Chapter 114 Nakajima Festival

"Xiaoyue Xiaoyue, the clothes are here!"

"clothing?"

"It's the dress I'm going to wear for the tour."

As Hiiragi Rinka was talking, Jiuhuayue looked up at the podium. Akai-sensei was standing under the clock that pointed to one o'clock. Fujii Itsuki and the few boys from the wind band brought in the cardboard boxes.

“I’m so looking forward to it!”

Not only Rinka, but the classmates around her were also discussing the styles of new clothes.

Everyone was a little worried, what if the custom-made designs by the school were too ugly?

Akai Muzi walked up to the podium, put one hand on her waist and held a roster in her right hand.

"Time is tight, the bus will be here soon, those whose names are called please come up to the stage to receive their clothes, from shortest to tallest, Sasahara Riloo!"

"Here, here, here, here! Here I come!"

Riro Sasahara finally squeezed out from the crowd of girls. She raised her hand happily, but suddenly realized something.

"Wait a minute, why am I the first one?!"

Everyone covered their mouths and laughed.

Akai Muzi on the stage also laughed.

"Okay, take it. This time, only you and Jiuhua have separate sizes for custom-made clothing. One is the highest and the other is the lowest."

".I-I'm so angry!"

"Next, Jujube Shirozawa!"

After Riro Sasahara stepped down from the stage, she hurriedly tore open the plastic bag and the female classmates around her gathered around her.

Unfortunately, Riro Sasahara was clumsy and not strong enough to tear it open.

"Lillo, hurry up."

"Yeah! Loli, everyone is anxious!"

"Who, who called me a loli!"

"No, you must have heard it wrong."

"That's not right! I didn't hear it wrong!"

"Here, take the scissors."

"You——! Humph. I'll let you off today!"

Sasahara Lilo was too lazy to argue with everyone, so she took the scissors from Yang Kui Chitose and cut open the plastic bag. Inside was a white short-sleeved shirt, an orange short skirt, and an orange and white shawl.

This is the performance uniform of the Jubei Wind Band.

Riro Sasahara reached out and spread out her clothes, and the girls couldn't help but praise her after taking a look.

"That's not bad."

"White and orange, they look very nice."

"The uniforms of the 'honor guard' seem to be different, everyone come and take a look!"

"Where there!"

"let me see!"

At this time, everyone immediately gathered to the other side.

A shy girl appeared in front of everyone wearing the uniform of the guard of honor. All the girls exclaimed "Wow!" almost at the same time, with stars in their eyes.

The short skirt with one small sleeve and a gradient white and orange color shows the girl's slender figure. Not only that, there is also a white chrysanthemum tattooed on the floating sleeve.

“This embroidery is so cool!”

"Like a foreign princess wearing white shoulders!"

"Wrong! It clearly looks like a female knight wearing roses and white gloves!"

"I envy the string section and the snare drum members so much."

The members of the marching string section were unable to participate due to equipment problems, so they were affiliated with Jiuhuayue's guard of honor in this Nakajima Festival and were responsible for dancing.

Rinka Hiiragi is among them.

Akai Muzi clapped her hands and signaled everyone to look at her:

"OK! The clothes have been distributed. Without further ado, everyone put on your clothes. The boys can go to the next classroom to change. We will gather at the playground in half an hour."

"Yes!"

"Teacher Fujii." Akai Muzi shouted with half closed eyes.

"Ok?"

"You're still here, do you want to change clothes with the girls?"

Fujii Itsuki laughed, and the girls laughed along with him.

However, many female students joked and shouted "It's Mr. Fujii, it's not impossible", which scared Fujii Itsuki so much that he hurriedly walked out of the classroom.

Fujii Itsuki went down to the playground first, and soon after, the girls from the wind band ran out of the club building in twos and threes.

The musical instruments were shipped to the Nakajima Festival site by a large truck yesterday.

After practicing formations on the playground for a while, the bus arrived and he organized the girls to get on.

