Morning sunlight poured gently through the paper screens. Kushina and Mikoto woke early, greeting the day with the practiced rhythm of old friends.
Standing side by side at the mirror, they washed up together.
Mikoto smiled as she looked at Kushina's reflection, her face fair, her expression refreshed after a peaceful night. "See? You look radiant today. A little relaxation really suits you."
Kushina rolled her eyes but smiled. "You were teasing me all night yesterday. You never stop being mischievous."
"Oh? I call it honesty," Mikoto replied with a playful tilt of her head.
Kushina gave her an exasperated glance through the mirror, but couldn't hide her amusement. The two women continued their morning routine in companionable silence. When one finished, the other naturally took over helping with towels and combs, a habit formed from years of friendship.
Afterward, they moved together to the kitchen, where the sound of clinking utensils soon filled the house. The scent of rice, eggs, and grilled fish drifted through the air.
When breakfast was almost ready, the two went to wake the children — Naruto and Sasuke — who were now old enough to dress themselves, though they still needed gentle prodding to leave their futons.
By midmorning, the four of them were laughing and running through the sunny streets of Konoha, visiting the markets and training grounds. The village shimmered in summer light, a rare peaceful day. Near noon, Mikoto finally took Sasuke home, waving as they parted ways.
At lunchtime, Uchiha Gen returned to his home right on schedule, as usual, accompanied by Kurenai and two other companions. After their meal, Mikoto approached him with an uncharacteristically serious expression.
"Gen, walk with me," she said softly. "There's something I'd like to discuss."
In the garden, the summer air carried the scent of blooming jasmine. Gen reached out naturally and took her hand. "You sound serious. Is it something important?"
Mikoto nodded. "It is. I wouldn't normally hide things from the others, but this one concerns you directly."
"I trust you," Gen said with a smile. "Go ahead."
Mikoto hesitated briefly, then began recounting what had happened the previous night between her and Kushina, how emotions had flared, what was said, and how things ended on uncertain terms.
As she spoke, Gen's usually calm face shifted through surprise, disbelief, and mild exasperation.
"…And that's how it went," Mikoto finished, watching his reaction.
Gen rubbed his forehead. "You actually told her all of that? How am I supposed to face her now? That's— that's completely improper."
Mikoto chuckled softly. "You can't hide from her forever."
"Still… Mikoto, you really have a way with words," he admitted with a resigned smile. "Maybe I should let you handle diplomacy from now on."
Mikoto smiled faintly, but said nothing. Gen sighed, shaking his head in amused defeat. "You've become cunning, you know that? Turning such a complicated situation into something manageable, that's truly impressive."
He turned toward her, his expression softening. "You really do think about everything, don't you?"
Her eyes met his, calm and kind. "Someone has to," she said gently.
Gen's smile warmed. He leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to her forehead — not one of desire, but gratitude. "With a wife like you, Mikoto, I'm reminded how lucky I am."
Feeling his sincerity, Mikoto's heart softened. She rested her head against his chest and said quietly, "Kushina hasn't made up her mind yet. She's uncertain. If you want to smooth things over, visit more often — show her that your intentions are sincere. I'll help you where I can."
Gen listened carefully, sensing that she was thinking several steps ahead. Mikoto continued, "From experience… if you want to reach her, don't start with her pride. Start with Naruto. She's a mother first. Win his trust, and hers will follow."
Gen nodded slowly. "I understand. I'll follow your lead."
Mikoto smiled at his earnestness. "Good. I'll arrange opportunities for you, casual visits, small gestures. But be careful. After last night, Kushina's emotions are complicated. Give her time, or it might backfire."
"I'll remember," Gen promised. "You think of everything."
"That's because you don't," she teased, giving him a light pinch at the waist. "Men really are impossible sometimes."
"Ouch— see? That's proof I'm learning." He chuckled. "You're right, though. I'll handle it patiently."
Her expression softened again. "You always say sweet things."
"Because they're true," Gen replied easily.
Mikoto laughed. "Flatterer."
Still, she couldn't deny the warmth his words stirred. They walked together beneath the shade of the garden trees, their shadows overlapping across the stone path.
A few days later, one sunny afternoon, Gen accompanied Mikoto and Sasuke to Kushina's house.
When Kushina opened the door, dressed in casual homewear, her expression faltered for the briefest moment — then quickly returned to calm.
"Ah, Gen… Mikoto, Sasuke. What brings you here?" she asked, tucking a strand of red hair behind her ear.
"Sorry for dropping by unannounced," Gen said with his usual composure. "I came to deliver some supplies and check in on everyone. Mikoto's been saying she misses you. And Sasuke," he added with a grin, "insists he misses Naruto."
At that, Sasuke crossed his arms and muttered, "I don't miss Naruto. I miss Aunt Kushina."
Kushina blinked, then couldn't help but smile. "Oh? You're quite the charmer, Sasuke."
She bent down to pat his head, warmth returning to her features. "Thank you. You're always so polite."
Mikoto caught her friend's eye and gave her a small, knowing look, nothing overt, just a reminder of the unspoken understanding between them.
Kushina quickly straightened and said, "Please, come in."
Gen, however, raised a hand. "I'd love to, but there are some matters at the Police Force that need attention. I'll leave Sasuke with you for now."
"Alright," Kushina said. "You're always welcome here."
Gen smiled. "Thank you. Take care, Kushina-nee."
With a courteous nod, he turned and walked away down the path, the sunlight glinting off his dark hair. Mikoto watched him go, her thoughts unreadable.
That night — like many that would follow — passed quietly but meaningfully.
Over the next few weeks, Mikoto found various small excuses for Gen to cross paths with Kushina again and again; sometimes at her house, sometimes at the market, sometimes during a casual stroll near the Hokage Monument.
On the surface, their relationship remained polite and unchanged. But little by little, subtle shifts began to form — quiet understanding in glances, softened tones, small gestures of trust.
Through Mikoto's careful planning, Gen learned something important; even if Kushina hadn't admitted it aloud, her heart had already started to thaw.
And though she never said it openly… she no longer objected when Mikoto used the Transformation Technique, a quiet sign that her resistance was fading.