Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, just my OCs.
Pre-team 7…
After a long and productive day of training, the sun was starting to make its daily descent from the sky. And Kakashi watched from his place in the tree where he spent a good bit of his stamina climbing. The feeling of pride made itself known on his face. It was only halfway up the tree's full height, but he was successful in climbing without the use of his hands. He was excited to tell his father about his progress when he returned from his mission.
To mix things up a bit, he decided to take his training outside of the village. He was deep in the forestry and had lost track of time. When he readied to make his way down the tree, he lost his footing. Chakra and stamina were depleted and his reflexes weren't quick enough, his grip missed the branch and he started to fall.
The fall seemed longer than it was and he couldn't help but yell on his way down to the ground. He anticipated a harsh, rough, and painful landing but was surprised that it wasn't as bad as he thought. The sound of his cries masked a surprised squeal and a muffled "oomph".
He slowly peeked his eyes open – not realizing that he had closed them during the fall – and assured himself that no limbs were broken after executing some minor movements.
"Everything seems okay…" he muttered to himself.
"Will you please… get off of me?"
The voice was muffled and strained, which made it difficult for Kakashi to pinpoint where it came from. He lifted his head from the ground to look around where the voice had come from. It wasn't until he felt jostling coming from beneath him did his mind finally realize that he was on top of someone. His arms shakily raised his upper body and his eyes widened when they met irises that were a striking purple.
'A girl?'
His face flushed when he noticed how close their faces were; thankfully his mask hid it. "I-I'm sorry!" he apologized while hastily trying to get off her, but his arms gave out and gravity graciously pulled him back down; causing his forehead to collide into hers with a bruising force.
A whimper and an "ow" came from the small girl as he could only hiss in pain.
"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" Kakashi said through gritted teeth while still laying on top of her.
Fed up with his weight, the girl pushed him off her with all her strength and quickly sat up; taking in a deep breath while Kakashi laid sprawled out on the ground. He watched her rub her forehead with a scrunched face to try and ease the throbbing pain.
She looked to be around his age. Dark paints and a dark red shirt were tattered and marred with stains of dirt and grass. Her dark hair was messy with a short choppy cut; as if whoever cut it did it to maintain it from getting any longer – not for vanity purposes. And it was dirty.
After making sure that she didn't have injuries of her own, she frantically searched around the area; still lightly rubbing her forehead. Moving this way and that, she gathered the scattered flowers and plants from off the ground and placed them into a makeshift basket made of sticks.
Kakashi started to sit up but stopped when her shadow fell over him. He looked and found her standing over him with an intent stare.
"What…?" he said in a defensive tone.
Instead of answering, she kneeled and moved her hand to rest against his chest.
"H-Hey! Don't touch me!" he made to roll away but stopped when a blue glow started to emit from her hand and his exhaustion started to fade.
Kakashi couldn't help but stare in awe at the small girl before quickly noticing the swelling and red coloring on her forehead. He felt guilt again as he was certain a bruise would soon form and blemish her fair skin.
When her chakra dispelled, Kakashi slowly sat himself up; bearing his body weight on his arms again. He hissed in pain once more when a sharp painful sting ran through the nerves of his arm. He stuck it out and angled it to find a long cut along his upper arm with some chips of wood sticking out of it.
"That stings…" he muttered with a wince after pulling out a small splinter.
Before he could take out another, her small hand grabbed his hand and moved it away from the wound. He was about to question her again but stopped himself when he saw her pull out a small pouch from her basket. Opening it, she reached in and pulled out metal tweezers.
"Do not move," she commanded. When she was done removing all the splinters, her hands started to glow again but this time it was a green light that emitted from them.
He felt the warm feeling pool in his arms with it ending as soon as it started. She reached into her basket after dispelling her chakra and grabbed a handful of leaves and flowers before mashing them together against a rock. The plants were now in a state of a semi-solid and a semi-paste that she used to cover his cut.
"This will help the healing process while keeping it disinfected. It will wash off when you bathe."
"How old are you?"
"Four."
He was surprised again.
'To be able to do Iryō Ninjutsu at this age is beyond impressive'
He was revered and considered a genius – a prodigy – but even he wasn't as controlled with his chakra as she was.
'Yet'
"What's your name?"
When she didn't respond, he decided to introduce himself first. "My name is Hatake Kakashi."
There was a look of apprehension and uncertainty before she finally answered. "Jai…" she finally answered in a soft tone. "… Lee Jai."
