I am a Dancer (Naruto fanfiction)

26: Diverse Melancholies

"So, are you doing alright?"

I had been invited to the Hyuga compound since I had saved their clan leader's daughter Hinata. Right now, I am in a front split with one leg stretched behind me and the other under the low table. Hinata is across from me, and we even have a fancy tea set in the center of the table.

"Yes, thank you, Hirano," she responded gratefully.

"By the way, do you know why those guys wanted you?"

"Ah! They wanted my eyes and attempted to surgically remove them," she explained.

"I can see why," I remarked, nodding. "You don't have a different colored iris and pupil; instead, everything is clear. It's like a pearl."

"Yes, well that's part of the reason, I suppose." But she didn't say anything else.

I decided not to push the topic. "So, are you still sick? Your injures were pretty bad from what I've heard."

"I'm almost better! I was able to take extensive care and therapy, so I'll be well again in a few days."

"Days? How fast can you recover? My side still feels terrible!" I whined, causing her to giggle.

"You'll get used to it," was her reply. "When I'm better, will you help me train?"

"Sure! I'll help you, and you can help me learn a thing or two," I agreed. "Well, as long as Ibiki-san can let me off."

After a few more moments,  I decided to take my leave and waved goodbye to Hinata. As I trudged around the village, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to me. Last week, I had attended Lord Third's funeral. A young boy was sobbing next to me, and I reached over to pull him to my side, holding back my own tears.

Sadness.

This was an emotion I had difficulty expressing in my dancing. When I was given a sorrowful dance piece, I always came short of my own expectations. It wasn't that my dancing wasn't sad enough or that it was too happy, it was just...my dancing was expressing a different type of sadness. Like how you didn't get to eat your favorite jam because the store ran out. Or when you wanted first place in a competition only to get fourth.

When I went to the funeral, I realized that losing someone who showed unconditional love and care for you was...painful. Lord Third could have thrown me out of the village, execute me, or put me to work like a servant, but he didn't. He introduced me to the world of ninjas and let me even study in the village.

But what will happen to me now? I know the Elders are looking for a new Hokage, but what if this Hokage doesn't like me? Where will I go?

I had gone home, taking off my shoes and heading to the kitchen. As I brewed some red tea, I listened to the music in my head, and my feet began to move. It was a modern, lyrical dance I performed for myself, trying to show the whirlwind of emotions I was forced to hide everyday.

The music stopped in my head. I dropped to the floor. In the back of my mind, I could hear the kettle whistling, but I couldn't get up.

Then, my tears fell.