*Sigh* Okay, I've been trying for DAYS to write the other fights. I can't do it. I just can't. What can I say, fighting isn't my strong suit. Even when it is all choreographed for me thanks to the anime. Sincere apologies to everyone who wanted to see the other fights. I truly did try. I don't want this momentary writers block to go on. I know me, and I would much rather go onto something I look forward to writing, than pull my hair out and loose my mojo. So, here we are!

Chapter 29

Keiko sat in the waiting room of the hospital. Arms crossed over her chest as her leg bounced in anxiety. The hospital was quiet, the scent of disinfectant invading her senses and she was reminded of everything she hated about them. Her eyes flickered over to the door where they had taken Lee. He had been so beaten and bruised. So utterly broken.

Lee… He was such a good kid, and to have his dreams cut short in such a way. It was too cruel. She could still remember the details of the fight as if she were watching it over again. How she tried to talk sense into Guy, to get him to call the match. Lee had been so determined that he had been willing to give up everything in order to win. And he had.

And, Guy… she wasn't sure how he was going to cope with this. Lee was so important to Guy, and he undoubtedly blamed himself for what happened.

Keiko had never seen Guy cry like that before. Sure, he had cried during touching moments with Lee or Kakashi, or when he felt particularly moved. But this time, he had been crushed. There was nothing anyone could say to him to make him feel better. All Keiko could do was promise him that she would stay with Lee so he could stay there for Neji. They both knew Neji didn't need him there, it was only an excuse. Seeing Lee would only make the pain worse. So, for now, she would watch over him and be sure that he would be okay. Or, at least, as okay as he could be, that is.

The door creaked open and before the person was through the door Keiko was standing. The medic looked at Keiko, their eyes sympathetic as they made their way over to her. "You're Keiko, the Jonin that accompanied him?"

She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. "Yes."

He looked down, "Lee is in stable condition. We will have to preform a few more surgeries to try and correct some of the damage. While we can't fix him, we can at least try to make his day to day life as pain free as possible."

Keiko slowly began to nod, the words sinking in. "I see..."

The medic placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled gently as he had many times before. Trying to comfort people was part of the job. "Lee won't be fit for visitors for a few days, you can stop by and see him another time. Maybe take the rest of the day off?"

She nodded dumbly, tears stinging her eyes and she blinked furiously to stop them from falling. The medic said a few more words that Keiko couldn't hear before returning into the depths of the hospital. Keiko leaned against the wall and she didn't know how long she stayed there thinking over everything. She knew she should seek out Naruto and Sakura. They would surly have their first round's picked by now so they would know who they are fighting in the finals.

She made her way to Sasuke's room. Even if the Anbu guarding him didn't allow her inside, they would at least let her know that he is okay. He had looked so sickly when she had seen him last. Sasuke always acted much older than he was because of what he had been through. But, in the moment she handed him off to the Anbu, he looked like a helpless sleeping child. Because, he was one.

As she neared the room she knew Sasuke was kept, she noticed how the already desolate hospital seemed to become abandoned. As if they were intentionally keeping him away from everything. It made sense, the curse mark was still an unknown. How Sasuke would react when he woke up was anyone's guess.

She rounded the corner, ready to wave at the Anbu she was sure was guarding the door. Instead, she stopped dead in her tracks. There was an Anbu, but they were collapsed on the ground in a heap. Blood smearing the walls and floors from quick and precise wounds.

The sight made her heart fall like a rock to her stomach. Keiko rushed forward, hearing the breaking of glass and she assumed the worst. Hand upon the hilt of her weapon, she gracefully stepped over the bodies and into the room. She stopped when she noticed the singular person standing in front of a shattered window.

"Kakashi?" She said in genuine surprise. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the numerous dead bodies littering the room. "What happened?" She knelt down, feeling for a pulse on one of the bodies. How could the entire squad Kakashi assembled be taken down so easily?

"They're all dead." Kakashi told her blankly. He knelt down next to a body as well, but not to check for a pulse. Instead, he inspected the careful stitching just under the jaw. "Of course, the dead soul Jutsu. He temporarily took control of a dead body and took his chance to escape."

