"Kakashi." Genma's usual playful toned vanished as he felt his chakra.
"I need to talk to the Hokage."
"You will not enter her office, until you calm done." Genma's eyes narrowed.
Kakashi, despite his usually calm demeanor, was seething with anger and worry. The emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface for months were now boiling over. Genma, recognizing the gravity of the situation, took a step back.
"Kakashi, I understand that you're worried about Sakura, but barging into the Hokage's office in this state won't help anyone," Genma said firmly, his voice laced with authority.
Kakashi's visible eye bore into Genma's, his frustration evident. "I need answers, Genma. Sakura just returned in a terrible state. I don't even know the details of her mission, and now she's in critical condition. I won't stand by and let this happen without demanding an explanation."
Genma sighed, realizing that Kakashi was not going to back down. "Fine, but keep it together in there. Losing your composure won't help Sakura."
With that, Genma led Kakashi to the Hokage's office. The door swung open, revealing the Fifth Hokage sitting behind his desk, his expression a mix of concern and solemnity.
"Hokage-sama," Kakashi started, his voice firm, "I need to know what happened on Sakura's mission. She returned in a critical condition, and I demand answers."
The Fifth Hokage, her gaze piercing, motioned for Kakashi to take a seat. "Kakashi, we understand your concern, but Sakura's mission is classified. She accepted it voluntarily, fully aware of the risks. The details cannot be disclosed without compromising the mission's integrity."
Kakashi's frustration deepened at the Hokage's response. He understood the importance of classified missions but seeing Sakura in such a state was tearing at his composure.
"Hokage-sama, I respect the necessity of secrecy, but Sakura is not just any ninja to me. She's my student, my comrade, and someone I care deeply about. I need to know what happened to her," Kakashi insisted, his voice holding a rare urgency.
The Hokage sighed, her eyes conveying sympathy. "Kakashi, Sakura needed to play a role. If I sent you with her, would you let her do her job?" Tsunade asked him.
"Role?"
"You know the role Kunoichis play in a mission." Tsunade answered him grimly. "I will ask you again, will you let her do her job if you were there?"
Kakashi slumped in his seat, the implication of his Hokage's words weighed heavily in his shoulders. He looked at the hazel eyes of Tsunade Senju.
"You mean she had to use her body for that mission?"
Tsunade nodded solemnly. "I didn't want to send her. But she insisted, she knows what she has to do. It was the only way to gain the trust of the target. Sakura knew the risks, and she volunteered for this mission. She insisted on going alone, believing it was the best chance of success."
Kakashi's jaw clenched as he absorbed the information. The realization of what Sakura had endured hit him like a tidal wave. His anger shifted to a profound sadness, mixed with guilt for not being there to protect her.
"She went through all of that alone?"
Kakashi's voice was barely a whisper.
Tsunade nodded again. "She was willing to make that sacrifice for the mission. Sakura is a remarkable kunoichi, but even she has her limits. We didn't expect the situation to escalate to this extent, and she pushed herself beyond her capabilities to come back."
Kakashi's fists tightened, the impact of the revelation leaving him momentarily speechless. Sakura had taken on a mission that required her to endure something no one should, all for the sake of the village. His admiration for her strength mingled with an overwhelming desire to shield her from such burdens.
"Why wasn't I informed?" Kakashi's question was filled with a mixture of frustration and guilt.
Tsunade sighed. "The fewer people who knew, the better. We had to maintain the secrecy of the mission to ensure its success. Sakura insisted on it, and we respected her decision. She didn't want you or anyone else to compromise the mission by trying to intervene."
Kakashi rubbed his forehead, trying to process the complexity of the situation. "How is she now?"
"She's in critical condition, but the medical team is doing everything they can. It's going to be a slow recovery," Tsunade replied. "Kakashi, I understand your frustration and concern, but you need to trust that Sakura made the choices she believed were necessary for the mission."
Kakashi nodded, the weight of the information settling heavily on his shoulders. "I just... I wish there was something I could have done to protect her."
Tsunade placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Sometimes, protecting someone means letting them face challenges on their own. Sakura is strong, and she chose this path. All we can do now is support her in her recovery."
Kakashi leaned back in his chair, his visible eye reflecting a mix of emotions. He couldn't shake the guilt, but he also felt a renewed determination to be there for Sakura during her recovery.
"Keep me updated on her condition," Kakashi said, his voice steady. "And if there's anything I can do, anything at all, let me know."
Tsunade nodded. "I will, Kakashi. Now, give her the time she needs to heal. She'll appreciate having you by her side when she wakes up."
As Kakashi left the Hokage's office, his thoughts were consumed by the resilience and sacrifice Sakura had displayed. He knew that their relationship or lack thereof, had entered a new and delicate phase. He needed to be there for her, not just as her sensei, but as someone who deeply cared for her well-being.