Chapter 15

"I'm sick of all these stupid missions! Why can't they send me on something more dangerous! Like the ones you tell me about!" Naruto ranted over a bowl of curry Keiko had made for him. He was so busy ranting that his food was slowly growing cold.

Keiko ate and listened, her ears well adjusted to his loud voice. By the time he was done ranting she was sitting comfortably, watching him with a small exhausted smile.

It had been a month since Naruto had become a Genin and their team had accomplished many D-rank missions in that time. From babysitting to gardening. Now he was at his wits end and had enough of it. He wanted to show how much he had improved. To show everyone how good of a ninja he was!

Keiko had had her hands full the last month as well. The Hokage had kept her busy with smaller scale missions that could be done by a single person. When she wasn't on missions, she was helping Iruka as he requested. It was nice to work with him again, even if it was just a bunch of paperwork. Until she had helped him, it surprised her just how many missions the Village received. It was tedious work but she had a hard time saying no to Iruka. She was surprised she didn't show her exhaustion more.

She needed a vacation.

"Naruto, you can't expect to fight enemy ninja at your level. You're young, you don't have to prove anything right now." She took her bowl to the kitchen sink and cleaned it.

His eyes narrowed and his arms crossed, "I have everything to prove! I have to show them that I'm worthy of being Hokage. How can I do that when all I'm doing is kid stuff?" He stood, the food all but forgotten, "I can take any ninja they throw at me! You just watch, you won't see my name on that stone!"

Naruto stopped abruptly when Keiko slammed her hands on the counter. He watched her with wide eyes as an ominous aura seemed to hang in the air around her. His mouth suddenly went dry. What did he do to make her angry?

"Naruto. Don't be foolish." She turned toward him, eyes impassive. "You don't prove your worth by blindly running in without thinking." Keiko approached him, noting his downward gaze and clenched fists. She put her hand on his head and ruffled his hair, her eyes softening slightly. "You have a dream, the people whose names are on that stone also had dreams. They died trying to make them a reality." She tilted his head up to look her in the eye, "Do you want to know something?"

His eyes lit up in curiosity and waited for her to speak.

"As shinobi of the leaf, we carry their dreams with us. Because we exist and fight on, their dreams are not dead. That's why you need to think, use your head. Shinobi have much more than themselves to think about."

Naruto sighed and crossed his arms in a huff. "Sometimes you sound like Kakashi Sensei."

She tilted her head to the side a little surprised at his words, "Why's that?"

"You're both so serious about ninja stuff and basically tell me the same stuff."

Keiko let out a soft chuckle, "We're only so serious about it because we want you to be too."

"I am serious! That's why I need a better mission!"

Keiko sighed heavily. There was no getting through to him. "Naruto, go eat your food before I throw it away."

The next day, Keiko went about her business as usual. On this particular day, she was met with a familiar sight walking down the road, "Guy! Long time no see."

Guy stood leading his three Genin down the road, looking like they were ready to leave on a mission. A large grin spread across his face when he spotted her, "Keiko! What a wonderful day it is to see you out and about! The sunshine of your youth shines brightly today! Tell me, is Kakashi still keeping you company?"

Keiko smiled and shook her head, "Not as much anymore. He has his own squad of Genin, remember? They should be getting their next mission today." Kakashi would visit a few times a week to catch up. Usually, the two of them would lounge or engage in small talk. Keiko found herself enjoying their time together more than she used to. Her thoughts began to wander as a far off look settled on her face.

Her fellow Jonin grinned at the look in her eyes. Guy was going to speak when Lee interrupted him. Keiko was surprised at how much he resembled Guy. Lee had turned into a miniature version of him! "Keiko Sensei! Is it true that you were Guy Sensei's partner?"

She nodded and held up three fingers, "Yup, for three years."

Lee turned to Guy, adoration shining in his eyes, "She must be a splendid ninja to have worked with you for so long!"

Keiko laughed, looking at the other two Genin who watched their teammate and Sensei with exasperation. She walked over to them as Guy and Lee were engrossed in their own conversation, "How are you two holding up?"

Tenten sighed, "Honestly, Keiko Sensei, I don't know how you put up with him for so long."

"I have to agree with Tenten." Neji said from beside her.

Keiko crossed her arms and shifted her weight, "Sometimes I wonder the same thing. But, without him, I wouldn't be where I am today." She had a lot to thank Guy for. She wasn't sure if she would ever be able to properly repay him. "You two are very lucky to have him as your Sensei. He is one of the strongest Jonin in the village after all."

