Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

In this era of the shinobi world, the custom of dowries was still prevalent.

Cash was the most common form. The amount varied depending on the families' social standing.

For prominent clans, the dowry for important members could reach tens of millions of ryō.

However, clans like the Uchiha, who practiced intra-clan marriage, were different. Despite being one of the most prestigious clans, their dowries were… less standardized.

Uchiha, after all, weren't short on funds. They didn't place much emphasis on dowries. Sometimes, they simply skipped it altogether, with the clan elders allocating a "small sum" from the clan's coffers to the newlyweds.

When Fugaku and Mikoto married, the "dowry" had consisted of a white fan, white sesame seeds, and… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly extravagant.

The sentiment was what mattered.

"I… hadn't considered that," Fugaku Uchiha admitted sheepishly. If Gojo Kaigetsu hadn't brought it up, he might have forgotten about the dowry entirely.

"But what exactly do you mean by… a massive dowry?"

"Exactly what it sounds like."

"How much you give privately is between you and the Uzumaki clan. But publicly… we'll announce a massive sum!" Gojo Kaigetsu declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He wouldn't miss such an opportunity.

The first marriage between an Uchiha and an Uzumaki. This was a major event, not just for Konoha, but for the entire ninja world!

He could already envision the headlines, the gossip, the potential for… a year-long manga series about the Uchiha-Uzumaki wedding, filled with dramatic flashbacks, heartwarming present-day scenes, external threats, and a triumphant conclusion.

With the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans involved, two of the most prominent families in the ninja world, even without deliberate publicity, the news would spread like wildfire.

And with widespread attention came… opportunities.

The key point of publicizing a massive dowry was this:

To discourage marriage among ninja in other villages. While Gojo Kaigetsu believed most kunoichi were… well, reasonable individuals, there were undoubtedly some who weren't.

In the current ninja world, clan and village loyalty were paramount.

While a ninja might not mind marrying someone who was divorced or had children, they'd certainly hesitate to marry someone from a destroyed village. A ninja without a home, a wanderer… they were considered less desirable.

Kusagakure's treatment of Uzumaki Momohime and her daughter was a prime example. They'd been shown no respect.

The focus of the publicity shouldn't be on Momohime's status as a widow, but rather on her being a survivor of Uzushiogakure's destruction. And then, emphasize the massive dowry, whether cash or property.

Gojo Kaigetsu could already imagine the reactions.

"We kunoichi are now awakened, independent, and on the path of self-improvement. We urge our male counterparts to be more… confident." – The Awakened Kunoichi.

"Can't you be more like us? Stop being so wishy-washy!" – The Manly Kunoichi.

"I have standards, you know. I'm not looking for a charity case. At least a million ryō annual income! And emotionally stable. I'm… volatile enough for both of us." – The Emotional Kunoichi.

"I want someone handsome, wealthy like the Uchiha, and charming like Advisor Gojo. And he has to be able to get me a Konoha Green Card." – The Wishful Kunoichi.

"Even an Uzumaki survivor can marry a rich and handsome Uchiha like Fugaku. Are you telling me I'm less desirable than her?!" - The Indignant Kunoichi.

Though most ninja ended up marrying ordinary people, the news of a massive dowry wasn't limited to ninja readers. Anyone with money and basic literacy could buy the newspaper and… be influenced.

"The mere thought is… stimulating. This is perfect. We'll release the dowry news alongside the Summer Camp article. It will be The Forest Reader's debut in the ninja world."

Gojo Kaigetsu, practically vibrating with excitement, paced the Hokage's office.

Minato and Fugaku exchanged uneasy glances.

It wasn't fear stemming from a ninja's power, but rather the primal dread of being… outmaneuvered.

"How… massive are we talking about?" Fugaku asked.

Gojo Kaigetsu rummaged through the office, retrieving a data sheet. His finger traced down the columns, stopping at the entry for a Genin's annual income.

"A newly graduated Genin, completing twenty D-rank missions and eleven C-rank missions in a year… earns around 300,000 ryō."

"A more experienced Genin can easily surpass 500,000."

"Chunin, double that. Between one and two million."

"How much is considered 'massive'? Enough to entice kunoichi from other villages, yet beyond the reach of most eligible bachelors…"

"Considering that most of a ninja's earnings are spent on equipment and supplies… Academy graduation is typically around seven or eight. Chunin promotion, between eleven and fifteen. Konoha's mission commission fees are relatively low… Taking all these factors into account, I'd say…"

"7.98 million ryō!"

