Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

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A few days later.

Scandalous rumors about the Uchiha clan abruptly resurfaced among the Konoha populace.

However, this time, the people of Konoha seemed to have gained a newfound awareness, refusing to allow their emotions to be manipulated by the “secret ninja.”

This sentiment was akin to children becoming more curious about something the more their parents forbade it.

Not only did it fail to suppress positive public opinion towards the Uchiha, but it also made the image of the secret ninja increasingly negative in Konoha.

“Shh, be careful what you say. This is a forbidden topic.”

“Audacious! Do you have a death wish?!”

“I heard the ‘secret ninja’ are offering a bounty of 500,000 ryō for rebels colluding with foreign villages. You dare wade into these murky waters at a time like this?”

“Who are these secret ninja anyway? How can such a dark force exist in our free and harmonious Konoha?!”

“This topic is untouchable!”

An invisible air of oppression once again enveloped Konoha.

A silent consensus seemed to have formed among the villagers:

[Regarding the secret ninja]

[Don’t think about it; if you must think, don’t talk about it; if you must think and talk, don’t write about it; if you must think, talk, and write, don’t sign your name; if you disregard all these rules, you’ll probably be taken away by the secret ninja.]

This phenomenon seemed to intensify in taverns, teahouses, and ninja tool shops throughout Konoha.

Kind-hearted villagers, overhearing strangers sighing nearby, would immediately intervene before a word was spoken, offering subtle warnings:

“Stranger, if you don’t want to be apprehended by the secret ninja… please refrain from engaging in conversations that defy them.”

However, the turning point seemed to stem from a rumor, the origin of which remained unknown:

[Asuma Sarutobi, son of the retired Third Hokage, publicly protested in support of the Uchiha ninja and was subsequently arrested by the secret ninja.]

[In prison, Gojo Kaigetsu, advisor to the Fourth Hokage, patted Asuma’s shoulder and said, “Do what you believe is right! Just like I did!”]

[Asuma Sarutobi gazed into the distance with a resolute expression…]

[An anonymous minister… If a village chooses to suppress the will of its villagers and ninja to pursue freedom, it is undoubtedly a failed village.]

Gojo Kaigetsu and this anonymous minister seemed to have become spiritual leaders for the Konoha villagers, emboldening them to speak the truth.

Thus-

More and more voices began to rise from the populace.

The old ramen shop owner: “…If the secret ninja come to arrest me, no one will speak up for me anymore.”

A random customer at a ninja tool shop: “If we remain indifferent to the injustice, bullying, and persecution faced by the Uchiha, we will ultimately be the ones who suffer!”

A ninja who had undergone “re-education” at the Konoha Military Police Force: “I’ve been to the Military Police Force headquarters. Their soldier pills are quite delicious.”

A member of a small ninja clan: “Protecting the Uchiha means protecting ourselves!”

Fresh graduates from the Ninja Academy, still wet behind the ears, even paraded a bewildered Asuma Sarutobi, holding banners and emulating Gojo Kaigetsu’s fight for freedom of speech.

“Stop persecuting the Uchiha! Stop persecuting the Uchiha! Stop persecuting the Uchiha!”

…

…

“Damn these unruly civilians! Unruly civilians!”

Danzo Shimura’s face darkened completely, his rage boiling over as he hurled his teacup to the floor.

He couldn’t understand why his previously infallible methods had failed.

He had clearly ordered Root ninja to warn the major clans, and Mito Kadach had been spreading subtle pressure throughout the village…

Initially, events unfolded as he had planned, but soon, it was as if they had hit rock bottom and bounced back with even greater force.

“They even dare utter such absurd statements as protecting the Uchiha.”

“What went wrong?! Why aren’t the usual methods working anymore?”

“I understand now. They side with whoever wins.” Homura Mitokado, his face grim, pushed an article forward. “Danzo, take a look at this ‘Adaptability’… It’s about the source of the rumors.”

“Someone is orchestrating all of this from the shadows!”

Danzo took the new issue of “Iki,” his anger growing with each line he read.

Secret ninja… or rather, Root.

