Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

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"Come, come! Let's celebrate!"

"We're all friends here. Relax!"

"Yes, Elder Baki! Elder Kankuro!"

Baki's office was filled with smoke and the boisterous chatter of ninja team captains, each holding reports and eager to impress.

The captains were a mixed group. Some were Baki's classmates from the Academy, some their subordinates, others protégés of fellow War Hawk elders. This network, spanning Sunagakure, had been mobilized by Baki and Kankuro. And outside, more ninja, bearing gifts, waited for an audience.

Yasuke, the new Anbu Deputy Commander, observed the scene, a knot of unease in his stomach.

Rasa had only been gone for half a day, and Baki was already consolidating his power, conducting official business in his own office, bypassing the established channels.

What was he planning?

Had he already declared himself Kazekage? Yasuke didn't dare think too deeply. The situation was delicate. He couldn't act without concrete evidence.

With Rasa gone…

Chiyo and Ebizo had retreated. He, Yasuke, lacked the authority to intervene. And Elder Kosaka, obsessed with Sunagakure's GDP, was oblivious to the shift in power.

Everything was unfolding as Rasa had feared. Sunagakure was in turmoil, its leadership compromised.

"It's getting late. I have to oversee security at the ceremony."

Baki, his face beaming, emerged from his crowded office, leading his entourage out of the Kazekage Tower, towards an uncertain future.

Yasuke's left eye twitched. "Time to review the village's military resources," he muttered, turning away.

…

…

The Konoha-Suna Trade Route was bustling.

Thanks to Gojo Kaigetsu's efforts, Konoha's veteran ninja and wealthy clans had invested heavily.

And the article, "Respect Comes from 20 Ryō," had become popular among the discerning clientele of the ninja world. Many, their pockets overflowing with cash, had come to experience the trade route.

Even before the official opening ceremony, service stations, large and small, dotted the route, offering a variety of goods and services.

These service stations, though not as luxurious as Konoha's establishments, were a novelty for the merchants and travelers of the Land of Wind, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Birds.

They offered imported goods: water from the Land of Water, bananas from the Land of Rice Paddies, "Soft Konoha" and "Hard Konoha" cigarettes, milk tea, even the occasional coffee or chocolate.

Bookstores offered a wide selection of titles.

And the foot massage parlors well, let's just say they were popular.

The Konoha ninja and merchants who'd initially been reluctant to invest were now smiling, their profits exceeding expectations.

The Konoha-Suna Trade Route had truly connected the East and West of the ninja world, allowing those from smaller nations to experience new products and cultures.

Some shrewd merchants even realized they could use the route to export their goods eastward.

And for smaller nations, lacking powerful ninja villages for protection?

Konoha had a solution.

Each major service station housed a branch of the Konoha Escort Agency. Unlike the Hokage Tower's varied missions, the agency specialized in escorting.

From point A to point B, guaranteed safe passage.

Konoha ninja, vetted by Gojo Kaigetsu himself, provided protection for a fee.

"Konoha's protection, everywhere. Guaranteed delivery! Konoha Express, transcending space and time!" The slogans were inspiring.

And the list of available escorts hundreds of Konoha ninja, their skills, experience, age, client reviews, and prices clearly displayed.

Merchants from smaller nations had never seen anything like it. Hiring ninja in their villages involved negotiations, delays, and uncertainty. Here, it was efficient.

This was how a major village operated. Simple. Transparent. Effective.

In Konoha, this was called the Will of Fire.

This philosophy, it seemed, would spread along with the trade route.

And beyond the bustling commercial activity, Sunagakure puppeteers offered free demonstrations. Their chakra strings, instead of manipulating puppets, now controlled whips, lashing the backs of let's just say they weren't Suna citizens. Their dark skin was crisscrossed with bloody welts.

And in the middle of the desert, a small oasis, cultivated by Suna's Earth Release and Water Release ninja, bloomed.

Cotton fields stretched as far as the eye could see.

And at regular intervals, ancient wooden posts, seemingly imbued with some life-giving energy, dotted the landscape. Around them, plants thrived.

The applications of Wood Release they were expanding.

These posts, remnants of Hashirama Senju's Wood Release, helped stabilize the sand, transforming barren desert into fertile land.