Kakashi nodded. "What are you doing out here? We're pretty far outside the village." Realization fell on him when he remembered how late in the day it was. "I should head back now since it'll be dark soon."
He saw her eyes widen in…
'Is that fear?'
Then she looked at the setting sun and hurriedly grabbed her things. "I have to go," her voice sounding almost panicked as she ran off.
"Oi! You're going the wrong way!" Kakashi yelled at her retreating form. "The village is back the other way!"
But she was gone and Kakashi was in no condition to follow her.
She made it back to her camp before the sun was completely set. The simple lean-to she built was near a river this time, making sure it blended in well with her surroundings. After double-checking her traps, she got to work on her meal for the evening. Even though she was tired, she did her best to be alert.
The sun had set by the time she finished eating; the small campfire being her only source of light. Not sensing anything nearby, Jai figured this was a good time to treat her wound. She lifted her shirt to expose her right side and breathed a sigh of relief.
'It did not bleed through…'
The coloration of her skin around her herbal paste looked to be healing well. She grabbed the hollowed-out bamboo chute and carefully poured the water over her wound while gently rubbing off the old paste. It was nearly completely removed when she heard a rustle come from a nearby bush. Her whole body froze and the hollowed chute was quickly replaced with a sharpened rock.
She molded her chakra and caused the ground beneath her campfire to sink and engulf the hearth. With only the moonlight as her source of light, she waited and looked out into the surrounding darkness. The same bush rustled again, causing her anxiety to spike.
'Is he here?!'
There was definitely a wire there. Unless…
'Did he dismantle it?! Has he been watching me for long?!'
She readied her weapon. It couldn't be him because he would never be so careless as to rustle bushes. The bush moved a final time before a white lemming leaped out from behind it. she breathed a deep sigh after releasing a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
'Just a rodent…'
But then her relaxed demeanor quickly went back to being tense when she realized the color of the rodent's coat. Her heartbeat was so loud and fast that she could feel her pulse beating in her ears. Could he hear it too?
'Calm down…'
She told herself that fear and anxiety had no place here and closed her eyes while steadying her breathing.
'When one cannot rely on sight, the must rely on the other senses'
She could feel the breeze on her skin and through her short tresses, and her ears picked up the sound of the flowing river. Her eyes shot open.
'There!'
She threw her handmade knife and heard it collide against metal. Her eyes stayed closed as she waited for another sign. Turning her body sharply to the left, she brought up her arms and blocked a kick that was aimed for her head. Blue hue chakra emitted from her hands as she moved to touch the leg, but it was pulled away before she got the chance. The sound of feet landing back on the ground told her that he was no more than a meter away from.
"Do not think I will show you mercy because you are injured."
His deep voice intimidated her as it echoed through her camp. It was always during these exercises that made her fear him the most. Maybe it was just the exhaustion she was always feeling during these times, but she swore he was at his most vicious.
The ground started to quake before the earth started to clump and mold together to form a large imposing golem. At almost four meters tall, it loomed and towered over her child-sized frame. Upon the first glimpse, one would assume the earth structure would be slow, but she knew better than to think that.
The large golem lunged at her with one arm shifted into the shape of a stake. Jai increased her chakra into her hands as she waited for an opening. She leaned backward; dodging the swing of the golem's left arm as it swiped over her face and upper body. Standing back in an upright position, she brought her right hand down in a slicing motion and cut through the solid rock that composed the golem's right arm. Using the weight of her entire body, she punched the golem in its chest with a chakra infused strike.
Chunks came off from the golem's crumbling body as it took several steps back. But her opponent used that moment to charge. Using the falling debris as a cover, he saw her opening. He ran through the crumbling golem and used his chakra to blast the remaining falling debris back at her.
Her arms raised to protect herself from the oncoming rocks and rubble. With his plan perfectly executed, he contacted the side of her abdomen with a swift, open-palmed attack.
"Ah!" she cried out in pain.
He then thrust his other hand against her sternum.
"Urgh!"
She flew back and skidded across the ground on her back. She could feel the blood from her wound start to seep through her shirt and a strong stinging sensation coming from her back. Her eyes were still deprived of proper light, but her ears heard him charging. She formed seals and brought the palms of her hands to the ground.
The surrounding terrain shot up to encompass her in a metal dome. He ceased his charge when he saw the barrier erect around her and sneered. "Do you honestly think you have enough chakra to sustain this level of Ninjutsu and heal yourself?"
