Chapter 23

Sakura paced around the training ground waiting for Keiko to arrive. Her heart pounding in excitement at the prospect of learning from Keiko. What would she teach her? She already had most of the basic stuff down, it was time to stylize! She needed some kind of flare, something to really set her apart. Maybe it was going to be some kind of new jutsu? She didn't have much for ninjutsu beyond the basics. As her mind raced and she walked back and fourth in front of the training posts she failed to notice the two figures walking toward her.

"Sakura!"

The girl jerked and turned around, seeing Keiko waving toward her as well as an unexpected guest. When they were closer she looked between the two of them, "Musashi, what are you doing here?" She had not seen the man for several days. Once in a while he would stop by to talk to her and her teammates, specifically Naruto. He would ask the boy how his training was progressing and pry for information on Keiko's personal affairs. And, on occasion he would try to get her to team up with him in some kind of scheme. Honestly, he reminded her of a less annoying Naruto. Musashi at least had the sense to know when to stop. Although, she often thought the way Musashi tried to get into Keiko's business was strange.

The older man chuckled, crossing his toned arms across his chest, "Keiko asked me to help train you, of course!"

Sakura's eyes darted to Keiko's, "I thought you were training me, Sensei?"

Keiko smiled and reached into her pocket, "I will be, but I thought my father might be of some help as well. I still have my own work to do in order to get ready for the Chunin Exams." She pulled out a pair of dark grey gloves and handed them to Sakura, "Here, you'll need these."

Sakura took the gloves and slipped them on, noticing the thin metal plates that lined the back of her hands and the knuckles. As she adjusted them to a comfortable position she glanced at Musashi, wondering just how a construction worker would be able to help her train. She held her hands out, looking at the gloves before looking back at Keiko, "Okay, so how do we start?"

The Jonin grinned and reached for her wakizashi, the shorter of her two blades. Keiko held the blade upright and focused her chakra. A soft blue glow engulfed the blade and Keiko gave the blade a whirl as the soft blue hue that whisper around the blade grew bolder and began to appear solid.

Sakura's eyes grew with astonishment. She had seen Keiko use this technique before but not up close like this. Was this what she was going to teach her? "That's so cool!" She said in wonder, realizing that the blue hue of the blade closely matched her Sensei's eyes.

Keiko's grin broke into a smiled, "Happy you approve. Do you know how I'm able to do this, Sakura?"

Humming in thought, Sakura gasped suddenly remembering one of her lessons from the academy, "Chakra blades. A blade forged with a special and rare metal that can be an easy conductor for chakra." Sakura placed her hands on her hips. She grinned triumphantly, feeling pleased with herself at the recollection of information. Her grin was also from excitement, was she going to learn this ability as well? Would she get a sword too? The image of an older her wielding a katana flashed through her mind. Sasuke would have to think she was cool then!

Chuckling, Keiko leaned the blade of her wakizashi on her shoulder, blade still engulfed in a blue hue. "Very good. In the Land of Iron these swords are not so rare. The mountains there have a rich supply of the metal needed to forge them." She eyed the young Kunoichi curiously, "Did Iruka Sensei ever go into detail about a Samurai's training?"

Sakura faltered a little, unable to recall any lesson about the subject. "Well, no, he didn't. We didn't learn much about the Land of Iron. Only that it's a neutral zone for the Shinobi Nations."

Keiko cast a glance at Musashi and he spoke, "Traditionally, it is a very long and arduous road to wielding chakra as a Samurai does. Before any training with a weapon can begin there is a fundamental basic a pupil must master." He held out a hand to the side and that same blue hue that enveloped Keiko's sword was whirling around Musashi's hand. "Wielding your chakra as an extension of yourself. Physically."

Cerulean eyes grew wide in shock. He was holding pure chakra in his hand. That wasn't a jutsu, just raw chakra that he had manifested. Sakura's mind raced about how much that must strain the body. How much exertion was needed to pull something like this off? Just as the thoughts were running through her head, she noticed a piece of skin split on Musashi's hand. Blood trickled down the small wound and Sakura gasped in realization. The scars on his arms, they were from this kind of training. There was hardly a spot along the man's arms that did not carry a scar. Her face paled at the sudden realization of what she had gotten herself into.

