Chapter 26 – Just a Dance.
At last she placed the pencil down and stifled a yawn. Her fingers wrapped around the green tea which had long since gone cold, despite this she drank it anyway. Matsuri kept bringing the beverages trying to be helpful and the most Yasu had managed at one time was half a cup! The taste didn't displease the jonin candidate it was just her attention was solely fixed on the books and scrolls currently littering the desk.
So much time had been wasted already, and when the Raikage showed the full extent of the Lightning archives Yasu's heart both leapt and sank. Graciously he'd given permission for her to copy and quote any of the writers' works. She knew this would be a huge chunk of the word count for her research but time was not limitless. In two more days the Kazekage would make his return journey back to Sunagakure and she would never get an opportunity like this again!
The callus on her middle finger was sore from writing so much, but it was difficult to select which information to note. There were quite a few different opinions regarding the inclusion of ninja with impairment or disability. But now these words were swimming in front of her eyes. Lines were drifting and merging into one another. She'd reached her limit for the day. Gathering up her notes she nodded to the librarian (of sorts) who waved goodbye until tomorrow.
Gaara was taking a stroll around the village alone. Matsuri was assisting to prepare the evening meal, his brother and sister (who had offered a helping hand to tutor) were soaking weary muscles in the local hot spring. The Raikage was training with Enjin again having taken a shine to the teenager. He smirked remembering the blue hair standing upright when Seibi-shi had returned from his first session with the lightning chakra expert. Yes, Yasu knew exactly what she was doing killing two birds with one stone!
The Hidden Cloud was not unlike his own village with the buildings carved into the rock face of the mountain. It was rarely warm up here, although the sun did manage to break through and bathe the ground with golden light on occasion. The villagers here grew food in pots and containers that were mobile enough to be moved around. Rice paddies were apparent on the mountain side too. Water was plentiful due to the rainstorms that frequented at night.
Everywhere flags decorated with the colours of red, white and black flew proudly. This matched the uniform of the cloud ninja who also seemed to have a liking for tattoos on their bodies. Gaara found himself stroking his own red tattoo absently.
Some of the temple tori had white lightning bolt banners that rippled in the wind. He considered the paper prayers and wooden plagues tied with string to the gate. Some asked for guidance and luck, others wanted continuing peace in the shinobi world. There were a few requests for a pretty wife, but these were far outnumbered by the prayers for husbands! Gaara picked up a blank paper checking discretely if anyone was watching. He hesitated, a heat rising to his cheeks at such a childish notion. Who would be interested in what a stranger wished for? He twisted the paper carefully into a knot and attached it along with the others.
Clapping twice the Kazekage bowed and walked over to another bridge with a view of the library. He was surprised to see Yasu leave earlier today carrying the precious knowledge contained in the rolls of parchment in her arms. She looked tired but content even humming to herself and stepping in time to the tune. Someone called making her come to a halt. She smiled and said something back before laughing.
Gaara moved a few steps to the right which revealed Killer Bee and two of his students. The young woman he recognised as the kunoichi that had met them at the village entrance. The other male with white hair was sucking a lollipop. They both gave a vague glance not particularly bothered about the guest. This angered Bee as he suddenly slapped both of the youths roughly across the face. At once they jumped up to attention, bowing apologetically to Yasu. Gaara's brow furrowed and he moved to get closer.
"Hey Yasu, long time no see! Take a time out and jam with Bee?"
By now Yasu understood that the Raikage's brother had a great love for music – rap in particular. He was forever collecting rhymes in a notebook that he carried. There were still a few posters scattered on the walls advertising a killer Bee concert in the near future, although each time A spotted one he took great delight in tearing it down.
"What's that?" She said admiring the curious instrument that Omoi was resting on his lap.
"It's a storm drum," He explained offering up the object for her to hold. It was much lighter than she expected.
