c81: Want Them All?
It was lunchtime on Konoha's bustling Commercial Street. Despite the snowflakes dancing in the cold air and the chill biting at exposed skin, the street remained lively, with crowds meandering through shops and eateries. The warm aromas of miso, roasted meats, and sweet dumplings drifted through the street, wrapping pedestrians in comforting scent trails.
Uchiha Gen strolled through the street dressed sharply in a long black trench coat with intricate silver cloud patterns—a subtle homage to his association with Orochimaru. At his hip hung the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, its sleek handle visible beneath his coat. His Konoha forehead protector gleamed atop his head, polished and firm, the symbol of loyalty worn like a paradox.
His crimson three-tomoe Sharingan remained deactivated, but his alert gaze scanned the environment with practiced ease—and with the occasional appreciative glance toward a passing kunoichi. It wasn't lecherous, just confident and self-assured. The kind of look that drew attention rather than invited scorn.
Unfortunately, the winter season meant most women were bundled in coats and scarves, masking their figures beneath layers of fluff. Only those with striking facial features or rare confidence in posture stood out. Gen admired them openly—his good looks and composed demeanor earned him more smiles than slaps. A few of the braver girls even returned his gaze with flirty glances.
Of course, he reminded himself, he had just turned fourteen this year. Though mature for his age in both strength and mind, Gen knew to bide his time—for the sake of future growth and, admittedly, physical development. Eighteen might be ideal, but sixteen... sixteen would be acceptable.
"Gen-senpai?"
A familiar voice called out from behind him. Gen turned on his heel and immediately recognized the source.
It was Mitarashi Anko.
She approached with her usual energetic stride, flanked by Yuhi Kurenai and Uzuki Yugao. All three were clad in stylish winter down jackets—Anko in beige, Kurenai in soft crimson, and Yugao in a pale lavender shade. Their outfits, though practical for the weather, couldn't completely hide the distinct presence each one carried.
All three were notable kunoichi—respected, beautiful, and clearly in sync with each other's pace. Kurenai's mature elegance, Anko's wild charm, and Yugao's quiet grace formed a trio that made passersby glance back more than once.
"I knew it was you," Anko grinned, giving Gen a hearty slap on the chest. "I was worried I'd gotten the wrong person."
Gen smiled calmly, unsurprised by her directness. "I've been back in the village for two or three days."
He nodded politely at the other two. "Kurenai, Yugao. Long time no see."
Kurenai offered a gentle smile. "Indeed. It's been quite a while. You haven't been spotted in the Uchiha compound either. Have you been away on assignment?"
Yugao gave a reserved but warm nod. "You've been busy, haven't you?"
Gen shrugged slightly. "Orochimaru-sama had me running errands outside the village."
"Oh right," Anko jumped in proudly. "You probably didn't hear—I made Chūnin! Passed the exams a while back, but I only just found time to celebrate."
"Hong and Yugao had time off too, so I pulled them along for the occasion," she added, puffing out her chest slightly.
Twelve years old and already a chūnin—there was certainly reason to be proud.
"Congratulations. Planning to celebrate with sweets again?"
"Yup! The dessert shop is tasty and doesn't hurt the wallet," Anko giggled, licking her lips playfully.
"How about this—today's on me. My treat for your promotion."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up.
"Of course. I'm in a good mood. Pick any restaurant you like."
"I want yakiniku!" she declared instantly.
Gen gave a theatrical sigh. "Seriously? You could've picked something classy."
"It's delicious! Don't knock it!"
He shook his head, half-amused. Yakiniku might be considered upper-mid tier in Konoha, but to Gen, it lacked the elegance of the high-end restaurants frequented by the daimyo and elite shinobi. In his previous life, it was like fast food with better lighting.
"Fine, fine. We'll go with your pick."
He turned to the others. "Kurenai, Yugao—you're coming too. It'll be more fun with all of us."
And so the four headed to the renowned Yakiniku Q. After settling into a private booth, the staff quickly brought out trays of thinly sliced meats, dipping sauces, and drinks. As the sizzling of beef and lamb hit the grill, the room filled with an irresistible aroma.
"What have you been working on lately?" Gen asked as he grilled a piece of marbled beef until golden, dipped it first in wet chili sauce, then dry seasoning, before popping it into his mouth.
"A lot of prep for the Chūnin Exams," Anko said, snatching up some pork belly.
"I've been leading a genin team," Kurenai added, delicately flipping her meat.
"Same here. Escort and reconnaissance missions," Yugao nodded quietly.
"How's leadership treating you?" Gen asked, dipping a piece of lamb in miso sauce.
"Feels like walking on a tightrope. One wrong move and someone gets hurt," Kurenai replied honestly.
"She's a great captain, though," Yugao said.
Gen smiled faintly. "Yugao, you're nearly at chūnin level too, aren't you?"
"I still have a year or two, I think," she said, then hesitated. "Gen… would you have time this afternoon? I wanted to ask you some questions."
"Of course. We'll rest after lunch, then head to the training grounds."
Yugao's upbringing as a civilian-born shinobi meant she had less access to elite instruction. Gen didn't mind offering some guidance—especially given her dedication and... let's be honest, her looks. But he would never hand out advanced ninjutsu or genjutsu lightly. Affection was fine, but he wasn't here to play the fool.
Power must be earned.
He wouldn't teach Yuhi clan genjutsu that even Kurenai herself hadn't inherited yet, nor would he casually pass on any of Orochimaru's forbidden techniques.
That included Anko.
Good relationships didn't mean instant access. He wanted them to value his help, not take it for granted.
"I'd like to join too!" Kurenai chimed in. "Our last exchange helped me improve my genjutsu a lot—my father noticed!"
"If everyone's going, I'm in," Anko added, grinning.
Gen laughed. "Alright. Let's all go."
The meal passed with warmth and light-hearted teasing. After paying the bill, the group relaxed on a nearby bench, letting their food settle. An hour later, they regrouped at Konoha's eastern training field.
One by one, Gen observed and advised them. First with theory, then hands-on sparring. He noted how naturally they complemented each other.
Yugao's swordsmanship and silent movement made her the ideal front-liner.
Kurenai's genjutsu leaned heavily on visual misdirection—perfect for support and ambushes.
Anko's snake-based ninjutsu, inherited from her training under Orochimaru, excelled at capturing and battlefield control.
Under the shade of a tree, Gen stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"What would you three think if I became your team's jōnin instructor?"
The girls blinked in surprise.
"Huh?" they chorused.
Gen's gaze was deep, unreadable.
In truth, it wasn't just strategic synergy that intrigued him. If they became his team, he'd get more time with all three—he'd be close to the fire, so to speak. In the ninja world, where death came easy and bonds were tested daily, emotions bloomed fast. Perhaps… a future with all of them?
He wasn't a pervert—he just had high aspirations. Nobles in the Land of Fire had harems and mistresses, and the Uchiha were among the noble clans, even if their lifestyle didn't always reflect that status.
If power justified polygamy, then why couldn't he, a genius among geniuses, take the same liberties?
He just needed strength—and the resolve to claim what he wanted.
"Am I wrong to want it all?" he murmured.
Power. Talent. Companionship. Legacy.
He intended to take it all.
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