Sensing Sakura's growing apprehension, Keiko smiled warmly and said her name to grasp the girls attention. "You will not be learning the traditional method." Sakura's body relaxed ever so slightly at the news. In a fluid motion Keiko twirled the wakizashi and was sheathing the blade as Musashi's own chakra dissipated. "We do not have the necessary time to train you if that were the case. That is what the gloves are for."

Sakura blinked and held up her hands, looking at the gloves. "These are going to help me?"

Keiko nodded, "Yes. The metal plates are the same metal as a chakra blade." She held up a finger for emphasis, "Your first task is to focus your chakra into your hands. Once you reach a high enough concentration you need to force that chakra out. The gloves will make that easy enough, but you need to be the one to give it substance."

She nodded, pulling the gloves on tighter, determined to get started.

"There is one more thing."

Sakura paused, looking up quizzically at her Sensei.

"This technique uses a lot of chakra. Your reserves are not as vast as Sasuke's or Naruto's, so be careful." Her eyes narrowed and her tone shifted, "I'm showing you this because I believe you have the necessary chakra control and smarts to pull it off. Use it wisely." That's why she had never shown Naruto. The boy already runs himself raged with his normal training and jutsu. If she were to teach him this, the damage he would cause to himself could be irreversible.

Before Sakura could answer Musashi smiled widely. Her words stopped in her throat at the expression. "There's one more, more thing. I'll be your sparing partner, we're going to work on your taijutsu."

The girl gawked for a moment before shaking her head and placing her hands on her hips, "Hold on a minute. Keiko Sensei, Musashi has never had training as a ninja, are you sure he should be the one to train me?" Granted, he could manifest chakra in his hand but did that really mean he could fight?

Keiko gripped her chin and looked up in thought, "You're right, he hasn't been trained as a ninja."

Musashi's fist rested on his waist and he jutted his thumb toward his chest, giving the girl a confident wink, "I was trained as a Samurai in my younger years, even better than a ninja."

His daughter smirked. She covered her mouth with her fist and coughed out the word, "Debatable."

He turned his hand to point at her accusingly and narrowed his eyes, "Hey, watch it, Keiko."

She grinned and placed a hand on her hip, shifting her weight. Keiko didn't feel that one was better than the other, truly it was debatable. Both sides had their pros and cons. "If I had to guess... You could probably best a few of the Chunin in the village if you got back in practice." She could see Sakura watch the two of them, clearly astonished to hear that Musashi was that strong considering she met him as a simple construction worker.

He nodded, happy enough with the statement. Musashi couldn't argue that he was out of practice and it was partly the reason he agreed to help train Sakura. "Now then, Sakura. I will give you one hour to try and focus your chakra as you've seen us demonstrate. After that hour is up, you will face me."

She gasped, "An hour? That's not nearly enough time!"

Keiko shrugged with a lopsided smile, "You have just less than a week. Time isn't on your side."

"Time starts..." He looked up at the sun and flashed her a smile, "Now." He turned and began walking away, "I'll be back in one hour to see your progress!"

Keiko smiled at the girl, "I'll return later as well, good luck, Sakura."

The two left Sakura in the training field, moving into the trees to watch the girl. Keiko couldn't help but smile at the girls raw determination and grit. She had confidence that Sakura would be able to make use of this technique. Later, she might even be able to use this skill and make it her own. Or, use what she learned to better other techniques she would learn.

"You really think she can get it in a week?" Musashi asked his daughter quizzically.

She shrugged, "I don't believe that Sakura will be able to master this in a week, even with her advanced level of control. I do believe, that she will be able to grasp the basics of it. And, even so, sparing with you and I will surely help. Kakashi has told me her physical abilities are below that of her teammates."

Her father turned his gaze down toward Keiko, "You seem to help that man teach his Genin quite a bit. Can he not handle them?" He knew Naruto and the boy was a spitfire of endless energy. Sakura could display the same firecracker trait. Then, of course, there was the moody Sasuke. He couldn't blame the Jonin for having some trouble. Kakashi didn't seem to have the best tact with children, or anyone for that matter.

