When Gen and Pakura stepped into the Uchiha clan compound, they were immediately noticed.
Clan members spotted the Sunagakure forehead protector on Pakura's brow, and understanding dawned at once. One after another, they came forward to greet them respectfully before stepping aside again, tactful enough not to pry or gossip.
In the eyes of the Uchiha, their clan leader taking many women was natural—an honor for those chosen. The only faint regret among them was that, despite Gen's excellence, there was still only one woman from within the clan itself, leaving little chance of passing on pure bloodlines more broadly.
Sensing their warmth and acceptance, Pakura relaxed. She walked more calmly through the broad, well-kept streets of the compound.
The Uchiha were the foremost noble clan of Konoha, arguably of the shinobi world. Even their ordinary members lived in detached villas. The sheer prosperity was undeniable.
Soon, Gen and Pakura arrived at his home.
In the front yard, Sasuke was busy at play. When he saw Gen return with an unfamiliar woman, he blinked in surprise but quickly composed himself, greeting her politely.
It wasn't the first time his older brother had brought home a beautiful "big sister." By now, Sasuke was well-accustomed.
Pakura had already been briefed on the basics of the household during their walk, so she responded gently and presented the boy with a gift. With Gen's help, she had chosen a brand-name shinobi toy—exactly the kind Sasuke dreamed of using when he grew up to be like Itachi.
The boy's face lit up with joy, his polite words tumbling out even sweeter than before.
After settling Sasuke, Gen took Pakura to place her gifts in the living room, then led her to the dining area.
In the kitchen, Mikoto was cooking in an apron. Hearing the commotion, she stepped out, smiled warmly, and greeted them.
"Let me introduce you. This is Mikoto-nee. And this—" Gen grinned, "—is Pakura. You two should get along well. That way I can fully enjoy the blessings of both of you, hahaha!"
He threw back his head and laughed, hands on hips, smug as could be.
Both women rolled their eyes in unison. This man… honestly…
Still, courtesy remained.
"Welcome, Miss Pakura," Mikoto said with a slight bow.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Mikoto-nee," Pakura answered, returning the bow.
"Too formal. We're family now," Mikoto replied.
Before the atmosphere could soften further, Gen suddenly slid an arm around each of their waists and yanked them together into his chest. Both women stumbled into his hold, their cheeks coloring instantly.
The audacity!
Flustered, embarrassed, and angry all at once, they reacted the same way—kicking him sharply. The blows stung, but not enough to make him release them until he decided to. Only then did he step back with a smirk.
"You two chat. I'll go play with Sasuke."
Once he was gone, the women exchanged a glance. The tension eased with a shared smile, and they returned to the kitchen. Conversation began with cooking but, as time passed, grew more natural.
By noon, Yuhi Kurenai, Mitarashi Anko, and Uzuki Yugao arrived, all in Police Force uniforms.
Sasuke ran up first. "Hello, Sister Kurenai! Sister Anko! Sister Yugao!"
The three women smiled fondly in return. Anko, unable to help herself, ruffled his hair and pinched his cheek until Sasuke made a comically miserable face.
"Sasuke, go play a bit longer. Your brother will join you soon," Gen said. Then, turning serious, "You three—come with me. There's something I need to explain."
Unlike Mikoto, who always remained calm, these three were younger and Anko, especially, had a reckless streak. Precaution was necessary.
They had already heard whispers of Pakura's arrival, and though prepared, they couldn't help the sourness in their hearts.
So Gen told them the story, how Pakura had been betrayed during her mission to Kirigakure, and how he had saved her. The women's sharp edges softened. Sympathy replaced envy. One by one, they resolved to treat Pakura with genuine kindness.
Relieved, Gen left them to join Mikoto and Pakura in the kitchen, while he himself entertained Sasuke.
At half past noon, lunch was ready.
With Sasuke leading the way, the family gathered at the table.
Itachi, of course, was away on mission, such was the cycle of a shinobi: work, rest, work again.
The meal went smoothly. To Gen's quiet satisfaction, all five women managed to get along, sharing food and conversation without discord.
Afterward, he made an announcement. "Kurenai, Yugao, Anko—don't go back to work this afternoon. Stay, relax. Play cards, go for a walk, do whatever you like. I'll stop by the Police Force and request leave for you."
Work could wait. His women's happiness could not.
The three exchanged glances but agreed readily. The truth was, an unexpected break was welcome—and by now, Pakura had left a good impression on them.
Then Gen leaned toward Anko. "Oh, Anko. I need to speak with you. Come with me."
"Alright," she answered without hesitation.
The two slipped into a back room. Twenty minutes later, they emerged.
Anko's face was flushed, her eyes shining with liquid warmth. Gen, on the other hand, looked as though he were walking on clouds, energy radiating from him. Without missing a beat, he slipped out the back door and headed to the Police Force office.
On the way, he found himself replaying the scene in his mind.
Anko had truly surprised him. Perhaps it was her mastery of snake-style ninjutsu, but her tongue…
It was incredibly flexible—able to twist, coil, and glide like a serpent. None of the others had such a gift.
The sensation brought to mind the time he had seen a python climbing an old wooden pole, its body wrapping, twisting, and sliding endlessly. That was the kind of skill she possessed.
It was almost unbearable. Even with all his stamina and tricks, Gen had lasted only twenty minutes. For an ordinary man? Barely a single minute would have broken him.
With that talent alone, Anko had secured an unshakable place at his side. Skills were always valued but unique, unparalleled ones were priceless.
By the time he reached the Police Force offices, Gen shook off the lingering heat in his thoughts and focused on work.
That night, he divided his time—half spent with Mikoto, half with Pakura. The next day followed a similar rhythm. Though the five women didn't become inseparable sisters, they grew comfortable with each other over the two days Pakura remained.
Finally, on the third morning, after a shared breakfast, Gen took Pakura by the hand. Together, they set out for Sunagakure.