Chapter 32

A pink head of hair turned as Keiko entered the Dango shop and she could clearly make out the Genin shout, "Keiko Sensei! There you are!"

Keiko laughed and walked closer to the table Sakura was seated at. Sitting across from Sakura was Kurenai who nodded in greeting with a soft smile as her friend sat across from her. Keiko sighed lightly as she sat, "I didn't think I was going to be running so far behind, I'm sorry." In truth, now that there was only a little less than a week until the finals her work load seemed to have doubled. There was continuous correspondents between Konoha and the other Villages who would be participating. Even though only three villages had Genin in the finals, most still sent at least a few officials to oversee. And, since Orochimaru's introduction into this mess and the untimely death of Hayate, there was an arduous process of clearing each and every visitor. It was all to ensure the safety of the village and maintain the peace but Keiko and several others found themselves stretched thin. Today was the first time in a few days that she had more than a few hours to herself.

The apology had Sakura smirking and waving her hand dismissively, "Oh, it's nothing. At least you're not as late as Kakashi Sensei would've been." Keiko was only late by about fifteen minutes. Much better compared to her Sensei's few hours. She didn't know how any high ranking ninja got away with that level of tardiness.

"Maybe Kakashi's habitual tardiness is finally rubbing off on you?" Kurenai asked, her sly smile hiding behind the cup she held in her hand. Keiko and Kakashi huad been around each other long enough, it was about time for her to start emulating him in some way, right? After all, there was a short period of time when Keiko would offer a very similar thumbs up that Guy did. Once she had realized she was unconsciously copying the gesture, she adamantly refused to do it. That had been at least a few years ago now. Oh, how time flies.

Keiko paused and fixed Kurenai with a bright smile, "If that's the case then have you taken up smoking?" She wasn't oblivious to how Asuma and Kurenai teased her and Kakashi for being around one another so often. If they wanted to tease them then she could certainly tease back. The look on Kurenai's face clearly said that she was not impressed.

The Genin among them looked between her two teachers, "Are you talking about Asuma Sensei?"

Keiko leaned her elbows on the table, resting her chin on the back of her hand and grinned at Kurenai as she answered Sakura. "Very perceptive." Keiko complimented.

Sakura shrugged, "Not really. It's no secret that he smokes. And I've heard from Kiba and Ino that Kurenai and Asuma Sensei try to spend time together when they can." She continued, a little quieter, "A suspicious amount..."

"Oh." The sly smile that was on Kurenai's face was gone and was now tugging at Keiko's lips as she spoke, "Is that so?"

Sakura took notice of the uncomfortable expression on Kurenai's face as well as the growing color and shifted in her seat, "I'm sorry, Kurenai Sensei. Was it supposed to be a secret?" It couldn't be a secret based on how Kiba and Ino talked about it. The only other person who would comment on it was Shikamaru and all he had to say was that it was none of his business and how relationships were a drag. She would be shocked if he ever got married with that attitude.

It was Keiko's turn to wave her hand dismissively, "Oh, don't worry, Sakura. I mean, if both of their teams noticed then it must have been pretty obvious, right?" With everyone recently saying how obvious her and Kakashi had been, it was nice to not be the only ones so obvious.

Kurenai closed her eyes and placed her cup on the table. Her face growing a little more flush, "Alright, I get it."

She could have gone on but decided against it. Instead, Keiko turned her attention over to Sakura, "You mentioned Ino, are you two talking again?"

Sakura blinked, "Oh, yeah. I went to the flower shop to get some flowers for Sasuke and Lee. We talked and I guess you can say she has a bitter kind of respect for me beating her." Sakura rubbed the back of her head and she could still vividly hear what Ino had said to her,

"You might have beaten me in battle but I won't let you beat me in the battle of love. Sasuke is mine!"

She huffed, growing a little irritated at the thought. She wasn't going to pine over Sasuke like a lovesick puppy anymore. Her eyes drifted to the smiling face of Keiko and her resolve only grew. Keiko never did that to Kakashi. She was strong and always by his side. So, she would do the same. Sasuke deserved someone to always be there for him, no matter what. In time, she prayed that Sasuke would return her feelings by noticing her. That's why she had to get stronger, so she can protect him. Not just Sasuke, but Naruto too. It wasn't fair for them to always protect her. Their clash with the Sound Ninja during the second exam proved to her she could do it. Now she just had to reach their level.

