Chapter 19

The setting sun shined brightly. Casting a yellowish hue over the graves that overlooked the small village. Keiko knelt down to place a small bouquet of flowers over the boys grave. She wished she had gotten a chance to speak to him, Haku. A boy with the same Kekkei Genkai as her and she didn't get to speak with him. The events that transpired on the bridge just a few days ago were more than any of them had expected.

For Haku to die, or for Zabuza to act human in his last moments. For the Demon of the Mist to be brought to tears over the death of a young boy. Keiko had found herself feeling genuinely disheartened by the way their story came to an end. She knew Naruto was taking it especially hard. The entire time they had worked on preparing their graves he had been silent. Lost in his own thoughts. She couldn't blame him after his emotional outburst at the bridge. Haku had touched Naruto in a way no one else ever had before. He showed Naruto the importance of protecting someone close to you, and what kind of price it could take.

She remembered a conversation she had had with Naruto. It was so long ago but she remembered his large inquisitive blue eyes looking up at her as he asked her what her ninja way was. Her response?

'For me, to be a ninja is having the strength to protect what I love.'

Keiko stood and readjusted her arm that was still in a sling. She was beginning to be able to move it normally again. By the time they left the next day she would need to be careful with it but it would be fine.

She turned and her eyes drifted to Naruto who was staring intently at the two graves. Keiko wondered if Naruto even remembered that conversation they had had. It would seem that Haku's nindo was very similar to her own. He laid down his life to protect what was precious to him, just as she would if put into the same situation. It was the first time Naruto had seen the realities that come with being a ninja and she had to wonder what was going through his mind.

Sakura walked toward the graves and placed her own offering before them. The atmosphere was beginning to weigh on them when she spoke. She turned her head toward her sensei, "Is that really it, Kakashi Sensei? Is that the ninja way? To use and be used by people like tools?"

Keiko looked over at Kakashi, curious how he would respond. The man looked down, "Shinobi are all merely tools in the hands of destiny. No point in wondering whether it's right or wrong. It just is. It's the same in the Village Hidden in the Leaves."

"Well, if you ask me, if that's what being a ninja is all about then something is out of whack." Naruto turned from the graves to face the two Jonin, "Is that why we go through all this training? Just to end up like them?"

Sasuke chimed in as well, "What is the reason for that?"

Kakashi's eye met Keiko's as he thought of an answer. He sighed, "Well, it's a question without an answer. And that is something we ninja need to deal with every day of our lives. Like Zabuza, and the kid."

Keiko looked down remembering a time when she had similar questions, "I once struggled with those same questions when first learning to be a ninja. But, we are not just tools to be used on a whim. We have our own wants and desires, dreams. It's up to each shinobi to hone themselves into a tool that is capable or achieving those dreams. A tool capable of finding their own way."

The three Genin started at her in silence for a moment. Each of them thinking over what their sensei's had said to them.

Finally, Naruto perked up, "Okay, I've just come to a decision. From now on, I'm finding my own ninja way. A way that's straight and true, without any regrets. From now on I'm following the way of Naruto!"

Kakashi and Keiko both smiled at the outburst. Naruto seemed be be handling everything better than either of them had expected.

That night, the bridge was complete and they rested for one last night before leaving the following day. Keiko sat on her own futon, listening to the sounds of deep breathing and snoring echoing around the room. She hadn't been able to sleep for some reason that she wasn't able to pinpoint. Keiko had tossed and turned for at least an hour after everyone else had fallen asleep yet she was just as awake as she had been all day. Eventually, she grumbled and sat up to look around.

Naruto was sprawled out, mouth open as he snored and his covers all tangled and tossed about from his reckless sleeping. She was proud of him. Naruto had come a long way over the course of this mission. He was really starting to sprout into a ninja all his own and she was excited to see just hos strong he would be able to become. With the strength of the nine tales within him, who knew how high he could climb.

Sakura and Sasuke both slept peacefully, the occasional snore escaping from them. They had both grown as well. Sakura not nearly as much, but this mission showed her the realities of ninja life. It was a reality that had not been properly solidified for her until the other day when Sasuke had nearly died. Keiko herself had been devastated when Naruto told her Sasuke was gone. Keiko could still see the bandages that were wrapped around his neck from his injuries. She could not put into words the feeling of elation when Sakura's sobs turned to screams of joy upon finding out he was indeed alive.

Kakashi was closest to her, his headband was off and laying next to him. She figured it must have gotten rather annoying to have to wear that all the time, but after so long maybe it was natural to him at that point. Her eyes drifted to his bag that was right above his head and she reached into it, easily finding her target.

