I'm Not Alone {--Kakashi Hatake--}

{Chapter 13}

I found myself outside the Hokage's office. I knew that Kakashi was inside, along with the other teachers. I snuck into the Academy, until I was close enough to where they were to hear their conversation.

I was sure to mask my chakra so they couldn't detect me.

I heard the Third Hokage start to speak, "Seeing whom I've invited here, you may be able to guess...what we are here to discuss."

"Is it time already?" A familiar voice responded and I knew who it belonged to. A certain silver-haired Jounin.

"Have you informed the lords of the other lands yet? Because I believe I have already seen some of them in our village." A man stated, and another asked, "When is it to be?"

"One week from today." The Hokage answered simply and was questioned with, "Isn't this rather sudden?"

There was a small pause before he explained, "To make it completely official, I hereby announce...we shall begin conducting examinations for journeyman ninja - the Chunin."

He began after a small moment, "Now, then...we'd like to hear first from those who have overseen the training of our newest junior ninja. Senseis Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma. Tell us...do any of you have, among your charges, any Genin you'd recommend for this year's journeymen exams?"

I didn't hear much else until he stated, "You may begin, Kakashi."

"Team 7, led by Kakashi, consists of Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Hayashi Michiko, I vow upon the honor of my clan, the Hatake - that all four of them are ready for the Chunin selection exam."

The other senseis went after him, and I couldn't make out much until I heard an outburst of "Naruto's not like you." I thought a moment before I recognized the voice belonging to Iruka. "Do you want to destroy children?! You all know what they call the Chunin selection exams, don't you?"

"They gripe about every detail of every mission. Just for once, I think it would do them good to find out what real pain is..." Kakashi spoke, and my heart sank a little. I leaned against the wall, sliding down silently until I was sitting. "Let's admit it. Breaking them would be fun."

I shut my eyes. I didn't want to hear this. It sounded so...wrong. Twisted.

"Are you out of your mind?" Iruka questioned.

"...It wasn't a joke, Iruka-sensei. I understand you...and I'm sorry if my recommendation upsets you but I stand by it."

"But..."

"Kakashi, can we finish with this?" A female spoke, and I assumed it was Kurenai.

"It's none of your business, anyway...they're not your students anymore. They are soldiers under my command." The silver haired Jounin continued.

Is that he thought of us? Nothing more than to be used?

I couldn't hear more of this. It was all ridiculous.

I practically stormed out of the Academy. I was absolutely pissed.

I wasn't paying any attention to what was around me when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It caused me to stop and spin around to see who it was. A certain sensei of mine.

"What do you want?" I almost snapped, trying to keep my anger under control.

"Michiko, what's going on?" He questioned, though I had a hint he already knew.

"You know what, why should I say?" I asked with attitude as I started to move away.

His grip tightened slightly, not enough to hurt but enough to tell me to stay where I was.

"Tell me."

I gritted my teeth before starting to rant, "Do you think that those kids and I are just pawns to be used? Is that all we are? Is that all I am to you?"

He seemed almost unsure what to say, and instead of just standing there and waiting for an answer, I turned around, slipping out of his grasp.

I could hear his footsteps behind me, but I wasn't about to look back. I felt as if my head was going to explode from how upset I was.

"Stop and listen." He commanded, grabbing a hold of my shoulder again, and this time when I turned around, he held onto both my shoulders. But he wasn't forcing me to be there. I knew if I wanted to leave, he would let me.

"No, that's not all you are to me." He spoke softly, almost tenderly and the affection caught me off guard.

I was so completely confused and still frustrated, I didn't know what to say other than to excuse myself with, "I...I have to go. I'm sorry."

I stepped back, and he released me from his grasp. I couldn't say anything else as I turned around and started to walk back home.

I eventually made it to my apartment, although as I approached the building, I had a sick feeling in the bottom of my stomach. Something wasn't right. I just knew it.

I walked up the steps slowly, and noticed that the door to my apartment was slightly ajar. Someone had been in there while I was gone.

I cautiously opened the door, peering into the space beyond. Everything was completely wrecked. All my things, just thrown around the room carelessly by some stranger. Someone just came in and destroyed my property...

As if I wasn't already angry and upset before, this event put it over the top.

I grabbed up the few things of mine that weren't ruined and walked out of the apartment, slamming the door behind me. I had nowhere to go now. It wasn't safe here anymore, obviously.

There was only person I could go to, really, and the thought made me anxious.

I soon found myself in front of Kakashi's apartment with the few possessions I had left in hand, debating whether to ask him what I was about to or not. It would be a huge favor, and how things were earlier, I had my doubts.

I brought up the courage I needed, and rapped on the door before waiting for him to answer. Once he did, I began to speak, "Normally, I wouldn't come over here to bother you or anything, but I've found myself in a situation..." He simply watched as I spoke, and I continued, "My apartment was broken into. I can't stay there. I was hoping...that maybe I could..."

"You can stay here." He answered before I finished my question.

I was surprised a moment before gving a grateful smile and saying, "Thanks."

"It's no problem." He assured me as he stood aside to let me in.

This...arrangement was going to be interesting though, to say the least.