Ritoru Taikoku

Hypothesis Testing

(The outfit above is close to her new outfit)

She slid the door open, wearing the clothing provided. A pale blue tank top with a violet, short sleeved cardigan, tied closed with a purple ribbon at her back, purple arm warmers, dark blue shorts and leg warmers that matched her arms, as well as a black pair of sandals. It was a bit baggy, but she could grow into it when she got healthy. She tied her hair up with the pony tail provided as well, leaving her bangs down.

Kakashi towered over her 5'0 frame with his 5'9 one as they walked out of the building together, his feet clacking on the wood and hers barely making a sound. He noticed how she walked closer to him than a walking companion normally would, sticking to him. "Let's go to the florist shop first so we can find a flower that matches your new clothes." He smiled.

She didn't reply but nodded submissively.

"So...what do you like to do?" Kakashi asked.

"I...I'm not sure. I think I...used to draw?" she racked her brain.

"Good! We can get you some supplies then, too. Would you like that?" he asked, so she would reply.

"Yes, I ...I would like that, very much." She gave a smile.

xxX

The next three weeks their days went like this. Spending their day together in town or for a walk in the woods and she would spend her nights in the glass room with wires attached to her. She gained weight to be nearly healthy for her small stature, and her hair was shinier. Her art skills increased but her confidence had not. She clung to Kakashi's sleeve and hid behind him if he stopped to speak to someone. All those years alone had not done her very well in the social department. She walked with her head down, slightly behind the shinobi in a submissive, trusting way.

In Truth, Kakashi found it cute. He liked feeling depended upon. Her innocent, slightly frightened demeanor made him feel odd. It was something he enjoyed for sure but he couldn't put his finger on why.

Night was falling and Raku was being told the testing would be a bit different.

"We have noticed you act differently based on who is around. Particularly, Kakashi. Your power surges seem to be fear based and he combats the negative feelings, does he not?"

Raku looked at the floor and nodded. "He does."

The Hokage nodded. "We want to monitor you with Kakashi present, in the room with you."

She gasped. "No! I don't want to hurt him! I can't control it!" The old man stepped back and Kakashi walked forward, putting a comforting hand on her arm.

"You won't hurt me, Raku."

"How do you know?"

"Because I trust you with my life. I wouldn't have agreed if I didn't. I have no doubt in you." He gave a close eyed smile

xxxX

Authors note: Short chapter for a cliff hanger!

How do you think things will turn out? Will Raku accidently hurt Kakashi? Will she loose it and turn on him? Or will everything go as planned? Tell me your guess and I'll post the next chapter!