Chapter 4
Jiraiya was a well-renowned counselor in his small Michigan town. With degrees from Bradley University and Concordia University, he was a well overqualified to move to a town of less than five thousand people, but he was eager to help a community rather than exploit an area for the prospects of higher pay. The mid-west was a slept-on part of the country in his eyes, and so with his services he felt could greatly help those in need.
He opened a can of cold brew that he bought from the local grocery store last week and flipped through his Thursday manila envelope which held the information of the patients he would see that day. He was old-school, he admitted, but he hated what technology had done to humans. He felt it crippled most everyone, holding them from meaningful change and crucial social development.
Jiraiya’s eyes landed on the first patient on his list - Sasuke Uchiha.
Taking a sip of his coffee, he browsed Sasuke’s file. The poor boy from LA, moved here after the deaths of his parents and grandparents after an automobile accident two years ago. He became enrolled in the local high school and is currently flunking. His aunt set up these appointments to see if counseling could help his depression. Jiraiya knew Sasuke’s aunt, Tsunade, who had been one of his patients a few years back working through her alcohol dependency. From what he remembered she was doing better, and when she called for his help with her nephew, he agreed to see the boy for a few months on a discounted price.
He readied for the appointment, setting colored pillows on the couch in his office and straightening some frog knick-knacks that he had scattered with another patient the day before- for an anger exercise.
A light knock came to the door and Jiraiya shouted, “Come in.” A click then followed, and Sasuke Uchiha entered.
Sasuke’s long hair was unbrushed and greasy, laying limp like a carcass over his eyes. The boy only wore gray or black, and he smelled as if he hadn’t showered in months.
This was a clear case of depression, Jiraiya sighed to himself after making a thin smile. “Good morning, Sasuke, please take a seat.”
This was their second session and unfortunately Jiraiya could not get Sasuke to say a word. The teenager sat looking at the coffee table before him with a bored expression. Only when 8 a.m. came around did Sasuke perk up. “I’m afraid that’s all our time today. I will see you next week.” Jiraiya said with passive annoyance. Sasuke nodded and left the room in the same state as he arrived.
Jiraiya took the next few minutes before his next patient to dial Tsunade. Tsunade’s sweet voice answered, and Jiraiya said coldly, “I think this boy needs a prescription, I think he needs to see a doctor.”