Chapter 60

A/N: I think I was high while writing some of these parts. 

A gentle breeze fills the air as the morning sun shines through the leaves of the tall trees of the forest. Chirping birds and rustling leaves fill the pleasant silence that a certain elite is currently sleeping in. His silver hair gently swayed in the air to the soft breeze as he lied peacefully on a thick oak branch. A book rests flatly on his stomach as his chest rose with every breath he took.

His peaceful sleep was broken when his nose twitched at the unfamiliar scent that have entered the forest. He remained lied down as he sensed no malice from the small chakra signature. He didn't hear a single footstep but he could feel the presence of the person walking closer to where he was.

Probably another ninja, he thought to himself.

He seems to be not found yet considering that he has been hiding himself and concealing his presence the whole time. He opens his eye to take a glance at the person who have joined him in the forest.

A look of surprise adorned his hidden expression when he saw a little girl. He watches the black haired little girl looking around as if she was trying to look out for strangers. She tilted her face up and he saw her striking features.

He had already met almost everyone in town and there was no way she wouldn't remember this girl if he had seen her face before. She piqued his interest right off the bat.

He watches in silence and behind the leaves as she walked towards the river stream. His eyes widened as she calmly walked on top of the water. What surprised him wasn't the fact that a young girl already possessed the quality of an experienced ninja, rather the fact that she has perfect control of her chakra. A trait that is very rare in the shinobi world.

There was not a single chakra wasted as she walked around the stream.

This time he sat up as he watches her hand movements from the top of the tree.

Ox → Monkey → Hare → Rat → Boar → Bird → Ox → Horse → Bird → Rat → Tiger → Dog → Tiger → Snake → Ox → Ram → Snake → Boar → Ram → Rat → Yang Water → Monkey → Bird → Dragon → Bird → Ox → Horse → Ram → Tiger → Snake → Rat → Monkey → Hare → Boar → Dragon → Ram → Rat → Ox → Monkey → Bird → Yang Water → Rat → Boar → Bird

The handsigns were familiar and he knew it shouldn't be normal for a random little girl to memorize 44 handsigns and even know how to perform the Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu. It wasn't just another simple jutsu afterall.

The water dragon moved and striked the boulders nearby. He sweatdropped at the scene.

'She's training by herself huh? Judging from her height, I'd say she's around Naruto's age.'

The water dragon wrecked havoc and she watches the little girl get splashed with water as the jutsu wears off. The girl pouts at the situation she was in. Kakashi's lips twitched a little. She looked just like a kitten who was forced to take a bath.

For several more hours, Kakashi silently watched the girl train by herself as he rested his back against the tree. Kakashi completely masked his presence the whole time so he doesn't get noticed.

The girl leaves the river and walks towards the bag she left behind. She rummages through it and brought out a scroll. He raises his eyebrow at this then she forms a ram sign, summoning shurikens and kunai knives out.

'What is it this time?'

From a good distance away, she stood, facing two hidden target boards that were hidden behind several trees. The distance from the boards and the trees obstructing her line of sight puzzled anyone watching. If it were Kakashi, he would have no problem completing the task. However, despite the difficulty, she looked so calm.

She flicked her wrist towards two shuriken aimed at a 45-degree angle in opposite directions. Just as they flew through the air, she threw another pair of shuriken with greater velocity. The first two shuriken collided with the second pair.

The four shuriken hit their marks with surgical accuracy. The first two shuriken struck one target board dead center, while the second pair of shuriken hit the other target, also with dead center accuracy.

Kakashi was left dumbfounded.

"Impressive," he mused to himself under his breath, his gaze fixated on the hidden target boards and the shuriken embedded on them. Despite his initial nonchalance, the calm and collected Jonin couldn't help but be impressed by her precision. He mentally calculated the difficulty level of the task. Despite his outward composure, there was a hint of surprise within him. This girl was definitely one to watch.

..........

"What are you doing Kakashi-san?" The Jonin looked up from the pages that he had been flipping over to see Iruka standing in front of him. "They're maybe kids but, those are still classified information you know? Don't you know about data privacy?"

Kakashi eyesmiled at his junior as the latter forcibly retrieves the documents from his hands. "Ah--Sorry. But, can you help me search for someone?"

Iruka sat on his chair as he fixes the mess Kakashi created on his desk. "You shouldn't be here at this time of the day." He was not in the mood today to join Kakashi's antics. Afterall he just chased a little devil down the outskirts of Konoha after he painted the murals once again for the nth time this month.

"Ehh...I'll pay don't worry. Just think of it as helping a comrade, alright?" Kakashi pries as he tried to take another set of documents only to be stopped by Iruka who slammed his palm over the folder.

"Kakashi-san. This is not about money. It's about my responsibility as a teacher!" Kakashi sweatdrops at Iruka's refusal before his shoulders slumps in defeat. Iruka stands up as he faces his senior. "So? Just who are you looking for? It's rare for you to appear in the academy and at the office of all places."

"There's this talented little girl I ran across to the other day. I didn't get her name so I thought maybe I'll find information about her if she's enrolled in the academy."

Iruka smiled. "Was she that talented that you yourself chose to leave your shell?"

"Well. Let's just say she piqued my interest."

"Are you already tryna scout her?" Iruka gave him a doubtful look.

Kakashi raises his eyebrows before he smiles. "Not really. Just curious."

Iruka sighs in disbelief before he takes a folder from the shelf in front of him. "So any distinctive traits?"

"She's young," Kakashi thought to himself. "But has a calm composure, much like a seasoned ninja."