Keiko stood, slowly turning her head toward him. She could feel her fists clench at the possible inclinations of what had happened. "Who?"

Kakashi looked toward her and stood. "One of the Genin from the Exams. Though, it's obvious he isn't any normal Genin. Kabuto Yakushi."

The name surprised her. "Kabuto? The one who dropped out?" She remembered there was a bit of commotion when he had dropped out. He had been in the Exams numerous times before and to continually drop out was more than suspicious.

He could see the surprise written plainly on her face, "Yeah, if turns out someone like him is working for Orochimaru..." He turned back toward the window, looking down at the trees Kabuto had fallen into. He couldn't believe he had let Kabuto get away. He had underestimated him. That would not happen again.

Keiko could easily see the way Kakashi's shoulders tensed as he leaned his hands against the window sill. Her eyes cast over toward Sasuke who was still sleeping soundly, wires and breathing mask still in place. Sighing, she turned back to Kakashi and rested a hand on his shoulder, mustering the strength for a smile. Kakashi turned his head toward her slightly but didn't meet her gaze. "Sasuke is safe, you were just in time."

"It's only a matter of time before he is targeted again."

She removed her hand from his shoulder and elected to stand next to him, gazing out the window over the village. She could tell from the look in his eye that he was weighing his options. Thinking over the best course of action to take at a time like this. "So, what now?" Her voice broke through the silence.

"Once Sasuke is recovered enough, I'll take him. I need to train him for the finals, and hopefully I can prevent this problem from escalating."

She nodded in understanding, "You know, Naruto and Sakura are going to want to train with you as well." Keiko cast a sideways glance toward him. She had to wonder, did he fully grasp how much his students idolized him? Even though Naruto found him annoying and cryptic at times, he would still talk about how cool Kakashi was on occasion. At least, since their trip to the Land of Waves he did. Before Naruto saw him in combat, Naruto didn't have much respect for his Sensei.

Kakashi was silent, only humming to show that he had heard. He wouldn't have time to train either of them. At the moment, Sasuke was the main priority.

"I'm serious," Keiko continued, "They both want to get more training from you. They both look up to you."

A small ghost of a smile found its way onto his lips. "Right. Unfortunately, I won't be able to. I'll need to take Sasuke somewhere hidden. They can't follow."

"Right." Keiko sighed, bringing her hand to her face to massage her temple in thought. "So, any thoughts on who will work with them?" She had given some thought to her training Sakura, but she didn't know if this method of fighting would be a long term solution. Keiko had used the technique for years, she was used to the extended use and was able to manage the effects easily. Sakura on the other hand, had to save it as a last resort or face collapsing like she did in the match with Ino. It could take months or even years for Sakura to work it into her combat as easily as Keiko did. Until that point, Sakura needed something more. It's why she and herself helped to improve Sakura's taijutsu to pair with it. So she had the basics to fall back on.

Kakashi stood straighter, hands digging into his pockets, "Yes, actually. I reached out to Ebisu. He owes me a favor, and Naruto needs help with the basics."

She blinked, but nodded nonetheless, "And, Sakura?"

He deflated slightly, "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. I was actually thinking you could oversee her training."

Keiko turned from the window, electing to rest her backside on the window sill. "Hmm, I could, but I think I have a better idea."

"Oh?" He looked at her expectantly.

"You and I both know she would be a natural at Genjutsu. Why not ask Kurenai?"

"Genjutsu is far too advanced to learn in a month." Of course he knew that Sakura would make a good Genjutsu specialist if she put her mind to it. She had the necessary control as well as the intelligence needed to fabricate believable illusions. "Besides, Kurenai has Shino to worry about."

She shrugged as a playful smirk spread across her face, "Well, Sakura caught on to my technique in less than a week. Who knows?" She paused, biting the inside of her cheek before scratching the side of her neck in thought. "I'll talk to Kurenai. I'm sure she would enjoy teaching Genjutsu to the next generation. None of the Genin in her team had quite the knack for it like she had been hoping for." Kurenai certainly had her hands on the most diverse group of Genin. Each of them had such a distinct style to hone. She thought it better to build off of that than teach them something entirely new. Sakura, on the other hand, was like a blank slate.

