Keiko sighed as she endlessly roamed the village. She was bored and didn't want to train again, she already did half an hour ago and she had just took a bath. Sasuke and Haku is probably training again right now.A faint blushpainted acrossher face as her mind wandered off to Itachi, Sasori, Deidara, and (remember the surprise person that gave Hinata a ring too from chapter 5? Insert who you might think he is here. Hee hee.). She missed them so much. "I wonder if they've got word that they can come now…."
"WHAT THE HELL?!" , it was Kiba. Her ear lightly twitched as she heard another yell. What the hell was going on?! Keiko raced over to the doors where the noise appeared to come from. Sakura, Kiba, Shino, Naruto, TenTen, Ino, Shikamaru, Lee, and Neji stood in a battle stance a good few yards away from the entrance. Keiko took out her swords instantly at the tensed sight, the crystal one Tsunade got for her which she named Serene and Chaos, Kakashi gave her the dark one.
"What's going on? Why aren't more ninjas protecting the place?", she asked. Sakura narrowed her eyes, "Akatsuki." Keiko's eyes widened, "W-What did you s-say?" "Itachi!", Naruto hissed when a figure entered through the doors. Keiko's eyes widened when she smelled the familiar scent and chakara. He smelled the same as always…cinnamon and spice. "I-Itachi-kun?" Her swords dropped from her hands from shock then tears came to her eyes. "Itachi-kun!" Everyone froze then gaped at what she had just called the missing Nin. The nin stopped and turned to her the moment it heard her.
Keiko raced towards the figure, the others unable to stop her. "Keiko! No, stop!", Shikamaru yelled. It was too late, Keiko was already a foot before the figure. The figure ran towards her…and surprisingly hugged her! The straw hat fell off to reveal it was indeed Itachi. Keiko sobbed and hugged him tighter with him hugging her back, stroking her hair and trying to calm her. "It's alright. I'm here. Shhh." He whispered into her ear as she slowly calmed down; her cheeks tinting a light pink. "I…missed you so much." Itachi smirked, "I missed you too, my sweet angel." He kissed her gently on the cheek, staring into the innocent orbs that he had longed for over the days that seemed like years to him.
"I'm hurt! What about me? Un!" They looked up to see Deidara standing there with a ticked off expression. Keiko giggled happily, "Deidara-kun! I missed you so much!" She jumped into his arms, breathing in his sweet citrus and mango scent. He laughed and twirled her around, "You've haven't changed a bit…well except the eyes…the hair…oh, you know what I mean! I missed you too angel! Un." He pecked her on the cheek, lightly brushing his lips on hers. Keiko blushed, "What about Saso-" A grunt was heard.
Keiko was suddenly snatched from the blonde's arms and into a red head's chest, a smell of mint and juniper wafted up her nose. A pale hand stroked her hair, as it placed her head at the crook of his neck. She looked up and found herself staring into dark grey orbs with the slightest hint of maroon. "Sasori-kun…you guys are all here and safe. Thank goodness. I was so worried that something might've happened to you guys." He smirked and kissed her softly on her lips, feeling the electricity she had felt so many times around the boys. (including Sasuke, Haku, Itachi, Deidara, her 'secret crushes' and the surprise person) "Well…we're here aren't we?" Keiko smiled; a tear trailed down her cheeks but was soon brushed away by someone's soft lips. A light tingling sensation was left where his lips touched. She looked up to see Itachi standing there.
"Well, there's nothing to be worried about now." Deidara nodded, "You know how much we hate it to see you cry! Come on let's go to the hokage! And this time I'm carrying her!" Keiko giggled when they started to fight over her…well, not fight they were giving each other death glares, waiting for one of them to back down. A lightning bolt clashed between the three from the intensity. Keiko seat dropped then all of the sudden two murderous auras snapped them out of their revere.
"So…you're back dear brother." They turned to see Sasuke and Haku standing there…looking very scary. Haku forced on a sweet smile, "Welcome back we missed you guys so much." Keiko got onto her feet and stood between the two groups, "Alright calm down-" "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU GUYS DOING HOLDING KEIKO?!"