"I teach a subject or two in all classes and levels in this academy and I can definitely say, a hundred percent, that there isn't a girl like that I've ran across to. Any physical traits that you remember?"

"She has long, black hair and striking purple eyes," Kakashi said, his voice soft but firm. "She is young in age, perhaps around 9-10 years old, but there is something about her that makes her stand out. She has this mature presense that is uncommon in someone so young."

With an affectionate tone, Kakashi added, "She looks adorable by the way... like a mochi."

Kakashi was describing the mysterious girl's physical traits to Iruka, not realizing the implications of his words. Iruka's expression quickly transformed from a curious interest to one of shock and horror.

Kakashi sweatdrops. "What's with that 'You're a disgusting creep' look, Iruka?"

Kakashi's face paled as he realized the misunderstanding, his one visible eye widening in shock. "No, no, it's not like that!" he protested, his hands waving frantically.

The instructor pinches the bridge of his nose as he sighs dramatically. "Well, I'll try to remember if there's anyone like that. I'll contact you once I find something."

"Thanks buddy!" Kakashi gave him a salute before he notices his kouhai outstretching his hand. "Eh?"

"The payment." Iruka mumbled in annoyance. "Its hard living paycheck to paycheck, Kakashi-san."

Kakashi sighs in defeat as he takes out his wallet and took out some cash before he reluctantly places it on Iruka's palm. A subtle knock caught their attention and they both turned to face the door. Iruka coughs to compose himself. "Come in."

The door to the teachers' office opens wide and a man walks forward. "Ah, you must be the one applying your daughter to the academy." Iruka walks towards the said man.

"Ahh, she's not really my daughter. She's a granddaughter of a friend of my mine."

Kakashi watches the scene unfold and his nose perked up at the scent, this time familiar.

"Lhexi, come here." The man calls and a girl followed behind the door.

Iruka smiles and immediately recognizes the girl his senpai was desribing.

'Kakashi-san was right. She definitely has this mature charm to her.'

He looks back at his table to see his senior gone, just a couple of leaves circling the spot he used to stand on.

..........

"I didn't realize it would be this hard," Kakashi sighed, his eyes fixated on the various hairpins sitting in a display window.

Asuma and Kurenai approached him, the sound of their footsteps catching his attention. "You seem troubled," Asuma remarked, his eyebrows furrowed with concern.

"I'm just having a bit of trouble picking out a gift," Kakashi admitted, his expression somewhat troubled.

Kurenai's face immediately lit up with excitement. "Don't tell me you met someone?"

Kakashi shook his head. "No, it's nothing like that."

Asuma's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, who's the lucky girl?" he asked eagerly as he nudges Kakashi's side.

"She's ten," he stated matter-of- factly. "And a future kunoichi." He says the last part with an underlying pride that surprises himself.

Kurenai quickly composed herself after Kakashi's statement and tried to be helpful. She chuckled softly, shaking her head as she looked at the hairpins that Kakashi had been browsing. "Maybe a hairtie would be a better gift," she suggested. "Hairpins are impractical for a kunoichi, they'll just get lost or damaged in battle."

Kakashi nodded, realizing the logic in her words. "Good point," he said, returning to the selection of hair accessories.

As the trio continued browsing the store, Kakashi's eyes landed on a set of hairties. They looked perfect for the girl he was shopping for. He picked up the set and inspected them closely.

"I'll take these," he said to the store assistant, who nodded and packaged the set neatly.

Both Kurenai and Asuma smiled at Kakashi's uncharacteristic display of care and concern.

"You're not as heartless as you act, huh?" Kurenai teased, nudging his shoulder gently.

Asuma huffed a laugh, "You're turning into a real softie, Kakashi."

Kakashi rolled his eyes but didn't deny the statement, "Can it, you two. I just thought it would be a practical gift, that's all."

"He's been acting strangely lately," Asuma murmured, a small smile playing on his lips. "He's usually so aloof, but now he's picking out gifts for a little girl."

Kurenai giggled. "I don't think I've ever seen him look so serious about shopping before."

..........

From his hiding spot in the foliage, Kakashi watched silently as Lhexi continued her training. He was trying hard to force his presence to go unnoticed, as he had been noticing her growing ability to sense him whenever he came around lately.

"She's grown stronger," he thought to himself, his one visible eye narrowing in approval. "Her senses have improved, too. She's even able to pick up on my presence when I'm trying to hide. Soon, she might be able to sense me hiding here."

Lhexi was exhausted after her intense training session, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that someone had been watching her lately. She could sense a presence nearby, but every time she tried to pinpoint its location, it would disappear.

"Show yourself," she spat out. "I know you're there."

When no response came, she let out a frustrated huff and prepared a kunai. With lightning-fast speed, she quickly hurled it towards the supposed hiding spot. Kakashi eye-smiled as he disappears from his seat in a swirl of leaves evading the kunai just in time.

...........

Lhexi opened her front door and found a stack of gifts on her doorstep. There were flowers, chocolates, and little trinkets from her fans, each trying to win her affection. Among the usual gifts, she noticed a small, neatly wrapped package that stood out from the rest.

Curious, Lhexi picked up the package and looked at it closely.

"What's this?" she wondered out loud. She opened the package and took out the set of hairties inside.

She picked one up, feeling the soft material between her fingers. It looked simple but durable, perfect for her long hair. Without hesitation, she tied her hair up with one of the ties, smiling at the result.

..........