Keiko nodded, "I see. It's nice to hear that you and Ino are talking again. What about the rest of Team Eight? I've heard you're getting along with them nicely."

Sakura smiled as the thought, "Yeah, Shino and Kiba actually remind me a bit of Sasuke and Naruto. So it hasn't been too bad. Shino's bugs make it especially hard to fool him, basically impossible."

"That didn't stop you from fooling Kiba's nose" Kurenai said matter of fact, her blush now under control.

Sakura scratched the back of her head. "Yeah, I didn't think I was going to get him to be honest." She could still remember the look on his face when she had fooled him. If she were honest, she was going to cherish that memory for a long time to come. Just at the memory she could feel her internal self gloat over the accomplishment.

"It just shows how far you've come. Perhaps it's time for you to show Keiko just how much you have learned." Kurenai gave the girl a wink, knowing that Sakura had a thing or two to show.

Sakura gasped, eyes shining with a new determination, "Yes!" She stood and turned to Keiko, "Let's go! We can spar and I can show you just how much Kurenai Sensei has taught me!"

The woman in questioned gave a short laugh and stood, "Guess we didn't spend much time here. Let's go. I'm curious about your progress."

Kurenai smiled to herself and stood as well. The three women made their way to a nearby training area and Keiko and Sakura took their spots. Sakura pulled one of her gloves on, leaving her other hand bare. She was determined to display just how much she had learned. She had to prove that she was a valued member of her own team. That what happened in the forest of death wasn't just a fluke. She could do this.

Keiko smirked at the sheer determination in Sakura's eyes as she lowered into her fighting stance. She thought back to the last time she had spared with Sakura and it had been nearly a month ago now. Just how much Sakura could improve in a month remained to be seen but there was an excited flutter in her stomach as she hoped for the best. She wanted Sakura to have just as good a chance in the finals as Naruto and Sasuke and now was the time to see if it had all paid off.

There was silence for a moment as the gentle breeze brushed past them. A bird flew by and as if the bird had called for the start, both kunoichi rushed toward one another at the sound of it's song. Kurenai watched as the two met, Keiko easily catching each punch that Sakura threw her way. She moved with a grace that only came from years out in the field. It was experience that Sakura couldn't hope to have, not now at least. It was obvious that Keiko was gauging her punches and attacks to properly test her growth.

So far, Sakura was certainly more confident in her movements, and more precise. The level of improvement in her taijutsu was certainly noteworthy and Keiko had to wonder how she would stand against Sasuke now. Sasuke would still certainly win but recently Sakura had worked hard to close the gap by a significant margin. Perhaps now Sasuke would get a good warm up out of Sakura if they were to fight.

After a minute of blocking and dodging her attacks, Keiko was beginning to wonder when Sakura was going to do something different. Sakura left herself open for a moment and Keiko took her chance, landing a blow just below the young girl's ribs. Sakura's body lurched forward as she was thrown back from the force, tumbling over herself.

There was a pause in the action as Keiko stood straighter, giving Sakura a moment to catch her breath. Keiko sighed, a soft smile playing on her lips as she absent mindedly brushed a few strands of hair from her face. Sakura had done well, but it was time for Keiko to kick it up a notch.

Or at least, she tried.

When Keiko moved to take a step forward she found her foot had been anchored in place. Her eyes widened in surprise as she caught herself about to fall forward. Blue eyes darted down to her foot and saw that the earth itself seemed to wrap itself around her foot and ankle.

Sakura stood straighter, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and chuckled, "Got you." The Genin swiftly took out a Kunai and charged forward with the knife raised and ready to attack.

Keiko took out her own Kunai to match her student. So, immobilize and then take down, very effective. The clang of metal on metal rang. Sakura swiftly moving to try and reach around Keiko's defenses. Even though the Jonin knew that her foot being trapped was only an illusion, Genjutsu were not so easy. You could not simply break a Genjutsu by knowing you were under one. Your body acted as though the illusion was real until willingly lifted or forcefully broken.

On one particular clash, the two kunoichi held their kunai against one another. The blades straining against each other as one wielder struggled to break through while the other smiled patiently. Keiko could escape the Genjutsu at any time, but how would Sakura handle another opponent in a situation like this?

Sakura grit her teeth and with a grunt of force, knocked the kunai from Keiko's hand. The Genin pulled her arm back to deliver a punch but Keiko easily dodged by leaning away. So she resorted to brute force. That might work against some opponents.

