Chapter 27
"Are you sure this is wise, My Lord?"
No one could argue with the statement. In the highest room of the tower the Hokage sat surrounded by a select few Jonin. It was the fourth day of the second part of the Exam and they believed most of the teams that would pass had made it though. There were only a handful left to finish, and Kakashi's was one of them. The uncertainty that had befallen the Exams had caused an uproar among those who knew about the situation, and so a meeting had been called.
"We don't even know if the kid is alive." Anko sat straddling a chair, her arms crossed over the back of it as she was deep in thought.
"On the contrary," Ibiki stated, walking forward hand raised to make a point, "I've received word from the Anbu Unit that was dispatched into the forest. They located him along with his team, he's alive and seems to he handling the mark. For now at least."
"We're not even sure if he is going to pass the Exam. There aren't a lot of scrolls left." Anko said, keeping her expression impassive. If her calculations were correct, there weren't a lot of open positions for the third Exam. There was one day left and three teams had already passed, she would be shocked if even two more made it in time. The odds were not in Sasuke's favor.
A cough had them all looking over toward Hayate. His coughing fits were to be expected as the man had a chronic condition. Even with that setback Hayate was an accomplished Jonin who didn't let his condition slow him down. He cleared his throat as his coughs quieted, "Sorry, Lord Hokage, at this point if we can't cancel the Exam, then maybe we should just take out Sasuke if his team passes the second exam."
"We need to take him out and hand him over to Anbu so they can watch him." Anko's eyes narrowed. The fact that this was still up to debate was infuriating. She knew more than anyone there what that mark was capable of!
She was quickly interrupted, "Oh, and he's just going to quietly go along with that?" Kakashi stood leaning against the wall, hands deep in his pockets as he offered a closed eye smile toward the Kunoichi. "You're forgetting, he's of the Uchiha Clan." He didn't need to say more. While it had been about five years since any of them had dealt with a Uchiha other than Sasuke, it was impossible to forget the Clans determined and resilient nature. Kakashi knew better than any of them how well that rung true for his student. Sasuke's resilience was only rivaled by Naruto's.
Anko snarled, quickly standing and whirling toward Kakashi. As she did so, the chair she had been sitting in clattered loudly to the floor. "I don't care what he is! Don't you get it, he's a danger to everyone! As he gets stronger so does the curse mark!" She took a step closer to him and her hand rested upon the nape of her own neck over her own curse mark. "It's a forbidden jutsu that devours the one that bares it. It's a miracle the kid is still alive so we should bring him in while we still can!"
Kakashi was unaffected by Anko's threatening steps toward him. He could move at any time or easily avoid anything Anko threw at him. That's why it surprised him when Keiko, who had been standing beside him, stepped between the two. The way her body smoothly sidestepped between them was unexpected for both Kakashi and Anko, though Kakashi did a better job of hiding his surprise.
"Anko," Keiko began, placing a gentle hand on the woman's shoulder, "please, we have to think rationally. Believe me, I want nothing more than to pull Sasuke from the Exam, but we can't." She offered Anko a small smile. The simple expression conveying her understanding and sympathy while displaying just how much she herself hated the situation. "We have to find a different solution."
Her hand was slapped away as Anko scoffed, "What other solution is there?" She turned toward Hiruzen, "Lord Hokage!"
They were all looking to him now as he held the pipe in his hand, breathing deeply. He peered out at the five Jonin. The proctors for the Exam had been notified about this recent development, while Kakashi was Sasuke's teacher. Keiko was there as well as she had been in the forest with Anko and faced the Sannin. They expected an answer from him and he himself wasn't sure of the solution. He couldn't help but think that if he had handled Orochimaru when he should have all those years ago, then this situation could have been averted. But, no, he had let his feelings cloud his judgment.