Tenten rested a hand on her waist, "Easy for you so say, we have two of them."

"True." Keiko chuckled. "I suppose I should be on my way though. There are more things I have to get finished today."

Keiko slipped away from Team Guy and headed to the main building. Another day of filing, splendid. She supposed it made sense that Iruka would ask for her help. Keiko had experience with this kind of work in the library. Organizing, filing and prioritizing, they were all things she was familiar with.

She walked through the halls and walked by a man. Keiko refrained from gagging from the smell of alcohol that radiated from him. The smell brought up memories she wished she could forget. Not only that, her body despised it as well and she could feel her stomach do a flip. Those nights when a bucket was her closest friend were some of her lowest moments.

"Hey, you."

Keiko stopped and turned toward a man. His face was flush from the alcohol. He looked to be a working man in his late fifties, hair grayed with age. He looked at her, recognition sparking in his eyes. She eyed him curiously, "Uh, do I know you?"

"You're Keiko Takahashi, right?"

She nodded slowly, unsure how she knew the man, "Have we met?"

The man shook his head, "No, but you have your father's eyes. It's hard to miss."

Keiko's eyes widened in surprise. Her father? She had not seen him in a few years as he was traveling so often. "You know my father?"

"Yeah, here." He fumbled around his person, looking for something before pulling out a letter and handing it to her. "Musashi wanted me to find you and give it to you."

She took the letter from him, too surprised and focused on the letter to notice that the man had left. Keiko opened the letter hastily and began to read,

Dear Kiko,

I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I'm sure I will be back to Konoha soon and I can't wait to see how far you have progressed with your dream. Currently, I'm in the Land of Waves helping to build a bridge to the main land. It's a noble cause, you would understand. We've been met with a bit of trouble but so far it's nothing your old man can't handle, just a few thugs. I might not be my brother, but I've still got some spirit in these old bones of mine.

I hope you are doing well and I wish you the best with your work. I know you make me proud.

Love,

Papa

Keiko felt the smile spread across her lips as she read the words. She chuckled at the nickname he had given her when she was little. No matter how strong or old she became he would always see her as his little girl.

She looked up to thank the man but realized he was no where to be seen. Keiko looked back down at the letter and smiled before folding it and placing it in her pocket. The rest of her day was her usual work and she found herself thinking more and more about the letter that man had given her. It was the first time in a while that she knew where he was.

Keiko stopped and looked up, fiddling with her pen in thought before her mind was made up. She did need a vacation.

Being sure to place all of her things away she properly, Keiko made her way to the briefing room. She stood in the back, waiting for the Hokage to give Kurenai and her group a mission. When they left she gave Kurenai a smile that she returned.

"Keiko, what brings you here?" Hiruzen asked. It was a bit early to see her, he wasn't expecting her until later.

She walked forward and bowed, "Lord Hokage, I would like to ask permission to go on some personal leave."

This piqued his interest, as well as Iruka's. "I don't ever recall you asking for personal time off before."

Keiko smiled, "I am very dedicated to my work, but I have just received word about where my father currently is and would like to visit him."

Hiruzen leaned forward, "And where is your father right now?"

"The Land of Waves. He said he is helping to build a bridge to the mainland." She noticed Iruka gasp in surprise before looking at the Hokage.

Hiruzen and Keiko held eye contact for several long moments. He was in thought, assessing her in great detail before he finally closed his eyes and nodded, "Hmm, I suppose some time off would do you some good. You have my permission to go."

Keiko smiled in excitement and bowed, "Thank you, Lord Hokage."

"Yes, if you leave soon you may even catch up to Kakashi and his team."

She paused and looked up, giving him a perplexed look. "What do you mean?"

Iruka laughed, "Lord Third gave then a C-rank mission to guard a man back to the Land of Waves. Naruto was very persistent."

Keiko was surprised that Naruto had actually been given a mission above D-rank. She thought of how much he must have complained and sighed, "I apologize if he caused too much trouble. I think we all know how he can be." All three of then nodded in agreement. Naruto was, and always will be, Naruto. She paused then, realizing something, "What did the man they are guarding look like?"

Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe before answering, "A bit older. A working man who seemed to have a bit too much to drink for it being so early in the day."