"...Keiko..."

Time seemed to slow. Just as Sakura's fist glided past her face, Keiko froze at the sound of the voice. She resisted the urge to turn and look for the source and instead lowered herself into a squat, allowing Sakura to go right by her. She held up her hand in a seal, 'Release!' She could feel the disruption of her chakra, like a jumpstart to her system.

Sakura quickly turned around and immediately noticed Keiko in a crouched position with her back turned to her. Yes! Now was her chance! She rushed forward again but after a few steps, felt her weight slip out from under her. With a shriek, Sakura found herself fallen onto her back and looking up at the clear blue sky above them, her eyes spinning. What happened? She forced herself into a seated position and noticed the slick sheet of ice that extended out along the ground from where Keiko was not standing. She slipped on ice? In the middle of a summer day on grass? How did Keiko even manage that? She sighed heavily and allowed herself to fall back onto her back yet again, enjoying the feeling of the grass under her.

Kurenai made her way forward, nodding in approval at what she had just seen. With a hand on her hip, she looked down at her newest student, "You did very well, Sakura."

The girl didn't bother to sit up, only smile. "Thank you, Kurenai Sensei."

Keiko crossed her arms and moved to stand near Kurenai, "I agree, very well done. But, I will say one thing," she paused until she had Sakura's full attention, "you can't always expect to use someone they know for a distraction."

As Sakura laughed a little uneasily, Kurenai blinked and tilted her head to the side. Her eyes met Keiko's, "Oh? Who did she try to use?"

Sakura pushed herself into a seated position once again and looked up at the two of them. Her hand scratched the back of her neck, "I thought that Kakashi Sensei's voice might distract you. It's been a few weeks since any of us have seen him." Her face fell, silently wishing to see Sasuke. She chose to believe he was alright. He had to be with Kakashi Sensei after all.

Keiko's hand brushed through her hair to straighten it back out. Her fingers grazing over the pendent on her shoulder as she did so. She had worn it every day since Kakashi had gifted it to her. Her smile grew just a little sad at the thought of Kakashi and she could feel a dull ache in her chest at the thought of him. Keiko had never thought she could miss someone so much and it was only a few days ago that she realized something. Since becoming partners, this was the longest they had gone without seeing one another. He had become such a constant part of her life and to have him be absent left a hollow piece in her life. "It's because I know he is gone that it wasn't a good use of an auditory illusion."

Red eyes studied Keiko, calculating her words. After a brief moment Kurenai crossed her arms and scoffed lightly, "Yeah, right, you just miss him."

Keiko snapped her head toward Kurenai, "Oh, I'm sorry. Who is it that sneaks into another person's apartment after a long mission?"

The obvious jab at Kurenai didn't phase the woman in the slightest. With a graceful hair flip Kurenai remarked, "Still talking about Kakashi?"

Her lips snapped shut, holding back from confirming or denying what Kurenai had said. Yes, it was true that Kakashi would sneak into her apartment unannounced, but she was unaware anyone was aware of that. Had they been watching? If they had been watching, then could they know about what happened the night he gave her the pendent? Instead, she coughed, "Anyway, we're here for Sakura." Her smile turned down toward the Genin, "How do you think you did?"

For a moment, Sakura just looked up blankly at her teacher. But, slowly, a sly smile spread out across her lips. "I think I did great. I'd much rather you two pretend I wasn't here though."

Keiko's smile held firm on her face but internally she groaned. Great, now the rumor mill only had more fuel.

~0~

It was late in the day as Keiko slaved over her desk. For a moment she lifted her gaze to look out the window over the village and took in the gentle breeze blowing in. Only a few more forms and then she would be clear to go home. She twiddled the pen between her fingers, weaving it between her digits effortlessly.

With a heavy sigh, she rested her cheek in her palm and forced herself to continue. Her focus was beginning to wane though and soon everything over the last month was once again plaguing her thoughts. The training for Sakura and Naruto, the pressure of the exams, the uncertainty of what was really between her and Kakashi. Then, there was one thing she had been forcing herself not to think about.

Her hand slid from her cheek across to her shoulder. She could still feel the red hot pain that came when that snake had bitten her. That immense pressure from nothing more than his chakra. It was unnatural.

It wasn't human.

