Days turned into weeks, and Kakashi worked hard to prove his commitment to Sakura. He took on responsibilities at home, ensured open communication, and continued to support her emotionally. Sakura, in turn, started to open up to the possibility of rebuilding their relationship. The wounds were healing, and the process of rediscovering each other had begun.

However, at the two-month mark, Kakashi became restless. His fingers itched to hold his weapon again. But as an ordinary citizen, he is not allowed any weapons, so he just contend himself to relentless training.

Sakura noticed the restlessness in Kakashi, and one evening, as they sat together in their living room, she brought up the topic.

"Kakashi, it's been two months already. Why aren't there any mission sent your way?"

Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "I officially requested to be relieved of my shinobi duties, Sakura. I left the active service voluntarily to focus on us, on rebuilding our relationship."

Sakura looked taken aback at his response. So, he really did leave the service just because she asked him? She shook her head and held his hand. "I can see how unhappy you are."

Kakashi met Sakura's gaze, his expression a mix of determination and concern. "Sakura, my priority is you and our marriage. I want to be here for you, to show you that I'm committed to making things right. If my restlessness is affecting you, I'll find other ways to cope with it. I don't want to compromise what we're building."

Sakura squeezed his hand gently. "Kakashi, I appreciate your dedication, but I don't want you to give up your entire life for me. I want you to be happy too. If you're missing being a shinobi, maybe we can find a middle ground. You don't have to completely give up what you love."

Kakashi sighed, understanding Sakura's concern. "I just want to make sure you feel secure and supported, Sakura. But if you think we can find a compromise, I'm willing to consider it. I just need you to be honest with me about what you're comfortable with."

Sakura nodded and started tracing small circles on Kakashi's hand. "Go back to the service, Kakashi. Minato-sama is not going to turn you away. I'll... I'll personally apologize to him if I have to. I can't take seeing you so restless and unhappy."

Kakashi looked at Sakura, gratitude and concern in his eyes. "Sakura, are you sure about this? I left the service to focus on us, on our marriage. I don't want to go back if it's going to make you uncomfortable or if you think it will affect our relationship negatively."

Sakura sighed, looking into Kakashi's eyes. "I appreciate your sacrifice, Kakashi, I really do. But I don't want you to give up something you love so much for me. I want you to be happy too, and if being a shinobi brings you fulfillment, then I don't want to take that away from you."

Kakashi took a moment to consider Sakura's words. He appreciated her understanding and concern for his happiness. "Sakura, I love you, and I want to make our marriage work. If going back to the service is what you think is best for both of us, then I'll consider it. But I want to make sure you're comfortable with this decision."

Sakura nodded, a small smile on her face. "I want you to be happy, Kakashi. And I believe we can find a balance that works for both of us. I don't want you to give up your passion for me, but I also want us to have a strong and fulfilling relationship." she looked at him intently. "And I'm sorry for making you give up your life's purpose for me. I didn't mean to be selfish."

Kakashi gently cupped Sakura's face, his gaze sincere. "Sakura, you're not being selfish. I made the choice to leave the service because I wanted to prioritize our relationship. But your happiness matters to me too, and I appreciate your understanding. Let's find a compromise that works for both of us."

Sakura leaned into Kakashi's touch, grateful for his reassurance. "I love you, Kakashi. And I don't want you to feel like you have to sacrifice everything for me. We can navigate this together."

Kakashi nodded, a determined expression on his face. "I'll talk to Minato-sensei and see if there's a way to find a balance. I want to be there for you, Sakura, and also pursue what I love. We'll figure it out together."

Sakura smiled, relieved by Kakashi's willingness to reconsider his decision. "Thank you, Kakashi. I believe in us, and I know we can make this work. Let's take it one step at a time."

And true to Sakura's words, Minato accepted him with open arms.

Kakashi reinstated to the service and all of his weapons were given back to him. And after three-month long hiatus, he is finally getting back into action.

Sakura prepared his pack diligently. "The first aid kit is on the side. I added some things like chakra-laced burn ointment and poison neutralizer. Now the neutralizer will be effective for almost all poison but if you were managed to get poisoned, even with it, I need you to come back to me immediately." she reminded him.

Kakashi smiled at Sakura's thorough preparations, appreciating her concern for his well-being. "I'll be careful, Sakura. And I promise, if anything happens, I'll come back to you right away."

Sakura nodded, a mixture of pride and worry in her eyes. "I believe in you, Kakashi. Just be safe out there, okay? And don't hesitate to ask for backup if you need it."