So it was the same man. Keiko's eyes narrowed in thought. She bowed, "Thank you again, Lord Hokage. I will return as soon as I can." She turned to leave, offering Iruka a kind smile that he eagerly returned. When Keiko left to prepare she was lost in thought the entire time. Her father had mentioned some trouble in the Land of Waves, and Kakashi's team was escorting a man back home. It set an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Keiko returned home and gathered her things she would need for the journey to the Land of Waves. Packing a bag and being sure to have all of her ninja gear ready. While on one hand she thought she wouldn't be needing much of anything since this wasn't a mission, she knew anything could happen. Not to mention the letter paired with team Kakashi's mission was enough to make her suspicious.

It was early afternoon when she left the village. She started her pace leisurely, enjoying the stroll down the road when she suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. Keiko slowed and looked carefully at her surroundings, taking them in with calculating eyes. She knew she was on the same route that Kakashi was on and something didn't sit right. She continued on the road for a while before she noticed something that confirmed her suspicions. A boot print.

She didn't know a lot about tracking but she had picked up the basics from Kakashi. The imprint of the boot was different from any of the Genin or Kakashi, and the old man had worn sandals so it could not have been any of them. The print was also just off the path, as if the owner wanted to stay hidden but got cocky or clumsy.

With this discovery, Keiko decided to pick up the pace, knowing that she would be able to catch up if she hurried. She did not know who this person was or what they wanted but she could imagine that they were after the man that was being escorted. Her heart chilled as another possibility entered her mind, Naruto. This was Naruto's first time out of the village, what if an enemy ninja knew and wanted to use Naruto. As the jinchuriki, he could be targeted by another village. Keiko shook her head and focused she couldn't let her judgment be clouded. The possibility of that was slim. The Hokage had done well to hide Naruto's identity.

Traveling at full speed, it didn't take long for her to catch up to them. Though it seemed they were already preoccupied, the enemy ninja having made themselves known.

Sasuke had done a good job of immobilizing the two ninja but they got loose, one of them heading for Naruto while the other went for the old man. Only having a split second to understand the situation she acted, especially when she saw a streak of silver move to intercept one of the ninja as well.

Sasuke saw the two ninja escape and took action against the one heading for Tazuna. He knew he could take these ninja, they were nothing special. He thought that ninja from another village would have been more of a fight, but they didn't seem that strong. Not to him. Sakura, on the other hand he knew wasn't a match for them, even though she put herself between the ninja and Tazuna. Acting quickly, he got in front of Sakura, ready to defend them from the enemy ninja.

Suddenly, a figure appeared before him.

Keiko rammed the hilt of her katana into the ninja's chest, sending him hurtling back with enough force to knock him unconscious. At the same time, Kakashi had caught the other perpetrator. Keiko stood to her full height and sheathed her blade.

"K-Keiko Sensei?" Sakura called out in surprise. Keiko turned to look at the two Genin behind her and smiled. Sakura was elated to not have to actually fight and to see that her Sensei was actually alive, "Kakashi Sensei! You're alive!"

Sasuke's dark eyes met Keiko's as he relaxed his stance. Why did she have to show up? This wasn't her mission. And why did her and Kakashi have to be such showoffs. It was annoying.

"You did good." She offered them both with a smile.

The young Uchiha looked away and scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. He didn't care what she had to say.

Naruto looked up from his place on the ground and stared up at his Sensei. He was alive?! They all clearly saw him get torn to pieces! "Huh? But he was- What?" Naruto's eyes went instantly to where the mangled body of Kakashi should have been. And there were only pieces of wood. He had used a substitution jutsu.

"Naruto," Kakashi began, "Sorry I didn't help you right away, I didn't mean for you to get hurt. I just didn't think you'd freeze up like that." he moved closer to the others and his eyes met Keiko's. His tone perked up in surprise, "Well hello, Keiko, what brings you here?"

"I am on my way to the Land of Waves as well for a little time off, the Hokage said I might run into you all." She looked down at the unconscious ninja, "I noticed you were being followed, so I rushed to get here. But, it looks like you guys had it handled." She smiled at Sasuke who stubbornly looked to the side.

Kakashi nodded, "Yes, good job Sasuke, very smooth. You too, Sakura."

Naruto watched the scene in shock and disbelief. He had been completely and utterly useless! What was it going to take to catch up to Sasuke? Sasuke acted like he had done this a thousand times. He was so calm and collected, didn't get a scratch on him! And, Keiko saw it! She saw how useless he was!

"Hey," Naruto looked at Sasuke. What did he want? "You're not hurt, are ya? Scaredy cat?"

