Chapter 24

Naruto awoke to the sound of knocking on his front door. He turned over in bed and tried to ignore it only for the knocking to continue, getting louder as time went on. Grumbling he threw off his blanket and ran to the door. Jerking the door open with an irritated snarl he shouted, "Hey! Who do you think-!" He stopped abruptly finding a familiar face behind the door.

Keiko stood smiling down at the blond, "Good morning to you too, Naruto."

He tilted his head to the side in a bit of confusion, "Kei? What are you doing here?"

She chuckled and ruffled his hair, "Can't I stop by and see how my favorite Genin is doing the morning of the Exams?"

Naruto was about to shove her hand away when he froze, processing what she said. Keiko watched him expectantly, hand continuing to ruffle the unruly blond hair. Finally it sank in, "Oh, crap!" He ran back into his apartment, leaving the door open in his wake.

Keiko stood, hand still outstretched where Naruto's head was moments before. Shaking her head, she entered the apartment as Naruto hurried to get ready, running from one end of the apartment to the other before shutting himself in the bathroom. Keiko laughed under her breath as he rambled on about how Sakura and Sasuke would kill him if he was late.

Her eyes scanned his apartment, easily spotting all of the scrolls laying out all over the floor. Over the last week Naruto had been training on his own as well as with Kakashi. While Sakura spent most of her time training with her and Musashi, Naruto and Sasuke split their time between solo sessions with Kakashi and private ones on their own. She reached down and picked up a scroll to read its content. After the first few sentences she knew instantly that this was too complicated for Naruto at his current level. At least not on his own. Naruto had always had trouble with the written word. He always did better when he could learn from example. Looking over the scroll again she sighed, he had a habit of biting off more than he could chew.

The bathroom door slammed open and Naruto made his way to the front door, tightening his headband in place, "Sorry, Keiko, I gotta run!"

"Hold it!" Keiko said, holding up a hand and stopping him in his tracks. "I woke you up early, you're not going to be late so settle down, Naruto." Out of all the Genin, Sakura was the one who would possibly be late since she had been working so far past her limits. Sakura wasn't on her list of people to visit that morning since she knew Sakura had her parents to get her up and out of bed. There was no way they would let their daughter sleep through such an important day.

Naruto blinked a few times before slowly turning his head toward the clock. Sure enough, he had plenty of time. His shoulders relaxed and he crossed his arms, "Well, why didn't you tell me sooner?" How could she let him run around like a maniac like he did?

Keiko placed the scroll on his bed and reached out to ruffle his hair once again. She chuckled, "It's good to see that you're so eager is all."

This time Naruto did push her hand away, "Yeah, yeah, and would you stop doing that? I'm not a little kid anymore."

"Of course, now you're just a bigger kid." She said taking her hand away, smiling sweetly.

Naruto choked, taking a step back and pointing at her fervently, "Come on, Keiko! I'm not a kid, I'm a ninja! Believe it!"

"I do believe it." She told him. Before Naruto could make any remarks she moved forward and leaned down, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. Naruto stiffened in surprise for a moment before slowly returning the embrace. When he was smaller, Keiko hugged him a lot, but as he got older her hugs became less frequent. He knew that was partly because he began pushing them away, thinking they were far too touchy and not something a ninja would do.

Keiko sighed, since becoming a Genin Naruto had become more and more independent from Keiko. He insisted that he was a fully fledged ninja and could take care of himself. Keiko had to admit, she missed the cute little kid that would follow her around at every opportunity. When he would struggle through their games together. Showing him how to properly throw a shuriken and kunai. Their nights at Ichiraku's with Teuchi, Ayame and on occasion Iruka. They were all memories she cherished, and looking at Naruto now she was thankful she was able to help him as much as she did. He might be a rambunctious knucklehead, but she knew he had the determination and will to achieve his dreams.

She tightened her hold, pressing her cheek to the side of his head, "I wanted to say good luck."

The blond freed himself from her hold and grinned, "Who needs luck?" Naruto jutted his thumb toward himself, "You're looking at the fifth Hokage! If I can't pass some stupid exam then what does that make me?"

