Tsunade's eyes filled with questions and relief as Kakashi brought his wife to the Hokage. Her eyes flitted to the Copy Nin that brought home her student.

"Kakashi," Tsunade looked at the man. "thank you. Thank you for bringing her back."

Kakashi only nodded. "Hopefully, the daimyo will stop asking for her hand."

The blond-haired village leader nodded. She held the letter in her desk. "A letter from the Daimyo arrived earlier." She started, taking note of the furious look in Kakashi's eyes. "Seems like you finally showed them that you are really the White Fang's son." Tsunade explained. "And why you are one of Konoha's best jonin. It seems like you left quite an impression on him."

Kakashi's brow furrowed as he listened to Tsunade. He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions about the Daimyo's actions and the impact on his marriage with Sakura. He wanted to ensure their safety and happiness, but he also knew that the political pressures were beyond his control.

"What does the letter say?" Kakashi asked, his voice tense with anticipation.

Tsunade sighed and handed the letter to Kakashi. "Read it for yourself," she said.

Kakashi took the letter and quickly read its contents. His visible eye widened as he took in the Daimyo's words. The Daimyo was withdrawing his demand for Sakura's marriage and expressing regret for their actions and the actions of his son. He acknowledged the strength of Konoha's shinobi and their commitment to their own.

Kakashi couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude. It seemed that their determination and unity had made an impact on the Daimyo's decision. He handed the letter back to Tsunade, a mixture of emotions in his eyes.

"It seems that the Daimyo has had a change of heart," Kakashi said. "I hope this means that Sakura can finally have some peace."

Tsunade nodded, a smile on her face. "It seems so, Kakashi. I'm glad that everything worked out in the end." She looked at the two. "Now that the threat of the Daimyo has finally passed. I can start processing the annulment of your marriage. You can finally live your lives the way you want." She explained to the two shinobi as she presented the papers to the two.

Sakura looked at Kakashi. Her eyes full of questions and uncertainty as she heard her master's words. Kakashi told her he loves her. But that was when the threat of the Daimyo loomed over her head. Now that its over would he want to stay married to her?

Sakura's heart ached as Kakashi picked up the pen that was offered to them and signed the annulment papers without a word, without even looking at her. The conflicting emotions she had been grappling with in recent days intensified. She had hoped that they could discuss their future privately before making any decisions, but it seemed Kakashi had made up his mind. The weight of her previous actions and the events that had transpired weighed heavily on her.

With trembling hands, Sakura took the pen from Tsunade and signed the papers as well. She couldn't help but blink back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. Their time together, both as student and teacher and as husband and wife, had meant a great deal to her. She had grown to care deeply for Kakashi, and despite the circumstances of their marriage, there had been a bond that had developed between them.

As she handed the signed papers back to Tsunade, her voice quivered. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama, for your assistance and understanding." With that, she turned and left the Hokage's office, feeling a profound sense of loss and heartache. She hoped, deep down, that this wasn't truly the end for her and Kakashi, but it was a path she would have to navigate with a heavy heart.

As she closes the door to Tsunade's office, she discreetly dried her eyes. No one should see her breaking apart. As she turn, she saw Kakashi leaning in the wall, his eyes - both the grey and the Sharingan - never leaving her. She smiled tentatively as she remove his mother's ring from her finger.

"Thank you, Kakashi." She thanked him in a low voice, handing him the ring. "Goodbye."

Kakashi watched as Sakura removed the ring from her finger and handed it to him. His heart ached at the finality of the moment. He knew that this was what they had to do to ensure her safety, but it didn't make it any easier.

"Sakura - "

"Its fine, Kakashi." Sakura interrupted him. "I understand now, you just need to act like you care for your mission." Sakura said to him. "Its okay. Thank you, Kakashi."

Kakashi watched as she walked away. Away from him, his hand closed on the ring. He loves her. But how can he say so when the Hokage herself wanted their marriage to be voided?

As Sakura's footsteps faded into the distance, Kakashi quickly followed her. He caught up to her and gently turned her to face him, his expression pained.

"Sakura," he began, his voice filled with sincerity, "I want you to know that my feelings for you are real. I - I just - " he looked so lost as he tries to tell her what he feels.

Sakura's tears welled up in her eyes. "You don't have to lie, Kakashi. It's okay. Just let me leave with the memories of you. Don't make me hate you, Hatake." She carefully extracted her arm from his grip and left. Never turning back.

Kakashi stood there, watching Sakura's retreating form with a sense of anguish. He had never felt more torn in his life. While he understood that their marriage had been under the shadow of the Daimyo's threat and that the annulment was a necessary step, he couldn't help but regret the pain it was causing Sakura.

As he held Sakura's - no. His mother's ring in his hand, he knew that it symbolized more than just a mission to him. It was a symbol of their time together, their shared experiences, and the genuine feelings he had developed for her. It was a painful reminder of what he was losing. But when he tried to catch up with her, she's gone.