This figure, practically unattainable for a Genin, would create a ripple effect.

Even if the standards for a desirable husband didn't reach Fugaku Uchiha's level, using him as a benchmark… the dowry would still be exorbitant.

Ordinary ninja, seeing this figure, would likely despair.

Gojo Kaigetsu, from the very beginning, had targeted the lower end of the marriage market.

Elite Chunin, Special Jonin, Jonin… A dowry wouldn't faze them. After all, a single mission could earn them hundreds of thousands, even millions of ryō.

And the… discerning kunoichi knew that such high-ranking ninja were beyond their reach. They'd band together, driving up prices, creating chaos in the marriage market.

Minato, hearing the figure, was surprised. It seemed… low. If he were to remarry, he'd gladly give Kushina everything he owned as a dowry.

After all, love was priceless. And with his abilities, earning money was as easy as breathing.

"Publicly announcing this amount seems reasonable. But… what about internally? And what's the point of all this?"

"Internally, we'll announce a lower figure, emphasizing that it was the Uzumaki clan's decision. We want to present a positive image of the Uzumaki, highlighting their generosity and… domestic virtues."

"As for the purpose…" Gojo Kaigetsu raised a finger.

"This is about undermining their foundations. The principle is complex, but simply put, if they don't address this, their ninja population will decline."

"Not just the number of ninja, but the overall village population."

Ninja marrying ninja practically guaranteed offspring capable of molding chakra. Ninja and civilian, there was still a high probability. Civilian and civilian… it was a gamble.

The equation was simple.

More demanding kunoichi, fewer ninja marriages. Fewer ninja marriages, fewer ninja. Fewer ninja, weaker village.

These were hard-earned lessons.

Many ordinary ninja likely dreamt of a simple life: a wife, a home, and children to carry on their legacy.

But with this… trend… their hopes would be dashed.

Even with a village's absolute authority, forcing single women to marry ninja wouldn't solve the underlying problem.

"I'm truly evil." Gojo Kaigetsu slapped himself lightly, though his Limitless technique rendered it ineffective.

'A pity the ninja world hasn't fully embraced technology. No internet, no advanced electronics… I can't create… certain… forums.'

'Otherwise, the ninja world would be… even more chaotic.'

He considered the current speed of information dissemination. Even with weekly Forest Reader publications, and a dedicated "Reader Comments" section, it would only be a… pale imitation.

But then an idea struck him. 'Perhaps… a story about a Kumogakure kunoichi demanding a divorce due to… unsatisfactory… performance?'

'No, I should give those poor ninja a chance.'

'Once Konoha achieves world domination, they'll all be… Konoha citizens. The future of ninja science requires… fuel.'

Gojo Kaigetsu raised a second finger. "This is also a show for the scattered Uzumaki survivors."

"Having been betrayed, they won't easily trust Konoha's attempts to bring them back. We need a grand gesture, a symbolic act, to demonstrate Konoha's sincerity."

"This isn't just about spending money; it's about showing our commitment."

"The dowry can't be too high. That would seem insincere, like a political stunt."

"Konoha genuinely wants the Uzumaki to return. It's not just about their bloodline. If I were an Uzumaki survivor, I'd be skeptical."

"Konoha needs the Uzumaki… like Sunagakure needs Ōnoki." Gojo Kaigetsu made his stance clear.

Fugaku Uchiha nodded solemnly. "I understand your resolve. Consider this wedding a political mission. I will handle it with the utmost care."

"There's no need to be so serious, Fugaku. Just… do what you normally do." Gojo Kaigetsu patted his shoulder. "Cultural matters should be handled by… cultural experts."

"I have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."

…

…

Yugito Nii strolled through Konoha's new commercial district. Aside from her unusually pale skin, she seemed to have blended seamlessly into Konoha, both in demeanor and attire.

Recent events had prevented her from truly experiencing Konoha's culture.

Now, she finally had the chance.

She'd taken photos at the Hokage Rock, visited the Memorial Monument, sampled the street food, and browsed the bookstores.

Though she found it strange that no one sold Iki, she'd quickly accepted it, purchasing a copy of Three Years at the Ninja Academy instead.

Just then, a familiar voice called out.

"Yugito!"

"Are you truly betraying Kumogakure?!"

"The Raikage trusted you… If you return, you'll always be a hero of the Cloud. A hero for life!"

"Weren't you always proud to be Kumogakure's Two-Tails Jinchuriki? A hero of the Cloud?"

Mabui grabbed Yugito's arm, her voice pleading. "Please, come back, Yugito. Advisor Gojo said he'd let you go if you agreed. I'll do anything to bring you back!"

