Chapter 12

- Three Years Later -

Keiko walked down the street of Konoha, humming a happy tune to herself. She had no where to be today and was basking in the feeling of her promotion to Jonin. Keiko had worked hard to attain her promotion and now that she finally achieved her goal she was excited to begin the next phase of her life. What that was, she wasn't certain yet but she would be ready for it.

Blissfully unaware, Keiko failed to notice the green blur hurtling toward her on the road from behind. Without warning she was grabbed from behind roughly and hoisted into the air in a spin, a shriek of surprise escaping her lips. She knew who it was instantly, "Guy! Put me down!"

Guy obligated and planted her feet on the ground, her eyes spinning. He paid no mind to her dazed state and a firm hand went to her shoulder as he pushed her side against his. His other hand went into the air in a first as a sign of victory. "Keiko, my friend! Our goal has finally been achieved!" He clapped both hands onto her shoulders, getting her steady on her feet. "Now, let me have a look at you and how far you've come!" Guy took a step back, looking fondly upon his partner of the last four years.

Her hair was longer, now falling to her waist. The length of it was becoming rather ridiculous, even for her. So, she had taken up braiding it behind her in a loose braid. The traditional clothes of her homeland were still present though she wore a cerulean blue kimono with dark navy trim. Over the years, she had taken a page from Guys book and taken up more taijutsu to mix with her kenjutsu. Resulting in Keiko wearing metal shin guards under her pants to deliver a harder blow. Similarly, she had guards on her forearms as well with the fishnet underneath. They provided more protection in close combat.

Keiko shook her head, clearing herself of her daze and pushing her bangs out of her face. They were longer now as well, having to be parted to stay out of her eyes. Keiko smiled, "I guess you heard."

"Of course I did!" He stated proudly. "The congratulations is much overdue."

She chuckled softly, "It's not your fault you were out of the village."

He laughed, "I suppose not. Did you at least celebrate?"

Keiko nodded remembering the night a few days ago. Herself, Iruka, Asuma, Kurenai and a few others showed up to congratulate her. Even Kakashi stopped by to offer a short congratulations. The night had been eventful and most of them got very drunk. Keiko abstained from drinking that night knowing her history with the substance and instead chose to watch her friends antics. Iruka went on about his students and how well they were doing. Asuma and Kurenai kept giving each other suggestive glances. It had been nice to be surrounded by friends when only five years ago she had been incredibly alone.

She marveled at how different life was like for her compared to five years ago. The academy was prospering, many of the students were sure to be great shinobi one day. She had particularly taken a liking to Iruka's class, which was also Naruto's. Naruto had grown more and was a bit of a troublemaker. She attempted to help him with his classes but Naruto was more focused on the physical aspect of it all. He still didn't have the best control of his chakra, but she knew it would come with time. The other students noticed his shortcomings though. She was thankful to his classmates Shikamaru and Choji for befriending Naruto and making him feel like a part of the class. Kiba also spent some time with Naruto but Keiko was less pleased in the way Kiba treated him. Like Naruto, Kiba was a rambunctious kid, coming from the Inuzuka clan that didn't surprise her. He was like a puppy.

Shino and Hinata were both quiet, but capable. From what she had learned, most members of the Aburame clan were of a more quiet and reserved nature. Hinata was of the Hyuga Clan, one of the most prominent clans in the village. Keiko had taken a liking to Hinata, she was a sweet girl who always tried to do the right thing. Not to mention her obvious crush on Naruto was adorable to watch. She would try to help Naruto and when he would thank her, her face would turn bright red. Naruto was a knucklehead who didn't pay attention but most of the teachers were aware, and some of the students as well. Keiko heard some students talking about what Hinata could see in a failure like Naruto, but she brushed them off. Hinata admired Naruto, and she found their dynamic adorable.

What wasn't so adorable was the massive trove of fangirls Sasuke had. Two in particular were Sakura and Ino. They had been very close in their first year. Sakura had been a fearful little thing and had been getting picked on, but Ino had stepped in and helped Sakura discover her confidence. Sakura had since become one of the top students in her class. While she struggled more with the physical applications of shuriken and kunai, her chakra control was phenomenal for her age and her written exams were nearly always perfect. Keiko was proud of her, but would never understand how the two girls threw away their relationship over a boy.

