation, were about to sprout.

Not even a god-like Konoha could withstand such internal sabotage.

While negotiating with Konoha, their own village was imploding.

Mabui felt a growing sense of despair. How could she save a village like this?

"I believe… you understand now, Mabui-san." Gojo Kaigetsu cleared his throat. "Now, let's discuss Konoha's terms."

"We are sincerely committed to eradicating the growing threat of terrorism in the ninja world. Such practices could lead to unimaginable disasters. Even without Kumogakure's official participation in the Avengers Initiative, Konoha will continue this endeavor. Don't think you can use this as leverage against us."

"We will not be manipulated."

Gojo Kaigetsu's words shattered Mabui's hopes.

"As for Yugito and Samui… I won't interfere. Ask them yourselves if they wish to return to Kumogakure."

"Konoha's Avengers won't set foot in your village to help the Raikage eliminate Elder Advisor. If you want him dead, find your own way."

"However… we can coordinate with the Raikage's actions. After Elder Advisor's elimination, we can feign an attack on Kumogakure."

"That would… alleviate some of the pressure on the Raikage, wouldn't it?"

Without external pressure, Kumogakure, lacking the unifying force of a true "Will of Lightning," was a collection of squabbling clans. The Raikage, having threatened their power, would be targeted.

But with Konoha's forces seemingly at their doorstep, the Raikage, whose approval rating had plummeted, would gain a "wartime leader" buff.

He could use this to consolidate his power…

After all, cooperating with the Raikage could lead to death, or perhaps a chance to retain their power. But if Konoha invaded, the elders' authority would be completely stripped away.

The ninja world didn't reward surrender or collaboration.

While Bushido might be dead, the Ninja Way remained.

Ninjas, like cornered beasts, would either fight to the death or turn on their oppressors. There were no ninjas eager to sell out their village, to be humiliated and stripped of their power.

"Once the Raikage has consolidated his authority, Konoha will, as agreed, withdraw its forces."

This… seemed like the best possible outcome.

Before her departure, the Raikage had given her a single instruction: eliminate Elder Advisor without risking open conflict with Konoha. If possible, secure additional benefits for Kumogakure.

This… carried some risk, but it seemed manageable.

"Of course, Kumogakure's elders aren't fools. A simple declaration of war from Konoha won't scare them."

"We need to make it… convincing. We'll launch symbolic attacks on minor villages within the Co-Prosperity Sphere, or perhaps insignificant border towns. Nothing that would truly threaten Kumogakure…"

"Of course, mobilizing troops costs money. Konoha expects… compensation."

Mabui's head spun.

It all seemed… logical, yet something felt off.

Minor villages within the Co-Prosperity Sphere? Insignificant border towns? That… actually seemed reasonable.

As long as Kumogakure's core interests weren't threatened, a few minor concessions were acceptable.

Mabui rationalized, though she lacked the authority to make such decisions. "I can't agree to this immediately. I need to consult with the Raikage. We'll… discuss it further then. If the elders don't believe a war is imminent, we'll proceed with your plan."

Excellent.

Gojo Kaigetsu grinned. These ninja world folks were so easily swayed. They didn't understand the concept of "every inch of land is sacred."

He'd have Minato send a few friendly letters to the Raikage, fostering a sense of camaraderie. And then… Operation: Kumogakure Subjugation, activate!

Completely conquering Kumogakure at this stage was unrealistic. But the definition of "insignificant border town" wasn't up to them, it was up to Konoha! He'd apply pressure, then offer a reprieve, manipulating the situation to his advantage.

He hadn't even begun, and he'd already outmaneuvered the Raikage.

Today's victory belonged to superior intellect!

"What… compensation do you expect?" Mabui asked.

Was it money? That would be easy.

She knew those elders were always complaining about being broke, despite their hidden wealth.

Once the Raikage had consolidated his power, he could simply confiscate their assets.

But Gojo Kaigetsu's plans were never so straightforward.

"The secrets of the Lightning Release Chakra Mode."

"Impossible!"

Mabui shot to her feet. Realizing her outburst, she quickly sat back down. "That's… non-negotiable. The Lightning Release Chakra Mode is Kumogakure's most prized secret technique. Besides, only someone with the Raikage's physique can even learn it. It would be useless to you."

Gojo Kaigetsu, unfazed by her refusal, had anticipated this.

"Then… we'd like access to the Falls of Truth for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Either now, or in the future."

What?!

Konoha knew about Kumogakure's most closely guarded secret?!

Mabui stared at him, stunned. Such intel… Konoha's intelligence division couldn't have obtained it. This meant either Yugito or Samui had leaked it…

One of them had betrayed Kumogakure.

