"You're being a bit too extreme, Inabi. That's not how propaganda—public outreach—is supposed to be done."
Inside the newly established Uchiha Public Relations Department, Uchiha Ran sat behind his desk, smiling gently as he spoke. Across from him sat Uchiha Inabi, his face bruised and swollen, clearly having learned a painful lesson.
"Y-Yes! You're right, Brother Ran—Director Ran," Inabi replied hastily. "This is my first time working in Public Relations. I've always been in the Police Force before, so my thinking was… a bit extreme."
Just moments ago, Inabi had been anything but cooperative.
He had been transferred from the Uchiha Police Force to this brand-new department by Uchiha Fugaku himself, and he'd been furious.Both of them had awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan—so why should he, Uchiha Inabi, have to listen to Uchiha Ran? Especially when Ran was two years younger than him.
Unconvinced, Inabi had challenged Ran according to Police Force tradition, inviting him to the Uchiha training grounds.
The result?
Under Fugaku's satisfied smile, and to the shock of the other three-tomoe Uchiha present, a thoroughly beaten Inabi had bowed deeply, his face black and blue, respectfully addressing:
"Brother Ran… Director Ran."
"Now then," Inabi asked sincerely, "Director Ran—if we can't just arrest the people spreading rumors about our clan, what should we do next?"
"Hmm?" Ran tilted his head slightly. "Use titles while we're working."
Inabi froze for a second, then immediately corrected himself."Y-Yes! Director Ran!"
"Mmm."
Ran leaned back slightly.
"Tell me, Inabi—do you actually know what public relations is? And why the Uchiha clan needs it?"
At that question, Inabi's mind went completely blank.
"How would I know?" he blurted out. "Wouldn't it be easier to just beat people up and arrest them?"
Ran stared at him for a moment… then sighed and shook his head.
"Trying to run the Uchiha clan with people like you really is exhausting."
"Alright," he said, rubbing his temples. "Let me explain. Otherwise, you'll just stand there staring into space all day."
"Public relations is the act of spreading specific information, viewpoints, and values through various channels. We use words, images, actions—everything—to shape how the villagers perceive the Uchiha clan."
"…???"
Inabi still looked unconvinced.
Ran continued calmly, "Let me ask you something. How do you think the villagers see the Uchiha Police Force? And how do they feel when interacting with you?"
"We work diligently! We never abuse our authority, never take bribes, and we enforce the law strictly according to Konoha's regulations!"Inabi even sounded a little proud.
"Wrong," Ran said flatly, shaking his head.
Inabi blinked. "Huh?"
"You look high and mighty. The villagers instinctively feel resistance toward you. You follow Konoha's laws, but the villagers don't know those laws—you never explain them. You deliberately keep your distance because you're afraid being friendly will affect enforcement, so you act unapproachable."
Ran's voice remained gentle—but sharp.
"And what do the villagers feel? That you're arrogant. That you look down on them."
"…Wait—so everything we've been doing is wrong?!" Inabi was genuinely shaken.
Ran met his gaze and continued.
"For the Uchiha clan, public relations deepens our presence in the hearts of Konoha's people. That's critical."
"The Uchiha are one of Konoha's founding clans. We carry history, responsibility, and social weight. Through public relations, we communicate our values, our history, and our contributions—shaping a positive image."
He tapped the desk lightly.
"Public opinion is high ground. If we don't occupy it, someone else will."
"…Then how do we actually do it?" Inabi asked. He still didn't fully understand—but he was willing to follow orders.
Noticing Inabi's initiative finally awakening, Ran nodded.
"First, we publicize our clan's history and traditions. Through records, stories, and word of mouth, we remind villagers of our origins, our achievements, and our clan spirit."
"When people understand where we come from, they understand what we stand for."
"Second, we showcase our contributions to Konoha."
Seeing Inabi listening quietly, Ran gave a concrete example.
"Inabi. Uchiha members fought heroically in two Great Ninja Wars. We protected Konoha with our lives. If villagers are reminded of that, they'll recognize our courage and loyalty—and give us respect."
Inabi thought for a moment… then his eyes lit up.
"Public relations can also help us build trust with villagers! By spreading positive messages and showing our interaction with them!"
Ran smiled, satisfied, and nodded.
"Exactly. For example, we can publicize how the Uchiha Police Force protects villagers, helps them, and safeguards their daily lives."
"And every time you make an arrest or discipline someone, you clearly explain—'According to Article X of Konoha Law, as set by the Third Hokage…'"
"When villagers understand why, they trust us more. Cooperation follows naturally."
"But Director Ran," Inabi frowned, "there are still people spreading harmful rumors about the Uchiha. Public relations alone can't erase that, right?"
Ran looked at him with approval.
"You're improving quickly, Inabi. You're thinking for yourself now."
The Uchiha weren't all muscleheads after all—Ran mused.It was just that violence was convenient… and the emotional burden of the Sharingan didn't encourage subtle thinking.
"So then—Director Ran!" Inabi said eagerly. "I'll arrange for the clan's children to go spread public opinion!"
"Wait," Ran said, eyebrow twitching. "Do you actually know how to do that?"
He pulled a document from his desk and slid it across.
"Just have the kids go talk to people—"
Inabi's words died as he read the first page. His eyes widened.
"Th-This is… public relations?! How did you even think of this, Director Ran?!"
Ran smiled faintly.
"Inabi," he said calmly,"go study journalism."