She stayed silent. The fight was over – she knew that – but was too scared to come out.
"Have it your way then."
Suddenly, every muscle in her body started to instantly cramp up as a searing pain coursed throughout her entire body. She wanted to scream but the muscles in her jaws wouldn't move and stayed tightly clenched. The metal dome turned back into the earth as it collapsed around and on her.
His sandal covered feet entered her vision and she made a point to avoid his leering graze. He looked down at her when he dispelled his lightning with a strong look of disappointment in his dark brown eyes.
"Get up," he harshly commanded as he stood over her with a dangerous aura around him.
She kept the pressure on her wound and made no sudden movement to follow his command.
"Do not make me repeat myself," he warned.
"But… there is… so much blood…" she panted.
His gaze narrowed into impatience. "The enemy will not show you any mercy, so why should I?"
She slowly got to her feet, much to her body's rejection. Her purple eyes finally met his own with reluctance. He merely scoffed at her pitiful state.
"Clean yourself up," he commanded in his usual cold and emotionless demeanor. "I expect you to have learned from your weakness."
She shamefully nodded. "… yes, otōsan…"
Sakumo chuckled to himself when he heard about the little girl that healed his son in the woods.
"She must be very talented to be able to do Iryō Ninjutsu – may be more talented than you, Kakashi!" he teased.
Kakashi only stared at his father in indifference.
"She seems like a sweet girl – especially since she still healed you after you fell on her. Make sure you thank her properly the next time you see her, Kakashi."
But three weeks would go by before his path would cross again with the girl named Jai.
His lessons at the Academy were over for the day, and he was now walking home at a leisure pace. His usual path made him walk along a river. But this time was different because this time he noticed a familiar figure sitting in the grass of the riverbank. At first, he had to do a double glance since he wasn't sure it was her.
Her hair was still choppy, but no longer messy and dirty, and her clothes weren't tattered or riddled with dirt and grass stains. But the main difference was her demeanor. When he first met her, she was tense and anxious. Now, she looked relaxed and calm. She was sitting on a large blue blanket and holding a thick book that looked aged with its yellowed pages. And instead of the basket that was made of sticks, a neater and nice wicker basket was nearby.
She must have felt him staring because she looked up from her book and turned her purple eyes to look directly at him.
"Hey… Jai…" he awkwardly greeted.
Her eyes were wide – as if she couldn't believe he was there. "Hello…" she returned just as awkwardly. "… Hatake-san."
With nothing more to say and thinking that everything was all said and done, she grabbed an apple from the basket and went back to reading. Kakashi could only just stand there before remembering what his father said.
"Um…" he cleared his throat to recapture her attention. "… I didn't thank you when you healed me… so… thanks…"
"You are welcome."
They continued to linger in awkward silence. Was she supposed to ask about his wounds? And was he supposed to keep the conversation going? Did he even want to? It's not like they are friends. And it's not like he even wanted to be friends… but…
He continued to stare at her – studying her. Then the book's title caught his attention but he couldn't read all of it, and before he knew he was even saying it, the question just slipped off his tongue.
"What are you reading?"
She kept her thumb in place before closing the book to show him the cover.
"That's advanced stuff. Can you even comprehend all that?"
"If I could not comprehend it, I would not be reading it," she retorted back bluntly.
He ignored her tone and asked another question his curiosity getting the better of him. "Are you enrolled at the Academy?"
When she shook her head, he was surprised. "You should consider it. you'd get accepted easily – especially considering your skills in Iryō Ninjutsu."
Jai remembered mentioning it to her father once, but he instantly denied her request. He told her that the teachers there weren't skilled enough to handle her talent.
"They would only impede your potential"
"My father does not want me enrolled."
"Why not?"
"He said the instructors would only impede me."
His stare narrowed as her words sunk in.
'Just how powerful is she?'
He was about to ask the question that was on his mind before a sweet voice called out his name.
"Rin…"
A girl with short brown hair and purple markings on her cheeks ran up to him with a bright smile on her face. Hazel colored eyes beamed up at Kakashi when she reached him.
"A group of us are meeting up for dangos! Wanna join?"
"Sure," he casually responded then turned back to Jai. "wanna come?"
Rin peered around him with a questioning gaze then realized that he was not alone. She lightly blushed when she noticed the stranger had a very pretty face. "You're welcome to join us," she said with another bright smile.
Jai quickly dropped her gaze and started to collect her things. "I cannot." She stuffed everything into her basket and stood. "I have to go." And with that, she left.
