"Kiko. Might I have a word?" It's framed as a polite request but I know it is anything but.

Once again my good mood flies out the window. I think today has had more ups and downs than the entirety of my second existence. I've slowly become more emotive since Naruto barged into my life and I can't tell if it's a good thing. Especially considering the company Naruto seems to bring in his wake. Of all the people who could be on Naruto's team, of all the people who could be his sensei, it has to be him. Damn it. I'd hired a genin team to get rid of a chunin nuisance in my life, only to get their jonin sensei nosing his way in there instead.

I take a steadying breath and nod in the direction of the back work room. He follows me in and closes the door behind him. No doubt an intimidation tactic. Asshole. Leaning against the counter I cross my arms and wait for him to start. He doesn't. I wait. Hatake stands slumped, hands in his pockets and stares at me.

I clench my hands around my arms. "I'm not telling him." I finally break the silence. "So you can stop wasting both our time an leave."

"Mah," Hatake drawls pulling out his book, "tell who what?"

My tense posture goes lax in surprise and confusion. I was so sure- I'd thought- "Then… what do you want?"

He hums in response. "Just to get to know my cute little genin's favorite Kiko-nee. Naruto is quite enamored with you, you know." He raises a silver brow. "How did that happen?"

Realization hits and I give Kakashi a deadpan stare. "Does this happen to every adult who gets close to Naruto or just me because of who I am?"

He lazily turns a page in his book. "Does what happen?"

"Get interrogated on my intentions toward your precious little jinchuriki."

Hatake stiffens ever so minutely and I can only tell because a finger curls on the spine of his book. "Why would you think that's what this is?" His tone is casual, uncaring, but I can tell that he's not.

"Just because I'm civilian doesn't mean I'm ignorant or an idiot." I feel like I should write this on my forehead for how often shinobi tend to forget it. "I know what he is, what he means to the village and what people think of him. Given the circumstances you obviously don't think I'm harmless or else why else would you be here? And don't give me some crap about wanting to meet your student's loved ones. Naruto said you've turned down every invitation Sakura gave you to meet her parents."

"You're pretty paranoid for a civilian, Kiko. What are you trying to hide?" Kakashi diverts.

"You already know what I have to hide." I retort with irritation.

He hums noncommittally. Over the top of his book Hatake pins me under an appraising stare. "You're different Kiko. Why has Naruto succeeded where Obito failed?"

I give him an incredulous look.

Hatake misconstrues my silence and offers up his own guesses. "Is now just better timing? Or does it only have to do with lineage?"

I shake my head. "Neither. Naruto is just in a class all his own. I can see where your haunted, guilt-ridden mind might see a parallel, but really the two aren't all that much alike."

Hatake snaps his book shut with a shrug, but I can tell he is uncomfortable. "If you say so." We've strayed into personal waters and so as always, Hatake takes this as his cue to leave. What a hypocrite.