"Haruno-san," a nurse called her. "someone is looking for you."

"Who is it?" Sakura asked as she finished dressing up the wound of her patient.

Its her first day back after a week of rest. Tsunade found out about what really happened and she deemed that it is better to give Sakura a week rest. It seems that Tsunade is taking advantage of her sore muscles to get her out of the hospital. She was bored as hell when she was imprisoned in her home, she wanted to be back to the hospital. But now that she is, she finds the scent of antiseptic nauseating and her stomach is revolting. And she knows that she can't let it be known, or else Tsunade and Kakashi will drag her out of the hospital.

The nurse hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's an elder from the council. He insisted on speaking with you urgently."

Sakura's brows furrowed in concern. She excused herself from her patient and made her way to the reception area, where the elder was waiting. His stern expression and formal attire hinted at the seriousness of the matter.

"Haruno Sakura," the elder greeted, his tone formal. "I come on behalf of the council to discuss an important matter regarding your relationship with the Hokage."

Sakura crossed her arms, a mixture of frustration and defiance evident in her expression. And she hopes that her voice sounded strong or at least detach. She can't let these old geezers know that they are getting under her skin or that the perfume that this elder is wearing is making her want to empty her stomach.

"And what does the council have to say about our relationship?"

The elder cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. "It has come to our attention that your involvement with Hokage Kakashi has raised concerns among the council members. We understand that relationships can be complicated, but as a prominent figure in the village, the Hokage's actions reflect on the entire village."

Sakura's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin and she is unwell. She doesn't really have the time and strength to deal with their nonsense. "What exactly are you implying?"

"That you are a nuance to the Hokage." the representative of the elders told her bluntly. "A girl like you is detrimental to the stability of the village and a distraction to the Hokage."

Sakura looked at the elder man intently. "And what did Kakashi told you?"

The elder's expression remained stern. "The Hokage's response was... non-compliant. He seems to be under the impression that his personal choices should not be subject to the council's scrutiny. However, we believe that his actions have the potential to harm the reputation of Konoha. As someone who holds a position of influence, he should be mindful of the consequences of his relationships, especially with a young ninja and his former student like yourself. Had you been born ten years earlier, we may not have to have this conversation."

Sakura took a deep breath, suppressing the rising frustration within her. She locked eyes with the elder, her gaze unwavering. "Let me make this clear. My relationship with Kakashi is consensual and built on mutual respect. I won't be used as a pawn in your political games, and I won't let you dictate who I can be with."

The elder's expression remained unyielding. "This is us from the Council of Elders, ordering you, Haruno Sakura to leave the village three days from now. If you fail to comply, we are going to strip you of all the honors and accolades that you gathered throughout the years and you will be tried as a traitor to the village and the shinobi alliance." The man look at her. "The Council as you know, can pass judgments without the Hokage's approval. Take heed, or be a disgrace to your family. The choice is yours."

Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief and anger at the ultimatum. And her stomach stopped during somersaults inside her when she heard that. The weight of the elder's words sank in, threatening to shatter the stability she had worked so hard to build. The sudden turn of events left her momentarily speechless, grappling with the gravity of the situation.

"You can't be serious," she finally uttered, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and desperation.

The elder remained stoic, unmoved by Sakura's reaction. "We are very serious, Haruno Sakura. The village's reputation is at stake, and sacrifices must be made for the greater good. Your departure will be seen as a necessary step to maintain the integrity of Konoha."

Sakura's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. The injustice of the situation fueled a surge of determination within her. She wouldn't allow her relationship with Kakashi to be dismantled by the narrow-minded views of the elders.

"This is absurd. You can't force me to leave just because you disapprove of who I choose to be with. I've dedicated my life to this village, and you're going to cast me aside like this?" Sakura's words were edged with a mix of anger and disbelief.

The elder leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "The council's decision is final. It is in your best interest to comply. Disobeying the council's order will only lead to further consequences."

Sakura took a step back, her mind racing with the implications of the ultimatum. Leaving the village meant leaving behind everything she had known, her friends, her work, and her home. But standing her ground might lead to even more dire consequences.

0

"Give me one good reason why I should obey your ridiculous order," Sakura demanded, her eyes narrowing. "Why I should abandon the years of training just to be what I am today? Why I must leave my family and friends. Why should I leave Kakashi behind?"

"If you don't the Council will tear you down piece by piece and if the Hokage even tried to help you, we will tear him down too. The Hokage can be replaced, while the elders can't be replaced easily. Remember that."

Sakura's hands trembled with a mix of anger and frustration and resignation. The elder's words hung in the air, a threat that echoed the power dynamics within the village.

"Fine." She said through gritted teeth. "I'll leave. But let me have Kakashi while I'm here."

The elder nodded. "That can be arranged. You made the right choice. The village is grateful for your sacrifice."

As Sakura walked away from the confrontation with the elder, her steps heavy with the weight of the ultimatum, a mix of emotions swirled within her. The injustice of being forced to leave her home, her life, and her love behind fueled a burning anger. Yet, a sense of determination simmered beneath the surface. She wouldn't let the elders' narrow-minded views break her spirit.

As she approached the Hokage's office, she found Kakashi engrossed in paperwork. He glanced up as she entered, immediately sensing the tension in the air.

"Sakura, what happened?" he asked, concern etching his features.

Sakura shook her head, "Nothing. I just missed you."

Kakashi studied her expression, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. He could sense that something was amiss, that the air was thick with unspoken turmoil. "Sakura, you don't have to lie to me. What happened?"

"Nothing, really. I just really missed you. And they don't need me on the hospital so I figured I'll fetch you. Shikamaru told me that your schedule had been cleared."

Kakashi, though perceptive, couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Sakura's words than she was letting on. He closed the paperwork and stood up, crossing the room to stand in front of her.

"Sakura," he spoke softly, "you can tell me anything. I can sense that something is bothering you."

She looked up at him, and forced a smile in her lips. "Its really nothing, Kakashi. I just want to go home. Let's go home." She knows she's being selfish, dragging him away from his work. But she only have three days to be with him, and he'lll have his work until he's replaced. She can be selfish now.

Kakashi's gaze lingered on Sakura's face, his concern evident in his eyes. But Sakura never lied to him, so he let it pass. He walked towards her and accepted her offered hand. "Okay, let's go home."