"YOU BETTER NOT HAVE KISSED HER AGAIN ITACHI! All OF YOU GUYS!" "…Hn." (Itachi and Sasori) "IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU GUYS! Un!", Deidara yelled. Keiko sighed, too late for calming down. Naruto gaped, "What the HELL is going on?! And what are they-", points at former Akatsuki members, "Doing here?! I thought the two of you were dead!" "Hn." Itachi smirked, taunting them while Sasori kept on a calm face and Deidara kept arguing with the boys. Naruto growled in anger and threw his kunais at them. He summoned his shadow clones and charged at them. "I killed you guys once, I'll kill you again!" "Naruto! Stop!", TenTen yelled. They easily deflected the kunais off and destroyed the clones.
Keiko shook her head, "Naruto-kun! No! They're not going to hurt anyone!" He ignored her and rushed in on Itachi, reckless as usual. A majestic crystal blade stopped his kunai in a loud clash as icy blood red eyes glared into him…although they weren't Itachi's eyes, instead different blood liquid orbs were staring through him, they felt completely different from Itachi and Sasuke. Keiko kept her ground, unconsciously activating her complete sharingun. "Naruto-kun, calm down. We'll go to Tsunade and explain everything to the whole village." Naruto flinched. Despite her soft and musical voice, the way she held the sword and with the sharingun she looked like she could kill without thinking twice. Like an expert killer. Keiko sighed, reading the blonde's thoughts. "Don't look at me like that. Sorry but I'm used to training hard so, gomen." She sheathed her sword back into the holder, slung on her back with her other violet sword. "How can we trust them? They killed a lot of innocent people!", Ino asked.
"I said wait until Tsunade makes the announcements.", she repeated, her voice lightly laced with warning. "You really are Kakashi's daughter…", Sakura gasped seeing the similarity the moment Keiko activated her sharingun. She VERY faintly smirked, "Let's go before anyone else freaks out."
-
"Attention Kohona!" The villagers were crowded around the hokage's tower while Tsunade and the Akatsuki stood on top of the tower. "The Akatsuki! What are they doing here?" "Ahem! I have an announcement to make that concerns them. It appears that we have mistaken these three. Especially Uchiha Itachi, he never killed his own clan." Mummers erupted from the crowd. "Really, how do you know?!" "One name should be enough. Orochimaru."
Gasps sounded down below. Tsunade looked back and Keiko nodded, running downstairs and underground where no one could see her. "Here is proof!", Tsunade said, hushing the sounds below and signaling it was time for the girl. Keiko closed her eyes, her birthmarks appearing on her as she glowed until she was consumed with a brilliant aura. "Door of chained memories unlocked. Night of Uchiha slaughter. Tell them the truth. Show them what truly happened on that very night. Unveil what happened. Forbidden Memories." Keiko whispered and then the light bursted through the ground from her body and up to where everyone was, flickering into a picture and soon they were in the place of the Uchiha compound from years ago where it continued after the Hikage's and Tsukikage's destruction.
The villagers gasped at the bloody scene unfolding before them. They were actually there and seeing what was really happening! Then a figure standing in the dark emerged bringing shivers down their spine, it was Orochimaru. Keiko slowly descended and was caught in soft arms before touching the ground. She opened her eyes to see Sasuke cradling her. "Sasuke-kun…?" He nodded and stroked her cheek, "I followed you down. I didn't need to see what happened again. Itachi, Deidara, and Sasori are getting tested by the people up stairs." Keiko frowned sitting up, moving away from his hold. Sasuke frowned, "What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry to have let you witness it again..." She whispered. Sasuke rolled his eyes and flicked her on the forehead, "Stupid, it's not your fault! You had to do it anyway. Besides if you didn't then Itachi's name might never get cleared." She winced and rubbed her forehead, "Gomen." He blinked, "For what now?" She blushed, "U-Uh, sorry." He sighed and pulled her back in his arms, resting her head on his chest while they were sitting on the floor. "You're hopeless." Keiko blushed and smiled in content in his warm embrace. "Gomen?", she unconsciously apologized again. "Hinata Tsukikage Hikage!" Keiko giggled at Sasuke's pissed face then stopped immediately when he seemed to get more pissed. "I'm sorry don't get mad at me!" His eye twitched when she apologized again."…Hn." "Sasuke-kun!!!"
-
Shizune rushed to Keiko's side when the woman spotted the child. "That was amazing! I've never seen you done anything like tha-well I did when you did the transformation -but that was great!" Keiko blushed at the compliment then got serious, "How did it go?" Shizune's smile faltered, "What?" Keiko frowned, her heart slightly speeding up; did they fail? "Was Itachi, Sasori, and Deidara able to past the test?!" Shizune's smile instantly vanished. "I'm sorry Keiko, but… Tsunade and I couldn't-" Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, aching at the thought of losing them. "NO!" Keiko's eyes widened as she turned and ran to where their scent was coming from. "Sasori! Deidara! Itachi!" Spotting the three at the edge of the doors ; she bolted into the closest one's arms.
