Orange, Spirals and Everything Nice

Twenty-One: Spring Dance

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or the setting of the story. They all exclusively belong to Mr. Masashi Kishimoto in all its rights.

The cherry blossoms fluttered all around the makeshift arena on the day of the spring dance. The crowd roared in excitement and anticipation as they filled the seats of the massive venue. The five great Kages are seated with the leaders of smaller villages and country Daimyos as they wait for the show to start.
Konoha was once again visited by the whole shinobi world to witness an event of talents by prominent clan members across the land. Although this time, it'll be a ceremony of peace and harmony.

A long-awaited gesture of unity and camaraderie.

Which oddly started with a timid heiress' request to break a curse and earn freedom for her clan.

Hinata couldn't stop shaking nervously under her ceremonial costume as she watched the arena being filled with people from the waiting area where the performers were getting dressed. She honestly felt like a whole lifetime had passed since her whole ordeal had started.

Now, the big day has arrived.

It'll be the day when the Raikage will finally fulfill his promise to apologize to her clan. It'll be the day the caged-bird seal will hopefully come to an end. And it'll be a day that will change their lives forever.

Hinata couldn't blame her clan for pressuring her with the performance. When all she ever needed to do in the first place was to dance for the clan as a gesture of her turning into a lady in order to accept suitors who'll ask for her hand in marriage.

No one really asked her to gather the whole world and make a bet with her elders just to end their dreadful seal.
The heiress didn't tell any of her friends about the bet nor the caged-bird seal because she didn't want to make anyone worry about her recklessness. Besides, she was determined to succeed... no matter what.

Since this might be her only chance to do something for her clan, she's willing to give it her all.
Like any other capable heiress would do.

_____________________________________________________
The loud beating of drums signaled the start of the performances. People cheered wildly and loudly at their favorite performers. There were endless compliments and amazed expressions coming from various villages. The whole arena was incredibly filled with little friendly competitions among the spectators.

Hinata was even able to share small talks with Temari and Karui while they waited for their turn. They befriended a lot of their fellow performers who were just as delighted and nervous to be a part of the festival as well.
But what was a little concerning for the Hyuuga was the fact that she hadn't seen the rest of Konoha 11 since the show had started. She was tempted to use her byakugan just to make sure that her friends are enjoying the show but she was prohibited to use her bloodline during the whole performance as a gesture of peace and respect.

Hinata wondered if they were just hiding on a blind spot.
Even though Hanabi had constantly reassured her that everyone is just around the arena somewhere; Hinata just couldn't shake the feeling that something might be going on without her knowledge of it.

Now that she'll be up on stage in a minute, Hanabi also disappeared beside her.

____________________________
The heiress was instantly drowned by the enormous amount of cheers and applause from the whole arena the second she stepped on the stage as the last performance.