In truth, his first three students were like his children for many years. Orochimaru was especially close to him, even more so than Jiraiya and Tsunade. Hiruzen was a far different man now than he was then, only twenty-five when the Sannin were entrusted to him as Genin. At that time the idea of settling down and having a family of his own was absolutely foreign to him, he saw no need. Not when he had his students. He had always seen vast potential in Orochimaru. The boy had been willing to try anything, and trained hard. There was even a time when Hiruzen believed that Orochimaru would take his place one day. But, Orochimaru was no longer that same inquisitive and bright child he once knew.
Something had changed within him. Hiruzen could not pinpoint when that change had begun as he was far too blinded by his own feelings. Looking back, by the time he noticed anything Orochimaru was already beyond help, even if he had taken action. He should have done something. Had it been someone else in his position, Orochimaru would not be alive today. It was because of him that this meeting was needing to take place.
Finally, Hiruzen opened his eyes and turned toward Kakashi. "Kakashi, you are the boys teacher, what do you think?" Out of everyone there, Kakashi would be the one who knew the boy best.
Kakashi stood straighter and easily peered over Keiko's head to look at the Hokage. "With all the information I have available to me, I believe the Evil Sealing technique would be the best option."
Ibiki turned, "Are you sure that's wise? The boy could easily disregard that seal and make it useless."
"Sasuke wants to become stronger by his own power. Not through someone else's tricks. The seal will hold, and I will help him realize he can become strong, without Orochimaru." Kakashi's own determination was easily seen through his gaze and the way he stood.
Anko cast a glare toward them, "If he does pass the Second Exam, what about the preliminaries? If even one more team passes he will have to fight right away and after five days in the forest he would have no choice but to rely on the curse mark."
"He won't." Kakashi stated firmly, his voice even. "If the curse mark takes over I will personally step in and stop the fight."
A silence blanketed the room and Hiruzen watched them all evenly. "Hayate." The sickly looking man stood straighter at attention. "Would it be possible to have Sasuke Uchiha fight in the first match should his team pass?"
Hayate blinked blankly for a moment, "I do believe that would be possible. His opponent would still be at random."
"So be it." The Hokage stated, "The Exam's will continue. Ibiki, have an Anbu squad ready to escort Sasuke. Whether he passes or fails we will watch him. Hayate, ensure that Sasuke will be in the first match. Anko, I need you to be on the look out for Orochimaru. You will be in charge of this towers security for the duration of the Exam." He paused, looking to Kakashi and Keiko. "Kakashi, I will leave the preparation of the Evil Sealing to you. Keiko-"
The Hokage paused when he noticed Kakashi hold up a hand and place it on her shoulder. Keiko looked back toward him, mildly surprised. Kakashi smiled, eye closed, "Lord Hokage, if it is alright, I would like to commission Keiko's help in the preparation."
Hiruzen studied the two Jonin for a moment. Taking note at how close Kakashi was standing to Keiko, and the feint blush that had dusted her cheeks. He nodded, the corner of his lips perking up slightly at the sight. "Of course, there is much to prepare."
Shortly after that, they all went their separate ways. Keiko and Kakashi walked side by side down the stairs of the tower. The silence hung in the air like a blanket and neither of them had the strength to break it. There was just too much on their minds. As they descended Keiko's eyes scanned the walls, picking up on every crack and crevice of the old building. It acted as a good distraction. Or, at least she forced it to be.
"You alright?"
Keiko blinked and looked over to her side, seeing Kakashi looking down at her. To anyone else he would have seemed bored and indifferent but Keiko could make out the concern buried within his gaze. She smiled, feeling her anxiety grow slightly as she did so, "Of course." She turned forward and continued down the steps, her hand gently brushing the railing as she descended.
"Keiko."
She paused, turning to find Kakashi behind her, a step higher than she was. Her eyes gazed up toward him and they stood there like that for several long moments. Their eyes connected and she tilted her head to the side slightly as she patiently waited for him to respond.
The man shoved his hands deeper into his pockets as he looked down at her. Only a few days ago she had been a withering mess, unable to sleep for more than a few hours at a time from her constant worrying. He watched her. Seeing her continue on through her day as though nothing was wrong. Offering her signature smile to anyone and everyone, forcing herself to function normally. In those moments he could see through her act; the subtle change in her tone, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, even the way she walked. As he thought of all the signs of her internal struggle he didn't notice his own gaze softening. "You know you can talk to me."