"Don't leave yet! Please!", a tear trailed down her cheek. She had just got them back. She wasn't going to let them leave! Not again! Deidara blinked as he tenderly held her, "What do you mean? Why are you crying? We passed the test!" Keiko blinked, "H-Huh?" Then realization dawned on her when she noticed the boys were only bringing their stuff back in not leaving. Her face went dark red then slowly she turned and spotted a laughing Tsunade and a giggling Shizune.
Keiko forced on a wide smile, "Tsuunnadde-sama! Shhizzune-san!" She yelled in an overly sweet voice. Everyone around her stopped and shuddered…they never seen her so mad before. Even the great sanin shuddered too. "I just want to have a HARMLESS talk with my dear mothers." Tsunade laughed nervously, "Sorry, Keiko but I have uh, a lot of work to do! Right Shizune?" Shizune nodded quickly, edging away from the dark aura. "Hai, Tsunade-sama." "You see? I wasn't lying so, I got to go now alright?" The two women bolted off in a hurry. Keiko growled and was about to run after them, an arm reached out and grabbed her.
An electric feeling washed over her as the warm hand tightened its hold in her wrist. Keiko stopped; she already knew who it was. "Hyuuga-san, what's the meaning of this?" Neji frowned also noticing she never turned around to see who it was , "I want some answers. Like first of all you." Keiko turned her head to look at him directly in his light stormy gray orbs. A spark of recognition hit him. Although he couldn't quite…place it. There was something about her. And her eyes…her eyes were almost like looking into Hinata's… He quickly averted his eyes at the thought of her like he always had when she used to be around.
Keiko blinked, "What about me?" "Yesterday when you said teme's and Haku's blood was distracting you…what were you talking about?" Naruto asked. Everyone turned to look at him, completely cluelessly. "Baka! What does that has to do with anything?", Sakura sighed. Keiko blinked again as she lied, "Well, because the sight of blood kind of makes queasy. " "Alright, my turn! What's with you and Haku?" Ino asked. "And Sasuke-kun?", Sakura added. Keiko's face turned lightly pink, "We're just close friends." "What about my brother and my angel?" They turned around to see the three former Akatsuki faces shadowed as murderous intent leaked from them. Keiko paled immediately changing the subject, "Oh, uh, did you know that I'm taking the chuunins exam?" "WHAT?! You're taking it with us?!" Naruto yelled. "Wait. Where's Sasuke-kun and Haku-kun?", Keiko asked. Then she blinked. "Wait what time is it?"
"Um, almost 6pm.", TenTen answered. "Oh my gosh, father's going to cook again!!!", Keiko yelled then bolted off towards her house. Deidara blinked then turned to Itachi, "So where are we going to sleep? Un?" Itachi said nothing as he started off into a different path. "Hey!", Deidara ran after him. Naruto stood in their way. "You guys should watch it. You're in our village now." He whispered. Shikamaru placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him down than he turned to them. "It'll be a drag but we'll be keeping an eye on you guys. We don't trust you yet even if Tsunade does." "You're in our territory now.", Neji said.
Sasori, Itachi, and Deidara smirked. "Don't worry we already swore we won't do anything…unless you hurt our little angel.", Sasori stated. Sakura frowned, "Your little angel? …Keiko? Your angel is Keiko!" "How do you guys know Keiko anyway", Ino asked. They all smirked, "That's a secret." They stood there in thought as the wind blew by, making them shudder. "She may be Kakashi's daughter but I simply don't trust her.", Shino said, breaking the silence. Naruto's eyes narrowed in thought.