From a distance it had a queer shape: like a discus no, more like one of the smaller kama she used to boil water. On closer inspection it was actually made of two steel half shells glued together leaving the inside completely hollow. She turned it over carefully in her small hands feeling the contrast between the smooth and hammered grooves in the metal. Her fingertips gave the surface a tentative tap that produced a pleasing note. This followed with another tap on the other side the sound this time was deeper. With a shy smile she returned the storm drum to the shinobi.
"Would you like to hear a song?" Her eyes lit up with the suggestion and so Omoi settled back down and began to play. Evidently he used this ploy on a regular basis to gain attention as Karui rolled her golden eyes at him.
He started slowly allowing the sound to resonate fully and then all at once his palms were everywhere. Firmly and lightly at the same time they travelled around the shell in sweeping rhythmic motions. The notes cascaded through a scale down and back up at speed. For two minutes she didn't say a word completely wrapped up in the music. The warbling tone was soothing in places and yet kept Yasu on edge with excitement.
Afterwards she gave an appreciative clap, "That was wonderful!"
Omoi soaked in the applause, "I know it's a gift!" He grinned and then stopped as his partner gave him a dark look. "I mean it takes a lot of practice," He said more modestly.
"Do you play?" Karui turned her attention to the other kunoichi.
The Konohan nodded, "Yes, I play the koto."
"Very traditional, must have been a pain in the arse to learn!"
"It took over two years, but I had a very patient teacher." Yasu admitted.
"Oh?"
"An elderly Sunan, Ongaku if I recall. He's passed away though." She added sadly.
"Why were you taught by a foreigner in the first place?"
"Some time ago I was assigned as ambassador between Konohagakure and Suna. I stayed in the Land of Wind to improve relations between our two nations. It helped to pass the time."
"And now you're a jonin doing research?" Karui didn't attempt to hide the suspicion in her voice.
"Come on Karui, give it rest! Putting a guest to the test ain't showing off your best!"
"Yes, Master Bee!" Becoming embarrassed the red head snapped out of interrogation mode.
"You need to think things through more carefully," Omoi rubbed his head. "You might have offended Yasu, and then if offended she might tell the Kazekage. And if the Kazekage gets mad he might think twice about being an ally. Then if we're not allies, the Hokage might want to know why and if she finds out she might want to go to war with us! And if we go to war I might die in battle..."
"Omoi really, I'm not offended in the least! No one is going to war, okay?"
"Take no notice of him," Karui suddenly smacked him over the back of the head. "Idiot!" She yelled.
Killer Bee could only sigh, "Omoi likes to worry himself in a hurry. Karui is hot headed and her fist gets embedded. They make a good team and look out each other, when she ain't being mean and tries to be his mother!" He turned and clicked his fingers, "Let's jam!"
For the next five minutes Yasu tried to follow Bee's rhyme, but did not show any natural talent in this department. In the end she begged the Eight Tails host to stop. Not to be put off he stood up, "Now listen up here, don't matter bout the rhyme! Let's see if you can move and groove in time!"
Omoi began to play a steady beat and Yasu was shaking her head vigorously. "Now watch the feet and listen to the beat, you'll soon have the dance floor smoking with heat!" He took the scrolls from her hands and placed them down. She watched his steps it was certainly an interesting form of dance!
"Lord Bee, please-"
"Take it down to the left, take it back to the right," He demonstrated. "Swing those arms forward then take em all back, how's that? Yeeaahh!"
Yasu looked pleadingly at Omoi and Karui who were both trying to contain their sniggers.
"He won't let it go until you give your best shot!" The other woman shared from experience.
Oh for goodness sake!
Having no choice but to place her dignity aside Lady Leaf took up the challenge. She had gained a better sense of balance and timing thanks to Iruka's training drills, however this style of dancing didn't quite fit any rules! Killer Bee criss crossed his legs and slid to the side, then hopped forward and backwards. She didn't have the courage to ask him to slow down. When he started spinning around on the spot and punching the air everything became a blur. It was like he was dancing to a special music all inside his own head!
