"Where is the last known location?" Sakura asked as she pushed herself to run faster. "Yamato!"

Yamato, who was leading the mission, pointed ahead. "It's just up ahead, Sakura. We need to act quickly, I am not sure about their condition. They may need healing as soon as we arrive."

Sakura molded a small amount of chakra in her feet to propel her forward faster. At 18, Kakashi is an S-rank jonin. But that doesn't make him invincible.

As Sakura, Yamato, and two other medics reached the location, they were met with a scene of devastation. The aftermath of a fierce battle was evident, with broken trees and scattered debris. Amidst the wreckage, they found their teammates, battered and bruised.

"Sakura, over here!" Obito called out weakly from where he is lying on the ground supporting Kakashi who seemed to be in worse condition.

Sakura rushed to their side, her medical instincts kicking in. She quickly assessed their injuries and began to administer first aid.

"Kakashi." she choked out his name as tears started to cascade down her face. "What happened here? Why is he so injured?"

Obito, with a grim expression, explained the events that unfolded during the mission. The team encountered a formidable enemy, and despite their best efforts, the battle took a toll on Kakashi and Obito.

"He protected me," Obito admitted, guilt evident in his voice. "Took a direct hit that was meant for me. I couldn't do anything to prevent it."

Sakura, her hands working swiftly and skillfully, suppressed her emotions as she focused on stabilizing Kakashi's condition. The wounds were severe, but Sakura's expertise in medical ninjutsu allowed her to address the injuries with precision.

Yamato assisted Sakura in providing support, while the other medics attended to the rest of the team. The atmosphere was tense, filled with a sense of urgency as they worked to stabilize the injured shinobi.

"Kakashi, look at me." Sakura demanded as she poured her chakra into his battered form. "Kakashi!"

Kakashi, barely conscious, turned his gaze towards Sakura. His normally sharp and alert eyes were clouded with pain, but he managed a faint smile.

"Sakura," he whispered, his voice strained. "I'm sorry... I messed up."

Sakura fought back tears as she continued her healing process. "I forbid you to die!" she demanded. "You're not allowed to die. You saved me when we were kids, it's my turn to save you now."

"Sakura," Kakashi murmured. "was there ever a chance of you marrying me?"

Sakura, despite the seriousness of the situation, couldn't help but let out a small, exasperated laugh at Kakashi's unexpected question. The familiarity of his playful teasing even in dire circumstances provided a brief moment of relief.

"Yes." she answered. "I will marry you. I was just waiting for you to ask again. So, you better not die on me." Her tears dripped down her chin to his chest. "Everyone thinks that we had been living together for years now. I won't be able to find a husband if you die."

Kakashi chuckled weakly, the pain in his eyes momentarily replaced by a glimmer of amusement. "Guess I can't escape your plans, huh?"

Sakura nodded, her voice filled with determination. "No, you can't. You have a future with me, Kakashi. So you better hold on."

As Sakura continued her healing efforts, Kakashi's condition gradually stabilized. Yamato, who had been observing the process, approached Sakura with a supportive nod.

"Sakura, we need to get them back to the village for more extensive treatment," Yamato advised. "Can they be moved?"

Sakura glanced at Kakashi, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and concern. "Not yet. There's a lot of damage. He can't be jostled."

"I'm fine." Kakashi croaked. "We can move now."

"No!" Sakura protested. "No, you're not moving until I say so. You better listen to me Hatake, or I'm not marrying you ever."

Kakashi, despite his weakened state, managed a small, genuine smile. "Alright, alright, Sakura. I'll behave. No need to threaten me with heartbreak."

Yamato chuckled at the interaction, appreciating the unique dynamic between Sakura and Kakashi. "Looks like you have a tough patient, Sakura."

Sakura nodded, a mixture of emotions evident in her eyes. "He's always been stubborn. But I won't let him slip away."

Yamato patted Sakura's shoulder. "You're doing a great job, Sakura. We'll provide whatever support you need. Just focus on healing them, and we'll handle the rest."

With Yamato's assurance, Sakura continued her meticulous healing process, channeling chakra with precision to mend Kakashi's injuries. The atmosphere remained tense, but there was a determined resolve in Sakura's eyes.

