Chapter 20

As the day progressed, Keiko grew more and more enveloped in her work. Since returning from the Land of Waves Keiko felt as though she was working overtime to get everything back into order. Iruka, bless his heart, had tried but failed to keep everything in order. Most of the last day and a half had been spent correcting the flaws in her organizational system. Hiruzen had taken to offering her a seat off to the side for her to go through everything.

It would seem she had achieved an unspoken promotion. The Hokage told her she would no longer need to run around like a crazed animal. Instead, she would join her fellow college and administer different missions. Keiko could see what teams were available to preform missions and then match them to an appropriate assignment. Of course, she did not have the final say, but it would seem the Hokage valued her input.

Keiko was able to greet many of her old students and her presence there seemed to help brighten the moods of a few of them. She was privileged enough to give Team Asuma a delivery mission. The Genin reacted just as she thought they would and Asuma nodded before heading out with them. She cast a flickering glance between the Hokage and Asuma. Had she imagined the underlying tension in the room? She shrugged, guessing that she would be seeing many different scenarios in this room. After all, if Asuma had a problem he certainly had Kurenai to help sort out the thoughts in his head.

Keiko looked over the list of teams and saw that Team Kakashi was due for another mission as well. It had been nearly three days since their return and she hadn't seen Kakashi since. The two of them had been so absorbed in their daily duties. She looked through the existing D-rank missions for something suitable for them. They had just gotten back from a life or death adventure, they needed something calm.

After assigning a few other teams, Team Kakashi walked into the room. She smiled warmly at Kakashi, and he returned the gesture as he walked in after his Genin.

Naruto stood, arms crossed over his chest as he stated loudly, "Alright, time for a first-class mission!"

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Naruto, have you forgotten we're only Genin?"

"Would both of you just shut up?" Sasuke said, eyes closed and hands deep in his pockets.

"Keiko could see the smile on Kakashi's face grow a little strained as the Genin spoke. She cast a glance over to the Hokage who took a few puffs from his pipe at the sight and she could see the smirk playing on the old man's lips. Finally, he cleared his throat, making all of them turn to him in silence. Hiruzen picked up a sheet of paper Keiko had handed him and scanned it before nodding to himself in approval.

"Team Kakashi," he began, "you are assigned to walk and take care of Ms. Ugori's dogs while she is on vacation."

There was a pause in the room. Keiko and Iruka shared a glance from their spot on either side of the Hokage, they knew what was coming and so did the Hokage.

"Dog siting?! Are you serious?!" Naruto bellowed before the hand of his sensei waked him on the back of his head.

"Sorry about that." Kakashi stated simply.

Keiko sighed, "Naruto, I know you want more, but this is all we are going to give you. You just got back from the Land of Waves on a mission that was far beyond your level of skill. Until you are promoted to Chunin you will not be going on such a mission anytime soon. Any of you." She gave each of the Genin a glance as she spoke.

Naruto pouted before turning to his Sensei, "But, Kakashi Sensei, you said I improved! Surely, we're above this kid stuff by now!"

"I actually kind of agree with him." Sasuke stated.

Iruka sighed heavily. He spoke, his voice dripping in barely contained frustration, "Naruto, we've been through this before. Keiko is right, until you're a higher rank and have more experience, you're only going to be getting 'kid' missions for now."

After some more back and fourth between the two, Kakashi lead his team out. When they finally left, Iruka's head fell into his hands, "I still can't believe he survived against someone as strong as Zabuza."

Keiko gave an exasperated chuckle, "Believe me, Kakashi and I feel the same way." Kakashi had told her of how if not for Haku, Zabuza would have killed Naruto when he showed up at the bridge. Naruto had made himself known and had made a flashy entrance. It was something you didn't do if you wanted to live for any extended period of time.

The day dragged on until finally it was about time to go home. While the scrolls and paperwork were being filed away for the night, Hiruzen turned to leave. Just before he reached the door, he turned back around toward Keiko, "Keiko, would you mind coming to see me in my office when you are finished?"

