Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?-Chapter 275: The Power of Public Relations

Basking in the light of the Will of Fire, how could he possibly turn against its source?

Finally, the final match pitted Temari against Itachi Uchiha. Itachi, gazing at Temari's determined face, and catching Izumi's subtle signal from the stands, reluctantly sheathed his kunai and raised his hand.

"Referee, I'm out of chakra. I forfeit."

Even the referee, a Chunin from Konoha, one of their own, aware that Temari was practically half-Konoha herself, simply nodded, launched a Great Fireball into the air, and announced loudly:

"The match is decided!"

"The gold medalist of the first Fire Games is—Temari of Sunagakure, currently studying at Konoha University!"

"Let us all cheer for Sunagakure!"

"WAAAAAH!!!"

The revelry of the gamblers and ordinary Shinobi had just ended, but the secret war between the five great nations—was just beginning.

——

First, Sunagakure—

Temari, a Suna native, winning the gold medal should have been a cause for celebration throughout the Land of Wind—And indeed, it was. The boasts of Wind Country citizens filled the taverns of Otogakure.

The people of the Land of Sound were also pleased, as Konoha University was located within their territory.

And the people of the Land of Fire were ecstatic. Temari studied at their university. The top four contestants were all from Konoha University. Konoha was the true victor of the Fire Games!

A win-win-win situation!

But where there were winners, there were losers.

The performance of the Land of Earth's Genin had disappointed Ōnoki greatly.

Their performance had been abysmal—and their best performer, Deidara, was only four years old. And he'd kneeled before a Konoha kunoichi! In front of the entire Shinobi World! Such a loss of face shook even Ōnoki's Stone Will.

Unable to bear the humiliation, Ōnoki, his face grim, requested leave from the Land of Earth's daimyo. He didn't even attend the closing ceremony, departing with his Genin from this—heartbreaking Fire Games.

Kirigakure and Kumogakure faced similar situations. However, unlike Ōnoki, they lacked the clout to simply leave. Despite their frustration, they had to endure the final ceremony alongside their daimyo.

Shinobi battled in the arena; daimyo schemed in the stands. Even the hot-tempered Fourth Raikage, A, had to respectfully raise his cup and toast.

——

Aside from the three great nations, the one most displeased was—Baki.

Rasa's daughter had stolen the spotlight. How could he, the Fifth Kazekage, maintain his authority?

Within Sunagakure, those loyal to the Fourth Kazekage, already critical of him, would surely use this as ammunition?

And Temari herself—displaying such remarkable talent at such a young age—in ten years—wouldn't she "graduate" from Konoha University, return to Sunagakure backed by Konoha's power, overturn his rule, and purge him, a remnant of the old regime?

The more brilliantly Temari performed, the lighter his Kazekage robes felt...

"I cannot allow Temari's reputation to grow unchecked."

Returning to his residence, Baki summoned his most trusted subordinate. "You, find the most eloquent writer in Sunagakure. Have them write an article questioning the legitimacy of Temari's victory!"

"After the article is written, release it immediately in Otogakure, and disseminate it back in the Village!"

Say what you will, Baki was certainly—adaptable.

Having seen the effectiveness of the Konoha-Suna Summer Camp Comparison article in Forest Reader, he'd learned to apply the same tactics to solidify his own position.

Soon, under Baki's direction, a truly—audacious hit piece was crafted:

<#Tōgo's Defeat#: Six Questions for Temari>

[Question 1, Temari: Tōgo fought his way to the quarterfinals alone, exhausted. You took advantage of his weakness. Where is your honor?!]

[Question 2, Temari: The entire Land of Wind hoped for Tōgo to win the championship. You shattered their hopes. Where is your loyalty?!]

[Question 3, Temari: As Tōgo's junior, you ruthlessly seized victory for personal gain. Where is your respect?!]

[Question 4, Temari: Sunagakure sent you to study in Konoha six months ago. Now, instead of showing gratitude, you steal the medal from a Suna student, tarnishing Suna's honor. Where is your allegiance?!]

[Question 5, Temari: Tōgo fought while injured. You showed no remorse, reveling in your victory. Where is your conscience?!]

[Question 6, Temari: At such a young age, you embrace Konoha elders, and Konoha Shinobi forfeit matches against you. Your victory is tainted. Where is your shame?!]

[These six questions demand answers, Temari!]

Reading the article, Baki felt a chill run down his spine. Writers—kill without ninjutsu.

Such a filthy attack hurled at Temari.

Honor, loyalty, respect, allegiance, conscience, shame...

The Shinobi World had yet to formally define the "Shinobi Way," but surely, it encompassed these six virtues.

These six questions struck at the very heart of the Shinobi way! Their impact—would be immense.

For Temari herself, her Shinobi way would be shaken, hindering her future progress.

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For the Villagers of Suna, the golden child who'd brought glory to the Land of Wind had become a treacherous schemer who exploited loopholes.