She shook her head, "I have faith in Kakashi's abilities." Her gaze softened thinking of the three Genin, "These three are important to me. I'm thankful Kakashi doesn't take offense to my meddling."

Musashi rubbed his hand against his jaw in thought, the stubble growing there rough against his skin. "If it's you, there's not much he would be offended by," He mumbled under his breath.

Keiko jerked her head to the side, her face showing she was unimpressed. "Ya know," She said, crossing her arms and closing her eyes, "I'm really beginning to wonder if there's something I don't know."

He feigned ignorance, "Oh? Whatever could you mean, Kiko?"

She turned her head toward him, an irritated smile flashing his way, "Oh, I don't know, how about you and Sakura trying to lure me and Kakashi together? Or how Sakura has it in her head that Kakashi and I are-" She stuttered, heat rising to her neck as she couldn't seem to finish the sentence.

"Together?" Musashi finished with a grin, biting back a laugh.

A blush had made it's way to her cheeks and she turned her head to the side, "I have no idea where she got that idea and I can't help but think you are partially responsible."

Musashi laughed and scratched the back of his head, "Actually, it wasn't all me. Sakura says she saw something and just knows."

She faltered, "Just what did she see to make her come to that conclusion?"

"Apparently, she saw Kakashi hold your hand. According to her, that's a huge step for Kakashi."

Keiko could feel her eyes grow wide. There was only one time that had happened and Sakura had been awake for that? She cleared her throat that seemed to have gone dry, "It only happened the one time, it wasn't even anything that important."

Musashi chuckled and grinned mischievously, "Seems I don't need to do anything in regards to you two after all."

"You don't need to do anything to begin with!" She snapped and turned to walk away, grumbling how she would be back later. As she walked away she could hear her fathers laugh echoing behind her. Blushing fiercely, she ignored him and continued on, intent to finish her work for the day.

~0~

Several hours later, Keiko was going through paperwork. She had met and spoken to many of the Jonin who's teams would be participating in the Chunin Exams. Keiko had been entrusted to handle most of the paperwork to set up the exams. Each foreign Jonin brought with them the necessary paperwork which included an in depth look at each of the Genin's skills and abilities that were known.

It was nearing toward the end of the day and all of the Jonin who she had been expecting had arrived. All except for one. Her hands flipped through the papers digging for her list. Scanning it, she found the name, Ren Toshio. According to the documents he led a team from the Sound Village. This would be the first time any Genin from the village would participate in the Chunin Exams. It was a village mostly unknown and there were more than a few people who were interested in what they had to offer.

The door opened and Keiko placed the papers back on the desk, smiling at the newcomer. She quickly took note of the man's headband that bore the emblem of the Sound Village, a musical note. The man walked in, grin plastered to his remarkably plain face. His dark hair was pulled into a ponytail, a few strands falling to frame his face. The man looked rather ordinary for a Jonin, he would fit right in against other Jonin in the village if not for his headband.

"Welcome." She greeted as he stepped forward, arms crossed behind his back. His lips curled into a strange smile that sent an unpleasant chill down her spine. "And your name might be...?" She left the question hanging for him to finish.

"Ren Toshio."

Keiko didn't let it show how she was unnerved by his tone. He seemed off, nearly predatory in the way he walked and held himself. She nodded, "You have your Genin's portfolios?"

Ren reached into his vest and pulled out a manila folder, handing it to her, "Of course."

Keiko opened the folder and looked over the documents. Without lifting her eyes to look at the man she asked, "And where are your Genin, Ren? It is customary that they join you to register."

He chuckled, the sound making an uneasy feeling settle in the pit of her stomach. Every instinct told her that he was bad news so she did her best to finish the paperwork to get him on his way. "They are exploring the Village. Being in a new Village spiked their interest." Keiko opened her mouth to speak, eyes following her pen as she wrote but stopped when Ishida continued. "You're Keiko Takahashi."

She placed the pen down flat and looked up to meet his eyes. This time she took notice of them. They were dark but she could have sworn that they were shaped strangely, like a snake. He truly did seem predatory. "Yes." Keiko said simply, smiling warmly, hoping that would be the end of it.