As the medical team worked together, they carefully transported Kakashi and Obito back to the village, ensuring that their conditions remained stable. The journey was a blur for Sakura, her focus solely on her patients.

Back at the village hospital, Sakura continued her vigilant care, overseeing the treatments for Kakashi and Obito.

One night, Kakashi woke up from his drug-induced sleep. He looked around the hospital room until he found a pair of dark eyes staring at him.

"You're a lucky bastard, Kakashi, you know that?" Obito said to him.

Kakashi, still feeling groggy, raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"

Obito rolled his eyes before pointing at Kakashi's bedside. "Because even though you're a pain in the ass, she's still loves you. She had been crying when you flatlined on her numerous times."

Kakashi, more alert now, turned his gaze to the side and found Sakura half sitting on a chair while the upper half of her body was slumped on the side of his bed. Her head is slightly turned towards his direction so he can clearly see the trail that her tears cut in her cheeks and the dark bags under her eyes.

Kakashi felt a pang of guilt and concern as he observed Sakura's exhausted state. He hadn't realized the extent of her worry and the toll it had taken on her.

"Sakura," he called softly, his voice hoarse.

Sakura stirred, blinking away the remnants of sleep. When she saw Kakashi awake, a mix of relief and concern flashed in her eyes. "Kakashi, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Kakashi managed a weak smile. "Like I've been through a war. How long have you been sitting here?"

Sakura sighed, rubbing her eyes. "I lost track of time. I wanted to make sure you're okay."

"I'm alive, thanks to you," Kakashi said, his gaze softening. "You didn't have to sit here all this time, Sakura."

Sakura frowned; her fatigue evident. "I couldn't leave you. You almost died on my table numerous times. I thought..." Tears pooled in her eyes again. "I thought, I'm going to lose you."

Kakashi reached out to gently wipe away Sakura's tears. "You won't lose me, Sakura. I promised you a future, remember? And I intend to keep that promise."

Sakura sniffled, managing a small smile through her tears. "You better keep that promise, Kakashi. I won't let you escape from marrying me."

Kakashi chuckled, a raspy but genuine sound. "I'm not planning on escaping, Sakura. I plan on marrying you. I have loved you since we were 6, I'm not just going to let go now that I know marrying you is a real possibility."

Sakura's eyes softened, and she reached for Kakashi's hand, intertwining their fingers. "I love you too, Kakashi. I don't know what I would do if I lost you."

Kakashi squeezed her hand gently. "You won't lose me, Sakura. I'll always come back to you."

As they shared a quiet moment of reassurance, Obito, who had been observing the exchange, couldn't help but interrupt with a smirk. "Well, it seems like you two have everything figured out."

Kakashi rolled his eyes at Obito's teasing. "You're not one to talk, Obito. You were practically declaring your love for Rin back there during the mission."

Obito blushed, scratching the back of his head. "Well, yeah. I mean, life is too short, right?"

Sakura chuckled, appreciating the lighter atmosphere. "You two are impossible. But I'm glad you're both okay."

"Where's Dad?" Kakashi asked.

"At home. Dad's no longer young. I sent him home. He trusts me enough to let me take care of you." Sakura explained.

Kakashi nodded, grateful for Sakumo's trust in Sakura's abilities. "I'll make sure to thank him when I'm up and about."

"You better rest, Kakashi," Sakura insisted. "You need your strength to recover fully."

Kakashi smirked. "You're becoming more like a nagging wife, Sakura."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Well, you better get used to it if you plan on marrying me."

Kakashi chuckled, feeling a sense of comfort in the banter. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As Sakura continued to monitor Kakashi's recovery, their bond strengthened, and the promise of a future together became more tangible. The Hatake household, with its history of healing and love, played a crucial role in shaping their journey.

The days turned into weeks, and Kakashi's condition gradually improved. Sakura's skilled and unwavering care played a significant role in his recovery. The hospital room, once a scene of worry and tension, transformed into a space filled with laughter and shared moments.

Eventually, Kakashi was discharged from the hospital, with Sakura insisting on accompanying him home to ensure he didn't overexert himself.

