Sakura kept count of the little victories in her life. Befriending Naruto was one. Teaming up with Shikamaru, another.
As Sakura sat a Hatake-sensei's feet, his hands braiding her hair in a style he once saw in Lightening Country, she couldn't help but think this was one as well.
Hatake-sensei wasn't the most… personable jounin. Sure, he was a certified genius; but, the guy had numerous eccentricities that made it hard for people to get to know him. Like reading porn in public. Or showing up hours late for scheduled meetings. Sakura had prepared herself and her teammates for the worst of their sensei's tendencies but made a mistake in underpreparing them for his best.
Their sensei was an engaging instructor and didn't let them slack a bit. She was sure she had learned more skills in one individual training session with their sensei than she had during their last year at the Academy. Hatake-sensei was also invested in their wellbeing. He talked quietly to Sasuke about dealing with tragedy. He counseled Naruto in dealing with cruel civilians. He discussed the drawbacks of practicing dangerous skills alone with her. But more than that, he became a mentor to them. An older brother.
She never would have guessed Hatake-sensei loved the smell of coffee, creating complicated handshakes, braiding hair.
Each little bit she learned about their sensei felt like a victory.