When had Root ever arrested Gojo Kaigetsu?! Which Fire Country daimyo had made such comments? And when had the Fourth Hokage visited Gojo Kaigetsu in prison?!

Utter nonsense!

Not only was it nonsense, but the rumor conveniently skipped the beginning and middle, jumping straight to the Fire Country minister’s supposed statement…

It was not only fabricated but also taken out of context!

For the first time, Danzo experienced what it felt like to be wronged.

“Hmph, if I weren’t in Konoha, I might actually believe the lies spewed in this ‘Iki.’”

Danzo immediately stood up. “Let’s go, Homura. We’re going to the Hokage Tower to demand an explanation from the Fourth.”

“I don’t care how Gojo Kaigetsu deals with other villages.”

“But to slander my reputation and sabotage my plan for the Uchiha… This ‘Iki’ must cease publication! And Gojo Kaigetsu himself must clarify the false content within!”

Fuming, Danzo stormed towards the Hokage office, Homura trailing behind.

Before they could push the door open, they overheard the jovial conversation inside.

“Clan Head Fugaku, thank you for the support the Uchiha clan has shown for Konoha’s development.”

“This five hundred million ryō is a ‘token of gratitude’ from our clan elders.”

Fugaku Uchiha spoke with heartfelt emotion.

In recent days, Elder Setsuna, a prominent hawk within the clan, had finally ventured into the village.

Upon his return, his eyes were red-rimmed.

He mumbled strange things like, “Do they think we can’t afford it? Give everyone a bottle.”

Back home, he silently handed over his life savings to Fugaku, claiming it was money for soldier pills, entrusting Fugaku to pass it on to the Fourth Hokage for distribution.

The reason behind these peculiar actions… Fugaku understood after seeing the ninjas accompanying Elder Setsuna with their pockets stuffed with various soldier pills.

“However… we, the Uchiha, have one request regarding the use of these funds.”

“Please speak freely.”

Minato replied solemnly. At a time when the village desperately needed development funds, the Uchiha’s generous contribution was a godsend.

All of this was thanks to Gojo Kaigetsu, who sat in his advisor’s seat with his hands behind his head, forming a reverse triangle with his arms.

Fugaku’s expression turned serious. “We request that this money not be used to fund the village’s ‘secret ninja.’”

While the clan and the village had reached a historic reconciliation, it didn’t mean the Uchiha had forgiven Danzo’s faction, whose core principles were rooted in the Second Hokage’s will.

“Oh~ the secret ninja, you say~”

Gojo Kaigetsu seized control of the conversation, patting his chest in assurance.

“Of course, we certainly don’t advocate for secret ninja.”

“This money will be used for construction within and outside the village. We’ll prioritize both aspects, ensuring both are robust…”

Satisfied with the response, Fugaku nodded repeatedly. If not for the fear of eavesdroppers, he would have revealed his Sharingan to demonstrate his trust in the village.

Only after Fugaku Uchiha had left did Danzo and Homura enter the Hokage office.

Gojo Kaigetsu wasn’t surprised by their arrival in the slightest:

“Well, well, if it isn’t Elder Danzo and Elder Homura. We just had a meeting, and guess who wasn’t invited…”

“Hmph, I don’t have time for your nonsense.”

Danzo marched towards Minato. “Fourth Hokage, I’m here to remind you of one thing.”

“The Uchiha clan harbors treacherous ambitions. They still dream of usurping the First Hokage’s legacy. Fully accepting them is akin to shooting yourself in the foot with a kunai!”

“I suggest you immediately halt the publication of ‘Iki’ and have Gojo Kaigetsu clarify the false content within!”

“Then, have Root secretly arrest those who spread rumors and escalate the situation in Konoha with malicious intent.”

Minato’s usually amiable expression turned cold as he rested his chin on his interlocked fingers.

“Elder Danzo, I am the Hokage.”

“The plan behind ‘Iki’ has been personally approved by me and will remain in effect for at least five years.”

“If your Root organization has nothing better to do…”

“Perhaps you should turn your attention to Kirigakure in the distance!”

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