Keiko's eyes widened minimally at the simple statement. A warm tingle dancing along the skin of her arms and chest, working its way to her neck. Was that her own heart beating so fast? Had the atmosphere changed so suddenly? It wasn't only the statement that sent flutters through her chest, but the way he looked at her. His gaze was warm and inviting. Silently telling her to tell him everything. Every insecurity, every thought, every feeling. That eye silently begged to know them all and the sheer intensity was overwhelming. The close proximity they had only added to the strange atmosphere that was building between them.
Naturally, he stood taller than her, but with the added height of the stair he seemed like a giant next to her and it didn't help this situation. While Keiko looked up toward him, wanting to speak but not knowing what words to say. Kakashi looked down at her, pleading with nothing but his gaze for her to share her thoughts.
Finally, she sighed, no smile this time. Keiko looked forward, eyes landing square on his chest as she took interest in the simple stitching of his flak jacket. "I know that I can talk to you."
"Then why aren't you?"
The simple and straightforward question made Keiko exhale sharply in a half laugh. "My feelings aren't important right now. We have to stay focused on the task at hand."
She forced a smile and Kakashi could see right through it. His brows knitted together slightly and his hand reached out to touch her, "Keiko, I-"
A door slammed open in the corridor, causing the two of them to jump away from one another. There was a commotion as a few Chunin ran down the stairs passed them, pushing Keiko to the railing and Kakashi to the wall. Once the handful of Chunin had passed by them in their rush, the two Jonin were once again left on the stairwell. Keiko cleared her throat lightly and said they should be moving on, to which Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and nodded in agreement.
Keiko's heart beat frantically against her chest, replaying the moment over in her mind. Kakashi had reached out for her. Not to place a hand on her shoulder as he would normally, or to ruffle her hair as they both did with Naruto. No, he was reaching to hold her face. Before the tension had been broken, she had felt the tips of his calloused fingers brush her cheek. That touch alone had sent her heart into a frenzy and now she felt like her head was floating. She was having trouble processing the moment or even believing that it even occurred in the first place.
This new silence that hovered over them was new. Generally, the silence between them was comfortable and welcoming. It was a safe space. Now, it was tense, and neither of them knew how to alleviate it. So when Kakashi scratched the back of his head and asked a question, Keiko was both surprised and thankful.
"So, your birthday is next week, right?"
~0~
"First of all, congratulations on completing the Second Exam!" Anko's voice rang through the corridor clearly as she stood in front of the Genin teams that had passed. They lined up neatly, team by team while behind her stood the Hokage and other Chunin as well as the Jonin Sensei of the passing teams. She studied the seven teams. Frankly, she was surprised that so many of them had passed. When the Exam had began, she was expecting the number to drop to the single digits.
Keiko stood off to the side next to Hayate, observing the room. Her eyes lingered on the Genin, sizing them up for injuries. Most of them looked fine, only a little banged up and that was to be expected. There was hushed whispering but no one could make out what words were being said. Finally, her eyes settled on Kakashi's team, Naruto's orange suit sticking out like a sore thumb. That same determined smile on his face and she could feel herself well with pride. Behind him were Sakura and Sasuke, and her eyes hardened as they fell upon the young Uchiha. For a Genin of his skill, he looked far too worn and ragged. Yes, they had been one of the last teams to pass, but even so. She could only imagine that the curse mark was partly to blame.
Her ears perked up when she heard the familiar voice of Guy behind her. He stood next to Kakashi in the line of Jonin Sensei. "I see your team didn't do too bad, Kakashi. Of course, with my team still around, your team is doomed to failure." Guy continued on smugly, doing his best to show the utmost confidence in his team. When he finally finished, he turned toward Kakashi and expected the man to agree or at least have some retort.
He got neither. Kakashi blinked and looked at Guy as if just noticing his existence, "Sorry, did you say something?"