As the group of Jonin sat gathered around a table, eating takoyaki and chatting, Kurenai noticed Kakashi's unusual silence.

"Kakashi, you seem awfully quiet today," she remarked, her tone slightly concerned.

Gai, who was sitting next to Kakashi, also took notice of his friend's demeanor. "Yeah, you're usually more lively during these get-togethers. Is something wrong?"

Kakashi hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's nothing," he said nonchalantly.

As Asuma, Kurenai, and Gai continued to prod Kakashi about his mood, Iruka walked into the shop and approached their table.

"Hey, everyone!" He greeted them, his expression bright. The group turned to him, and Iruka directed his gaze towards Kakashi. "I heard you didn't get Lhexi as your student, Kakashi." He teased.

The group of Jonin turned their attention to Kakashi, and a teasing smirk appeared on their faces.

Kurenai giggled. "Looks like someone's not too happy about losing out on their favorite, huh?"

Gai chuckled, his booming voice filling the shop. "Don't worry, my friend. There's always next time."

Asuma joined in, a sly smile on her face. "Yeah, Kakashi, you were hoping to have Lhexi as your student, weren't you? I saw how you looked at her during the graduation ceremony."

Kakashi rolled his eyes at his friends' teasing. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice trying to sound casual. "I just thought she would have been a good student to teach, that's all."

The three exchanged amused looks, knowing they were starting to get under Kakashi's skin. "Sure, Kakashi," Asuma said sarcastically. "You just wanted a prodigy student, huh?"

Gai chimed in with a booming laugh. "Oh come on, Kakashi, we all know you have a soft spot for her! Admit it, you're disappointed you didn't get to mentor her."

"So Iruka? Who stole Lhexi-chan away from Kakashi?" Kurenai giggles.

Iruka sighed. "Aiko-san," he said. "Well its Hokage-sama who formed the teams anyway."

Kakashi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Aiko? She's a bit of a loose cannon, isn't she?"

Kurenai and Asuma, realizing that Kakashi was still focused on Lhexi, tried to divert his attention.

"Hey, Kakashi, don't forget you've got your own team to focus on," Asuma said, a slight smirk on his face.

Gai nodded in agreement. "They're all talented, you know. Especially Sasuke. You should give them a chance."

As the group continued to discuss Kakashi's disappointment, Asuma and Kurenai began to feel a little sorry for their friend. They knew how excited he had been at the prospect of training Lhexi, and now that the Hokage had assigned her to someone else, he was naturally upset. And this was such a rare occurence for Kakashi to actually be excited about something.

As the group of Jonin were talking, the sound of the shop door ringing and hushed voices drew their attention. Naruto, in his usual energetic behavior, was chattering excitedly at Lhexi, asking her a million and one questions.

"Hey, Lhexi! Do you think we'll be in the same team together?" he asked, his eyes full of hope.

"Well, I hope so. But, I'm sure it has already been decided. Sadly, there's a high chance that we won't be grouped together." Lhexi explains.

"Ehh..." Naruto rumbles in disappointment.

As the Jonins and Iruka watched as Naruto, who was usually a wild child, chatting happily with Lhexi, they couldn't help but notice how Lhexi seemed to have a calming effect on him.

"Look at that," Asuma said, grinning. "Naruto is actually behaving himself for once."

Iruka chuckled. "Yeah, he's a handful, but Lhexi seems to have gotten him to calm down a bit. Having her as my student actually made my life easier."

Gai grinned widely. "I have to give it to Lhexi, she's got patience if she can handle Naruto like that."

Kurenai nodded in agreement. "She's like a natural babysitter. Naruto's been a lot less hyper around her."

Kakashi observed Lhexi and Naruto from his seat, his expression stoic as usual.

"Looks like Lhexi has a knack for handling wild children," he remarked, his voice nonchalant.

"She's a good influence, isn't she?" Kakashi continued, his voice low. "Naruto's never been this calm around anyone before."

Iruka looked at the group questioningly. "Wait, when did everyone start using Lhexi's nickname? I was aware only her friends and Naruto called her that."

The others shrugged, realizing it was a somewhat odd question. Kakashi, who had been observing the entire time, replied. "I picked it up from you, I guess. It sounds more familiar than her full name."

Asuma nodded. "Yeah, it just seemed natural after hearing Naruto use it."

Kurenai chimed in. "Besides, it's a pretty cute nickname."

"And her real name sounds so hard pronounce." Guy added.

Iruka shook his head, giving them an annoyed look. "You guys should really respect Lhexi's full name," he said with a sigh. "I don't think she'd appreciate being called by her nickname by everyone."

As the group continued their banter, suddenly, the sound of Lhexi's soft laughter cut through the chatter. Kakashi's attention immediately snapped towards the sound. He watched as she wiped a tear from her eye, her smile radiant as she continued to laugh at Naruto's antics. Kakashi felt a strange emotion swelling up inside of him.

"So she can also laugh like that, huh?" He smiles to himself.

..........

Kakashi walked behind his team as he comfortably buried his face in his book. It was calm as they were just walking some dogs as part of their mission. Until it was disrupted by the loud yelps of Naruto, who had just became the unfortunate target of a group of enthusiastic dogs.

"HELP ME!" he shouted, his arms flailing as he desperately tried to cling onto a nearby lamppost.

"Oh, for goodness' sake," the Jounin muttered, shaking his head with a smile. This was classic Naruto—forever finding himself in ridiculous predicaments.

"Oi! Dobe!" Sasuke called out, his irritation evident as he chased after Naruto, feet pounding against the ground.

