Sakura's words echoed through his mind and he can't comprehend it. "Why?" he asked. "Do you regret growing up with me? Do you regret us, Sakura?" he pressed.

Sakura's eyes widened at Kakashi's questions, and she shook her head quickly. "No, Kakashi, it's not about that. I don't regret us. I never could. You've been my anchor, my support. It's just that..." She hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

Kakashi waited patiently, concern etched on his face. "Sakura, please tell me. I want to understand."

"I should have endured it all, Kakashi," Sakura finally confessed, her voice trembling. "The beatings, the hunger, the pain. I should have just endured it all. I should not have dragged you and your father into my life. I should have just endured and let Mama do what she wants. To kill me if that's what she wants. If I did, your life wouldn't be this messy."

Kakashi's eyes widened in shock and disbelief at Sakura's words. The weight of her confession hung heavy in the air, and he felt a mixture of confusion, concern, and a profound sadness.

"Sakura, no..." Kakashi whispered, his grip on her shoulders tightening. "You don't understand. You're not a burden, and you didn't drag us into anything. We chose to be with you because we care about you. You're not alone in this, and you don't have to face everything on your own."

Sakura avoided Kakashi's gaze, her eyes fixed on a distant point. "But Kakashi, everything that's happening now, the danger, the humiliation that you're facing, the pain, it's all because I asked for help. If I had just endured it silently, you and your father wouldn't be caught in the crossfire of my mess."

Kakashi shook his head, trying to make Sakura understand. "Sakura, enduring abuse is not a solution." He looked at her intently. "You remembered when you said that you were forced to eat rotten apple because you were starving?" he asked. "Do you remember how bruised you were? How malnourished and thin you were?"

Sakura nodded, the memory of those difficult times etched in her mind.

"Do you really think enduring that kind of pain would have been better?" Kakashi asked gently. "Sakura, you are not to blame for the actions of your mother. It's not your fault. We chose to be with you because we love you, and we want to support you. We don't see you as a burden, and we certainly don't regret being a part of your life."

Sakura's eyes welled up with tears, and she finally met Kakashi's gaze. The intensity of his love and sincerity shone through, breaking through the walls of guilt that had surrounded her.

"But Kakashi, you're suffering because of me," Sakura whispered.

Kakashi wiped away a tear from her cheek, his touch gentle. "Sakura, I would go through any hardship for you. Your happiness is worth every challenge we face. We're a team, and we face everything together. I don't regret any part of our journey, and I certainly don't regret choosing to be with you."

Sakura clung to Kakashi, the weight of her guilt slowly lifting as she allowed herself to be comforted by his words. The love they shared, the strength of their bond, became a source of solace in the midst of the turmoil.

"We'll get through this, Sakura," Kakashi reassured her. "We'll find a way to deal with your mother. Legally, because we won't stoop to her level. And we'll build a life where you can feel safe and happy. You're not alone in this, and you never will be."

"But Dad, he's not young anymore." she started. "And all this stress, it's not good for him. He was the only one who tried to be a parent to me and he loved me even though I'm not his daughter. And now I'm bringing in trouble and shame to your family name."

Kakashi's expression softened as he listened to Sakura's concerns. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb gently wiping away the tears that continued to fall.

"Sakura, Dad is fully aware of the risks and challenges we face," Kakashi reassured her. "He's not doing this out of obligation; he's doing it because he cares about you and me. We're a family, and families face challenges together. And as for the shame to the family name, don't let that burden your heart. You're not staining it, what happened to you wasn't your fault. It was never your fault." he looked intently into her eyes as he said that.

"But, Kakashi, the villagers are talking. They're looking down on you because of me. I can't bear to see you suffer because of what happened."

Kakashi's gaze held a fierce determination as he spoke, "Sakura, people will always talk. It's the nature of our world. But their opinions don't define us. We define ourselves through our actions and choices. I've faced judgment and criticism before, and I'll face it again if it means standing by your side. I'm not doing this for the villagers; I'm doing this for us."

He gently brushed a strand of hair from Sakura's face, his touch comforting. "I don't care what they say. What matters is our love and our commitment to each other. We'll prove them wrong, and we'll build a life that we can be proud of. Your past doesn't define you, Sakura, and it certainly doesn't define us."

Sakura felt a mixture of emotions, gratitude for Kakashi's unwavering support, and a lingering sense of guilt for the challenges he faced because of her. She leaned into his touch, seeking solace in the warmth of their connection.

"Kakashi, I don't want you to face backlash because of me," Sakura confessed, her voice vulnerable. "I can't bear to see you hurt."

Kakashi pressed a soft kiss on her forehead, his embrace providing a sense of security. "Sakura, your well-being is my priority. We'll face whatever comes our way together. We'll find a way to navigate through this storm, and I won't let anyone tarnish what we have. Our love is stronger than the judgments of others."

He pulled back slightly, his gaze locking with hers. "I chose you, Sakura, and I don't regret that choice. I love you, and I won't let anything or anyone come between us. We'll weather this storm and emerge victorious, stronger than ever."

Sakura's eyes softened as she absorbed Kakashi's words. The depth of his love and commitment melted away some of the fears that had gripped her heart. In that moment, in the embrace of Kakashi's arms, she found a flicker of hope and a renewed determination to face the challenges ahead.

"Thank you, Kakashi." she whispered. "I... I'll try to forget."

Kakashi continued to hold Sakura close, his arms a comforting shield around her. He could sense the internal struggle she was facing, the wounds that ran deep in her heart. He pressed another gentle kiss to her forehead, silently reassuring her that he was there for her, no matter what.

"Sakura," Kakashi whispered, "I know it's not easy, and I won't ask you to forget. But let's focus on healing, on building a future where the pain of the past doesn't dominate our present." He rubbed her back soothingly.

"I know it's a journey, and we'll take it one step at a time. You're not alone in this, Sakura. We'll face it together, and we'll emerge stronger. Your past doesn't define you, and I won't let it overshadow the love and happiness we can create together."

Sakura nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of the challenges they faced. Yet, in Kakashi's arms, she found a sense of peace and a glimmer of hope for a better future.

"Thank you, Kakashi," she whispered again, gratitude and love reflected in her tearful eyes.

Kakashi smiled, a soft and reassuring expression. "No need to thank me, Sakura. We're a team, and we'll support each other. Now, let's focus on the future. We have a new home to look forward to, and a life to rebuild. I love you, and that's what matters the most."

As they stood together in the warmth of Sakumo's home, a sense of unity and determination enveloped them. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with their love as the guiding light, Sakura and Kakashi were ready to face whatever came their way.