Her grip on her shoulder tightened as her pen stokes came to a halt. She had not admitted it to anyone, but those golden eyes had been haunting her since the second Exam. The safety that the village provided was only so much. If the rumors among the Jonin were true and that Sunagakure was working with Orochimaru, there was no telling how many eyes and ears he had.

'I believe I have what I need of you, for now.'

That familiar sickening chill ran down her spine. She didn't want to think about the implications of that sentence. Orochimaru still had his sights set on Sasuke and it was obvious she was an after thought. Kakashi knew to keep him hidden and away from the village for now. No one knew when he would decide to strike.

A hand waved in front of her face and Keiko bolted upright in her seat, her heart quickening. Kind eyes smiled down at her and a finger scratched that familiar scared nose. Iruka gave a short and awkward laugh, "Sorry, I wasn't expecting you here so late."

Her shoulders slumped and she placed the pen down with a sigh. "I wasn't planning on it but I can't seem to keep my focus." She gave a short laugh and looked back down at the paper, "I only have a few left, I'll be done here in a moment."

Iruka shifted his weight and watched her skeptically. He had known her long enough to know that something was bugging her. Of course, there were rumors running around, but he chose not to believe them. There was a time he would have liked to listen to the latest gossip and believe it. But, since then he had grown very fond of Naruto, a boy who was once the center of that gossip. Look at him now. A proud mentor of that same Naruto, and friend to a Gaijin. Iruka went about his own work and slipped the files he had brought back into place. He couldn't get that sight out of his head. That worried expression when he first entered.

Finally, Keiko smiled and moved all of the forms into a neat pile, "There." She stretched back, feeling that satisfying pull from her stagnant muscles. This chair had been her companion for a little too long that day.

"Keiko," Iruka said, gaining her attention, "everything alright? You've been pretty distracted recently."

She blinked before standing and waving a hand toward him dismissively. "I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be?" She moved to put her own work away. The entire time she could feel Iruka's eyes bore a hole in the back of her head.

"Is it Naruto?"

Keiko paused, just about to close the drawer. She shook her head a little before closing it, "No."

"Then is it the fact that Kakashi just up and vanished along with Sasuke?"

She sighed, turning swiftly toward him and offering a bright smile, "I trust Kakashi to do the right thing, so I'm confident they are both safe."

Iruka crossed his arms, taking a step closer to her. "Keiko." He said firmly, "I've known you since the academy. I can tell when something is bothering you." A heavy tension hung in the air and Iruka sighed heavily, gritting his teeth in a moment of frustration. "I know I don't go on missions anymore. I know I don't see a lot of what happens outside of this village. But, you do." He paused. His hand coming to rest on the side of his face as he massaged his temple, "I can tell, alright? I've seen that smile of yours enough to know when you mean it or not. There were times you came back from a mission and I could tell what happened out there bothered you, but I never pushed anything. I always thought that you would come to me to talk but you never have."

Keiko's smile had faded and she looked off to the side, pondering how to respond to what he had said. "I didn't want you to worry." She said simply.

He scoffed, "Not worry? How can I not?" He faltered, shaking his head, "What I mean is, I know you're strong and you've got people to watch your back but anything can happen. Sometimes, its the aftermath that can be the most devastating..." His gaze was knowing and they both know he was referring to her lapse of alcoholism after the Uchiha massacre. "I only wish you would just talk to someone..." He sighed and closed his eyes.

His eyes opened when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Blue eyes peered into his, "I do talk to someone. I'm sorry I don't talk with you as much as I should. I honestly didn't think it bothered you so much." In truth, those things that bothered her so much were things she didn't want him worrying about. She was an active duty Shinobi who could be called out on a mission at a moments notice. Since reaching the Jonin Rank the missions she had been assigned to were more intense and had higher stakes. There were things she had seen that she would rather not think about or have others think about.

"Who do you talk to then?" Iruka inquired.

She crossed her arms, a soft smile tugging at her lips yet again, "Kakashi." Her eyes clouded in memory. The long nights they would spend lounging on her sofa just talking, venting. It was well needed for both of them and they were memories she looked back on fondly.

Iruka blinked in surprise, "Kakashi...?"

Keiko nodded, "Yes, it's a bit easier to talk about those things with someone who was there or has seen and been in a similar situation."

The Chunin studied her for another moment, could the rumors he heard be true then? Judging by the look on her face he would have to say they were... He opened his mouth to ask a clarifying question but was cut off by a familiar voice, "Ah, and what are you two doing here so late in the day?"