Kakashi leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on Sakura's forehead. "I'll be back before you know it. Take care of yourself, and I'll bring you back a special treat."

Sakura chuckled, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. "You better, or I might have to send a team after you."

Kakashi chuckled in response, appreciating the lightness of their exchange. As he prepared to leave for his mission, he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. Sakura's support and understanding, coupled with his commitment to their relationship, gave him the strength to face the challenges ahead.

Kakashi had been gone one week before her mother pestered her again.

"Hello, daughter." Mebuki cooed as Sakura opened the door to their home.

Sakura's expression hardened as she saw her mother standing at the doorstep. "What are you doing here, Mama?" she asked, her tone stern.

Mebuki smirked, looking around as if inspecting the house. "Just checking on my precious daughter. How have you been, Sakura? Still living with that Hatake boy, it seems."

"What do want this time?" Sakura asked. "If you want to destroy my marriage like you did the last time, it won't work. Kakashi and I have mended the cracks you caused."

Mebuki chuckled, her eyes glinting with a sinister amusement. "Mended the cracks? My dear Sakura, do you really believe that your relationship with that Hatake boy can withstand the storms ahead? Men like him, they never change. They're bound to disappoint you sooner or later."

Sakura crossed her arms, maintaining her composure despite her mother's taunts. "I don't have time for your games, Mama. If you're here to cause trouble, I suggest you leave."

Mebuki's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm not here to slander your dear husband, Sakura." she said, her tone sickly sweet. "But rather, to do this." Mebuki's fist connected with Sakura's abdomen and the latter doubled over in unexpected assault.

Sakura gasped, clutching her stomach in pain. She staggered back, trying to regain her balance, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. "Why, Mama? Why would you do this?" she managed to utter through gritted teeth.

Mebuti stepped inside her daughter's home and slapped her. "I really hate it when you call me Mama, Sakura." she seethed. "And as to why? Because your blubbering mouth put me in jail for thirteen years. Do you know how disgusting it is there?"

Sakura, still reeling from the sudden attack, glared at her mother with a mix of pain and anger. "I did what I had to do to protect myself, Mama. You were abusive, and I couldn't live in fear anymore. I won't let you hurt me again."

Mebuki scoffed, her expression filled with resentment. "Protect yourself? You betrayed your own mother, Sakura. I gave you life, and this is how you repay me? By siding with that Hatake boy and sending me to that wretched place?"

Sakura steadied herself, her determination overshadowing the pain. "I didn't betray you, Mama. I sought help because I couldn't endure the abuse any longer. You forced me into a corner, and I had no other choice."

Mebuki clenched her fists, her anger escalating. "Enough of your excuses, Sakura. You think you're better than me just because you have a fancy house and a shinobi husband? You're nothing."

Mebuki continued hitting Sakura like the way she used to do. And Sakura, despite being a capable Kunoichi herself, for some reason cannot properly mold chakra in her fist to protect herself.

"What did you do to me?" Sakura asked as she failed to mold her chakra again.

Her mother grinned wickedly at her. "You know, it is one of the advantages to be an aunt to another Kunoichi. You pick up things." she showed her a small vial. "It was said that this is a chakra-suppressant. I guess, it's true if you can't fight me off."

Sakura's eyes widened in realization as her mother revealed the vial. The chakra suppressant explained why she couldn't properly mold chakra to defend herself. Panic surged through her, but she refused to let fear take over.

"Why are you doing this, Mama?" Sakura asked, her voice strained but defiant. "Why do you always want to hurt me?"

Mebuki circled Sakura with a malicious glint in her eyes. "Hurt you? Oh, my dear Sakura, you always play the victim. I'm doing this because you took everything away from me. You ruined my life with your lies and betrayal."

Sakura, though in pain, maintained a determined gaze. "I didn't ruin your life, Mama. You did that to yourself with your actions. I had to protect myself. I won't let you control me again."

Mebuki laughed coldly. "Protect yourself? You're just a weak little girl, Sakura. Always relying on others to save you. Well, no one will save you now. You'll finally learn the consequences of crossing me." She yanked Sakura's long hair and stared down at her. "You look so well now, Sakura. That Hatake boy must be pampering you a lot." she spat.

Sakura winced as her mother continued her verbal and physical assault. Despite the pain and the taunts, she summoned the inner strength to respond. "Kakashi cares for me more than you ever did, Mama. And unlike you, he doesn't use violence to control or hurt me. And his dad? Sakumo? He had been the best parent for me. Unlike you!"