"Such… dramatic pronouncements."

"Return? Mabui, you're only thinking about yourself," Yugito replied coldly, shaking her head. "A lifetime as Kumogakure's jinchuriki? A lifetime as their hero? I've never felt any pride in that."

"Besides… wasn't I the one they abandoned?"

Checkmate.

Yugito gently pulled her arm free and walked away without a backward glance.

Perhaps once, she had been proud to fight for Kumogakure. But now… she had moved beyond such… petty desires.

A lifetime of service was a heavy burden. No one could shoulder that responsibility.

From the moment Kumogakure betrayed her, her heart had died.

Now, she fought as one of Gojo Kaigetsu's Avengers, fighting for lasting peace in the ninja world.

Mabui, dejected, arrived at Gojo Kaigetsu's residence and knocked.

It was a weekend, and Samui wasn't at the publishing house. A familiar voice called out, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Mabui."

"Mabui? What are you doing here?" Samui's voice sounded strained, muffled, as if she were trying to hide something.

"I'm here on the Raikage's orders to… bring you back." Mabui's initial disappointment was quickly replaced by a surge of hope.

She and Yugito weren't close. But Samui was different. They were practically sisters. She knew Samui's unwavering loyalty to Kumogakure. She'd definitely return.

Thump—

A sudden thud against the door startled Mabui. "What was that? Samui?"

"N-nothing…"

"Why aren't you opening the door?"

"Because…"

Samui was speechless. She was currently… enacting the "failed infiltration mission" scene.

It had happened so suddenly.

The moment Gojo Kaigetsu returned, he'd revealed everything, shattering Samui's carefully constructed facade.

Trapped by her jutsu's cooldown period, she was like a fish on a chopping block.

Gojo Kaigetsu had dragged her to the entrance, dressed in… let's just say it was a strategically placed bandage.

Samui, her face burning with shame, turned her head away. "Don't… don't push it, Gojo Kaigetsu," she hissed.

"Gojo Ai… or rather, Samui… It seems you haven't grasped the situation yet."

Though her expression remained stoic, her trembling hand betrayed her inner turmoil. She was desperately trying to maintain her composure.

To the villagers and Konoha's elite, she was Gojo Ai, a respected member of the Gojo clan.

The sudden exposure, the failure of her mission… it was overwhelming. She was still clinging to her "Gojo Ai" persona, trapped in Gojo Kaigetsu's twisted game.

If not for her rigorous Anbu training, she might have already broken down.

"Aren't you going to open the door and let Mabui see you… like this?"

"If you don't, she'll get suspicious."

Samui's body trembled. She opened the door a crack, revealing only her face.

"Mabui, what is it?" she asked, forcing a smile.

Seeing Samui's strange behavior, Mabui didn't suspect anything untoward. "Your cover's blown. Gojo Kaigetsu knew all along. It's not safe for you here. The Raikage wants me to bring you back. Gojo Kaigetsu agreed to let you go."

"Samui, pack your things. We're leaving tomorrow." Mabui didn't even ask. It seemed obvious Samui would agree.

Thump—

Samui's body stiffened. She bit her lip to stifle a moan as Gojo Kaigetsu whispered in her ear, "Well? Are you going back? If that's your decision, I'll respect it."

Samui hesitated.

She'd almost said "yes." But the word caught in her throat.

She realized… she wasn't as strong as she'd thought.

Her ninja way, both in body and spirit, had been… compromised by Gojo Kaigetsu.

What kind of life had she enjoyed in Konoha?

Perhaps the most luxurious in the entire ninja world. Food, clothing, shelter… everything top-tier.

A successful woman always had a powerful man behind her. Everywhere she went, people treated her with respect… even the Hokage and the Uchiha Clan Head.

And recently, having fully embraced her role as Gojo Kaigetsu's… companion, her sore muscles were regularly tended to…

Samui didn't consider herself materialistic, but these privileges had… corrupted her.

Even so, she'd still intended to return to Kumogakure. She didn't share Yugito's lofty ideals of world peace.

But… feelings had developed.

Gojo Kaigetsu's… influence had become a shackle, binding her to him.

Her loyalty to Kumogakure couldn't withstand his… charms.

Though her mind still belonged to Kumogakure, her body had betrayed her.

"I… I'm sorry, Mabui," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I believe… I can be more… valuable to the village by staying in Konoha."

"What are you saying, Samui?!"

"I… I'll stay with Gojo Kaigetsu. He won't kill me. As long as I'm here, I can continue sending intel."