"Don't bite me! Oi! Oi!" Naruto continued, a small dog leaping up and snatching at his rear. As Kakashi watched, his hand instinctively moved to his forehead, palms rubbing against the thoughts of the absurdity of it all.

A few feet away stood Sakura, hands on her hips, trying to suppress a laugh and genuine concern at the same time.

"Naruto, get it together!" she scolded, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice.

There was a small yapping dog, probably no larger than a kitten, that had leaped determinedly toward its target—Naruto's backside. When the small creature landed a solid bite, Naruto stumbled forward, hitting the ground face-first with a loud "ITTE!!!"

Meanwhile, a red headed boy knelt down, holding out something. He was half-amused, half-hopelessly trying to feed the excited dogs a handful of treats that had appeared from seemingly nowhere, while they barked and playfully pounced around him.

As Kakashi watched, Sasuke was giving Naruto that same tired glare he always seemed to reserve for moments like these—clearly unimpressed yet unable to tear his gaze away from the ridiculousness of it all.

Sakura, in contrast, had a hand on her hip, the other pointing at the mess below, likely chastising Naruto for his reckless antics.

As Kakashi observed, Lhexi's reaction caught his attention. She stood slightly apart from the chaos, her expression a mix of amusement and something else. A flicker of wariness, perhaps? He knew she carried burdens from her unknown past, and chaotic situations like this could sometimes trigger those hidden anxieties.

Then something shifted. Her eyes locked onto him. And he saw a spark of recognition in her eyes. Followed by a wave of fear...? The realization hit Kakashi. She had recognized him as someone from her past, someone who posed a threat.

Really.

What a great introduction Kakashi. You scared her.

"Alexa!" he heard her friend shout, pulling her back from a dark place.

As Kakashi watched, she trembled slightly, her breath catching in her throat. He saw the raw emotion in her eyes, the vulnerability she usually kept carefully hidden.

Seeing her struggling to regain her composure, a boy wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

 "Breathe, Lhexi. You're okay," he murmured, his voice soft and reassuring.

Lhexi pulled away slightly, her cheeks flushed. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

His attention flickered back to Naruto, who, despite the embarrassing ordeal, was managing a sheepish grin. "Well, that was fun... in a weird way," he said, scratching the back of his head.

"Fun for you, maybe," Sakura retorted, but her tone was gentler now.

"Lhexi-chan?" Naruto called out, waving enthusiastically. "Where are you going?"

Lhexi smiled, a genuine warmth that always managed to reach her eyes, before tossing him a rolled bandage, a silent acknowledgment of his perpetually wounded state. "Oh, hey, Naruto. We were given a C-Rank mission," she explained.

"An escort one, so we're gonna travel outside," Kenma added, his voice softer but equally enthusiastic.

Sakura and Naruto both gasped in disbelief. "C-Rank?!" they exclaimed, their voices laced with a hint of jealousy.

"That's unfair!" Naruto pouted, crossing his arms like a petulant child. "We're still stuck with D-Rank missions..."

Sasuke, ever the brooding one, simply grunted his agreement. "Hn." Kakashi nudged him to speak more.

It was then that Kakashi decided to intervene, his tone carefully neutral. "Aren't they too early for this, Aiko?" he asked, feigning concern for their safety. The truth was, he was more worried about Lhexi.

Aiko-sensei huffed, placing a hand on her hips. "Well, they finished a total of 200 D-Rank missions in two months."

Mostly Lhexi, I'm sure, Kakashi thought to myself.

Naruto and Sakura both gasped again. "200?!"

"I see," The silver haired jonin said, his gaze flicking towards Lhexi. He noticed she instinctively clutched at the hem of her friend's sleeve, a subtle sign of anxiety that didn't escape Kakashi's notice.

Naruto, ever the competitive one, whined, "Wait! Wait! We're not even near a hundred, ttebayo!"

Aiko-sensei smirked. "And they're more than ready. I already taught them the tree walking exercise."

Kakashi narrowed his eye slightly, studying Lhexi's face. She was fidgeting, her hand subtly reaching for something hidden at her back.

As Kakashi turned his gaze directly towards her, he saw her flinch, taking a step back and averting her eyes. Why did she look so scared? The jounin chose to look away, feigning disinterest, but his mind was already racing, trying to decipher the source of her fear.

He glanced at Lhexi's teammate and Sasuke, noting the sudden tension between them. An unspoken rivalry, perhaps? Or something more? Lhexi certainly had a way of attracting attention, whether she wanted it or not.

As they prepared to depart, Lhexi glanced back at Naruto, offering a small wave. But as her eyes met Kakashi's, the smile vanished, replaced by a flicker of... recognition? Fear? The moment was fleeting, but it was enough to send a chill down his spine.

Something was wrong. He could feel it in his bones.

Kakashi watched as Lhexi turned away, her shoulders stiff, her gaze fixed firmly ahead. She clutched at her chest, taking a deep breath as if trying to calm herself.

..........

The emergency room in the hospital was a hive of activity as medics rushed around, treating wounded ninjas who had been injured on missions. Kakashi pushed his way through the crowded room, making his way to the reception desk.

"Excuse me," Kakashi said urgently to the receptionist. "I heard that one of Aiko's students was admitted. Her name is Takeda Alexa. Where is she?"

The receptionist scanned her records and nodded. "Yes, she was brought in a few hours ago. Her surgery has just finished. She's about to be transferred in room 203."

