Chapter 39

It was the same door. The same hall. That same chipped paint on the frame. Everything was the same as it had always been, since the first time she had stepped foot in front of that door over a decade ago.

She knew the reason she felt as she did. That hollow emptiness as she looked upon the door to the Hokage's office. For years, it had been the same face that greeted her, and now it would be another. Keiko took a breath and knocked, entering when she heard the call.

Tsunade looked up from the mountains of papers surrounding her and sighed, "You're here, good." She haphazardly pushed the papers to the side and folded her hands in front of her. The Sannin took a moment to look Keiko over as the Jonin approached. Her choice in clothing was certainly inspired by the Land of her birth. Tsunade had to wonder how she felt about her birthplace after all this time. "It's tradition for a new Hokage to assign missions in order to familiarize themselves with their Shinobi." Her eyes scanned the mountain of papers and scrolls that threatened to bury her desk, "As you know, the Third passed unexpectedly. Usually the transition is a little more… smooth, then this has been."

Keiko nodded in understanding, a small but bittersweet smile gracing her features. She could only imagine the amount of stress Tsunade must have been under. To suddenly take over as Hokage when she had so adamantly refused. According to Naruto, they were lucky to have her even consider it.

The Hokage lifted a manila folder up into the air before it fell onto the desk with a crisp slap. "Because of the mess left over from Orochimaru I have had to forgo that tradition. I've met with most of the Jonin and a handful of Chunin. You and Kakashi are some of the only Jonin I have yet to officially meet. And, I can say openly I was very curious to meet you in particular." She had of course met them when she woke them from their comas, but she didn't consider that as an official meeting.

The Jonin blinked in surprise. She suddenly thought that maybe she should have dragged Kakashi out of bed with her. But he wasn't due for his assignment until later that day and she wanted to give Kakashi as much rest as she could. Surely Tsunade was curious to meet Kakashi, his reputation spoke for itself. What could Tsunade be so curious about her for? Keiko's own reputation was only as large as it was by association with Guy and Kakashi. At least, that's what she told herself. "Me, Lady Hokage?"

Tsunade flipped open the folder, revealing it to be Keiko's records. Keiko thought it looked awfully thick to be hers. "Yes. I had heard about you before, but was surprised to find that you had climbed far into the Shinobi Ranks. Knowing the Village Elders it was shocking to find that you were allowed the rank of Jonin, or even Chunin for that matter. But, it seems the old man had nothing but praise for you." Her eyes skimmed the notes as she flipped through the papers before lifting her gaze. Keiko's eyes were unfocused as if lost in a pleasant memory, a soft smile had begun to tug at her lips. "You worked closely with both Guy and Kakashi, two of the village's most renowned ninja. I'm sure you understand that my expectations for you are high."

Keiko gave a small bow of her head, "Of course."

"But, that's not what makes me curious."

Keiko paused and gave her new Hokage a quizzical look.

Tsunade leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms, "How long have you been in the village?"

As Keiko prepared to answer, her smile faltered slightly. The look in Tsunade's eyes sent a familiar cold feeling working its way through her gut. "Just about thirteen years."

"And your feelings regarding the Land of Iron?" Tsunade watched Keiko closely, gauging the woman's response.

Keiko looked out the window in thought. "It's a part of me, and I'm proud of my heritage. The Land of Iron will always hold a special place in my heart." She smiled openly then, "But, I call this village home. Everything I am today is thanks to the Hidden Leaf Village, because of that I can assure you that my loyalty is and always will be with Konoha."

Silence fell over the room for a moment. Tsunade's once calculating gaze softened and a chuckle shook her shoulders. "Glad to hear it. You're certainly not what I expected."

Her smile didn't falter, "I hope to exceed any expectations you may have."

Tsunade smirked, "We'll see about that." The Hokage reached for the mission file and handed it off to Keiko before going over the details.

~0~

Sakura tried to get them to stop, but all her pleas fell on deaf ears. Why was Sasuke acting this way? Since he had woken up, Sasuke had been more irritable than usual and now he was so insistent on fighting Naruto!

To her dismay, Naruto didn't even try talking Sasuke out of it! They both went to the roof of the hospital and had started fighting. Since he had woken up, Sasuke had been quiet and brooding as usual. Something had seemed off, but she didn't think it was anything so serious. This was ridiculous!

