In the hospital, Sakura received medical attention for her injuries. The kind and understanding medics assured her that they would document her condition and provide the necessary support. As they worked, Sakura couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope—an unfamiliar sensation in the midst of her turbulent reality.
"She's severely malnourished." The medic told Sakumo. "We have to report this. This is a clear case of domestic abuse."
"Yes." Sakumo affirmed. "She trusted my son enough to tell him. Just how bad is it?"
The medic sighed, sympathy evident in their expression. "Besides the obvious signs of physical abuse, Sakura shows signs of prolonged malnutrition. Her body is under immense stress, and her overall health is compromised. We'll need to monitor her closely, both physically and emotionally. I strongly recommend involving the appropriate authorities to ensure her safety and well-being."
Sakumo nodded, "I'll head to the Uchiha district now to report this. Hopefully when afternoon comes, I'll have the necessary documents to be her foster parent." he sighed. "But I doubt that the elders would approve of it. I'm always out on missions these days."
The medic offered a supportive nod. "We'll do our best to provide immediate care and support while you navigate the necessary processes. It's crucial for Sakura to have a stable and nurturing environment."
As Sakumo left to address the authorities, Kakashi stayed with Sakura in the hospital room. The atmosphere, though tinged with the weight of their shared ordeal, carried a newfound sense of safety. The hospital staff continued their assessments and treatments, addressing both the physical and emotional toll Sakura had endured.
Kakashi, usually reserved, found himself breaking through his own walls to offer Sakura the comfort of his presence.
"You missed class because of me." Sakura pouted.
Kakashi chuckled softly, his grey eyes holding a warmth that contrasted with the shadows that had clouded Sakura's life. "Don't worry about that. Missing a few classes is the least of our concerns right now. What matters is that you're safe."
Sakura managed a small smile, appreciating Kakashi's understanding and support. The hospital room, though clinical and unfamiliar, felt like a sanctuary compared to the darkness of her home.
"Thank you, Kakashi," she whispered, her voice still fragile. "I didn't think anyone would ever help me."
Kakashi shrugged nonchalantly, his casual demeanor belying the genuine care he felt. "Friends help each other. And you're not alone in this anymore."
The reassurance brought a mix of emotions to Sakura—gratitude, relief, and a glimmer of hope. The shadows of her past still lingered, but in that hospital room, surrounded by people who cared, she felt a newfound strength.
"Where will I go now?" Sakura asked. "If I return home, Mama will beat me again." Her voice wavered as she envisioned the things that her mother will do to her if she ever comes home again.
Kakashi looked at her with the intensity that is not normally seen in the eyes of a boy their age. "Dad is doing something for us to be able to take you home with us." he said after a minute. "Hopefully, when he comes back later, we can take you home."
He looked at the frail girl in front of him. With his father's profession, he had seen countless injuries. But nothing prepared him for a situation wherein injuries are inflicted by someone who is supposed to be protecting you.
"Sakura," Kakashi's boyish voice rang. "what happened? Why did your mother…"
"I don't know." Sakura admitted. "She's just… she just really hate me. She was nice before. When my father died, she just… forgot about me." she said. "Then last year... last year, she started to not feed me. Then, the ocassional slaps and the belt. But shortly after that, the slaps became a less and less, but she started to really really hurt me."
She looked at him, "Then, one night, I was really hungry, I haven't eaten for a few days. I tried stealing some leftover but Mama saw me. She..." she closed her eyes before leaning forward and showed Kakashi her back through the slit on the hospital gown. "she was so mad that she whipped me with the belt, the buckle left a permanent scar."
Kakashi's gaze shifted to the visible scar on Sakura's back, and a mixture of anger and sorrow flashed in his eyes. The reality of Sakura's suffering struck him deeply, and he clenched his fists, struggling to contain his emotions.
"Then it all just became worst from there." Sakura leaned back. "But she's so angry at me the past few days. It started when she saw me walking with you."
"Sakura," Kakashi spoke with a seriousness that contrasted sharply with his usual demeanor. "I promise you, you won't have to go back there. My dad will make sure of it. No one deserves to be treated like that, especially not you."
Sakura smiled sadly at him. "Kakashi, if..." she bit her lip slightly. "if your dad comes back and I can't go home with you. I want to say thank you." she looked at him with teary eyes. "No one shown me care for almost three years now."
The hours in the hospital passed slowly, but eventually, Sakumo returned with a mix of exhaustion and determination in his eyes.
"The elders approved it, although I have to pull a few strings. But they approved." Sakumo informed them, a rare smile gracing his usually stoic face. "You're coming home with us, Sakura."
Sakura's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and relief. The prospect of leaving the shadows of her past behind and finding a new, caring environment was both overwhelming and hopeful.
"Thank you, Sakumo-san," Sakura whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
Sakumo nodded, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between them. "You're part of our family now, Sakura. And family takes care of each other."
As they left the hospital, Kakashi stayed close to Sakura, offering silent support. The journey to the Hatake residence became a symbol of Sakura's transition from darkness to light, from a life marred by abuse to one embraced by kindness.