School just ended and Sakura was top in the nation. Everyone was so proud of her! Sakura didn’t see what the fuse was all about. She just did her best and nothing more. She was embarrassed about the whole thing.
Shinichi walked up to the girls with a smile. “You all did good this year! Looks like I have to get you each something.” He said as tears rolled from his eyes. He now regretted making that rule. Anyone who gets 95 to 100 on their final grades would get one thing they wanted. Of course, within reason.
He asked each one, starting with Rini. She wanted some new vinyls. Yukako wanted some new clothes. Kiko wanted some new toys from her favorite Anime. He turned to Sakura, thinking it’d be Manga or Video Games. “What would you like Sakura-chan?” He asked.
She thought for a moment. Her eyes light up. “An Electric Guitar!” She said excitedly.
“Now that’s going to be awesome Sis! Rini said with a smile. “I can teach you how to play.” She rubbed her head.
Shinichi laughed! He wasn’t expecting that. “Ok, you win.”
Later, Rini and Sakura went to Club Dam for some Karaoke. When they entered, Kumagai greeted them.
“Welcome back Ono-san and Watanabe-chan!” She was so happy to see them. “I got some great news for you guys!” She said with excitement. She pulled a flyer out. “There’s a Singing contest this Friday and I think Watanabe-chan should try out!” She really wanted her to try. She loved her singing. It was what made her happy to come to work.
Sakura was curious about it. She looked up at Rini.
“I think that’s a great idea! You could win it with your voice!” Her eyes were sparkling!
Sakura could see they both thought she could do it. She wrote her answer down. “Why not? This is going to be fun!” Her face said it all!
It was Friday and they were at Saidaiji Ryokka Park. There was about 50 people shoe had signed up. Sakura got her lucky number, 42. The contest was about to start.
“Good luck Sakura-Chan!” Rini cheered!
It was a little slow with so many people. One by one, they would sing. Then it was her turn. She walked up to the stage. She took a deep breath and nodded to the crew. She choose ‘Dare Mo Wakara Nakute II (Toki No Wana)’ by Show-Ya.
She sung with passion like she always does. She also was dancing and enjoying herself. When the song ended, the park erupted! The judges gave her a perfect score! She was bowing and walked off the stage. Rini and the others attacked her with hugs! She was very embarrassed.
At the end the judges came to the stage. “Thank you all for singing for us! She said with a cheer. “Let’s give them another round of applauses!” The Crowd went wild! They announced the 2nd and 3rd place winners.
“And now for the Grand winner in 1st place is…” She pleased. The crowd went silent. “Sakura Watanabe!” She cheered. The whole park went crazy!
Sakura was standing on stage in Awe. She didn’t think she did anything different then the other singers.
“How do you feel?” She asked and put the mic to Sakura’s mouth.
Sakura was a little scared and used her note pad. “Thank you all for enjoying my singing. I’m so happy!” She showed it to the judge, who has a little confused. She read it to everyone. There was a loud cheer for her.
After everything was done, Sakura was with her family. The judge came by. “Is your voice feeling better now?” She asked Sakura with a smile.
She was a little complexed. She responded with her note pad. “It’s fine, thank you.” She smiled and bowed.
Everyone laughed. Now she was really confused. Rini came to her rescue. “Sorry about that. Sakura doesn’t talk to people. She’s a mute.” She said trying not to laugh again.
“But… she just sang for us..” She was trying to make sense of it.
“She only talks to family. She does even do that all the time ether.” She smiled and winked at her. Sakura smiled too.
“Ok… that’s different.” She was still trying to understand it. “Well, I’m Au Go from the NHK World, and I’d love to have you come on the show.” She handed Sakura her business card. “Would Tuesday be ok?” She asked.
Sakura looked at her mother. “That would be fine. Can Rini come with her? She can be her translator.” Emiko said.
Au looked at Rini. “She can use sign language.” She said with a smile. “Also, if you have her sing a song, She’ll be happy to do it.” Rini added with a wink.
Au finally laughed. “you are one weird kid. I like that.” She smiled. “I’ll see you Tuesday at 11 AM.” She waved good bye, and left.