Days turned into weeks, and Kakashi was true to his word. He took an indefinite leave from his missions, focusing all his energy on repairing the damage he had done to his marriage. The house that once held warmth and laughter now echoed with the sounds of silence and painful conversations.
"Sakura, I made tempura for you." Kakashi approached his wife with a plate of perfectly cooked tempura. "I remember how you love these when we were children."
Sakura eyed the plate that Kakashi slide in front of her. "I'm not hungry."
Kakashi sighed, his attempts at reconciliation met with resistance. "Sakura, please. You need to eat something."
Sakura didn't respond, her gaze fixed on a point beyond the plate. The tension in the room was palpable, and Kakashi struggled to find the right words.
"I know I can't erase what happened," Kakashi began, choosing his words carefully. "But I want to make things right. I want to rebuild what we had. Can we at least talk about it?"
Sakura looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and exhaustion. "Kakashi, I love you. I really do. But I can't make myself forget about what happened.
Kakashi reached for her hand and held it in his. "I'm not asking you to forget, Sakura. What I'm asking is a chance to prove myself to you. I can change, Sakura."
Sakura stared at his grey orbs. "How can I be sure, Kakashi? You hurt me, and all I did is love you. How?"
Kakashi looked into Sakura's eyes, the weight of his guilt evident in his gaze. "Sakura, I understand that words alone won't make up for what I've done. I know I hurt you, and I can't change the past. But I am committed to making things right. I'll show you through my actions, through consistent effort, that I can be the husband you deserve."
Sakura withdrew her hand gently, a mixture of pain and skepticism in her expression. "Kakashi, I don't even know who you are anymore. The person I thought I married... he betrayed me. How do I trust that this change you're talking about is real?"
"What do you want me to do, Sakura?" he asked. "Tell me, I'll do everything you ask me."
Sakura looked at him straight in the eyes. And for a moment, he can see the fire that was absent there for the past days. "If I ask you to never leave the village again, would you do it? If I ask you to stop being a shinobi, would you do it?"
Kakashi met Sakura's gaze, realizing the gravity of her questions. He took a moment to consider his response, understanding that his choices would shape the future of their relationship.
"Sakura, is that what you really want me to do?" Kakashi asked her.
Sakura looked at him, her eyes searching for sincerity. "Yes." she said seriously.
Kakashi squeezed her hand tightly. "Okay. I will. If that's the way that I can prove to you that I'm serious. I will do it. I want to prove to you that I can change, and that I will change for you."
Sakura's eyes widened at his response, a mix of surprise and disbelief evident on her face. "Kakashi, that's a big sacrifice. Are you sure about this?" she asked, as she expected him to protest, to push back.
Kakashi nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I'm sure. If it means rebuilding your trust and proving that I'm committed to our marriage, then I'll do whatever it takes. I love you, Sakura, and I want to make things right." Kakashi looked at him. "Please, Sakura. Give me a chance to make things right."
Sakura remained silent, contemplating Kakashi's words. The weight of the decision hung in the air, and she knew that this was a significant sacrifice on Kakashi's part. The idea of him giving up his life as a shinobi for the sake of their marriage stirred conflicting emotions within her.
"I can't ask you to give up your career for me." Sakura whispered. "Because even if you do that, I cannot guarantee that we can return to what we were."
Kakashi nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. "I know it won't guarantee everything, Sakura. But I want to show you that I'm willing to make sacrifices, to change, and to prioritize our relationship. I will do everything to fix us. Just give me a chance."
"Are you doing this because I'm giving you a challenge?" Sakura asked. "Because I'm exciting again?"
Kakashi shook his head, his sincerity evident in his eyes. "No, Sakura. I'm doing this because I love you, and I want to make amends. The challenge is just a way for me to show you that I'm committed to change, that I'm serious about rebuilding what we had." he kissed her hands. "Please, Sakura."
Sakura stared at the hands that held hers. The hands of the man she married. "Okay." she whispered. "Just don't hurt me again."
A smile graced Kakashi's lips as he stood up from his chair and pulled her to him. "I promise, Sakura. I promise." he murmured.
"What is this?" Minato asked, reading the scroll that Kakashi handed him.
"It's my official request to be relieved of my shinobi duties, Hokage-sama." Kakashi explained, his gaze steady. "I am leaving the active service, Hokage-sama."
Minato looked at Kakashi with a mix of surprise and concern. "Kakashi, this is a significant decision. Are you sure about this? What's the reason behind it?"
Kakashi took a deep breath before responding. "My wife needs me, Minato-sensei. I need to fix what I've broken. And this is the only way that I can prove to her that I can change."
Minato set the scroll down. "Kakashi, I know that you want to make sure that your family is intact. But this, this is too much."
Kakashi shook his head. "Nothing is too much for my wife, sensei."
Minato sighed, understanding the depth of Kakashi's commitment. "Kakashi, family is important, and I respect your decision to prioritize your marriage. But leaving the active service is a significant step. Have you considered other options? Perhaps taking on less demanding missions or finding a balance?"
Kakashi nodded. "I've considered that, Minato-sensei. But I want to show Sakura that I'm willing to make a substantial sacrifice for our relationship. I want her to see that I'm serious about changing and rebuilding what we had."
Minato regarded Kakashi with a thoughtful expression. "I understand your dedication, Kakashi. How about this? I will take you out of the active roster for as long as you need. Once you fix everything, I can bring you back to the roster."
"I... I appreciate it. But cutting corners will not do. It will just show that I am still lying to her."
"What did you do, Kakashi?" Minato asked. "Why did you have to sacrifice everything now?"
Kakashi took a deep breath, steeling himself to reveal the truth to Minato. "I... I was unfaithful, sensei. I betrayed Sakura's trust, and now I need to do everything in my power to make amends. Leaving the active service is a part of that commitment."
Minato's expression shifted from concern to disappointment. "Kakashi, infidelity is a serious breach of trust. I'm sorry to hear that it has come to this, but I commend you for taking responsibility for your actions. However, leaving the active service is a significant sacrifice. Are you sure about this?"
Kakashi nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of his decisions. "I have to be sure, sensei. Sakura deserves my full commitment, and I need to show her that I'm willing to make sacrifices for our marriage. This is a step toward rebuilding what I've broken."
Minato sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Kakashi, I hope you understand the consequences of leaving the active service. It's not just about your career; it also impacts the village. But if this is the path you've chosen for the sake of your marriage, I'll support your decision. Take the time you need but remember that the village will be here when you decide to return."
"Thank you, sensei," Kakashi said, a mix of gratitude and determination in his voice. "I appreciate your understanding and support."
As Kakashi left Minato's office, he carried the weight of his decisions on his shoulders. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to face the consequences of his actions and work towards rebuilding the trust he had shattered.