Under Gojo Kaigetsu's guidance, Konoha's agricultural scientists had finally found a way to turn waste into well, not exactly gold, but certainly something valuable.

If Wood Release could be used on a larger scale, the ninja world's food production would skyrocket. And perhaps hunger, the root of so many conflicts, would be eradicated.

Sunagakure, at least, having solved its food and water shortages with Konoha's help, wouldn't be so eager to wage war.

And if they did just remove the Water Release ninja and the Wood Release posts. Sunagakure would crumble within months.

Tsunade, seeing her grandfather's legacy used this way, felt a surge of emotion.

His life force, the strongest in the ninja world, and even in death, his Wood Release continued to give life. He hadn't lived to see peace, but his legacy, nurtured by his grandson-in-law, was now bearing fruit.

'If only Grandfather's spirit lingered He'd be so proud to see his Wood Release used this way.'

A pang of sadness struck her. If only if only they'd developed these techniques sooner. Perhaps Sunagakure wouldn't have attacked Konoha. Perhaps Nawaki wouldn't have died. Perhaps countless ninja could have been spared.

True peace between Konoha and Sunagakure could have been achieved long ago.

But it was too late.

The Hidden Villages, their power amplified by the Tailed Beasts, had grown too ambitious.

For fifty-one years, their desires had festered, each believing they could conquer the ninja world.

Until a victor emerged, the cycle of violence would continue.

A ninja's ambition only died with them. Those who willingly relinquished power were rare.

Tsunade, lost in thought, leaned against Gojo Kaigetsu, seeking comfort.

"Jutsu," Gojo Kaigetsu said, his voice soft, "can be used for destruction, or for creation. It depends on the ninja's heart. There are only two paths: creation or destruction. Jutsu itself isn't evil. It's human nature, our flaws, that twist it into a weapon. That's why the ninja world is like this."

He looked towards the sky. 'Sage of Six Paths, I've practically revealed your ultimate wisdom. Why not just give me your power? I'll handle Nagato and Black Zetsu, and then instant world peace.'

But the Sage offered no response.

Gojo Kaigetsu often lamented his late arrival. If only he'd come sooner.

He'd rewrite Black Zetsu's message on the Uchiha stone tablet. The Infinite Tsukuyomi wouldn't be necessary. True peace came from construction.

He'd have Madara Uchiha, wielding his Perfect Susanoo, level the mountains around Konoha to build highways. He'd divert the rivers, turn the deserts into oases.

And then, he'd have Hashirama Senju plant trees across the ninja world, using his Wood Release to transform the land. With Wood, Earth, and Water Release they could achieve unimaginable agricultural yields. A Great Leap Forward for the ninja world.

Lost in his fantasies, they finally arrived at the ceremony.

The stage and the surrounding stands were already prepared.

Guests from the Lands of Fire, Wind, Birds, Rivers nobles, officials, merchants they'd all gathered.

This ceremony wasn't just about speeches.

It was about displays of power, about forging new partnerships, attracting investors. While the Land of Fire's policies were already under his control, the other nations' tariffs those could be negotiated later.

The Konoha and Suna officials in charge of the trade route's construction took the stage first, delivering the usual platitudes.

Gojo Kaigetsu settled into the main seat, offering the best view.

Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, was already there. He rose to greet Gojo Kaigetsu.

No overly enthusiastic handshakes. Though Sunagakure was currently reliant on Konoha, they were, at least on the surface, equals.

"Advisor Gojo. A pleasure."

"The honor is mine."

They shook hands, the moment captured by nearby reporters.

The Land of Wind's headline: Fourth Kazekage Meets with Konoha Advisor at Trade Route Ceremony.

The Konoha Times': Gojo Kaigetsu and Rasa Hold Summit, Ushering in a New Era of Prosperity for the Southwest Ninja World.

Rasa glanced at Tsunade, standing behind Gojo Kaigetsu.

'They've even brought Tsunade of the Sannin to protect him.'

They sat down, looking out at the assembled guests.

"Advisor Gojo, I've heard about Konoha's recent Summer Camp," Rasa began.

"Indeed."

