Kakashi saw her form leave the village. His brows furrowed at her. He tried to follow her but Genma appeared out of nowhere.

"Hatake Kakashi," Genma called him formally. "The Hokage wants to speak to you. Now."

"Genma."

"I'm sorry Hatake, either you go with me, or they will drag you to her office."

As Genma said that two ANBU member appeared at his side. He was willing to battle his own comrades but the look on Genma's face stopped him.

Reluctantly, Kakashi followed Genma to Tsunade's office. The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was tense.

"Kakashi," Tsunade started, "don't compromise her mission."

"You gave a solo mission? Do you think she's well enough for that?" Kakashi wasn't able to suppress his emotions.

"Hatake." Tsunade sternly looked at him. "Sakura is Konoha's Kunoichi first before your..." Tsunade waved her hand. "Whatever your emotion is. But do not compromise her mission. You are Konoha's ninja, you are under my command."

Kakashi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I won't interfere with her mission, Hokage-sama. I just... I want to make sure she's safe."

Tsunade sighed. "I know your intentions are good, Kakashi, but we need to prioritize the success of the mission. Sakura is a capable ninja, and she requested this mission herself. Trust her abilities."

"I trust her, Hokage-sama. It's just..." Kakashi hesitated, his concern for Sakura evident in his visible eye. "Its just that the last time she went to a solo mission, I almost lost her."

Tsunade softened her gaze. "I know you care about her, Kakashi. But she needs to prove to herself and the village that she's still a formidable ninja. Let her face this challenge, and be there for her when she returns."

Kakashi nodded, accepting Tsunade's words. "I'll respect her decision, Hokage-sama."

"Good. Now, focus on your duties as a ninja. We can't afford any more disruptions or rumors. The village is watching, and we need to show them that Konoha's ninja are strong and reliable."

With a sense of duty, Kakashi left Tsunade's office, a heavy weight on his shoulders. He knew he had to adhere to his responsibilities, even if it meant giving Sakura the space, she needed to prove herself.

As the days passed, Kakashi couldn't shake the worry that lingered in his chest. Sakura had been gone on her solo mission for longer than expected, and the lack of information about her progress only fueled his concern.

He sought updates from the ANBU, but the details of her mission were kept classified. Each passing day tested his patience, and he found himself pacing in his apartment, unable to shake the feeling of unease.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, and Kakashi felt a familiar chakra signature. Turning to the horizon, he quickly jumped his feet dragging him towards the village gates.

"Sakura!" he called out to her.

Sakura's eyes immediately seek the owner of the voice, a small smile graced her lips when she saw Kakashi perched on a branch.

"Kakashi." she breathed.

She followed his movements when he landed in front of her. His hands quickly cupped her face, searching for something inside her eyes.

"Sakura, are you okay?" Kakashi's voice was filled with genuine concern. His visible eye bore into hers, searching for any signs of distress.

Sakura nodded the weariness evident in her eyes. "I'm fine, Kakashi. The mission was... challenging, but I managed."

Kakashi let out a sigh of relief, his hands lingering on her cheeks. "I was worried. The lack of information didn't help."

Sakura gave him a small, grateful smile. "I know, and I appreciate your concern. But I needed to do this on my own, to prove to myself and others that I can still be a valuable asset to the village."

Kakashi nodded, understanding the importance of her mission. "You did well, Sakura. I'm proud of you."

A mix of emotions flickered in Sakura's eyes. "Thank you, Kakashi. It means a lot coming from you."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Kakashi couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration for Sakura's resilience.

"I missed you," he admitted, his voice soft.

Sakura's gaze softened, and she leaned into his touch. "I missed you too, Kakashi."

Sakura felt the weight of stares that was burned into her back, but she didn't care. She doesn't care anymore. She encircled her arms in Kakashi's neck and buried her face in the crook of his neck.

"I want to go home." Sakura whispered.

Kakashi nodded and pick her up. He jumped to the trees again, taking her away. He took her to his apartment, situated in the outskirts of the village.