I am a Dancer (Naruto fanfiction)

31: Symbolizing Representations

Two days passed. The exams were over and the results hadn't been announced yet. The exams were testing us on certain aspects of a noble family's life, such as formal attire, titles, and posture. When I was examined from head to toe by the women protectors, I could tell my body type wasn't fitting their ideal look.

My thighs have a tight look and firmness, and my calves have a solid muscles that I've built over the years. My feet are calloused and hard; not like my competitor's feet. My toenails are distorted and warp, mainly because I didn't have them regularly maintained. I focused on dancing, after all.

My upper body gained slightly more favor from the judges. Although my shoulders were slightly more broader, my waist and hips seemed to have fit their criteria. My arms and hands were toned and slim, something they took immediate notice of my body.

Shikamaru mentioned that the contest was looking for a suitable girl that could hold herself with pride and glory. Not me, a girl who didn't even belong in this world.

My heart ached, knowing that I may never be able to go home. That I would be forced to stay in a world that would trap and grip me. I would become a bird with clipped wings.

"Hirano, how's the competition?" Hinata asked me during breaks.

"Horrible. I'm always last now. I swear, everyone knows I don't have a single noble bone in my body and yet they excuse other girls who are clearly better than me," I whined. "I want this mission to end soon."

"Be patient," Sakura advised, hugging me. "It's almost over."

"Right."

Currently, the competition has five girls left. Previously, the judges had decided to hold three exams together before eliminating anyone. After nine trials, only five girls are left. Needless to say, as I have mentioned before, I am dead last.

"Good luck!" Ino yelled to me, as I walked back to the arena with the other four girls. I lamely smiled back then looked at the examiner. If I remember right, her name was Miwaka.

"Congratulations. You all have reached this point," the lady said bored. "I hope you are all ready for the last final exam." She paused as servants came into the arena, carrying five tables. We watched, intrigued as five similar boxes were placed on each table. By the way, these boxes were HUGE! It was more long than tall, but I was amazed at the size of these boxes. No doubt, they were gilded with gold and crafted to perfection.

"For our final round, you will all be shown a box of various jewelry. From rings to headpieces and countless gems and precious stones, each one of you will select one piece of jewelry, wear it, and leave the room. Choose wisely. Your choice will determine if yo are the winner."

Great, another random selecting exam.

"So, do we start or something?" I asked out loud. The examiner glared at me.

"Yes, young lady. And next time, watch your attitude. Little girls should stay silent and not be noticed."

I glared right back at Miwaka. "Don't mind if I do."

I walked to a random table, the other four following suit. The servants across our tables opened our boxes and revealed gleaming treasures back at us.

The examiner was right; every kind of jewelry was stashed neatly in the box. The phrase "everything has a place and everything in its place" came to mind.

I turned rings over, fingered necklaces, and looked in awe at the fascinating gems. However, I didn't choose any. Not yet, at least.

My hands passed over a certain hourglass pendant several times, but my eyes were pulled towards another gold leaf choker with a single glass acorn. As time began to stretch and the other girls finished their selections, I hastily seized the hourglass pendant and left the choker behind.