Author's Note: HAPPY NEW YEAR! I sincerely apologize for the delay! I did not stop writing. Please bear with me as I get back into weekly updates!I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday break, and also this chapter. Please Review. Much appreciated.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 27: Realization
Maria was gorgeous, with thick black hair that cascaded down her back in waves. She had a beautiful smile that showed straight pearly white teeth, and a figure toned repeatedly with exercise. She leaned casually against the tree as she spoke with Kakashi. From what Kohana could see, Maria reached Kakashi's height.
Normally, with any other woman, Kohana may have noticed all these qualities and thought nothing of them. But, upon seeing Maria from even a distance, she felt insecure and self-conscious. She patted her hair nervously trying to smooth out any frizzy strands. She pulled her shirt down and took a deep breath before walking towards the pair. She felt a twinge of irritation at seeing the proximity between Kakashi and Maria. She quickly dismissed it and plastered a smile onto her face and waved to the pair. When she reached them, Kakashi introduced her.
"Kohana, this is Maria. Maria, this is Kohana."
Kohana noticed the lack of honorifics. She internally frowned, but bowed, "Nice to meet you, Maria-san."
Maria ignored her greeting and raised an arched eyebrow. "I was just telling Kakashi I never expected to run across another member of the Shiori-clan", she said.
Kohana scrunched her forehead and asked, "I'm sorry, the Shiori-clan?"
"You don't know your own history."
Kohana bristled slightly, "I was never aware. I've only recently found out."
Maria replied, leaning back agains the tree, her foot tapping the ground, " I am surprised you didn't inquire about this earlier. The fainting spells, tiredness, frequent hospital visits -and not to mention the seal, should have alerted you." She then sighed, and straightened herself, "Anyway,if you are to train with me, I expect you to be more observant and display interest and curiosity – outside of our sessions as well."
Kohana looked to Kakashi for help, astounded that someone could be so straight-forward and authoritative. He explained, "Maria's grandfather was a close acquaintance with the Shiori. He was familiar with your Kekkai Genkai – information that he passed down to his granddaughter. Maria is well trained in chakra sensory and manipulation. She runs an academy for young shinobi who wish to specialize in chakra handling. As per the Hokage's request, she's taken valuable time off to train you."
"Oh." Kohana mumbled.
Maria then turned to Kakashi, and offered him a dashing smile, "Thank you for accompanying me, Kakashi. Please tell Tsunade-sama that I am much satisfied with the hospitality here."
Kakashi grinned, "My pleasure. I'll leave you both to it then." He then turned to Kohana, "Learn well. I'll check on you later."
Kohana nodded and watched his figure retreat dismally. She jumped slightly when Maria brushed past her shoulder, heading towards town.
Kohana noticed she walked quickly with long strides and she rushed to keep up.
Maria talked, " The Shiori clan was famous for their ability to transform and transmit Chakra. I will be teaching you how to handle yours. Kakashi has already told me that you don't have an aptitude for this skill."
Kohana pursed her lips, annoyed, "Kakashi-san."
Maria stopped in her tracks, "What?"
"It's Kakashi-san."
Maria made a small sound and replied, ignoring her previous statement, "I'll give you a few books to read for tomorrow. They're your mother's journals. You'll find them highly informative."
Kohana asked, "My mother kept journals?"
"Your mother was significantly advanced in chakra manipulation. Her notes will guide you."
"Thank you."
They walked in silence until they reached Maria's apartment, which was a short distance from Kohana's. Maria entered her neat rooms and quickly returned with a bundle of books. She handed her three black journals each engraved with a small half-crescent moon.
Maria noticed her fingers trace the outline of the white figure, and said, "That symbol represents the Shiori clan. It signifies serenity."
She then said, "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 pm. Meet me on the training grounds."
Kohana spent all her day perusing through her journals. Her eager eyes scanned the pages quickly and fervently absorbing the words in detail. The diary started out with a basic introduction on chakra and the various types before delving into the method of manipulation. Kohana was halfway through the second book when she came across a passage that piqued her interest.
Chakra Bonding:
As I've mentioned, transferring chakra is a helpful gesture, especially to those who are in dire need of energy. But, it can also be an intimate one. Chakra bonding is a form of chakra transfer that involves significant chakra depletion on behalf of the donor. The massive amount of chakra transferred creates a nearly irreversible bond between donor and acceptor that allows the latter to feed on the donor's chakra as needed. Very few in our clan's history have forged a bond – an unsurprising fact. The connection requires an intense emotional attachment, and the strength of the bond is dependent on this feeling. If the donor succeeds, he or she is doing it at his or her own peril. The donor can lose over a quarter to half of chakra in a short span of time, which can lead to death or prolonged unconsciousness. Yet, for those who decide to forge this bond, this risk is incomparable to the fear of losing a loved one.