"He a friend of yours?" Rin said when shew knew Jai was well out of earshot. "… He seems a bit strange…"
Kakashi nodded. "We're not really friends… also, he's and she."
"Really?!" Rin blushed again but this time it was out of embarrassment.
While they walked, Rin had begun to ask questions but was unlucky in receiving any real answers.
Growing up, her father always told her that she didn't need to waste her time trying to form and build relationships with anyone because it would only lead to suffering. He raised her in what he believed a true shinobi should be because that's what she was going to be. Because that was her only option.
She assumed it was why he treated her the way he did. Affection and praise were nonexistent in their relationship. One can't love if they don't know what it is, and attachment to anyone or anything is a weakness that can be exploited.
She messed up with the boy named Kakashi. But then told herself that it wasn't her fault. He had literally fallen on her. Like how an apple falls from a tree. She just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. That he would surely forgive… she hoped at least. But as for her healing Kakashi…
'He will not be as forgiving…'
She thought their paths would never cross again after that day, but her certainty was crushed when he approached her the previous day while she was reading. The feeling of disbelief was indescribable. Shock shot down her spine as she couldn't fathom that they had indeed met again.
He greeted her and she awkwardly reciprocated. She hoped that that was the end of it and he would continue on his way but was disappointed that he didn't do just that. Instead, he lingered then thanked her for healing him which then led to questions.
Her father always told her that a true shinobi can be invisible without being invisible. But this Hatake Kakashi had noticed her sitting there while everyone else had simply walked by. It was a strange experience. One that she had been prepared to deal with, and it was daunting. When that girl appeared, she saw a perfect opportunity to leave. She hoped to leave undetected but failed and did the next best thing: she ran away.
She decided that she wouldn't tell her father about these incidences. Him being a believer that the fewer people that knew about them the better. She chalked it up to mild paranoia from his years as a shinobi. And it wasn't like she and Kakashi would cross paths again.
But she was wrong. So very wrong.
Before leaving for another mission, her father told her to acquire as many books as she could on the topic of Taijutsu. After leaving the library with books stacked up to the tip of her nose, a tote hanging on one shoulder while her basket hung on the other, she carefully headed to her usual spot by the river.
It wasn't until she passed by a bakery when someone yelled, "Hey! Look out!" and she suddenly found herself face down on the ground with all her books scattered across the ground.
"Watch where you're going…" a voice groaned next to her.
Jai also groaned and raised herself onto her hands and knees. "But you were the one who ran into me…" she mumbled while collecting her things.
"She's right, Kakashi," a deep and warm voice said. "you knocked her over."
Jai paused when she heard his name and quickly raised her head from her kneeled position.
'It cannot be…!'
But it was. The young Hatake was standing over her with her basket in hand before he noticed that it looked familiar. "Jai?" he looked down at her.
"You again?"
Sakumo had now walked over with the remaining books. "Did you say "Jai", Kakashi?"
He was tall and handsome, with silver hair that stood in different directions like his son. From what she could see of Kakashi's face, she could tell that they had the same eyes. But as for his smile, she wasn't sure if father and son shared it.
"Yeah."
The Jōnin took in her appearance and confirmed it was her when he noticed her eyes. And then he smiled at her. She was entranced by it; never had she ever been a recipient of such warmth. And she knew why.
'Because something like that can be addicting'
"So, you're the one that Kakashi has told me about!" he beamed and his smile got wider and… warmer?
'Can such a thing be possible?'
It must be because she was witnessing it firsthand. She quickly got up from the ground and slid her tote back onto her shoulder before bending down to pick up the books.
"He didn't tell me that you're such a cutie!" Sakumo continued with a cheeky grin. "No wonder he keeps running into you!"
Jai didn't think she could handle any more of this… this niceness. First, it was his warmth, now it was his pleasantness.
"It's not like that!" Kakashi said with light frustration. "They're all unintentional encounters!" he said defensively.
Sakumo ignored his son's outburst. "He also told me that despite your age, you're very talented in Iryō Ninjutsu. Tell me," he bent down to her level. "who are your parents?"
"My father…" she almost didn't answer but his name passed through her lips before she could stop herself. "… Lee Norio."
"You're Norio's daughter?" Sakumo was truly surprised. "I didn't even know he had a daughter…" his warm smile came back. "You must be very skilled like him then, ne?"
'Strong like otōsan?'
Did Kakashi think she was strong? Was that what he told his father?