He nodded, "I'll trust you." Pausing, he turned his body toward her, "You won't be seeing me for a while once Sasuke wakes up."

Keiko smiled up at him, "Of course. I understand."

He fixed her with a serious gaze, his hand gripping her shoulder firmly to convey the gravity of the situation. "You have to promise me, no one can know Sasuke is with me." He paused, pulling his hand away from her slowly and looking to the side, "So, don't worry when Sasuke and I go missing for a while."

Keiko smiled warmly, doing her best to ignore the warm feeling that spread through her chest. She turned her attention to the Anbu scattered around the room and stood straighter. "I suppose we should find someone to clean this up, huh?"

"Probably."

~0~

"What do you mean we can't see him?" Naruto asked the woman at the counter loudly.

The woman looked at the two Genin sympathetically, "I'm sorry, Sasuke isn't allowed any visitors right now. Maybe in a few days."

"A few days?" Sakura gasped, was he really that badly hurt? Sure, he wasn't even allowed to watch the other matches, but he had walked away! How bad was he that they had to keep him locked away for a few days?

"Oh, come on! He's our teammate! If anyone should be able to see him it's us!"

His voice grew louder and more shrill as he didn't bother to hide his irritation. Sakura was about to scold him, but another voice beat her to it.

"Naruto, keep it down. You're in a hospital."

The two Genin turned in surprise and saw Kakashi standing in the hallway, Keiko by his side. The Genin called out to them and ran forward. Sakura stopped in front of Keiko, "Keiko Sensei, they won't let us see Sasuke. And, Lee, is Lee okay? They said we can't see him either." She had seen Keiko leave with the Medical ninja with Lee in tow. She had to know something, right?

At the mention of Lee, Keiko could feel her heart strain. She looked down at the two Genin. Smiling at the worry they showed for their friends, "They will be fine. Lee will be out of commission for a long while though." She played it down for Sakura. Naruto's gaze said he knew she was lying. He had been there to overhear when the Medical ninja had spoken to Guy. Apparently, he didn't have the nerve to tell Sakura either. "As far as Sasuke goes, he's resting. He probably won't wake up for quite some time."

Sakura sighed, worry still embedded within her but it was much more manageable now.

Naruto pointed a finger at Kakashi, "Kakashi Sensei! Boy am I glad to see you, I've got a favor!"

His pink haired teammate heard him and turned, giving him a harsh glare, "Naruto, don't you mean we have a favor?"

Before Naruto could protest Kakashi cut them off, "Hold on, stop right there. I already know what you're going to ask. So, I've been looking for someone to oversee your training for the final rounds."

"Huh?" Both Genin said in unison. Naruto flailed his arms in protest, "Why can't you train us Sensei?"

Sakura was right there with Naruto, "Yeah, you're our Sensei, what's the big deal?"

Kakashi looked off to the side, "I have other matters to attend to. I don't have time to deal with you two right now." Not only was the look of dejection on their faces a hint that he had spoken wrong, he had Keiko reaching around and pinching the back side of his arm. The sharp pain made him bolt upright but it was so sudtle his students didn't notice. He shot Keiko a warning glare but she only smiled up at him, her eyes glinting menacingly.

Naruto suddenly gasped and for a moment the two Jonin thought he had noticed their silent argument. He pointed at Kakashi, "You're going to train Sasuke, aren't you?!"

Guess he didn't notice. "Now now, don't complain, I've found you both wonderful teachers." Kakashi nodded to Keiko.

Knowing her que, Keiko motioned Sakura to follow her and the two began to walk away. "Naruto," Keiko said as she left, "Do try to behave for him, alright?" Keiko had to chuckle when she heard Naruto shouting in protest. How he would either have Kakashi train him, or no one at all. Even though his abilities had improved, he was still only just a kid.

"Keiko Sensei."

Keiko looked down to her side at the sound of Sakura's timid voice. "Yes?"

She stopped walking, "I don't understand, Sasuke isn't even allowed to have visitors right now. Yet, Kakashi Sensei is going to start training him? There's no way Sasuke is gonna be well enough to fight by then!" Her voice grew more agitated with each sentence, "Not to mention, if Kakashi Sensei isn't going to train me, wouldn't you train me instead?"

