The spin-off
Mikan Sakura. Ditzy, Clueless, Naïve and a total clutz. But she's far from stupid. She's a genius, plus she's an heir to a million dollar international company owning a chain of hotels and leisure facilities in all around Asia and abroad. And of course, saying she's rich is the understatement of a century.
But grand parties, expensive things and a luxurious lifestyle does not seem to fit her taste. She's very simple minded, and always dreams of the simple common and normal life she's never going to have. But if there is one thing in her world that she loves, that's ballet.
"It's a miracle she could dance that gracefully." Serena-sensei commented, as she eyed the lone girl dancing on the studio, while all the mirrors reflected her every move, making it seem like she was dancing with her clones everywhere.
"True, as she can trip even on thin air." Narumi-sensei chuckled to himself, as he agreed on his co-blonde co-ballet instructor. "But look at her," He inserted, his gaze softening on the figure before them. "She seems to sparkle every time she puts on her ballet shoes and starts to spreads her arms to dance." A soft smile played on his lips as he continued watching Mikan, doing piques and dips while her auburn hair fluttered like the lace of a gymnast.
Serena-sensei couldn't help but smile to herself. "Yeah." But the smile disappeared as soon as it came. "Too bad her grandfather has already decided on her training as the heiress to the Sakura Clan."
Narumi-sensei's smile disappeared as well. His thoughts came back to that morning's conversation.
"You what?" Narumi's eyes went horror-stricken as he absorbed the words that came out Mikan's lips.
"I'm sorry, Narumi-sensei." Was what she could only say. "But ojii-sama has already made up his mind. I am the last of our bloodline and the sole heiress of the company. I wouldn't want my family's years of hard work to go to nothing right?I love the company because it is the only the legacy left of my parents, so I want to keep it as it is."
"But you love ballet don't you? Ballet is who you are Mikan! And I saw how much you love ballet!" Narumi-sensei reasoned.
Mikan's eyes went downcast. "Yes I do."
"So why sacrifice who you are for what you must do?" Narumi was concerned about this child. She was like a daughter to him, and he knew how much she loved ballet.
Mikan smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "It's alright. It is but a little sacrifice. And besides, it's not such a bad deal after all. I will get through. For what grandfather has done for me, sacrificing my self interest would still be short."
Narumi knew that it wasn't true. Although it may not be a bad deal, sacrificing the thing she loved most in the world was too much.
Mikan saw the pity in her teacher's eyes. She knew how much Narumi-sensei was concerned about her, so she steeled herself to be strong. "Don't worry about me, Narumi-sensei." She smiled her sincerest, and held the blonde man's hands. "Thank you for keeping watch over me these past years, and for taking time to teach me ballet. It will forever be your memory of me, as it was my mother's."
Narumi held her hands and squeezed it in a reassuring way. "Yes it will. I know you can. Just forever be strong and look straight ahead, to continue to grow. Ballet will always be here for you, and you can always return here for a lesson or two, ok?"
"Thank you, sensei. This contest will be the last for me, and I will win the gold as an honor to you, this school, and to my mother."
Serena gave a light sigh, as she released the heaviness of her heart. She felt sorry for Mikan, for having to sacrifice the thing she loved most, to become an heiress of her family. "To think someone as young as her would have to go through such a thing and give up something she enjoys."
Narumi turned to her, saying "She doesn't need pity now. What she needs is encouragement for what she has decided. Look at her," His eyes averted, back to the lone dancing figure, as Serena followed his gaze. "She's trying to be strong and keeps on smiling. That girl is strong, and she is capable of great things. Let's just trust her and be there for her."
"I couldn't agree more."
"Ohayou, Mikan-sama"
"Ne, Anna-chan, I told you that you can call me Mikan-chan. We're friends, aren't we?" Mikan smiled at the other girl at the door, Anna, her lady-in-waiting.
"But Mikan-sama." Anna walked in and whispered to her ear. 'Sakura-dono is here. And he has called for you in his office.'
"He's what!" Mikan half-screamed, half whispered. She jumped out of bed, hurriedly did her morning routine and scampered off to the office with Anna in tow. Before entering the large oak doors, she did a double check on herself and faced Anna.
"Anything else missing?" She asked with a look of concern
"Just this." Anna tucked a lock of stray hair behind her ear and smiled.
"Thanks."
She whizzed around and carefully knocked with the back of her hand.
"Is that already Mikan?" An old voice came from inside. "Come in."
Anna opened the door for her and she eased herself inside, in graceful strides so as not to trip. (She has the tendency to trip over, even on a flat surface).
The man beside her grandfather, Mitsuki-san, bowed a little to acknowledge her presence, as did Anna behind her, in respect to the Lord of the Sakura Manor. Nevertheless, both said nothing.
"Ohayou, Mikan, It's been a while." An old man in his late 50's smiled gingerly at his granddaughter. "How I've missed you so."
"Yes, grandpa. Me too." Mikan proceeded to her grandfather's side to receive her blessings from her grandfather.
"Now let us get to the point. There's someone here I wish for you to meet." Sakura-dono turned to his side and extended an arm. "Come, child."
A figure of a lad her age came about. Raven hair and a cool demeanor, presented himself and gave a slight bow.
"He is Natsume Hyuuga, and he will be with you for the rest of your learning and training. He shall handle all side affairs and act as your personal assistant, secretary and body guard."
He straightened himself and opened his eyes. Crimson orbs struck her very being.
"Dozo Yoroshiku."