"Ka-ka-shi~"

A shiver went up his spine at the soft voice. Where did it come from?

"What a surprise to come across you here~"

There! That scent- he could never have mistaken it. Except for the harsh tang of iron that lay like a thick coat over the unmistakeable scent. Why did it have to be there?

"Such a... coincidence, don't you think~"

The lilt of scorn in the voice was almost tangible. Hate. Anger close to boiling over. A wound under a tight bandage, never healing. What had lead them to this?

"And yet, we both know exactly what's happening here."

When did everything turn down a path so twisted and wrong?

"Don't we, Kakashi-sen-sei?"

He was going to die.

"My name is Haruno Sakura, and I like, um," giggling. "I dislike Naruto! And my dream is..." more giggling.

Book smarts.

Useless.

Fangirl.

Weak.

"You're leaving?"

Devastated.

Curious.

Perfect chakra control.

Tsunade-shishou?

Monstrous strength.

Pride.

You did nothing.

"Tsunade-shishou, can you tell me about poisons?"

Talented.

Medic-nin.

Life saver.

Akatsuki killer.

Respect?

Never.

"I'm... leaving for a while. A-a mission. Long term, estimated time is one year."

Formal.

Detached.

Hate...ful?

That can't be, right?

'Haruno Sakura has exceeded the expected time limit of her mission. Team 7 and 8 to be mobilized immediately.'

Worry.

Sentimentality.

She must be in trouble.

Wrong.

Must save her!

"Who is going to save you, Kakashi-sensei~"