"According to Shikamaru's data, the school's culture festival is five days from now. It's the perfect time to release Fox's Tale Episode Two."
Inside the grand hall of the Uchiha compound, Hinata sat proudly at the center, legs crossed in her usual commanding pose. Everyone else knelt respectfully on either side—it was practically a full-on yakuza scene.
"So that means we need to finish Episode Two before then, right?"
Sakura, ever the domestic, carried a tray of matcha and distributed cups to each member. She looked perfectly content, cheeks tinged pink, clearly thrilled to be playing housewife in the home of her beloved.
"Exactly. And we're going to do something special to set our production apart from the rest."
Hinata unfurled a scroll, laying it flat on the tatami. Her expression was smug with pride.
"We're adding a one-of-a-kind theme song. I stayed up all night writing this. It's called 'Blue Bird.' Everyone needs to learn it."
That's right—Hinata had drawn on her past life knowledge as a fake otaku. She knew nothing stuck in fans' minds quite like an anime OP. So why not give Fox's Tale its own?
Despite being a magical romance, it wasn't quite Legend of the White Snake, so something like A Thousand Years Waiting would be too cheesy. After some consideration, she went with Blue Bird, her favorite Naruto opening.
"Everyone has to learn it? Oh, I get it—you mean like having each character sing a version of the same song, depending on who's featured?"
Surprisingly, it was Chōji who responded first. Hinata gave him an approving nod.
"Exactly. When fans get the DVD, they can listen to their favorite character's version of the theme. Pretty great, right?"
"Lame."
"Troublesome…"
"Singing sounds… kinda hard."
Despite the varied responses, no one dared to go against Hinata's plan.
"Ino, you can read music, right? I'm leaving them to you. If they don't cooperate, you have permission to use… alternative methods."
Handing the sheet music to Ino, Hinata knew full well music was part of the girls' curriculum. And Ino excelled at it.
"No problem with the sheet music. But Hinata, we'll need an accompanist."
Frowning slightly, Ino examined the notes again.
"Even if we keep it simple, we at least need a harmonica for backing. Otherwise, it won't sound right."
"Harmonica, huh… Anyone in our class who plays?"
Hinata paused to think. Ino was right—accompaniment was essential.
"Ah… I do know someone. But…"
Ino looked conflicted, tapping her chin.
"He's… a bit weird. Like, really hard to talk to. Compared to Naruto, this guy's impossible to communicate with. You probably know who I mean."
"Oh~ are you talking about that guy with the sunglasses? Shino?"
Sakura shivered involuntarily as she recalled the image. She actually rubbed her arms like she had goosebumps.
"Aburame Shino? You're sure?"
Hinata's pale eyes narrowed. It felt like fate—another of the destined Nine Genin was about to enter the fray.
"Yeah, he doesn't stand out much. But in music class, he was top of the class. Not just harmonica—bagpipes, harp, you name it. But… you know how he is. Getting him to talk won't be easy."
Ino rubbed her forehead helplessly. Clearly, when it came to Shino, she had no answers.
"…No, actually, this is perfect."
Hinata stood up, a strange smile curling at the corners of her lips.
Yes—Aburame Shino. The insect user among the Konoha Twelve. And, in the original timeline, the captain of Hinata Hyuga's squad. So logically, their existing teammate relationship should make recruiting him even easier.
"Well then, I'll go bring Shino on board. You guys just practice singing the melody a cappella for now. Once he's here, we'll start proper rehearsal and recording."
Cracking her knuckles, Hinata hopped onto the wall and darted away. Watching her leave, Ino muttered to herself, "Was Hinata always so… decisive?"
"Can't remember clearly… but I do remember she used to get picked on a lot. Naruto even stood up for her a few times."
Chōji popped a chip in his mouth and tilted his head. "Did she… just suddenly have a complete personality change?"
"Who knows. Anyway, let's start practicing the song. Shikamaru, you go first."
"Ugh, why me? What a drag…"
Outside, unnoticed by the group, Kakashi lay lounging on a tree branch, casually observing the Uchiha compound below. The silver-haired jonin spoke softly to himself.
"Writing their own theme song and rehearsing it too? They're pretty motivated for a bunch of kids… Hmm, guess I'll watch a bit longer before I decide how to approach them."