Hey Readers, it's Phantom-of-Fantasy here, bringing you another new Naruto fanfiction! This one takes place in the post-original/pre-Shippuden time period that gets ignored in the manga and anime. Just a short story, most likely 4-5 chapters long to help keep my "author juices" flowing! Please feel free to check out my profile, other stories on Fanfiction or Fictionpress (Kissing 101, A Complicated Situation, or The Aerials), or my (still in progress of uploading pictures) DeviantArt page, also under this pen name! Read, review, and as always enjoy! Happy Fanfictioning! XD
Meanwhile, back in Konoha, Tsunade was onstage again to introduce the next singer. "Here we go! Third on the list for tonight's show is Tenten, singing her rendition of 'I Love You, I Do.'"
Tenten moved gracefully onto the stage, clad in a white smooth satin dress with a flowing skirt, halter top, and bright red ribbon around the waist. Her dark brown hair was free from her normal buns and cascaded in waves over her shoulders; she had a matching red ribbon in her hair too.
Before the song began, Tenten cleared her throat and shakily held the microphone up to her lips. "This song is dedicated to someone very special to me. Although he may not know it…this song is exactly how I feel about him," she said, blushing as curious murmurs began. The room fell silent as the song began:
I never met a man
Quite like you
Doing all I can
Making my dreams come true
You're strong and you're smart
You've taken my heart
And I'll give you the rest of me too
You're the perfect man for me
I love you, I do…
Tenten carefully averted her eyes away from the object of desire her song was about. Her gaze moved around the room, never lingering on anyone for too long. She may have been brave enough to dedicate this song to him, but she didn't want to be confronted about her feelings.
I'm here when you call
You've got it all
And confidence like I never knew
You're the perfect man for me
I love you, I do…
You've got the charm
You simply disarm me every time
As long and you drive
I'm along for the ride your way
You said it before
There won't be a door
That's closed to us
I'm putting all my trust in you
'Cause you, you'll always be true…
She kept singing, obviously pouring her heart into the lyrics. Her clear, sweet voice rang across the room. Neji seemed hypnotized: he couldn't take his eyes off his stunning teammate.
I know you're the best
You passed every test
It's almost too good to be true
You're the perfect man for me
I love you, I do
You're the perfect man for me…
I love you…I do…
Tenten finished the song, her smile lighting up her already glowing face, as the room burst into applause. Her teammates, Neji and Lee even stood up to clap for her, though Neji was somewhat distracted; he was wondering who the dedication was for.
"That was absolutely wonderful. Whoever that guy is, he's lucky to have someone as sweet as you feel that way about him," Kurenai said softly, holding Asuma's hand under the table. He squeezed her fingers before speaking.
"Beautiful! Your affection for this person really helped bring extra meaning to the song," Asuma finished, glancing at a pink-faced Kurenai.
"Tenten, there isn't much else to say. Excellent job," Iruka grinned at her.
Even Kakashi, who was being extremely harsh towards everyone, barely had anything bad to say about her performance. "Um, it got a little shrill on some of the high notes, but generally…well done."
Gai wiped tears from his eyes, sniffling a little before finally being able to speak. "So youthful and in love…I never realized…my own students…oh," he was overwhelmed with emotion again.
Tsunade took over the microphone again. "Next is a short song 'Heavy' sung by Akimichi Choji. He's a little shy, so show some extra enthusiasm for him!"
Choji shuffled onstage dressed in a nice golden shirt and black pants. The microphone shook as he gripped it tightly in both hands, waiting for the music to begin.
Heavy, heavy
You got so heavy baby
Heavy, heavy
You got so heavy on me
You used to be so light and free
You used to smile just looking at me
Now all you give is jealous hate
Come on baby, better lose some weight
His deep voice was also shaky at the beginning, but as he continued the song, it got stronger. Choji's originally pale face also gained some color.
You used to want nothing from me
You used to say lets both be free
You used to dance instead of walk
You never had to talk, talk, talk
Heavy, heavy
You got so heavy baby
Heavy, heavy
You got so heavy on me…
Choji finished the song somewhat abruptly, but there was a round of applause anyway. Kurenai smiled kindly at him.
"That was nicely done Choji. For someone so nervous, you did well," she said.
Asuma smiled at the last member of his team to compete. "Good job, buddy!"
"With a little more practice and confidence, you could go far," Iruka said.
Kakashi grimaced. "Practice…practice makes…you not suck at singing."
Gai clapped enthusiastically. "Needs more youth and energy, but good try."
"Thank you Choji. Our fifth performer tonight is Rock Lee singing 'Patience,'" Tsunade said with a smirk. Lee skipped onstage in dark green pants and a bright green shirt and threw the microphone from hand to hand, waiting for the music to begin.
I know you have questions
Same ones as me
How long has it been?
How long will it be?
When will come the morning
To drive the night away?
Tell me when will come the morning
Of a brighter day?
Oh, patience, little sister
Patience, little brother
Patience, patience, patience
Take each other by the hand
Lee crooned into the music. He wasn't as bad as most of the crowd anticipated, but he certainly wasn't the best of the night so far. What he lacked in talent, he made up for in energy.
There's a river to cross
And a mountain to climb
Patience, patience, patience
Its gonna take some time
We must walk in peace
It's the only, only way
If we want to see the morning
Of a brighter day
Oh, patience, little sister
Patience, little brother
Patience, patience, patience
Gonna find a way
Oh, patience, little sister
Patience, little brother
Until that morning
On the brighter day
Patience, patience, patience
Till that brighter day
When Lee finished his song, the usual applause began. However, Sakura in particular, stood up to clap for him. His dark eyes lit up when they found her smiling face in the crowd. Lee eagerly awaited the judges comments.
"Very…energetic. But also very good," Kurenai beamed at him.
Asuma smirked. "Well, I'm not sure if this particular song called for all that hyperactiveness, but you did great."
"Interesting…and not in a bad way," Iruka said with a small grin.
"The tone was off, the mood was off, but it was alright…" Kakashi said.
Gai jumped out of his seat onto the judges table. "I think we have our winner already! So full of youth and life! Amazing!"
Tsunade came back onstage. "Gai, sit down so our next contestant can begin…and before you hurt yourself," she added softly.
I know EXACTLY how Tenten feels...Who else can relate to a Dreamgirls song? Post your answer in a comment!
Review and I may be tempted to write more...
Phantom