Oh, that was it. The anger bubbled up inside of him and he let out a loud shout as he moved toward his teammate. His action was halted immediately by Kakashi, "Naruto, stand still." Naruto stopped, starting at him. "These ninja have poison in their claws, we have to take it out of you quickly. We have to open the wound and remove it. It's in your blood so don't move around. That spreads the poison."

Keiko gasped, eyes honing in on the wound to Naruto's hand. "Kakashi! You let him get wounded?" She stood beside him and crossed her arms, giving him a disapproving glare. She knew as well as he did that he could have intervened at any time.

Kakashi offered an apologetic smile, "I did not think he would freeze. Besides, I needed to know who their real target was." He turned toward Tazuna, eyeing him suspiciously, "Mr. Tazuna..."

Tazuna stiffened and stepped back in surprise as both Jonin turned toward him with hard eyes. "Yeah, w-what?"

"We need to talk."

Soon enough Keiko and Kakashi had the two ninja restrained to a tree and Kakashi spoke, "They're Chunin from the Village Hidden in the Mist. Their specialty is relentless attack. They keep fighting, no matter what the sacrifice."

The one Keiko knocked out eyed him with disdain, "How did you know about our ambush?"

Kakashi spoke easily, his tone almost mocking as if it was obvious, "A puddle, on a clear day, when it hasn't rained in weeks?"

Keiko nodded, it was obvious. The fact the two ninja couldn't figure that out was interesting. Perhaps they were not very experienced? Or, they had not run into anyone as skilled as Kakashi before.

Tazuna spoke up, "In that case, why'd you leave it for the Genin to do the fighting?"

"I could have taken them out quickly, but then I'd have learned nothing. I had to know who their real target was, and what they were after."

The bridge builder didn't like the tone in Kakashi's voice. "What are you getting at?"

Kakashi turned to face him, "This. I wanted to know if they were after us, ninja attacking ninja. Or, if they were after you, the master bridge builder. When you put in your request, you asked for standard protection against robbers and highwaymen. You didn't say there were ninja looking for you, hunting you down. If we knew this it would be a B-rank mission or higher. Our mission was to protect you while you finish building your bridge. If we knew we would be fielding attacks from other ninja we would have staffed differently and charged for the cost of a B-mission. Apparently, you have your reasons, but lying to us is not acceptable. We are now beyond the scope of this mission."

Keiko stood back, observing as this was not her mission to partake in. She had stumbled into it. She agreed with every word Kakashi spoke and saw that Tazuna was looking down at the ground, almost like a scolded puppy. She had watched Kakashi through his whole speech and she eyed him head to toe, taking in every detail greedily. She sighed, knowing that her feelings would only cause issues. Not to mention, it was Kakashi. The man who was so hesitant to let anyone close to him, so much so that she had heard a rumor that Kakashi played for the other team... She shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts though it did little to help. Kakashi was her friend and she was determined to keep it that way.

Her eyes wandered over to the three Genin, wondering how they were all holding up after such developments. Naruto was still stunned, the look on his face still processing everything that had happened. She wasn't even sure if Naruto fully comprehended that she was there yet as he seemed to be going through an internal struggle of his own. Sasuke looked unaffected, as if nothing could bother him. Sakura on the other hand was what she expected, reluctant and scared.

The girl gave Tazuna an apologetic look, "We are Genin, this is too advanced for our level of training. We should go back. And I really think we should take care of Naruto's wound and get the poison out as soon as possible. Back in our village we can take him to a doctor." Naruto anxiously looked at his sensei, not knowing what he would say.

Kakashi glanced at Naruto and looked away, "Naruto's hand could become a problem. I guess we should go back to the village"

No. No, no, no! Naruto wasn't having any of that! He would not be the weak link! He refused!

Naruto did something that none of them expected, he pulled out a kunai and stabbed the back of his hand without hesitation. The others all gasped, even Kakashi looked at the young boy in shock. Keiko stepped forward then, "Naruto, what are you doing?" That was no way to take out the poison!

Naruto ignored her and he stood, knife still imbedded in his hand as he trembled from the pain. "Why am I so different? Why am I always-" He let out a loud groan of pain, as well as frustration.

Sakura moved forward as well, "Naruto! Stop that!" She didn't understand why he insisted on doing such a thing when they could easily go back to the village and get him treated. Then they could get a normal mission like they should have!