On the bus, Fujii Itsuki reminded everyone of the precautions for this trip. The students listened attentively and collectively answered "Yes!" and cheered, asking Mr. Fujii to take this opportunity to encourage everyone.

Fujii Itsuki smiled and said that he didn't have any talent, but Yang Kui Chitose stood up very cheerfully and wanted to sing for everyone.

"A song to chase summer again! For everyone!"

"it is good!"

The streets are covered with mist after the rainy season

Street lights shining through the windows
Just like the moonlight, shining on us

Her singing voice poured out in the shaking bus. Fujii Itsuki, Akai Muko, Matsumae Shinharu and everyone sitting on the bus were applauding her.

The singing was clear and bright, but unfortunately it was soon drowned out by the noise in the car.

Rinka Hiiragi had a feeling that it had been a long time since she last saw him.

Just like the spring and summer trips of the past.
"Does Xiaoyue feel this way?"

"I?"

"Ah."

"No, I didn't go to a normal school since I was young. I never went on a spring outing or a school trip. For me, practicing various dance steps is everything in my life."

Jiu Huayue answered like this, looking forward. Her snow-white face was set off by the swaying green scenery outside the car window, making her look even more holy and beautiful.

Hiiragi Rinka thinks so too.

But she noticed that she seemed to have said something she shouldn't have.

Xiaoyue must have a painful memory in her past.

When we got off the bus, Nakajima Park was already crowded with people.

The route for the campus wind band parade had been planned in advance, with a one-kilometer-long avenue separated by a barrier strip between the urban area and the park.

All around are small stalls selling drinks.

Many cameras were aimed at the high school students who had already arrived here.

"So many people!" Yang Kui Chitose was stunned.

"Yeah." Matsumae Shinchun also said so.

"There's also the Jade Fox Festival in Tokyo. Didn't you see enough people?"

"Teacher Shu Fujii!" Yang Kui Chitose tilted her head and a smile appeared on her face.

"Teacher Fujii." Matsumae Shinchun bowed slightly and saluted.

"Yeah," Fujii Itsuki nodded to the two of them, "Hawaii-san, are you nervous now?"

"There are still some. How many schools are there here?"

"If we count ours, there are about 31 high schools in this Nakajima Festival. Although there are no awards, it can be considered a 'Hokkaido-level' event."

"31st school?!"

Fujii Itsuki smiled, "Nervous?"

"Well, I was wondering how difficult it would be to participate in the Hokkaido Tournament. I..."

Chitose Yangkui thought of herself.

I thought of the trumpet I often held in my hand.

The thought that I was responsible for the most powerful and unique trumpet solo in the entire orchestra doubled the pressure.

She thought so, suppressing her emotions, until a hand was placed on her shoulder.

"Chitose must believe in yourself."

"Brother Tree"

"I believe you too, Chitose."

Yang Kui Chitose smiled broadly, "Yes! Definitely!"

Akai Muzi was the last to get off the bus and began to count the number of people.

After confirming that everything was correct, she quickly organized everyone to move all the instruments off the truck. Some instruments, such as the Sun, were really big and heavy, and everyone was worried about these students just by looking at them.

"Everyone! Everyone! Gather!"

After getting their respective instruments, everyone quickened their pace and practiced in unison.

Fujii Itsuki stood by and watched the rows of students he taught.

They stood under the shade of the trees, marching in step and playing beautiful marches. The sun shone on their orange clothes, making their expressions and the golden instruments in their hands shine together.

There were also long voices coming from other high schools on the green lawn. After taking a break, Hiiragi Rinka listened to them and felt very nervous.

She has more confidence in the cello.

But she is in charge of the dancing stick here
What if I don’t dance well?
Suddenly, they fell down in the middle of the performance, which damaged the image of the entire Tachibana North Wind Ensemble.

You know, Ju Bei hasn't participated in the past few years.

The Tachibana Kita Wind Orchestra finally made it here under the leadership of Mr. Fujii and Mr. Akai.

"let's work hard together."