They weren't just sparing, they were trying to hurt one another for real! Even from the sidelines she could feel the killing intent Sasuke was feeling and she instantly knew that she had to stop this!

She wasn't that same girl anymore. She wasn't going to sit by and do nothing! There had to be something she could do to knock some sense into them!

With a shout, she rushed forward. The sound of Sasuke's Chidori chirping in her ears as her feet moved. With the training she had been put through with Kurenai and her team, she was faster than she had been before. Sakura ignored the shocked gasp from Naruto that cut through the chirping. Her gaze was determined. Focusing her chakra into her hands, she stood between them and closed her eyes tightly. Without her gloves she had to focus harder than usual, but her hands began to glow as she waited for the impact. She wasn't sure she could stop their attacks, but at least they wouldn't hurt each other!

Sakura braced herself, but the blows never came. She opened her eyes to see what was going on and was welcomed by the sight of Naruto and Sasuke being thrown away from her. "Kakashi Sensei!" She stood straighter, the blue chakra around her hands fading to nothing.

Said Sensei watched as his two students were hurled toward two water towers on the roof. He had been on his way to see them before leaving on his own mission when he stumbled upon their fight. The sound of the Chidori was all he needed to know that something was wrong. Not only was he shocked to see Sasuke using the Chidori against Naruto, but Naruto was using a Jutsu that he hadn't seen in years. The Rasengan. When did Naruto learn such an advanced Jutsu?

He stood straighter and gave the boys a disapproving look, "What do you two think you're doing up here? That was a little intense for just a sparring match, wasn't it? What's wrong with you two?" His eyes narrowed and in the blink of an eye, he was sitting on the reservoir he had thrown Sasuke toward. He had trusted Sasuke with one of his most powerful jutsu, one of his own creations. And, here he was, turning it on a team member. "What were you thinking? Were you really going to kill him, Sasuke? You've really got to watch this sense of superiority you have." Their eyes met, and for the first time in a long time Kakashi saw nothing but pure resentment in his students' eyes. "That Chidori, it wasn't the size you aim at a comrade from the Leaf Village. When are you finally going to grow up, Sasuke?"

Silence fell over the rooftop, all eyes on Sasuke. The young Uchiha didn't say a word, only scowling as his gaze shifted from his teacher and then over to Naruto. They all wanted him to say something. Apologize, explain himself, tell them what was going on, but instead Sasuke left.

Sakura still stood there in the center of the roof. Completely devastated at the events that had just happened. This wasn't the Sasuke she knew. Sasuke would never try to kill Naruto like that! She grit her teeth. The familiar feeling of tears stinging her eyes but she blinked them away. She refused to cry, she would not cry. Her hands trembled as she lifted them. She hadn't been able to do anything.

Kakashi watched the pained look on Sakura's face and sympathized with how she must be feeling. He lowered his head and sighed, "Well, so much for teamwork." He looked behind him, and just out of the corner of his eye he could see a familiar head of white hair. "I take it it was you who taught him that technique. You don't think, maybe he's a little young to be handling that jutsu? After all, he could have killed Sasuke. I know you want to protect him from the Akatsuki, but still, to entrust him with a jutsu like that."

Jiraiya scoffed lightly, "Aren't you one to talk. Teaching the Chidori to someone like Sasuke. I knew he was a hot head, but I never imagined he'd be willing to use a jutsu that powerful against a comrade from his own village. Obviously, there's bad blood between them, but where in the world does it come from?"

The Toad Sage's words were not lost on Kakashi, though he was too proud to admit it. "It's nothing we haven't seen before."

"Meaning what?"

"Oh, come on, when you think about it their relationship isn't much different than the one you had with Orochimaru." All Kakashi got in response was a gruff sound of agreement. He looked over to Naruto who was still trying to catch his breath from the Rasengan. It would seem he still wasn't used to the jutsu and had put more into it than he realized. "To Naruto, Sasuke is a comrade and a rival at the same time. In fact, it's the competition between them that keeps him going. That's why he won't stand for it when Sasuke tries to belittle him. He's been dogging Sasuke's steps every inch of the way, since their first days at the academy. As far as Naruto is concerned, what you and I think doesn't matter. There's only one person whose approval he really cares about, Sasuke. On the other hand, it's hard for Sasuke to see Naruto's skills develop at such an astonishing rate. He's come along so fast, Sasuke must feel like he's standing still. Naruto has something powerful driving him on, and so does Sasuke."

