Genya fought to keep the corners of his mouth down, refusing to let himself laugh.
This was nothing yet. Things in the Land of Fire probably hadn't even reached their peak.
Once those portraits went up, once the women traveling from even farther away arrived in Konoha...
That was when the real fun would begin.
He raised his teacup to hide his rising smile.
A commotion came from outside.
Footsteps, voices, and laughter mingled together, drawing closer.
Naruto's body went rigid.
Kushina walked to the window, lifted a corner of the curtain to glance outside, then turned back to Naruto with a complicated expression.
"Naruto, another group just arrived. There are more of them than any of the previous groups, and... the age range is a little broad."
Naruto sprang off the couch, rushed to the window, and peeked through the gap in the curtains.
Several mature women stood outside, sporting permed curls and red lipstick.
They chatted and laughed together, looking more like tourists than women here for matchmaking.
Naruto yanked the curtains shut with a bang, then turned to Genya, his teeth clenched.
"Genya! Did you do something again?!"
Genya's gaze drifted toward the window.
His expression was so calm it made people want to punch him.
Watching Genya's innocent act, Sasuke finally lost control and laughed out loud.
It was far too unconvincing.
Genya set down his teacup, stood up, and walked to the window to take a look himself.
Then he turned and patted Naruto on the shoulder.
"Good luck with your dates. I have faith in you."
Naruto looked utterly miserable.
"Are you helping me or trying to ruin me?"
Genya thought for a moment, then answered seriously.
"Helping you. And having a little fun along the way."
He finally failed to suppress his smile