The Receptionist looked up at Kakashi, her gaze calm and professional. She already knows who he was and didn't have a problem with giving out personal information. But just in case. "Before we can allow you into the room, sir, may I know your relationship to the patient?"

Kakashi's camly answered her question. "I'm her guardian," he said, his voice firm and serious.

Kakashi approached Lhexi's bedside, his expression stoic as ever. His gaze focused on her hands, noticing several of her fingernails were missing. The realization hit him like a punch in the gut, and he knew immediately that she had been tortured.

The room settled into silence, punctuated only by the soft beeping of the monitors nearby. Kakashi pulled up a chair beside Lhexi's bed, his posture relaxed but alert.

The door slid open with a soft whoosh, and Inoichi Yamanaka entered the room, his expression somber. "Kakashi," he said, his voice low, "I've read her memories."

Kakashi nodded. He knew Inoichi's skills as an interrogator were unmatched. If anyone could uncover the truth, it was him.

"There's nothing there," Inoichi said, his voice heavy with regret. "No evidence of betrayal, no hidden agenda. She's innocent."

Relief washed over Kakashi, but it was quickly replaced by anger. Anger at the injustice Lhexi had suffered, anger at the system that had failed to protect her. "Then what happened out there?"

"A misunderstanding," Inoichi explained, his brow furrowed. "A series of unfortunate events that spiraled out of control."

As if on cue, the door slid open once again, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, entered the room, his presence filling the small space. His face was etched with weariness.

Kakashi and Inoichi turned to face the Hokage, their expressions respectful. 

"I take full responsibility for what happened to Lhexi," Hiruzen said, his gaze fixed on the young kunoichi lying in the bed. "We failed her. We sent her on a mission that was beyond her capabilities, and we didn't provide her with the support she needed."

Kakashi nodded slowly, acknowledging the Hokage's words. He knew Hiruzen was a firm believer in the Will of Fire, the belief that all the people of Konoha were a family.

"What's done is done," Kakashi said, his voice calm but firm. "Now, we need to focus on helping her heal."

"I agree," Inoichi said, stepping forward. "I can use my abilities to help her deal with the trauma, to ease her pain."

"Do it," Kakashi said, his eyes hardening. "But be gentle. She's been through enough."

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "We'll provide her with the best medical care, the best counseling. We'll do everything we can to help her recover."

..........

Shikaku glanced over at Shikamaru, who was poking at his food, seemingly lost in thought. "You know," he began, his tone casual, "I've been noticing how protective Kakashi is of that girl, Alexa. You spend quite a bit of time with her, don't you?"

Shikamaru paused for a moment, chewing thoughtfully before responding. "Yeah, we're close." He replied with a shrug, only half paying attentions. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, it's just interesting to see how he cares for her considering how closed off he usually is." Shikaku smiled softly.

"He just keeps an eye on her, I guess. It's like he's always there, invisible but present," Shikamaru explained, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered Kakashi's demeanor based from his fathers assumptions. "I don't really know Kakashi-san that much but I doubt they're even that close. Lhexi doesn't really know him like that. Maybe he feels responsible because of her inexperience?"

Shikaku nodded, piecing together the puzzle of their relationship as he took a sip of his tea. "Or perhaps he sees something in her that reminds him of his own past?" he suggested lightly, though it was more to stir the pot of conversation than to direct it.

"Could be," Shikamaru said, his gaze drifting to the window where birds flitted across the sky. "There's probably a deeper reason—maybe he sees something in her potential he doesn't want to get crushed."

Shikamaru glances at his father. "Why don't you ask Kakashi-san himself?"

Shikaku shrugged. "I guess we can only speculate. If I ask him directly, he might just change the subject or dodge. He often does."

Shikaku smiled softly, watching his son deepen his thoughts about their world. "Just keep an eye on her for me," he said half-jokingly, knowing it was a father's way of wanting to ensure his son and his friends were safe.

"Of course, it's not like I could avoid it anyway," Shikamaru replied, his shoulders relaxing as the conversation shifted back to familiar territory.

..........

Kakashi's POV

The familiar scent of Ichiraku Ramen filled the air as I trailed behind Team 7. I'd promised them training, but a little break never hurt anyone. I spotted a familiar head of black hair. Alexa. Or Lhexi, as most knew her.

She seemed to notice Naruto first, a smile tugging at her lips as she started towards them. But then her eyes flickered up, meeting mine, and her whole demeanor changed. It was subtle, but I caught it. A flicker of fear, a tightening of her posture. She froze mid-step, as if she was caught between wanting to approach and needing to flee.

What was she so afraid of?

"--sei! Give us a better mission! I'm tired of these boring stupid--!" Naruto's loud voice cut through my thoughts.

"Alexa?" Sakura's voice rang out.

"Lhexi-chan? Where?" Naruto added.

I watched as she stiffly turned around, a forced smile plastered on her face. I'd been keeping an eye on her ever since she arrived in Konoha. There was something about her... an underlying vulnerability masked by a fierce determination that resonated with me. I had seen too much loss, too much potential snuffed out before its time.

"Hey...," she replied, her voice strained.

Naruto, ever the inviting one, patted the seat next to him. "Come here! Come here!"

Sasuke, surprisingly enough, also seemed to acknowledge her presence, turning his head slightly before returning to his ramen. He's been opening up ever since his experience in the academy. I suppose she had something to do with it.

Lhexi shook her head frantically, a clear sign of discomfort. "...sorry...I'll have to go somewhere..."

Naruto's pout was enough to melt the heart of a stone statue, and Lhexi was no exception. "It won't take a while 'ttebayo."