'No'
She quickly disposed of her thoughts. She was nowhere near her father's skills. Grabbing the remaining books from Sakumo, she made to leave. "I have to go." These people were a danger to her wellbeing. And the danger would only increase the longer she stayed around them.
Before Sakumo could say anything else, Jai had quickly left.
"Yeah…" Kakashi said. "… she does that a lot."
"You didn't give her the basket," Sakumo pointed at the item that was still clutched in his son's hand. "Go return it to her."
Kakashi held it out to his father. "You do it. She's weird."
"Now, now, you were the one who knocked her over. And you can't be so quick to judge her – especially since you don't know her."
Kakashi huffed. "Fine..." he then turned and headed in the direction she left at a very slow pace; already knowing where she would be.
"And make sure you apologize to her!" Sakumo yelled to his son's retreating form.
A long sigh blew through her lips when she realized she had forgotten her basket.
'My lunch was in it…'
She decided that after she found her basket that she would just go home and read there. When she was about to pick up all her books again, Kakashi's voice called out to her. He stood afar with her basket in hand and a bored expression on his face.
"Here," he held it out for her to take.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Like before, the two of them were once again enveloped in awkward silence as they stood before each other; both refusing to meet the other's' eyes. Jai wanted him to leave. She had more than her fair share of his unwanted company. But Kakashi couldn't leave until he apologized.
"You can leave now."
"Don't carry so much stuff."
They spoke at the same time again, which caused them to cross their arms and sharply turn their heads. Making sure to avoid looking at her, Kakashi directed himself by glimpsing at the titles of the books that were now stacked in the grass.
"Taijutsu? And the different styles?" he continued to read the other titles. "Taijutsu combined with Bukijutsu…" he turned his head to look at Jai. "Why are you reading all this? Last time you were reading about poisons and antidotes."
'What does she plan to do with all this knowledge?'
"I finished."
"You have to read all those books?"
"No, my otōsan heavily encourages that I learn as much as I can when it comes to the shinobi arts."
"What for? You said your father doesn't want you enrolled in the Academy. Seems like a waste to me."
"He says that my skills will speak for themselves when the time comes."
All he could do was stare in bewilderment. What did that even mean? Was her father a high-ranking shinobi? Or did he have friends in high places? Kakashi didn't know, but what he did know was that every time he sees this girl, she becomes an even bigger enigma than before.
"Well, good luck with that…" he said half-heartedly. "I just came to return your basket and since I've done that, I'm going to leave now."
Kakashi pushed his hands into the pockets of his pants and started to walk away.
His curiosity got the best of him. When he returned home, he asked his father what he knew of the man named Lee Norio.
"Not much," he said from his place by the stove. "I've never worked with him, but I've heard some things."
What Sakumo did know was that Lee Norio is one of the best medic-nins within the village with impressive mission stats. His notoriety sounded like it could rival Sakumo's. Comrades described him as fiercely loyal and resourceful, as well as strong and dependable; a man that anyone would want on their side but would hate to have as an enemy.
With his background in Iryō Ninjutsu, he was a major asset for missions and his technique for being able to manipulate a skill that was meant to be used to save lives into a skill that could kill made him even more impressive.
Sakumo had heard from fellow shinobi that Norio had single-handedly killed ten men at once without a single drop of blood being spilled. Another tale was of Norio slicing a man in half using only his hands.
"But that's all I know. Why the sudden interest?"
"No reason… just curious."
"Does this have anything to do with Jai?" Sakumo asked in a teasing tone after he flipped the large fish over to fry on its other side in the skillet.
"Yeah," Kakashi admitted. "She's…"
"Cute?"
"No, she's-"
"Pretty?"
"You're joking, right?"
"What? She is."
Kakashi rolled his eyes. Pretty wasn't the word he would have used. The color of her irises was pretty but the size of her eyes seemed too big for her face. Then he thought about her hair. It was obvious how thick it was and the dark color seemed to stand out even more against her pale skin.
'But that haircut!'
It was short like a pixie-cut and severely asymmetrical. Kakashi continued to give Sakumo a cynical look. "She's just sad to look at. And she's so scrawny – even more so with those over-sized clothes she always seems to be wearing."
"You're just not mature enough to see it," Sakumo chuckled. "They say the flowers that take the longest to bloom tend to be the prettiest. You'll see, Kakashi."
The young Hatake paid little mind to his father's words and just finished setting the chabudai for dinner. Soon after, father and son were sitting and eating; the atmosphere was warm and homey as they talked about anything and everything.