"How did our Suna students perform?"

"Exceptionally well," Gojo Kaigetsu said without hesitation. "I saw the resilience and spirit of Sunagakure's ninja in them. They'll be outstanding."

"Kazekage-sama, you must have read that article about the Summer Camp. It's all Kumogakure propaganda, twisting the facts to sabotage our alliance. I've already banned it in the Land of Fire. Our academy students won't be exposed to such drivel. Those shameless Cloud barbarians!"

Rasa's carefully prepared questions rendered useless. He nodded slowly, recalling Elder Kosaka's words. His expression darkened.

"Kumogakure has gone too far."

So, Kumogakure was trying to sabotage the Konoha-Suna alliance, jealous of their growing prosperity? Trying to force Sunagakure back into their Co-Prosperity Sphere?

How dare they?!

Rasa felt a surge of anger. He almost wanted to declare an end to their military alliance and forge a stronger partnership with Konoha.

But he couldn't act rashly. The alliance had been a village-level decision. He couldn't simply reverse it.

He sighed, abandoning the thought. A Kazekage's power was limited.

"And my daughter, Temari. How is she doing at the Academy?"

"Temari is an exceptional student. Kind, helpful, dedicated quite popular. She even made a friend, an Uchiha girl."

"A girl good."

He didn't mind Temari making friends, but preferably female friends. He couldn't have his daughter, the future Kazekage, falling for some Konoha brat and then well, let's just say it wasn't a scenario he wanted to envision.

Regardless of Suna's relationship with Konoha, Temari was being groomed for leadership.

A future Kazekage married to a ninja from another village? That would be a disaster.

"I'd like to ask a favor, as a father. I'd like Temari to study under Advisor Gojo's tutelage." He couldn't make this request as Kazekage. A Kazekage's daughter studying under a Konoha advisor? Too humiliating.

Gojo Kaigetsu was taken aback. He hadn't expected this.

"But I'm just a Chunin. My skills are limited. I doubt I can teach Temari anything. She'll likely surpass me in a couple of years."

Tsunade, standing behind him, rolled her eyes. He was lying again.

"No, no, Advisor Gojo. I've been training Temari from a young age, preparing her for leadership. Her ninja skills are exceptional. But I can't teach her how to be a Kage. And she wouldn't learn from me anyway."

"I see…" A knowing smile curved Gojo Kaigetsu's lips. "I don't take students. But I have many associates. I prefer tangible expressions of gratitude. It makes future interactions less complicated. Wouldn't you agree?"

Rasa nodded. He felt the same.

A Kazekage's daughter and a Hokage's advisor their positions were too sensitive for a traditional student-teacher relationship.

Money it simplified things.

"I've already sent Temari a substantial sum. She'll offer it as tuition."

"My services are expensive."

"If it's not enough…" Rasa gritted his teeth, "…she'll contact me, and I'll provide the necessary funds."

Tsunade's expression turned strange.

Why were they all so eager to give Gojo Kaigetsu money?

Yagura, lying in Konoha Hospital's Top Ward, was like a human ATM.

Even she, a medical-nin with ethics, felt a twinge of guilt. Yagura was practically healed, yet she had to keep inflicting minor injuries to justify the exorbitant medical bills.

She was draining Kirigakure's coffers.

It was profitable.

And now, Sunagakure was doing the same, offering their princess…

Another human ATM.

Tsunade glanced at Gojo Kaigetsu. If even she, with her medical ethics, could be persuaded to exploit Kirigakure, what hope did a mere teacher have?

Both Rasa and Gojo Kaigetsu smiled, satisfied.

A win-win.

Gojo Kaigetsu's smile faded as he looked at the Suna ninja stationed around the ceremony grounds.

To demonstrate Konoha's commitment to peace, and to well, let's just say there were other reasons, he'd entrusted the security arrangements to Sunagakure. His own escort, including Tsunade, was minimal.

If Sunagakure had any unconventional ideas…

They could replicate the Gold and Silver Brothers incident, perhaps even eliminate the dignitaries present and blame it on Konoha.

But that seemed unlikely.

The scars from Fugaku Uchiha's Susanoo were still visible on Kusagakure's gates. No one would believe Sunagakure's puppets could withstand such power.