Both Iruka and Keiko were a little surprised. They shared a glance before looking back at the Hokage. "Of course, my Lord."

Hiruzen grinned, "Not to worry. Just an old man looking for some conversation." He turned and walked out the door, bidding the two shinobi farewell.

Keiko paused and stood straighter, "I wonder what it's about?"

Iruka continued to clean up, "I wouldn't think too much of it. Maybe he just wants to see how you're doing." There was a pause, "How are you doing? It's been a while since we've had a chance to catch up."

She smiled, "I'm doing well. Sakura asked me to join her for dinner later. I'm looking forward to that." She met his gaze, "You went out with Naruto the other night, right?"

"Yup, Ichiraku's. His favorite." Iruka chuckled and scratched the back of his head, "I really shouldn't treat him as often as I do. I don't know how much more my wallet can take."

When Keiko sighed heavily, he looked over at her. Her eyes looked worn as she held up a hand to point at him, "I've helped feed that boy for six years. Don't get me started on how much that boy can shovel away." The two of them quickly divulged into laughter before carrying on their conversation. Before long, they had everything put away and went their separate ways.

The Kunoichi made her way to the Hokage's office. When she arrived, she moved to knock on the door but stopped when she heard muffled voices. She wasn't sure what they were saying, but she recognized the voice of the Hokage. She strained her ears to listen, only able to pick up bits and pieces of the conversation. A small voice in the back of her head said she shouldn't be trying to listen, but curiosity won the battle against reason.

Finally, it grew quiet and she stood straighter when the door opened, revealing an old man. The bandages that were wrapped around his head and covering his eye struck a familiar cord. As did the crisscrossed scar on his chin. Where had she seen him before?

The two stood for a moment before Keiko realized she had been blocking the door. She quickly stepped to the side, apologizing under her breath as the man walked out into the hallway. The man stopped short, turning his head to face her and studied her with his one eye, "Keiko Takahashi. How is Jonin life treating you?"

Keiko stood straighter when he said her name. "It is treating me well, thank you." She smiled her usual smile though the mans face remained impassive.

He didn't say a word. Only continued to walk past her and down the hallway. Keiko watched him go. Where had she seen him before?

After a moment, Keiko entered the room to see the Hokage sitting on a couch, eyes closed and pipe in hand. It was obvious he had been in deep thought and only the door closing behind her as she entered gained his attention. His hat rested on the table next to a tea set, revealing his balding head and white hair. She was surprised at the grave look in his eyes that only softened slightly when they landed on her. He raised his hand, gesturing for her to take a seat in a chair near him.

As Keiko made her way to the chair Hiruzen let out a slow steady stream of smoke from his lips. "I take it you ran into Danzo."

Keiko stiffened as she sat, the feint feeling of recognition ignited into a flame as she put the pieces together. It had been six years since she had seen the man. Not since he had the Anbu drag her to the basement of the compound. Where she first met Kakashi and Itachi. Though, at that time she had no idea who they were. She could not help her face from souring at the memory of the man.

Hiruzen watched her closely, "I see you remember him."

She nodded, "I do. What was he doing here?"

"It would seem he is worried."

"Worried about what?" Keiko said, reaching out to the table to take the cup of tea Hiruzen had poured for her.

"Naruto. He feels that it is only a matter of time before the fox breaks free and wrecks havoc upon the village once again."

"Why now? Why didn't he bring this up before?" Keiko questioned.

"He has." Hiruzen stated simply. His eyes closed for a long moment, as if reliving a memory. "Danzo has always opposed the idea of Naruto learning to be a shinobi. Saying that it would only add to the beasts power or make it easier for the tailed beast to break free."

Keiko took a sip of her tea and paused, remembering when she could feel the fox's chakra on the bridge. Could that be true? Naruto was a completely different entity from the fox. But, could there be a connection that none of them realized? Her eyes narrowed as she recalled the intricate seal on Naruto's stomach. Could the seal be weakening after all this time?