"Err…no?", Haku sheepishly laughed. "Hn.", Sasuke grunted. Keiko sighed, "You guys! Can't I train for one day without worrying about you two killing each other?" "Uh, no.", they answered immediately. "But then again…we couldn't kill each other if we wanted to.", Haku grinned. "Hn.", Sasuke smirked. She sighed then eyed their injuries, "You better sit down so I can heal. The smell of your blood is distracting me." Naruto narrowed his eyes, "Hm…"
"There's something more to her then it appears. I just know it.", he said. "I'll think we'll have to keep an eye on her also.", Lee added, agreeing. Sakura sighed, "We need to have a chat with Sasuke. Our dinner together last night wasn't very….well, you know helpful... We might also need to talk to Kakashi-sensai." TenTen sighed, "Well, we have some training to do for the exams. I would've been one already last year if it wasn't canceled." Ino nodded her eyes watered slightly, "Yeah…it was because of Hinata's kidnapping, right? They canceled it to make sure nothing was going to go wrong like the time she was kidnapped the year before." Kiba scoffed, "Well, whatever. Come on Akamaru!" The over-sized dog barked and followed its master obediently; whining softly at the thought of its old teammate.. They turned to see that Shino and Neji were also gone. They sighed. "Hinata-chan….where are you?", Sakura whispered , a tear escaping her emerald orbs.
-The next day-
Sasuke glared at the clerk, as she blushed furiously; shuffling around as she tried to find what he wanted. She handed him a bag and bowed, "Have a good day sir." Sasuke grunted and swiftly left, holding the bag closely in his arms. "Oi! Sasuke?!" Naruto blinked as he ran up to his friend. Sasuke sighed, "Naruto." "What do you have there?", Naruto asked as he eyed the bag protectively being held by the Uchiha. "Nothing important.", Sasuke replied and headed back to Kakashi's apartment. Naruto frowned, "Oh, really?" "Yes really.", Sasuke sighed.
Naruto grinned as he snatched the bag out of Sasuke's hand. "I'll just have a look then!", he opened the bag and blinked when he saw medications and pills in them. He gaped in horror when he had an idea what they were for. "TEME, YOU'RE ON DRUGS!" Sasuke's eyes twitched, "Am not! Now give it back!" He snatched the bag out of Naruto's hand. "So, my little brother is finally on medication?" They looked up to see Itachi coolly smirking at them. He wasn't wearing the usual black and red cloak, instead just a normal red and black ninja outfit with the headband tied loosely around his neck. Naruto tensed as he glared at the older Uchiha, "Itachi…" Sasuke scowled, "The medicine isn't for me! It's for Keiko….she's sick." His voice got softer at the end as if…he was worried about Keiko. Itachi blinked, his cold onyx eyes softened. He turned and walked towards where Sasuke was heading to earlier He stopped and tilted his head towards Sasuke, "Well? Lead the way." Sasuke sighed and when he was about to show Itachi the way, Naruto grabbed his friend's arm.
Sasuke turned and blinked when he noticed how serious Naruto looked. "Naruto?" Naruto pursed his lips and looked at the two brothers. Since when were they not at each other's throat?! "Just what is the relationship you guys have with Keiko? How the hell did you guys trust her so well and why the hell are you guys so close! We just found out she's Kakashi's daughter and you've been with her for almost more than 2 years only! What the hell is going on?!" Itachi smirked while Sasuke looked away; his cheeks had the palest pink tint in it.
Naruto looked between the two, "Well?" Itachi patted Naruto on the head as he tensed at the contact. "You should already know her." Sasuke sighed, "Don't worry about it so much. It'll all make sense soon." Naruto frowned, "But there's just something about her that I just don't trust. She may be Kakashi's daughter but there's just something about her!" "Like what?", Itachi sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. Naruto glared at the older Uchiha, "I don't know! How about, exactly when and how did you guys actually meet her in the first place?!"
Sasuke looked up at the sky as a breeze blew over the three softly. Silence. "It's actually quite complicated.", Itachi finally broke the silence. Sasuke turned without looking back, "I need to give this to Kakashi. I'll see you later." Itachi turned and followed his brother, ahead a few steps; leaving Naruto alone. "Teme…", Naruto growled. "Be careful, baka."
-
Knock-Knock. Haku opened the door and glared at the two. "Shhh! She finally fell asleep!!", he hissed, letting the two in. Sasuke and Itachi rolled their eyes, quietly sitting in the chairs next to the opal colored bed. Keiko's chest fell up and down slowly as she shakily inhaled. Her cheeks had a rosy hue in them as she frowned in her sleep as her eyebrows knitted together, like she was really tired. Itachi stroked her cheek and almost withdrew his hand immediately. "She's really burning up." Haku nodded, "Her original chakra and body is trying to get used to the new body and chakra limit." Sasuke sighed, "I'll go make the medicine-" BAM!
