How to love!

Chapter 8

Before dinner is served, we had some theatrics and a couple of small performances from my clan and people from Konoha that I didn't know, they either danced or played an instrument. I loved each one as music was one of my favorite past times. I was smiling and clapping as one of the performers finish playing her violin and was leaving, my mother stands, and I think it's time for dinner. I was thankful for this as I was starting to get hungry.

"Beautiful, wonderful," My mother praises. "I would like to thank all of you that performed today, it was a fantastic performance from all of you, now our last performer is very special... "

"Psst, Princess," I hear from my right, I turn to see Masao calling for me, Kakashi leaning back a bit. "You're going to need this." He says, passing something to Kakashi, who gives it to me. I look down, seeing an all too familiar black velvet box. I look at him in horror and look at my mom.

"Though she is shy about performing, I would like to call my daughter Princess Shinokane to play." She says and looks down at me as everyone claps. She was smiling at me, a small mischievous smile on her face. She knew I didn't like to play in front of a lot of people.

"Mother..." I'm about to protest, but she shakes her head, her hand coming to my shoulder, giving a small squeeze, then pulling me to stand up, I do.

"This is my way of getting you used to being in front of crowds, play my favorite please." She says, giving me her don't argue with me tone. I sigh, knowing I wasn't going to win. I was now thankful we didn't have dinner first as I start to feel nervous and nauseous. I make my way around the tables all of my clan whispering blessings and good luck to me as I pass. I sit in the single chair that was out for the performers to sit if needed and open the box. My fingers slide on the elegant silver flute. I smile, this was Masao's, he was terrific at playing, and I begged him to teach me after I first heard him play. I pick the flute up and place the box down next to me. I take in a couple of deep breaths and close my eyes beginning to play.

(Naruto theme Sadness and Sorrow is what she plays)

This song was not only my mother's favorite but mine as well, I practiced this song till I could play it by memory. Other than this song, I only knew 2 others. I play with my eyes closed the whole time, I knew if I opened them, I would freak out as the others watch me. I lightly sway to the song as the melody washes over me. I love this song because I felt like it understands me in a way that I couldn't portray to anyone. This song represents a strong feeling that I have to lock inside me, a want for something I could never have. I get lost in the song and too soon does it end, I blush when everyone starts clapping and shouting praises. I open my eyes and catch Kakashi's one eye, and something tells me he understands the sadness I feel when I play this song. I smile at everyone quickly. I take my bow and almost run back to my seat. Kakashi is standing and has pulled my chair by the time I get to him. I smile my thanks as I take my place, and Kakashi retakes his, I was going to say something when my mother pulls my attention.

"That was beautiful, Shinokane," My mother tells me.

"Thank you, mother," I reply, still trying not to make eye contact with anyone.

"Thank you for playing, I know you hate playing in front of a lot of people," She says, placing her hand on my shoulder then standing to address everyone again. "Now that the performers have all played, I hope that you are hungry and enjoy the food prepared from our clan's best chef, Mrs. Lu." I smile as my clan members get up and serve the guests first, then my clan royalty, then themselves. We talked and caught up on everything that happened in the last 10 months. Tsunade, Kakashi, and Sakura would jump in with remarks or questions as well. Overall I was strangely having a fun time. I had just finished my story on the annoying mission that I just went on. She laughs as I explain wanting to put the man in his place.