Description: A mission gone wrong causes devastating affects for both the Leaf and Sand village. In an attempt to strengthen the alliance and avoid a potential war, an arranged marriage is proposed. This marriage could either strengthen or destroy the alliance. However, not everyone wants to strengthen the alliance. Just when she's finally moving on from a previous love, he makes an appearance that could jeopardize everything. Will Sakura be able to accept the decisions made by higher authority? Will she be able to forgive Gaara for his past and learn to accept him for who he is today? How does Naruto feel about letting Sakura go? Will the Sand village accept Sakura? Will Sakura abandon the villages and higher authority to make her own decisions?

Rating: T and then M

Genre: Romance and Drama

Pairing: Gaara and Sakura

Chapter One

Tsunade stared out at her village through crystal clear windows, her face masked with indifference. Years of experience weighed on her heart as she contemplated the proposal. It was an intelligent move, creating an obligation for unity and protection. But that didn't mean she liked it. Her village was strong, but a war would be devastating. It was unlikely the other Great Nations would choose to ally themselves with the Leaf; although they were in a time of peace, ties were not strong. The alliance between the Leaf and Sand was convenient and beneficial to uphold, although after recent events, it was imperative.

It was no longer a popular occurrence, however not unheard of. Mostly decided by aristocratic civilians in order to obtain wealth and status. It was rare among ninja, even the few clans who still practiced such bonds only did so to keep the clan blood pure, and yet were given the opportunity to find an adequate suiter first. When she was a young woman, it had still been common practice. Tsunade was glad times had changed. The idea of a loveless marriage angered her. To live unhappily, because of politics or money, and never be allowed to experience true affection… The affection she'd felt for Dan...

"Tch."

Tsunade redirected her thoughts. It wouldn't do well for her to display such conflicted emotions in the presence of the Sand Village ambasador. Beautifully manicured nails dug into a soft pale palm, complimented by a sharp scowl as the powerful women glared at the strong gates of her home.

"Shizune."

"Yes, Hokage-sama?"

"Call a council meeting."

"Yes Hokage-sama."

The black haired woman exited the room, there was no time to delay.

"Shikamaru."

The slouched man stepped forward. Despite his usual lethargic attitude, the ambassador knew the gravity of their current situation. Another blonde haired woman stood silently as she awaited further instruction.

"You will soon have more responsibilities as our ambassador with Sunagakure. I expect you to follow orders without any opposition. Do you understand?"

Without hesitation, the quiet man bowed his head. Whatever was going to be required of him, was not seeming like an enjoyable experience. His periodic "diplomatic missions" (or as he referred to them as vacations) to Suna were coming to an end.

"Temari."

The indicated also stepped forward, radiating determination. Tsunade turned to lock their gaze, looking at her for the first time since reading the letter. The older woman studied the Sand ambassador. A silence settled over the room as the two continued to convey unsaid words through eye contact.

A shadow of hope upturned the corners of painted lips.

"You are welcomed to stay at our finest rooms on behalf of me."

The ambassador bowed respectfully.

"Thank you Lady Hokage. But I have already made other lodging arrangements."

Tsunade raised a brow, "Oh?"

A light shade of pink dusted Shikamaru's cheeks as his head flopped to the side.

"Troublesome."

-O-O-O-

"It does seem like a rational decision. There aren't many things stronger than a political marriage between two Villages. It would cause a great bond to form, much stronger than any we've had with any village previously."

The Hokage nodded to her personally appointed advisor, Shikaku. His motivations aligned well with her own, and his thoughtful insight had assisted her many times.

"And show weakness by submitting to the whims of a child? What would the other nations think of us then?!"

The four other individuals present glanced over at the crippled man. A light blonde eyebrow twitched.

"They would be wary due to the support Suna would provide to us. This is a chance to gain power. With the correct influence, we could potentially gain greater strength in our own Village."

"Yes, Koharu is right. Despite our knowledge of poisons, the puppet-users greatest weapons are poison. Knowledge and resources for such could be greatly beneficial," commented Homura.

"And what if this marriage is used to gain our trust, infiltrate the village, and steal our secret scrolls! There is great risk in forming a close bond," Danzo commanded.

"Are you implying the Kazekage would rather sacrifice his own people, betray our confidence, and start a war," Shikaku questioned skeptically.

"Of course! You've seen the bloodthirsty demon run a monk in our village before. The betrayal of Suna during the chunin exams was an easy decision for them!"

"It was determined that the former Kazekage was being manipulated by Orochimaru and then gained control of the village by impostering. You are aware of this Danzo," Tsunade growled out.

"And so you wish to reward them by putting a shinobi right in their lap!? To manipulate and gain information through a false affection? Your jeopardizing the safety of our people!"

A fist slammed through the short table, splinters of wood flung about the room, tea splattered the floor and chairs. Nothing touched the experienced ninja, well accustomed to the woman's outbursts.

"I would NEVER do anything to jeopardize the safety of my people Danzo. I am considering this form of action to PROTECT the very people you look down upon."

Tsunade's hair fell around her shoulders, her nostrils flared, and her intimidating eyes glared daggers at the sitting cripple.

Danzo didn't move so much as a slight twitch. He was seemingly unaffected by the threat displayed in those brown orbs. He had gazed into and conquered much stronger eyes.

"There are still other factors to consider Princess Tsunade," the deep voice of Homura interrupted.

The heated woman sat back into her chair, composed yet not resolved.