Suddenly the door flew open to reveal, Deidara and Sasori. "Where's Keiko?!" "Shut up! She's sleeping!", Haku hissed. Sasori frowned, "Is she sick?" "Yes!", Haku snapped. Someone clearly wasn't a morning person. Sasori raised an eyebrow. "What ARE you GUYS DOING IN MY DAUGHTER'S ROOM?" An icy murderous intent flared from behind them. They slowly turned around to see Kakashi's face shadowed as his one visible eye glinted red. "Uh…-", Deidara was cut off by Sasori. "Obviously taking care of her." Kakashi grumbled as the murderous intent grew even more. "GET OUT. ONLY ONE CAN STAY." "Whose turn is it this time?", Haku blinked as he tried to remember, totally ignoring the steaming father behind him.
"My tu-", Sasori was cut off by Deidara. "Sasori was last time! Un.", Deidara smirked while Sasori burned holes into him. "It's my turn.", Itachi spoke up. They all glared at him, "Fine." Sasuke gave him the medicine bag, "Read the directions carefully. She hates bitter stuff so add some su-" Itachi finished for his brother, "So add some sugar and a little bit of honey to soothe her throat. I know." Sasuke grunted then left the room with the others. Kakashi stood at the door, watching Itachi as he coolly looked back. "I think you might need to leave too Itachi." Itachi raised a brow, "Seems like you don't trust me either." "First of all, how the hell do you guys know my daughter so well?", Kakashi asked, narrowing his eyes.
"We kidnapped her then helped trained her.", he said bluntly. Kakashi's eye twitched, "You…kidnapped….MY DAUGHTER?" "I-It's okay dad.", a soft voice broke the tension. They looked down to see Keiko rubbing her eyes and yawning tiredly. Itachi pushed her back down, a very light blush on his face; she was just so cute! "Sleep. You need it." Keiko looked up, and blinked. "Itachi-kun?" "…Kun?", Kakashi's eye twitched.
Keiko smiled sleepily, "Hai…" Itachi tilted her head towards him. "I-Itachi-kun…?" He placed his forehead on hers with his eyes closed. Keiko froze when he opened his eyes and stared into hers. Onyx met onyx. "I-I-Itachi?" He lifted his face up but only after brushing his lips with hers. "Your fever is getting worse. I'll go make the medicine." Itachi tucked her in and stroked her cheek before going to the kitchen with the white bag in his hand.
Kakashi took a deep breath in to calm himself. He did not see what Itachi just did, nope it never happened. Yeah, it never happened. "Father?" Kakashi sighed and walked by her side. She coughed weakly as she stared up innocently at him. She was just so innocent and naïve. He didn't want her to get hurt…again. "Keiko…how are you feeling?"
She coughed and gave a weary smile. "Great" She could barely talk over a whisper. He sighed and ruffled her hair.
"Keiko…are you sure about these boys?"
She suddenly shot up, "O-Of course! I trust them with my life!" Then she started coughing again. Keiko cradled her head when she felt the room spun, "Ow."
Kakashi sweat dropped pushing her back down. "I don't know about that Keiko." Keiko held his hand, "Father?"
"Just how many times have you got hurt?"
"…."
"I don't want you to get hurt again. You trust people too easily and put everyone before you-, "
She looked up at him, "Do you trust me?"
Kakashi blinked, totally caught off guard. "Do you trust me then?", she asked quietly. Kakashi nodded, "Of course." She smiled softly, "Then trust me, father. Look harder. Don't look at the past and the outside. Look at them right now." He faltered, "K-Keiko-", "Trust me. Go take a look." Keiko said, pointing at the door. Kakashi looked up, perplexed as he moved to the door. He peeked outside and blinked.
There was Itachi brewing the medicine as he added some honey and sugar to it, he gently poured it into a cup and blew it to cool it down. He looked back at her to see her looking back up at him. He sighed, "Alright I will." Keiko blushed as Kakashi patted her head, "Get some sleep." "Hai!", Keiko pulled the covers up to her chin and smiled. Kakashi smiled closing the door behind him. When he reached the kitchen, Itachi was done; placing the cup and pills with a wet cloth and warm water on the tray. When they passed each other, they stopped momentarily. "Take good care of her.", Kakashi said. Itachi gave a small smirk; his best at smiling, "As always" Kakashi said nothing as he left the apartment to do a mission.