"Also known as Konoha's Beaming Blizzard. Tales of your abilities have reached us even in the Sound Village."

Keiko nodded, shrugging off the words. Truly, she was unsure what the man meant by bringing up her acquired title. "Many of those who call me by that name are not so friendly." Her smile faltered slightly, eyes hardening as the afternoon light caught her eyes, "The Sound Village is here on goodwill I hope."

"I meant no offense." Ren stated, the grin never ceasing. "I only wonder about that Kekkei Genkai of yours."

Keiko hummed in thought, continuing her pen strokes as she waited for him to continue. She was almost done and then he could be on his way and the uncomfortable encounter would be over.

"The human body is approximately sixty percent water."

Her writing stopped abruptly and her eyes widened. Thankfully her bangs hid her eyes from him. Sensing where this was going she stayed silent and allowed him to continue.

Ren cocked his head to the side. "You're underutilizing a gift with such great potential, it's a tragedy to see it go to waste."

Keiko cleared her throat and handed the Jonin his documents. Her eyes no longer held the good natured humor they once did. As he reached out to take the papers from her she spoke, "I will use my technique's as I see fit. If that offends you, I suggest you come to terms on your own." She motioned toward the door, "Your Genin are registered, all information needed is at your disposal. Enjoy your stay in Konohagakure."

Ren made his way to the door and turned his head over his shoulder, "Thank you, Keiko."

As soon as he left, Keiko let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She hoped that that would be the last time she would have to spend time around that man. Her eyes glanced at the photos of the three Genin from the Sound. She had to wonder if they were just as strange and predatory as their Sensei.

~0~

Keiko stood in her stance, feet apart and arms raised to attack, not intending on using her usual weaponry. Sakura stood further away, adopting a very similar stance as the two faced one another. Musashi watched from the sidelines and glanced between the two Kunoichi. The Chunin Exams began tomorrow and it was time to see just how much Sakura had learned from her time training.

Musashi held up his hand, and brought it down, "Begin!"

With a shout, Sakura charged toward her Sensei. Musashi smirked as he watched the two, feeling a sense of pride at the progress Sakura had made. Keiko was holding her ground, occasionally going on the offensive to test Sakura's ability to evade attacks. The Genin had become more confident and fluid in her movements and it showed. After several minutes Sakura was beginning to pant, she kicked upwards and aimed for Keiko's head. Keiko easily caught the girls ankle and held it in the air forcing Sakura to be trapped in place standing on one leg. The Jonin swooped her leg out and tripped the Genin, releasing her hold on Sakura and allowed her to fall to the ground.

Sakura rolled to the side just in time to dodge her Sensei's heel that had come down in a powerful strike. Musashi noticed Sakura make a few hand seals as she rolled, and good thing too because she was not fast enough to dodge Keiko's next attack. A solid punch connected with Sakura's stomach but in a puff of smoke a log had appeared in her place.

Keiko grinned. Sakura was adept with the basics after all. Perfectly timing them in battle was a sign of a great Shinobi. Keiko turned around just in time to hold up her arms, using the metal guards she wore to deflect the shuriken that were thrown her way.

From out of the brush there were three Sakura's running her way. Keiko's eyes quickly scanned the three, trying to decipher which of the three was the real Sakura. Sakura had perfect attention to detail when it came to clones as well as other things.

From the sidelines, Musashi watched as one Sakura attacked first, unable to land their blow on Keiko and being poofed with a firm kick to the gut. The second Sakura attacked quicker but Keiko was able to catch the punch thrown at her. It was at that moment Musashi noticed the third Sakura's hand was glowing with a familiar blue aura.

This Sakura, the real Sakura, lunged forward with her fist pulled back and punched straight through her own clone to get to Keiko. The clone poofed and the smoke that appeared was blown away by the force of Sakura's hand coming into contact with Keiko's arm guard.

The two Kunoichi stood silently, Sakura breathing heavily as her fist was still pressed where her blow had landed. Keiko's grin blooming into a smile, her arm still raised against her student's blow. "Well done, Sakura."

Sakura smiled, taking her hand back and falling to the ground on her back in a heap. She felt completely exhausted after nearly a week of training. What she needed now was a a nap and a hot bath! There were only a few moments that passed before Sakura's exhaustion caught up with her and she passed out.