Naruto continued after a moment, "Upon this wound, I make this pledge. Bridge builder, I will complete this mission and protect you with this kunai knife." He turned to them and smiled, brows furrowed and hand still trembling from the pain, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"Naruto..." Kakashi began, "That was cool how you took out the poison and all, but if you lose any more blood, you're going to die." There was silence as all the color drained from Naruto's face and be broke out in a nervous sweat. Kakashi walked forward, eye smiling, "Good idea to stop the bleeding now, seriously."

Naruto broke out into a panic, going on about how he was too young to die. Keiko sighed and went forward to stand behind Naruto, making him look up at her and she could see the tears threatening to leave his eyes. He was still such a child. She smiled, "Naruto, calm down and give Kakashi you're hand. You're not going to die. Kakashi is exaggerating."

The Jonin inspected Naruto's hand, "Who said I was exaggerating?"

Keiko rolled her eyes. She did appreciate Kakashi's bluntness and found herself to be one of the few who was not annoyed by it. He should be able to tell that his words were not helping Naruto, but perhaps the man didn't care or maybe he even wanted to see how Naruto reacted.

Both Jonin looked at the wound on his hand and they were shocked to see that his wound was already healing. That could only mean that the chakra of the nine-tails was seeping through the seal. That could be very bad for everyone involved.

Naruto could feel the tense atmosphere growing around them and the serious look on Kakashi's face didn't' help any. "Um, you have a really serious look on your face. Am I okay?"

Kakashi forced himself to speak, "Uh, yeah, you should be fine." He cast Keiko a knowing glance and she nodded. They both knew what it could mean.

Keiko placed one of her hands on Naruto's head to ruffle his hair, "You'll be fine. Nothing will happen to any of you as long as Kakashi and I are around."

Once Naruto's hand was wrapped and set to go Kakashi stood and looked at Keiko, "I take it you plan to accompany us then?"

"I might as well at this point. Though, I have my own question for Tazuna." She turned toward the man and he once again stiffened. "What exactly is your relationship with my father?" Kakashi was surprised at the question. He had only heard Keiko talk about her father on a few occasions and it would seem they had a good relationship, but he was gone from the village most of the time on his own business.

Naruto was curious as well, "Old man Musashi?" Naruto had only met the man once or twice and he could hardly remember what the man even looked like.

Tazuna looked her in the eyes that reminded him so much of Musashi, his friend. "Musashi is my right hand at the moment. He came to the Land of Waves several months ago and since then he has helped me with the construction of the bridge. But, we've been running into trouble."

Keiko nodded, "Yes, the letter mentioned that... Is he doing alright?"

"Better than most. He has a strong will, that's for sure."

She nodded again, thanking Tazuna. This news didn't sit well with her. Her father was not a fighter. He knew how, but he lacked the fighting spirit. Not to mention it had been years since he had seen a real battle. Keiko only hoped that her father was not in over his head. She turning to Kakashi, "If it's alright with you, I'll tag along. I'm sure to see my father if I stick around. Besides," she smiled at him and gave him a playful nudge with her elbow, "It will be just like old times, won't it?"

The three Genin heard this. Sakura gasped, "Old times? Does that mean you two know each other?"

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, "Keiko and I used to be partners. We went on many missions together."

Sakura looked up at the kunoichi in admiration, she had to be strong! Naruto, on the other hand, gasped as he realized he had been betrayed. He pointed a finger at Keiko, "Hey! Why didn't you ever tell me you knew Kakashi Sensei?"

Keiko smiled apologetically, "I guess it never came up."

The group continued on, it would be a few more days before they would reach the Land of Waves. The three Genin talked amongst themselves and Tazuna listened to them as they walked. Kakashi hung back with Keiko, watching them. He was surprised to see Keiko, he didn't think he would get to spend time with her so soon, and on a mission no less. He spoke without turning toward her, "You know you don't have to come along, right?"

Keiko nodded, "Of course I know that. But," She paused, her eyes also settled on the group before them. "You know as well as I do that next time it won't be some Chunin."

Kakashi looked at her and feigned hurt, "Oh, so you don't believe in my abilities?"

She chuckled, "Of course I do. I have no reason not to." She turned toward him and smiled, "Maybe, I'm just a little concerned and want to help, huh?"

Kakashi's eye widened slightly and he cleared his throat, looking away, "I see. Well, I appreciate your willingness." He paused, "I agree with you though, next time it will definitely be a Jonin level ninja. I have a feeling this won't be the time off you wanted."

Keiko sighed and her shoulders slumped a little, "Yeah, I know..."

Hey ya! I changed the story summary just so you guys are aware. Also;

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Posted - 6/26/2021