And during that exact moment, on the opposite side of the village, Jai was eating dinner as well. But unlike the Hatake men, she ate alone, like she often did, in a house that always seemed dark and empty.
The rain was an unpleasant surprise for Jai. While doing some shopping at the village's market district, the sky had suddenly darkened as the clouds turned gray and looming while they blocked out the sun. Soon after, a strong wind blew. Lightning flashed and streaked across the sky before it was followed by thunder.
She did her best to cover her basket to keep the loaves of bread from getting wet while she ran and searched for cover from the sudden downpour. All the awnings she tried were already occupied and overcrowded with other villagers. She briefly considered running home, but quickly changed her mind when she saw a large tree that wasn't too far.
By the time she made it under the safety of the tree's thick canopy, she was drenched. Placing her basket down, she went about to get the excess water off her person. After squeezing out as much water she could from her hair, she moved onto her clothes before shaking her arms.
"Ah- oi!"
Jai turned around to the base of the tree but was puzzled when she saw that no one was there. Looking up, she saw who it was that had cried out and she couldn't help the incredulous look from forming on her face. In one of the lowest branches sat none that than Hatake Kakashi: the boy she was never supposed to see again.
He looked down at her in agitation after wiping his face. "Watch what you're doing!"
"Sorry, I did not know you were here."
Kakashi huffed and rolled his eyes then twisted his body so that his back was resting against the tree's trunk. His eyes closed and his arms were folded across his chest as he continued to ignore Jai's sudden intrusion. He had just finished training and was on his way to get a small quick meal that would last him until it was time for dinner when the rain came.
They waited in silence for the rain to stop. During that time, Jai started to get hungry. She pulled her basket closer and grabbed a large apple. Using her shirt, she wiped it down before taking a bite of the sweet and juicy fruit. After her second bite, the juice had managed to slide down her cheeks before she wiped it away. As she was about to take a third bite, a gurgling noise tore through the silence that lingered between them.
'GUUUUUUUUR'
There was no mistaking it. Her purple eyes quickly fell on Kakashi where she saw him sharply turn his head to avoid her stare. "I-It's nothing!" he stuttered in embarrassment.
'GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUR'
His cheeks reddened even more behind his bask when his stomach only grew louder. "I-Ignore that!" he commanded.
Jai continued to stare at Kakashi in indifference before she reached back into her basket to grab another apple. "Here," she said and tossed it to him.
Reflexively, Kakashi effortlessly caught the apple with one hand. When he realized what it was, he was surprised by her generosity. "Thanks," he muttered and copied Jai's actions in wiping it down.
"You are welcome," she said as she continued to eat her apple.
Before Kakashi knew it, he had devoured his apple and was still hungry. Jai must have felt the same since she started to eat one of the loaves of bread. She felt his stare and turned to him. Kakashi quickly averted her eyes and pretended he never wavered from his impassive attitude.
He watched her tear the loaf in half from the corner of his eye and assumed it was to save the other half for later but he was wrong. She looked back up at him with her purple stare and held up the larger half of the loaf.
"Would you like some?"
"It's fine. I can wait for the rain to stop."
She was suddenly in front of him on the thick branch, causing him to lean back further into the bark of the tree's trunk.
'When did she…?'
She was fast. One moment ago, she was below him on the ground, and now she stood over him.
"You need to eat something after training to replenish your energy."
"How did you know I came from training?"
"I can sense your chakra pathways. You are also covered in dirt and your knuckles and hands are red with minor abrasions."
'Fast and perceptive…'
She held the bread out for him to take. "With the way the clouds look, I do not think the rain will be ending any time soon."
He was still stunned but he slowly took it. "Thanks," he mumbled. "I'll pay you back."
"Do not feel obligated to." She jumped down to the ground where she sat at the base of the tree.
Kakashi started to eat the bread as he muddled over his thoughts; peering down at Jai now and then. Every time he crosses paths with her, he always ends up leaving with more questions than answers and a curiosity that only seems to grow. When he looked down at her again, he saw that she was reading another book to pass the time.
"What are you reading now?"
"My otōsan told me to study Seishitsu Henka."
"More advanced reading… don't you ever do anything else besides read?"
"I do what my otōsan tells me to do."
Everything that came out of her mouth always revolved around him: her otōsan. "Does he tell you what to eat too?" he mockingly asked.
"Yes."