I saw the internal battle raging within her, the desire to connect warring with whatever fear was holding her back. With a defeated sigh, she relented, taking the seat next to Naruto.

"I got it," she said, forcing a smile."Yatta! What do you want? Sensei will pay!" Naruto declared, a little too enthusiastically.

"M-matte, Naruto," I interjected, trying to avoid another ramen debt. The kid has no regard for my wallet. I shot a look at Lhexi, trying to gauge her reaction.

She quickly shook her head. "Mmmn. I'll pay for mine. Teuchi-san, miso ramen for me."

"Got it!" Teuchi replied with a smile.

As she impatiently tapped her fingers on the counter, Sakura's curiosity finally got the better of her. "Shouldn't you be with your team, Alexa?"

She tensed up slightly before giving a bitter smile. "I can't."

"Why?" Sakura pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"Team 13 is no more," she replied, her tone flat.

"Huh?"

Her hair shifted slightly as she offered a strained smile. "We disbanded."

The atmosphere shifted, a somber cloud settling over the group. I saw the shared concern in the eyes of my genin the fear that Team 7 might also face a similar fate.

"Alexa?" I asked gently.

"H-hai?" she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

"Can you send regards to Aiko for me?" I requested, keeping my tone light.

Lhexi nodded, her gaze fixed on the broken chopsticks in her hand.

Sakura, ever the observant one, couldn't resist asking, "What regards? Kakashi-sensei."

I smiled, a silent signal to stay out of it. "Shouldn't Alexa answer that? She's your teacher."

"W-well, she's pregnant," Lhexi blurted out.

The surprise on their faces was comical. I had known for a while but decided to not mention.

"Then! Then! Let's get flowers for her!" Naruto exclaimed, always eager to celebrate.

"Sure!" Sakura agreed.

"Hn," Sasuke grunted in acknowledgement.

I continued to observe Lhexi, noticing the minute details, the way she gripped her chopsticks too tightly, the slight tremor in her hands. Something was clearly bothering her, and it was more than just the disbandment of her team. Teuchi placed her ramen in front of her, but she seemed too preoccupied to notice.

Naruto, bless his heart, seemed to sense her distress. "Lhexi-chan, you should eat ramen now or it might get soggy," he said.

She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts, and grabbed another pair of chopsticks. "You're right."

She glanced at me, a fleeting look of... something I couldn't quite decipher. Was it fear? Resentment? Or something else entirely? I flipped another page of my book, trying not to make her uncomfortable with my stare.

Naruto, ever perceptive despite his boisterous nature, took her trembling hand beneath the counter. I saw her stiffen for a moment before relaxing into his touch. She smiled, a genuine one this time, and took a spoonful of soup.

She was grateful for his support. And I was grateful for Naruto's instinctive kindness.

I made a mental note to look into what was troubling her. She didn't have to face her demons alone, not if I could help it. That was my promise, spoken or unspoken, to all the young shinobi under my care.

..........

Okay, so the Chūnin Exams were going...interestingly. Naruto's antics were, as usual, a source of both amusement and impending doom, Sasuke was brooding in that "I'm too cool for this" way he does, and Sakura was surprisingly competent. But Lhexi... Lhexi had managed to throw a wrench in my carefully laid plans for a relatively uneventful tournament.

I arrived at the medical tent to find Lhexi sitting on a cot, looking remarkably unfazed despite the circumstances. She'd just decimated a Takigakure ninja using only kenjutsu and taijutsu – a feat impressive enough on its own – but what caught my eye was the ominous, pulsating mark on her neck. Three tomoe, eerily similar to Sasuke's Sharingan, but undeniably...tainted. Orochimaru's calling card.

"Lhexi," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral, "That's...new."

Her eyes, usually so vibrant, widened slightly. A flicker of something akin to fear crossed her face, a rare sight for the usually composed kunoichi. "Kakashi-sensei! It's not what it looks like." Her voice, normally clear and confident, held a slightly defensive edge.

"Oh, I think it is," I replied, my visible eye narrowing. "Unless there's a sudden trend of snake-themed temporary tattoos among genin."

"It happened during the fight," she explained.  She gave a weak smile, clearly trying to downplay the situation. Her attempt at nonchalance was admirable, but I could see the apprehension lurking beneath the surface.

I sighed internally. Of course, she'd try to brush it off. "Lhexi, this isn't something to take lightly. That's a cursed seal. Orochimaru's cursed seal."

Her eyes widened again, the purple depths swirling with a hint of unease, and she visibly paled. "I know...but why?" 

She probably already knows but feigned ignorance.

"Probably because you're a ridiculously talented genius," I said, stating the obvious. "You know, the kind he likes to collect for...nefarious purposes."

"Oh," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "That makes sense, I guess." Despite her outward calmness, I could sense the gears turning in her mind, analyzing the situation with her characteristic sharp intellect.

"Alright," I said, clapping my hands together. "Time to get this thing dealt with. Fortunately, I know a thing or two about sealing jutsu. Unfortunate for you, this might sting."

I gestured for her to step into the middle of the written kanji on the floor. 

"Now, this is going to suppress the seal, not remove it entirely," I explained, rummaging through my ninja pouch for the necessary tools. "Removing it completely...well, let's just say it involves more screaming and potential body horror than either of us wants to deal with right now."

"Body horror?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of genuine fear. 

 "Just focus on not moving," I said, ignoring her. I began weaving the hand seals for the Evil Sealing Method, the same jutsu I have to use on Sasuke soon. Hopefully, Lhexi wouldn't be quite as... as I hope.