Itachi opened the door to see Keiko half asleep, her chest rising up and down with her heavy breathing as sweat rolled down her red face. She looked very exhausted. He placed the tray on the desk next to her. Dipping the cloth in the basin, then squeezing most of the water out, he placed it on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered half open, "Itachi-kun?" He sat down on the chair next to her, "Yes?" Keiko frowned, "I-I'm sorry." He raised a brow, "For what?" "For being so t-troublesome. Now you have to take care of me and right after you moved in." He flicked her on the forehead.
"Ow!", she rubbed her forehead. That was one of the things Sasuke and Itachi had in common. They always had to flick her on the forehead.
"Idiot, it wasn't your fault you got sick. And besides…", Itachi trailed off looking away, "I want to take care of you." Keiko stared at him in shock, "Itachi-kun?"
He gently pulled her up, placing the cup near her mouth. "Drink." She blushed.
"U-Um, I think I can hold it myself." She was about to reach for the cup but then Itachi held her hands back down. Static like sensations drove through them at the touch.
"You can barely even hold them up. Just drink." Keiko blushed redder, giving in. He placed the cup at her lips then watched her slowly drink it down. When she drank half of it, he took the dup away and gave her two pills. Keiko wrinkled her nose at the taste of the medicine then opened her mouth for the pills since he wouldn't let go of her hands. He plopped them in her mouth, his finger brushing her soft pink lips.
He then let her finish drinking the medicine. "T-Thank-you." , she mumbled as she stared at her hands in her lap. He nodded, "Get some rest. You'll be back by tomorrow by your rate of healing." Keiko smiled and nodded, pecking him on the cheek before snuggling under the covers. Luckily she didn't hear his heart beat when she leaned in. He sighed and shook his head. That's his Hinata alright. Hinata…
Soon the medicine took effect and she was peacefully asleep. He changed the cloth as he checked her temperature; it was going down back to normal. He stroked her cheek marveling how soft it was. "Itachi-kun…I love you," she whispered in her sleep. He blinked then a barely noticeable smile spread across her lips. Then he slowly bent down, capturing her soft lips. "I love you too my angel."
-
When Kakashi went home it was already night time and pretty late. He grunted as he stretched. He got the mission done already. Piece of cake. He stopped when he felt there was an extra chakra signal in the house. Itachi was still here?! He opened his daughter's bedroom door and froze in his tracks. Itachi fell asleep in the chair, resting on his face on his elbows on the bed as one of his hands held Keiko's. They were both sleeping. He frowned then sighed, gently closing the door. Maybe she was really right about him. About them. He opened the guest rooms, finding Sasuke in one and Haku in the other one. He couldn't help but smile; they were finally a whole family now. Kakashi smiled wider. "Thank-you…thank-you for everything." He whispered to someone. Not really a certain someone. But maybe …someone up there or whoever gave him such a blessing.
-
The next day.
-
"There's only 2 more days until the exam.", Haku reminded while they trained. "I know…", Keiko sighed as she dodged a kunai. Sasuke just gave an irritated grunt when Keiko kept on dodging and blocking his attempts. Haku was the judge this time. It wouldn't be fair if they teamed up against her; even though she said they should. Keiko finally dove in and punch him several yards back by surprise when he wasn't expecting an attack. Sasuke grunted as he held his chest, pulling a kunai out of his weapon pouch. Keiko sheepishly smiled and got out her kunai. She put her sword by Haku's feet when she decided to train without them for once.
"I won't go easy on you this time." Sasuke said as he stretched out his arm, getting ready to unleash one of his special attacks.
Keiko frowned, "That one already Sasuke-kun?" She got into a defensive stance, holding her kunai in front of her.
"Shouldn't you get ready for your final attack?"He asked back, waiting for her first sign of movement. Keiko smirked, shifting her stance a little forward as her kunai glinted dangerously under the sun.
"If you want me to then…sure." Something about her aura changed a bit as she finished her statement. Haku pursed his lips together as he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. "Be careful."
Keiko and Sasuke briefly glanced back at him to reassure him. Keiko grinned as her eyes turned into swirling orbs of blood red. Sasuke flinched, knowing what she was going to do, turning his sharingun on also. "Fine then!" He rushed forehead, his hand glowing with vibrant blue like electricity as the sound of birds chirping echoed around them. Keiko face turned deadly serious as rushed head to head with him, her hand…was also glowing blue. "Chidori!" It wasn't one voice but two.
