"You're being a bit too extreme, Inabi. That's not how publicity work is done."
Inside the newly established Uchiha Public Relations Department office, Uchiha Ran sat with a gentle smile, calmly speaking as he looked at the bruised and swollen-faced Uchiha Inabi seated across from him.
"Yes—yes! You're right, Brother Ran," Inabi said hurriedly. "This is my first time doing PR work. I've always been in the Police Force before, so my thinking was… a bit extreme."
Not long ago, Inabi had been furious when Fugaku transferred him from the Uchiha Police Force to the Public Relations Department.
We're both three-tomoe Uchiha—why should I listen to him?
He's even two years younger than me!
Unwilling to accept it, Inabi challenged Ran to a duel at the Uchiha training grounds, following the Police Force's old rules.
The result?
Under Fugaku's satisfied gaze—and the stunned expressions of other three-tomoe Uchiha—Inabi ended up battered and bruised, bowing respectfully to Ran and addressing him as Brother Ran… and Director Ran.
"So, Brother Ran—ah, Director Ran," Inabi corrected himself hastily, "if we can't directly arrest those spreading rumors, what should we do next?"
"Hm?" Ran tilted his head slightly. "Use the title while working."
Inabi froze for a second, then immediately straightened up.
"Understood, Director Ran!"
"…Good."
Ran leaned back slightly.
"Tell me—do you actually know what 'publicity' is? And why the Uchiha clan needs it?"
Hearing the question, Inabi's mind went completely blank.
"How would I know? Wouldn't it be easier to just beat people up and arrest them?"
Ran shook his head helplessly.
"How am I supposed to fix the Uchiha with clanmates like you…?"
"Well, I'll explain it properly. Otherwise you'll just sit there staring into space all day."
"Publicity is the act of spreading specific information, viewpoints, or ideas through various channels. Through words, images, and other means, we shape how villagers perceive and understand the Uchiha clan."
"…?"
Inabi still looked unconvinced.
Ran asked instead, "How do you think the Uchiha Police Force performs? And how do villagers feel when interacting with you?"
"We work diligently, enforce the law impartially, never take bribes, and follow Konoha's rules to the letter!" Inabi said proudly.
"Wrong." Ran shook his head.
Seeing Inabi's confusion, Ran continued calmly.
"From the villagers' perspective, the Police Force looks aloof and high-handed. They naturally resent you. You enforce Konoha's rules—but villagers don't feel those are Konoha's rules."
"You avoid getting close to villagers because you fear it might interfere with law enforcement. To them, that just looks like arrogance."
"…What?! So everything we did was wrong?" Inabi was completely shaken.
Ran met his gaze steadily.
"For the Uchiha, publicity deepens our presence in the villagers' minds. That's crucial."
"The Uchiha are a historically important clan of Konoha. We carry status—and responsibility. Through publicity, we communicate our values, history, and contributions, shaping a positive image."
"Public opinion is high ground. If we don't occupy it, someone else will."
"…Then how do we actually do this?" Inabi still didn't fully understand, but he was ready to follow orders.
Seeing that Inabi's initiative had finally been stirred, Ran explained further.
"First, we showcase our clan's history and traditions. Through written records, storytelling, and public narratives, we let villagers know the Uchiha's origins, achievements, and spirit."
"When villagers understand who we are and what we stand for, their impression of us naturally deepens."
"Second, publicity helps us build a positive image."
"And third, it allows us to demonstrate our contributions to Konoha."
Ran paused, then gave an example.
"Inabi—Uchiha clan members distinguished themselves in two Great Ninja Wars. We protected Konoha with our lives."
"By presenting these facts, villagers will recognize our courage and loyalty—and give us the respect we deserve."
Inabi thought for a moment, then suddenly spoke up.
"Publicity can also help us build trust with villagers! By spreading positive messages, showing interaction and connection—"
Ran nodded approvingly.
"Exactly. For example, we publicize how the Uchiha Police Force supports villagers, protects them, and brings real benefits."
"And whenever we make an arrest or discipline someone, we must clearly state which specific Konoha regulation—issued by the Third Hokage—we're enforcing."
"That way, villagers associate the law with Konoha, not just with the Uchiha."
"They'll trust us more, and cooperation will follow."
"But there are still people spreading negative rumors about us," Inabi frowned. "Publicity can't erase all of that, can it?"
"You're learning fast," Ran said, clearly pleased. "You're starting to think."
He continued inwardly: So the Uchiha aren't all muscle-brained brutes after all.
It's just that violence is convenient—and the emotional backlash of the Sharingan discourages thinking.
"So, Director Ran," Inabi said eagerly, "I'll arrange for the clan's children to go spread public opinion!"
"Wait," Ran said, eyebrows rising. "Do you actually know how to do it?"
He pulled a document from his desk and handed it over.
"Just letting kids talk should—"
Inabi's voice cut off as he read the first page.
His eyes widened.
"This… this is publicity?!"
"How did you even think of this, Director Ran?!"
Ran adjusted his glasses calmly.
"Inabi," he said,
"study journalism."
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