Keiko stood straighter and crossed her arms, "The confidence is noted, but don't get cocky." She reached out and ruffled his hair one more time before making her way to the door. "I'll see you soon Naruto, I have someone else I need to check up on now." Her head turned back toward him and she flashed him a smile, "Good luck."

Naruto grinned at her retreating form, punching his fist out into the air, "Yeah, believe it!" He wouldn't let this exam beat him. There was so much that he needed to prove. He was going to make them all see just how strong he had become!

Keiko chuckled to herself as she walked down the hallway. It would seem Naruto was pumped and ready for the day. Now, it was time to see if a certain someone felt the same way.

~0~

Keiko knocked on the door lightly and waited a few moments before knocking again a little louder. This continued for several minutes until finally the door cracked open and a single dark eye could be seen. She grinned and crossed her arms, "Question of the day, how hungover are you?"

Kakashi sighed and opened the door wider to allow her inside. Keiko immediately took notice of the massive bed head he was sporting and the bags under his eyes. Once she was in he shut the door behind her. He faced the closed door for several moments, his hand coming up to rub his face before turning toward Keiko. "I don't think that question really needs an answer." His head was pounding and his body ached and he had a feeling he looked just about as bad as he felt. Not to mention he had been tossing and turning in bed most of the morning, his stomach not agreeing with his decisions the night prior. The events of the night before were a bit hazy for him but he was sure he remembered most of the important bits.

His eyes flickered up to meet Keiko's and he looked away, remembering the event that had kept him awake. After she left Kakashi had tossed and turned in his bed for an undetermined amount of time, too flustered to get any sleep. Because of that, he was certain that what happened had indeed happened. His tired gaze drifted to her lips as she moved toward him, watching him closely. She was saying something but he was too distracted and in a daze to hear her. His gaze focused on the movement of her lips, remembering how soft they had felt against his skin. When she snapped her fingers in front of his face Kakashi jumped.

Satisfied that she had got his attention she smiled, "I had a feeling you would be feeling pretty out of it this morning. Go get ready and we'll go see them before the Exam, you don't wanna be too late."

Kakashi couldn't stop the fluttery feeling that filled his chest, the way his palms became sweaty, or the heat that rose to his cheeks. He closed his eyes and rubbed his face with his hand, "Y-yeah."

He was startled when she touched the back of her hand to his forehead. Her face showing a little concern as well as surprise, "Wow, your hangover must be pretty bad if you're this warm."

He couldn't help but blink dumbly for a moment before nodding and excusing himself to the bathroom where he got dressed for the day. Kakashi changed his clothes, getting into his normal attire. Taking a few minutes to ensure his hair was facing the same direction he caught his own gaze in the mirror. He leaned on the vanity and his grip tightened. His eyes narrowed. What was he doing? What was he thinking?

Thankfully, his odd behavior seemed to be brushed off as nothing more than a hangover. He would let her believe that. Telling her the truth just wasn't an option. He sighed, after so many years of suppressing his emotions, dealing with this should be easy. Those feelings he read about from his books and how they filled the characters with such wonderful joy... it wasn't for him. After everything he had done he didn't deserve to feel those feelings. Especially not when... He lifted his hand and his gaze settled upon it. Especially not when he had failed those closest to him.

He stood there, remembering the sickening sensation or ripping through flesh and bone. How his hand had been coated in crimson. There had been many nights when he had stood in front of this very sink, and scrubbed his hands until they went raw, trying to wash the red away. Since he had killed Haku, those feelings had hit him again and he found himself thinking about it more often.

Friend Killer Kakashi. That had been what others in the Anbu had called him. They believed he had murdered Obito to gain his Sharingan, and killed Rin in cold blood. It was a nickname that had died years ago, but the implications of that name stuck with him. It followed him in the back of his mind on every mission. He would not be responsible for another friends death, no matter what.

Kakashi stepped out of the bathroom, shrugging on his flak jacket as he moved into his kitchen and was greeted by the sight of Keiko standing at the kitchen counter. Silently, he slipped on his shoes and put his headband into place before stepping over to her.

When he came close she beamed up at him, "I stopped by the market on my way over and got some persimmons." She pushed a small bowl toward him with half of the fruit cut up. "Back when I had a hangover every other day these were always there to get me moving again. Hopefully, they'll do the same for you."

