Nothing seemed to calm Toki more than sitting under the shade of a big willow tree and watching the long thin strands of leaves sway back and forth with the wind. It was during these moments that everything came out in her mind. Ideas, dreams, memories or simple emotions. It was her personal quiet time, one that a kunoichi hardly ever experiences. But being a kunoichi, as well as the Hidden Leaf's adopted princess, meant very little time at all.
"You know, if you don't want to be found you shouldn't go to the same place every time."
Toki casually glanced over to the jounin slouching against the tree trunk with his nose stuck in what could only be the latest perverted book published by Uncle Jiraiya. Even though half of his face was covered by a mask, Toki could definitely distinguish the smile playing across his face. Having grown up with Kakashi, Toki could read his emotions better then anyone. However, Toki just credited to the fact that she was his adopted little sister and he showed her sides of himself that he only showed to few.
"You wouldn't turn me in now would you?" Toki said with a ghost of a smile. As much as she could read him, he could read her even more and knew that if she truly had been mad or upset she wouldn't have responded to him.
"I take it that your lessons with the Hokage have left you with many unanswered questions." Kakashi replied, not missing the fleeting confusion that crossed her face. Of course, he had been watching her a little while before he said anything and knew that she was deep in thought.
"It's just hard feeling like I belong anywhere. Ever since my fathers death I have been groomed as a diplomatic barter. I know that I will not be living the rest of my life in Konoha and that I will most likely be used for a marriage deal. One that will ultimately benefit Konoha. I just don't know what country I'll be going to. So, I don't want to have too many bonds here. It will make parting much harder but, at the same time I don't know where to start looking at in the future. Everyone has plans for things, but I'm too afraid to start making plans for fear I can't finish them when the time comes for me to leave."
At that, the Jounin calmly closed his book and sat down next to her. Even though that was all Kakashi did, Toki knew that he was trying to be comforting.
"I remember one time asking your father how he could handle not only being Hokage, but a single parent as well. You know what he said?" It wasn't until Toki's strong blue eyes locked onto his single visible eye that Kakashi continued.
"One step at a time Kakashi, one step at a time. However, my steps just happen to be a little farther ahead then everyone else's."
Toki couldn't help but laugh quietly. That was her father all right. Completely serious until the last moment.
"The point I'm trying to make Toki, is yes. You do need to plan for the future, but you don't have to be a few years ahead of everyone else. Just a few steps ahead. Besides, won't you be working the chuunin exam?
"I'm working the second test. Genma said that I should chew on a senbon to make myself look tougher."At that Kakashi gave a quiet chuckle and lifted himself off the ground. After helping Toki up, he pressed a light kiss on the back of Toki's hand.
"Don't go growing up too fast on me oneesan. There is still more I have yet to teach you."
With that Kakashi let go of her hand and walked towards the training fields to his students who were waiting to yell at him for his tardiness.
"By the way Toki, the Hokage would like to speak with you." And with that, Kakashi disappeared.
If there was anyone that Toki could count on to lift her spirits and clear a little of the mess that was called her life...it was none other than her sweet Kakashi.
"Thank you again...oniichan.."