Mebuki's rage intensified at Sakura's words. She tightened her grip on Sakura's hair and forced her to look up. "You ungrateful child! How dare you speak of him like that? You think that man can replace your own mother?"

Sakura, still struggling with the pain, met her mother's furious gaze with unwavering determination. "He's not trying to replace you, Mama. He's giving me the love and care you never did." She winced as her mother pulled on her hair. "While you starved me and beat me and made me ate rotten food, Hatake Sakumo, feed me fresh fruits and cook me meals that I can only see you eating. He clothed me and nurtured me to be what I am today. And my husband? He loved me since we were kids. They are more family to me than you ever did."

Mebuki's face twisted in anger, and she slapped Sakura again. "You delusional child! Those men are using you, and you're too blind to see it. They're just manipulating you for their own benefit." She shoved Sakura into the wall. "They are just softening you up, so that when it's time to collect the payment for all their "goodwill" you won't resist. Nothing's ever given free." Her eyes traced her daughter's form maliciously. "You really grew up to be a beautiful girl, aren't you Sakura? I could have made quite a fortune out of you."

Sakura looked startled at the words that came out of her mother's mouth. "Fo-fortune?" she asked. "What do you mean?"

Mebuki smirked, revealing the true depth of her sinister intentions. "Oh, my dear Sakura, you have no idea, do you? You're so beautiful that I could have made profit out of you. Why do you think I've been training you to function while beaten and hungry? Because men love submissives. And I've been shaping you into one. If not only for that blasted brat, I may be rich right now."

Sakura's eyes widened in horror as the truth of her mother's intentions unfolded. The realization struck her like a heavy blow, and a mix of shock, disgust, and anger flooded her being.

"You... you were grooming me for profit?" Sakura uttered, her voice trembling with a mixture of emotions.

Mebuki chuckled, her tone filled with malice. "Of course, my dear. You were always such a pretty little thing. I could have sold you to the highest bidder, and we could have lived a life of luxury. Or maybe, I could turn you into a beautiful seductress. Many would pay for you, Sakura. But you ruined it." Mebuki fingered some of Sakura's hair strands and played with it. "Tsk. Such misfortune. We could have gotten a lot of money for your first time. But you gave it for free to that boy. Such a waste."

Sakura felt a surge of nausea and disbelief at the horrifying truth her mother revealed. The gravity of Mebuki's intentions and the sheer cruelty behind them left Sakura shaken to her core.

"You... you wanted to sell me?" Sakura whispered, her voice barely audible as she processed the sinister reality. The room felt like it was closing in on her, and the pain from her mother's physical assault seemed secondary to the emotional trauma inflicted by these revelations.

Mebuki sneered, enjoying the shock on Sakura's face. "Oh, my dear Sakura, you always had such a naive view of the world. Life is not easy, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices. I was just ensuring our future prosperity. You were just a tool for that."

Sakura's eyes brimmed with tears, a mixture of horror, disgust, and a deep sense of betrayal coursing through her veins. "You... you treated me like an object? A tool for your own gain?"

Mebuki laughed coldly, reveling in Sakura's pain. "Isn't that what children are for? To secure a better future for their parents. I was just using the skills I learned to ensure our survival. But you, you always had this ridiculous notion of morality."

Sakura's knees felt weak, and she sank to the floor, overwhelmed by the weight of her mother's twisted intentions. "I thought... I thought you were just a strict, abusive mother. I never imagined... I never thought you would go this far." Her voice quivered as she struggled to comprehend the magnitude of Mebuki's cruelty.

Mebuki leaned down, her face inches away from Sakura's, the malice in her eyes piercing. "You know, Sakura. You can still help me. You're going to be a bit loose since you married early. But I think I can still sell you." She showed her the vial that contained the chakra-suppressant. "And with this, you can't fight me."

Sakura, though battered and emotionally shattered, summoned every ounce of strength left within her. She glared at her mother with defiance, determination burning in her eyes. "I will never help you, Mama. I will never allow you to use me or anyone else for your sick, twisted plans. I will never be a part of your darkness."

Mebuki chuckled menacingly. "Stubborn until the end, someone is going to pay handsomely for you. Some men loves to break stubborn women." She stuck the vial into her neck, doubling the amount of drug coursing through her bloodstream.

"You... you're not going to get away with this," Sakura whispered, her voice weak as she can feel the effects of the drug. As she is a small woman, the drug is not just affecting her chakra pathways, it's also affecting her nervous system.