Kakashi said his thanks and took the bowl, turning away from her and pulling down his mask to eat them. He knew she wouldn't look. Now that he thought about it, she was the only person he knew that he could fully trust to not try and sneak a glance. They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes as they both ate their half of the persimmon.

"Ya know," Keiko said as she leaned on the counter, "last night was the first time I've seen you drunk."

Kakashi laughed a little awkwardly, "Sorry about that."

She shrugged though he didn't see the action, "Don't be. You're really not that different, just less coordinated." She giggled, remembering Kakashi and Guy's attempts to throw Kunai.

He didn't laugh, instead finishing the persimmon and pushing up his mask. His hand came to scratch the back of his neck, "About last night..."

When he didn't speak right away, Keiko froze. Had he been awake when she kissed him goodnight? Did he know that she watched him far longer than she should have? She forced a smile, eyes wide as she watched him. The longer he took to speak the faster her heart raced in anticipation as she hung on every word he said.

"If I said anything strange..."

She let go of a breath she didn't know she had been holding. Her secret was safe. Her smile relaxed and she shook her head, "You didn't. You tried to talk about some things, but I stopped you." When Kakashi just watched her silently she continued, "When you feel ready to tell me what goes on in your head, then you tell me. If I learn about you from drunk you, it isn't fair." She finished cleaning up her small mess in Kakashi's kitchen and smiled warmly, "When you're ready to talk or need to talk about anything, I'll be here."

Kakashi's resolve to suppress his emotions crumbled and he could feel his heart melt from the warmth she sent his way. His smile was genuine as he thanked her.

They left his apartment shortly after that. Her pace just slightly faster than his. Kakashi watched her walk, noticing the small spring to her step as she was anxiously excited to get going. He became lost in his own thoughts once again and sighed, his expression becoming forlorn as he watched her.

He really didn't deserve her.

~0~

The two Jonin made their way to the academy where the Exams were to be held. They made it with about half an hour to spare, plenty of time by Kakashi's standards. As they walked through the halls to reach the third floor Keiko hummed, "I would think they easily got passed Izumo and Kotetsu."

Kakashi looked over at her, "Oh? They're helping out as well?"

She nodded, "They are. It's a sort of pre-test for the Genin to pass. They are to trap the Genin in a genjutsu to distract them and unnerve them."

"No doubt Sasuke would see right through it." The boy had always had a knack for seeing through his genjutsu.

"Sakura as well."

He blinked, "So, Sakura did decide to join them after all." The corner of his mouth perked up at the news.

Keiko chuckled, "Well, of course, she's been training like crazy to try and catch up with those two." Suddenly Kakashi held out his hand in front of her to stop her. When she looked at him curiously he pointed down toward his three Genin. They had walked out into a large open area of the Academy and they were on the upper level. Below them was Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto and across from them was none other than Rock Lee. She blinked and whispered, "That's Guys student."

"I never would have guessed." Kakashi found himself feeling grateful that none of his students idolized him to that degree. The kid looked like a miniature version of Guy, minus the flak jacket.

The two Jonin watched silently as Sasuke faced off against Lee. Kakashi noticed Keiko's troubled yet curious expression, "What is it?"

Her eyes followed Sasuke as he rushed forward toward Lee who stood his ground. "I think Sasuke is about to learn a valuable lesson is all."

Kakashi turned his gaze from her down toward his student. This was Guy's pupil. The one who could not do ninjutsu or genjutsu. Logically that would mean that Lee would be focusing on taijutsu, but Sasuke was also adept in martial arts. That was why when Lee moved so fast around Sasuke, he was genuinely surprised. Just what kind of training was Guy putting this kid through to be so advanced? He was toying with Sasuke. This kid was certainly one to watch out for in the Exams.

It wasn't until Lee launched Sasuke into the air and appeared to try to use the Front Lotus technique that they became worried. The students weren't supposed to be sparing in the first place and to use such a move before the Exams even began, what was this kid thinking? They were about to move when Lee was stopped by someone else, or something else.

Keiko looked at the familiar tortoise and chuckled, "Seems Guy was watching too."

"It's been a while since he summoned Ningame." Kakashi mused.