"He… probably doesn't even know about our communication method." Samui, unable to admit her true feelings, offered a flimsy excuse.

Mabui stared at her in disbelief. "But… if your cover is blown, you'll be tortured! You don't have to endure this, Samui. Even the Raikage has abandoned the mission."

"This is my choice! This is my ninja way! Mabui, do you want to see all my efforts wasted? You're asking me to betray… myself!" Samui's voice rose, her emotions raw.

Mabui recoiled, stunned.

Such conviction!

Tears welled up in her eyes. She hadn't expected such resolve from her friend. "If… if that is your decision, Samui, I'll respect it."

Samui had made her choice. Mabui, too, had to be decisive.

The ninja world was cruel; there was no room for sentimentality.

'Once the Raikage leads Kumogakure to greatness, once we've unified the ninja world… I'll bring you home, Samui. No matter what.'

'Wait for me!'

Mabui turned to leave. But then, she heard the door creak open.

Gojo Kaigetsu's voice echoed from behind. "Mabui-san, tomorrow is Uchiha Fugaku's wedding. You're invited."

Mabui turned and stared, her eyes wide with shock, her world tilting.

…

…

Uchiha Fugaku's wedding was a grand affair.

Konoha's most prominent figures had all been invited.

Minato and Kushina, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane… even Nara Shikaku, stationed in Kirigakure, had been granted leave, traveling through the night to attend.

The ninjas present had traded their usual attire for more formal wear. Clan heads wore kimonos bearing their respective crests, while civilian ninja donned ceremonial robes.

Even the Konoha Times had sent two reporters to cover the event.

The streets outside the Uchiha compound were packed with vendors and onlookers, all eager to witness the spectacle.

In these turbulent times, perhaps only Konoha could host such a joyous celebration.

Mabui, the Raikage's secret emissary, fidgeted nervously, avoiding Gojo Kaigetsu's gaze as he approached.

"Mabui-san, so sorry about… last night."

"You… stay away from me! What did you do to Samui?!"

"You saw it yourself. I didn't force her. It was her choice."

The wedding ceremony proceeded as planned. When the officiant announced the dowry, Mabui's ears perked up.

'Only… 7.98 million ryō? For someone of Fugaku Uchiha's standing, that's… surprisingly low.'

'He's practically a member of Konoha's leadership. His wedding should be a grand affair. This dowry… it seems Konoha doesn't value the Uzumaki clan very much.'

Mabui, ever the diligent kunoichi, wasn't about to let her emotions cloud her judgment. She was here to gather intel.

Konoha's attempts to rebuild the Uzumaki clan were no secret.

If Kumogakure had a chance to recruit Uzumaki clan members, she'd urge the Raikage to offer a massive dowry, regardless of the cost.

From her perspective, 7.98 million ryō… wasn't much.

Even she, an ordinary Special Jonin, earned close to that annually. And while the Raikage Tower's commission fees were increasing, a few extra missions easily made up for it.

Witnessing the wedding ceremony, Mabui's thoughts wandered.

If a Kumogakure ninja, with whom she had no connection, proposed, what dowry would she expect?

'Money isn't everything, but it's a sign of… sincerity. And 7.98 million… that's… disappointing.'

She was a Special Jonin, the Raikage's secretary. A high-ranking position, a stable income, excellent benefits, free ninja tools… Plus, she was attractive. Her prospects were excellent.

7.98 million was a sum she could earn in a couple of years. There was no need to… sell herself for such a paltry amount.

Gojo Kaigetsu, observing her from the side, seemed to have read her thoughts.

Kumogakure kunoichi, after all, valued strength and ambition.

Their… expectations were understandable. That's why he'd targeted the… less discerning segment of the market.

Those who dreamt of effortless gains, of wishing upon a star for a perfect match.

He'd inflate the "bride price" to astronomical levels.

"Advisor Gojo, may I borrow you for a moment?"

A calm, masculine voice interrupted Gojo Kaigetsu's thoughts. He turned to see Hyuga Hiashi, clad in a formal kimono, approaching with a sake cup in hand.

The one who initiated a negotiation was always at a disadvantage.

Though Gojo Kaigetsu had been plotting to acquire the Byakugan, he couldn't make the first move.

He feigned a dramatic sigh of relief. "Finally! I've been waiting for this."

Then, his tone shifted, a playful smirk curving his lips. "Of course, Hiashi. I've been looking forward to a… heart-to-heart with you."

"Let's go. We'll discuss this at the teahouse Elder Danzo frequented."

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