Sakura detached herself from her husband as she heard her father-in-law's voice from the entrance of their home.

"Sakura? Kakashi?" Sakumo called out to them. "I brought tempura with me. Hope you're hungry."

Sakura and Kakashi exchanged a glance, the recent turmoil still fresh in their minds. Despite the lingering pain, they appreciated the support from Sakumo. Sakura managed a small smile, nodding at Sakumo's gesture.

"Thank you, Dad. We appreciate it," Kakashi said, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and determination.

Sakumo entered the house and placed the plate of tempura on the dinner table before walking towards the two. He sat on the couch and eyed his only living family. "I heard what happened." Sakumo started, eyeing Sakura. "What is it that you want us to do about your mother?"

Sakura took a deep breath before responding. "I don't want her near us, Dad. I can't have her disrupting our lives and causing more pain." She looked at Kakashi and held his hand on hers. "I want to focus on rebuilding our marriage without any interference from her."

Sakumo nodded, understanding the gravity of Sakura's request. "I'll make sure she stays away. And Kakashi," He looked at his only son. "just because Mebuki orchestrated everything, it doesn't put your off the hook. You still played a part in Sakura's heartbreak."

Kakashi met Sakumo's gaze, his expression serious. "I know, Dad. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I'll do whatever it takes to make things right with Sakura. I love her, and I won't let anything come between us again."

Sakumo nodded approvingly. "Good. Actions speak louder than words, Kakashi. Make sure you prove that you're committed to fixing this. Sakura deserves nothing less."

"I will, Dad. I promise," Kakashi affirmed, determination in his eyes.

Sakura squeezed Kakashi's hand, grateful for the support from both her husband and father-in-law. "Thank you, Dad. We appreciate your understanding and help in keeping her away."

Sakumo sighed, his gaze softening. "Sakura, you're like a daughter to me. I want to see you happy, and I'll do whatever I can to support both of you. But remember, if you really can't find it in your heart to forgive my son, you can return him to me. I won't mind."

Sakura shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips and looked at Kakashi. "I won't return him, Dad. I feel like this is a 'no return, no exchange' situation. I'll just make sure that I'm exciting enough for him not to stray."

Kakashi smiled at his wife. "I don't need anymore excitement, Sakura. I just need you."

Sakumo chuckled at their banter. "Well, it seems like you two are on the right track. Just take care of each other, and remember, communication is key. Now, let's eat some tempura and try to find some joy in the midst of all this chaos."

Sakura turned to Sakumo and beamed at him. "It was too long since I had your best tempura, Dad!" she brought her hands together in excitement. "Kakashi's version is so bland compared to yours."

"Hey!" Kakashi protested. "That's so mean, wife."

Sakumo laughed heartily. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment. Let's enjoy the tempura and focus on healing. You two have been through a lot, but I believe in your strength as a couple. And Kakashi, make sure you work hard to earn back Sakura's trust."

Kakashi nodded, a serious expression on his face. "I will, Dad. I'll do everything in my power to make things right."

As they sat down to enjoy the meal, the atmosphere in the house began to shift. The presence of Mebuki, though disruptive, was now overshadowed by the determination of Sakura and Kakashi to rebuild their relationship.

After dinner, Sakura expressed her desire to rest as the whole ordeal took everything out of her. As Kakashi and Sakumo watched her disappear behind her bedroom door, Kakashi looked at his father.

"I went to Minato-sensei today." Kakashi started.

Sakumo raised an eyebrow, curious about what Kakashi had discussed with the Hokage. "And? What did Minato-sama have to say?"

Kakashi took a deep breath before responding. "I officially requested to be relieved of my shinobi duties, Dad. I'm leaving the active service."

Sakumo's eyes widened in surprise. "Leaving the service? Kakashi, that's a significant decision. What led you to make such a choice?"

Kakashi looked at his close bedroom door. "I need to be here." he said. "I left for a few hours and I came back to her crying. And learning that her mother verbally hurt her in our home is not sitting right with me." He turnrf his head to look at his father again. "Besides, even though it's better now. I still have to make sure that my marriage stays intact."

"I know you love her son." Sakumo stated. "But do you really love her enough to leave your passion?" he asked. "I'm asking this because I don't want you to plant a seed of hate towards your wife. Will you be happy without your career?"

Kakashi met his father's gaze, contemplating the weight of Sakumo's words. "Dad, I love Sakura more than anything. If leaving my shinobi duties is what it takes to ensure her happiness and the stability of our marriage, then I'm willing to make that sacrifice. I want to prove to her that I'm committed, that I'm not just making promises but taking real, tangible actions."

Sakumo nodded, understanding the depth of Kakashi's commitment. "It's a significant sacrifice, Kakashi. Your career is a part of who you are. But I can see that you're willing to prioritize your marriage over it. Just be sure that this decision won't lead to resentment or regrets in the future. Your happiness matters too."

Kakashi sighed, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. "I've thought about it, Dad. I know it won't be easy, but I want to do everything in my power to make Sakura feel secure and loved. I'll find a way to make it work, even if it means finding a new purpose beyond being a shinobi."

Sakumo placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes. "You're a good man, Kakashi. I just worry that you'll grow to resent Sakura because of the choices you have to make for her."

Kakashi looked at his father, gratitude evident in his eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Dad. But I love Sakura, and I want to do everything I can to make her happy. If sacrifices are required, I'm willing to make them. I don't want any regrets in our marriage."

Sakumo nodded. "Well, son. I have more than enough money set aside for you and her. Enough that even if you have a pack of kids, you will still be able to live well for the rest of your life."

"Dad, I didn't tell you this to ask for money. I saved all of my paychecks because you insist on providing anything. And we didn't spend much on the wedding. We have enough." Kakashi protested. "And I'm not going to stay jobless forever."

Sakumo chuckled. "I know, Kakashi. But it's a father's prerogative to worry about his children. Just make sure that both of you communicate openly about your decisions and feelings. Marriage is a partnership, and you should navigate these challenges together."

Kakashi nodded, appreciating his father's wisdom. "I will, Dad. Thank you for your support and understanding."

Sakumo patted Kakashi's shoulder. "Now, focus on rebuilding your relationship. I'll take care of Mebuki and make sure she stays away. You have my word."

"Thank you, Dad. I appreciate it," Kakashi said sincerely.

As they continued their conversation, both father and son shared a moment of understanding and solidarity. The journey ahead would be challenging, but with their commitment to each other, Kakashi and Sakura were determined to face the obstacles together.