After Uchiha Gen's sharp warning, silence followed them on the road. None of them spoke again until they reached the skies above Konoha.
Gen dropped the three off near the village gate, then vanished in a flicker of light.
Given the tension between them, a few days apart to cool off seemed like the best idea.
Once they entered the village, Shizune went to find Tsunade at her home, while Jiraiya and Tsunade made their way to the Hokage Building.
The two stayed there with Hiruzen Sarutobi until sunset, waiting for the Third to finish his day's work.
When he finally did, the three didn't part ways. Instead, they went together to Kushina's house.
Kushina greeted them wearing a light red home dress and an apron. Her expression brightened with surprise the moment she saw who was at the door.
"Kushina, long time no see," Jiraiya said with a grin.
"Tsunade-senpai," Kushina greeted, smiling.
Hiruzen simply nodded and smiled, his usual gentle acknowledgment.
"Hokage-sama? Jiraiya-sensei? Tsunade-senpai? Why are you all here together?" she asked in surprise.
"Please, come in, don't just stand there!"
Kushina quickly opened the door wide and stepped aside. Hiruzen entered first, followed by Tsunade and Jiraiya.
In the living room, Naruto was bent over his homework. When he saw the guests, his eyes lit up, and he quickly stood, his whisker-marked cheeks lifting in a grin.
"Grandpa! Master!" he called out happily.
Hiruzen and Jiraiya both smiled in response.
When Naruto turned to Tsunade, though, he hesitated, he'd never met her before and wasn't sure what to call her.
Kushina laughed softly. "Tsunade-senpai's from the same generation as Jiraiya-sensei, but she still looks younger than me. Just call her Auntie Tsunade."
"Auntie Tsunade," Naruto repeated obediently.
Although Naruto was usually bursting with energy, he was always on his best behavior at home.
Part of that came from experience, Kushina didn't hesitate to discipline him when he got out of line. Over time, he'd learned where the limits were.
Tsunade smiled warmly. She didn't mind the "Auntie" title at all, if anything, she found it endearing.
If Naruto had called her "Big Sister," she might've been even happier.
"Naruto, go back to your room and finish your homework," Kushina said. "Mama and Grandpa need to talk."
"Okay, Mama."
Naruto packed up his notebook and left without complaint, pausing only to politely wave goodbye to the guests before disappearing down the hall.
Once he was gone, Kushina went to the kitchen to turn off the stove and brought out tea for her visitors. They chatted lightly for a while about Naruto's school life before the conversation turned serious.
When it did, Hiruzen and Jiraiya's concerns became clear, they hadn't let go of the idea of keeping Uchiha Gen in check.
The stronger he grew, the more wary they became.
They feared that if he ever acted on his own judgment, it might lead Konoha into chaos.
They spoke one after another, calm but firm.
Kushina listened quietly, shock flickering in her eyes.
She had never imagined Gen's dream, his ambition, was so immense.
When she had absorbed it all, she sat upright and spoke seriously.
"If I think his decision is wrong, I'll stand with you," she said.
"But if I think he's right… I'll support him."
Her answer was honest, firm but fair.
There was still something between her and Gen, after all.
They had shared more than time and words; their connection ran deep.
Hiruzen and Jiraiya exchanged a look. Kushina's stance wasn't exactly what they'd hoped for, but it wasn't hostile either. Given her unique identity, neither of them dared push her too hard.
Still, both silently resolved that if her loyalty ever turned toward Gen in conflict, they would do their best to persuade her otherwise.
When the talk ended, Kushina invited them to stay for dinner, and Tsunade joined her in the kitchen to help.
Two nights later.
Moonlight spilled through Kushina's bedroom window, painting the room in pale silver. The air was still peaceful.
Then, without warning, two figures appeared out of thin air, landing softly on the bed.
"Wha...why did we come back here?!" Kushina yelped, instinctively pulling the covers up.
"Go back quickly!"
"I just wanted to rest for a while in your room," Gen said calmly. "We'll go soon."
"…Fine," Kushina sighed after a pause. "Just for a bit."
Gen smiled faintly and slipped an arm around her shoulders, lifting the blanket with his other hand. The two settled beneath it, leaning together against the headboard.
Gen's eyes half-closed as he gently stroked her shoulder, savoring the rare quiet between them.
After a moment, Kushina nudged him with her elbow.
"Oh, by the way… did you know Jiraiya-sensei and the others came to see me?"
"I didn't," Gen replied, "but it doesn't surprise me."
He smiled lightly. "They mean well, but they still underestimate me. They think I'll drag Konoha into ruin."
His tone carried no anger, just weary amusement.
"In truth, my preparations go far beyond what they can imagine. As long as they don't stand in my way, I've no reason to argue."
Kushina was quiet for a moment. Then she asked softly, "Do you… want to know what I think?"
"No," Gen said immediately.
"…What?" she blinked, caught off guard. A faint frown creased her brow. "You don't care?"
Gen chuckled. "Because whatever your stance is, I'll accept it."
He reached out, flicked her nose playfully, and brushed his lips against her forehead.
His voice softened. "I'll always make room for you, Kushina."
The simple gesture left her completely flustered.
Her face turned crimson, her heartbeat quickened, and her legs pressed together under the blanket.
After a long pause, she muttered, half exasperated, half shy, "How much longer are you planning to kiss me? Keep that up and I'll start peeling."
Gen laughed quietly. "A lifetime of kissing wouldn't be enough."
Kushina rolled her eyes, cheeks still burning. "You're impossible."
Despite her words, her tone was warm and teasing. Her charm in that moment was almost too much to bear.
"My stance is…" she began, still trying to sound annoyed but clearly softening.
Gen leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "Then I suppose all my effort wasn't wasted," he whispered.
Kushina's whole body tensed. "You're such an idiot, what are you even saying?!"
She slapped his chest, more embarrassed than angry. If he weren't so durable, she would've left a clear handprint.
Gen only laughed. "Heh…"
With a mischievous grin, he shifted, pressing her down and tugging the blanket over their heads.
The quilt rippled with movement as muffled protests and laughter filled the room.
"Not here..." Kushina started, her voice half-lost beneath the covers.
"Mmph—!"
"You bastard! You said we were just going to rest!"
Gen didn't answer. Words wouldn't help him now.
He simply let his actions do the talking, answering her frustration with tenderness and persistence.
Outside, the night deepened. A soft gust pushed the curtains aside, and moonlight fell across the bedside table, illuminating a photo of the two of them together—smiling.