"They want me to be sixth hokage." Kakashi informed his girlfriend of almost two years.

Sakura smiled at him even though she learned about it first. The elders wanted her to leave the village so that she can't distract the next hokage.

"That's amazing, Kakashi!" Sakura exclaimed, genuine happiness lighting up her eyes, even though her heart is breaking. "You deserve it."

Kakashi looked at her with forlorn gaze. "Don't lie to me, Sakura." he demanded. "I know about the ultimatum that the elders gave you." He informed her. "I heard them talking to you in your office. I heard it all, Sakura."

Sakura's smile faded as she met Kakashi's gaze, a mix of sadness and frustration evident in her eyes. She took a deep breath before speaking, her voice steady but tinged with disappointment.

"They are just doing what they thought is best for the village." Sakura said. "I will not leave until you were inaugurated though. I'll be able to see you wear the Hokage robes and hat. You'll be a wonderful hokage, Kakashi."

Kakashi wanted to shake her. Maybe she just hit her head somewhere that makes her think about leaving him. "Is that supposed to make it okay, Sakura?" Kakashi asked. "I can't believe you're obeying them."

Sakura's expression hardened, and she met Kakashi's gaze with determination. "Do you think I want to?" she asked. "I don't. I love you so much that it hurts to think that I have to leave you so that you can have the promotion. But I am not going to be the reason why you won't be the amazing Hokage that I know you will be."

Kakashi's eyes bore into Sakura's, his frustration is evident in his eyes. "Sakura, I won't accept this if it means you have to sacrifice your happiness. You, staying in the village is important to me. I need you here. I'll refuse the position. Just stay here with me."

Sakura covered Kakashi's hand with hers, holding it against her cheek. "I know, Kakashi. But I also know how much being Hokage means to you. And I won't let my presence hinder your possibilities. I'll stay until your inauguration, and then I'll find a way to support you from the shadows. I'll always have your back, even if I'm not physically here."

Kakashi sighed, conflicted emotions evident in his eyes. "I don't want to lose you, Sakura. I need you by my side."

"You're not losing me. I'm still going to support you. I just won't be here with you physically."

"If I have to lose you to become Hokage. I don't want it."

"Kakashi! Don't sacrifice the position that you worked hard for, just for me." Sakura pleaded. "Don't throw it away."

"I'm not sacrificing anything if I don't accept the promotion. No position is worth the happiness that I found. I won't sacrifice you for a title."

"Kakashi - "

"No, Sakura." He stepped forward and clasped his hands on her shoulders. "I'm not losing you over a title."

Sakura's eyes softened as she looked into Kakashi's determined gaze. She could feel the tears that she had been holding back since the day that an elder approach her spill over her lids. She flung herself to him and buried her face on the crook of his neck. "I love you. I love you, Kakashi." she chanted.

He can feel her tears wetting his neck but he doesn't care. He pressed her tightly to him, his hand smoothing her long pink hair. He pressed his masked lips to her temple. "You're more important than a position, Sakura." he murmured. "I'm not going to let you go."

She nodded and raised her head to press a kiss to his cheek. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for even thinking of leaving you." She whispered, "I'm sorry, Kakashi. I love you."

Kakashi held Sakura even tighter, his arms wrapped around her as he whispered words of comfort. "Shh, Sakura. It's okay. We'll figure this out together. I love you too, and I won't let anything come between us."