And she was serious when he looked at her in disbelief.
"Seriously?" he asked, though he was starting to realize that this girl probably didn't know how to joke.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"A proper and healthy diet is necessary for a shinobi."
"Does he cut your hair too?"
"Yes."
"And you're okay with the way it looks?"
"Should I feel any other way? It is just hair. It grows back."
He didn't know why, but a part of him was becoming frustrated with her responses. Maybe it was because he was starting to realize just how controlling Lee Norio was, and that irritated him. Jai had potential and lived in a world of opportunity, but she didn't care because of her father. Or maybe it was because she was unaware?
He jumped down and was now standing over her with a look Jai couldn't describe.
"I'm pretty sure I know the answer but I'm going to ask anyway… has he ever asked you what you want?"
Her head tilted to the side in confusion. "In regards to what?"
"Anything. Everything. Hasn't anyone ever asked what you want, Jai?"
"What I really want?"
"You're always going on about how you're going to be a kunoichi for the village, but is that what you want? Or is it what your otōsan wants?"
No, her father had never asked her what she wanted. Becoming a kunoichi was all she ever knew because that was the best thing to do; to devote her life to the village. There was no better honor than that. At least, that's what Norio always told her. Being asked that question made her realize that she honestly didn't know what she wanted.
'Because I have never wanted for anything'
"It is not about what I want. My otōsan has already laid out the plans for my life. All I must do is listen and follow his instructions."
Kakashi thought the words sounded rehearsed.
"And… this is all that I am good at."
He had to agree with her. She was good. More than good.
'Probably better than me…'
"I'm sure you've got other talents."
"I am a quick learner – that is what my otōsan says."
He realized how frustrated he was getting with the relationship between Jai and Norio. To him, it was a controlling relationship but to Jai, maybe it was simply adoration.
"You must really idolize him, huh?"
"He is a great shinobi."
"And that's why you allow him to control you so much?"
"He is my father. He is the only family I have. He is all that I have. To disobey him would make me an ungrateful and defiant daughter," she repeated.
There it was again. There was no passion, no emotion, no fluctuations of tone in her voice when she spoke. Like a robot or a broken record.
'Do you even love your father?'
He wanted to ask but feared the answer he would get. He was pretty sure he knew what it would be, and he didn't want to be right.
'It's not my place to question either…'
"Hatake-san," Jai stood and indicated for him to turn around. "the rain has stopped."
She was right. The rain did stop but the clouds were still ominous. He'd never really been called in such a formal manner, he almost thought she was talking to his father. She picked up her basket and was about to leave before Kakashi called out to her.
"Jai…"
"Yes?"
"I…" He wanted to tell her that she should live for herself, that it was okay to be selfish and indulge. "… thanks for the food."
Once more, he told himself that it wasn't his place to interfere.
"You are welcome, Hatake-san."
"Kakashi is fine."
She nodded and left.
After that rainy day, a month would go by before they crossed paths again. It wasn't until after two weeks of her being absent from her usual place by the riverbank, did he start to wonder where she was.
Three more weeks went by until he finally saw her familiar form sitting by the riverbank again. The feeling of relief fell over him the closer he got.
"Hey, Jai- what happened to you?"
Her right cheek was covered by gauze with visible discoloration around the bandage while her upper right arm was heavily bandaged as well. She seemed scrawnier since the last time he saw her and there were clear signs of exhaustion around her eyes. Red lips that were normally smooth, were now chapped with a split on one side, and her chin was purple due to bruising.
"It is nothing…" she mumbled and tried to bury her face further into her book.
He pushed the book down. "This isn't nothing. You look like someone used you as a punching bag," he growled out. "Was it your father?"
"Why do you care?"
He didn't respond because he didn't know how to answer her. Why did he care?
"Because I'm your friend."
Somehow, she had managed to find a place in his heart. What was even more surprising was that he was okay with it.
"Otōsan says that I do not need friends."
This was getting old. "Don't you hang around other people besides him?"
She shook her head.
"Pets?"
She shook it again. "Aside from otōsan, the only other person I have had a full conversation with is you."
"Aren't you lonely?"
"If I am, I do not notice it."
Who thinks like that? Looking at her, she honestly didn't seem to mind being alone, but he couldn't tell – she barely showed any emotion. She was so… lifeless. He couldn't help but compare her to a porcelain doll – a raggedy porcelain doll that had been mishandled.
"Haven't you ever thought about changing that?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Otōsan says that, in the end, having friends and relationships will only lead to sadness and despair."