Hiiragi Rinka saw Jiuhuayue standing beside her. She looked even more reliable and beautiful in her performance costume.

After hearing this, Hiiragi Rinka couldn't help but clench her dancing stick in her hand and responded shyly:
"Well! Let's work hard together!" The rehearsal was over, and at this moment, clear and bright tones suddenly came from behind.

Along with this, there was also overwhelming cheers and applause from the audience.

Everyone looked over.

So is Jiuhuayue.

"What's happening here?"

"The Saint is here."

Rinka Hiiragi immediately noticed the team from the Holy Maidens' Academy following closely behind.

They were dressed in pure white, with white military caps, short skirts to match, and golden ears of wheat on their chests.

Their entrance was like that of stars, and as soon as they appeared, the surrounding area was filled with noise.

"Is this high school great?" Jiu Huayue also looked at them.

"Saint Maiden Girls' Academy. Yue-chan, did you see that? You's sister is in that team."

"Who?"

"The guy standing at the front of the honor guard, holding the flag."

"I saw it."

"Kokoharu-chan also studied in this school before. Holy Maiden is the best school for wind instrumental music in the whole of Hokkaido." Hiiragi Rinka didn't finish her words.

"Whether it's marching music or sitting music, they can always take the lead. They are nicknamed the 'White Devil'." Minister Aoyama Shoko took over the conversation, her eyes seemed to tell a story.

"minister?"

Hiiragi Rinka was puzzled, and Jiuhuayue also noticed the minister's gaze.

"We lost to them three years ago and never recovered."

Akai Muzi said loudly:
"Attention everyone! Get ready to enter! We will soon begin our final rehearsal! Don't be nervous, we don't need to perform beautifully, we just need to show ourselves! The unique style of our Orange North Wind Band!"

We, the Orange North Wind Band, have our own unique style.
During the last rehearsal before the parade, everyone was extremely serious, just like reviewing questions countless times before entering the examination room.

"Alright! One last tuning check! Everyone, get ready to go! Go for it!"

"Come on! Just be yourself."

Akai Muzi encouraged everyone, and Fujii Itsuki stood beside her and gave everyone a warm smile.

"Yes!"

"Jubei, come on!"

"come on!"

"You must do your best! We have come all this way, for our Tachibana North Wind Ensemble!"

Such sounds continue without end.

The parade officially began, and the two teachers watched this small team join the larger marching group of 31 groups.

"Looking at them, I feel like they are my own children." Akai Muko put one hand on her waist.

"Aren't they just kids?" Fujii Jyuya said with a smile, looking at the backs of the wind band club.

"What should I do? What should I do? I'm so nervous!" Riro Sasahara held a dance stick in her hand.

"Just don't worry." Matsumae Shinchun comforted her.

"But the Saint is in front of us, won't they steal all the limelight?"

"How can we possibly compete with the Saint in terms of popularity?"

“We haven’t attended the Nakajima Festival for many years.”

"It's okay!" Yang Kui Chitose said loudly, "Have you all forgotten what Mr. Akai and Mr. Fujii said to us!"

"Yes, didn't Akai-sensei and Fujii-sensei say that we just need to show our best."

"Ok!"

"That's right! Just be yourself! Who cares about that saint lady!"

"We are Ju Bei!"

"Taisho Tachibana No. 1 Women's College!"

"Hey, please consider the few boys in the team."

"Hahaha!"

Everyone laughed in unison.

"Jubei, come on!"

With a final pep rally, the parade officially began.

"Everyone, come in!"

Shoko Aoyama, who was at the front of the team, said this, and every member clenched their wind instruments and dance sticks.

The early morning sun stung my skin.

The countless gazes around seemed to drown everyone.

Although the place was filled with noise, everyone seemed to be able to hear each other swallowing saliva.

The team in front gradually walked away, and following the staff's instructions, everyone silently counted the pace of the march in their hearts.

one two three four.