"You mean Itachi. His hatred of Itachi may be driving him on too fast."

"Sasuke can't acknowledge Naruto's abilities. He's afraid that if he does acknowledge them, he somehow diminishes his own." Kakashi sighed deeply, "It can be hard work maintaining a rivalry."

"Well, it's not a very healthy rivalry. It's time I give somebody a talking to." He had a lot to talk about with a certain blonde haired kid.

Kakashi stood, "Right, I'll leave Naruto to you, then. Well, I have a mission, and then there's that Chidori business." He had to have a talk with his student. If he didn't there would be too much weight on his mind. If he left things as they were, then who knows what would happen. But first…

Sakura gasped when her Sensei suddenly landed in front of her, his eye creased in a smile. "You did well, Sakura. But, don't you worry, we'll soon have them back to their old selves again." He looked down and noticed that she was coddling her hand, a little blood trickling down. "Cheer up and go get that taken care of. I'll see you soon."

~0~

Of course, Sakura had to get in the way. This had nothing to do with her and yet she threw herself in between them like she could make a difference in the outcome of the fight. She was lucky that Kakashi had been there to stop them or he was sure Sakura would be dead.

He leaned his head back against the tree, his eyes narrowing. What had Sakura done to make her hands glow like that? He remembered Naruto talking about something vaguely but he didn't pay much attention to it. Of course, not only did he have Naruto catching up to him, Sakura was improving as well. She had always flown under the radar for him. Now he didn't even know how far she had improved. Sasuke grit his teeth, if only her and Kakashi hadn't gotten in the way then he could have proven just how strong he was. He couldn't let Naruto best him. Not now, not ever!

A sudden shuriken flew past him and before he had time to move he was fastened to the tree he was sitting against. "What's this all about?"

Kakashi stood in front of his student, holding the end of the wire between his fingers. "Sorry, but I knew you wouldn't want to sit still for a lecture. So, I figured I had to pin you down." Sasuke's scowl did not faze him, "Let it go, forget about revenge."

"What?"

"Believe me, in this work, I've met a lot of guys who feel the way you do. Trust me, for those who follow the path of revenge, it never ends well. You'll only tear yourself apart, and even if you succeed and you get your revenge, what will you have then? Nothing. Emptiness."

"Shut up! What makes you think you know anything about it?" Sasuke shot venomously, "Why would you even care anyway? You're just here because of Keiko, aren't you? Well you both can stay out of it, you guys have no idea!"

Kakashi's sigh was microscopic, "Easy, just try to calm down."

"Maybe if I was to kill the most important people in your life, anyone who ever meant anything to you then maybe I would listen to you. Because, maybe then you'd have some Idea how I feel!" There was a moment of silence and Sasuke seemed to think he had his Sensei beat.

"Hm, it's an interesting theory, but I'm afraid you're a little late to put it to the test." He gave his student one of his famous eye smiles, "Everyone you're talking about has already been killed."

The anger and defiance on Sasuke's face vanished, replaced by genuine shock. He had not expected that. Before Kakashi could continue he leaned forward, fighting against the wires that restrained him. His voice held less of an edge to it now, "Don't give me that, Naruto told us about you and Keiko."

He nodded. So, Naruto did blab to the others, he couldn't say he was surprised. "I've been around longer than you have, Sasuke. I've seen my share of troubles. You're not the only one who knows what it's like to lose somebody. So, it looks like neither of us has led a charmed life exactly, have we? Still, we're not all that bad off." He smiled, "We've both been lucky enough to find new comrades and friends to help fill the void."

Words could not express how lucky he felt to have Keiko in his life. Not to mention Guy, Asuma, Kurenai and all the other's who have been by his side over the years. Most recently, his students, and he would be damned if he wasn't here for them now. He didn't need Keiko to be there for Sasuke at a time like this.