That boy, was Sasuke Uchiha. Keiko had a strained relationship with the boy. Since the death of his clansmen by his elder brother, he became an entirely different person. He was closed off, moody and most of all vengeful. Keiko feared that eventually that anger would consume him. She watched over Sasuke the best she could the last three years, but he made it difficult. He adamantly refused to accept any help from her and would push her away at every turn.

She told herself she looked over Sasuke because he needed someone, not because of what Itachi had said. Keiko had taken several weeks to come to terms with the reality of the situation. If not for the help of Iruka and Guy, she most likely would have developed a prolonged drinking problem. Since then, she chose to steer clear of alcohol. Those were dark times that she wished never to put herself through again. Keiko liked to think she was a stronger person now than she was then.

"I didn't only find you to wish you a congratulations." Guy said, bringing her out of her thoughts.

Keiko blinked, "Oh? Are we to go on another mission?"

Guy scratched the back of his head and chuckled, "Actually, I'm going to be taking on a genin squad."

Her eyes widened for a moment before she smiled knowingly, "Is he on your team?"

He gave her his signature thumbs up pose, "You bet! I also have a girl named TenTen as well as Neji Hyuga."

Keiko laughed lightheartedly, "Sounds like you'll have your arms full. I've heard Neji is beyond his years. I also have a feeling Lee is going to be getting some extra special treatment from you." She could nearly see the fire literally burst to life within his eyes and she waved her hands dismissively, "Don't do anything crazy now, Guy."

"Of course not." Guy rested his hands on his hips in a relaxed manner, "I'll be meeting with them later today. And then, I will see how brightly the flame of youth burns within them."

She smiled sadly, "Guess this is the end for us, huh?"

Guy once again placed his hands on her shoulders and stated boldly, "You will go on to do great things! I have faith in you!"

Keiko laughed awkwardly at Guys over the top sincerity and watery eyes. He was always so overdramatic.

"Before I leave you, the Hokage wanted a word. He was going to send the usual message, but I was meaning to talk to you anyway."

Keiko nodded in understanding before the two parted ways. She had to wonder, who would she be paired up with now? What kind of missions would she be going on? There were a lot of questions on her mind but she told herself that it would all come with time.

When she stepped foot into the Hokage's office she was surprised to see Kakashi there. "Oh, hello Kakashi."

Kakashi offered her a closed eye smile before turning back to the Hokage.

Keiko stood beside Kakashi, waiting for the Hokage to speak. "Keiko, I'm sure Guy has told you he has taken a squad of genin." Keiko nodded in affirmation. "That means you are in need of a partner." The Hokage leaned back in his seat, readjusting his pipe, "Since Kakashi has failed his most recent team of genin, I see fit to pair the two of you together."

Her eyes darted to the impassive man who stood next to her. She hummed in thought, "That would be two- three? Three teams you've failed?"

He shrugged, "They didn't have what it takes."

Keiko nodded, trusting his judgment. Kakashi had been around the block a few times more than she had. It was an intriguing thought to be partnered with Kakashi. The two of them were acquainted with one another and Guy had insisted they get to know one another but Kakashi had always been distant. Even though Guy pressed, she chose to respect Kakashi's wishes and leave him be. She knew he didn't dislike her, he was only a very private person. Keiko would be lying if she said she wasn't intrigued by him. It was almost exciting to have a chance to get to know this enigma of a man that had hovered in the shadow of her life for so long.

"That said," the Hokage continued, "I have a mission for you. There's a small village on the coast that has been being attacked by a small band of missing-nin. You two have been charged with subduing them." He placed the documents on the desk and turned them so the two jonin could see. Keiko was surprised by the graphic detail. These men seemed to have no moral compass, attacking the village just for the fun of it. The villagers were living in fear.

With a few last words from the Hokage, the two jonin left to prepare.

- Several Days Later -

The two jonin came upon the village, both surprised at the natural beauty. Keiko understood why it was a vacation get away. Sandy beaches were clean and pristine against the clear water of the ocean. There were numerous buildings along the shore as well as a few that went over the water. The village had been suffering financially since the attacks began and now their business was failing even more now that word had gotten out about a group of rouge ninja that were attacking.

"Man, if only we could stay for a while, huh?" Keiko offered the question to him. So far she was only able to get a few words out of him at a time and the occasional full sentence. She would be patient though.

Kakashi nodded, silently agreeing. He himself thought it would be nice to relax reading his book out on the sand. But, unfortunately, duty calls. He looked down at her, "We should find our way to the resort and get our room."