Mebuki stood up, her sinister grin widening as she watched Sakura struggle against the effects of the drug. "Oh, my dear Sakura, there's nothing you can do now. You're at my mercy." she sneered at her weakened form. "I know someone who will enjoy breaking you. He will be pleased with you."

As Sakura's strength waned under the influence of the intensified chakra-suppressant, Mebuki reveled in her perceived victory. Sakura's vision blurred, and the room seemed to spin as the drug took a toll on her nervous system.

Mebuki pinched Sakura's chin between her fingers. "If only you were an obedient girl, I would have searched for a gentler rich man. But you betrayed me, so I will betray you too." She pinched her harder before she slapped her with all of the force that she can release. "You'll regret crossing me, Sakura."

The room echoed with Mebuki's cruel laughter as Sakura, weakened and drugged, endured the relentless assault. The pain, both physical and emotional, became an overwhelming force, threatening to consume Sakura entirely.

"Ka... Kakashi..." she forced herself to say, as if by saying that man's name she can summon him.

"Your precious little husband can't help you now, Sakura." Mebuki tutted gleefully. "And that's his mistake, leaving you all alone defenseless here while he ran around on other villages playing the hero. What would he do when he returns, and you're gone?"

Sakura's eyes, though clouded with pain and the effects of the drug, held a spark of defiance. She refused to succumb to her mother's sadistic satisfaction.

"Kakashi will find me," Sakura whispered, her voice strained. "Dad will... look for me."

Mebuki's laughter echoed through the room, mocking Sakura's defiance. "Oh, Sakura, you're so naive. Your precious Hatake won't find you in time. By the time he returns, I'll be long gone, and you'll be in the hands of someone who knows how to break you properly." Mebuki looked around. "But first I need something to tie up. I can't risk you running away from me again until your buyer comes to get you."

The room seemed to close in on Sakura as the effects of the chakra-suppressant intensified, making it harder for her to focus and resist. Despite her weakened state, she refused to surrender to despair. The thought of being at the mercy of her mother's sinister plans fueled her determination to find a way out.

"Ka...kashi." she murmured. "Dad."

"Shut up!" Mebuki bellowed, as she returned with a length of rope. "They will not look for you. They may very well thank me for taking you out of their hands."

She roughly brought Sakura's hands together and started tying her wrist and hands. She continued tying her up until she's satisfied with her handiwork. "There. You won't be able to weave those annoying signs now."

As Mebuki tightened the last knot on Sakura's bound hands, the room felt increasingly like a prison closing in on her. Sakura, though weakened and drugged, refused to let despair fully consume her. She locked eyes with her mother, a mixture of defiance and desperation in her gaze.

"Kakashi will find me." Sakura croaked. "He will... find me."

Mebuki scoffed dismissively, reveling in her perceived victory. "Keep dreaming, Sakura. Your Hatake won't find you in time. And when he does, it'll be too late. Now, be a good girl and wait for your buyer." She taunted, smirking as she surveyed the bound and weakened Sakura.

"Don't..." Sakura pleaded. "I'm still your... daughter. Why would you sell me?"

Mebuki's laughter filled the room, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Sakura's spine. "Daughter? You stopped being my daughter the moment you betrayed me, Sakura. Now you're just a commodity, a valuable one at that." She circled Sakura, her eyes filled with a twisted satisfaction.

"Why would I sell you?" Mebuki continued, her voice dripping with malice. "Because you're a tool, a means to an end. I'll make a fortune from your misery, and I'll finally have something to show for the years you've stolen from me."

Sakura, though bound and drugged, refused to let go of her defiance. "You can't erase the fact that I'm your..." Sakura strained against her bindings. "flesh and blood, Mama. No amount of money can change that." She looked at her intently through hazy fog. "Just how much did he paid for me?" she muttered. "How much, Mama?

Mebuki grinned at her. "I could have gotten much larger amount for you if you're a virgin. But I got paid handsomely. A million ryo. Not bad for used goods."

Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief and horror at the revelation of the price her mother had received for selling her. The room seemed to spin as the weight of her mother's betrayal and the dehumanizing reality of being treated as a commodity sank in. The words echoed in her mind, 'A million ryo.'

"That's my price?" Sakura asked. "You betrayed and hurt your daughter for a million ryo?"

Mebuki's twisted satisfaction only deepened as she reveled in Sakura's shock and horror. The room seemed to close in on Sakura, the walls echoing with the cruel laughter of her mother.