"I know what you're thinking."

Keiko blinked, looking over to the older man and waited for him to elaborate.

He gave her a knowing glance, "The Eight Trigrams Seal holding the nine tales inside Naruto will hold." Keiko only nodded, sensing that he would not say much more than that. Or, rather, that he refused to. "Danzo also spoke about you."

Catching herself about to spit out her tea, Keiko choked. After a small coughing fit, she cleared her throat, "I'm sorry, what?"

That serious look had returned to Hiruzen's features. "I would not worry about that now. Just be aware that there are eyes in this village and not all of them are as friendly as you would like to think." He wouldn't say any more than that. He didn't have the heart to tell her that in the past, Danzo had been very interested in her Kekkei Genkai and certainly he still was. For what reason, he was not sure. He only knew that after the Uchiha massacre, his interest seemed to wane. Hiruzen knew better though. Danzo did not give up so easily. It was as if Danzo had been told to leave her alone.

His eyes narrowed. Much like Danzo's fascination with Sasuke Uchiha. Both seemed to wane after the massacre and he had to wonder if it had anything to do with a certain missing-nin.

Hiruzen smiled, "I didn't bring you here for all of that, Keiko. Forgive me. I would much rather ask you about how you have been doing recently. I know you have been on less missions since Kakashi received his Genin team."

Keiko was surprised at the relaxed way he brushed off the serious topic. Danzo had spoken about her though it would seem that the Hokage didn't intend on telling her much else about that. At least not at the moment. Clearing her throat once again Keiko leaned back in the chair, bringing the cut of tea to her lips again and smiled at the man. "I've been well. Kakashi and I still talk and it's nice to know Naruto has such a good teacher."

"Yes," Hiruzen said in thought, "truth be told, I wasn't sure how Kakashi would do as a Sensei. He has certainly changed since his own Genin days."

Keiko nodded, "I heard he used to be an arrogant brat."

"But, you wouldn't say that now, would you?"

"No, not at all." Keiko smiled softly, peering into her teacup in thought. "Kakashi has changed a lot in just the span that I've known him."

There was a pause as the Hokage studied Keiko and a feint smile rested on his lips. Taking another puff from his pipe he smiled, "Yes, Guy said pairing you with Kakashi might have that effect."

Her head shot up to look at him in surprise, "Eh?"

He chuckled, "Guy has always been worried about Kakashi and has made that abundantly clear. He wanted to be paired with Kakashi himself but I thought Guys style of selflove was far too... loud, for Kakashi. Having worked with you for so long, he recommended you when he himself took on his team."

Keiko blinked. She had no idea.

"It would seem pairing him with you was the best choice we could have made for Kakashi." He took another long drag from his pipe and breathed out through his nose. His face becoming a little more serious, "I feel I am partially to blame for Kakashi's scars." He had allowed Kakashi to stay within the Anbu ranks for so long. If he had done something sooner, then maybe Kakashi would not have as much emotional baggage as he did.

"Lord Hokage, forgive me for being forward, but there are things we can't change. We can't dwell on them." Keiko felt guilt trickle into her heart as she spoke. She did truly believe what she was saying but there were things that she herself had trouble leaving in the past. There were moments she thought about Itachi and if things could have ended differently for him. For his clan. While she knew there was nothing she could do now, the thoughts would eat away at her during her weakest moments. It was why she refused to drink. Alcohol was a key that welcomed her demons.

Hiruzen grinned, "I agree with you. Kakashi is not the only one who would benefit from those words."

Keiko found herself smiling softly. She agreed. It was something that even she should take to heart.

~0~

Sakura waved when she finally saw Keiko appear around a corner. "It's not like you to be late, Keiko Sensei." They had agreed to meet there nearly a half hour before and Sakura had began to wonder if Keiko was even showing up.

