Sakura doesn't have the energy to get up the next morning.
She lay on her bed, limbs heavy with exhaustion, as the shadows in the room played a haunting symphony on the walls. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind like a relentless nightmare, and she couldn't shake off the suffocating weight of despair.
The soft creak of the door announced her mother's presence. Mebuki entered the room, her gaze filled with a cold disdain that seemed to pierce through Sakura's fragile state. The mere sight of her mother sent shivers down Sakura's spine, and she braced herself for the inevitable barrage of harsh words.
"Get up, useless girl," Mebuki spat, her voice dripping with contempt.
Sakura tried to lift herself, but her body rebelled against her will. Every muscle ached, and the bruises from the previous night's torment throbbed in protest.
"I said get up!" Mebuki's voice rose, and she yanked Sakura roughly by the arm, causing the girl to wince in pain.
Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She had learned to hide her vulnerability, to shield herself from the cruelty that surrounded her. Yet, the struggle to maintain a facade of strength took its toll.
"You're such a burden," Mebuki muttered, her grip tightening on Sakura's arm. "I don't know why I bother keeping you around."
"Mama, I'm not feeling well." she cracked down. "I can't go to the academy now." she pleaded.
Mebuki's eyes narrowed, and a cruel smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Feigning illness, are we? Trying to escape your responsibilities again?"
Sakura bit her lip, desperately trying to hold back the tears. She knew that any sign of weakness would only provoke her mother further. The room, already heavy with the weight of their strained relationship, seemed to close in on her.
"Get dressed and go to the academy. I won't tolerate any more of your excuses," Mebuki commanded, releasing Sakura's arm with a forceful push. "And you are not going to ruin my reputation in this village more than you already did."
Sakura nodded weakly, the pain in her body making every movement a struggle. As her mother left the room, Sakura took a moment to collect herself. She couldn't let the torment at home hinder her from attending the academy—the one place where she found a brief respite from the darkness that consumed her life.
With great effort, Sakura managed to get dressed and make her way to the academy. Each step was a testament to her resilience, a silent rebellion against the cruelty that sought to break her spirit.
As Sakura entered the academy, she plastered on a forced smile, concealing the pain that lingered beneath the surface. She greeted her classmates with an attempt at normalcy, but the exhaustion in her eyes betrayed the facade.
"Sakura," Kakashi walked towards her. "what happened to you? Are you okay? You look unwell."
Sakura blinked her bleary eyes at him. "Kakashi..." her voice broken. "Please... help me."
Kakashi's usually calm demeanor faltered for a moment as he saw the desperation in Sakura's eyes. He could sense that something was terribly wrong, and a surge of protectiveness washed over him.
He looked around and saw his father barely walking away from the academy gates. "What kind of help, Sakura? Do you want my dad to help too?" he asked. "He is a field commander. He knows what to do."
Sakura nodded as she pulled up the sleeves of her dress, showing him the bruises that she got from her mother. "Please... I can't take it anymore."
Kakashi's eyes widened as he saw the bruises on Sakura's arms, the visible marks of the torment she endured at home. The anger and concern welled up within him, creating a storm of emotions that threatened to spill over.
"Wait for me, okay?" Kakashi said to Sakura as he run towards his father's direction.
Hatake Sakumo, Kakashi's father, noticed the urgency in his son's approach. "What's the matter, Kakashi?" he inquired, concern etched on his face.
"Dad, it's my friend. The one who I share my lunch with." he started. "She needs help."
Sakumo's brows furrowed as he sensed the seriousness in his young son's tone. "Take me to her," he instructed, leading the way back towards the academy.
Kakashi guided his father to Sakura, who stood nervously, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope.
"Sakura, he is my dad." Kakashi introduced her to his father. "Why don't you show him what you showed me?"
Sakura hesitated for a moment before slowly pulling up the sleeves of her dress, revealing the bruises that marred her arms. The visible marks painted a grim picture of the abuse she had endured at the hands of her mother.
Sakumo's eyes narrowed as he took in the extent of Sakura's injuries. The usually stoic and composed shinobi felt a surge of anger and concern for the young girl standing before him.
"Sakura, my name is Hatake Sakumo," he spoke gently, his tone a stark contrast to the fury that simmered beneath the surface. "Can you tell me what happened? Are you in immediate danger?"
"Mama..." Sakura whispered, tears started to cascade down her cheeks.
Sakumo could see the pain and fear in Sakura's eyes. His expression hardened as he made a silent promise to protect this vulnerable girl from the torment she faced at home.
"Sakura, I need you to come with us. We will make sure you're safe," Sakumo said, his voice firm yet compassionate.
Sakura nodded, a mix of gratitude and relief washing over her. She followed Kakashi and Sakumo, her steps hesitant but fueled by the hope of escaping the darkness that had plagued her life.
As they walked away from the academy, Kakashi kept a protective presence by Sakura's side. That's why he was able to catch her when her knees buckled under her weight.
"Sakura!" Kakashi steadied her. His fairly small frame supported her. "Careful."
Sakumo glanced at Sakura, concern etched on his face. "We need to get her medical attention," he said to Kakashi. "Let's take her to the hospital first."
"No." Sakura protested. "They will call, Mama." She started shaking violently. "She will be good and nice in the hospital, but once we're home..."
Sakumo's eyes narrowed with a deep understanding of Sakura's predicament. He exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Kakashi before making a decision.
"We won't take you home, Sakura," Sakumo assured her. "You'll be safe. We'll make sure of it. But we have to get you to the medics, so I will have a detailed information as to how I can help and take care of you."
Sakura looked at the older man with guarded expression. Weariness is evident in her eyes.
"My dad is the best cook, Sakura." Kakashi told her. "You should know. He's the one who prepares our lunch."
Sakura managed a small, grateful smile despite the pain and exhaustion. The prospect of safety and care was both overwhelming and comforting. As they approached the hospital, Kakashi and Sakumo continued to support her, their silent solidarity a balm to Sakura's wounded spirit.