It was lunchtime on Konoha's busiest commercial street.
The air was rich with the aroma of roasted meats, fried dumplings, and hot soups. Snowflakes drifted lazily in the cold winter breeze, but that did little to dampen the excitement of the crowd.
Shoppers and families filled the street, voices lively and cheerful.
Gen strolled along the bustling avenue, dressed in a sleek black windbreaker trimmed with silver. A Kusanagi sword hung at his waist, and the glint of his Konoha forehead protector caught the sun. His mood was light as he scanned the storefronts for somewhere to eat.
His gaze, however, often drifted toward the young women passing by.
He looked openly, without the slightest hint of shame.
The only pity was the season—thick winter coats concealed their figures. Unless a girl was exceptionally well-built, he could only appreciate their faces for now.
Still, many smiled sweetly when they caught his eyes.
Some even flirted outright, emboldened perhaps by his tall frame and handsome, confident bearing. Winning them over would hardly be difficult if he cared to try.
But Gen was only fourteen. For his health and his future ambitions, he decided it was wiser to preserve himself.
Eighteen's too late though. Sixteen feels about right…
"Senior Brother?"
The familiar voice snapped him from his thoughts. Turning, Gen found Anko walking toward him, flanked by two other kunoichi; Kurenai and Yugao.
Anko wore a beige coat, Kurenai's was light red, and Yugao's was a soft lavender. All three were striking—each a different kind of beauty, each carrying the poise and sharpness unique to kunoichi.
Anko was lively and mischievous, Kurenai serene and elegant, and Yugao refined and graceful.
Together, they turned heads as naturally as breathing.
"It really is you!" Anko grinned, hurrying over and smacking her palm playfully against Gen's chest. "I thought I might've mistaken someone else."
"Gen, when did you get back?" Kurenai asked warmly.
"It's been a few days," Gen replied easily, then turned his smile to the other two. "Kurenai, Yugao—it's been a while."
Kurenai inclined her head with a small smile. "It has. Last time I visited the Uchiha district, I didn't see you. You must have been busy."
"Work for Orochimaru-sensei kept me out of the village for a while," Gen explained. "What about you three? Why the outing?"
"Hehe, Senior Brother, you don't know yet, do you?" Anko puffed her chest proudly. "I just passed the Chūnin Exams. I'm officially a Chūnin now! Today's my little celebration, and I dragged these two along."
Gen chuckled. "Congratulations. Planning to mark the occasion at a dessert shop?"
"Of course! Affordable, delicious, and pure happiness." Anko licked her lips dramatically.
Gen smirked. "Then allow me to treat you properly. A celebration like this deserves more than sweets."
"Really?"
"Of course. Name the feast and you'll get it."
"I want barbecue!" Anko announced immediately.
Gen paused. "…Barbecue?"
"Mm-hmm! BBQ! Nothing beats meat sizzling over a fire."
Gen sighed. "You could have asked for something more… aspirational. Fine, barbecue it is. But Kurenai and Yugao, you're both coming too. The more, the merrier."
"Deal!"
The four soon found themselves in a private room at BBQ. Platters of meat and trays of condiments arrived quickly.
The air filled with the irresistible sizzle of fat hitting hot iron.
Gen carefully roasted a slice of beef until it gleamed golden, then dipped it into chili oil and powdered spice before taking a bite. Salty, spicy, tender, and fragrant; the combination was perfect.
As they ate, he asked, "So, what's been keeping you three busy lately?"
"I've been preparing nonstop for the exams," Anko said between bites.
"I've been leading my squad on missions," Kurenai added calmly.
"And I've been running with my team assignments," Yugao said with a polite smile.
Gen turned to Kurenai. "How does it feel, being captain?"
"Like walking on thin ice," she admitted, her eyes steady. "The responsibility is heavy."
"A good answer. You'll do well," Gen said approvingly, before turning to Yugao. "And you... your skill should be nearing Chūnin level."
"There's still some distance to go. Maybe a year or two," she replied. Then, with a moment's hesitation, she added, "Gen… are you free this afternoon? I'd like to ask you some questions."
"Sure," Gen nodded. "We can head to the training grounds after this."
Yugao's background as a civilian meant progress didn't come easily, but she was diligent. And she was beautiful, which certainly didn't hurt her case.
Guidance cost him little, and he was happy to give some… though not his deepest techniques. Sword styles, forbidden illusions, or high-level ninjutsu? Those were earned with price, not favors.
"Me too!" Kurenai raised her hand eagerly. "I've been working on genjutsu since our last talk. I want your feedback."
"If you're going, then I'm going too!" Anko chimed in instantly.
Gen smiled. "Alright, all three of you then."
The meal ended with laughter and full stomachs. After a short break, they headed to the training field, where Gen began his lessons—first theory, then practice.
It didn't take him long to notice how well the three girls complemented one another.
Yugao excelled in swordsmanship, Kurenai specialized in genjutsu and Anko wielded fire-style and snake techniques, even doubling as reconnaissance.
Together, they'd make a balanced squad.
Leaning against a tree as the girls rested, Gen stroked his chin thoughtfully.
What if I became their captain?
The thought thrilled him. If they were under his leadership, wouldn't that put him in the perfect position to draw them closer?
The one nearest the water claims the moon first.
Why settle for one when he could have it all? Three wives, four concubines—rotating affection every week. Strength and beauty on all sides. What man wouldn't enjoy that?
Traveling recently had shown him how nobles lived; wealth, luxury, indulgence, and plenty of women. And they weren't even strong.
If they can, why can't I? he mused. I'm Uchiha. I'm strong. And with the Soul-Soul Fruit, my body's far tougher than theirs. As long as I can handle it, it's fine.
Besides, the Uchiha weren't just ninja—they were one of the Fire Country's noble clans. Their lifestyle only leaned shinobi because of tradition. Families like the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyūga had always been among the highest of nobility.
"Eh?"
Gen's musings slipped out as words, and the three kunoichi turned toward him with wide eyes, caught off guard by his sudden thought.