A short Sakura-pov that struck me after watching the corresponding episode (since I had already read the manga) after events that happened in volume 16... Meaning the Itachi encounter. I'm not sure of the episode number. Written some months ago- I've been sitting on it because it didn't sound quite right to me... Still, I hope it is enjoyed

-Vigil-

I visited him today.

It still seems so surreal. When you've seen someone like Kakashi-sensei in action, you start to think of him as untouchable. Even in the wave country, I never doubted his ability to get himself, to get us out of there alive. I clung to that hope when he was captured, and even when Sasuke...

When Sasuke was hurt.

Even then, some part of me couldn't accept that we wouldn't all come back to the village together. And as impossible as it should be, we did.

Every time we were in danger, in a situation we couldn't see a way out of- he came through. We all came through. It comes as a bit of a shock when you- realize someone like that is human, like you.

Vulnerable.

I never thought anything like this could happen. I never thought anyone could really hurt him.

I was wrong.

Now he just lies there, dead to the world. Its almost like he's sleeping, but for his eyes; staring through the ceiling at something no one can see.

I come every day, to see if there has been any change. I always hope that this time, instead of deadened eyes I'll be greeted with his abashed expression and his perpetual apology for being late.

I miss hearing his excuses.

The other Jounin never let me stay long. I think they're worried. I would be too, if anything that could do this to our sensei were loose.

I'm still not sure exactly what happened. No one will tell me. They look apprehensive when asked. I stopped trying after a few days.

I don't even know what happened to the rest of my team. Naruto is gone, and Sasuke went missing as well. The last time I saw him, he was looking for the hyperactive idiot. I try not to think about that too much. I'm worried enough about what I know already.

Something is happening. Something big, and it feels like I'm in the eye of the storm. I know there's something going on around me, but I'm still in the calm. For now.

It's disconcerting.

I hope he wakes up soon. I hope they come back soon. I just want things back the way they used to be, before it all started falling apart.