Sakura's head hung low as she trailed the path that led to her old apartment. Good thing she didn't return the keys to her landlord and gave up the apartment when Sasuke convinced her to move in with him.

She tuned out the sounds of the village. She is determined to leave the Uchiha compound as quickly as she can. She wants to leave the pain in that damned place.

"Sakura?"

She turned to the man who called her name. Her red, puffy eyes looked at the eyes of Shiranui Genma, by his side is Kakashi, slouching like he always does.

"Hey what happened to you?" Genma asked. Concern is evident in his voice.

Genma became a friend when she and Kakashi started dating in secret. It was an inevitable since he and Kakashi were cousins. It was also a relief when she doesn't have to act in front of Genma, because really she just wanted to show the world how she loves the silver haired Jounin. Well, before all this mess happened.

When she didn't replied, Genma's eyes trailed her whole body and become fixated on a handprint bruise in her left arm. He narrowed his eyes.

"What happened to this, Sakura-chan?" He asked, holding the injured arm.

Sakura winced as Genma's touch landed on the bruise, and she pulled her arm back gently, not meeting his gaze. Her voice quivered as she replied, "It's nothing, Genma. I just had a little argument with Sasuke, that's all."

Kakashi, who had been silent, didn't buy her explanation. He knew that Sakura wouldn't just walk away from a relationship if it were just a simple argument. He knew, because he had to break her heart, for her to walk away from his life. His single eye stared at her with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"You're walking alone in the middle of the night, crying, and bruised and carrying four bags. This is not just a little argument. What happened?" Genma asked the question he knows Kakashi want to ask.

At Genma's prodding words, Sakura burst out crying, not able to hold her tears in. "I can't live in fear anymore, Genma." She cried. "Sasuke is different. He is so unpredictable and violent. I can't live with him knowing that any minute he will stab me with his kunai or chidori."

Genma and Kakashi shared a knowing look, understanding the gravity of the situation. Genma, with a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder, spoke softly to her.

"Sakura-chan, you don't have to live in fear anymore. We're here for you. No one should have to endure what you've been through. You're safe now."

Kakashi's single eye softened as he realized the pain Sakura had been carrying and the part he played in it. He approached her and said, "I'm so sorry, Sakura. I didn't realize how much you were suffering. We'll make sure you're safe, and we'll help you through this."

But instead of being comforted, Sakura's eyes flashed in anger at Kakashi's words.

"If only you were brave enough to fight for us..." Sakura snapped at Kakashi. "I - I" but before she can finish her sentence, Sakura swayed and lost her consciousness. The emotional war in her, drained her energy.

Kakashi and Genma immediately moved into action. Genma caught Sakura as she swayed, and Kakashi, his one eye filled with concern and guilt, helped support her. They quickly made their way to Sakura's old apartment, gently laying her down on the bed.

Genma examined the handprint bruise on her arm more closely and grimaced. "This is more than just a little argument," he mumbled.

"Sasuke may not want her to leave." Kakashi answered in a low voice. "It takes a lot for her to turn her back to someone."

"You know, cousin, I just wished you were not an imbecile and handed her off to Uchiha." Genma berated him. "I told you before, and I'm going to tell you this again, you made a big mistake."

Kakashi's eye bore the weight of Genma's words, a mixture of regret and pain evident in his gaze. He had chosen not to act on his feelings for Sakura, believing it was for the best, but he couldn't deny that his decision had played a role in the situation before him.

"I know," Kakashi admitted, his voice heavy. "I made a mistake. I was trying to protect her, but I see now that I only hurt her more. I should have been more honest with her, been there for her. I'm the one who let her down."

Genma didn't respond further, but his expression carried a sense of 'I told you so.' They both knew that Sakura had been through a lot, and her emotional turmoil was a result of their past decisions. Now, their focus had to be on helping her heal and ensuring her safety.