As I pressed my hand to her neck, channeling chakra into the seal, Lhexi gasped and tensed up. Her usually stoic expression contorted slightly with discomfort, but she remained remarkably still. Like she's used to this kind of pain.

"Relax," I said, my voice softer than usual. "Think of happy thoughts. Kittens. Takoyaki. Anything but giant snakes and creepy smiles."

"Easy for you to say," she mumbled through gritted teeth. "You're not the one being violated by forbidden jutsu."

"True," I conceded. "But I am the one saving your butt. So, a little gratitude would be appreciated."

"Gratitude will be expressed after the non-consensual snake juice is gone," she retorted. Her wit, as always, was sharp, even under duress.

I chuckled despite myself. "Fair enough."

The sealing process continued, the cursed seal's markings dimming slightly under my chakra. Lhexi remained tense, but she managed to stay relatively still, occasionally letting out a small whimper. The silence in the tent was broken only by the crackling of my chakra and Lhexi's shallow breaths.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I pulled my hand away. The cursed seal was still visible, but it no longer pulsed with malevolent energy.

"Done," I announced. "It should be suppressed for now. It'll probably still try to activate if you use too much chakra, so try to avoid any world-ending catastrophes for a while, okay?"

Lhexi sat up slowly, rubbing her neck. The color was slowly returning to her face, and the usual sharpness was back in her purple eyes. "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei. I owe you one."

"Don't mention it," I said, turning away to gather my things. "Just try not to get any more cursed seals, alright? My babysitting days are supposed to be over."

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixed on the floor, then said, "Kakashi-sensei?"

I stopped, my back still to her. "Yeah?"

"Why...why do you help me?"

I paused, unsure of how to answer. The truth was complicated, a tangled mess of concern and a sense of responsibility I wasn't quite ready to admit, even to myself. "Let's just say Hokage-sama would be very upset if anything happened to Konoha's resident genius," I said finally, resorting to my usual deflection tactics.

 "Oh," she said.

"Besides," I added, almost as an afterthought, "Someone has to make sure you don't accidentally blow up the village with one of your hidden ridiculously overpowered jutsu. It's a public service, really."

I heard a faint giggle from behind me. "Right. A public service."

I turned back to face her, a small smile hidden behind my mask. "Now, get some rest. You've earned it. And try not to attract any more unwanted attention from creepy snake guys, okay?"

She nodded, a hint of a genuine smile gracing her lips. "I'll try my best."

As I walked away from the medical tent, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of...something. Relief? Pride? Maybe even a tiny sliver of...connection? Nah. Probably just indigestion.

..........

The training grounds were quiet, save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of brids. It was an unusual sight: just Kakashi and Lhexi alone. Sasuke was off on some errand, leaving Lhexi to train with the infamous Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi. Usually, the thought would send shivers down her spine, but today, the anxiety felt... muted.

"Alright, Lhexi," Kakashi began, his voice as nonchalant as ever, "Let's see what you've got." He leaned against a nearby tree, his ever-present orange book in hand.

Lhexi hesitated, glancing at him warily. "What... what do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kakashi shrugged, not looking up from his book. "Surprise me. Show me something I haven't seen before."

Easy for you to say, she thought, clenching her fists. She took a deep breath, trying to ignore the weight of his gaze, and focused on her chakra. She had been working on a new technique, one that combined her sealing abilities with her natural affinity for water release.

"Water Style: Surging Torrent Seal!" she exclaimed, weaving through a series of hand signs. A surge of water erupted from the nearby stream, swirling around her before solidifying into several water clones. But, instead of just being plain clones, she had small scrolls within them.

Kakashi finally looked up, his visible eye widening slightly. "Interesting," he murmured, actually closing his book.

Lhexi felt a surge of pride. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make her push forward. The water clones dashed towards several targets as the clones began sticking small scrolls to it.

"Exploding Tag: Cascade!" she yelled.

The tags erupted, hitting all targets.

"Not bad. But those seals are too slow" Kakashi said, his tone analytical. "You need to increase the speed of the tags by 30%."

Lhexi's face fell. "Thirty percent? That's... impossible," she said, doubt creeping into her voice.

Kakashi pushed himself off the tree and walked towards her, his steps slow and deliberate. "Nothing is impossible, Lhexi. You just need to find the right method." He stopped a few feet away, his gaze intense. "Tell you what, I'll help you."

Lhexi's eyes widened, surprised by his offer. "You... you will?"

Kakashi nodded. "But you have to be willing to push yourself. Are you ready?"

She hesitated, then nodded firmly. "Yes, sensei."

And so began their training. Kakashi, surprisingly, was a meticulous teacher. He didn't just bark orders; he explained the theory behind each technique, breaking down the complex steps into manageable chunks. He identified her weaknesses, pointing out the flaws in her form and suggesting ways to improve her chakra control.

"Your hand seals are too rigid," he said, gently adjusting her fingers. "Relax your muscles, let the chakra flow naturally."

He guided her through meditation exercises, helping her to center her mind and focus her energy. He showed her how to visualize the chakra pathways, how to feel the energy coursing through her veins.

Hours passed, and Lhexi found herself getting lost in the training. Kakashi's presence, which had once been a source of anxiety, slowly became... comforting. He was still distant, still enigmatic, but there was a sense of genuine care beneath his aloof exterior.

"Again," Kakashi instructed, his voice firm but encouraging. "Faster this time."