Keiko chuckled and Musashi moved closer. They both looked down at Sakura for a few moments in silence before Musashi spoke, "Well, her fighting's improved considerably. That first day she was so hesitant to make a move."

She nodded, "And now she can make a decision and stick with it."

"What did you think of that last punch?"

Keiko grinned and flexed her hand to move the muscles, looking at the arm Sakura's punch had connected with, "My arm's a little numb." Placing her hand on her hip she looked up at her father, "I never expected her to master it in this time crunch, but she certainly has a great start. She knew the effects and so waited until the last moment to use it."

"Just wait until she'll be able to manipulate the shape." Musashi said, rubbing his chin in thought, "I've always been simple when forming mine, I wonder if Sakura will do anything different."

The Jonin smiled in satisfaction. Her eyes lingered on Sakura's hands, seeing the bandages poking out from under Sakura's gloves. Along the way, Sakura had learned what was too much and what was too little. On occasion causing the skin on her hands to split and needing bandages. She closed her eyes and sighed before looking up at her father once again, "Would you mind taking her home? I actually have somewhere to be shortly."

Musashi blinked but nodded, "Of course." He leaned down, picking up Sakura bridal style so her head leaned against his shoulder. He gave his daughter a curious but knowing glance, "What's on the agenda for tonight?"

"Guy wants us to meet up before the Chunin Exams begin. I've told them I'll have to be late as I have more work to do before tomorrow. I'm meeting him and a few others downtown to have a night out." She paused, fixing her hair before continuing, "So in other words, I'm going to watch them all get absolutely smashed."

Musashi laughed, "That does sound entertaining. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Keiko scoffed and punched him in the shoulder with a smile.

~0~

"Keiko! Over here!"

Kieko looked around the inside of the bar and spotted Kurenai who stood waving toward her. She waved back and moved closer to the back of the mostly empty establishment. Kurenai and Asuma sat next to one another at the table and it didn't take long for her to spot Kakashi and Guy at the bar. Guy was talking incessantly about winning and Keiko tilted her head to the side in confusion, wishing that she could have been able to get here sooner.

She pulled out a chair across from her two friends and held up a finger pointing to the rivals at the bar. Instantly aware of what the question was, Asuma answered, "Guy challenged Kakashi to a drinking contest." Just as he answered they saw the two men toss their heads back, Kakashi's mask being removed and placed back so quickly it was nearly instantaneous.

"Uh, how long have they been going at it?" Keiko asked, unsure if she wanted to know the answer.

Asuma took a drag from his cigarette, readjusting his arm that was resting on the back of Kurenai's chair. "I would say... ten?"

Kurenai shook her head, "No, it's at least thirteen drinks by now."

"Eh?!" Keiko cocked her head to the side. Guys loud shouting made them turn and Keiko's face paled when she saw the two of them take three more drinks in quick secession. "They know what day it is tomorrow, right?" She asked aloud, her tone dripping with disbelief.

Taking a sip from her own drink, Kurenai shrugged, "Guy was very insistent on challenging him."

"And we all know how Guy can get when he's drunk." Asuma stated, flicking the ashes of his cigarette into the ash tray.

She sighed, "I knew you all would be drinking but I didn't think it would be to this extent."

Keiko spotted the bartender grabbing a few more drinks and deciding enough was enough. She stood and made her way over to the two Jonin. She grabbed Guy by the shoulder and he turned his head to look at her, eyes slightly unfocused and glazed thanks to the alcohol. Before she had a chance to speak Keiko was brought into a crushing hug, "Keiko! Your youthful beauty is a sight for sore eyes! I had the wonderful opportunity to meet your father the other day, a righteous man full of the power of youth!"

"Guy."

"Yes, Kakashi?!"

"She can't breathe."

Gasping, Guy immediately let go and Keiko was able to breath. Hand to her chest, she cleared her throat, "Okay, that's enough for the both of you."

Guy shook his fist in the air between them and smirked, "Our challenge is not done until we know who can handle more!"