The Jonin smiled and laughed sheepishly, rubbing the side of her neck. "Yeah, sorry Sakura. I lost track of time." Herself and the Hokage had talked about many topics. Before she rushed to leave, the Hokage had offered for her to talk again in the future. Keiko thought that it would be nice considering the pleasant nature of most of their conversation.

"I guess... we better hurry though if we're gonna make it in time." Sakura waved Keiko forward and the two kunoichi walked down the road toward a destination Keiko was still unaware of. Sakura had told her the name but she couldn't remember. Sakura spoke about her day, which consisted of many complaints about her team. Sasuke refusing to acknowledge her and Naruto being far too loud and annoying.

Keiko sighed in exasperation though she hid the emotion behind a smile, "Sakura, do you know why Sasuke is so quiet? Or why Naruto is so outgoing?"

The girl shrugged, "Sasuke's just cool like that and Naruto..." She paused, her face souring at the mention of his name. "He's... Naruto."

The Jonin placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder and the two stopped walking. She looked up at her teacher in surprise and the emotion only grew when she saw the veiled disappointment in Keiko's eyes.

"Sakura, I know you had plans but there's something I think we should do." She began to lead Sakura in a different direction but she struggled in protest.

Sakura broke free of her teachers hold and laughed nervously, "Oh, there's no need for that, Keiko Sensei. Besides, I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"

"No."

The girl blinked in surprise at the tone of Keiko's voice.

"We can go later. There are things I want you to understand."

Sakura swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded as she reluctantly fell into step with her teacher. They walked through the village in silence for some time as they left the hustle and bustle of the business district. Finally, they made it to their destination and Sakura looked up at a familiar emblem. "That's the Uchiha Clan's emblem," she said quietly.

They stood before a large memorial stone that stood almost as tall as Sakura. It reminded Sakura of the memorial stone Kakashi had them meet at when they first became a squad. Only, this memorial stone had the Uchiha emblem carved into it, and she realized that every name was a Uchiha.

Keiko watched Sakura closely as her eyes scanned over the names. Her own eyes softened as she rested a hand on top of the stone, "This is the memorial to the Uchiha clan. On this stone is every person who needlessly died five years ago... Including Sasuke's parents."

The girl held a hand to her chest as she looked down. "I... I knew Sasuke had been through a lot. I knew he was the last of his clan. He's mentioned it before, that he needs to get revenge on the person responsible." She remembered their first day as a team. Kakashi had asked them about their goals and when Sasuke said he needed to find someone to kill... she thought it was cool. Even the thought of it now was almost enough to make her dizzy with shame.

"Sasuke has been alone for years now. He pushes everyone away, he never used to be that way."

Sakura remembered her early days in the academy. Sasuke had been bright and even cheerful. He excelled in everything and all the girls loved him, including her. Suddenly, he was gone for a few weeks and when he returned he was like an entirely different person.

"Sakura, I want you to imagine how it would be to have everyone you know and everyone you love slaughtered."

She gasped, looking up to meet the cold eyes of her teacher. "I... um..." She didn't know what to say. She would be devastated, crushed beyond repair. Just the thought of it happening to her was soul crushing.

Seeing the look on Sakura's face, Keiko smiled softly. "Now, imagine never having met any of them. Never feeling your mothers embrace or getting a pat on the back from your father. Only able to imagine and yearn for that affection."

"I..." Sakura stammered, "I don't know." She refused to look up and meet Keiko's gaze. She didn't like the idea of either scenario. It was cruel.

Keiko reached out and tilted Sakura's chin up with her finger, forcing Sakura to meet her gaze. "Thankfully, you haven't experienced that. Your teammates have." Sakura's eyes widened as Keiko continued. "You have always had your loved ones there to support you. I know you were bullied, but even at that point you were able to return home and seek comfort. That's a luxury neither Naruto or Sasuke has had."

Keiko took her hand away as silence hung in the air around them. Sakura's eyes whirling. She had never thought about it that way before. She had always just been concerned for herself and never really gave much thought to why her teammates were the way they were. "I guess... it makes more sense now."

