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

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

  For promi s, the dowry for important members could reach tens of millions of ryō.

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

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

  When Fugaku and Mikoto married, the "dowry" had sisted of a white fan, white sesame seeds, and… well, let's just say it wasly extravagant.

  The se was what mattered.

  "I… hadn't sidered that," Fugaku Uchiha admitted sheepishly. If Gojo Kaigetsu hadn't brought it up, he might have fotten 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 . But publicly… we'll announce a massive sum!" Gojo Kaigetsu decred, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He wouldn't miss su 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 headlihe gossip, the potential for… a year-long manga series about the Uchiha-Uzumaki wedding, filled with dramatic fshbacks, heartwarming present-day ses, external threats, and a triumphant clusion.

  With the Uchiha and Uzumaki s involved, two of the most promi 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 publig a massive dowry was this:

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

  In the current ninja world, d vilge 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 vilge. A ninja without a home, a wahey were sidered less desirable.

  Kusagakure's treatment of Uzumaki Momohime and her daughter rime 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 destru. And then, emphasize the massive dowry, whether cash or property.

  Gojo Kaigetsu could already imagihe reas.

  "We kunoichi are now awakened, indepe, and oh of self-improvement. We urge our male terparts to be more… fident." – The Awakened Kunoichi.

  "'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 ine! Aionally stable. I'm… votile enough for both of us." – The Emotional Kunoichi.

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

  "Even an Uzumaki survivor marry a rid 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. Ah money and basic literacy could buy the neer and… be influenced.

  "The mere thought is… stimuting. 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 exged uneasy gnces.

  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 firaced down the ns, stopping at the entry fenin's annual ine.

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

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

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

  "How much is sidered 'massive'? Enough to entice kunoichi from other vilges, yet beyond the reaost eligible bachelors…"

  "sidering that most of a ninja's earnings are spent on equipment and supplies… Academy graduation is typically around seven ht. in promotioween eleven and fifteen. Konoha's mission ission fees are retively low… Taking all these factors into at, I'd say…"

  "7.98 million ryō!"

  This figure, practically unattainable fenin, 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 in, 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… dising kunoichi khat 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 gdly give Kushina everything he owned as a dowry.

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

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

  "Internally, we'll announce a lure, emphasizing that it was the Uzumaki '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 plex, but simply put, if they don't address this, their ninja popution will dee."

  "Not just the number of ninja, but the overall vilge popution."

  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 vilge.

  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 vilge's absolute authority, f single women to marry ninja wouldn't solve the underlying problem.

  "I'm truly evil." Gojo Kaigetsu spped himself lightly, though his Limitless teique re iive.

  'A pity the ninja world hasn't fully embraced teology. No i, no advanced eleics… I 't create… certain… forums.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

  "Having beerayed, they won't easily trust Konoha's attempts t them back. We need a graure, a symbolic act, to demonstrate Konoha's siy."

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

  "The dowry '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 he Uzumaki… like Sunagakure needs ōnoki." Gojo Kaigetsu made his stance clear.

  Fugaku Uchiha nodded solemnly. "I uand your resolve. sider this wedding a political mission. I will ha with the utmost care."

  "There's o 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 ercial district. Aside from her unusually pale skin, she seemed to have blended seamlessly into Konoha, both in demeanor and attire.

  Ret events had prevented her from truly experieng Konoha's culture.

  Now, she finally had the ce.

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

  Though she found it strahat 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 alroud to be Kumogakure's Two-Tails Jinchuriki? A hero of the Cloud?"

  Mabui grabbed Yugito's arm, her voice pleading. "Please, e back, Yugito. Advisojo said he'd let you go if you agreed. I'll do anything t you back!"

  "Such… dramatic pronous."

  "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 ohey abandoned?"

  Checkmate.

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

  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 sting pea the ninja world.

  Mabui, dejected, arrived at Gojo Kaigetsu's residend 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 sourained, muffled, as if she were trying to hide something.

  "I'm here on the Raikage's orders t you back." Mabui's initial disappoi was quickly repced 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 eechless. She was currently… enag the "failed infiltration mission" se.

  It had happened so suddenly.

  The moment Gojo Kaigetsu returned, he'd revealed everything, shattering Samui's carefully structed 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 i's just say it was a strategically pced 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 situatio."

  Though her expression remaioic, her trembling harayed her iurmoil. She was desperately trying to maintain her posure.

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

  The sudden exposure, the failure of her mission… it was overwhelming. She was still ging tojo 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 a Mabui see you… like this?"

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

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

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

  Seeing Samui's strange behavior, Mabui didn't suspeything untoward. "Your cover's blown. Gojo Kaigetsu knew all along. It's not safe for you here. The Raikage wants me t 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 ihroat.

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

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

  What kind of life had she enjoyed in Konoha?

  Perhaps the most luxurious iire 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 Head.

  Aly, having fully embraced her role as Gojo Kaigetsu's… panion, her sore muscles were regurly teo…

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

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

  But… feelings had developed.

  Gojo Kaigetsu's… influence had bee a shackle, bindio him.

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

  Though her mind still beloo Kumogakure, her body had betrayed her.

  "I… I'm sorry, Mabui," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I believe… I be more… valuable to the vilge 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 tinue sending intel."

  "He… probably doesn't even know about our uniethod." Samui, uo 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 ehis, Samui. Even the Raikage has abahe mission."

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

  Mabui recoiled, stunned.

  Such vi!

  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 seality.

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

  'Wait for me!'

  Mabui turo 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 promi 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. 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 pound were packed with vendors and onlookers, all eager to withe spectacle.

  Iurbulent 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… st 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 pnned. When the offit annouhe 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 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 were .

  If Kumogakure had a ce to recruit Uzumaki 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 ission 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 e, proposed, what dowry would she expect?

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

  She ecial Jonin, the Raikage's secretary. A high-ranking position, a stable ine, excellent bes, 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 o… sell herself for such a paltry amount.

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

  Kumogakure kunoichi, after all, valued strength and ambition.

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

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

  He'd ihe "bride price" to astronomical levels.

  "Advisojo, may I borrow you for a moment?"

  A calm, mase voiterrupted Gojo Kaigetsu's thoughts. He turo see Hyuga Hiashi, a formal kimono, approag with a sake cup in hand.

  The one who initiated a iation 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 pyful 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."

  <><><><>

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

  https://p-atreon./dragonnx

  (Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)

  There is 9 Exg Fanfics already avaible on my Patreon!