"Ah? What? Just say what you're thinking," Gen said, rolling his eyes in mock irritation.
Kurenai was the first to speak up, her voice steady.
"Learning under a jōnin means faster progress, better security, higher standing, and quicker promotions. And of course, more money. Besides, I've already fought alongside you on the Kirigakure frontlines. My classmates' doubts are long gone. If a transfer order comes down, I'll agree without hesitation. But… you're in the Police Force. In peacetime, you don't have the authority to lead a squad, do you?"
Gen nodded with confidence. "Don't worry. I'll find a way."
"Yugao, your opinion?"
Uzuki Yugao smiled brightly. "Of course I'm willing. We're close in age, we get along, and…" She leaned forward slightly. "If we do well, the squad captain can teach us jutsu at his own discretion, right? You're Uchiha Gen... one of the twin stars of the clan. You must have quite the collection of ninjutsu. Surely there's something in there that suits me."
Gen wasn't put off by her straightforwardness. He grinned. "If you perform well, I won't be stingy with my jutsu."
For civilian shinobi like her, the most common way to learn new techniques was through their team leader. But that always required the leader's approval.
"And you, Anko?" Gen turned to Mitarashi Anko, though he already guessed her answer.
She smirked. "You're my senior and my classmate. Of course I'll agree. Besides, it's fun with Kurenai and Yugao. We're all close in age, all girls, all classmates.... we'll have a lot in common."
Gen chuckled inwardly. That's only true while you're getting along. If conflict arises, then it'll be three women, four dramas.
Still, as the only man and the captain, if he played it right, he could enjoy the best of both worlds.
If not… well, genjutsu could always shut down a quarrel.
In a war between women, trying to reason with them was idiocy. There were rational women, sure, but very few.
"It's settled then. I'll take care of the rest."
"You sure?" Kurenai asked, a bit anxious. To her, the arrangement sounded ideal; Gen would handle the dangerous missions, while she, Yugao, and Anko tackled the lighter ones. With three girls working together, there'd be less friction, more harmony, and a lot more fun.
Gen flashed a confident smile. "It's no problem."
Worst-case scenario? He could always cause a little fuss at Minato's home. As Hokage, he couldn't just enjoy his wife and child while ignoring everyone else's happiness, right? Naruto should be everyone's wingman!
Reassured by Gen's confidence, the girls said no more and went back to training.
An hour later, they parted ways.
Gen went home, showered, and began his operation. He would take multiple routes and secure victory in one strike.
First, he visited Uchiha Mikoto. Through her, he'd try the wife route. Pillow talk was a weapon no man could withstand. Minato was no exception.
Gen had two reasons—one personal, one public.
Personally, he had a crush on one of the three girls, and he wanted the advantage.
Publicly, it was about giving the Uchiha clan room to breathe. The Police Force had always been a cage, but with Minato in power, cracks were forming. Shisui had already broken free; why not him too?
If the twin stars of the Uchiha both stepped out, others would follow.
Given the mix of private affection, clan interest, and genuine friendship, Mikoto wouldn't refuse.
And indeed, she didn't.
She promised to bring it up with Kushina the next day under the guise of chatting about pregnancy and motherhood.
Next, Gen sought out Shisui. Unfortunately, he wasn't home—likely away on an ANBU mission.
That would have to wait.
Leaving the clan compound, Gen went straight to the Hatake residence. This time, Kakashi was in.
Convincing Kakashi wasn't difficult, as long as it wasn't against his principles.
Normally, a copy of Icha Icha Paradise would've done the trick—but Jiraiya hadn't even published it yet. That book wouldn't reach Kakashi until he turned eighteen, years from now.
Instead, Jiraiya's earlier work, The Legend of the Strong-Willed Ninja, was already out. And right now, Kakashi was in a low period. Chicken soup for the soul might be exactly what he needed.
Gen handed the book over, mentioning that it was the painstaking work of his master's master. Kakashi, hearing it was from his teacher's teacher, grew interested and carefully put it away.
Gratitude demanded reciprocation. Considering his old bond with Gen and his friendship with Shisui, Kakashi agreed to speak on his behalf.
A few days later, Shisui returned. Gen found him and laid out the public reason; a step toward easing tensions between clan and village.
Shisui was persuaded easily.
Knowing Minato's nature, he had no qualms about making the suggestion.
Now, with Kushina, Kakashi, and Shisui all backing him, Gen had a perfect shield.
Finally, he went to the Hokage Building to see Minato directly.
The Fourth secretly checked with Kurenai and Yugao. Seeing their willingness and recognizing the chance to bind the Uchiha closer while reducing conflict, Minato agreed, despite finding the request unusual.
Unusual, because until now there had never been a squad made entirely of kunoichi.
Female shinobi were rare, and most teams were male-dominated. To transfer both a talented chūnin and a promising genin into Gen's team would surely ruffle feathers.
After all, most male shinobi preferred being teamed with beautiful kunoichi.
But Minato was pragmatic. And soon, the Hokage's official appointment came down.
Just like that, Uchiha Gen wasn't just Deputy Captain of the Police Force. He was also a team leader, a jōnin instructor, and an ANBU captain.
The Uchiha clan was thrilled. For the first time in years, they felt the goodwill of the Hokage and they wholeheartedly supported Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.