"You know why he did, right?" Keiko asked him, already knowing the answer.

At the same time, they answered the question, "For a dramatic entrance." A moment later, Guy appeared standing on Ningame's shell, striking a very strange pose. Kakashi and Keiko were not as weirded out by Guy's entrance as the three Genin. Their faces were enough to make Keiko chuckle. Their reaction to the ensuing antics was priceless and it reminded her of when she herself was becoming use to Guy's eccentric ways. Especially when Guy and Lee broke down and began hugging each other.

She glanced up toward Kakashi who was watching the two with an uncomfortable expression. "And he calls me his rival."

Keiko grinned, focusing more on what was being said when Guy mentioned Kakashi. So, Guy knew they were Kakashi's team. That wasn't very surprising as Sasuke was known to be in Kakashi's squad as the last Uchiha. However, the three Genin were surprised to hear that Guy knew Kakashi. Sasuke's voice betrayed him and his surprise was easily picked out, "You know him?"

"Do I know him?" Guy chuckled before grinning at the three Genin, "People say, that he and I are archrivals for all eternity."

Keiko once again looked at Kakashi who was rubbing his neck from embarrassment as his Genin shouted in disbelief. He sighed, "He's the only one who says that."

"Oh, I've said it before too."

The two of them made eye contact, Keiko smiled while Kakashi looked unimpressed.

"We should hurry on though so we make it there before them."

"Right."

They continued on their way down the hall in comfortable silence most of the way. They finally came to the door that lead to the examination room. As they waited the last few minutes for the Genin, Keiko combed her fingers through her hair that was tied loosely over her shoulder as usual, "Ya know, I'm not even sure Guy is hungover." She laughed lightheartedly, "I'm surprised he didn't try to turn your hangover into a challenge as well."

Kakashi sighed, "Don't say that, he might hear you." There was no way he would be able to handle Guy at the moment. His head was hardly bearable as it was and adding his overly loud and obnoxious behavior would only make it worse.

He raised a single finger to her lips, "Of course, my apologies."

At that moment they could hear their footsteps, followed shortly by the three Genin coming around the corner. They were surprised to see their two Sensei waiting for them. "Glad you came, Sakura. For your sake, and the others." Kakashi began, getting right to the point. His words surprised the Genin, so he continued, "Now, you can all formerly register for the Chunin Exam."

"Why? What do you mean?" Sakura asked curiously, looking between Kakashi and Keiko.

"You see, only teams of three are allowed to apply for, and take the Exam. That's the way it's always been."

Sakura's confusion only grew from Kakashi's reply. "But Sensei, you said the decision to take the Exam was up to the individual." She couldn't help but feel a little sour about the deception.

"That's right. I did." Kakashi stated simply.

"Was that a lie?" She didn't know why she bothered to ask, it obviously was. Maybe, she was just hoping for a better answer.

Kakashi looked away toward the window, "Sort of. It is an individual decision but it affects all of you. I didn't tell you before because I didn't want the other guys pressuring you. At the same time, I didn't want you feeling obligated to participate because of any feelings you might have for Sasuke, or Naruto." Sakura nodded, she guessed that did make sense. She cast a glance toward Keiko who smiled as Kakashi continued, "I wanted you to come to a decision of your own free will."

She had a thought then, "Wait a minute. Do you mean if the others had shown up but I had decided not to come with them-"

"It would have been the end of the line."

Sakura swallowed, she really dodged a bullet then. Of course, she did want to be there, but if she had decided not to push herself and had given up then surely Sasuke and Naruto would hate her for it. But, now they all got to participate.

Keiko offered a reassuring smile to the three Genin, "If one of you had not shown up, the others would not be allowed to participate. Thankfully, that doesn't matter because you're all here."

"And you're here for the right reasons." Kakashi eyed his Genin, feeling his heart swell with pride, "Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke, I'm proud of you. I couldn't ask for a better team." He and Keiko moved away from the doors so the three of them could walk through and offered them a final, "Good luck."

Keiko smiled, "I know you'll all do great."

Naruto grinned up at Kakashi with his usual cheeky grin, "We won't let you down Sensei, believe it!"

Sakura looked up at Keiko and declared, "I'm going to show that I am stronger. I won't disappoint you."