The two of them made their way to the resort easily. The clerk took notice of their attire and hastily moved to inform the Mayor but was stopped when Kakashi held up a hand. He gently explained that they only required their room and to hand a sealed envelope to the Mayor. The clerk took the envelope and nodded, relief evident in his features and posture. Finally, he had hope that the terroristic nightmare would come to an end!

Keiko took up the papers detailing the services and luxury's provided to them as first class guests. Perhaps, most stunning to her was the fact they were on the water. The room was immense and luxurious, fitting of a house on such a pristine beach. The two of them entered and unpacked their few belongings, deciding to relax before they prepared for their mission.

Keiko flung herself onto the singular large bed on her back and stretched, "I forgot how nice beds can feel."

Kakashi nodded, taking off his flak jacket and pulling out a small book as he sat on the bed to also stretch.

She blinked and flipped over onto her stomach reading the title. Keiko smiled playfully, "I didn't know you were a fan of something so raunchy."

His eye glanced up at her and she could see a flicker of emotion that she couldn't decipher. He kept his voice even as he spoke, "It's romance."

"Oh, I know. I've read it."

A small surprised sound left him as he once again met her gaze. Her smile even wider. She had read it?

She giggled lightheartedly, "How do you think I know it's raunchy? I guess, in a way I can understand the appeal. Not taking into account the sexual encounters, its almost sweet even if it's cringe at times."

Kakashi held the book higher in front of his face, blocking her out of his view. Effectively ending their conversation.

It was early in the day when they had arrived and they spent their afternoon exploring while also gathering information. They left their headbands hidden in their room along with most of their weapons save a few that could be concealed on their person. They even changed into appropriate attire. Pretending to be regular tourists, several locals cast glances at them and it was much easier to gather intel than they had initially realized it would be.

The native villagers seemingly loved gossip and many of them would prattle on and on about anything given enough time. They learned that these ninja's were nothing more than thieves and thugs. Using their abilities to subdue, threaten and on occasion torture. There was one man who tried to stand up to them and he was now littered with scars and would forever walk with a limp. They heard of another time a wealthy couple came with their young child and they had held the small three year old hostage until the parents handed over every cent they owned.

Later, when the two returned to their room they were both itching to meet with these men. Before that though, they had to prepare. Keiko got changed behind a divider and broke their silence with a question that had been brewing in her head for a while, "So, how long have you worn the mask for?" Keiko had been dying to ask for years but never got up the courage to ask. Now seemed like as good a time as any and it worked as a small distraction from the many fowl stories they had heard throughout the day.

Kakashi paused, placing his weapons back in their rightful places. "Almost as long as I can remember, really."

She gave a short hum in thought, "Has anyone ever seen your face?"

She stepped out from behind the divider in her normal attire just in time to see the dark expression in his eyes. "No." He answered simply.

Keiko took mental note to keep that topic off limits. She couldn't help but wonder what he looked like beneath the mask. It was mostly form fitting to his face but the only features she could make out were a strong jaw and a long nose. She wanted to ask why he wore it in the first place but archived that subject away in the back of her mind as well. Instead, she shifted back to the mission, saddened her attempt at small talk failed this time. "You believe they will strike tonight?"

He nodded, zipping his flak jacket, "They have a pattern, and if they stay true to their pattern it will be tonight. These men are obviously not a very advanced group. They prey on the weak and chose this location for the wealth of its inhabitants and visitors."

Keiko could feel her eyes narrow and her thoughts matched Kakashi's tone.

Scum.

There wasn't a better word to describe them.

She sighed, "And yet, the Mayor wants them alive."

Kakashi nodded again, "He sees fit for them to face judgment by their rules."

It was up to the authorities in the region what to do with them. These ninja didn't have any connections to Konoha and didn't pose a threat to their security. It was a mission to complete and not much else to be done once it was completed. Once they stopped the perpetrators it was up to the locals to deal with them.

Slowly, evening shifted into night and the two of them stayed awake, having shut off the lights in their room to make it seem as though they were asleep.

Suddenly, Keiko's body stiffened as the hair on her neck stood up.

"Your senses have improved." Kakashi commented, noticing her suddenly stiffen.

"You sense them too?" She questioned. He gave a hum of agreement. Keiko turned toward the door, "Then lets go."