"Understanding your teammates will make you a stronger team. They are who they are for a reason." Keiko smiled again and placed a reassuring hand on Sakura's shoulder. "As their teammate, you can't fix the past. No one can. But, you can be there for both of them, and the three of you together can accomplish so much."

Cerulean eyes peered up at Keiko, "Can I really... make a difference?"

"Of course. You have the makings of a powerful ninja, Sakura. Just like Sasuke and Naruto."

Sakura looked away, a lump forming in her throat. She wasn't entirely sure she believed that herself. Her fists tightened at her sides, if Keiko believed in her, then maybe she could make a difference. She had to put more faith in herself.

Keiko sighed, "Now then, why don't I treat you to some ramen at Ichiraku's? I know you had a place in mind but its starting to get late."

There was a pause, "Actually, Keiko Sensei..." Sakura began hesitantly. "I think I'm going to go home. I remembered my mom needed some help with something."

The Jonin could see the way Sakura fidgeted and an understanding smile rested upon her face as she nodded. "Of course, Sakura. Some other time."

"Thank you." Sakura said. In reality, Sakura planed to return home and give her own mother a hug. Perhaps, she really was taking her own life for granted.

~0~

Later that night, Keiko stood in her apartment, preparing her own meal. On her way home she had stopped by the market and picked up ingredients for her own meal at home. Her sleeves were rolled up and her hair was twisted into a large bun on the top of her head. It had been a relaxing night to herself so far, that was until she heard a knock at the door.

Picking up a cloth to wipe her hands she went to the door to open it, expecting her father to be on the other side. Instead, she was met with the presence of her silver haired colleague. Her eyes widened in surprise, "Kakashi! What brings you around this late in the day?" Truthfully, it hadn't even reached eight o'clock yet so it wasn't ungodly late. The sun was still up. Kakashi was in more casual clothing. He had left his jacket off and was clad in his usual long sleeved shirt and dark blue pants.

Kakashi looked down at her and for a moment was surprised that all her hair fit so well on the top of her head. He smiled with his one visible eye, "Could I come in?"

"Sure." She said simply, leaving the door open as she headed back to the kitchen where she continued preparing her meal. Kakashi shut the door behind him and came to stand beside the counter, watching her. "So," Keiko continued as she placed ingredients into a pan, "you still haven't told me why you're here."

He leaned his head to the side, "Oh? Don't you like it when I come around?"

She pursed her lips together, "You know I don't mean it like that."

Kakashi chuckled under his breath, "I know." He paused, watching her go about her business and his brows furrowed when she accidentally added too much of a certain spice. Keiko cursed under her breath as she looked around for something, anything to try and correct her mistake. She was surprised when Kakashi placed a hand on her shoulder and gently took the reigns of the operation.

She stood back, watching as Kakashi lifted a spoonful of the sauce to his masked nose. She realized that he was smelling it, a calculating look in his eye. Over the next several minutes she watched as he expertly added spice after spice and the occasional herb. Even the movements he took to stir the dish were fluid and precise, masterful even.

Eventually, Kakashi held up a spoonful of the sauce toward her and without thinking Keiko took spoon into her mouth. Her eyes nearly rolled and she brought her hand to her lips to suppress a pleased groan. After a moment, she nodded her head several times with closed eyes, "You," she paused, "are magic."

Kakashi chuckled as he held the spoon in his hand. His heart beat quickening. He had meant for her to take the spoon for her to taste it. But, he had ended up spoon feeding her. It was an intimate gesture and it seemed to be lost on Keiko. Nevertheless, he turned back toward the pan and continued cooking, having guessed what she planned to make. He cleared his throat, "I used to cook quite a bit. Old habits die hard I guess." He looked over his shoulder, "Care to dice the onions a bit smaller?"

Keiko nodded and followed his instruction. "I vote this habit gets to live," she said while flashing him a bright smile.

