The seal woven into the scroll by the Kumogakure shinobi was clever bearing a faint resemblance to the Four Symbols Seal but it wasn't nearly enough to challenge Uchiha Gen.
He had studied Sealing from the Scroll of Seals, refined it under Orochimaru's guidance, absorbed Uzumaki Kushina's insight, and polished it further with his own talent and relentless work.
By now, his mastery was among the top tier in all of Konoha.
If the seal on the scroll was the work of a high school freshman, Gen's was the thesis of a graduate scholar.
As he read, Mikoto and Kurenai leaned closer, scanning the characters with him. Their expressions shifted again and again, growing more unsettled.
Gen chuckled. "Heh. So that's how it is. No wonder the Hokage warned me…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew Gen had Sage Mode and the Flying Thunder God Technique. Together, they made him nearly invincible. Which was why the old man had specifically told him not to kill the Fourth Raikage and to show mercy.
If the Raikage fell, even in a formal duel, Kumogakure might discard the treaty in fury and ignite a war.
Sarutobi, weary and eager to see the village recuperate, would never risk that. And truth be told, Konoha did need time to recover its strength.
But Gen… Gen viewed war differently. For others, it meant separation, death, and broken families. For him, it was opportunity—endless souls and lifespans to harvest from the battlefield to fuel his growth.
So which mattered more? Collective interest or personal interest?
He used to wrestle with that question. Not anymore.
Sometimes, he would put the village first. Sometimes, himself.
When would he choose the village? When countless lives and families were at stake.
If he truly wanted to spark war, it would be simple. The entire Cloud delegation could die here in Konoha, and Hidden Cloud would be forced to declare war for the sake of its honor.
But he hadn't done that. Even when he pressed them hard, he had calculated that Cloud would not risk war over such a loss. Their interests didn't allow it.
He wasn't a good person but he had a bottom line. If he once instigated war purely for power, he might not be able to stop himself the next time.
Eventually, he'd become a slave to his own ambition.
The strong must control power and not be controlled by it.
"Gen, Kumogakure actually nominated Itachi. That's too dangerous." Mikoto's voice was tight with worry.
Gen smiled and rested a hand on hers. "Relax. Even if the rules break down, I won't let Itachi be in danger."
His confidence calmed her, though unease still flickered in her eyes.
"You two should take a look as well."
He passed the scroll to Yugao, who sat closest. She and Anko bent over it together, curiosity plain on their faces.
"Gen," Kurenai said, brows furrowed, "shouldn't you change the time and place? What if Cloud sets a trap?"
Gen shook his head. "Doesn't matter. Any scheme will crumble before my sensory perception. And with Flying Thunder God, I can take Shisui and Itachi with me and vanish in an instant. If I want to leave, no one can stop me."
He smirked faintly. "Besides, just a dry duel isn't fun. I'm planning to make it a betting match."
He leaned back, musing aloud. "You know… I still don't believe how Tobirama died. On that day, he must have lost his senses completely. For a man so cunning to sacrifice himself as rear guard for his escort unit? Ridiculous. With Flying Thunder God, he could have fled to the village and continued to hold power."
He remembered Madara's words during the Fourth Shinobi War: 'You're as insidious as ever, Tobirama, always sending the youngsters to die.' And Tobirama's retort: 'The feeling is mutual.'
Tobirama knew what chaos his sudden death would plunge Konoha into. And he wasn't even old or frail then. If he truly wanted to protect the village's youth, he could have chosen differently, let those who failed the test cover the retreat, while he preserved the leadership.
Such self-sacrifice didn't fit his character. Unless, Gen thought dryly, he'd simply gone mad.
The women felt their worries fade. Flying Thunder God's reputation still loomed in the shinobi world. With it, their man seemed untouchable.
They were also amazed and secretly thrilled by his talent.
This was their man, their lover, or senpai in Anko's case.
"So, what exactly do you want from them?" Yugao asked curiously.
"I'm interested in Kumogakure's Lightning Release Body Technique," Gen admitted.
To enjoy the blessings of multiple partners, one needed stamina. His physique was already formidable, but who would complain about being stronger, faster, and more enduring?
"Alright, enough business," he said finally. "Eat. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
The women accepted his words, picked up their chopsticks, and the atmosphere warmed once again.
After dinner, Gen sent word for Itachi to return early. Then he wrote his own terms in the blank space of the scroll and added an a seal of his own at the end.
If Cloud wanted to show off, he would respond in kind.
He based it on the Four Symbols Seal and Five Elements Seal. To him, it was child's play barely the level of a first-year college exam.
When finished, he summoned a subordinate and had the scroll delivered directly to the hotel where the Cloud delegation lodged.
That night, instead of more serious pursuits, Gen ended up playing cards. The three women had the next day off, and when the tiles of Mahjong hit the table, none of them were willing to stop. They played until dawn, laughing all the while.
Gen had planned to invite one or two into his room later, but that plan was thoroughly ruined.
Another opportunity would have to come.
They ate breakfast together before finally collapsing into rest.
Sasuke, meanwhile, was happily cared for by the servants and guards, no less entertained on his own.
While Gen slept, Raizo led the Cloud delegation out of Konoha and back to Hidden Cloud. The Hyuga matter was concluded; now, the Uchiha's turn had come.
The next day, Itachi returned early, answering Gen's summons. His mission had been completed by his Jōnin leader and teammates without issue.
They had no complaints, Itachi had pulled his weight until called away, and even declined his share of pay. It had only been a C-rank mission.
Sliding open the tea room door, Itachi bowed. "Gen-nii, did you need me for something important?"
"Yes. Call Shisui here immediately," Gen said, sipping his tea.
"Alright. By the way, where are Mother and Sasuke?"
"They went to visit your Aunt Kushina."
"Understood. I'll fetch Shisui."
"Good."
As the boy left, Gen stared into his teacup.
Cloud had dared to nominate Itachi. That meant they had prepared something. Maybe even planned to cheat.
Well then… he would prepare too.
No tricks? Perfect. He was ready either way.
He smirked. His morality had never been that high, after all.