Chapter 172: Heading to Sakura's House

After learning about Sakura's current state, Tsunade sighed heavily, a hint of frustration in her expression.

She could deeply empathize with Sakura's feelings. When Nawaki and Dan had died, she too had felt a crushing sense of helplessness in the face of reality. That despair had led her to develop a fear of blood, a trauma that took years to overcome.

It wasn't until she met Naruto—who embodied Nawaki's will—that she was able to begin her recovery.

Reflecting on this, Tsunade muttered, "This is something only she can work through herself."

Turning her attention to Kakashi, she continued, "After the meeting, take some time to visit Sakura. If she's willing to accept the mission, that's good. But if she still can't pull herself out of this state, we'll have to assign someone else."

Her decision wasn't born from indifference but from necessity. With the Akatsuki still a looming threat, Konoha had to prepare for their next move as quickly as possible. Planning and training for countermeasures couldn't wait.

Tsunade added, "Once things settle down, I'll visit her myself. She's not just a ninja—she's a vital medical ninja, and we need to support her as much as we can. Her role requires focus, and any distractions could lead to disastrous consequences."

In Hokage's office, only Tsunade, Kakashi, and Kirito remained. Jiraiya had been whisked away by an eager Naruto after promising to teach him new ninjutsu.

Tsunade outlined the details of the upcoming drills. "Tomorrow, the decapitation team will begin tactical exercises against Pain and Nagato at the training grounds. We don't have much time, so we must advance as quickly as possible."

"Yes!" Kakashi and Kirito replied in unison.

As they prepared to leave, Kakashi said with a smile, "Tsunade-sama, I'll head out now to check on Sakura."

Kirito, waving his hand, added, "I'll take my leave too."

"Alright, go," Tsunade said, already turning her focus back to the pile of documents on her desk.

After closing the door, Kirito turned to Kakashi. "Who are you planning to meet first?"

Kakashi thought for a moment before replying, "Let's check on Sakura first. Her status will determine how we proceed with the team."

He sighed. "I just hope she can pull herself together soon."

Sakura's home was located near a bustling street, just past a bridge and close to a commercial district. It was a prime location, reflecting her family's comfortable circumstances.

Standing on the steps outside Sakura's house, Kirito realized it was his first time visiting her home.

Bang, bang! Kakashi knocked on the sturdy metal door, snapping Kirito out of his thoughts.

"Coming!"

Click! The door opened to reveal a middle-aged woman in a white cheongsam. Upon seeing Kakashi, her face lit up. "Oh! Isn't this Mr. Kakashi? Please come in!"

Before Kakashi could react, Haruno Mebuki eagerly pulled him inside. She turned to Kirito, adding warmly, "And who might you be? A friend of Kakashi's or Sakura's? Please, come in and make yourself at home!"

Slightly taken aback by Mebuki's enthusiasm, Kirito followed Kakashi into the house.

The entrance opened into a hallway with rooms on either side, a living room and kitchen at the end, and a staircase leading to the second floor. The space was cozy and full of life, a stark contrast to Kirito's sparse apartment.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

A middle-aged man with cherry blossom–colored hair entered the living room, greeting Kakashi warmly.

"Thank you for coming to visit!"

"Oh, it's nothing," Kakashi replied, clearly a little overwhelmed by the couple's hospitality.

Turning his attention to Kirito, Haruno Kizashi asked, "And who is this?"

Kirito introduced himself politely. "My name is Kirito. I'm a friend of Sakura's and her senior disciple under Lady Tsunade."

Kakashi added, "Kirito is Tsunade-sama's apprentice, just like Sakura."

"Ah, so you're Sakura's senior! Thank you for looking out for her," Mebuki said, offering tea. "Our Sakura can be a bit careless at times. I hope she hasn't caused you too much trouble!"

"Not at all," Kirito assured her. "Sakura is an excellent student and one of Lady Tsunade's proudest disciples."

After some small talk, Kakashi got to the point. "Actually, I'm here today to deliver Hokage-sama's orders to Sakura. But…"

Mebuki sighed. "She's been in her room ever since she got back. She refuses to come out, even to eat."

Kizashi chuckled nervously. "She's young—she'll grow out of it! Hahaha!"

"Dear, this isn't the time for jokes," Mebuki chided, gently patting his shoulder.

After understanding Kakashi's purpose, Mebuki called for Sakura to come downstairs.

When Sakura appeared, Kirito was taken aback.

Gone was the confident, energetic kunoichi he knew. Her hair was disheveled, her clothes wrinkled, and her face pale and haggard.

As soon as she saw Kakashi, she asked, "Kakashi-sensei, are we going to find Sasuke?"

"I understand how you feel," Kakashi replied gently. "But no, that's not the mission."

Sakura's expression darkened, her eyes dropping to the floor.

Mebuki scolded her, "Sakura! Is this how you behave in front of your teacher? Where are your manners?"

"It's fine," Kakashi said, offering a comforting smile. "While it's not an order to retrieve Sasuke directly, the next mission might lead to clues about him."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly at his words.

"Really?"

(End of this chapter)

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