A firm yet gentle hand rested itself upon her head, a warm smile flashing in her direction. "Sakura, have more faith in Sasuke. As far as your training goes, there's someone that you'll learn even more from than me."

Sakura blinked, "But, I'm only just learning your technique! There's still so much I can learn from you!"

"Yes," Keiko sighed, resting her hand at her side, "there is. But you must understand, Sakura. That technique will only get you so far. It will take you far longer than you think to be able to use it in combat the way my father and I do." She paused, seeing how Sakura's lips pursed at the information. "Think about it, using it once was enough to have you collapse. Keep practicing, keep improving your skills. The person who will train you will help improve those skills even more."

Sakura sighed, "I guess you're right." She watched her Sensei nod and continue on down the hall, Sakura walking closely behind. The Genin couldn't help but stare at Keiko and feel a bit envious. Keiko was everything she wanted to be as a ninja, strong, confident, beautiful, compassionate. It was no wonder Kakashi Sensei had a thing for her. Her hair was as black as ink and looked as smooth as silk. Not to mention the complexion of her skin was flawless. Even the way she walked exuded confidence. Past all of that, Keiko was one of the most caring and understanding people she knew. The amount of patience she had shown to Naruto and even other students at the academy was astonishing. Not to mention, there were times she wondered how she could put up with Kakashi.

"Hello, Sakura."

The Genin blinked, noticing the familiar face standing in front of her. Sakura felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She didn't even notice that they had exited the hospital and into the streets! "Oh! Hi!" She looked up into the red eyes of Kurenai and for a moment Sakura had to take a double take. At a glance, it looked like she could have the Sharingan! "You're Kurenai. Hinata, Kiba and Shino's Sensei, right?"

"And now yours as well." Keiko added with a smile.

Kurenai chuckled at Sakura's surprised expression and answered her unspoken question. "Keiko told me you were in need of a mentor for the finals. Not only that, they mentioned you were a Genjutsu type." As she spoke, she had to agree with Keiko. From the fight she had witnessed with Ino, Sakura's chakra control was immaculate. The thought of training someone to harness their Genjutsu abilities was certainly a nice one. "I can train you along side my own team. Hinata is recovering so there's an opening for you." She had just come from checking on the young Hyuga. The damage Neji had inflicted would take weeks to heal, but she would recover.

Sakura blinked, "Genjutsu?" Her face then soured slightly, remembering Shino and his bugs. She would have to train... with Shino... and his bugs.

She would rather suffer from the mutilating scars on her hands, thank you.

Kurenai nodded, "Not many ninja are skilled enough to focus their training on Genjutsu. The fact that both Kakashi and Keiko recommended you for it is astonishing on it's own. It takes someone with a strong will and discipline to master the art. To understand the body as well as the chakra flowing through it in order to create detailed illusions. It takes a special mind."

"You really think I can do it?" Sakura asked, looking up at Keiko.

"Sakura," Keiko began softly, a warm smile shining brightly, "of course I do. But, you need to be the one to believe you can do it."

Sakura looked away and to the side, feeling her own cheeks redden.

Kurenai watched Sakura and smirked, sharing a quick glance with Keiko. "I'll give you tomorrow to rest. After that, you'll meet my team to begin your training." As Sakura nodded in agreement Kurenai had to wonder if Sakura really would catch on as quickly as Keiko said she would.

Again, so sorry to everyone looking forward to the other fights. I tried. Also, Sakura gonna learn some Genjutsu! Like she should have in the first place!

I do have something exciting to share! I got a deviant art account! I'm new to the site, so my profile isn't that impressive. But I drew Keiko, and I am honestly SO HAPPY with how she turned out. It would be really appreciated if you could stop by and take a look! My Username on there is TheGingerThatCould

ht-tps:/-www.-deviantart.-com-/-thegingerthatcould

Link above, just delete the dashes(-). Please no hate, I love to draw and was really inspired. I want to draw her more in the future and am planning on getting a tablet here soon. I can't wait to redo my drawings digitally with color. I'm so excited (*-*)

As always, Favorite, Follow, and Review!

Posted - 8/29/2021