Guy's back was to the bar so he didn't see Keiko give the bartender a warning glare. The young man made eye contact with her and instantly turned around. She huffed and gave Guy a smile, "I have an idea. But first you two have to stop for a while and come sit down." She pointed to the table Asume and Kurenai were seated at. The two were watching the scene unfold before them waiting to see how it played out. Guy obeyed, satisfied that he would still be able to prove himself against Kakashi.

Keiko sighed heavily and glanced toward Kakashi. His visible eye was slightly glazed over but other than that he seemed to be alright. She shook her head toward him, "Kakashi, you know what day it is tomorrow. Having a hangover isn't going to do you any good."

Kakashi hummed, thinking over her words, "Guy was... insistent."

She grabbed his arm, pulling him off the stool and toward the table, "I'm sure he was."

The five of them were seated and talking amongst one another for the next thirty or so minutes. Keiko checked the time often, waiting until she knew that all the alcohol the two had drank was running through their systems. Guy was becoming louder as time went on, and Kakashi grew more quiet, his eyes flickering from person to person as they spoke.

"My Lee is going to completely annihilate every single one of your Genin!" Guy stated proudly, mock tears gathering in his eyes.

"You mean the kid who can't use genjutsu or ninjutsu?" Kurenai questioned.

He nodded, "The very same. He has worked so hard for this and it is time for him to show everyone that his dream will become a reality!"

Keiko leaned her head into her palm as the conversation slipped to the Genin. Each of them taking a moment to praise their teams progress. When it was Kakashi's turn, he stayed silent. Guy slapped him on the back, "Come on, Kakashi, tell us a little about your team why don't you?!"

The man didn't move. His one eye downcast at the table in deep thought. Keiko took notice of this and instead of listening to Guy pester Kakashi, she stood. "Guy, time to see which of you is going to win your challenge."

Guy stood excitedly, his cheeks flush from the alcohol and his balance was off. "Yes! Lead the way!"

Kakashi stood as well, his eye now fully glazed over, the only sign to show that he was intoxicated. Keiko was confident that Kakashi could pass for sober if he just stayed standing like that, but when she motioned for them to follow her outside she noticed his forced movements. Like he had to think about walking. Oh, this was going to be interesting.

The five of them moved outside and gave the two men three Kunai each. "Alright, this is simple. You will take turns, and whoever can land the most Kunai on that pole, wins." She pointed to a pole on the opposite end of the street and moved to stand behind the two out of kunai range.

Guy gasped, "Brilliant! A true test of skill!" He held the kunai tightly and announced that he would be the first to go. After some buildup, Guy threw the kunai and there was deafening silence as they all watched the kunai sink into the ground several feet away from the post. The silence was short lived before Keiko, Kurenai and Asuma were all doing their best to hold in their laughter. Guy said something about giving Kakashi a fighting chance but none of them were listening to him as Kakashi prepared to take his turn.

Kakashi watched the pole for a moment and threw the kunai. A solid thunk filled the air but upon closer inspection Kakashi had hit the fence behind the pole, completely missing his target. This time Keiko and Kurenai couldn't contain their giggles.

Guy's next throw bounced off the pole, while Kakashi's nearly hit the pole and grazed the side of it. On their third throws, Guy was able to graze the side much like Kakashi had but only hit the fence. Kakashi on his third throw, just barely stuck the pole, any further to the side and he would have missed. The three members of their audience were confident Kakashi had gotten lucky.

Kakashi was named the winner of the challenge and it wasn't long after that they were planning on leaving their separate ways to go home. They all had a busy day tomorrow for their Genin. Kurenai and Asuma were the first to leave. Guy had prattled on and on about challenging Kakashi yet again but Keiko shut him down at every turn. She was thankful he didn't drink all the time. He was outgoing enough when sober and when he drank he became almost insufferable. Eventually, Guy left and Kakashi and Keiko were left standing together in the middle of the road.

She turned to look up at him, "I suppose I should get you home, huh?" She said teasingly.

"Do I need to be babied now?" Kakashi said slowly, doing his best not to slur his words together.

Keiko chuckled and shoved him playfully, "Of course not." Kakashi stumbled, not able to catch himself as he would have been if he were sober. The humor left Keiko's face and she reached for his arm to steady him. She apologized but Kakashi just scratched the back of his head and thanked her saying it was alright. "After that, I think I will take you home."

