Preparations

An hour later.

Fugaku, Sosuke, Izumi, and Mikoto returned together, followed by fifteen young Uchiha women.

They ranged from sixteen to twenty-five years old, all strikingly beautiful, each with a distinct air about her.

Some were gentle, some spirited, some lively, but they all shared a pair of beautiful, dark Uchiha eyes.

"Genya, we've brought them."

Fugaku spoke.

"But first, you need to tell us exactly what you want them to do."

Fifteen pairs of eyes turned toward Genya in unison, curious and a little nervous.

Genya stood, walked to the center of the Tea Room, and bowed to everyone.

"Hello, ladies. Let me introduce myself first. I'm Genya Uchiha."

"We know you."

A woman with a high ponytail and a capable air smiled.

"You're the genius who caused all that trouble at the Hyuga Clan yesterday. Word has spread throughout the clan."

The other women nodded as well, looking at Genya with curiosity and admiration.

Genya smiled.

"Well... that's all in the past. I've invited you here today to take part in an important clan project."

"This isn't just an artistic performance. It's an opportunity for the Uchiha to show all of Konoha a new side of ourselves."

"If we succeed, you'll become the face of the entire Uchiha Clan. The Uchiha will be proud of you!"

His voice grew increasingly impassioned.

"The history of the Uchiha will change because of you!"

Fugaku, Sosuke, Izumi, and Mikoto stood to one side, exchanging glances as they listened.

Could a mere artistic performance really accomplish that much?

Genya caught their skeptical expressions and inwardly scoffed.

The Uchiha Clan really is full of brainless battle maniacs. They don't understand the power of art at all!

Once you see the chain reaction this sets off, you'll probably wake up laughing!

The girls exchanged incredulous looks.

"Young Master Genya, aren't you exaggerating a little?"

The woman with the high ponytail couldn't help asking.

"One performance can change Uchiha history?"

"Exactly. We're only singing and dancing..."

Genya spread his hands, his expression utterly confident.

"Why don't you ask the Clan Leader, then?"

He turned to Fugaku, his eyes signaling, Come on, back me up.

Although Fugaku wasn't sure himself, he recalled everything Genya had done before and chose to trust him.

He cleared his throat and spoke solemnly.

"I've already approved Genya's plan. I can vouch for what he's told you. This event truly does concern the clan's future..."

With even the Clan Leader saying so, the girls finally began taking it seriously.

"What do we need to do, then?"

A gentle-looking girl asked.

Excitement sparkled in Genya's eyes.

"The Uchiha will put on a song-and-dance performance at the New Year's gala before the year ends."

"Not a traditional ninjutsu display, but actual singing and dancing, with lighting and costumes-a complete stage performance!"

"I've already worked out the song and the choreography."

He eagerly began describing it.

"It's a song full of freedom and hope, called 'Blue Bird.' The dancing will showcase the Uchiha's vitality and beauty."

Memories of his previous life surfaced: the melody of "Blue Bird," paired with carefully arranged choreography and modern outfits.

It'll definitely cause a sensation in this still relatively conservative Shinobi World!

"Clan Leader."

Genya turned to Fugaku.

"I need some costumes and props."

He pulled Fugaku aside and lowered his voice as he rattled off a list.

"Buy some microphones for singing, sound equipment, and... black stockings, bodycon skirts, high heels..."

Fugaku wore an odd expression as he gave Sosuke a loaded look that plainly said:

How does your son even know about all this?

Just what have you been teaching him?

Baffled by the look, Sosuke could only respond with an innocent gaze.

Noticing Fugaku's expression, Genya hurriedly coughed.

"Just get everything ready. Don't overthink it. These are all professional stage costumes, meant to create the best visual effect."

Fugaku nodded awkwardly.

"All right. I'll send someone to buy them. What else do you need?"

"A rehearsal space, preferably somewhere with good soundproofing."

Genya thought for a moment.

"I'll arrange all of that."

Fugaku spoke.

Genya nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the Uchiha women.

"Now, I'd like to test everyone's voice first. Please take turns singing part of a song you know. Anything is fine."

Although the girls were shy, with Genya's encouragement, they sang one after another.

Genya listened carefully, nodding from time to time.

They all had good voices, with three standing out in particular.

Uchiha Chinatsu, the woman with the high ponytail, had a clear, powerful voice, while the gentle Uchiha Akari's voice was soft and moving.

Another girl, named Uchiha Akane, had an exceptionally penetrating voice.

"Excellent!"

Genya clapped. "Chinatsu, Akari, Akane, you'll be our three lead singers. The rest of you, don't be disappointed. You all have important roles too."

"I need you as backing dancers. This is a team project. We can't do it without every one of you."

Hearing that they all had a role, the girls smiled.

"Starting tonight, we'll gather here every evening to rehearse."

Genya made the announcement.

"For now, go home and rest. We'll officially begin tonight!"

The girls left, filled with excitement and anticipation.

Once they were gone, Izumi finally couldn't resist asking.

"Genya, those black stockings, bodycon skirts, and high heels you mentioned... aren't those clothes a little... too revealing?"

Uchiha Fugaku, fuck you and your ancestors...

Genya quickly took his mother's hand and explained earnestly.

"Mother, don't worry. Those outfits are perfectly normal onstage."

"We want to show the Uchiha's style and vitality. We have to break with convention if we want to catch people's attention."

He looked at Fugaku and Sosuke.

"Clan Leader, Father, if this performance succeeds, its impact will be far greater than you imagine."

"The people of Konoha will see that the Uchiha aren't just powerful warriors. We also have talented artists and a trendsetting sense of fashion."

"More importantly..."

A sharp gleam flashed in Genya's eyes.

"This will be the perfect public relations event. When the Uchiha girls shine onstage, those rumors about the Uchiha being cold and heartless will fall apart on their own."

"People will start talking about the Uchiha's talent rather than our Sharingan."

Fugaku looked thoughtful.

"You mean... promoting our culture instead of displaying our strength?"

"Exactly!"

Genya nodded.

"Fighting only makes people afraid. Art makes them like us. We need the people of Konoha to like the Uchiha, or at least... stop rejecting us."

Understanding his son's deeper intentions, Sosuke patted Genya on the shoulder.

"All right. You have our support. Just tell us whatever you need."

"Thank you, Father."

Genya smiled.

"But right now, I need to write the score and work out the choreography. We're short on time. The performance is before the year ends."