Kakashi always felt protective of his team.
He will do anything to make sure that they are safe, away from harm. Even going as far as kill for them, if the only way to keep them safe, to keep them together.
So, when Sasuke returned to the village after the war, he felt like he achieved something. That he finally was able to protect those he cares about.
But after three years, his heart is breaking as he looked at the bruised form of Sakura. Once again, he failed to protect someone important to him. And the most painful part for him is that he wasn't able to save her from him - from Sasuke, the one he was determined to bring back to light.
Looking at Sakura's battered body that is attached to different medical equipment, he can't help but feel useless. How can he not see that Sakura's once bright green eyes turned dull? How can he miss all the signs that pointed to the reality that Sasuke abuses the girl who loved him since their genin days? How can he not see it? How can he let it go on until Sakura was beaten to the ground, her life hanging by a thread?
"Kakashi, do not blame youself." Tsunade said to the man. Normally, she cannot read his thoughts, but for Sakura he wears his heart on his sleeve. Baring his soul to others.
Tsunade knows, Kakashi love Sakura. More than just a comrade, more than just a teammate. He loves her fully.
"It's my fault." Kakashi answered his blond Hokage. "If I only succeeded in stopping Sasuke before. If I just stick to my word that I'll eliminate him so that he cannot hurt anyone anymore, this would have not happened. Sakura won't be fighting for her life in that bed."
"You won't be able to kill him, Kakashi."
"I am not weak."
"I'm not saying you are." Tsunade responded. She knows that Kakashi is not weak. "But you always protected your team. You cherished them. You made sure that they are happy. How can you kill Sasuke with all that thoughts?"
Kakashi's heart weighed heavy with guilt and despair as he continued to gaze at Sakura's fragile state. The once strong, determined kunoichi was now reduced to a battered soul clinging to life. Tsunade's words were meant to offer comfort, but they seemed to only deepen his self-blame.
"It doesn't matter, Tsunade," Kakashi murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I should have done something, anything, to prevent this. I promised to protect my team, to ensure their happiness, and now I've failed miserably."
Tsunade saw the raging battle in Kakashi's grey eyes. She can feel the turmoil in his soul. She felt for the man, she understands how he feels. Sakura is like a daughter to her. And seeing her like that is eating away at her.
"I will make sure that she'll wake up." Tsunade declared. "You make sure that she'll not be harmed again." she turned to the silver-haired man to her side. She saw Kakashi nod. Promising that he will protect her.