He gave her that look again, the look when they were under the tree. It wasn't sadness or anger in his eyes.
"I feel sorry for you."
Pity. That time and this, he looked at her with pity. And she was perplexed by it. "Why?"
"You're living such a deprived life, and you don't even know – you can't see it. You can't see it because you've been conditioned to ignore it. And that just makes me pity you even more."
"The intonation of your voice indicates that I am an unfortunate person. You are correct that there are deprivations in my life. I have compared myself to other children that I have seen around the village – even you, Hatake-san. My upbringing is very different compared to yours and everyone else, but I cannot bring myself to complain about it."
"Why not?"
"Because I know that somewhere, whether they are in this village or another land, someone else is living a life that is far worse than mine. I have no wants because I already have everything I need."
"That doesn't mean you deserve a life like this," he stressed to her wounds.
"It is not as bad as it looks," she said. "It is all part of my training. I have also learned from my mistakes and will be better prepared for next time."
There is going to be a next time? He suddenly recalled how they met. "Then… that time when I fell on you – in the forest – you were training too?"
"Yes."
"How often do you do them?"
"Once a month."
And it was always in a different place. Sometimes she would remember falling asleep in her bed, and when she would wake, she'd find herself somewhere outside in the middle of the forest, or the mountains. Sometimes it would just be the clothes on her back, and other times she'd be fortunate to have a kunai. Either way, she had to survive in a harsh environment until her father would decide to attack.
"Jai…"
"You do not need to worry about me, Hatake-san," she said. "Everything will be alright."
With that, there was nothing more he could say.
Jai had done her best in trying to make sure that her path would never cross Kakashi's again, but her attempts proved futile. She had yet to mention any of it to her father and had no intention of ever telling him. If he ever found out, she knew the consequences would be dire. The punishment for breaking the rules was much harsher than her keeping a secret.
But then came the day when she and her father crossed paths with Kakashi and Sakumo. The older Hatake was the first to notice them.
"Jai!" Sakumo greeted with his usual friendly smile. "Lee-san."
Her spine straightened when she heard him call out her name; feeling her father's intense glare on her.
"You are aware of her, Hatake-san?"
"Oh? You know my name?"
Norio nodded. "You are Konoha's White Fang."
Sakumo sheepishly smiled. "I'm very flattered, Lee-san! I've heard many exciting stories about you as well."
"I wasn't aware Jai had been spending time with anyone."
"It's not like that…" Kakashi said.
"Actually, my son here," Sakumo rubbed the top of Kakashi's head. "met Jai when he accidentally fell from a tree and landed on her. And despite that, she healed him and gave him basic medical aid."
"Is that so?" Norio said.
Jai wished Sakumo would stop talking. Every word that came out of his mouth only dug her into a deeper hole. "Yes, but it was a coincidence-"
"Quiet, Jai," Norio commanded.
She immediately did what she was told and looked down. Kakashi paid close attention to how father and daughter interacted. He saw her eyes widen on horror when Sakumo saw them and then there was fear in her eyes when Sakumo talked about their first encounter.
"We should get going," Kakashi suggested.
"Oh… right," Sakumo said. "It was nice to finally meet you, Lee-san. Maybe Kakashi will see Jai at the Academy."
Norio kept an impassive look on his face and just gave Sakumo a nod. "Perhaps. Come, Jai," he commanded again.
"H-Hai." She bowed to them before following her father.
When they were out of earshot of Kakashi and Sakumo, Norio finally spoke. And there was no mistaking the anger in his voice. "Tell me, was it just that one time you met the Hatake boy?"
Her secret was out now and lying would only anger him more. "No, but the other times have all been unintentional-"
"Quiet. I will deal with you when we return home."
Her breathing hitched as fear chilled and traveled down her spine. She could only guess what her punishment would be now.
Late that night, after Jai collapsed from her Genjutsu punishment. Norio left the house and made his way to deep under part of the village.
"So, she's developed a relationship with the son of Konoha's White Fang."
Norio kneeled before a tall figure. An elderly man with bandages over the right side of his face stood stoically with a cane in one hand.
"Hai. It does not appear that anyone else is aware of her. Shall I dispose of them?"
"There's no need for that right now. She's picked who she needs to kill when the time comes." The elderly man smiled in satisfaction. "It won't be long until she joins my division. I hope she exceeds my expectations after I entrusted her to you, Norio."
"She will, Danzō-sama.