Kohana's fingers traced her mother's words, mumbling the passage softly. Many questions arose in her mind.
What was the chance of surviving?
And if the donor survived, how did that bond affect the relationship between the donor and acceptor?
And how did her mom know so much about this bond – was she one of the few who performed the chakra bond?
And the moon – it kept propping up on every page – why was it so significant?
Kohana clasped the diary shut and sprang up from her chair, stretching her limbs. She glanced at the clock. It read 8:00 pm. Would it be rude to visit Maria at this hour? She scoffed inwardly thinking that Maria wasn't too kind this morning either. She mused about this and traipsed to her closet and pulled out her red coat. Maria did say to show curiosity outside of her lessons – Kohana deduced she wouldn't be too angry if she paid a short visit.
As she walked outside into the cool nite, she collided into several well-dressed couples, including Kurenai and Asuma.
Kurenai wore a tight-fitting red dress that shimmered in the moonlight and her arm was interlocked with Asuma's.
Kohana greeted them, "Both of you look nice. Is there a special occasion tonight? I've seen several fancily attires walk past me."
Kurenai laughed, "Yes. There's a new restaurant in town, and it's opening night. It's a formal event – hence our clothes."
"Oh, I didn't know!" She looked behind the pair at the looming party lights, and said, "I wish I could come!"
Asuma asked somewhat reluctantly, "Would you like to join us?"
Kohana politely declined, not wanting to intrude upon their privacy, "No, thank you. I've already had dinner. But, I hope the both of you enjoy your night!"
They both bid her a good night and walked towards shining lights in the distance. Kohana followed a few feet behind them, and soon saw the blaring sign that read,
"OPENING NIGHT. COUPLES ONLY. FORMAL ATTIRE."
Kohana wondered if Kakashi was among the crowd that was entering the oak doors, but smiled at the thought. A lot about Kakashi changed, but she doubted that he would willingly attend a party.
She soon found herself in front of Maria's apartment and climbed the three staircases that would lead her to Maria's door.
She stopped abruptly at the end of the corridor for she had seen the man that she had just been thinking about –a man that was currently holding a bouquet of red roses and was scratching his head nervously as he spoke with someone.
Kohana eyes remained fixated on the glistening flowers, as she slowly shuffled her way towards Kakashi. The sound of her footsteps made him turn around, allowing Kohana to see his conversation partner – Maria.
Kohana's mind registered both their clothing at once. Kakashi's gray vest contrasted nicely with Maria's long black dress. Kohana couldn't help but think that Maria looked astonishing, the deep V-neck plunging just enough to entice any man.
She felt anger bubbling in her stomach at the sight of the pair. Her hands formed into tight fists, and tears welled in her eyes. She blinked them away rapidly.
"Kohana", Kakashi said, surprised, "what are you doing here?"
Her voice sounded dry and hollow when she replied, "I wanted to ask Maria-san a few questions."
Maria took a few steps forward, and interlinked her arm with Kakashi's.
"I'll be out tonight, Kohana. Kakashi asked me to accompany him to the new restaurant down the road. It will be late when I return."
Kohana licked her lips and said stiffly, "I see. Have fun, then."
She turned around to leave not wanting to be in their presence any longer.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, and then heard Kakashi's voice. Her arms went rigid as she prepared herself to hear what he had to say. Maybe an explanation for what he was doing tonight. Maybe it was just on the Hokage's orders. Maybe their little outing tonight was purely professional. Yes, she would like to hear that.
But, she was disappointed when Kakashi spoke.
"I forgot to pass along a message to you earlier. Jiraya-sama wanted to tell you that he'll be leaving for his trip with Naruto tonight. He and Naruto might stop by. Please tell them I said safe travels. I won't return on time to visit them. Maria wants to see the fireworks at midnight."
So it wasn't professional. How could she have forgotten. Tomorrow was the Sakura Festival. The opening night of the restaurant wasn't random at all.
Kohana replied softly without looking at him, her eyes burning again,"Ok."
She stared ahead as Kakashi and Maria walked around her, arm in arm. Maria's voice filled the quiet hall as they passed her. If Kohana's eyes weren't so blurred, she would have noticed the backward glance the Kakashi threw her as he turned the corner.
Kohana took a deep breath and staggered slowly down the stairs, allowing the tears to now fall freely.
Kurenai was right. She had fallen in love.