I'll probably say this every time, but I don't think I can say it enough; thank you, truly, for all the favorites, follows, and reviews, for all the stories of course, but especially this one. The feedback has been great, and you guys seem really into the story, so that means a lot.

Also, in case you forgot, the last chapter eneded the first part of the story. This new chapters marks the time skip. Team 7, older Kokoa, and Akatsuki. And in a few chapters something pretty big happens, so I'm sure you'll enjoy that ;)

"You almost got him killed."

"I know, Kokoa."

"He could have died."

"I know."

"Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Kokoa, relax," Kakashi said.

"I am relaxed, despite the fact Sasuke is lying in a hospital bed." She crossed her arms.

"You may seem calm to anyone else, but I've known you long enough to know you're worried. You've changed a lot in recent years, but I can still read you like a book. He'll be alright."

"That's not the point. The point is that he almost died. He just made genin. He just joined the squad."

"Kokoa, we were given a basic C rank mission. Our client lied because he couldn't afford to pay for what it really was."

"Facing the demon Zabuza? A boy with a kekei genkai already so well developed? He's strong, but…"

"He is strong," he agreed. "And he's a shinobi. He'll learn, and he'll grow. You cannot hold him back."

"I don't mean to." She fell quiet.
"I know. You just worry. It's expected." He checked the clock. "I should go. I'll leave Sasuke to you."

"Sayonara, Kakashi-san." She walked over, gently sitting on the bed.

"Is he gone?"

"You're awake?" She blinked.

"Yup."

"Why hide from Kakashi?"

"Everyone's been hovering over me. I needed a break," he sighed.

"They were just worried. So am I. I hear the boy who hurt you didn't kill you because he was too kind. He hurt his heart for you. That doesn't happen too often out in the world. You're lucky to be alive, Sasuke."

"Yeah?" He knew the truth of the situation better than anyone.

"I'm glad you're alright," she whispered, folding her arms around him. His lips parted in surprise. He wrapped his own arms around her, playing with the tips of her hair. He eyed her black locks, saddened by the fact she had chopped it off. Once reaching her mid back, her silky ebony hair now fell just above her shoulders with a few strands falling across her face. With no one to dress up for and no motivation or drive, she cut her hair, making it one less thing she had to worry about. It saddened both Sasuke and Kokoa. Hair is an important part of a person and their expression. It was part of her femininity. However, she grew tired, and gave herself a dull hairstyle to match the dull and numbed person she had become.

"Are you crying?" he raised an eyebrow.

"No," she mumbled into his shoulder. "Almost, though."

"Hn."

"Sorry. I just…"

"Relax, Kokoa. I'm alive. Don't stress yourself."

"So casual and cool about being so near death. You're as badass as ever, or so you think." She playfully punched him.

"Go home and let me sleep," he pouted.

"Great way to treat the person who has taken care of and provided for you all these years. I'll remember this."

"Yeah, yeah." He waved her off.

"Night, Sasuke. Take it easy. I'll come by tomorrow."

"Arigato, Kokoa." He watched her leave, sliding the door shut behind her.

Kokoa quietly made her way down the white halls, basket in hand with her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Humph, whatever," Naruto grumbled, stepping out of Sasuke's room with his arms behind his head as always.

"Feel better, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura smiled, following the blond out. Kokoa paid no heed to them as they made their way up the hall towards her. The kid paused, turning slightly to see where the strange girl with the cold eyes was headed.

"Come here," Sakura whispered, dragging Naruto around the corner. Sticking their heads out slightly, they saw her enter Sasuke's room.

"She's visiting Sasuke. That jerk has friends?"

"Shut up, Naruto. Who is she?"

"How should I know?" He shrugged.

"I've seen her around a few times; mostly with Sasuke-kun and Kakashi-sensei," she said.

"Sister?"

"They don't look alike. I'm not sure, but if she's making moves…"

"Relax, Sakura-chan. Why stress over Sasuke when you can have me?" he smirked, pointing to himself.

"Alright, time to go," she spat, dragging him off.

"Ugh, more people?"

"Shut it," Kokoa snapped.

"I just want to sleep," he groaned.

"You have plenty of time to sleep. Besides, is this how you treat someone who has a basket of onigiri for you?"

"Thanks. You didn't have to." He sat up.

"I know, but it's your favorite."

"How lucky am I? You're not this nice to everyone, are you?" he snickered.

"Just you."

"I appreciate it, considering how you treat everyone else."

"What's that supposed to mean?" She raised an eyebrow.

"You're a bit…cold."

"You're one to talk."

"Can't blame us."

"You're the only person who sees this side of me. I'm not cold to others. I'm just…controlled."

"I know…ugh." He sat up, throwing the covers off.

"What is it?"

"I'm sick of this place. Take me home."

"Sasuke, you're in the hospital for a reason."

"I'm fine."

"I don't want you getting hurt."
"Kokoa, please? I just want to go home," he pleaded. Unable to refuse,

"Alright. Grab your stuff."

"Arigato."

"Hn."

"Dinner was great. I know it was only a few days, but I missed your food."

"It's good to be appreciated," she sighed.

"Everything alright?"