The snickers from the other Jonin and Guy's own reaction were enough for Keiko to chuckle. She knew just how much Kakashi could get on Guy's nerves. In a way, it was Kakashi's way at getting back at Guy for being so over the top dramatic. Only, that seemed to bring it out more.
"Now then," Anko began again, "we will now have the explanation of the third exam from Lord Hokage. Listen up!" She turned, giving a respectable bow of her head to the Hokage before stepping back into line.
Hiruzen stepped forward, clearing his throat and looking over the Genin who had come so far in the Exam. "First, before I tell you what the third Exam entails, I want to explain something about the test itself. Listen closely now, it's something that all of you need to understand."
Keiko smiled to herself as she listened to the same speech Hiruzen had given at her own Chunin Exams. It was the same familiar points so she could easily let it flow in one ear and out the other as she looked over the Genin. The amount of Leaf Village Genin was surprising, five out of the seven teams were from Konoha. Not to mention, three of those five teams were rookies. They all certainly looked like they had made their way through the forest. Their clothes were tattered and overall they looked exhausted. The only Leaf Village team that looked in decent shape was Kurenai's Team 10. After some thought, it made sense. Kurenai had a team who possessed possibly the best combination of sensory abilities. They were the first Leaf Village team to complete the Exam.
Her eyes drifted further to the left, falling upon the team from Sunagakure. They were siblings if memory served her correctly. Their village must have high expectations of them. Her eyes traveled over the oldest blond in the back, then the puppet master, and finally the youngest red head in the front. There had not been much information about the boy in his file, other than a very impressive mission history. Even more impressive, was his ability to escape unscathed from every encounter. Even now, he looked as though he had waltzed here from the Village, and not from the Forest of Death.
She moved on to the sound village Genin. To have a group from a newly established village make it this far, certainly said a lot about their potential. They looked just as worn and ragged as most of the Leaf Village Genin, but she noticed that one of them was injured. Both of his arms were in a sling. How that would pan out for him during the preliminaries, only time would tell.
As her eyes lingered on the Sound Genin, she felt an unpleasant chill creep up her spine. That familiar tingle a person could feel when they were being watched. Slowly, she turned her head back toward the line of Jonin Sensei and there she saw the cause of her discomfort. Ren Toshio. Dark eyes were watching her but as soon as they made eye contact he only smiled and turned his attention forward. It was strange, but she shrugged off the encounter. A lingering feeling of unease settling within her gut.
Keiko had tuned out the Hokage's speech but was brought back to reality when Hayate moved forward, nearly instantly appearing before the Hokage. "Lord Hokage, before you do, please allow me to speak first." The Hokage only nodded in approval before he stood and turned toward the Genin. "I'm Hayate Gekko, proctor of the Third Exam. Before we begin, there's something I need all of you to do." Hayate paused, coughing before he continued. "That is, we have to have a preliminary before we can move on to the real Exam."
A stunned silence fell over the students. As expected, none of them were happy with the new development. "Preliminary?!" Shikamaru shouted, having took a step forward, "Wha- Just what do you mean by that?!"
As the tension was already broken, Sakura's voice spoke up to gain their attention. "Sorry, Sensei, I really don't see the point. I really don't see what this preliminary is all about. Why can't we move on to the Third Exam?"
Hayate leaned his head back slightly, willing to answer her question as he knew she was not the only one thinking it. "Uh, you see, the first and second exams might have been too easy. The fact is, we never expected so many of you to still be here. According to the rules of the Chunin Exams, a preliminary can be held at any stage in order to reduce the number of candidates remaining."
"I-Is that fair?"
"As Lord Hokage said before, a lot of important guests will be watching. We can't afford to waste their time. They have come to see only the best. So, if there are any of you who feel that you are not in top physical condition, now's your chance to-" He didn't get any further as a string of coughs racked his body. Keiko took notice how several of the Genin were obviously questioning Hayate's own physical condition, and she could not blame them for feeling that way. They were not aware of his own skills or physical prowess.
