After several passionate rounds, Kushina finally let go, though reluctantly. Uchiha Gen, ever patient, coaxed her with gentle words until her agitation subsided.
They bathed together afterward, and once in the bedroom, Uchiha Gen held Kushina close as sleep overtook them both.
…
Two days later, after finishing his daily training, Uchiha Gen paused, a thought crossing his mind. Using the Spirit Transformation Technique, he sent half of his soul underground, vanishing in an instant.
Meanwhile, in central Konoha, Tsunade sat alone in her apartment living room, sipping wine. Her usually composed, beautiful face was flushed, her eyes soft with a hazy intoxication.
Tsunade had moved out of the vast Senju Clan mansion, finding it too empty, and purchased a more modest apartment. Shizune usually came by to cook for her, but tonight, the young woman was absent.
Before Tsunade could react, Uchiha Gen's soul streaked through the city like lightning, entering her body. She froze, feeling her consciousness ripped away.
When she opened her eyes, she was in a vibrant, surreal space. Uchiha Gen stood before her, smiling.
"How did you appear here?" Tsunade asked, startled.
"I came to remind you not to forget our agreement," he replied calmly.
"No, I mean… how are you even here?"
"You know this method well yourself," Uchiha Gen said lightly.
"You really mastered the Spirit Transformation Technique?"
"Yes."
Tsunade's gaze lingered on him, conflicted, before she finally said, "Tomorrow night, eight o'clock. You set the location."
"The location will be your place."
"You're coming to my home?"
"Yes. Troubled by that?" he teased.
"Scared?" Uchiha Gen added with a faint smile.
"Me? Scared? Ridiculous." Tsunade replied sharply.
"Then it's settled," he said, and the surreal space dissolved as he departed.
Tsunade blinked, returning to control of her body. She sighed, drained, and poured herself another glass of wine, letting the alcohol blur her thoughts.
The next evening, at 7:30 PM, a knock came at her door. Uchiha Gen stood there, carrying a bag of ingredients.
Tsunade, in a moon-white casual outfit, leaned against the doorframe, eyes narrowing in a half-smile. "Why so early? You're polite... bringing gifts," she said with a grin.
"I've always been polite," he added.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "If you were really polite, you wouldn't be lusting after me."
"That proves your charm hasn't faded," he said smoothly. "Even in your youth, many pursued you. Any man would."
"And I'm not merely admiring your beauty," he continued, voice steady. "Harnessing the power of All Creation could benefit Konoha immensely."
Before she could protest, he stepped inside. Tsunade moved aside, scowling, following him to the kitchen.
"You can cook?" she asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"I've always handled meals at home. Just haven't needed to cook much recently," he replied, unpacking the ingredients.
"Why so much chicken?"
"I know your favorite is tender chicken," he said, smiling. Tsunade felt a flicker of warmth but said nothing, brushing her hair behind her ear.
After about half an hour, he presented four dishes: a stew, a braised dish, a white-cut dish, and a vegetarian option. Then he produced a bottle of rare wine, bowls, chopsticks, and glasses.
"Finally done. Let's drink," he said.
They clinked glasses, drinking in one gulp. Tsunade picked up her chopsticks, sampling each dish. "It's alright..."
"Just… alright?" Uchiha Gen teased.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Delicious. Is that better?"
He smiled, finally picking up a piece of white-cut chicken. "Thought your taste was off for a moment there."
Silence fell as they ate and drank together.
"Do you want to see Nawaki and Kato Dan again?" he asked suddenly.
Tsunade froze, then looked at him sharply.
"How is that possible?"
"Why not?" he said, calm. "As the Second Hokage's grandniece, you know about Edo Tensei, don't you?"
Tsunade frowned, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Of course I know. But when Great-Uncle used it, the dead were mindless, suicidal, detonating with Exploding Tags."
Uchiha Gen nodded. "Naturally, that's easiest, but consciousness can be retained. Orochimaru perfected the technique, enough to restore them fully. Imperfect as it was before, now it's usable."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed, considering. If no villagers were harmed, she could allow it. "So… you're saying we can summon them properly?"
"Yes. Though finding Orochimaru is another matter," he added, smiling faintly.
She raised an eyebrow. "I have patience."
"Patience alone won't work. I'll message him about this."
"Don't believe you," she muttered, half-doubtful.
"You can test me," he said coolly. "Our bond is deeper than yours, and you didn't even defend him regarding the Fourth Hokage. Orochimaru and I are teacher and friend, he understands me better than my pillow."
Tsunade's lips twitched as she sipped her wine.
"Don't just drink. Eat, or you'll get drunk fast," he said.
"Hmph. Don't all men want women drunk?" she shot back.
"Only to match your temper," he replied, pouring her wine.
"People should look forward, not dwell on the past. Cherish the present," he said softly. "The best way to forget is to start anew. Kato Dan wouldn't want you alone forever."
Tsunade's eyes dropped. "If that's so… I'll ask him. And if he agrees…"
He leaned closer, grinning. "Then you'll proceed?"
She bared her teeth like a tigress. "You're right, but I need assurance."
"I respect you. No force will be used," he assured her.
Tsunade exhaled, finally nodding. "I'll allow it… research the power of All Creation."
Uchiha Gen's smile made her blush, and she turned her head, flustered.
"If he doesn't agree, he didn't love you enough," he added, voice low. "A deceased person wouldn't want you lonely forever."
She clenched her fists, shaking slightly. His reasoning was infallible.
"Enough talk. When do we find Orochimaru?" she asked.
"After dinner. Your schedule dictates," he replied.
"Fine."
As she moved the wine aside, Uchiha Gen's hand brushed her waist.
"Flying Thunder God Technique is dangerous mid-travel. This ensures you stay safe," he said with a small smile.
"Is that so?" she murmured, half-believing.
Without waiting for further protest, he activated the technique. Whoosh—their figures vanished and reappeared at the Konoha Memorial Stone.
"Why here?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
"Your knowledge of Edo Tensei is limited. To summon them, genetic material is required. Show me their graves," he said calmly.
Tsunade's eyes widened in horror. "You… you're going to dig up graves?!"