When it was time to leave the Land of Lightning, Uchiha Gen activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and returned directly to Konoha.
Kyouki lingered in the skies above Lightning's territory, while Shuryu had already retreated back to his volcano.
Upon arriving in the village, Gen first stopped by the Police Force headquarters to clear a backlog of official duties. Only when dusk fell did he finally return home.
"You're back at last. I was so worried something might have happened…"
Mikoto, dressed in home clothes and an apron, greeted him with a gentle smile. She slipped off his coat, handed him his house clothes, and placed his slippers by his feet.
"Don't worry," Gen said calmly. "I know what I'm doing."
He leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice with a smirk. "Besides… I haven't enjoyed Mikoto-nee's charms nearly enough. How could I possibly bear to die?"
Her cheeks flushed instantly. She shot him a mock glare, but inside, her heart bloomed with quiet happiness.
"Dinner will be ready soon. Go wash your hands."
"Okay."
He slipped into his slippers, changed, and was about to wash up when Itachi appeared with a basin of warm water in his hands.
"Gen-nii, wash your hands."
Gen's smile softened. Truly sensible, he thought. Fugaku probably never enjoyed this kind of treatment.
After washing, Itachi ran off to help his mother bring out dishes and bowls, busy and thoughtful as always.
"Oh? Where's Sasuke?" Gen asked.
"He's still training at the yard," Itachi replied. "He fought Naruto again, lost, and came back determined to work harder. It's strange, they fight like cats and dogs, but no matter how heated it gets, they patch things up right away. Somehow, their bond keeps getting stronger."
"Go fetch your brother, then," Mikoto called from the kitchen.
"Okay, Mom."
Gen chuckled to himself. 'Some children are like that. Happy rivals. Asura and Indra were the same, they've been loving and fighting for thousands of years. Even if I nudge Sasuke and Naruto's fates, they'll still find reasons to clash sooner or later.'
Watching Mikoto's graceful form as she worked in the kitchen, Gen's steps shifted. Instead of heading out, he slipped behind her, slid his arms around her waist, and pressed a kiss to her tender cheek.
"Don't—" she gasped softly, spatula pausing. "I'm cooking."
"It's almost evening. Be patient, it'll be quick," he teased. Then his tone dropped, almost earnest. "What are you thinking? I just missed you. I only wanted to hold you."
Mikoto pursed her lips, speechless.
"So, tonight we'll just sleep chastely?" she teased back.
"No. That won't do. That was then, this is now. The night is long… we need something interesting to pass the time." His eyes glinted. "I've got an idea."
Her cheeks heated. "What idea?"
She kept stirring, but her mind betrayed her, recalling certain embarrassing memories.
"How well can you use the Transformation Technique?" Gen asked suddenly, leaning close to whisper.
"I'm Jonin-level with it. Who do you want me to turn into?"
His lips curled.
"Kurenai? Yūgao? …Don't tell me, Anko?" she listed dryly.
Having shared a bed this long, Mikoto had learned Gen's tastes all too well. He was perfect in most respects, but his appetite for variety was a little… excessive.
"None of them," Gen whispered. "Transform into…" He leaned closer and murmured.
Mikoto stiffened. "What?! Kushina?!"
"You're truly too wicked… To actually have designs on my best friend…" Her fair face flushed, caught between shock and indignation. Even her spatula froze mid-motion.
"It's fake. Just for fun," Gen said smoothly. "Honestly, I feel a bit sorry for Kushina. If it weren't for me, you'd be living just as pitiful a life as hers."
"Hmph. Say what you like, you still have improper thoughts about Kushina. Aren't I, Kurenai, and Yūgao enough? Oh wait, I almost forgot, you've got Pakura in the Sand as well."
Her words cut, but her tone wasn't sharp.
Mikoto was clever; she knew her place. A small tantrum was fine but never enough to provoke Gen for real.
"Right now, I can manage," Gen said lightly. "But later, it may get difficult. My body will only grow stronger… and this is for your health, too."
Mikoto nearly dropped the spatula. So all that intense physical training, chasing the Lightning Release Body Technique… was it really just for that?
Of course, it wasn't. Gen's daily regimen was mainly to build a body that could shoulder everything. Still, the "side benefits" were undeniable.
He continued with a grin, "Men may not tire of the old, but they definitely like the new. I'm a man who likes the new but never forgets the old. One of my dreams is to build a big, harmonious family where everyone lives happily together."
The real emphasis wasn't on harmonious or happy. It was on big.
Mikoto sighed, but her lips curved faintly. "Fine. I'll transform—for you."
As a married mother of two, she knew how to keep favor. Better to indulge than risk displeasing the man who was both her partner and her pillar of support.
"Mikoto-nee, you're the best."
Smack. He kissed her cheek again, thoroughly pleased.
With her bond to Kushina, Mikoto would no doubt mimic her perfectly. Just imagining it made him excited for the night ahead.
In some ways, this world really does have its perks… The Transformation Technique is incredible.
In his old world, no makeup, no disguise, could ever compare. But here? A flawless transformation was just another tool.
Unfortunately, the White Zetsu's unique impersonation was something no normal shinobi could learn without mutation.
Just then, Itachi and Sasuke's voices echoed down the hall. Gen released Mikoto, kissed her once more, and slipped out before they arrived.
"Gen-nii! After dinner, teach me taijutsu. I have to beat Naruto next time!" Sasuke bounded up, eyes shining.
"Can't your brother teach you?" Gen teased.
"No! He only mimics Naruto's moves, and I already know them. Gen-nii, you have to teach me counters to Naruto's attacks!"
So earnest, with such a solid reason. Gen couldn't help but smile. "Alright."
"Yay!" Sasuke cheered.
From the kitchen, Mikoto overheard and sighed softly. For now, he lives only with me. But when Kurenai and Yūgao join us, I'll lose my exclusive place. With more women, favor will inevitably spread thinner—even with a man as conscientious as Gen.
Her thoughts drifted to Kushina. Perhaps… perhaps I could persuade her. Good friends should share blessings. It would keep me close, and spare her a lifetime of lonely widowhood.
Surely even Minato, from the Pure Land, wouldn't want to see Kushina suffer forever.
The dead were gone. The living had to carry on.
Moments later, dinner was served. The family ate, chatted, played, and washed up together.
And that night, when the house fell quiet—well, there was a story, but some things are better left unspoken.