Sasuke jumped up high to come back down at her in full force but she jumped up at him. They stretched out their arms, trying to hit the other first. "Naruto!" It was only when their fists were a mere inch away when something pulled the two apart and sent each other flying into the ground. Keiko grunted when she hit the ground, rolling into a ball to decrease the pain of the impact. But then her Chidori was aimed at the thick training post instead, ripping the post into shreds as she hit it, finally hitting the hard floor to a stop. Keiko winced as she sat up, rubbing her head.
"I think I really hit my head hard this time," she moaned. Then she whirled around remembering Sasuke, "Sasuke-kun! Are you okay?"
"Yeah…you?" Sasuke grunted, slowly standing up. He had almost crashed into a training pole but somehow missed it and hit the floor instead.
"What happened…wait, did I hear someone say-", Keiko was cut off by Haku.
"Naruto-kun! What were you doing?!", Haku yelled. The blonde was standing between the two sharingun users, glaring at the two angrily. Keiko looked up and blinked when Naruto stomped towards, yanking her up roughly. "What-the-hell-were-you -doing?!" He hissed.
Keiko face heated up at the contact but then she frowned, "We were training." Naruto glared at her, "I thought you were badly sick yesterday!"
Keiko eyes narrowed at him when realization dawned on her. "And I get healed quickly." "You two almost committed suicide!", Naruto yelled looking back at Sasuke who was glowering at him ever since he touched Keiko. Haku growled, rubbing his cheek. He had tried to stop him but Naruto had punched him by surprise.
"Put her down Naruto.", Haku and Sasuke said in a union. Keiko and Naruto continued to intensely glare at each other. The wind shifted briefly ruffling their hair.
-Flash Back-
(this morning)
Itachi slowly opened his eyes. What was so warm…and soft? Strands of sliver trailed down his face. He slowly blinked, adjusting to the sight. Wait…wasn't he in the chair? Why….is he on the bed?! He almost bolted up but then froze when he saw Keiko silently sleeping with her head and back to the wall. His head was also lying in her lap while she fell asleep sitting up. He sighed, reaching up to stroke her cheek.
"Silly girl." He whispered, "You're the one that needs to be taken care of. Not me….idiot." She suddenly reached up holding his hand as her eyes slowly opened staring back down at him, under her thick lashes. Itachi felt his heart quicken when her sweet breathe traveled down his neck.
"You're awake already?" Keiko yawned tiredly. Itachi sighed, "How did I get up here?" Keiko blinked as a small blush painted across her face.
"W-well, um, you, uh…well, you crawled onto the bed yourself, Itachi-kun." His eyes widened, 'what?! When?!' "And there was no room for both of us so, I arranged for us to sleep like this."
"And I didn't even wake up?"
"Well, no. You were a pretty heavy sleeper, Itachi-kun," Keiko giggled. Itachi, for those rare moments around Keiko, blushed.
"I am not a heavy sleeper," he implied sitting up, stating it icily.
Seeing that he was mad, Keiko nodded. "Hai, Itachi-san."Suddenly the door to her bedroom opened and instinctively Itachi and Keiko jumped off the bed, far away from each other.
"Keiko! It's already 11:oo, are you feeling better," Kakashi's head peeked in. Keiko was about to reply when she suddenly remembered she was wearing her nightgown and it accidently folded up high abode her thigh. Her face, Itachi, and Kakashi grew bright red as she reached down to fix it so it would cover her knees.
"Dad! At least knock before you come in," she yelled as she threw a pillow at Kakashi in panic then ran outside into the bathroom to take an early shower and brush her teeth.
"I'll take that as a yes…,"Kakashi smiled until his eyes landed on Itachi. It was a complete moment of silence until Kakashi opened the door the whole way so Itachi could come out as well. "…Would you like to have breakfast with us?" And Kakashi wasn't sure or not but he thought he say Itachi's mouth curve into something that looked like a smile for a brief second.
"Sure."
-End of Flash Back-
"I already got better this morning. Just ask Itachi-san," Keiko said, she didn't want to call Itachi, Itachi-kun, too much in public. Naruto's eyes narrowed at the mention of the name.
"Just what is with you and Itachi? How did you guys meet anyway? And why the fuck are you always addressing him like you guys are so close," Naruto hissed. Keiko arched one of her eyebrows up cockily as she smirked.
"Well, Naruto-san. Some things aren't what they just seem to be are there? You know that perfectly, "She replied coolly, her glinting with wisdom. Like she knew something he didn't want anyone to know. He felt his body go cold. Her eyes…they seemed…to know too much for her age. It was just too much. It also seemed to know one thing she should not know yet…death.