She grinned as she pulled out the book. It had been a while since she had read Make Out Paradise, maybe reading would help her fall asleep. At least that was the hope. She saw the fold in the page where Kakashi currently was and took a peak at the page. It just happened to be a cute moment between the characters. He had surprised her with a bed full of roses and a night under the stars as the two professed their love for one another. The excerpt made Keiko smile and chuckle under her breath. There were many moments like that in this book, and she knew Kakashi was excited about the next volume that was set to come out in only a few weeks.

Keiko glanced at Kakashi who seemed to be sleeping peacefully. She had wondered for quite some time why Kakashi loved the book so much. Thinking back, she had never seen Kakashi hang around other women, other than herself and Kurenai at least. When she thought about it, Kurenai generally came around for Asuma. The two of them were always together in their down time even though they tried to hide it. So, really, she was the only woman she knew of that spent any time with Kakashi.

It was a question she had on her mind for much longer than she would like to admit. Was Kakashi a hopeless romantic at heart and just genuinely enjoyed the literature? Or, was he so inexperienced that this book was an outlet for him? There could be other reasons, of course, but those two were the most logical in her mind. Guy had mentioned at one point that he had never seen Kakashi take any romantic interest in anyone. He was always too focused on his work or training to bother.

Keiko looked down at the book and flipped through the well worn pages. Most of the pages had a crease on them from being marked and the binding of the book showed just how much the book had been read and handled. Keiko grinned to herself before beginning to read from her own spot. The moonlight from the window providing just enough light.

She had been reading for quite a while when she heard some rustling. Her eyes flickered over to Kakashi who had began twisting and turning in his futon. Keiko leaned over, seeing his eyes moving frantically behind their lids and she felt her brow furrow in concern. Her hand reached out, shaking his shoulder gently. "Kakashi," she whispered, not wanting to wake up the three Genin.

With a gasp, his eye opened and he sat up abruptly. His eyes wide and Keiko could see the sweat dripping from his brow. Keiko retracted her hand from him and her expression was etched with worry. She had never seen him have a nightmare before, it was unlike him and she had to wonder what it was about.

It took him a moment to take in his surroundings, eyes moving around the room before settling on Keiko. Their gazes met. He nodded in acknowledgment before he stood and made his way to the sliding door and sat out on the water. He needed some air.

Keiko closed the book and laid it down on the futon before standing and walking carefully out to the door way. She stood there for a moment, gaging whether or not to join him. Eventually, she pushed away her apprehension and sat next to him, keeping a foot or so of distance between them. She didn't say anything, simply looked out over the water as the moonlight danced along with water. The breeze was cool and she could hear the sound of crickets in the distance. After several minutes of sitting in silence she turned her head over toward him, kicking her leg back and fourth slightly. "Do you want to talk about it?" She said quietly. The door behind them was open and she could still hear the soft snores from the Genin but she didn't want to wake them.

Kakashi was silent. His eyes cast down toward the water and he leaned forward, his hand resting over his face.

She studied him, trying to pinpoint what it was that seemed to have him so shaken up. Surely, it wasn't the fight with Zabuza. Something had to have happened. Something that struck a cord with him.

Realization washed over her.

Haku.

After Haku had given his life to try and save Zabuza, there seemed to have been a switch that flipped within Kakashi. He refused to have anyone help him in the fight after that. Kakashi had been adamant that it was his fight and no one else's. She knew Kakashi always kept the best interest of his comrades at the forefront of his mind in a fight. Could it be that Zabuza's blatant disregard for Haku's life was throwing him off this badly?

"Is it Haku?"

Kakashi paused and closed his eyes. He should have figured she would figure that out. It had been some time since he had had a nightmare like that. He could still clearly feel the sensation of cutting through another human, someone who he had not intended. The look in their eyes... The striking similarities between what happened on the bridge and what had happened years ago was almost overwhelming. it was bringing up old memories he would much rather try to forget. He thought that he was long since over the death of Rin. After all, she had been the one to place herself in the way of his Chidori.

His gaze lingered on the water as the light glistened across the surface. "It... wasn't the first time that's happened." He wasn't sure if he should tell her this. He hadn't openly spoke to anyone about what happened, not since his Sensei. And he had been gone for years now as well. His eyes closed, it was just like him to get caught up in the past.

Keiko was surprised to hear such a thing. She gestured awkwardly with her hand toward her chest, "Um, you mean...?"

His eyes flickered over toward her and the gesture she made toward her own chest. "Yeah, that." he confirmed.