Lhexi nodded, wiping the sweat from her brow. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and focused on her chakra. She remembered Kakashi's words, relaxing her muscles and letting the energy flow freely. She imagined the tags, how it explode, and where it would hit. Then, she quickly performed a series of hand signs.

"Water Style: Surging Torrent Seal!" she exclaimed, the water responding instantly to her will. This time, the water clones dashed out, sticking the scrolls as quickly as possible.

"Exploding Tag: Cascade!"

The tags erupted, hitting all of the targets.

Kakashi observed her intently, his expression unreadable. After a moment, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Better," he said, his voice almost... approving. "Much better."

Lhexi felt a surge of triumph, a sense of accomplishment she hadn't felt in a long time. She had done it. She had actually impressed Kakashi.

"Thank you, sensei," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Kakashi shrugged, turning back to his book. "Don't thank me yet. We still have a long way to go." But as he flipped the page, Lhexi couldn't help but notice the subtle curve of his lips behind his mask, the hint of pride in his eye.

.........

Sasuke was still out, and Lhexi... well, Lhexi was currently slumped against a tree, fast asleep. Training had been intense, and she had pushed herself harder than I expected. 

The kid had potential, a raw talent that just needed to be honed.

I sighed, closing my book. It was getting late, and we needed to head back to Konoha. I nudged her gently. "Lhexi," I said, my voice soft. "Wake up. We need to go."

She stirred, groaning softly. "Five more minutes..." she mumbled, turning away from me.I chuckled softly. "No can do. Come on, I'll give you a piggyback ride.

"Her eyes fluttered open, and she stared at me, surprised. "Really, sensei?" she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Really," I confirmed, crouching down in front of her. "Now, hop on."

She hesitated for a moment, then slowly climbed onto my back, wrapping her arms around my neck. I adjusted her weight, making sure she was secure before standing up. She was surprisingly light, like a feather.

"Comfy?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.

"Mhm," she hummed, burying her face in my hair. "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."

I started walking towards Konoha, the familiar path stretching out before us. The Third Training Ground wasn't that far from the village—maybe six or seven miles, a comfortable distance for a decent walk. But for a kid who had spent the entire day pushing her chakra reserves to the limit? It might as well have been a marathon.

The silence between us was comfortable, filled only with the sounds of our footsteps and the gentle rustling of the trees. I could feel her breathing evening out against my back, her body relaxing completely. She was asleep again.

I couldn't help but smile beneath my mask. It was... nice. Peaceful. Usually, I preferred to keep people at arm's length, maintaining a professional distance. But there was something about this kid, something earnest and determined, that made it hard to maintain my usual aloofness.

Maybe it was because I saw a bit of myself in her—the same drive, the same desire to prove herself. Or maybe it was just that she was so damn tired.

With the Chunin Exams approaching, she needed every advantage she could get.

I also noticed that she might be pushing herself too hard.

No point in burning out before the exams even started.

We continued on, the sky growing darker with each step. The lights of Konoha twinkled in the distance, a welcoming beacon after a long day. I adjusted Lhexi on my back, making sure she was still comfortable.

"Almost there," I murmured, though she couldn't hear me. "Just a little further."

And as I carried her towards the village, I realized that this wasn't just a burden. It was a... privilege. Yeah, being a sensei wasn't so bad after all.

Lhexi perched comfortably on my back. She had fallen asleep quickly, her face buried in my hair, but it wasn't long before she stirred awake.

"Hey, sensei," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "You didn't have to carry me, you know."

I chuckled softly. "You looked like you needed it. Besides, it's not like you're heavy."

She grinned. "You're just being nice."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I'm a nice guy, right?"

"Sure, in your own way," she teased, her voice still sleepy but sharp as always. "Just don't let it go to your head."

I laughed, the sound echoing softly around us. "You're not bad for a kid, either. I must be doing something right."

"Mhm," she hummed thoughtfully, "but are you sure this isn't just to give yourself a break from walking?"

"Can't fault a man for taking a shortcut when the opportunity arises," I replied, slowing my pace as we reached a small stream. The sound of water trickling over rocks was peaceful. "Besides, we both know you'd be slower without the extra assistance."

"True, true," she conceded, the lightness in her tone returning. "But in that case, why not run? I know I can keep up."

"Do I look like I'm in a hurry?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Sometimes it's nice to enjoy the walk. And the view."

"Touché," she said, looking around. "It is pretty nice out here."

I could sense her looking at the trees, perhaps wondering about the small wildlife that lived amongst them.

"You know," I began, "you could use this downtime to think about your strategies for the Chunin Exams."

Lhexi nodded, her expression serious now. "That's true. I was thinking about my jutsu earlier. I need to come up with something new, something unexpected."

"Good thinking," I encouraged. "And don't underestimate teamwork even if this is an individual match. It could be your greatest asset."

"I know, but it's so hard to rely on others sometimes," she admitted, a hint of frustration sneaking into her voice.

"It can be challenging," I agreed, "but trust is part of growth. Just like I'm trusting you not to fall off my back right now."

She laughed lightly. "Don't worry; I'm holding on tight. I'd much prefer to avoid landing face-first in the dirt."

Glancing back at her with a playful smile, I said, "Well, that's a relief. The village will still be there when we get back, and I'd rather not have to carry you back from a tumble as well."

"Alright then, we'll take it slow," she said as she settled more comfortably against me. "I appreciate it, Kakashi-sensei. It helps me relax."

"Just remember to return the favor someday," I replied, a smirk creeping onto my face. "I might need a carry after a tough mission."