He didn't fight her on it, and just walked along side her toward his apartment. It was quiet as the two of them walked and Keiko happened to notice Kakashi's close proximity. He generally walked with some space between them but his arm was brushing up against hers. She didn't think anything of it as she knew he wasn't in his right state of mind.

Kakashi on the other hand, was internally a mess. His thoughts were muddled and he didn't have a lot of energy to think as he was so concentrated on walking in a straight line. His mouth flopped open and closed as he thought to say something and then immediately changed his mind. Finally, a thought weaseled its way out past his lips, "Thank you."

Keiko blinked, looking up at him quizzically, "For what?"

He shrugged, "For everything. Honestly, there's a lot that I should thank you for, but I can't list them all."

She smiled, "No worries, Kakashi."

There was more silence between the two as they came closer to Kakashi's apartment. "I..." Kakashi began again, "Just..." His eyes narrowed, lips pursed together under the mask. Why did words have to be so difficult. Maybe that meant he shouldn't say anything. He looked down toward Keiko who had heard him speak and was now listening to him intently. Kakashi could feel his heart beat quicken and heat rise to his neck, "I should have been the one to talk with Sakura."

She opened her mouth to speak but noticed Kakashi falter and have to catch himself. After that she decided he was too unsteady and walked the rest of the way with him leaning on her. Thankfully, Kakashi wasn't too much taller than her, only by about four or five inches. Finally, they made it into his apartment and Keiko shut the door while Kakashi leaned on the wall watching her. "I mean it," Kakashi began again, "you do things that I just can't bring myself to do. I should have spoken with Sakura," his hand came up to his covered eye, touching the headband, "I need to tell Sasuke about this, but I just can't bring myself to."

Keiko placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, making him meet her warm and compassionate expression. "Let's get you to bed." Keiko didn't need to hear his drunken ramblings. She knew he would only regret them in the morning. She wanted to wait for him to tell her willingly, talking about such things now would only make it feel like stolen information.

She made sure Kakashi drank a glass of water, and took off his shoes and flak jacket before hoping into bed. The silver haired Jonin crawled into his bed sluggishly, wrapping the blanket around him and leaning his head on the pillow. Keiko swore he was out like a light within a few seconds of him laying still. She smiled watching him for a moment before reaching out and slowly removing his headband. He didn't seem to stir as she placed it gently on the nightstand.

Keiko took a moment to look around the room for a moment. It was an average room with nothing noteworthy but she did notice two pictures above his bed. The one made her smile. It was Kakashi with Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto taken shortly after they had become a squad. It was a sweet picture even if Naruto was glaring daggers toward Sasuke and Sasuke wasn't looking at the camera. The picture right next to it only held one familiar face, Kakashi's. He was much younger in the picture and stood with a boy and a girl, behind them was a blond man. The two pictures were so similar it was easy to piece together that this man must have been Kakashi's Sensei, and the two kids his teammates.

Her eyes shifted to Kakashi and she could feel her chest tighten. She had to wonder if the girl in the photo was the one he spoke of, the one he failed to protect. Not to mention, she had never heard him mention them before, and didn't recall seeing anyone in the village that looked like them. Her hand absentmindedly reached out and she brushed a few strands of hair from his forehead before her fingers ran through his silver hair in a soothing manner. Just how much had Kakashi been through?

Feeling confident that Kakashi was out cold, she leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. There were so many things she wanted to ask him but she knew she had to wait for him to come to her. She smiled down at him and whispered, "Goodnight, Kakashi."

Several minutes passed and the room was deathly silent. Finally, the covers shifted and Kakashi sat up in bed, staring at the door Keiko had walked out of only minutes before. His heart was racing and beating against his chest and up into his throat. Heat rose to his neck and face as he processed everything that had just happened. No one had ever done that to him before, touched him to tenderly. His finger traced the spot were he could still feel the ghost of her touch. Kakashi threw himself onto his back and stared at the ceiling through his fingers. He groaned, emotions still going wild within him, "Keiko, what are you doing to me?"

I stayed up way too late writing this, lol.

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Posted - 7/29/2021