As soon as Uchiha Gen stepped out of Kushina's home, a grin spread across his face like a lotus blooming after rain.
Kushina Uzumaki… that woman had a way of unsettling even the most disciplined heart. Her presence lingered like fire, bright, fierce, and impossible to forget.
The evening sky stretched above him, washed in shades of gold and crimson. Gen exhaled deeply, letting the cool air steady him before heading toward the Ninja Academy.
Halfway there, he spotted an Uchiha Police Force officer on patrol and waved him over.
"Tell Mikoto I'll be home late. She shouldn't wait for me to eat," he instructed casually.
The officer bowed and hurried off, and Gen continued on his way, the pace of his steps light and unhurried.
It was nearly six o'clock when he arrived. He avoided the main gate, there was no need to mingle with the few parents waiting there, and instead leaned against a shaded wall, watching quietly.
In this world, most children matured early. Parents rarely came to pick them up after the first few months of school, trusting their independence.
Moments later, the academy doors opened, releasing a tide of young voices and footsteps.
Gen spotted Naruto, Sasuke, and Karin walking out together. By the time he reached them, Karin had already been met by Anna Uzumaki, leaving Naruto and Sasuke scanning the crowd.
"Hey, Naruto. Sasuke," Gen called out.
Their faces lit up instantly.
"Gen-nii! You're picking us up today?" Sasuke asked, his expression brightening despite his attempt at composure.
"Had some free time," Gen replied with a smile. "And Naruto, your mother asked me to bring you along. We're eating at Aunt Kushina's tonight."
"Really? Awesome!" Naruto beamed, excitement radiating from him.
"Let's go," Gen said, turning toward the street. The two boys quickly fell in step behind him, one blond and loud, the other dark-haired and trying not to look amused.
As they walked, Gen asked, "So—how's the Academy treating you so far?"
Naruto grinned. "Way more fun than staying at home!"
Sasuke snorted lightly. "It's boring. Too many kids act childish."
Gen chuckled. "That's part of learning, Sasuke. If you're more mature, then show it, learn to understand them instead of looking down on them."
Sasuke blinked, then gave a small nod, half out of pride and half because he liked being praised by Gen.
Naruto tilted his head curiously. "What's 'bamboo shoot stir-fried meat'? Is it good?"
Gen smirked. "That's what you'll get if you slack off and your mom catches you. It's another way of saying a bamboo-stick spanking."
Naruto froze, then shook his head furiously. "Not delicious! Definitely not delicious!"
Gen laughed and patted his shoulder. "Then study hard. Don't let your parents down."
With Kushina alive, Naruto had grown up knowing about his father—Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage. His dream burned even brighter because of it. And Sasuke, proud of his Uchiha heritage, carried his own quiet determination.
"I'll get first place on the next exam!" Naruto declared confidently.
Sasuke smirked. "You? Keep dreaming. I'll be first."
"I'll be first!"
"No, I will!"
Their playful argument carried down the street as Gen led them home, smiling faintly at the sound.
At Kushina's house, Gen used the key he'd borrowed earlier and stepped inside without knocking.
The warm aroma of home-cooked food drifted from the kitchen. Kushina stood there in a soft apron, her hair tied up, a spatula in hand, sunlight spilling across her face.
"You're back?" she called, glancing over her shoulder.
"Mom, I'm home!" Naruto shouted, rushing forward.
"Aunt Kushina! I'm here too!" Sasuke added politely.
"Good timing," she said, her expression softening. "Go wash up first, dinner will be ready soon."
The boys scampered off.
Gen rolled up his sleeves and stepped into the kitchen. "Need a hand?"
Kushina looked up, cheeks faintly pink. "You could've warned me before staring like that."
Gen smiled easily. "Can't help it. You've somehow gotten even more beautiful. Guess flowers do bloom brighter with care."
Her eyes widened at the implication, and color rushed to her cheeks. "You really can't help saying nonsense, can you?!"
He grinned. "Wouldn't be me otherwise."
Kushina turned away with a huff, muttering something under her breath, but her flustered smile betrayed her.
Gen didn't press further. Instead, he quietly helped her arrange the table, letting the comfortable rhythm of shared work fill the silence.
"Go wash your hands, it's time to eat," Kushina called out, carrying the last bowl of soup into the dining room.
Gen followed behind her, his gaze lingering for a moment, drawn to the small domestic warmth she radiated, the quiet grace of someone who had endured and still smiled.
On impulse, he reached out and brushed her arm lightly, his voice low. "You make this house feel alive again."
She froze for half a second, startled by his tone more than his touch. The soup wavered in her hands, nearly spilling.
"Don't say things like that when the kids are here," she whispered, glancing toward the other room. Her voice held both warning and an unmistakable softness.
"Sorry," he said simply, meeting her eyes. "Old habits."
"Hmph… Just behave yourself," she murmured, half turning away, though her lips curved slightly.
They carried the dishes out together, setting the table just as Naruto and Sasuke returned, hands still damp from washing.
Dinner was lively. Naruto chattered endlessly about his day at school, Sasuke interrupted to correct his exaggerations, and Kushina's laughter filled the gaps.
Gen mostly listened, smiling quietly, content just to watch the scene unfold—the warmth of light, voices, and family.
For a moment, it felt like what peace was supposed to be.
After dinner, they lingered for a while, talking idly. Eventually, Gen stood to take Sasuke home.
"Thanks for the meal, Kushina," he said.
"You're welcome," she replied, her voice soft. "Take care on the way."
When they reached the door, she added in a quieter tone, "And… don't forget to rest. You've done enough for one day."
He gave her a faint smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
Her expression softened again, though she didn't speak further.
Gen led Sasuke away into the night, the laughter of the house fading behind them.
Later, after seeing Sasuke safely home and exchanging a few words with Mikoto and the others, he returned to his quarters.
Tonight wasn't anyone's turn from the "rotation" — it was one of the rest days he'd deliberately set aside for recovery. Even the strongest body needed stillness between storms.
When the house was quiet and the moon hung high, Uchiha Gen left a single Shadow Clone behind and vanished in a shimmer of light—Flying Thunder God Technique carrying him swiftly into the night.