They stopped by to grab Kakashi's reports before making their way to the palace of the Hokage. It really wasn't much of a palace as a large structure compared to many of the others in the village. She looked up at the mount where four faces were carved. She really didn't get over to this side of the town much under her restrictions.

"The four Hokage," Kakashi explained when he saw her looking.

"Isn't the current one the Third?" She asked puzzled.

"My sensei was the Fourth. He passed away saving the village from the Nine-tailed Fox demon," Kakashi said sadly. He hadn't explained to her anything about Naruto as of yet until the Hokage decided whether she could be trusted with village secrets.

"You mean the spikey blond haired man from your memories? I'm sorry," she said quietly.

"It was several years ago," he said.

They stopped talking when they reached the entrance. Keiko was left to ponder his words as they climbed the steps. This was the first time he mentioned demons in this world to her. When they reached the floor of the Hokage's office, he permitted them entry when Kakashi knocked.

"I've been expecting I'd see you sometime today," Hiruzen said.

The kind smile etched into an old man's face wasn't quite what she had been expecting. Keiko wasn't sure if she should bow, so she lowered her head respectfully. "Thank you for your generosity and kindness Hokage-sama. I am in your debt," she said.

"Please. It's the least we can do. I hear you're keeping some of the kids of the village company when Kakashi is busy. Iruka has been asking about you the last few days. I suspect you are wondering why it's taken this old man so long to make your acquaintance."

"I'm sure you have had more important matters…" she began.

Hiruzen waived informally. "I had heard from the reports that you were not keen on trusting anyone but Kakashi here and I didn't want to pressure you. Besides, this assignment is good practice for him before he takes his first group of Genin."

Kakashi looked surprised. The Hokage had mentioned it before, but he hadn't realized it was already on the table as an actual assignment.

"Yes, I think you'll make a fine teacher Kakashi," Hiruzen mused. He turned to Keiko, "I feel that it would be rude to ask for Kakashi's report on the last couple days without hearing what you have to say first. If you would, I'd like to hear about your time here the last few months Keiko-sama."

Keiko relayed to him some of the things Kakashi had told her about the village and jutsu. She talked about the kids and decided she would tell part of her story. She left the parts about being a Youkai and dating Kakashi out.

"I've been around many years, my dear. I'm sure there are some things you're not telling me, but I'm sure you have good reason. Now that Kakashi is released from this assignment, I don't see any problem with you being together," he said wisely.

They both stared. Hiruzen chuckled, "I watch and listen to the people of this village. That's part of my job. But I won't say anything regarding it if that is your wish. I beg your pardon if we talk about you in front of you, but we need to figure out where to put you next if you'd like to stay."

Keiko nodded.

"She's reasonably skilled in swordsmanship. We came to a draw as a matter of fact," Kakashi said. Hiruzen looked mildly impressed. Kakashi continued, "Keiko can work with all the elements but doesn't use it the same way as a shinobi. To train her in the same way, we'd have to start from scratch. She also is pretty forward in her attacks and defense. Part of the art of ninjutsu is deception and I think we need to work on that some," Kakashi said. "I suspect she is equivalently at Chunin level at very least."

"Hmm," Hiruzen pondered. "At your age we can't really send you through the academy to learn the shinobi way, and I can't put you on a squad without having a rank. When I have someone free that can teach you here and there, I'll be glad to lend them, but for now my advice is to observe. Unfortunately shinobi are on the payroll of those they serve. When I could mark you as security risk, I could justify having Kakashi with you. I can't really do that now. If you'd like to continue helping Iruka out a few days a week and whatever miscellaneous tasks I can find for you, we can continue to help you with housing as an ambassador."

"That is most generous. Thank you Hokage-sama," Keiko replied.

Kakashi watched her. She seemed more regal and diplomatic than he had seen her, even during her prior attempts to be courteous. He supposed that this was the first interaction with any superiors in the village in an official sense.

"Kakashi, may I talk to Keiko along for a moment?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kakashi stepped out into the hall leaving Keiko behind.

To her credit, she didn't fidget or cast nervously around. She certainly had grown comfortable there. Hiruzen was glad. He smiled gently to her. "It makes this old man's heart happy to see that you've brought Kakashi some happiness. He's been alone for a long time. Has he told you any about his past?"

"Yes. I think that's why I took to him. I saw some of mine in him," Keiko replied.

"I'm glad. You both have had quite the ordeal, though I must say that your timeline seems a little hazy," he said.

"Truthfully, I'm not from this world. I came here escaping my own, and very nearly my death. I'm sorry that the mutual mistrust has put you out. I am very grateful for all the Leaf village has done for me. I will work hard on its behalf," she vowed.

"Hmm. Well I hope you will be open with Kakashi regarding the rest. He's not an easy one to fool either. It sounds like a bit of trust will do you both some good," Hiruzen said wisely. "It was good to finally meet you Keiko-sama."

Keiko bowed her head before leaving the room to join Kakashi in the hall.

"Well, since it sounds like our days are going to be cut short from now on, maybe we should have that movie and dinner today," he said. "We'd probably have the theater to ourselves so early."

A sly smile crossed Keiko's face. Kakashi laughed, "I'm pretty sure of the two of us, you are more devious. What kind of movies do you like?"

They wound up seeing an action movie and Kakashi had been quite right. They had the theater to themselves. By the time it got out, it was late enough for dinner. He took her to a traditional Japanese place that he heard was good. Usually the teams opted for something like Barbeque or Ramen, but it didn't really seem appropriate for his first time really taking her out. It wound up being more expensive than he thought, but it wasn't like he was spending the money on anything else. Besides, it was worth it watching her thank him profusely when she saw the spread. She was adorable when she got flustered.

After the meal, they went for a walk through the village and Kakashi showed her different areas they hadn't been to before making their way to the outskirts of town.