Chapter Four- Everyday Brings New Growth: A Friendship And Mission Begin!

The next few days were spent in a dark forest area with a large rock in the center. It was dark; Keikos eyesight was constantly being tested. There were many places in Konoha similar to her training spot, but hers was the most secluded. A general day was full of a constant stream of physical attacks on the rock. Keikos ninjutsu was amazing, but Tai-Jutsu was horrifyingly weak. As she leapt at the rock, she angled wrong and her arm let out a piercing crack. It wasnt broken, but it hurt. Balki, watching form the shadows as always, simply said, Pain is temporary. Pride is forever. Keiko flew at the rock with renewed energy.
*******
Keiko! Keiko! someone was calling her name down the street. Keiko stood stiffly erect for a moment before breaking into a sprint. Wait! she continued running. Balki, nestled safely in her beige backpack, woke and peeked out. Keiko heard the person behind her mutter something and then the explosion of a spell. Keiko turned a corner, still running, pushing chakra into her legs to keep her speed up as she began to grow tired. Buildings and streets blurred as the hunted lost herself in the village. She smiled, allowing herself to believe the pursuer had fallen behind. One more corner and WHAM! She fell to ground and heard a chorus of shouting as she drowned in a rush of orange and blur.
Keiko thrust upward, kunai in hand. She stabbed and kicked, fighting for breath, each figure disappearing in a cloud of smoke. Finally two remained. Summoning her last reserves of strength, Keiko stumbled on one, causing it to disappear-leaving only one Naruto to deal with. Covered in cuts, Keiko slumped to the ground, completely exhausted.
What do you want, Naruto? she asked, her exhaustion not impeding on her ability to sound as much contempt into her voice as possible. She looked up and noticed Naruto was breathing almost as heavily as she was.
Finally caught you, didnt I? Ive never ran so much in my entire life, believe it! he paused at the look on her face, What?
Is there a point to this story, or can I go home?
Kakashi-sensei says you have to do a mission with us. Were going on a B-Rank!
I dont think so. In case you didnt notice, Ive had my sorry butt beaten on every mission Ive done so far. Itll be worse with Kakashi. Keiko spat.
Whats your problem? Naruto shouted.
My problem is that irritating blond ninjas like following me around! Keiko said, standing up with clinched fists.
Its not my fault Kakashi-sensei asked me to deliver the message. He was upset, too, when the Hokage said you had to come. Keiko sighed. She couldnt say no if it was the Hokages orders.
Fine. Whatever. Fill me in.
Well- Naruto broke off as his stomach roared. He laughed, How about I tell you over some ramen? Im starving and I never got to thank you for untying me. Keiko growled, but was too tired to continue arguing. She nodded briskly, picked up Balki and her bag, and followed Naruto towards the setting sun.
*******
Keiko woke up early the next morning with a heavy heart. She dressed slowly and half-heartedly woke Balki up. He was dreaming and she got a sift kick in the face for her troubles. Bleeding, she ran out of the door, just as the sun brought the first rays of light to sleepy Konoha. Keiko and Balki made it to the gate, just as Naruto and Sakuras argument, whatever it was, erupted. As soon as the pair came into sight, Sakuras mouth snapped shut and she ran to stand next to Sasuke, who simply raised an eyebrow in her general direction. Naruto smiled at her, but Keiko rolled her eyes, now in too bad a mood to be bothered with him.
They stood like this, no one speaking, all wondering where the adult was, until the sun was shining and Konoha was bustling with activity. Finally, a voice came from above the gate, Sorry Im late, children. I got lost on the road of life.
Thats a lie! Naruto and Sakura shouted. Keiko narrowed her black eyes and turned her back on the skilled Jonin.
What Keiko? the older man said, jumping up only to land in front of her, No good morning?
Hes provoking me. I wont do it. I wont take his bait. Keiko thought. She didnt- Balki did. The small white wolf flew at Kakashi, teeth barred, ready to fight. Kakashi didnt even blink, his arm flew at the puppy, sending him flying with a shock of pain in Keikos head. Screaming, Keiko fell to her knees, hands on her head. Her eyes pulsed from black to red and back again. Naruto ran to her side. Keiko, whats wrong? Whats happening? she shoved him away, concentrating on eliminating the pain from her body.
Get up! Kakashi snapped, roughly pulling her to her feet. Keiko cried aloud, ashamed of her weakness. She found herself looking straight into Kakashis Sharigan eye. She stared at it, and felt the pain receding. She gasped as Kakashi dropped her to the ground. She stood up, dusting herself, and noticed that everyone was staring at her: Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and an old man in a straw hat she didnt recognize. The old man looked up at Kakashi and said dryly, Can we get a move on? I havent got all year!
Hey! Naruto said, Well get you there when we darn well want to! The old man was tall, wearing a tall, pointed hat. His grey clothing was travel worn and tied in the middle with a rope. He looked at Naruto through semi-circle glass lenses.
You know what kid? I dont like you.
Yeah, well same here, old man!
Thats enough! Kakashi broke in, Its time we get moving. Ill lead. Sakura, Sasuke, Naruto- protect the bridge builder. Keiko-stay in the back. Keiko growled, but fell into her place. While Kakashi gave more instructions, she began a process of drawing chakra to her hands. Then she placed them on Balkis flank. Closing her eyes, she told the chakra what it needed to do. When she opened her eyes, Balki stood in his true form, a skinny, full grown white wolf.
Whoa! Howd you do that? Keiko started as Naruto announced hed been looking over her shoulder the entire time.
Keiko, Naruto- back in line! Kakashi snapped, And dont use any more jutsu on this mission, Keiko!
But how will I- Keiko protested.
No questions! Kakashi shouted. Balki gave her a look, and she turned back to the end of the line. A tension was sensed by the whole group and all was quite for a while. Suddenly Naruto burst from formation and ran ahead. He turned, grinning, and said:
This is the farthest away from the village Ive ever been, believe it! Keiko turned her head once, towards the direction of the Forest of Death. Then she and Balki followed on, I will finish this Kakashi. And there is nothing you can do to stop me. I must become a shinobi, no matter what the cost.