Such a stark contrast—The higher their initial hopes for Temari, the harder her fall would be!

As for how many would believe such claims? Baki believed this article was more than sufficient to sway the populace of the Land of Wind.

The Kazekage position wasn't secured by reputation alone. Reputation and strength were both essential. This attack tarnished Temari's reputation and undermined her resolve, limiting her future potential.

Two birds with one stone—a brilliant move.

——

Six Questions for Temari spread quickly.

Like a stone dropped into a calm pond, it created ripples, becoming the topic of conversation in taverns and tea houses.

A spectator from the Land of Wind shook his head. "This is utter nonsense. Even as an outsider, I feel sorry for Temari. Why such jealousy?"

"First question—Tōgo fought his way to the quarterfinals alone, but didn't Temari? This person clearly didn't watch the Chunin Exams."

"Second question—I don't know about others, but I personally hoped Princess Temari would win. Think about it—a young girl, losing her father, traveling alone to a foreign land, striving to become a strong Shinobi—Isn't that commendable? She deserved to win!"

"Third and fifth questions—I'm not a Shinobi—but isn't competition about the strongest prevailing? What does seniority or conscience have to do with it?"

"Fourth question—Princess Temari isn't some mercenary. She clearly represented Sunagakure! The honor she won belongs to Suna! How can this writer twist it into stealing Suna's honor?"

"Basically, they're saying Princess Temari isn't one of us? If even Princess Temari isn't considered a citizen of the Land of Wind—I wonder how many of us truly are."

"Instead of asking questions, why not just ask the Fire Games Organizing Committee directly about Temari's nationality?"

"And finally, the sixth question..."

"Whoever asks such a question truly lacks honor and shame! Advisor Gojo is in his twenties, right? Princess Temari—is only five! Five years old!"

"If Advisor Gojo had married earlier, his child would be nearly Temari's age."

"Disgusting! Truly disgusting! Because the Fourth Kazekage died, Princess Temari seeks a father figure, it's only natural, right? And for that, she's accused of impropriety—Even I, who initially didn't care much for Princess Temari, feel nauseated!"

"I suggest arresting whoever spread these questions! Maliciously slandering our Princess Temari? Do they think the Land of Wind is defenseless?"

——

One detractor inspires ten fans...

People believe what they want to believe.

The Shinobi World—still had good people.

When Six Questions for Temari reached Temari herself, Izumi Uchiha was beside her, offering comfort.

However—peeking through Temari's fingers as she covered her face, one couldn't see anger.

Perhaps—at least one of the six questions had hit its mark. It was indeed—quite criminal.

Except the sentence wasn't for Gojo Kaigetsu, but for—Temari.

Gojo Kaigetsu also received word. Though surprised that someone in the Shinobi World could craft such a sophisticated smear campaign, he reacted swiftly.

"Order the Military Police Force immediately! Arrest whoever is spreading and printing this article!"

Within half a day, the "writer" hired by Baki was apprehended by the Konoha Military Police Force. After intense interrogation, they were sealed away by the Sealing Corps.

While simply slitting the throat of such an ordinary person would suffice, Gojo Kaigetsu believed that anyone capable of writing such an article had—used up their lifetime allotment of creativity.

Such a tainted soul would only pollute the Pure Land of the Sage of Six Paths. Better to seal them away, denying them reincarnation.

With Konoha Publishing's writers working at full capacity, a counter-article was released within half a day:

[This morning, according to the Fire Games Organizing Committee's Public Security Division, the Konoha Military Police Force is prioritizing the issue of "fan circle" chaos, continuing to collaborate with relevant departments to crack down on related illegal activities. During the Otogakure Fire Games, the Konoha Military Police Force closely monitored Fire Games-related discourse, strengthening targeted countermeasures.]

[The Konoha Military Police Force investigated a case of defamation involving a citizen of the Land of Wind. The suspect, identified as XX (female, 29, from Sunagakure, Land of Wind), was found to have disseminated defamatory information about a Suna Shinobi student at Konoha University and a Konoha elder in taverns, lottery outlets, the Otogakure Dome, and other high-traffic areas, causing significant negative impact within the Shinobi World. The Konoha Military Police Force has taken compulsory measures, enforcing immediate capital punishment.]

[The Konoha Military Police Force will continue to strengthen its efforts, strictly combating illegal activities related to Fire Games "fan circles." We remind all friends of the Shinobi World that Otogakure is not a lawless land. Refrain from spreading rumors and attacking or defaming others. Let us work together to maintain a clear and positive Otogakure. Don't believe rumors, don't spread rumors. It starts with you and me.]

Those who live by the sword—how could they be easily struck down by it?

The "rumors" spread quickly, but Konoha's public relations machine debunked them even faster.

The rumors surfaced in the morning; by the afternoon, they were refuted.

Bam!

Baki slammed his fist on the table. His smear campaign—had been neutralized before it could even gain traction?

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