Setting aside the betrayal for now, the request itself… it was far more reasonable than the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

Theoretically, allowing a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to become a perfect Jinchuriki posed a greater threat than a taijutsu specialist mastering the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

But theory was one thing; reality was another.

The more tails a Tailed Beast possessed, the more difficult it was for a jinchuriki to achieve perfect harmony.

Even Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, had struggled, nearly dying before finally succeeding.

And the Nine-Tails? Mabui didn't believe Konoha's jinchuriki could control it. If they did… it would be a miracle, a twist of fate.

"I can agree to that on behalf of the Raikage. However, training at the Falls of Truth is not guaranteed to succeed. If the jinchuriki fails, the Tailed Beast will go berserk. The jinchuriki will die, and the training grounds will be destroyed. Kumogakure will not be responsible for containing the Nine-Tails. If Konoha wishes to proceed, you'll have to provide your own protection."

"Naturally." Gojo Kaigetsu nodded.

He wouldn't send Kushina into Kumogakure's territory alone. Minato would kill him.

Nine-Tails rampage aside, sending a jinchuriki into enemy territory was far too risky.

With Kumogakure's current strength, the A-B Combo could easily subdue the Nine-Tails and reseal it within a Kumogakure ninja.

Who would he assign to protect Kushina?

Perhaps… have Kushina give birth to Naruto within the Falls of Truth?

While taming the Nine-Tails, he could seal half of its chakra within Naruto… a natural-born perfect jinchuriki.

As for Kushina's chances of success…

Gojo Kaigetsu already had a plan. He'd simply say, "Kurama, you wouldn't want to be forced into Heavy Particle Mode, would you?"

Even the Nine-Tails couldn't resist his Talk no Jutsu.

Seeing Gojo Kaigetsu's silence, Mabui pressed, "Then… allow me to see Yugito and Samui."

"By all means."

Whoosh—

Another Anbu operative appeared, whispering something in Gojo Kaigetsu's ear. "What? Really? Excellent!" He was clearly excited. He turned to the operative. "Escort this lady to Yugito and then… to my residence."

"Me? Yes, Advisor Gojo!" The Anbu operative, unable to contain his curiosity, stole a glance at Mabui. Advisor Gojo's charm with women was truly…

Mabui's expression turned complex. Two of Kumogakure's elite kunoichi… living with Gojo Kaigetsu.

No wonder they'd been corrupted, revealing the secrets of the Falls of Truth.

Gojo Kaigetsu left the meeting room and headed for the Hokage's office.

Before he even entered, he overheard the conversation inside.

"What? So soon?! Tomorrow?"

"Yes… Momohime has been feeling anxious. Mikoto agreed, so we've set the date for tomorrow."

"It won't be a grand affair. Just the clan heads and their families, along with department leaders from the Hokage Tower. A small, private ceremony."

"Fugaku, this is a joyous occasion! How can we keep it small?"

Gojo Kaigetsu entered. Fugaku Uchiha, his face beaming, stood before Minato's desk.

Indeed… setting aside their current alliance, the marriage of the Konoha Military Police Force Chief and a member of the newly re-established Uzumaki clan was a matter that required the Hokage's approval.

The Anbu operative's message had been simple: Uchiha Fugaku was taking a second wife!

Gojo Kaigetsu's matchmaking scheme had succeeded.

Thanks to Mikoto's generosity, Kushina's persuasion, and Momohime's… unique personality, everything had fallen into place.

Itachi Uchiha, returning from Summer Camp, had been shocked to find a red-haired woman and her daughter sitting at the dinner table. Had his home been robbed while he was away?

Having been thoroughly indoctrinated by Gojo Kaigetsu, Itachi, a true believer in familial love, was initially outraged. How could his father do this, especially with a new baby brother on the way?!

He'd assumed his father had abandoned them, his Sharingan practically blazing… until Mikoto explained. Itachi finally accepted Momohime, averting a domestic crisis.

The first marriage between an Uchiha and an Uzumaki!

A union of two of the most powerful bloodlines!

The implications were… Gojo Kaigetsu felt a thrill of excitement. He had made history.

It was a bit unfair to Mikoto, though. He'd have to console her later, perhaps by badmouthing Fugaku.

"Eh?" Minato and Fugaku exchanged glances. "Kaigetsu-kun, do you have another… plan?" Minato asked.

"I must criticize you, Minato. Kushina is an Uzumaki, practically Momohime's family. How can such a joyous occasion be kept small?"

"We should celebrate!"

"Is that so?" Minato scratched his head, confused. How was Kushina considered family?

"We need a dowry! A massive dowry!"

<><><><>

Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters. Ahead of the rest!

https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx

(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)

There is 9 Exciting Fanfics already available on my Patreon!