Keiko frowned when she felt Naruto freeze. "Naruto-san?" He still wouldn't budge. Worry begin to build up in her. She gently nudged him, "Naruto!"
Sasuke growled, 'What the hell was that dope doing?!' He was just about to wake him up with a little shake when he realized how serious Naruto looked.
"Naruto-kun, let Keiko-chan go," Haku warned, a little tensed when he saw Naruto's face.
Finally the blond opened his mouth to say something, "Just what are you?"Keiko's eyes widened at the sudden statement. He said it so quietly, like he was almost scared and appalled at something. She looked away, her bangs shadowing her face.
"I don't know myself, Naruto-san." She answered almost bitterly, and almost inaudible while she stared the sky.
"Like I said…nothing is really what it is really what it seems like. The moon maybe just a glowing piece of rock to you, but to me it's something that's always there for you. Even when you can't see it. A fire may seem harmless but it burns. Water may seem clam but it can drown you. Just like you…Naruto-san. We're not that different." Naruto frowned at her peculiar statement. It made absolutely no sense. But he just let her go, turning slightly to face Sasuke.
"Just don't ever pull that sort off trick again." Sasuke slightly nodded to ease Naruto's soul. Naruto just stared at his best-friend silently. "Sasuke…just what had happened in the past years?" The Uchiha frowned at the question, unprepared for it. "You have no idea what sort of mess you made Kohona into. How many times Sakura cried herself to sleep…how hard he tried to get you back. We were always on the verge of death for you…you act as if…all of us forgive you already. You never even gave us a simple-"
"I'm sorry."
Naruto froze. Did he just hear Sasuke apologize? He never…but he just…"What?"
Sasuke smirked, although you can tell he was serious, "I said I'm sorry. And I should've said so earlier. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was so caught up in my past that I just threw everything away I had until I had nothing left. I'm sorry…for being so stupid. I'm sorry I just ignored you all. I'm sorry."
Naruto blinked the slowly a smile made its way too his lips, "You're forgiven." Sasuke gave a small smile, "Good." They laughed for the first time for years in a long time. Keiko breathed out in relief as the wind whistled in her ear. She smile as she listened to the gentle sound," That's right…things are turning around for the better now…"
"Listen, I got to go. I was on my way to Tsunade-baa-chan. I'm way late now; she's going to kill me! See you guys later!" Naruto gave Keiko one last glance, still pondering on her words before running off. What she said seemed to come out of an elderly woman's mouth who knew everything about life you could possibly know. Keiko….she wasn't who she seemed to be….just like him.
"Sasuke, you did it. You said the magic word!" Keiko laughed as she winked. Haku cocked his head to the side, "Magic word?" Sasuke smirked, "Yeah, I guess I figured out what you were trying to say last time.
-Flash Back-
Keiko smiled, "See I told you they would accept you. Everything went fine." Sasuke nodded, "Naruto and Sakura did but I don't know about the others." Keiko frowned, her bangs framing her face gracefully as she thought. "True, but as I said earlier….and if not then all you have to do is say the magic word." She smiled child-like. Sasuke's eye twitched, "Magic word? What the hell is that?" Keiko blinked innocently, "Well, you should know Sasuke-kun! Well, you'll know what I mean later on. Come-on we're at her office." Sasuke and Haku sighed and followed her. She was just so innocent and childlike. Not to mention naïve and too oblivious at certain times. But that's….that's their Hinata. It's one of the thousand things they fell in love with when they met her.
-End of Flash Back-
Keiko smiled, "I'm glad you did. It wasn't that hard to figure it out." Haku smiled, "Alright. Now let's just get something to eat. Aren't you hungry Keiko-chan?" Keiko nodded, "Yeah…a bit. What about you Sasuke-kun?" "Hn," the Uchiha grunted as he started for the restaurants."Hey wait up!", Haku yelled as he ran after Sasuke, dragging Keiko with him.
Keiko's smile slowly disappearedas the wind wrapped around herwith her hair gently minglingwith the breeze. Her eyes shadowed over as she looked ahead of them.
"Now that the obstacles are crossed…...the final shall come."
I know it took quite a while, I'm sorry. I hope you liked this chapter since Itachi, Sasori, Deidara, finally came in! More romances will be made, don't worry. I'm sorry if any spelling or grammers mistakes were overlooked. Just tell me and I'll fix it. I'm also very happy with the reviews. Please keep it up.
-Forbidden-Memories-