Jiu Huayue, who was at the front of the team, closed her eyes and raised her ceremonial baton. The performance began as the trombone and drum sounded.

'Uncle, I didn't get elected. Are you disappointed in me?'

'Won't. ’

'Why. '

'I see you working hard for me, and that's enough.'

Jiu Huayue opened her eyes, put one hand on her waist, and while the ceremonial baton was flying in her hand, her face was facing the audience with a smile on her face.

She stepped forward with her long, high right leg. The sun shone on her.

Following her movements, the girls behind her also danced with the ceremonial batons in unison, and the wind instruments played, filling their eardrums with musical notes.

The Orange North Wind Ensemble began to march.

Rinka Hiiragi followed Jiuhuayue nervously. She paid attention to her movements and steps, fearing that any slight mistake would disrupt the rhythm of the entire team.

The Holy Virgin College was at the forefront of them, and their excellent level and performance won them the same applause and praise as in previous years.

Countless cameras were aimed at their pure white figure.

The Saint is at the front of the team, there is no doubt about it.

This will steal the limelight from Ju Bei, not to mention that Ju Bei is equivalent to a newcomer this year.

Rinka Hiiragi was very worried, and everyone was very worried too.

What if I am influenced by the Saint?
But everyone also noticed that Jiu Huayue, who was at the front of the team, had extremely precise dance steps, ceremonial baton, and movements.

She seemed completely unperturbed by the Holy Maidens' College.

In particular, the natural confidence that she exuded seemed to infect everyone behind her.

Jiuhua-san, your movements are so beautiful.

The members of the wind band at the back also seemed to be putting in their best effort, and they produced the sound with an extremely standard quality that excited the eardrums.

Rinka Hiiragi and other classmates were originally worried that the saint had stolen most of Tachibana Kita's limelight, but she was wrong, they were all wrong.

Because of Jiuhuayue's grace and the excellent performance of the wind instrument group, their performance was also extremely outstanding.

After the saint walked away, all the cameras were pointed at them.

"Orange and white performance costume?"

"It was a good performance."

"Why haven't I seen this school in previous years?"

"Look at the school emblem. Ah! It looks like Tachibana Kita. The school that was once known as the best in Hokkaido."

"It's actually Ju Bei?"

"Are you making a comeback? You haven't participated in previous years."

"Amazing!"

"The girl walking in the front is so beautiful."

"So tall, she can be a model."

“The performance was excellent, too.”

"So neat, I feel like I'm no worse than a saint."

Every audience look, every word of praise, and every camera pointed at the Tachibana Kita Wind Orchestra made Hiiragi Rinka and everyone in the wind orchestra stand up straight and walk in unison.

Pairs of snow-white thighs under short skirts kept moving alternately in the sunlight, heralding the light.

Even though the temperature was as high as 28°, and even though we were dancing, waving sticks, and holding heavy instruments all the way.
But the audience's gaze still created a burning sensation in everyone's mind.

I am being watched.

I am being watched.

I was standing on the stage.

Thinking of this, my head seemed to be dizzy.

I felt even more proud when I heard that someone recognized my school.

That’s right, we are the Orange North Wind Ensemble Club.

Even though we were behind the Virgin Mary's College and even though we had only practiced for a few months, we were still able to perform perfectly on the spot.

We have done our best.

Everyone was thinking this, with pride on their faces.

The physical fatigue and the difficulty of playing seemed to disappear. Every time a small part of the music ended, the members waved to the outside, receiving a thunderous applause. Then, under the leadership of the leader and Jiuhuayue, they repeated the music and movements again, over and over again.

Lifting legs again and again, sweating again and again, showing the most beautiful smile.

Even though she was very tired, her head was dizzy and stuffy from the sun, and sweat had soaked her hair and stuck to her face, but Rinka Hiiragi still felt very happy, and she felt the happiness on everyone's faces.

Everyone is recognized and applauded by the audience.

really
Our efforts have not been in vain!
This time, let’s just enjoy the cheers that come after all the hard work and effort!

(End of this chapter)