Keiko nodded, "I know you won't. None of you will." She caught the eyes of Sasuke, who smirked before entering the room with the others. The look surprised her, as usually he only offered her a glare of some kind.

With that, the three Genin were gone, and it was once again just the two Jonin. Keiko watched him for several moments and she could tell he was lost in his thoughts. There he went again, worrying and overthinking everything. For a moment, she could feel her smile fade as she watched him. He had faith in them but it was only natural that he would worry about them. She sighed and offered a reassuring smile, "Come on, Kakashi. Let's get you some tea, I'm sure that will help with your predicament." Silently, Kakashi nodded and moved to follow her as she left. "Lord knows, it's out of our hands now."

Keiko lead Kakashi back to the Hokage's tower and up to the lounge. It was an area shinobi would come to wait, either for their next mission or to see the Hokage. There happened to also be a small tea stand there as well, a small perk to having to wait was the complimentary tea. Keiko and Kakashi sat in comfortable silence, sitting and watching over the village through the window. Keiko had known this place would be rather dead since the Chunin Exams were keeping everyone busy. She herself had several hours until she had to be anywhere.

Some time passed before they heard a familiar voice, "Oh, hey, Kakashi." The two Jonin looked over to the side and saw Asuma, followed by Kurenai. Asuma's eyebrows perked up when he noticed Keiko sitting a few feet from Kakashi. "Keiko too, why am I not surprised?" He smirked toward his fellow Jonin.

Kakashi didn't respond to the remark, choosing instead to look back out the window and pretend he didn't hear it. Keiko, on the other hand, took another sip from her teacup and muttered under her breath, "Like you have any room to talk."

Kurenai elbowed Asuma in the side, a silent warning to not tease them. It was a well known fact that Kakashi and Keiko spent time together, at least to those who knew the two. Kurenai and Asuma sat across form them. Her red eyes taking in the sight of the two. "So, Kakashi, how are you feeling?"

The silver haired man leaned forward, leaving his tea cup on the seat next to him, "Oh, I've had worse mornings. I've also had far better mornings."

"I'm not sure you would have gotten out of bed if I didn't stop by." Keiko teased. One arm was crossed over her chest, just below her breasts while the other held her teacup just a few inches from her lips. Her knees were crossed, one over the other.

Kakashi shot her a look, "I would have gotten up, eventually."

Keiko closed her eyes and hummed, "Yes, and then you would have missed out on seeing off your students."

Asuma took a puff from his cigarette, "Is this what you two get up to when the Genin aren't around?"

She shrugged with a smile, "More or less."

"It's quiet without the rookies around." Kakashi commented. "I almost miss them." He had to admit, his life was more entertaining with them in it. It was strange to not have them hanging around him. By this time of day, Naruto would have already thrown a fit over something and Sakura gushing over how cool Sasuke was. They were his normal, and he didn't think he would have ever thought that some Genin would mean so much to him.

"Don't worry," Asuma stated, gaining their attention, "Chances are they'll be back sooner than you think."

Kakashi looked up at the man lazily, his hands resting between his legs while his elbows were propped on his knees. "Oh, why's that?"

"I heard that their first Examiner this year is, Ibiki. Am I right, Keiko?"

Kakashi blinked in surprise. Ibiki, with him as their first proctor their chances already looked iffy. He turned toward Keiko, "You knew?"

She nodded, looking away, "I have been helping to plan the Exams. I know more than your average Jonin. But, yes, Ibiki Morino is the first Proctor." Catching the look on Kakashi's face she sighed, "You know I couldn't tell you that information. If the Genin's Sensei find out specific information on the Exams then they can use that to cheat. Not that you would do that, Kakashi."

He sighed, no he wouldn't cheat. Though, he did find himself wishing that he had gone over certain things with them now. He wasn't sure if they could handle Ibiki and his tricks.

"Frankly," Keiko continued, "I'm surprised you heard about that, Asuma." She cocked an eyebrow and grinned, "Perk of being the Hokage's son?" Keiko could instantly feel the atmosphere around Asuma and Kurenai change. Internally cursing, she took another sip of her tea. She forgot how much of a touchy subject that was.

