For the past few days, Kano has been leading the girls through rehearsals, arranging the lighting and stage effects. Sasuke and Neji have also been practicing their dance. Being geniuses with excellent Taijutsu, they performed the dance moves perfectly.
Since it wasn't some awkward dance-off, Sasuke and Neji didn't find it too repulsive. On the contrary, Sasuke was extremely averse to the opening performance they had to do with Naruto.
Because Naruto was participating in the Girls Band, he didn't have enough time to dance as well, so he was assigned an opening performance instead. Kano thought it was very cool, and Naruto felt the same way. Only Sasuke expressed that it was too embarrassing.
As for Killer Bee, he watched from the side, occasionally offering critiques. Kano used the excuse of being busy for now, planning to trick him back to Konoha Village once the mission was over.
Soon, the day of the Princess's birthday arrived.
Guests from various countries arrived one after another to present their gifts. Among them, Kano spotted many familiar faces. Even Gaara and his two siblings had come.
They hadn't wanted to come, but Sunagakure truly had no other presentable Ninja left.
Since Kano and her group were invited guests, the Konoha personnel had their own exclusive seating area. Meanwhile, the Ninja from other countries could only be considered bodyguards, standing outside the doors.
The Konoha boys and girls suddenly felt that staying by Kano's side gave them a lot of prestige.
Following the boring speeches and the Princess receiving gifts and cutting the cake, it was finally time to perform on stage. Except for Kano, everyone else was taking the stage for the first time; to say they weren't nervous would be a lie. Their clenched fists were drenched in sweat.
"Honorable Daimyos, distinguished guests, and dear friends, at this moment, we are basking in the radiant starlight of the Princess's birthday banquet. To push this sweetness and joy to its climax, we have specially invited a very special guest—her voice is as lively as a mountain spring and as gentle as the rustling of Konoha under the moonlight. She is the highly anticipated 'konoha songstress'!"
"Now, let us raise our applause together as the most sincere invitation, and welcome the konoha songstress to this magnificent stage to offer the most moving blessings for the Princess's birthday with a beautiful melody!"
A burst of smoke erupted on stage—a very Ninja-style entrance. Each girl wore a different yet similar performance outfit. Although they were dressed in cute and gorgeous stage costumes, Konoha Forehead Protectors could be seen on their thigh straps or armbands, representing their status as Konoha Ninja.
Kano and Naruko took the lead, each holding a guitar and standing before a microphone. The other girls were also prepared: Karin and Tenten sat behind the drum kit, Ino and Sakura each manned a keyboard, while Hinata timidly held her bass guitar.
Some in the audience had heard of this name, while others had not. But after today, everyone would remember this name!
The first song was, naturally, the one performed during the Chunin Exams, 'GO!!!'
A powerful guitar intro rang out, and the Land of Fire Daimyo and Land of Wind Daimyo, who had heard the song before, instantly became excited.
The singing, symbolizing youthful passion, resounded throughout the hall as Kano and Naruko began to sing.
"We are Fighting Dreamers! (We fight for our dreams!)
Aiming high, surpassing our limits.
Fighting Dreamers! (Fighting for our dreams!)
Without worrying about appearances, nothing can break our will.
Fighting Dreamers! (Fighting for our dreams!)
Just as we believe, trust in this power.
Oli Oli Oli Oh-! Just go my way!"
The two of them singing together was far more effective than Kano singing alone; both Daimyos couldn't help but sing along. Even the Princess had stars in her eyes, watching the shining konoha songstress on stage with her mouth wide open.
The performance her father prepared for her was just too amazing!
Kano had mixed in the Joyful Score and the Marching Score into this piece; these two scores were the most effective at stirring up people's emotions.
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