Both of them turned toward the door to see the Hokage walk in. Iruka immediately stood straighter and gave a small bow, "Lord Hokage! I didn't expect to see you here. We were just about to get going."

Hiruzen laughed, holding his ever-present pipe in his hand, "I did not expect you either, Iruka. I was however expecting Keiko to be here." He took a puff of his pipe, allowing the two a moment to exchange glances. "Why don't you head on out Iruka. Keiko will join you shortly."

"Right, of course." Iruka stated and turned back to Keiko. "Meet me at Ichiraku. Eight o'clock. I'll come find you if you're not there."

Keiko only nodded, waving after him as he left. Then, it was only her and the Hokage. "Is everything alright, My Lord?"

Hiruzen took a few steps forward, picking up a stack of papers Keiko had yet to close up. He didn't say anything for several long moments. "This is what kept you so late?"

She nodded, "Yes. There's only a few days left until the finals. I wanted to be sure everything was in order."

He nodded, placing the papers back down, "And your shoulder. Has it healed?"

Keiko was surprised by the question. "Uh, yes. I can't really feel it much anymore."

The Hokage hummed, nodding yet again. There was a few moments before he spoke again, "I believe Orochimaru has taken a passing interest in your Kekkei Genkai."

Her hand absentmindedly moved to her shoulder, "I fail to see why you bring that up now."

"As you know, the Finals are going to be held in only a few days. I don't believe Orochimaru has made a move and based off of everything we know the odds of something happening grow greater with each passing day. We can't afford to let our guard down." He turned to her, his gaze hard as he continued, "From what you and Anko have told me, the attack in the forest was a spur of the moment encounter. When he decides to strike again, there is no telling if you might also be a target."

She nodded, "The thought has crossed my mind. But, I'm sure Sasuke would be his main objective. He placed the curse mark on Sasuke after all, not me."

"This is true." Hiruzen mused, "Even so, you can't let him have the chance. You are not originally from Konoha but you are a part of it now. There are people here who would lay down their life to ensure your safety. I'm sure you have those you would fight for as well." He moved over toward the window overlooking the village and sighed in thought.

Keiko slowly joined him, her mind playing over her life in Konoha. The faces of all of her friends flashed in her minds eye. Yes, she would be willing to die for them if need be, no questions asked.

Hiruzen smiled, catching the sight of a few young boys playing in a street. "This Village has always had a way of inspiring those within its walls to cherish and protect those around them. The bonds formed between Leaf Village Shinobi is unlike anything from another village. From the smallest child to the most elite Shinobi. A true Shinobi of the Leaf treats their comrades as their family, and as Hokage every citizen is my family. That includes you, and your peers feel the same way."

Keiko nodded, his words slowly sinking in. To hear how the Hokage himself felt about his Village was a nice thing to hear. She supposed she agreed with him to a certain extent. Yes, when she first arrived there were many hardships she had to face, but that never stopped her from reaching for her goal. Keiko could always see the light at the end of the tunnel. Everything she had now she had this Village to thank. Even if there were still those what couldn't care less about her, they were a part of the Village she called home.

He chuckled, moving his gaze to the monument. His voice sounding rather sentimental as he spoke, "I can only hope that when the time comes, the next Hokage will share the same sentiment."

"Don't say that." Keiko stated in surprise. She couldn't imagine Hiruzen passing away anytime soon. She didn't even know why he was talking about this with her of all people. Perhaps the resurfacing of his old student had him feeling sentimental?

Seeing the look on her face he laughed, "Yes, I'll still be around for a long while. There's still some fight left in these old bones of mine. Now, why don't you run along, and take tomorrow off. I can find someone else to finish for you."

She stood straighter and bowed, internally breathing a sigh of relief. "Thank you, My Lord."

Keiko moved to the exit but halted when the Hokage shouted over his shoulder, "Would you mind telling Iruka to see me right away in the morning? I'm afraid I'll have a job for him."

She laughed and agreed. As she moved to leave her eyes lingered on that long white robe. He was right, he did have fight left in him. So, what was with this ominous feeling?

Sup everyone? Hope you are all doing well! Next chapter we finally get into the Finals! Also the reunion of Kakashi and Keiko, what will happen? Stay tuned to find out!

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Posted - 9/20/2021