"Just tired, Sasuke. Sorry."

"I'm off to bed." He started off. She followed him after a minute or so.

"Sorry," she said, leaning in the doorway.

"For?"

"Your room is pretty small. To be fair, it wasn't built to be a bedroom. It worked fine when you were tiny, but not so much now. You're a lot bigger than you were then," she smiled softly.

"Can't say the same about you," he grinned.

"I grew!"

"Barely, Kokoa. It's ok though. You're a girl. Besides, that means I'll be taller than you soon."

"Yeah, you probably will."

"Don't worry about it."

"About what?" she inquired.

"The room. It's fine."

"I know there's nothing wrong with it, but it is pretty cramped, and you are a lot older. To be honest, the whole house feels kind of cramped, wouldn't you agree?" she sighed.

"Meh, maybe a bit, but it's nothing serious."

"Well, you can sleep in my room tonight," she offered.

"Why?"

"It's roomier, the bed is bigger, and you just got out of the hospital. Plus, I hear you put your sharingan to use against that Haku."

"But it's your room."

"If I didn't want you there, I wouldn't have offered. It's ok, really. You're tired. Get some rest."

"Thank you," he nodded, gathering his clothes. He headed for her room, shutting the door to change. Pressing his back against it, he let out a deep sigh.

'She's something else,' he thought. 'She's…she's good.'

"If you go through my things, I will know, and I will have my vengeance!" she called out.

"Yeah, yeah!"

"Smartass." She fell onto his bed. She wouldn't have to worry about him rummaging through her things. She figured he would for various reasons. Her belongings were safe, two in particular.

"Why so blue, Itachi-san?"

"Kisame?" He faced him.

"That Orochimaru snake is no longer here to chase after you. Cheer up, would you?" he snickered.

"Hn, he wasn't much trouble."

"Obviously, but I imagine it got pretty annoying, no?" he smirked. "We have a new task. Get some rest, and then gather your things. We leave soon."

"Hai."

"Are you sure you're better? I know it's been a few days, but…"

"I'm fine, Kokoa. I can't sit around. I need to get back to training."

"Alright. Try not to die."

"I won't make any promises," he smirked. Her smile faded.

"Eh – um be careful."

"Ah."

With nothing to do that day, Kokoa decided to check on Sasuke. Strapping on her headband and slipping into her shoes, she made her way to the training ground.

"Reading that book for the hundredth time?" she sighed.

"Hm? Me? No. This is the latest one," Kakashi looked up from the novel.

"He still writes them?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Of course! You know, if you gave them a try, I'm sure you'd love them."

"Maybe I would, but I won't risk it." She gave him a look.

"What brings you here? Visiting me while training, that's a first." He rose to his feet.

"Training? The boys are fighting, and that girl looks like she's about to cry," she pointed out.

"They have to learn how to get along. You think almost dying together would've done it, but after the Land of Waves, their teamwork and interaction has gotten worse. They're exhausting," he sighed.

"Whatever, Sasuke!"

"Usuratonkachi."

"Stop being so stupid, Naruto!"

"Sakura-chan!"

"Yeesh…you have a point," Kokoa shuddered.

"We're actually done for the day. I just wanted to see how long they'd keep fighting for," Kakshi laughed.

"And people think I'm the messed up one?"

"Not so much anymore."

"I wish. I'm as guilty as ever to these people. I still have issues leaving the house."

"I'm sorry, Kokoa. I really am."

"It's not your fault, Kakashi-san. Thank you for believing me, for being my friend."

"You're just lucky I like you, Kuroki,"

"Hn, yeah, yeah. Well I should I head off. I didn't cook, so I'm dragging Sasuke out somewhere."

"Sounds fun. I need to go finish this book. It's getting juicy! You're doing a good job…taking care of him. I know you see him as more of a precious friend than child you raised, but you did well. You still are. You're his rock," he smiled. She nodded, brushing the hair behind her ears.

"Sasuke," she called out. He stopped insulting Naruto to face her. "Come on. We're eating out."

"Yeah?" He walked over.

"Yup. Your choice. Just lead the way, and I'll pay."

"Who knew you could rhyme?"

"Shut up," she chuckled, tapping the back of his head.

"She showed up to practice? Who is this girl, and why is she so close to Sasuke-kun?" Sakura mumbled.

"I don't know, but she seems nice," Naruto said.

"Kind of weird."

"I like her."

"You don't even know her."

"Still. I can tell, I can tell," he nodded.

"Do you know her? Huh, Kakashi-sensei –" Sakura fell silent. He was gone. "Grr, where'd he go off to!?"

Kokoa fell to her bed, gazing up at the ceiling with half lidded eyes. Lying there, it was hard to feel. It was hard to feel anything anymore. She wanted it to be that way. She knew she had to in order to become a stronger shinobi and to avoid more suspicion from the villagers and elders; however, she also knew she was human, and she would react to things. She missed laughing and playing with Sasuke after his academy classes. She missed being teased by Gai and Kakashi. She missed being so innocent and naïve. There was no going back. Sasuke and Kakashi were the only two people who recieved any emotion or reactionfrom her. She had become numb to everything and everyone else.