"Sorry about that," he said, clearing his throat. "As I was saying, any of you who do not feel up to this, now's your time to bow out. The Preliminaries will be starting immediately." There was obvious protests but Hayate ignored them. "The winners will be decided on one on one matches. So, like I said, if you don't feel up to it, now's the time to raise your hand."
It might have seemed like Hayate was pushing them to forfeit, but Keiko and several others there knew the reason. They were hoping that Sasuke would raise his hand. Her eyes were not the only ones watching him. The Uchiha had his hand clutching the back of his neck and appeared to be shaking. Her eyes narrowed when he turned and began a hushed conversation with Sakura. So, it appeared Sakura knew about the mark and wanted him to drop out as well. From the way Sasuke gripped her wrist when she tried to raise it, it was clear that Sasuke had no intention of backing down.
Even when one of the other Leaf Genin raised his hand and was allowed to go. It surprised her, that this one would forfeit. While he looked as dirty and ragged as most of the others, he lacked the exhaustion in posture. His excuse to Naruto that he wasn't ready for another battle just yet was a weak one. If you were going to be a Shinobi, there would be many times when you would need to push past your limits.
"It seems I've seen that one before." Her eyes flickered over to the Hokage who stood eyeing the man as he walked away out of the corridor. "If memory serves, this isn't the first time he's dropped out before a battle. What kind of game is he playing?"
Ibiki turned his head to Anko, who was also watching as he left. "Anko."
"Oh, right." She lifted her clipboard that was filled with the registration sheets of all the Genin. After flipping through several she came to his, "Kabuto Yakushi. Says here he's failed six times in a row."
While failing the Chunin Exams was not uncommon, failing them six times in a row was rather unusual. Generally, after the second or third time, you passed or left the life of a Shinobi. For Kabuto to continue trying, it sent a red flag up in Hiruzen's mind. "What do you have on his background?"
Anko read through the document, "His time at the academy isn't what you would call impressive. Average grades, and it took him a full three times before he passed the graduation exam. As far as missions he's had since then there's been two C-Ranks and fourteen D-Ranks. Not exactly a battle record to write home about. However..."
Hiruzen willed her to continue, "Go on."
Anko lowered the clipboard, "There's something before his time at the academy. Do you remember the child who was found after the battle at Kikyo Pass? The only survivor?"
"I remember the story. I remember a small boy was found among the enemy dead barely alive. He was found and brought back by a Jonin in the Medical unit. You're saying this is that boy?"
Anko nodded, "The very same."
Keiko's eyes traveled back to the boy who stepped out through the large doors. "His file also mentioned he was a passive student." The Hokage and Anko both turned toward her and she smiled back at them, "So, either he is just too soft for Shinobi life and should enter civilian life, or something else is going on. Hmm?" None of them could argue with her analysis. She knew that Hiruzen agreed with her at least, as he gave a small nod of his head. Now was not the place to discuss it further as there were far too many eyes and ears around them.
Hayate gave a few more moments for the Genin to think it over before continuing on. He coughed, "Now then, we will begin the preliminary. This round will consist of one-on-one individual combat. With full battle intensity, this is not an exercise. There are twenty of you, so that means there will be ten matches. The surviving members of these ten matches will move on to the third Exam. As for the rules, there are none. You will fight until one dies, admits defeat, or is rendered incapable of continuing. Naturally, those who are loosing are encouraged to concede and admit defeat promptly to avoid a fatal outcome. Furthermore, as Proctor, I'm given a certain amount of leeway to judge the matches. I might occasionally intervene if a match seems hopeless, in order to save as many lives as possible. Now, it's time to reveal what fate has chosen for you."
Hayate turned to the side, looking back to the wall where a large panel opened and a screen was displayed.
"The names of each pair of opponents are chosen completely at random. Before each match, the names will display on the screen behind me. As there's nothing more to say, let's begin. In a moment, the first to names will appear."
A deafening silence filled the air as all eyes fixed themselves upon the screen. Before long, the first names were revealed.
Yoroi Akado Vs. Sasuke Uchiha
"Now, everyone other than the two selected will clear the area and move to the upper level."
