In hindsight, she wished Tsunade had decided on a different punishment. Something less barbaric, something like imprisonment or even execution. To render such a brilliant mind useless was cruel and, to Sakura at least, pointless.

"A... lobotomy? Isn't that a bit old-fashioned?"

With a sigh, Sakura picked up the former ninja she had been entrusted with, cooing a lullaby to keep him from becoming upset and having a tantrum. He had those so often now, screaming and throwing anything he could reach, sobbing like an infant.

"Yes, I think it would be most effective. In the past, transorbital lobotomies were used on violent patients and were a common practice, but now we use them only as a last resort."

She had bought some toys for him, but he was only interested in one, a large stuffed frog. He stroked its head mechanically, in the same motion, day in and day out. His dark eyes stared blankly, not reacting when Sakura bathed him, fed him, changed his diapers, or read him stories. The only time he paid any attention to her was when she brushed his hair, at which point he would stop petting his toy and relax, leaning against her chest.

"But... but he helped...!"

The seizures were the worst part. Sakura had just gotten him into bed after a particularly long one, and was washing dishes when quiet footsteps approached her. "Mama?"

"The council doesn't think imprisonment will be effective. I know how you feel about him, but you must understand that this will happen whether you cooperate or not."

Sakura smiled at their daughter. "Shouldn't you be in bed by now?" Sarada fidgeted with her hair, looking at the ground. "When will Papa be better?"

It happened the day after their wedding. Kakashi showed up at their house and ordered Sasuke to follow him, looking miserable. "Bring him back soon?" Sakura said desperately, and Kakashi nodded, both of them ignoring Sasuke's confused protests. The last thing Sakura heeard her husband say was, "Where are you taking me?"

"I don't know, honey. We'll have to wait and see."

A/N: In reality, lobotomies were a common practice from the 1930's to 1960's, although they began to decline in popularity in the 50's. The lobotomy was introduced by Antonio Egas Moniz and perfected by Walter Jackson Freeman II, who eventually reached the point where he could perform a surgery in under twelve minutes. They are no longer considered a viable treatment for mental illness.