She didn't give up however, through the turns and bends she tried nail down the moves into some sort of coherent sequence.
"Criss cross, slide!" Bee called out in rapid time. "Now that's the real deal!"
Yasu found her knees and hips jutting out at strange angles following his lead. It was fast and electric, a dance that reflected the energy and spirit of the Lightning people. Her arms were flying, more spins followed until she felt dizzy. Mercifully it came to an end and she collapsed on the floor, panting and gasping.
"I give praise that's true and where it's due, Yasu! That ain't too bad! Fun time I've had, dancing makes me glad, not sad! Remember to feel and give yourself a chance, cuz life can be cruel with all kinds of dance."
"Thanks for the advice," She wheezed after the unexpected exercise.
"Geez, don't you dance where you come from?" Karui asked unimpressed.
"Yes," Yasu smiled back weakly. "It's just a bit different that's all!"
"Can you show us?" Killer Bee said. "An artist seeks inspiration, from across any nation!"
"Oh, you don't want to see that!" She laughed trying to put him off the idea. "And besides I don't have a dance partner!"
"I can oblige," a rasping voice came from behind her. Gaara stepped out the shadows from behind the stairway.
How long has he been standing there?
"I don't think I can remember the moves!" Her heart spiked.
"I will guide you," He countered. "It would be a shame to deny our host's request, don't you think?"
"Of course, it's just..." Her excuses were making things worse. All three of the Hidden Cloud ninja had curious grins plastered across their faces.
"Yasu," She tilted her chin to make herself look up. "Do you remember the folk dance from the Festival of Change? You will need to move to the right first rather than the left."
"It is traditional for the man to lead, yes I do recall, Kazekage." She fought back the tugging at the side of her lips. The memory of relearning the dance steps in the correct order came to the surface. How could he remember things so clearly?
It began. She spun slowly in a tight circle, her hands pretending to be the fan that she would usually wave delicately from side to side. Light feather touches on her wrist or shoulder helped jog her memory and she followed them instinctively. There was another turn and Gaara swept Yasu along with him in the opposite direction. His movement flowed, confident and sure as always.
"Keep looking up," He whispered lightly. "You're doing well."
This is a really bad idea!
They moved together and then apart which was the second section. Next was the weaving in and out of other dancers around the circle, but since the participants numbered only two, Gaara took Yasu's hand and twirled his partner around in his arms instead. She was very close to him and tried to ignore how happy this made her feel. Her embarrassment was forgotten as he smiled back evidently enjoying the dance too. By the time the third pass had come she moved fluidly and everything else was no longer a part of her world. All she could see was the Kazekage.
A polite cough brought her out the dream. The music had stopped. She looked down, her hands still entwined with Gaara's. Her stomach began to do somersaults.
"You need to bow at the end," He prompted her.
"Oh right!" She gave an awkward curtsy compared to his slow and composed bow.
He kissed her hand, "Thank you for the dance."
The small audience was clapping loudly but she couldn't look them in the eye. Master Bee complemented the Kazekage and his partner having never witnessed such a dance before. Gaara proceeded to explain that the folk dance was intended for a large group and that his improvisation was no doubt poor, but required. They disagreed strongly stating that had he not shared such information they would never have known.
Meanwhile Yasu fought an internal struggle trying to control the crimson flush that threatened to erupt.
It was just a silly dance. She told herself firmly. Nobody else is bothered about it, why are you?
"Yasu?" She jumped. Gaara was staring at her again. "I believe dinner is ready, would you like to accompany me?"
"It would be my honour, Lord Kazekage." She picked up her notes recovering quickly.
Killer Bee crossed his arms the last in the party to follow. He glanced from the Kazekage to Yasu and back again, a mischievous grin forming on his tanned chiselled features.
Author's note – This will be my last update for a little while. The Festival of Change refers to events in Lady Leaf which is the prequel to Underneath It All. The link to Lady Leaf is highlighted in my profile if you'd like to catch up!
All the best until next time...
Allybee