"Kazekage-sama, who's in charge of security?"

"Baki. He's a reliable ninja, his strength on par with my own."

"Baki…" Gojo Kaigetsu's eyes narrowed.

"It's almost time for my speech."

"I await your words, Advisor Gojo."

Gojo Kaigetsu took the stage.

Thunderous applause erupted from the Land of Fire's dignitaries, each trying to outdo the other in their display of loyalty. After all, any lack of enthusiasm could be interpreted as disloyalty to the Will of Fire.

The other guests stared, bewildered.

Wasn't that the Fire Daimyo's brother, clapping so enthusiastically for a mere ninja?

Gojo Kaigetsu, however, basked in the adulation.

He'd always thought such displays were superfluous. Empty gestures. But now, standing on the stage, he understood their importance.

The applause continued.

He raised a hand, and the noise ceased instantly.

"The development of the southwest ninja world is a joint strategic initiative between Konoha and Sunagakure. We must understand the profound implications of this partnership, its role in promoting Konoha's vision for a modern ninja world. We must maintain our strategic focus, diligently implementing the necessary policies, and prioritize the Konoha-Suna Trade Route to establish a new era of prosperity. We will enhance the overall strength and sustainability of both villages, deepening our cooperation, liberating and developing our ninja workforce, and forging a path of mutual prosperity We must be steadfast in our resolve, diligently executing our plans, and creating a new chapter in Konoha-Suna relations…"

His speech, though filled with the usual political platitudes, was different. The novelty of the concepts, the sincerity in his tone, captivated the audience.

Even those who'd come merely for the spectacle found themselves listening intently.

As for the Land of Fire's representatives they were furiously scribbling notes. Every word a pearl of wisdom.

"The development of the southwest ninja world it shouldn't be limited to just Konoha and Sunagakure…"

Gojo Kaigetsu continued, but then…

Several shuriken, thrown from the roof of a nearby service station, arced towards him.

Gojo Kaigetsu seemed frozen.

It wasn't that the attack was particularly skillful, but rather…

'Such amateur shurikenjutsu. Even academy graduates are better than this. It's not Sasori or Kakuzu. Should I dodge? Or…'

The shuriken seemed fast, but to his eyes, they moved in slow motion.

Was there even a need to dodge?

He deactivated his Limitless technique, adjusting his position slightly, allowing a shuriken to graze his cheek.

A thin line of blood appeared.

He staggered back, feigning shock and injury, clutching his cheek.

"Assassin! Assassin!" someone screamed.

Chaos erupted. The dignitaries ducked for cover.

The ninja world was a dangerous place. While ninja might be polite in public, they wouldn't hesitate to kill.

Rasa and Tsunade leaped to their feet. But instead of protecting Gojo Kaigetsu, their instincts took over. They immediately identified the attackers on the rooftop.

"What's going on?! Where's Baki?! Apprehend those assassins!" Rasa roared.

Gojo Kaigetsu's Konoha guards surrounded him, drawing their kunai. They moved as a unit, escorting him down from the stage.

Their loyalty to the Will of Fire, to Advisor Gojo, was on full display. They formed an impenetrable wall of flesh, their bodies shielding him from any potential attacks.

This, however, presented a problem.

How was he supposed to perform with them blocking the view?

Gojo Kaigetsu was tall, but so were the Konoha ninja. They were practically obscuring him completely.

"Crouch down," he hissed to the squad leader.

"Advisor Gojo! We will protect you with our lives!"

"I said crouch down! You're blocking the camera!"

"What…?" The squad leader blinked, confused. "You want us to leave you exposed?"

"Just do it! That's an order!"

The guards crouched, allowing Gojo Kaigetsu's upper body to be visible.

He smeared more blood on his face, enhancing the Effect!

He then raised his fist towards the sky, his voice booming. "Fight! Fight!"

The initially panicked Land of Fire dignitaries, hearing his cry, joined in. "Konoha! Konoha!"

As the guards escorted him down the steps, the chants grew louder, even spreading to the other guests.

Gin, the Konoha Times' star reporter, captured the moment.

A masterpiece was born—

The Martyrdom of Gojo.

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