Chapter 9: Without Permission

Kohana stared at him in disbelief.

"You're my therapist?"

"Sakura asked me. I couldn't say no to her. I'm her sensei."

Kohana glared at him, "What makes you think that I would spend even a minute with you? I'd rather suffer alone."

Kakashi sighed, "I won't force you. But, when Sakura finds out, she will want to know why you refused me. You haven't met my students, yet; they're quite nosy."

"Your point?"

"I'd rather keep our affairs between the both of us."

Kohana scoffed, "So they can't find out how cold-hearted you really are."

"Or how stubborn and petulant you can be."

Kohana's eyes flashed in anger. Before she could retort, a hefty woman walked in with a cart full of cleaning supplies.

Her face was flushed with the weight of the vacuum cleaner and broom that she supported one handedly. She glanced around the room, saw Kohana's empty breakfast tray, and her sullied bed sheets. She then saw the date on the white board that indicated when Kohana's room had been cleaned previously – 3 weeks ago.

"Oh, dear!", the woman murmured to herself, as she readied her supplies.

Kohana started, "Please Gamaki-san. Can we do this tomorrow? I'm not feeling very well and the smell of bleach makes me nauseous."

Gamaki glowered at the young girl. "Now, Kohana-chan. I don't know how you've managed to send away the other housekeepers, but I won't budge. It's too unhealthy for you to stay like this. I'm surprised you've let it go for this long."

Red colored her cheeks as she averted her eyes in embarrassment. She had refused anyone other than a couple nurses to enter her room because she didn't want them to witness know how childish she could be, or how strongly she reacted to those nightmarish dreams that ruthlessly flaunted her past. She didn't want people to acknowledge she was indeed weak, unable to overcome loss, because even years after the death of her loved ones, she still suffered in her dreams. And now, the murders of some hundred villagers added to the hauntings. It was her responsibility to oversee Kochi, the village in which she resided for the past several years, and she had miserably failed.

Kohana had left the Leaf with the goal of finding peace. The Third War had taken its toll on her, just like it did for everyone else. Shortly after Obito's death, Kohana had lost Rin, whose death solidified that Kakashi had once more failed as a human being. Still distraught with how Kakashi acted during the Kannabi Bridge mission, she refused to acknowledge Kakashi's pain or hear about Rin's sacrifice, stubbornly believing that someone like him could never change. In addition, the subsequent loss of Kushina and Minato, both of whom she considered parents, further devastated her.

Unable to find any closure, she personally requested the Sandaime to send her to Kochi. At the time, Konoha was strengthening ties with nearby lands to increase trade and help support its civilians. Kochi was an excellent commerce hub, with much talent for farming. The Sandaime agreed with her request, and in exchange asked her to send biannual activity reports. Kohana performed her task beautifully, not only remarking on the economic advantages of their alliance, but also informed the 3rd about any enemy threats. Her reports proved that Kochi was a small peaceful land, consisting of only few hundred citizens, and well hidden from the catastrophes of the shinobi world. Orochimaru's sudden infiltration was truly a surprise.

Gamaki's voice remained strict when she next addressed Kakashi. "Now, young man, take Kohana outside for some time. After all, I don't want to sicken her with the stench of these cleaning supplies."

Kakashi grinned, while Kohana looked up in horror. He easily picked her up into his arms without asking her permission and swiftly exited through the window. Once he gently landed on the ground, he set her up straight. Unable to find another pillar to support lean against, Kohana was forced to rely on Kakashi, whose hand was now wound tightly around her waist.

If looks could kill, Kakashi would have been dead by now, though he seemed completely unperturbed.