Escorting his student home personally, that was something Kakashi never expected to find himself doing. 

Team 7 was a rambunctious group and all had some share of independence. Sasuke would depart, at which point Sakura would likely see about doing something together, leaving Naruto to scoff or scheme about how to get on Sakura's good side. Kakashi too was a little exhausted dedicating so much time to Sakura, who's skills were secluded behind her affection for boys. Today showed him something that Sakura too must have realized now. She could do it. Today would be the start of something brilliant, continued tomorrow, and going even further until she had become elite. Competitiveness was among his fellow teachers, but there was also the chance they could cooperate for the good of the next generation. Gai was an enthusiastic one but his skills weren't to be underestimated. If anyone could help increase her ability in taijutsu, it could be him. Asuma was excellent with helping discover and utilize elemental natures for the best results possible in techniques. Kurenai's genjutsu was famed and it took quite the person to overcome them. Still, they had responsibilities of their own, and he wanted to surprise everyone. Pakkun and the rest of his ninken were simply a start.

As they walked beside one another she had collided with him, but he hadn't minded it. Instead, he took pride at how far he pushed her.

[b]"Don't worry about it. You did great today, so a few bumps isn't so bothersome. Be sure you're ready for tomorrow, it only gets harder."[/b]

In time they had gotten to her home, and with a small farewell exchanged between them he had watched the worn girl step inside. He wasn't sure why, but he lingered, still feeling the bump against his arm she had made several times. An entire day with Sakura Haruno, and now she was gone to resume her life inside. It felt strange considering the man he was, but he was looking forward to what tomorrow could bring.

-------------

The next morning at about ten o' clock, the training ground was empty except a small book that rested on the ground several feet from the river, the only evidence that someone was here. Kakashi Hatake's 'Make Out Paradise' was a precious copy; it was worn and noticeably frayed around the edges, but he never left home without it. Sakura was meant to find it. It was a given sign that Kakashi was in the area. 

Kakashi was on time.

This would probably come as a surprise to her at first, but her intelligence meant that she would begin to fill in the blanks herself. What would be so urgent that he'd leave his book behind? Or what if he hadn't left at all? 

Once Sakura picked up that book, her training would resume immediately with a tug on her ankles, submerging her underground with only her head above it. Of course should she happen not to take the bait, there was always plan B of kick-starting her training again, which involved the river's quantity of water.

He hoped she didn't work on her hair too much regardless of her decision.