When they arrived at Sakura's home Kakashi was somewhat caught off guard with Sakura's invitation inside. It wasn't above him to say hello to the parents of his student, but he had been in some awkward spots where he couldn't have left without 'trying' something they made, or seeing pictures they've taken. He would admit that he had no idea how Sakura's parent's were in person. He knew that her father, Kizashi, was the non-serious joker and that Sakura may have inherited his hair color and nothing more. Mebuki was the more straightforward of the pair and demanded her own share of respect, lighthearted as she may have been. Thinking back to the occasions he's seen them, Kakashi realized that it was rare for Sakura to be seen with them. He was delving a little too deep into things that didn't concern him, yet if he was going to continue working so closely with his last remaining student within the village then he would find it best to get to know her more than ever. Agreeing with a small inward reluctance, Kakashi had entered inside and from there allowed Sakura to announce the presence of both. Gesturing towards the couch, Kakashi took a seat and nodded his head as she went to prepare her things for the trip ahead. Hearing her rush up the stairs, her teacher had taken the time to examine the home himself. Orderly and with a subtle scent of wildflowers, the coffee table in front of him was likely the only place in this entire home that might have had a modicum of dirt along it.

A quick run of the finger across its smooth, polished surface proved the opposite.

Sakura was living comfortably, that much Kakashi could tell just from here. Taking a stand he had begun to examine her living room much more, particularly moving to the bookcase nearby. Various texts ranging from cooking recipes to ninjutsu history and methods lined up well. He did not ignore that they were also in alphabetical order either, prompting him to laugh inwardly at just how neat everything was. Having visited Naruto's home once he was sure that this level of cleanliness might have just made him uncomfortable, while Sakura herself might have lost her mind at just how filthy his place had been. His thoughts on the pair were interrupted with the appearance of Mebuki, who had offered tea and engaged in smalltalk. Politely refusing, Kakashi had indulged her. Learning from Mebuki that Sakura was enjoying the last couple days of her training despite her raggedness coming in each night, the jonin ensured her that Sakura was performing incredibly well. Between the two of them they had discussed Sakura's habits as a young girl, and most particularly her life outside of training. From what he was learning, Sakura did not have the easiest time growing up, and it was thanks to Ino Yamanaka that she had progressed thus far. Kakashi expressed his complete understanding, knowing how a rival can drive you to do incredible things you never thought possible.

By the time Sakura returned Kakashi was sitting beside her, and once noticing she was packed had respectfully dismissed himself from the ongoing conversation. From the doorway he had watched Sakura hug her mother goodbye, her mother offering word of encouragement for the mission ahead. Sakura hadn't noticed Mebuki shoot Kakashi a pleading look, silently asking that he watch over her. A mission of this level, even with a jonin beside you, was nothing to joke about. As best as he could, without alerting Sakura, Kakashi inclined his head towards her and looked down at Sakura. There would come a time where her mother may no longer need to worry, where Sakura was a hero within the Leaf Village with a moniker that inspired hope to allies, and brought caution to enemies. His father, Konoha's White Fang, was once someone like that. Departing her home and heading to his, Sakura had rightfully began asking questions about the mission. 

[b]"Two days, that's correct. As long as we don't take too many detours, or do something silly like get stuck gambling." [/b]Kakashi took a light shot at Tsunade, who was known as a gambler of much misfortune. 'The Legendary Sucker', she was known as for the longest time. Sakura would become her full-time apprentice in the future, and he only hoped that if she were to pick up the habit of gambling that she would do so with moderation. His apartment was not too far from Sakura's own. They were closing in quickly when Sakura asked another question, this time related to the children's identities. Kakashi withdrew a small scroll from one of his many vest pockets and allowed Sakura to examine the contents. Within it were a short list of names; no pictures accompanied them, instead only small descriptions of what they looked like. No more than seven were taken, and with her intelligence she'd be quick to notice that they were all male so far. 

[b]"These children have all disappeared one week apart from one another. The families lost the pictures of their children, it can't be coincidence. I believe Taro might be making this extraordinarily difficult for us since we've begun to respond. So far the only missing children reported have been in Tanzaku Town's territory, no further than that."[/b] Kakashi spoke plainly and told what he could, hoping to sate Sakura's thirst for knowledge related to the biggest mission she's had since the Sand's attack. Ascending stairs and arriving at his apartment door, Kakashi retrieved his keys and unlocked the door, stepping inside and turning on the nearby light. He had continued speaking, meaning that Sakura was to come inside while he got his affairs in order. [b]"We don't have a confirmed motive as to why he's doing it. Nothing related to children has ever been his M.O., he was like Zabuza ...pay him enough and he'll do anything, even take children apparently." [/b]

Kakashi's apartment was vastly different from Sakura's home. The apartment was barren of large decorations such as portraits and vases. Instead it was clear of unnecessary clutter. A clear carpeted floor after the wooden entryway, yet Kakashi did not bother removing his footwear as he continued inside. His furniture was minimal with only a standard blue leather couch that, to anyone else, appeared rarely used. His table was not lined with teacups or magazines, but instead empty scrolls and ninja tools scattered about. A one-bedroom apartment where the owner was only inside when necessary. It would become clear to Sakura that Kakashi had lived a secluded lifestyle quite opposite to her own lively one. If he was not training or on assignment, he might have just been here waiting for something to do. At the very least his kitchen was well-stocked with items not even close to expiration, and the aroma that filled the entire apartment was simply his own, strong and everywhere. When you lived alone like this there weren't many scents to mix. Some might call him boring, but he had no one to impress with his standard of living. He made good money, yet there was no need to spend it so carelessly. 

That was, unless Lord Jiraiya had updated his incredible series of books.

A bag of items was already resting beside the couch, all that was left were collecting scrolls and packing an appropriate amount of food. As he knelt down to gather his tools and consider the best option related to contacting Tsunade once they had arrived, he looked over to wherever Sakura decided to wait for him. Making herself comfortable didn't matter, they'd be gone shortly.

[b]"I'll give you the details surrounding what we know of him on the road. The Water Dragon technique's focus will need to be spread out now, so I'll be adding to your arsenal of weaponry and techniques as we go along. There will be a smaller town on the way to Tanzaku's, and we'll get there by the time the sun begins to set, but we won't be stopping for long."[/b] Her lunch would come in handy for a break within the next few hours of travel, and dinner would be secure for them at said town. [b]"One last thing,"[/b] he brought his attention to the last of his items and took his blue pack in hand, moving towards the kitchen and reaching into cabinets for various snacks, [b]"I didn't tell your mother the mission details, but from what she told me it sounded like you don't really speak much at all about what it is you do." [/b]

Kakashi closed the cabinet as he packed the last of the goods, falling silent. He wanted to hear the explanation from Sakura herself. It wasn't his intention to invade her personal life. Taking care of Sakura meant more than being a teacher, it meant being a figure in her life she could talk to and trust. 

[b]"How much do they know about everything you've gone through, up until now?" [/b]