His smile was genuine as the two fell into a comfortable silence. It wasn't long before Kakashi had prepared a restaurant quality meal and Keiko was admiring his work. He had even plated it perfectly. They both stood staring at the plate before Kakashi nudged her with his elbow, "Aren't you hungry?"

"Yes." She said simply, "I'm just surprised I haven't seen this side of you until now." Keiko reached down and grabbed a set of chopsticks and teased, "I feel like I'm about to destroy a piece of art." Kakashi rolled his eyes as she finally took a bite of the finished product. Her reaction was identical to the one from earlier. Her hand reached out and gripped his arm, "Kakashi, I thought we were friends. How could you hide such a talent from me?"

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, "It just never came up until now."

When his gaze returned to her she held up a second dish with a portion on it for him. "Here, it's only fair you get to eat too." Before he could protest she cut him off, "You can't use the mask as an excuse. I'm not going to look."

She made her way out toward the couch, leaving him in the kitchen alone. The apartment was open concept so he didn't have much for privacy. Even though Keiko sat facing away from him he elected to turn away from her and take her up on her offer. He slid his mask down and savored his own cooking for the first time in a long time. He wasn't sure how long it had been since he had cooked a meal like this. Silence blanketed the room once again as they ate in comfortable silence.

When Kakashi was finished, he pulled his mask up and began to clean the clutter. From behind him he heard Keiko shout and he looked up in surprise. Her back was facing toward him and her hand was out to the side, waving her chopsticks for emphasis, "Don't you dare clean a thing. You made this so it's only fair that I clean up."

Kakashi hummed in thought and continued cleaning, "Well, my mask is down, better stay where you are." He could hear her grumble under her breath and he smiled to himself. He didn't mind cleaning, it was far from the most irritating thing he has done. Soon enough the kitchen was clean and he made his way out toward her. He sat on the opposite end of the couch and sat with his back toward the arm of it so they faced each other. His arm rested on the back of the couch, propping his head up on his hand.

Keiko looked at him and pursed her lips, "You had your mask on the whole time, didn't you?"

He shrugged, "Who's to say?"

She chuckled and rolled her eyes. Since food was done with she placed her dish on the coffee table and reached to take the pin out of her hair. Black cascaded down around her in waves and she used her fingers to vaguely comb it. "So, finally gonna tell me what made you decide to visit? You generally have a reason." Kakashi always seemed to have a reason to drop in out of the blue. Whether that be to recount an event that had happened or even discuss a plot hole in Make Out Paradise.

Kakashi cleared his throat having torn his gaze from her raven locks. It was nice to see her wear it down naturally. "Actually," he began slowly, "Musashi said I should drop by to check on you."

Keiko fixed him with a confused expression.

He shrugged, "Apparently, you were supposed to meet us at that new restaurant that recently opened. You didn't show so he said I should check on you."

She thought for a moment out loud, "Sakura was going to bring me somewhere..."

Suddenly, their gazes met as they pieced together the puzzle. Keiko felt a bit of heat rise to her cheeks as Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, "So, seems they were trying to get us in the same place..."

"You played right into his trap." Keiko laughed.

Kakashi looked down and didn't answer right away, "It would seem so." After a moment he snuck a glance toward her before continuing, "What stopped you from going?"

Keiko paused and thought about her conversation with Sakura. Her gaze softened, "I took her to the Uchiha memorial."

His head snapped up in surprise, "How did it go?"

She shrugged, "Only time will tell. I think she has a better understanding of Sasuke and Naruto now though. At least, I hope she does."

Kakashi nodded as he felt a familiar sense of shame claw at him. He should have been the one to speak with Sakura. She was his student after all. But, she was already struggling, and he was aware of how tactless he could be at times. He feared such a conversation would leave Sakura feeling inferior in some way. He believed in her abilities as a Kunoichi, regardless of Sasuke and Naruto's abilities. Kakashi didn't know how he would handle it if Sakura lost confidence in herself thanks to what he said. "Thank you."

Keiko smiled, "No problem, Kakashi. What are friends for?"

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Posted - 7/18/21