The two of them left their room and they moved stealthily below the docks. Using their chakra to run along the surface. Keiko could see the figures on the coast running toward the beach. She shared a glance with Kakashi and he nodded, best to take them out quickly. "Draw them to the water," Keiko told him.

Kakashi cast a glance at her and nodded. He knew her promotion to jonin was very new and with that, some people developed an inflated sense of confidence. Though, he didn't sense any over the top emotion from her. Kakashi would trust his new partner's judgment.

They both ran parallel to the shoreline, their movement into the open more than enough to draw their attention. Soon enough, the enemy were on them and Keiko weaved her hands together.

Kakashi was surprised at the sudden gust of wind that picked up around them. With it, snow seemed to spring out of no where, flying around in a flurry so intense he had to stop to cover his face with his arm. There was a moment of pause when he felt agitated at Keiko's brash actions. This technique of hers blinded him as well, or at least that's what he thought at first. He realized that the snow was not flying into his face. In fact, when the fiercely blowing snow was inches from him, it fell softly.

Impressed by her level of control, Kakashi reached up to unveil his sharingan. It would have been hard for him to see otherwise, but with the heightened ability of his dojutsu he could make sense of the cold environment she had created.

Their enemy had not been expecting such an attack. None of them had witnessed anything like it before. They did their best to fight the two Konoha ninja, but the skirmish did not last long. Both Keiko and Kakashi didn't need much more than their taijutsu to ambush the enemy. Yelps of pain echoed with each swift attack. Eventually, there were only a few left and the last of them stood, trembling like a leaf at the realization that he would be next. Just as the thought entered his mind, he saw the flash of black in his squinted vision before feeling the air get knocked out of him and he was sent flying back, landing in the shallow water of the shore.

The blizzard around them died down and Keiko stood straighter, returning her katana wholly to its sheath. She had used the hilt to deliver a powerful blow to the man's stomach. Noting that the man was dazed she looked around, noticing the numerous unconscious bodies floating on their own personal rafts of ice. Catching the gaze of Kakashi she smiled, only to falter in surprise at seeing his sharingan.

It was the first time Keiko had ever seen his left eye. It had been years since she had seen a sharingan and she had forgotten how striking they could be. What also made her stop was the stark contrast it had with his other eye, as well as the scar that ran over it. There was a story there, but one for another time.

When the lone ninja finally got back to his senses he got onto his knees to stand but was stopped when he felt the water around him freeze, trapping him. He tried desperately to get free before shortly realizing it was in vain. His head raised, following the line of ice that floated on the water until he was looking into the icy blue eyes of Keiko. Taking in her smiling face he came to a sudden realization as all the pieces of a puzzle were put into place, "Y-you're Konoha's Beaming Blizzard!"

There was a pause as the words processed in Keiko's brain, "Huh?"

Kakashi covered his Sharingan and stood next to Keiko, "Seems you've attained a reputation."

She turned her head toward him, "Eh?" Her? A reputation? The thought had never occurred to her once. She had never entertained the idea that she would be known to enemy ninja to the point she developed a nickname.

Her head snapped back to their captured and conscious ninja as he spoke, "You are her, right? They say she could turn your very flesh to ice with just a glance! Always wearing a bright smile despite the ice she creates." The man paused, taking in her appearance once again and the look of astonishment. He was young and couldn't deny the other rumor he heard was true as well. Though, he had always been stubborn and scoffed, "Then again, maybe you're not, they also said she was breathtaking."

Keiko's eyes narrowed and her smile widened darkly, feeling her eye twitch. "Excuse me?" The man gulped before there was a solid thwack as Keiko swiftly knocked him unconscious. She stood, huffing and her arms crossed, "I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea but that was rude."

Kakashi could hear her grumbling to herself for a few more moments about the rude remark. He realized that Keiko didn't take that comment seriously. She thought that the man calling her breathtaking was just a sarcastic jab at her appearance. He caught himself eyeing the woman up and down, taking in her appearance as if seeing her for the first time.