Kakashi let the wire go slack and Sasuke didn't try to fight. "Anyway, I do know how you feel. With the Chidori, you've been granted a gift of awesome power. It's not a power to be used against your comrades, or to seek vengeance. I think, in your heart of hearts, you know what it's for. Okay, end of lecture. You decide whether what I'm saying hits the mark or not."

With that being said, Kakashi left Sasuke sitting on that tree. His mission would only take a little more than two days. When he came back he would have to see how well his lecture sank in.

~0~

A soft tune played in the air as Keiko hummed a familiar tune. Her mission took longer than she expected it to, but she was glad to be back in Konoha. The village gates were just up ahead and she couldn't wait to see Kakashi and his students again. The morning she left he had tried to get her to stay in bed to the point it nearly made her late. 'Just another five minutes,' he had said lazily. The memory only served to make her smile. She never thought that she could feel this excited to see another person. If she remembered correctly he should be back by now so they hopefully had a day or two to spend a little time together and unwind.

Making her way through the village, everything seemed as it should have. There was still the faint sound of construction every now and again. Villagers still scurried around the village doing their daily duties and living their lives.

It wasn't long before she heard a familiar voice, "Keiko."

She paused, turning to see the Toad Sage towering over her. Any other time, Keiko would expect for him to begin making a flirtatious remark but there was no mischief in his eyes. That lack of mirth instantly had her on edge but she smiled effortlessly, "Jiraiya, long time no see."

He nodded and took a few steps closer before falling in step with her. "Right, it's been a while. Last I saw ya, you were unconscious."

She chuckled, "Yes, I imagine I was. Then you and Naruto had to go bring back Lady Tsunade for us."

The older man's eyes shifted sideways toward her. "You just got back to the village I see. So, you haven't heard."

Keiko could feel goosebumps on the back of her neck, "Heard what exactly?"

There was an uneasy silence in the air, filled with tension.

Finally, Jiraiya spoke, "Sasuke defected. He's in Orochimaru's hands now." It wasn't until he took a few steps forward that he noticed Keiko had halted. He turned back to see her standing there, stiff as a post and sickly pale.

"He what?" She breathed quickly, her hands forming into fists at her side.

"You heard me." he said matter of factly, "Naruto and a bunch of Genin were sent after him, but it was no use." He sighed, "Those kids certainly are lucky Tsunade's in the village."

Her eyes widened and she took a step forward, "You mean they were injured? How badly?!"

Jiraiya had to take a step back in surprise, but he couldn't help the ghost of a smile creeping into his features. "Whoa, hold your horses, they're all alive. Naruto's fine, as for the others they each got a good beating, some worse than others."

Keiko sighed heavily, her hand reaching to cover her face. She muttered a small thanks to whatever God saw fit to allow them to return with their lives. "Thank you."

He didn't get much more room to talk before she disappeared, rushing off to wherever it was she was heading. Jiraiya sighed, he should have expected that kind of response from her. Guess he would have to offer his own congratulations for another time.

Keiko moved swiftly over rooftops until she was finally at Hokage Tower, where she wasted no time in making her way to Lady Tsunade's office. In no mood to knock, she pushed the door open abruptly, startling Shizune who dropped the books she had been carrying. Tsunade herself was seated at her desk and sighed, "Welcome back, Keiko. I trust your mission was a success."

"Of course, Lady Hokage." Keiko answered, stepping further into the room until she was in front of the desk. "Forgive my sudden intrusion but I have to ask if what I heard is true."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed, her head lifting from her palm, "What did you hear?"

"That Sasuke defected from the village."

Tsunade and Shizune shared a look and Tsunade wished she had more sake than what was available. The recovery mission had been a disaster to say the least, but at least all the Genin had returned alive. "It's true." Keiko's small gasp wasn't lost on her, but she continued, "Sasuke left of his own free will. With what little resources we have available to us and the lack of manpower, I sent Shikamaru Nara on a recovery mission with whatever Genin he could gather. They failed, but they're all alive."

Keiko slowly lowered her gaze, "I see." She wasn't sure how to feel. Sasuke, leaving on his own? Willingly? Out of all the things she thought could happen that was so far down the list she hadn't even considered it. He was so hellbent on revenge that he would throw away his life to become more powerful by joining Orochimaru?

Calculating brown eyes studied the Jonin, "How close were you with Sasuke?"

