Resonance (Kakashi x OC, Gaara x OC) -- Book 2

Chapter 3: The Reckoning

"SHE DID WHAT!?!" screamed Tsunade. A tree splintered as it snapped in half, Tsunade heaving as she kept her fist clenched. Kakashi backed away slowly, not sure if he should prepare to defend himself. Her eyes were rolling.

"She uh, went to try and work things out with the Kazekage," he said.

"And WHAT precisely made her decide to do that? How did she even find out about this?" She glowered accusingly at Kakashi.

"Like I told you, she was already gone when I got this letter," he replied.

"And what is this about Love Always, Keiko," sneered Tsunade.

Kakashi was saved from answering as Keiko and Gaara descended. Tsunade looked fit to boil until she caught sight of Gaara in her midst. She deflated as she looked to him. "Kazekage-sama, we were not expecting you."

"Keiko came to see me regarding a determination that was made by the council without our consent," he said flatly.

"With...your...?" Tsunade said, surprised.

"That is correct. I knew of the council's discussion on the matter of course, but no one had informed me that any candidates were chosen, and I was not made part of that process," he glared dangerously.

Keiko gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "My apologies Hokage-sama. I went to see Gaara-sama on my own because if there was to be any upset regarding my decision, I wanted it to be clear that it was only my doing and the Leaf was not involved. I told Gaara-sama that I could not fulfill the wishes of the council, because I am pregnant and already taken."

Tsunade's jaw about hit the floor. "Pregnant? I feel sure I would have known," she finished, half to herself. The conflicting news played across her face as she thought. "Are you quite sure? Medical ninjitsu is my specialty. I haven't sensed anything."

"It might be...different in my case," Keiko said hesitantly. She did not want to have the discussion about half demons in front of Kakashi before she had even had a chance to talk to him about it.

"I see," said Tsunade, "Well you realize you have left me in quite a predicament. BOTH counsels are going to be vying to have you thrown in prison for treason in fear of disrupting this delicate peace. On top of that, now we are going to have to find something to appease them."

"I think I can deal with the Sand council," said Gaara, "they did exclude me from the final decision after all. I am not opposed to the idea for peace, but I would like to meet and get to know any potential girls before I agree. The idea of arranged marriage is so archaic."

"I think we should summon the council and have them briefed, if you would be willing to relay your feelings to them directly Kazekage-sama. That should maybe take some of the pressure off Keiko. I can't let my feelings on this matter overrule what's best for the village, but personally part of me is glad," said Tsunade, softening.

They all looked at each other in surprise as she continued, "I know I had to push this, but I was not particularly fond of this decision and they all just assumed she was not seeing anyone. It's the prejudice against Jinchuriki, people often see them as not well loved, even if they didn't mean anything by it. That prejudice has gone on long enough. I think we have seen enough from Uzumaki and you two that the people should be able to figure out that demons aren't made because of a birthright. Look at Orochimaru," said Tsunade.

"I will send out summons for the council. Kazekage-sama, would you join us?" asked Tsunade.

"Of course."

"And Keiko," said Tsunade, "I think you better go spend some time with Kakashi. I'd like you to escort the Kazekage back to the Sand Village tonight after the council meeting. Normally I wouldn't ask someone in your condition, but I know that you can keep both of you safer with your abilities than anyone else I could send."

Keiko and Kakashi looked at her in surprise.

"Kakshi may have been slow on the uptake, but now that I know the rest, it makes sense. Kakashi squad and Guy squad move out as planned tomorrow for Akatsuki recon."