Keiko dropped her hand, gripping the edge of the dock as she asked gently, "What happened?" She couldn't deny her curiosity but more than anything else she wanted him to open up to her. They had been around each other now for some time and yet still she knew little about his past. He kept most of it hidden. She only knew about what little Guy had told her.

"I failed to protect her. I made a promise, and I failed." He could sense her confused gaze and chose to elaborate just a little further. "She jumped into my attack, just like the kid."

Silence fell over the two of them and Keiko reached out hesitantly. Keiko had never seen so much pain in his eyes before. Not the pain you would get from any physical wound, but pain of the heart. She could feel her own heart clench at the sight and she had to wonder just who this girl had been to Kakashi. Her hand rested on his arm and she gave him a sympathetic smile. "Kakashi, if the situations really are as similar as you say, then she must have had her reasons. Just like Haku had his. Is it really your fault for breaking a promise when someone forces your hand?" Kakashi didn't respond, only looked out ahead of them. Keiko removed her hand and let it rest between them. She averted her eyes as well, looking up toward the moon.

Kakashi knew she was right, he had come to that conclusion as well. Her death may have been by his own hand, but Rin had been the one to force his hand. Kakashi cast a sideways glance over to Keiko and his eyes softened, taking in the way her hair caught the moonlight. How her icy blue eyes seemed to glow. Even though he knew she was right, he couldn't stop that guilt from clawing away inside of him. For all these years he took solace in knowing that Rin had made the decision but, maybe if he had been stronger he could have saved her from herself. His eyes closed. More than anything, he couldn't keep his promise to Obito.

"I'm guessing," Keiko began softly, "that incident is why you put your comrades above everything?"

He could feel his lips twitch the slightest bit. It was a good guess, but not exactly. The one who beat that into his head was Obito. Someone else who he failed to protect. He had Obito to thank for who he was today. If not for him, he would never have changed from the arrogant brat he used to be.

Keiko turned toward him, "Kakashi, if it means anything, I think you've always been there for the people who need you the most." Her smile grew, "Your value as a friend and teacher for instance, is immeasurable."

Kakashi blinked and turned his head to face her. She was no longer looking at him, rather out in front of them. His Sharingan easily spying the hint of color to her cheeks. He was sure his own cheeks were a similar color. Her words stirring a warm feeling within his chest and he thought for a moment how he should get up and walk away right then and there. Kakashi was no fool, he had noticed the subtle way Keiko had changed toward him the last several weeks. She met his gaze a little less often, seemed to become flustered when he would do something unexpected. Not to mention, her lingering gaze when she thought he wasn't looking.

He was brought out of his thoughts by Keiko's soft laugh, "You've definitely taught me a thing or two."

He couldn't help the soft smile that spread across his face. Kakashi enjoyed her company far too much. She was warm and inviting, someone who he felt comfortable around. He knew better than to get so close to her, but there was no stopping his emotions. He figured, if he didn't act on them then there was no harm done. He couldn't act on them. Kakashi knew he had let them grow too far already. She was a friend and a close ally, that's all the more he could ever allow her to be, and he was content with that.

"Just know, I'm always here for you, Kakashi."

Almost on it's own accord, his hand reached out and gripped her hand that had been resting between them. "Thank you, Keiko."

Keiko could hear the pounding of her heart in her ears and she feared that he would be able to hear it. Or worse, feel it through her skin. She smiled, "Of course, Kakashi."

Unbeknownst to the two Jonin, there was one Genin who did happen to stir from slumber. Cerulean eyes widened at what she had seen and overheard. She had only heard the last portion of their conversation but it was plain to see. It was like a scene from a book! Sakura dare not move, taking in the loving and warm tone of her female teacher, and then seeing her Sensei reach out for her hand. Sakura could feel her own heart skip a beat as even she could feel the sparks flying between her two teachers.

Sakura rushed to close her eyes and try to sleep before the two of them returned to their own futons, but she couldn't help but feel a bit smug. After all, she knew something neither Naruto or Sasuke did.

~0~

The following day the five Shinobi were set to take off back to their village and many of the villagers had come to see them off. Tazuna stood among them, his face beaming, "We could never have finished the bridge without you. I can't tell you how much we're going to miss you."

Tsunami nodded in agreement with her father, "Do be careful."

Kakashi smiled behind his mask, "Thank you, for everything."

Keiko smiled as well, hiding her annoyance. Her father was no where to be seen. How could he miss their departure?! Who knew how long it would be until they saw each other again now.

Naruto's smile widened, "Don't get all choked up, we'll come back and visit real soon!"

Inari's shoulders began to shake, "You swear you will?" Tazuna placed his hand on his grandson's head to try and comfort the boy.