Asuma quickly brushed it off and flicked the ash off his cigarette, "Not a lot of perks to be had, I'm afraid."

"Ibiki." Kakashi said, bringing them back to the subject they had been on. Not even he wanted to dive into that rabbit hole. He leaned back in his seat, "Great, sticking them with that sadist right off the bat."

"What sadist?" Kurenai questioned.

Asuma laughed and Keiko could have sworn she saw a bit of color dusting Kurenai's cheeks. "I forgot you haven't been a Jonin for very long, Kurenai. Otherwise, you wouldn't have to ask that."

Kurenai looked away from him and instead to Kakashi and Keiko, "So, I'm ignorant, who is he?"

"He's what you might call, a specialist." Kakashi said. If Kurenai didn't know about Ibiki then she wasn't aware of what her Genin were facing. She only had her own experience of the Exams to go off of.

"Oh, yeah? In what?" Kurenai asked, her curiosity peaked.

"Interrogation. Torture." Keiko said, Kurenai's red eyes turning to look toward her, widened in surprise. "You definitely don't wanna get on his bad side."

Asuma nodded, "Of course, he won't be using physical torture during the test. He won't need to. That's not really his thing anyway. He works on people's minds, not their bodies. He's famous for it."

"That's why the Hokage chose him. He's the head of the Anbu Torture and Interrogation Corps. Ibiki Morino understands the human mind more than anyone. He knows how to wear you down without having to do anything. He'll have you doubting fundamental facts about yourself in order to get what he needs."

Kurenai nodded, a flutter of anxiety taking root in her chest, "Seems they have their work cut out for them."

"Yeah, but it's not the first test I'm worried about." Keiko's fingers tapped her teacup in thought.

Kakashi turned toward Keiko, "Oh? What do they have in store for them this year?"

"The Forest of Death." The other three Jonin became quiet, mulling over their Genin's chances of making it through that test. "You'll all be getting a message to let you know if your team makes it through to the second part of the Exam. If they do, it will be another five days before you hear anything."

"Five days..." Asuma couldn't help but think of his own Genin. Especially Choji, five days in that kind of environment would absolutely make the boy go crazy. It pained him to think about the chunk of change he would be shelling out after the Exam. Shikamaru and Ino were one thing, but Choji could easily eat for four people.

"How is it you know so much about the Exams, Keiko?" Kurenai asked curiously.

Asuma chuckled in good humor, "Perks of being the Hokage's assistant."

She offered a small grin, "I wouldn't say I'm his assistant per say, I just help out around the office..."

Asuma studied her for a moment, he had to admit that this woman seemed to have a better relationship with his father than he did. "Sounds like an assistant to me."

She sighed, "Yeah, I suppose for now I basically am. At least until I can continue my work at the Academy."

Kurenai cocked her head to the side, "Have you ever given any thought to having your own Genin?"

Nearly choking on her tea, Keiko was caught off guard by the question, "Um, no, I don't think that's in the cards for me. At least not right now."

"Oh? Why not?" Kurenai was curious, she knew Keiko loved children. She would think that the woman would be ecstatic to have a team of her own.

"To be honest," Keiko began, looking away from them, "I'm not so sure I would be able to handle that much responsibility. I'm sure eventually I'll be given a team, when that happens maybe then, I'll be ready." The children she helped were never her responsibility, not to the extent that a Genin team would be. She helped to train and mentor and offer advise but to be responsible for their lives in that way, it was a little frightening.

Kakashi looked away from her, thinking over her words. He happened to think that she would be a wonderful Sensei, even better than him. She had already done so much to help with his own team he didn't have to think hard about how much she would care for her own team.

She waved her hand in the air, "I'd rather not think about that anyway right now. Not when I have to meet with the second proctor later."

"And who's the second Proctor?" Kakashi asked curiously.

She sighed, "Someone who isn't too fond of me."

Kurenai was the first to realize, "Anko. Anko Miturashi?"

"Bingo." Anko had never been a fan of Keiko. Thankfully, the two of them did not cross paths often, but when they did Anko was generally less than pleased. "I shouldn't need to be around her for too long, but regardless I'm not exactly looking forward to it."

The other three Jonin nodded in understanding, "Good luck."

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Posted - 8/1/2021