An Anxious Kushina; Kurama, How Could Brother Chiyo Possibly Refuse Me?

At dusk in Konoha, the setting sun painted the skyline a warm orange-red.

The kitchen of the Uchiha residence was filled with a rich aroma.

Tsunade wore an apron as she focused on stir-frying the dishes in the pan, her golden hair tied into a neat ponytail behind her head.

Mikoto sliced vegetables beside her, her movements practiced and graceful, her long black hair pinned up with a simple hairpin.

"It smells so good!"

A lively voice came from the kitchen doorway.

The two women looked up to see Kushina Uzumaki leaning half her body through the door, her fiery red hair especially striking beneath the lights.

"Kushina? Are you done with your mission?"

Mikoto greeted her with a smile.

"I just turned in my report!"

Kushina strode into the kitchen and took a deep breath.

"I could smell the food the moment I got here. Sister Coral has to work late organizing the border patrol reports tonight, and Brother-in-law Minato is looking after the children himself.

I had nothing to do, so I came to help!"

Tsunade glanced at her with a smile at the corner of her mouth.

"Did you come to help, or did you come to mooch a meal?"

"Of course I came to help!"

Kushina declared righteously. She had already washed her hands and taken the kitchen knife from Mikoto.

"I'll cut this! Sister Mikoto, go rest for a while."

Mikoto did not refuse. She stepped aside and began preparing the tableware.

The three women divided the work with unspoken coordination. The clatter of pots and bowls, the sizzle of oil, and their quiet conversation intertwined into a warm scene.

"Come to think of it!"

Kushina said as she chopped carrots.

"How did Chiemi do at school today?"

"I heard she competed with Sasuke in