The other four ninja looked at Naruto who was now attempting to hold back tears, "Of course. You know, Inari, it's alright to cry if you want. There's nothing wrong with that, go for it!"

"Who said I want to cry? If there's nothing wrong with it why don't you go ahead and cry?"

"No, you first!" Naruto said hoarsely. The two looked at one another for several seconds before Naruto turned away as tears fell.

Keiko and Kakashi shared a glance and smiled awkwardly. Naruto certainly had a big heard, that's for sure. And to think, Naruto couldn't seem to stand Inari just a few days ago. "Well," Kakashi began, "we best be off."

They all turned to go when a voice rang out, making them stop, "Hold it!"

Keiko gasped and turned, smiling when she met the gaze of her father, "Father! So, you did come to see us off, after all."

Musashi walked forward, readjusting the pack on his back as well as the wide rimmed straw hat he wore. "Of course, I wouldn't miss if for the world. Besides, I thought it was about time I return to the Hidden Leaf."

Most everyone gasped a little in surprise. Tazuna took a step forward, "Musashi, you know you are always welcome here."

Musashi smiled warmly and walked over to Tazuna. The two grasped each other on the forearm in a familiar way. "I'll never forget you, and I'll be sure to visit you. Be proud Tazuna, you've restored hope to your people."

Keiko and the others watched as Musashi said his farewells to the villagers. She smiled, it would be nice to have her father around again, even though she was unsure of how long he would stay around. He was a free spirit and enjoyed the traveling he had been able to do in the last decade.

"So, old man Musashi's coming with us?" Naruto asked Keiko.

"Naruto!" Sakura scolded, "Don't call him that, its disrespectful!"

"Yes, it would seem he is." Keiko said as she laughed at their antics.

It wasn't too long before they were all walked across the bridge, each of them itching to get back home. Naruto was giddy as he thought of what he was going to do when they returned, "As soon as we get back, I'm gonna let Iruka Sensei fix me up a whole mess of ramen to celebrate a mission accomplished. Oh, and just wait until I tell Konohamaru about all my adventures! The kids gonna worship me!"

"Hey," Sakura spoke hesitantly.

He looked over at her, wondering what Sakura had to say to him, "Yeah?"

Sakura shot him a glare, "Not you, Naruto. Sasuke, when we get back do you wanna do something together?"

Sasuke didn't even spare her a glance, "I don't think so. Thanks."

While Sakura was disheartened, Keiko was actually surprised at Sasuke's response. She smiled, it would seem Sasuke was beginning to like his team after all, if only a little bit.

"I have an idea." Sakura said again, raising her finger to make a point. "Keiko Sensei, why don't the two of us do something when we get back?"

The proposal was a bit out of the blue but Keiko smiled nevertheless and nodded, "Of course, anything you had in mind Sakura?"

The girl brought her finger to her lips as she thought, "Well, I'm not sure. Kakashi Sensei, any ideas? You can come along with us!"

The two Jonin faltered and shared a glance, neither of them were exactly thrilled at the mischievous look in the young girls eyes.

Musashi moved to walk between his daughter and Kakashi. He placed his hands over their shoulders and shot Keiko a mischievous smile, "Yeah, maybe the four of us can do something together. Would be a perfect opportunity for you two Jonin to relax for once!"

Keiko's smile twitched. Maybe, having her father around again wouldn't be as nice as she thought.

Shorter chapter, sorry! I know the last few have been pretty long, but my goal is right around that 3,500 to 4,000 word range.

I want to take a moment to answer one of my lovely readers! Zachary Boyd. I feel like there are a lot of others who have similar thoughts so I thought to reply to you here so everyone is in the loop.

I do plan on changing from cannon eventually, but only to a certain extent. This story's main focus is going to be the relationships Keiko has with others, primarily our main man, Kakashi. There won't be a lot of changes to the cannon story until we get closer to Shippuden. And even then, it's mainly going to focus on Keiko and Kakashi's relationship. I have an evil little plan that I've written a lot of excerpts for future chapters already. I am excited to get to them! Keiko has a role to play, but I never planned for her to be this overpowered heroine who will be able to take down the strongest foes with ease. I've never liked those kind of stories, it just doesn't feel real. (I mean, as real as it can be considering the universe of Naruto)

As far as changing the rating, I've been toying with that idea myself. I already have some rated M content written between the two of them and we will get there eventually. I'm contemplating just changing the rating to M, or if I should make an excerpt in a separate story for the people who want to read the lemon. If others want to chime in, they are free too.

Well, that's all for now! Thank you so much for reading!

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Posted - 7/11/2021