Her eyes didn't raise to meet her Hokage's, "In all honesty, not very close at all. It's more so that I made a promise to a friend. To look after him."

"A friend?" Shizune spoke up, having picked up her fallen books.

"Who's this friend of yours?" Tsunade asked, the curiosity in her voice vaguely making itself known.

Keiko didn't answer for a moment, blankly staring into the void that was the carpet. Finally, she raised her head, forcing a smile, "It doesn't matter, My Lady. He's been dead for years now." She turned and made her way toward the door, "I'll have my report on your desk first thing in the morning." It was late, and now she desperately needed to see someone.

~0~

Keiko knocked on the door lightly and waited before knocking again. When there wasn't an answer, she opened the door slowly, anticipating someone to be standing right on the other side. Instead, she was met with an empty apartment. Keiko entered and closed the door as quietly as she could, taking off her sandals and making her way inside. It looked like no one was home, until she came to the door of the bedroom.

Kakashi stood with his back facing her and Keiko wasn't sure he had even noticed her until he spoke. "You heard?"

She leaned against the door frame, "I did."

Kakashi could only continue to look down at the picture. He had come home and planned on going straight to bed. He had gotten far enough to take his flak jacket and weapons pouches off when he was caught looking at it. How long had he been looking at it? He closed his eyes, "I tried to stop him. I guess it wasn't enough."

From behind him he could hear her take a few stops toward him, "I talked to him too. In retrospect, I'm not sure if there was anything that would have stopped him."

He raised his hand, his fingers lacing into his hair. "I tried." He breathed, defeated. "I should have spoken with him more. Spent more time calming him down. I thought I did enough. For all I know I only helped to fan a flame." When slender arms wrapped around his waist and a warm body pressed against him, he wasn't expecting it. His hand left his hair and his head snapped to the side, only able to catch a glimpse of her raven hair. "Keiko..."

Keiko rested her head against his back, her fingers interlocking in front of him. "Kakashi. It's not your fault." She felt his hand rest on her own after a moment and she could feel his stiff muscles beginning to relax. "To tell you the truth, the same thoughts went through my mind too. All those what if scenarios."

Silence blanketed them for a moment and Kakashi finally spoke, "I thought I would be able to keep the team together this time."

Keiko blinked, 'This time?' She peaked over his shoulder and saw the photo he was looking at, her gaze softening. "It's your old team, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Sasuke said he could kill everyone I care about, but they're all already dead. I thought, maybe this time I could stop that."

She forced a soft laugh, "Don't care about me, huh?"

Kakashi turned around to face her, the look in his eye clearly saying that the joke wasn't appreciated. "Of course, I do." His hand rested on her cheek and he realized how thankful he was that she was there with him.

"I know." She said in a soft apology, bringing her hands up to link behind his neck, forcing his forehead to rest against her own. Their headbands made a small clink upon contact. "Sasuke's not dead."

"For now." Kakashi quickly stated, wrapping his arms around her waist to draw her closer to him.

She nodded, "So, that means it's not like your old team. We can get him back, eventually."

"Naruto's already sworn that he will drag Sasuke back by his hair if he has to."

"And we'll be there to help, won't we?"

Kakashi sighed and gave a mumble of agreement, drawing comfort from her presence. Though she was trying to reassure him he could feel that it was just as much for her as it was for him. There was so much going on, but he didn't want to think about any of it. Not right now anyway. He needed to relax, and he could think of a few ways. But before any of that, he needed to sleep. He leaned away from her, his hands still planted firmly on her waist, "Sticking around?"

"I suppose I could for a few hours." Keiko smiled, watching him pull down his mask. She wasn't sure if she would ever get used to such a reveal.

He gripped her chin gently and leaned down, "Just enough time to get a nap in."

Sorry for the late update, I have been in the middle of moving the last few weeks and got a little writers block (Hence the Castlevania Fic). So, if this chapter is a little lackluster, I apologize. The remaining of this story will be mostly all original content. I have my story arc to write and I'm excited for it! The upcoming arc is the idea that made this story possible and the reason I've been slaving away on this.

Thank you so much to all my reviewers! Not to mention we're over 200 Follows and 150 favorites! How freaking awesome is that?!

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Posted - 11/29/2021