As they walked through the village, hand in hand, Kakashi couldn't help but reflect on the journey that brought them to this moment. The challenges they faced, the bonds that were forged, and the love that blossomed against all odds.

When they reached the Hatake residence, Sakura guided Kakashi to his room, ensuring he was comfortable. She continued to fuss over him, prompting a playful remark from Kakashi.

"You're really enjoying this caretaker role, aren't you?" he teased.

Sakura grinned, leaning against the doorway. "Well, someone has to make sure you don't do anything reckless."

Kakashi chuckled, appreciating Sakura's genuine concern. "I suppose I'm lucky to have you looking out for me."

Sakura walked closer, her eyes softening. "You're not just lucky, Kakashi. We're in this together, remember? Partners in every sense."

Kakashi nodded, a warmth filling his heart. "Partners. I like the sound of that."

Sakumo looked at his bandaged son wirh critical eyes. "You've done well, daughter." he patted Sakura's shoulder. "You managed to pull him out of death's door."

Sakura blushed at Sakumo's words, feeling a sense of gratitude for the support and trust he had placed in her. "Thank you, Dad. I just did what I had to do."

Sakumo chuckled. "You did more than that, Sakura. You brought him back to us. You're a remarkable young woman."

"Dad," Kakashi called his father. "she said yes. She said she will marry me."

Sakumo's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and delight. He turned his attention to Sakura, a warm smile on his face.

"Is that true, Sakura?" Sakumo asked, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

Sakura nodded, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. "Yes, Dad. I told him I'll marry him."

Sakumo grinned, pulling Sakura into a brief but heartfelt hug. "Good. For I don't know how much more of Kakashi's hounding that I can take. He had been whining about it since the both of you were ten." He looked at his son. "And Kakashi, I don't care if you're my biological son, if you make my lovely daughter cry, I'm going to hurt you."

"You don't have to worry, Dad. I will never make her cry. I've been dreaming of the day that she'll say yes to me since I was six, Dad." Kakashi huffed indignantly. "And you didn't raise me to be disrespectful. You raised us together, Dad. You know me."

Sakumo chuckled at Kakashi's defensive response. "I know, Kakashi. I was just teasing. But remember, marriage is a serious commitment. Treat Sakura with the love and respect she deserves."

Kakashi nodded earnestly. "I will, Dad. Sakura means everything to me."

"And my rule still stands. No sneaking out to go to her room. Her room is off-limits to you. If you want to sleep by her side again like the two of you used to do when you were seven, marry her first." Sakumo sternly decreed.

Kakashi looked at Sakura, exasperated. "Can you believe it? We're eighteen already and Daddy is still laying out ground rules for us."

Sakura laughed, finding amusement in the fatherly concern. "Well, I guess we'll have to follow the rules, Kakashi. No sneaking into each other's rooms until we're officially married."

Sakumo raised an eyebrow towards his son. "You live with her since she was seven and you still argue?" he looked at Sakura. "Forgive me for raising such an ingrate. I should have adopted you and made you his sister before to save you from such a man."

Sakura couldn't help but burst into laughter at Sakumo's playful teasing. Kakashi rolled his eyes, realizing he was outnumbered in this banter.

"Dad, don't give her any ideas. I can't handle more ground rules," Kakashi protested, a hint of mock desperation in his tone.

Sakura, still chuckling, approached Kakashi and playfully nudged his shoulder. "Don't worry, Kakashi. I'll make sure to keep you in check."

Sakumo grinned, proud of the unique family dynamic that had formed over the years. "Well, it looks like you'll be legally my daughter in a few months. Not that it matters because you've already been my daughter for so long." He hugged her. "Take care of my son." he whispered.

Sakura hugged Sakumo back, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance. "I will, Dad. I promise to take good care of him."

Sakumo pulled back, a twinkle in his eye. "I have no doubt about that, Sakura. You've already proven yourself. Now, let's celebrate. We have a lot to be grateful for."

The three of them gathered in the living room, sharing stories, laughter, and a meal prepared by Sakumo. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of joy and gratitude, a celebration of life, love, and the bonds that had brought them together.