Genya noticed the change in his expression but said nothing.
He simply poured him a cup of sake and slid it over. Pain glanced at the sake, then at Genya.
After a moment of silence, he picked up the cup and drained it.
Genya smiled and poured him another.
Konan watched them. Can a puppet drink?
Onstage, the first act began.
It was the Girl Group's performance.
Chinatsu, Akari, and Akane stepped onto the stage. Beneath the lights, they were breathtakingly beautiful.
The audience erupted instantly.
"Chinatsu! Chinatsu!" "Akari! Akane!" "Girl Group! Girl Group!"
Chinatsu stood at center stage, sweeping her gaze over the VIP seats until it settled on Genya.
She smiled faintly, then looked at Konan-or, more precisely, at Fujiwara Ayako beside her, who had just finished delivering the flowers.
There was a hint of challenge in her eyes.
Fujiwara Ayako felt that gaze and paused in surprise, then gave a polite smile.
Chinatsu looked away and raised her microphone.
"Our first song is dedicated to Konoha, to the new year, and also to..."
She paused, her gaze settling on Genya again.
"To our young master."
Another wave of cheers rose from the audience.
Genya held his cup of sake, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Beside him, Konan chuckled softly.
"Your young master certainly knows how to stake her claim."
Genya sighed helplessly.
The music began, and Chinatsu's voice drifted through the night sky. All of Konoha was immersed in her beautiful singing.
In the VIP seats, the Daimyo watched the performance with a beaming smile, occasionally glancing at Fujiwara Ayako, then at Genya, as he worked out his next move.
The acts followed one after another.
The civilians' performances might not have been professional, but their sincerity more than made up for it.
An old