Chapter Three- Grab and Go: Get the Bell!

Feeling alone and unwanted, Keiko walked slowly back into the village with Balki, now puppy-sized again, trotting at her heels. She tried to ignore the muttering around her, the cruel laughter. She tried to ignore the cat-calls and jeers. She tried to hold her head high, but it was hard, knowing just yesterday she hadnt been hated. And then a group of young boys called to her from a roof-top, Hey Monster Girl! both Balki and Keiko stopped, looking up.
We gonna kill you and the demon! We gonna chase you outta town! They began pelting rocks at the pair. Pure instinct grabbed at Keikos throat; she snatched Balki into her arms and ran, rocks hitting her up and down the back until she reached the safety of her apartment, where she slid against the door, breathing heavily.
She looked at her clock and gasped, realizing it was already nine fifty. She didnt really want to be a lone shinobi, but she as going to show Kakashi she could take whatever he threw at her. She grabbed her drawstring bag and showed her notepad and Balki inside. Then, slinging it over her shoulder, she ran for Team 7s meeting place.
Hey, whats she doing here? called a short boy with blond hair and an ugly orange jumpsuit with a clown ruffle around the neck, pointing threateningly at Keiko. It wasnt really his fault, but Keiko was already sick of this treatment. She launched herself at Naruto, throwing needles in her hands, but something grabbed her.
What are you doing, loser? she heard. She whirled about to see the bored expression of a boy with black spiky hair, a blue shirt with a huge collar, and khaki pants. Sasuke and Naruto on the same team? Not good. She tugged her wrists violently out of Sasukes grip. She wasnt obsessed with him like most girls, so there was no love lost between them.
Keiko, dont hurt him! Oh, god. No. No way! Sakura was on this team, too? Keiko feared for Sasukes sanity.
Well, thank you for deciding to finally show up, Keiko. Came Kakashis voice. She ripped herself out of Sasukes grip and glared at the man in the tree. She had never felt such hatred towards a living person in her entire life. It was so strong, even Balki sensed it and began to shy away, I dont even see why you bothered. You wont be passing.
Well see about that! Keiko spat. Balki was looking up, too, hackles raised.
Naruto and Sakura watched in confusion as Keiko and their new sensei fought. Sasuke merely looked bored. Does she know him? Naruto asked Sakura.
How am I suppose to know, Naruto? Sakura asked testily.
Im not going to argue with you any more. I you pass the test, Ill let you continue. If you dont, I wont. End of story. He turned to Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, Hello, group. My name is Kakashi. Depending on whether or not you pass today, I may or may not be your teacher.
Come on! Bring it! I can take anything you throw at me, believe it! Naruto yelled.
Naruto&you are such a loser. Sasuke said.
I seriously doubt that, but todays test is simple enough. I have here two bells. If you get them from me, you pass. He said, pinning them to his waist, And here is yours, Keiko. He pinned this to the other side of his waist. Keiko was now under a tree a few feet away, Balki asleep in the grass beside her. She had taken out her large sketch book and was writing furiously.
Whatever. She said, barely looking up to acknowledge the statement. Kakashi disappeared and the group set off in different directions. Keiko shook her head and continued writing. Balki roused himself and, using a bit of Keikos clean chakra, changed into his true from of a full-grown wolf.
What are you doing? Shouldnt we go after him?
No. Its what he expects. We wait here for him to fail them, which he will do, and the steal the bell.
How are we going to do that? He is an elite ninja and its broad daylight.
What do you think Im doing, moron? Im making a jutsu.
Keiko had mastered chakra control at a very young age. As her mastery grew, her skill increased to the point of being able to create her own jutsu. As it was a long, thought-out process, she couldnt do it on the spur of the moment, but given enough time before a battle, it gave her a definite edge.
In between Sakura searching for Sasuke, Naruto plotting to eat lunch early, and a brief, hear stopping moment (though not for Keiko) where they thought Sasuke had killed Kakashi, Keiko had come up with something she called the shadow wolf jutsu. After figuring out how much chakra was needed and discussing the plan with Balki, she settled down to watch the show.
She spent lunch watching as Kakashi lectured them on teamwork. She had known from the beginning that that was the point of the exercise, but then, she knew Kakashi better than most. She smiled as he berated Sakura for only caring about Sasuke when Naruto was there in front of her. She laughed as he told Sasuke to get off his high-horse.
Then it was time to act. When Kakashi told them they were to be dropped out of the program, all three began to scream, whine, cry, or just sit there. Keiko put her hands into the correct hand positions. It worked: Balki became almost invisible. It failed: Balki was supposed to turn invisible. She then directed her chakra to his feet. The puppy went flying off towards Kakashi and was back with a bell in his mouth before anyone could blink.
Well, said Keiko, a little louder than was necessary, Ive got my bell, so Ill be taking my leave now. Kakashi turned, reaching for where the bell had once been. For a moment, it looked as if he might hit her, but he calmed down and replied:
Very well, I have more important matters to deal with. You three! I have decided to give you all a second chance. After lunch, you may try and get the bells again. This time, I suggest you work as a team. And one more thing: Naruto cant have lunch. Whhhaaa-?? Naruto said.
Keiko decided to stay and watch. Kakashi had never passes any team before, but he might just to spite her. Indeed, he did, yet again proving teamwork was important. As the triumphant preteens left, a frustrated Naruto was left behind. Without saying a word, Keiko threw two kunai, severing the ropes binding him. By the time he looked back to see who it was, Keiko was already deep in the forest, leaping from tree to tree on her way home.