"Bold" -Inner/emphasis/Flashback

"Italic" -Thoughts

"..." -Conversation

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Proloɢυe

A strong yet soothing breeze passed through the 19 year-old medic as she made her way to the Hokage tower.

It was weekend so she just woke up from a deep slumber as she fixed herself up since the Godaime called for her. She still wore her thick gloves, sleeveless crimson top, with dark shorts and long boots that ends up below her knees. Her physical features didn't change that much, she kept her hair short just like keeping a promise, emerald eyes as bright as ever with that natural pink hair.

Wondering if it was a new mission or what, she walked up to the door as she knocked before she twisted the door knob.

"You summoned me, Tsunade-shishou?" Sakura asked as she entered the room and closed the door behind her.

"Sakura." The Godaime looked up to her student as she continued. "Do you remember the man named 'Shee Jin' from Kumogakure? He was once in a mission with you to help you before at the medical field over at Land of Lightning."

"Yes."

"Apparently, the Fourth Raikage chose him to be married to you." Tsunade studied her apprentice's actions before going to further details.

Sakura stiffen as her eyes widen in shock. "M-Marry?..me?..w-why?" She muttered, pointing her index finger towards herself.

She may be a ninja, but in the thought of a valuable choice like marriage? Emotions are hard to control.

Tsunade sighed as she held a scroll. "The Raikage sent me a message, he asked for one of his powerful and wealthy ninja to marry you, so that Konohagakure and Kumogakure's bonds won't break and avoid upcoming wars from the other countries. He chose you since you are the best medical ninja in Konoha or probably in the world. Plus, you aren't included in a noble clan which marriage is highly expected in your case. He picked Jin as your fiancé since you had a close relationship when you were back at Kumogakure and just so happens that he was the strongest guardian of the Raikage. Shee Jin also agreed to the marriage, just so you know."

The medic gulped. She was still registering all of the information in her brain.

Let's see the basics...

Marriage? Her? Why would anyone marry her all of a sudden? She was just nineteen for heaven's sake. Above it all, she wasn't marrying the man she wished to be with forever...because he's gone.

Tsunade stood up from her chair and looked at the majestic view of Konoha from her transparent walls behind, not wanting to see her Sakura's gloomy face. It must be very hard for her. "Sakura, you know that you are very important to me...I'm not forcing you. I don't care if the bonds would be stronger or what. I want the best for you, Sakura. So I'll leave the decision to you."

Sakura thought it for a while. For her parents, it would be okay because they don't actually care as long as the guy is good, strong and wealthy. For her friends, some would be against but some would agree. For herself? Ever since he vanished, she was technically dead in terms of emotional matter though physically alive so she doesn't really know what to do with her life anymore rather to save more people's lives.

With that, her decision was cleared. "I accept." Sakura said with much determination for her village.

Tsunade stared back at her as she gave her a stern look. "So you're saying that your feelings towards Uchiha Sasuke are gone?"

Uchiha Sasuke. She rarely hears that name ever since three years ago...but the thought of him never left in her mind.

Sakura gathered all her strength to reply before breathing out to release all the tension inside of her. "Yes, shishou."

At that moment, both of them knew that Sakura was one terrible liar.

"Are you sure?" Tsunade folded her arms, amused at how her apprentice would do everything for the sake of her village.

Tsunade only allowed to let this marriage pass if Sakura could at least have happiness since she recalled that Sakura had a good time before at Kumogakure with Shee Jin.

Before Sakura could respond, the door hung open, showing a tired and shocked Shizune. "Tsunade-sama!"

"What's so urgent that you came bursting into the door, Shizune?" She leaned at the edge of her desk as she took a sip of her sake. All this Hokage job is adding up her stress as ever.

Shizune panted, but she managed to reply between breaths. "U-Uchiha Sasuke is alive!"

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY UCHIHA SASUKE! :D

The end of the war is probably until Chapter 686 of the Naruto manga or more (depends on the events)

Short prologue though it explains a lot. Please comment on what you think of it, thank you! :)

~TheSketcher