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A fire burned in the center of the village. The crimson and yellow flames intertwined as they climbed higher into the moon-lit sky.
Pure white driven snow started to fall gently from above. It lightly covered the coble-stone paths which branched off in different directions from the fire's furnace.
A lone figure strolled on one of the paths towards the village's dojo. The figure pulled the scarf closer to the face just as the wind blew. As soon as the person reached the doors, the figure slid them open, and then entered.
A girl with pink hair looked over and stood up. "Here, let me help you with those," Sakura offered as she walked over to the figure.
"Thank you Sakura, I appreciate the help," the figure replied turning around and smiled.
"You're welcome, it's the least we can do, since you're letting us stay here. Someone has to do something to help out." Sakura said as she directed her gaze to a blonde haired boy and another with blue-black hair.
"Hey, we're helping! Who went out and got the fire wood huh?" the blonde hair boy asked with slight offense.
Sakura rolled her eyes as she walked over to the kitchen area and started to put the supplies away.
"Don't worry Naruto, I didn't forget that you and Sasuke brought back the fire wood." the figure replied with a smile as the scarf was taken off, which revealed a mix of golden-red hair that cascaded just past the shoulders. "Say, where is your sensei, shouldn't he be here with you?"
"Kakashi-sensei said he had a few things to take care of and that we're suppose to keep watch and make sure that you'll be safe. We'll do it too, believe it!" Naruto exclaimed in excitement as he clenched his fists. "You can leave everything to us Keara-sensei."
"Then I have nothing to worry about with the three of you here with me." Keara replied with a small laugh.
"Unless of course Naruto messes up again, then we might have a problem." another voice said in a cold manner.
Naruto whipped around and glared, "Sasuke! Take that back! I don't always mess up!"
Sasuke raised a brow at him as he kept his cool demeanor. "Now that I think about it, you only mess up most of the time, you loser."
"Sasuke, I'll take you anytime, anywhere, believe it." Naruto challenged as his eyes burned.
The dark haired ninja calmly stood in front of Naruto, his eyes slanted as the two ninjas studied each other.
'Not again. Why is it always this way? It's really starting to get annoying.' Sakura thought to herself as she shook her head.
Keara shook her head as she knelt down in front of her table and started on her flower arrangement. "You both remind me so much of two brothers who constantly fought each other over every little thing. They were so different, but they were always there for each other when things became difficult." She took another rod of bamboo and placed it into the vase.
Naruto and Sasuke stood at ease and turned their attention towards Keara.
"Wait, why are you talking about them in past tense? What happened?" Sakura asked as she walked over and knelt beside her.
Keara stared into the arrangement. Her hands floated lightly to the table, and then curled her hands into fists. She then closed her eyes with a deep frown as she reflected on what happened on that dark day.
"Keara-sensei?" Naruto asked as he looked at her with confused eyes.
Keara slowly opened her eyes, and took up the vase with both hands as she carefully stood.
The three chuunin watched curiously as they saw Keara walk towards the back of the dojo and slid the doors open. Sakura stood and frowned slightly as she looked over towards Naruto and Sasuke.
Keara glanced back at them, "You want to know what happened, then follow me."
The three quickly hurried to the back door and followed Keara to a small shrine that was set up. Keara placed the arrangement in the center and brought her hands together in prayer position as she gave her respects.
Keara-sensei, is this what you wanted to show us?" Sakura asked as she looked towards Keara with concerned eyes.
She opened her eyes and then turned around and faced them. "Yes, this is what happens to people that constantly fight with the only idea is to fight until there is no one left standing. That is not what I teach. I take students in that want to learn how to fight in order to help defend who can't defend themselves. I don't teach them to fight just for the sake of fighting. I'm sorry, you don't need to hear about my burden. Come back inside, and I'll start making supper."
"Keara-sensei, is it alright by you if we stayed out here a little longer?" Naruto asked as he looked over towards her.
"Of course, but don't stay out too long." Keara replied with a small smile. She turned and went back into the dojo.
Sakura clasped her hands together as she brought them to her chest. "Poor Keara-sensei, have to carry that burden by herself. It isn't fair."
"You're right Sakura, it isn't fair. But then again not a lot of things in life are," a familiar voice replied from above.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto exclaimed as he quickly looked up into the tree.
"Do you know what happened, Kakashi-sensei?" Sasuke asked as he and the other two watched when Kakashi landed gracefully before them.
"Yes, I know, but it isn't my place to tell." Kakashi replied as he guided them to the back door.
"Aww, come on Kakashi-sensei." Naruto pleaded when they entered the dojo.
"No Naruto, when Keara is ready to let you know the whole story, then she'll tell you. But in the meantime, let's enjoy the meal that she worked so hard in preparing for us." Kakashi replied while he motioned to the table as it was being set.
Keara looked up and smiled, "Kakashi, it's been a while. I see that your timing is the same as ever."
The jounin smiled behind his mask, "Of course Keara, when it comes to you…"
Keara faltered back a little, but still gave a small smile back as she motioned for them to sit.
The three chuunin blinked at each other when they saw Keara's reaction to his words. Each of them were wondering the same thing. What's the connection between their sensei and Keara-sensei?
Keara knelt down and started to eat along with them. "So Sakura, I understand that you're training to become a medical ninja."
Sakura looked up and blinked, "Yea, how'd you know?"
Keara gave a small laugh, "Easy, when you put your bag down, I saw a medical book sticking out from the corner."
Sakura blushed a little as she looked back down at her food.
"Hey, don't be embarrassed. Besides, I bet you'll be one of the best medical ninjas in your village." Keara informed her as she put a comforting hand onto her shoulder. "Especially if Tsunade is still head of medicine."
"Yes, Tsunade is still running things, and it's been a while since I've seen a mind as sharp and a will as strong as Sakura's. I'm sure that she'll do just fine." Kakashi replied with a nod.
"Arigato Kakashi-sensei." Sakura said with a smile as she looked over towards him.
Sasuke finished and then stood up. "I guess it's time for guard duty. I'll take first watch."
Naruto looked up and glared at Sasuke. 'Man, I don't believe that guy! Who does he think he is anyway? He thinks he's so great! Yea right! I'll show him!'
Keara took her hand off of Sakura's shoulder and stood up as she took the dishes from the table after they were finished.
"So, Kakashi-sensei, what's going on between you and Keara-sensei?" Naruto asked with a smirk.
"Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed as she balled up her fist and hit him across the back of his head.
"Ow! Sakura! What was that for?" Naruto asked as he winced while he held the back of his head.
"That kind of information is personal! You don't need to be asking something like that!" Sakura shot back as she shook her fist at him.
Just as Naruto and Sakura started to bicker back and forth, a set of three kunai knives tore in from nowhere. "Keara!" Kakashi exclaimed as he saw the kunai knives going straight for her.
