Guidance

"All right, ladies. Yesterday we got familiar with the basic moves. Today, we start training."

Genya stood in front of the group with his hands behind his back, radiating authority.

"First, what's the most important thing in dance?"

"Confidence! Positivity! We're not here to show the Uchiha's cold arrogance, but their vitality!"

He walked among them and began adjusting their postures one by one.

"Chinatsu, relax your shoulders a little more. Yes, just like that. Your movements should be powerful, not stiff."

"Akari, let your gaze follow when you turn. You have beautiful eyes. Let everyone see them."

"Akane, your jumps need to be timed more precisely. Let's count the beats."

During training,

Genya occasionally made the physical contact necessary to adjust their postures.

He tapped shoulders as a reminder to relax, supported waists to adjust their balance, and held wrists to correct hand movements.

"Remember, the eyes are the soul of dance!"

Genya took a few steps back and surveyed the whole group.

"The Uchiha's Sharingan inspires fear, but your eyes should captivate people. You want that soul-stirring allure!"

He gave them a demonstration.

He tilted his head slightly, sweeping a sidelong glance at them, his expression three parts amusement and seven parts mystery.

The girls blushed, their hearts racing. Even Izumi and Mikoto, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help chuckling.

"Just like that!"

Genya clapped.

"But make it more natural. Don't force it. Come on, let's try it with the music."

The music began, and the girls danced to the melody.

After Genya's adjustments, their movements were noticeably smoother today, and their eye contact had become much more expressive.

When the song ended,

Genya nodded in satisfaction.

"You've improved a lot! But there's still room to grow. Now, could our three lead singers come over here?"

Chinatsu, Akari, and Akane walked over to Genya.

"When it comes to singing, there are a few key points besides pitch and rhythm."

Genya spoke earnestly.

"First, you need power. This isn't a tender love song. It's a cry for freedom. Your voices need to cut through."

"Second, emotional resonance."

"You need to understand what the lyrics mean. They're about a captive bird longing for the sky."

"Imagine this: if we Uchiha keep being distrusted and ostracized like this, what kind of world will your younger siblings and future children face? Put that longing into your singing."

The three lead singers nodded thoughtfully.

"Third..."

Genya paused and glanced at his parents and the Clan Leader watching from the sidelines, then decided to say it anyway.

"You need to learn to interact with the audience. Performing onstage isn't just about entertaining yourselves. You have to make the audience feel your emotions."

He walked to the center of the space and faced the "audience seats."

"For example, when you sing 'If we spread our wings and soar,' you can stretch out your arms as though you're flying, and look into the distance."

Genya gave a proper demonstration, his movements expansive and his eyes full of longing.

"Or, for another example..."

"During certain transitions, you can... give them a flirty wink."

As he spoke, he actually winked toward the audience, making everyone burst into laughter.

Even the usually serious Fugaku couldn't help laughing aloud. Sosuke slapped his thigh in delight, Izumi rocked back and forth with laughter, and Mikoto covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking.

Sasuke had tried to hold it in, but when he saw Genya's goofy expression, he finally lost the battle.

He let out a snort of laughter, then quickly covered his mouth, his little face bright red.

Itachi sat behind the drum machine, the corners of his mouth lifting.

"See? That's exactly the effect we want!"

Genya wasn't embarrassed in the slightest.

"A little interaction can make a performance more engaging. But don't overdo it. You can't just throw winks around. They need to come at the right point in the melody, and they have to look natural."

The three lead singers carefully took note, and Chinatsu couldn't help asking,

"Young Master Genya, where did you learn all this? This... doesn't sound anything like a ninja's knowledge."

Genya already had his explanation ready. "From books, along with figuring things out myself. The arts are connected. Whether it's music, dance, or Ninjutsu, you need to understand its essence, put emotion into it, and exercise precise control."

The explanation made sense, and everyone accepted it.

"All right, let's do a full run-through now."

Genya clapped his hands.

"Itachi, get ready."

Itachi nodded and placed his hands on the drum machine.

"Everyone, enjoy the music..."

The drumbeat began, and the melody flowed.

Fifteen Uchiha women danced to the music.

The three lead singers' voices were clear and powerful. The dancers moved in perfect unison while retaining their individual flair, their eye contact natural and expressive.

When they sang "If we spread our wings and soar," all the dancers spread their arms at once and gazed up at the night sky. The sight was breathtakingly beautiful.

And during one passage,

Chinatsu winked toward the audience.

Though it was still a little awkward, the effect was surprisingly good. Even Sasuke stared, transfixed.

When the song ended, enthusiastic applause filled the courtyard.

"That was amazing!"

Izumi was the first to stand and applaud.

"Truly impressive."

Fugaku nodded in praise as well.

"Konoha has never seen a performance like this."

Sasuke said nothing.

His shining eyes already said it all.

Genya walked to the front of the group, smiling in satisfaction.

"Today's training was a great success! Thank you for your hard work, ladies. We'll continue at the same time tomorrow. Before we finish, there's one more thing."

He looked at Itachi.

"Itachi, starting tomorrow, you'll need to learn more instruments. Drums alone aren't enough. We need richer arrangements."

Itachi nodded.

"I'll start studying tonight."

"Also,"

Genya turned to the three lead singers.

"Tomorrow, I'll teach you some special vocal exercises to give your voices more power and stamina."

"And finally..."

Genya drew out the words as he looked at Sasuke.

"Sasuke, your special assignment will be revealed at the dress rehearsal."

Sasuke jumped to his feet.

"I have to wait that long?!"

"Good things are worth waiting for."

Genya spoke with a cheerful smile.

"Trust me, you'll like it when the time comes."

Training ended under the cover of night.

The girls left laughing and chatting, discussing what they'd learned that day.

Itachi stayed behind to discuss the details of the arrangements with Genya.

Mikoto led Sasuke away, but he kept glancing back every few steps, muttering, "So secretive."