"Sunagakure is much poorer than our own. They do not have the natural resources that we take for granted. It has been speculated that their academics and medical facilities are also underdeveloped compared to our own. Would it be wise to form such a bond, obligating us to spend our money and resources, on a weaker nation?"

"Hhmm," Danzo nodded, tapping his kane lightly, "Once we give a little, they will expect more. Under such an obligation, we would eventually run out of the funds for our own advancements. If we cater too much to these people, they will grow stronger, only to walk on us." The next consequence was unsaid by Danzo, but clearly implied.

"We could set up a fund for resources and money for such projects. Putting aside a specific amount and sparing only that which is necessary," Shikaku commented thoughtfully.

"An advancement of their socioeconomic status wouldn't be entirely harmful. If we agree to collaborate on such functions, then we would also be entitled to ask for services in return," Koharu added.

Tsunade nodded at the man before stating, "We would. And the benefit would be mutual."

"What of the deceased family and friends? They will want retribution for their loved ones. Three of our own were murdered by the Sand, and you're willing to let that go?"

"It is deeply unfortunate that they died in the field," began Shikaku. He placed his elbows on his knees and leaned forward before folding his hands together. His words were directed to the group, yet the scarred man stared across from him at Danzo. "However, that is the life of a ninja. We can not let the inconvenience of three low status shinobi to determine a war. It was neither our fault nor the Sand's fault for the deaths. When hired to perform a job, their mission is to perform their job to the final breath. If they had been informed of the identity of the opposing team before it came to battle, I have no doubt this could have all been avoided with a simple bird. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It will take time, and bitter feelings may fester, but I am sure that with the alliance strengthened, they will recover and move on."

Red lips formed a tight line but remained closed. It was cruel. To talk of lives, comrades, as if their sacrifices and death was simply 'unfortunate', as if they didn't matter. Despite the conflicting feelings turning inside her, she knew Shikaku was right, and on a hardened level, she agreed with him as well.

"The Sand also lost two of their own," provided Homaru, "the losses are mutual."

"Are we in agreement then," Tsunade questioned in a hard voice, protecting her internal conflict.

The various heads looked around the broken table at one another before all nodding, except for one. He remained stoic.

"Then we must decide on the suiter. Were there any specific requirements?"

"Yes," Tsunade replied to Koharu. "It was requested the individual be a shinobi."

Danzo's squinting eye narrowed and the grip on his cane tightened, however, he remained silent for now.

"She will also need political experience. We can not send simply any girl to be the wife of a Kage," Shikaku contributed.

"The Hyuuga clan has two daughters, one of age and one close to. Both would be appropriate candidates," offered Homaru.

"They won't allow that," Tsunade interjected, "not after losing an eye previously. Even asking them to think on the proposition would be viewed as an insult."

"The Yamanaka girl is an attractive woman. She could be desired," suggested Koharu.

"She has no political experience. She is also currently the only heir to the Yamanaka," commented Shikaku.

"What of an older bride? Kurenai and Anko are still unwed."

Tsunade chuckled lightle and rolled her eyes. She needed a drink after the thought of Anko being chosen for a political arranged marriage.

Homaru disagreed with that suggestion, "It would be improper to send someone impure for such a marriage."

The group sat in the quiet room, each thinking of different young women who could meet the requirements of a suiter.

"Tsunade…"

Hard eyes glanced over to Danzo.

"There is one individual who meets all the requirements."

No.

Tsunade's eyes darkened at her advisor. Her shoulders stiffened and her fingers dug into her knee ever so slightly.

"Your apprentice, Sakura Haruno. A desirable young woman. Known to be pure. She has experience with politics under your tutelage. She is not from any higher clan, avoiding any heir or kekkei genkai disputes. As far as I am aware, she was recently appointed to Jounin due to her advancements. She would also be well adapt for assisting the Sand village in education and medical advancements, preventing us from providing unnecessary resources."

With every statement made from the elder man, Tsunade wanted to rip his wrinkly face apart. How dare he suggest Sakura, knowing of their relationship. But that was exactly why he had suggested her. Fire burned to life inside the woman's stomach. This was his card, and damn that bastard to hell, he played a good card.

"Mhm."

"Yes, she does seem like the perfect candidate."

Shikaku gazed over to his superior. Despite the Hokage's steely composure, he saw through to the turmoil bubbling beneath the surface.

Without moving his head, the man's eyes drifted to Danzo.

Shikaku knew Sakura was a well-suited candidate, everything the man had stated was true. But it was clearly a power-play by the elder.

His eyes drifted back to Tsunade, her icey eyes burning holes through the floor, well in thought. It was a trap. An unfortunate trap. If the woman disapproved of Sakura being chosen, then it would be unprofessional and improper. But if Tsunade did approve of the suggestion, there would be emotional strife due to the personal connection.

Shikaku sighed and closed his eyes. He hated being in positions such as these. Perhaps later, he could find a nice tree to read against.

"I agree. Sakura Haruno is a well-suited candidate."

He ignored the feeling of brown orbs glaring at him.

"Yes… Sakura would be a…" The Hokage's voice was quiet, yet firm, "...an excellent bride."

~O~O~O~

Hello! Let me know what you think of it so far! Sorry there wasn't any Sakura or Gaara in this chapter, but there will be our girl in the next! There has to be some development now right?! Obviously we're not sticking too close to canon but I will include various events and follow the general story line.