Author's Note: Back to the present!

Chapter 12: Declaration

"Kohana?"

Kakashi's call jolted her out of her memories and she turned to her left to see the Jonin sprawled on the dirt floor.

"You spaced out."

She remembered his last words, and replied, "I really doubt that."

"Hmm?"

"That you can change."

Kakashi laughed.

"What?", Kohana grumbled, surprised by his amusement.

"I didn't expect you to believe me so easily, Kohana-chan", he answered before closing his eye.

She watched his figure. She remembered the old Kakashi very well. In his younger days, he seemed assertive, eager to prove his worth. But, this current Kakashi was beyond her imagination. He was no longer cold or tormented, but relaxed and assured. Furthermore, it was shocking to learn that he had a group of his own students, and she wondered what kind of teacher he had turned out to be.

"When did you quit Anbu?", Kohana asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"A while back."

"Why? I thought it suited you quite well."

"The 3rd relieved me of my duties as Captain."

He turned to face her, a small smile adorning his mask. "It's quite a relief, actually."

She gave him a questioning look.

"No more merciless killing or cold blooded decisions. It seems that I wasn't well suited for it."

She raised her eyebrow, showing skepticism.

"The Anbu are a select group of Shinobi who have unparalleled skills in combat and tracking. Naturally, I performed well", Kakashi explained, pointing to his nose.

He continued, "But, they are also rule bound, forced to complete missions even though it may spell their own death or that of their comrades."

He paused, trying to discern Kohana's thoughts, and finished quietly, "It became too taxing for me."

Kohana stared at him with wide eyes, and stuttered in disbelief, "Too t-taxing?"

Kakashi stood up and gave her a rare smile, "I can finally understand my father's decision. Obito helped me do that."

He then bent down and pulled up the stunned girl, "I think we need to get you back to the hospital, or Sakura will have my head on a plate."