Keiko moved forward, seeing Naruto and Sakura wave at her as she ushered them both toward the upper level. Naruto jumped up and down excitedly, "Keiko! I can't believe it, you're here too!"
She smiled, "Of course, how could I miss it? I did help put this whole thing together after all."
He laughed, "Just you wait, you're gonna see just how strong I am for real this time, believe it!"
As Naruto spoke to her she happened to notice Sakura looking over her shoulder toward Sasuke. Kakashi had stopped momentarily to speak with him and she could tell Sakura was worried about everything going on. "Sakura," she called out making the girl turn toward her, "I see you cut your hair. Got tired of it?" She tried to joke to lighten the mood as they made their way to the upper level.
"Oh," Sakura said in surprise, "yeah, long hair just isn't for me." She laughed a little before looking off to the side, spotting Kin among the other Sound Genin. She could still make out the fading bruise on her cheek and that made Sakura grin. While their fight in the forest had startled her and she hesitated to begin with, Sakura was proud that she was able to land a blow like that.
When everyone was situated on the upper level, the match began. Keiko stood near Kakashi, his two students between them as they watched the fight. While the match wasn't flashy, it was entertaining to everyone that wasn't aware of the circumstances. Keiko, Kakashi, and the Proctors were all watching intently on the edge of their seats for any sign that the curse mark was going to take over. And, for a moment, it seemed that it would.
When Sasuke mimicked Lee's taijutsu flawlessly she could hear the gasps from those around her. Up to that point Sasuke was sluggish and seemed to have trouble with his movements. Thanks to the curse mark, no doubt. It seemed as though the match could end without incident, that the curse mark might not activate as they feared.
They hoped too soon.
As Sasuke was in the air, Yoroi above him about to finish out the attack, they saw it. Time seemed to slow for a moment as the mark spread, doing it's best to envelope Sasuke. Keiko cast a worried look over to Kakashi. He stood, rigid as a bored, his visible eye wide as he too thought, 'Is this it?'
Keiko could see the feintest change in several of the Jonin, as they moved to stop the fight. But, thankfully, they didn't have to. Right before their eyes they could see the mark receding. An audible gasp escaped her lips and she broke out into a large smile. Of course, Sasuke's willpower wouldn't allow the curse mark to take over. If anyone needed proof that the Evil Sealing method would work, they only had to remember this moment. Through pure force of will, he had been able to suppress the mark.
Not long after that, the match was over, and Sasuke was declarer the winner. Kakashi disappeared from his spot only to reappear down by Sasuke. Naruto shouted out to Sasuke in good spirits but the Uchiha ignored him, a small smirk on his face as he caught his breath.
"He reminds me of Kakashi when he was young."
Keiko looked to the side, seeing Guy standing beside her, his team close by. There had been too much commotion for the students to hear it as Naruto was still shouting down at Sasuke fervently. "Oh?" She looked down toward Kakashi who was standing behind Sasuke, using his knee to keep Sasuke sitting up. "I never knew Kakashi when he was young, so I wouldn't know."
Guy smirked, "Perhaps, that's a good thing. Far too stringent for his own good, but no less determined."
"Is that so?" She asked softly, eyes lingering on Kakashi's frame. Guy spoke more but Keiko tuned it out, though not intentionally. She had to wonder, what was he like when he was their age? What kind of child had Kakashi been? She remembered the picture on Kakashi's bedside, the one of him with what she could only assume was his team. In that photo, he didn't have the Sharingan or the scar. She had to wonder what kind of event had lead up to that injury.
"If you stare at him like that people might get the wrong idea."
Her head snapped to the side, realizing she had been blatantly staring at Kakashi. Guy was grinning, a mischievous glint playing in his eye. "I-I was just lost in thought!"
Guy crossed his arms and closed his eyes, "Of course, your secret's safe with me." Jutting his thumb towards his chest, he smiled with his signature wink, "I'm rooting for ya!"
Keiko gave an exasperated laugh and a forced smile. "Yeah... right." She peered down toward Kakashi once again but this time he was looking up at her as well. There was a seriousness to his gaze, one that clearly sent a message. She straightened and nodded to show her understanding.