Raven black hair that hung naturally in waves though it was pulled into a loose braid, the color a stark contrast to her creamy pale skin. She took pride in maintaining it and if he recalled she had sworn off cutting it. Her back was turned toward him but he could clearly make out her figure. Over all, slender and elegant, just like the fighting style she had made her own. Her hands came to rest on her hips and she turned toward him and for a moment he could make out her wide hips and ample bosom. His sole eye shifted to her face. Much like her body, it was slender. Chin coming to a graceful point and soft pink lips that seemed forever curled upward. Her nose was on the smaller side but turned upward slightly, it was an oddly cute feature he had never noticed before. Finally, his eyes met hers, dark and full lashes making her icy blue iris stick out. Kakashi suddenly found himself agreeing with their enemy. She was, in a word, breathtaking.

Keiko gave him an odd look. She was a little unnerved by the intensity of his gaze. Waving a hand in front of his face she said, "Hello, anyone home in there?"

Suddenly, realizing he had so blatantly been checking out his new partner he jumped. Chuckling awkwardly as he felt an embarrassed blush creep up on him, he pointed to the men still floating on their personal ice rafts. "Right, right, we should gather them up and make the mayor aware of the new developments."

She nodded in agreement and went to work helping Kakashi gather up the rogue ninja. Thankfully, she wasn't very tired. Over the last few years Keiko had managed to perfect her control over her jutsu. In order to maintain the control over it she had to forgo her trademark chakra sword and take down her opponents with taijutsu or just the blades alone. Both methods required a considerable amount of chakra, so she had to be careful with how long and how often she could use her blizzard. With her time training with Guy, she learned to lessen its effects on her allies. The first time she had brought it into a battle, Guy had been completely blinded, having to rely on his other senses to continue fighting.

Kakashi was also surprised at the effectiveness of her jutsu. It was well suited to facing large groups. Even though he had been initially irritated, he was surprised that she could essentially cancel out the worst effects for those she chose. It was also uncanny how well his heightened senses matched with the technique. With his Sharingan, he could move about almost as freely as Keiko could within the storm.

As the two of them finished restraining the group on the beach, they quickly made their way to the Mayor. Kakashi cast a glance toward her and internally berated himself. After five years, he was just now taking notice of her. How could it have taken him so long? Kakashi thought on this, the thought rolling over in his mind before coming to a logical conclusion. She had been a mission to begin with. He had never spent any prolonged period of time around her, only short conversations here or there over the years. But, now, he would be seeing a lot more of her. He was sure he would come to notice many more things about her he didn't pick up on before.

His eyes drifted once again toward her, settling on her. When he first learned that they would be paired together, he wasn't sure it would be a good idea. She was emotional, he had known that for years since the Uchiha incident. Emotions often got in the way of missions. Kakashi was sure their different approach to situations would cause problems, but now he was intrigued. He thought she handled herself well, and the two of them actually seemed to make a decent team. She was opposite to him. Where he was cold, she was warm. Where he was closed, she was open.

He again thought back to her drunken ramblings at the memorial stone. She was optimistic and nurturing by nature. Something many ninja lacked, especially himself. That was why, even though he didn't know her well, he respected her and admired her in a weird way. She was many things that he never could be, not after what he had been through. Not after everything he had done and lost. It was his first time working with someone who was such a close polar opposite to him. He was naturally inquisitive and this new development in his life brought with it a host of curiosities.

Kakashi caught himself in his thoughts and smirked, 'Maybe, this won't be so bad after all.'

I wanna say a few things, so please read!

So, I had A LOT of ideas for scenarios between Keiko and other characters that I wanted to include, but decided to omit. I am sure once the story is completed I will be going back and editing the store to better develop her relationship with other characters. The reason being, I know why you're here, it's why I'm here too. To see some Keiko X Kakashi action! We will be getting a lot more of them from now on! Next chapter we will be at the start of the Manga, so it will be about a one year time skip. I'm sorry for all of the jumping around, but I could have probably added another handful of chapters and I'm itching to get moving forward as well!

I've had a lot of fun up to this point! I truly hope you guys are as well. I want Keiko to just be another member of the cast. She has her own background and abilities, but nothing super out there in my opinion. I was on the fence about giving her ice release, but I'm a huge fan of it and thought that there was more that could be done with it we didn't get to see in any adaptations. (apparently there is a guy who uses ice in Boruto, haven't seen it so don't know what all he does with it)

Speaking of Boruto, I know its still early in the story, but would anyone be interested in a sequel with Keiko and Kakashi's kid/kids as the focus? I'll be asking this again later toward the end as well, I gotta watch the show first and finish this story, lol.

Thank you all for reading thus far!

Don't forget to Favorite, Follow, and Review!

Posted - 6/18/2021