She'd earned a few dance-related rewards before, but she didn't know a single full routine. All she had were basic steps and some style-specific knowledge.
Bobbing to a song was fine, but performing an entire piece? Impossible.
Kano's face was scarlet, looking exactly like the first time she'd sung in front of anyone.
'Kano-chan, what's wrong? You're bright red.'
'It's nothing! Don't come closer!'
'Girls are weird—so unpredictable.'
Dancing in front of Naruto and Sasuke? Kano couldn't bear the humiliation. Besides, she didn't know any dances; the last time she'd danced was back in kindergarten in her previous life.
Oh, wait—she had learned one very short routine.
'Karin, help me.'
She pulled Karin into an empty room.
'What's up?'
'I… I want you to watch me dance…'
Kano bit her lip, cheeks so flushed they looked ready to drip blood. This was one of the few dances she knew, yet performing it felt mortifying. Back when she'd been a guy, she could've dragged everyone to join without a shred of shame. Now… 'Of course! It's my honor to get a free show from Konoha's songstress—lucky me!'
Don't be so enthusiastic—the more you cheer, the more embarrassed I get.
'Fair warning: I'm awful, so don't laugh!'
'Mm-mm, no matter how bad it is, I won't laugh.'
*Ahem*… here I go…
Dancing alone would be unbearably awkward, so Kano decided to sing at the same time—somehow that felt slightly less cringe.
'Two little tigers love to dance~ Good little bunny pulls the radish~ I learn to walk with the duckling~ Childhood is the most beautiful relic~'
'Little conch horn toots whatever~ Wow, that seagull's really plump~ Fear no wind or fatigue~ Hurry and master that silver slash~'
Tiny pearls of embarrassment rolled down her cheeks as she danced. She saw Karin fighting not to burst—so mortifying!
[Quest complete—reward: Soft-Bone Pill x1]
The next day.
[New quest unlocked—how can you stop now? Yesterday's practice deepened your dance knowledge and interest (=^▽^=). But dancing isn't a solo act—group numbers are far more powerful! Form a three-person team for a synchronized dance. Remember, an Idol's stage needs an audience (*σ´∀`)σ. Reward: Home Dance Collection]
Aaaaah, dancing again! If tomorrow's quest is still dancing, I'll murder you, lousy system!
'Naruto, Sasuke, could you help me~'
Kano used a cutesy voice; when asking boys for favors, acting adorable always worked.
Same trick worked every time with Ino.
Naruto, mouth already half-open, agreed before even hearing the request; Sasuke figured he owed her one and was willing to help—until he heard the word 'dance.' Then his head shook like a rattle-drum—he'd rather die than dance; too embarrassing!
Alas, Sasuke wasn't Shikamaru—she couldn't just slug him. Kano had to beg Karin instead, hoping she'd step in.
Karin also thought the dance mortifying, but Kano's tearful assault wore her down. Unlike the heartless Sasuke, she finally agreed, repaying a favor.
After a morning of practice, even Naruto had the simple, repetitive moves down.
Sensing doom that afternoon, Sasuke tried to flee but was jointly tied up by Naruto and Kano.
'Sasuke, you don't have to do anything—just watch.'
Kano's eyes brimmed with embarrassed tears; Karin mirrored her. Only Naruto was eager, finding the whole thing fun!
'Then… let's start.'
'Two little tigers love to dance~ Good little bunny pulls the radish~ I learn to walk with the duckling~ Childhood is the most beautiful relic~'
'Little conch horn toots whatever~ Wow, that seagull's really plump~ Fear no wind or fatigue~ Hurry and master that silver slash~'
Now it wasn't just Kano and Karin dying of embarrassment—Sasuke was practically carving out a three-room apartment with his toes, banging his head against the wall.
[Quest complete—reward: Home Dance Collection.]
The moment the dance ended, Karin dove under a quilt, resolved to stay hidden for ten—no, twenty years!
Kano tried to crawl inside the hunting flute, wishing to reincarnate as a hermit crab.
Only Naruto hopped over to untie Sasuke.
'So, Sasuke, wasn't that awesome? Don't you wanna join us next time?'
'I'll freaking kill you, Naruto!'
Whether from shame, rage, or both, crimson-faced Sasuke lunged at Naruto, and the two went at it.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 40 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!