She took a step forward toward Naruto and Sakura, placing a hand on their shoulders. The two Genin looked up at her in surprise as Kakashi lead Sasuke out of the corridor. Keiko smiled reassuringly, "Alright, I have to leave for a bit but I'll be back shortly, okay?"
Both of them blinked in surprise. Naruto's eyes narrowed suspiciously, "Hey, does this have anything to do with this weird mark thing everyone's talking about?" He had heard Sakura mention it before when Hayate asked if anyone wanted to drop out. She said he couldn't go on the way he was, and now after the fight there had to be something going on. Those weird marks that appeared on Sasuke's neck couldn't have been a coincidence.
While Sakura stiffened, Keiko chuckled and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Of course not. I just have something to finish up before things get to far. And, don't worry. Sasuke will be fine." She gave one last reassuring smile before disappearing in a puff of smoke, leaving the two Genin alone.
~0~
Keiko's eyes clamped shut as Sasuke's scream echoed loudly throughout the dark corridor. She stood just outside the circle of blood and symbols Kakashi had written, her own hands forming a seal of their own. While Kakashi didn't need help preforming the seal itself, she was only there in case the first seal failed. Anko had come to them wanting there to be Anbu with them but both Keiko and Kakashi refused, saying that Sasuke would be better off if it were just the two of them.
As Sasuke fell forward onto his hands and knees panting heavily from the experience, she remembered his first words to her upon seeing her waiting for them. He had looked at her, and with an expression that didn't show either hate or anger, only told her she didn't have to smile all the time. It was far different from their previous interactions and it surprised her.
Kakashi held up his hand, "There. Now, the next time that curse mark starts acting up, this seal should keep it in check. But, remember," Sasuke looked behind him and up toward Kakashi as he breathed heavily, "this jutsu is only as strong as you are. It derives it's power from the strength of your will. If that will ever weakens, it you ever begin to doubt yourself, the curse will be unleashed in all it's fury."
Just as Kakashi finished, Sasuke's eyes were already rolling back and he fell limply the last few inches to the floor. Keiko sighed, relieved that for now it seemed to be taken care of. She walked over to the boy and crouched down to place a hand on his forehead, "I don't think I've ever seen him this worn out before."
Kakashi chuckled lightly, "Yes, too worn out to even argue."
"My, how you've grown."
Keiko and Kakashi both stiffened. They knew that voice.
"To think, you've grown strong enough to use that jutsu."
Kakashi turned stiffly while Keiko stood, placing herself in front of Sasuke's unconscious body. To be facing him again so soon, she hadn't expected that. She could feel her pulse quicken, her palms sweating as she looked between Kakashi and their unwelcome guest. While Kakashi was stronger than her, she didn't think even he could stand up against him.
He stepped out into the dim light, that same menacing aura flowing around him, hanging in the air. "Long time no see, Kakashi."
"Orochimaru." Kakashi said, bitterness seeping into his tone.
Orochimaru tilted his head to the side, his long dark hair covering some of his face, "No offense, Kakashi, but I didn't come to see you. My business is with that boy behind you." He chuckled darkly, a wide smile finding it's way to his lips, "Perhaps, I have business with you, Keiko. But, I believe I have what I need of you, for now."
She stiffened. Eyes wide as she muttered in disbelief, "What?"
Kakashi widened his stance, covering both Keiko and Sasuke more from Orochimaru's view. He couldn't let anything happen to either of them. His eyes narrowed, every inch of his being ready to pounce if needed. "What do you want with Sasuke?"
Orochimaru only grinned at the Copy Ninja, "You've acquired something new. How I envy your good fortune. I don't believe you had it the last time we met."
Keiko moved to the side only by a step, just so she could better survey the situation. The way Kakashi's shoulders tensed told her that he knew full well what he was talking about. Her hand found the reassuring grip of her blade as she watched the anger in Kakashi's expression steadily grow.
"That gift, the Sharingan in your left eye."