"A million ryo," Mebuki repeated, savoring the words. "Quite the hefty sum, isn't it? I could have sold you for more if you had maintained your 'purity,' but desperate times call for desperate measures."

"And after that?" Sakura asked. "What... what will happen to me?" she clarified. "Mama, please... Kakashi..."

Mebuki sat in front of her, relishing at the pain and fear coursing through Sakura. "After that, he will see fit what to do with you. You're out of my hands by then. He can keep you to play with. Or he can sell you too. You can kiss your precious Hatake goodbye."

Sakura's face contorted with hurt. "Mama, please..." she implored. "I'll give you the million ryo. I... have my own money now. Just let me go."

Mebuki burst into laughter, a cold and heartless sound that echoed through the room. "Oh, Sakura, you truly are entertaining. You think you can buy your freedom from me? The money you have is nothing compared to what I can gain by selling you. It's not just about the money, Sakura. It's also about revenge."

The room continued to echo with Mebuki's cruel laughter as Sakura, bound and drugged, felt the weight of despair settle over her. The realization that her mother was driven not just by greed but also by a vengeful desire to inflict suffering cut through Sakura's heart.

"Revenge?" Sakura choked out, her voice barely audible. "What did I ever do to deserve this, Mama? I'm your daughter."

Mebuki's eyes gleamed with malice as she leaned in closer to Sakura. "You ruined my life, Sakura. You betrayed me, turned your back on your own mother. You thought you could escape the consequences, but now you'll pay for what you did."

Sakura's mind raced, desperately searching for a way out of this nightmarish situation. Despite the fog in her thoughts and the effects of the drug, she clung to a glimmer of hope.

"Mama, please," Sakura pleaded, her eyes pleading with her mother. "I'll give you whatever you want. Just don't do this. Don't sell me. I'll give you more money if you want. I just..." Tears started cascading down her face. "Kakashi." she choked out. "I cannot... I refused to be used like that, Mama."

Mebuki sneered at Sakura's desperate pleas, reveling in her daughter's anguish. "More money? You think you can buy your way out of this? How foolish, Sakura. No amount of money will change the fact that you betrayed me, and now you'll face the consequences."

Sakura, though weakened and bound, refused to let go of her resilience. "Mama, please, I'm begging you. I'll do anything, just don't let them take me." She looked at her, all of the fight and defiance left her eyes. "Mama, please. I... I made a promise to myself. Only… only Kakashi can touch me like that. Please, Mama."

Mebuki's expression twisted with disdain as she listened to Sakura's desperate pleas. The pleas only fueled her satisfaction, and she reveled in the power she held over her daughter.

"Aren't you a sweet little wife, Sakura?" Mebuki scoffed. "Promising your dear dear husband that only he gets to taste you. Such a faithful one. Shame that your husband is not, right?" She laughed at her. "Be prepared, Sakura. That promise will not hold much longer."

Sakura, tears streaming down her face, held onto the last shreds of her dignity. "Mama, please... I beg you, don't let them take me. I can't bear it. I'll do whatever you want, just please don't let them take me away from everything I love."

Mebuki's malicious grin widened. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The great Kunoichi reduced to a whimpering mess. It's almost poetic." She stood up, looking down at Sakura with contempt. "You made your bed, Sakura, now lie in it. Your Hatake can't protect you from the consequences of your betrayal."

The room seemed to close in on Sakura as despair threatened to consume her. Bound, drugged, and at the mercy of her vengeful mother, she felt a profound sense of helplessness. Mebuki's laughter echoed in her ears, a haunting reminder of the twisted path that led them to this dark moment.

As Mebuki prepared to leave, reveling in her perceived victory, Sakura summoned the last reserves of her strength to speak one final plea. "Mama, please... reconsider. I'll find a way to make things right. Just don't do this. Don't let them take everything away from me." She implored. "Mama… Mama, please… I promised Kakashi…"

Mebuki paused, savoring the desperation in Sakura's voice. She leaned in, whispering with a malicious tone, "There's no turning back, Sakura. You'll learn that actions have consequences, and you can't escape them. Enjoy your time with your precious memories, because once you're in their hands, it'll be a different story."

With a final mocking glance, Mebuki left Sakura alone in the dimly lit room, her heart heavy with the weight of impending doom. The effects of the chakra-suppressant intensified, making it increasingly difficult for Sakura to keep her eyes open. The room blurred, and the echoes of her mother's cruel laughter lingered in her mind.