Keiko gasped lightly, looking over to Kakashi for a split second. From the look on his face, Kakashi found no amusement in this topic whatsoever.
"It's only fair that I should want it to. The Uchiha power."
Orochimaru took a step forward.
Then another.
And another.
Kakashi and Keiko were both rooted to the spot and it wasn't until the fourth step the Sannin took that Kakashi freed himself of his thoughts. Kakashi instantly got into stance and readied his Chidori, large arches of electricity coming off of his hand.
Keiko had to jump back. The amount of power he had put into the Chidori was immense and she had never seen him use so much. He was desperate. He knew the danger they were facing and if it came to it he needed to end it, quickly. Keiko readied herself as well, finding her place standing above Sasuke as she willed her nerves to steady.
The familiar chirping began, "I don't care if you are one of the Sannin. Take one more step forward and one of us dies here!"
Keiko wasn't sure what she was expecting. Shouting, yelling, an attack maybe? But, laughter? It wasn't on the list. Orochimaru had his head flung back in laughter and that alone was enough to send Keiko's stomach into uneasy summersaults.
Over the chirping and the laughter she could hear Kakashi growl, "Funny, is it?"
Orochimaru looked down at Kakashi, his laughter fading. "Poor Kakashi. Your noble efforts, all in vain."
"What?"
"Do you really believe that the seal will hold? Do you think you can keep him from what he truly desires? A heart like his, will not give up on what it desires no matter what obstacle you put in his path. He's an avenger."
"You think you can take advantage of him like that? Not Sasuke."
Orochimaru chuckled and turned to walk away, "You can't stop it. No matter what you do, Kakashi. Sasuke will come to me." He stopped, "Unless, you want to follow through with your threat, and kill me. Now's your chance. If you can."
In that moment Keiko was hit with a force unlike any other. Her head hitting the ground with a loud crack. A large hand over her neck as her darkening sight revealed evil golden eyes.
Keiko gasped loudly, the momentary Genjutsu lifted just as quickly as it had come. The shock of it all made her stagger as she caught herself. Hand reaching for her neck as she caught her breath.
Kakashi stood stiff, trembling like a leaf in the wind. He had to be loosing it. Challenging a Sannin in a place like this, it was suicide. At any moment, Orochimaru could have struck him down and taken Sasuke. His eyes narrowed. It wasn't just Sasuke he had to worry about, but Keiko as well. Orochimaru said he had enough for now. Would that mean Orochimaru would come for Keiko at a later time?
He stood straighter, forcing the trembling to stop as he turned around to face Keiko. Her breathing was heavy, hand to her chest as she worked to calm herself down. "Keiko." When she didn't answer him he took a step forward, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Keiko."
She blinked, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Yeah?" She chocked out through her dry throat. Her breath caught in her throat when Kakashi's hand slid from her shoulder to the side of her neck and then to the side of her head. Fingers splayed out through her hair and rubbing against her scalp. His thumb pressing warmly against the side of her face. "K-" She couldn't even bring herself to say his name.
"I won't allow anything to happen. Not while I'm still breathing."
Keiko swallowed thickly and nodded, not trusting herself to speak. He was only reassuring her, nothing more. At least, that's what she told herself. There was no way he couldn't feel the warmth in her cheeks, or the frantic beating of her heart. This crazy whirlwind of emotions, only he could make her feel this way and she wasn't sure what to do.
Kakashi watched her intently, meaning every word he said. When she nodded in understanding he forced himself to pry his hand away from her. Perhaps, he was taking advantage of the situation in order to feel that ivory skin against his. While he would have loved to indulge more, he was already crossing a line he had set for himself.
Especially seeing the embarrassed blush that had taken over her face. He sighed to himself, of course he had gone too far.
He looked past her and down to Sasuke. "Since we are done here, we should hand him over to Black Ops."
Keiko cleared her throat, "Y-yeah, of course."
New longest chapter! Sorry it took me a bit on this one, updates might be a little bit slower these next few chapters. I have a lot going on. But no worries, I will still do my best to post at least once a week :D
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Posted - 8/15/2021