Wooing the Sakura Blossom

Chapter One

The stillness over the village of the Hidden Leaf was starting to break as with the sun rising, the surrounding birds began to sing welcoming the light shining down telling tales to the start of a beautiful day.

Only for some however.

"Marriage! Are you kidding me?"

Sitting behind the relative safety of her desk high in the Hokage tower, the fifth, Tsunade, arched a brow at the rather surprising reaction she had received. Gazing at the two ninja's before her, she folded her hands and placed them beneath her chin. "You don't approve Sakura?" She asked mildly.

The pink haired female stared at her sensei for a long moment. "Tsunade-shishou are you serious? This has to be a joke." She looked around with narrowed eyes. "Where's Naruto?"

Tsunade sighed. "The brats at home, probably asleep dreaming of his precious ramen. I'm completely serious Sakura."

Shaking her head, Sakura refused to accept it. "I'm sorry sensei, but no." She looked firmly at the other by her side. "No offence Sasuke, but I don't want to marry."

He said nothing, merely regarding her, no emotion shown on his face now. Sakura turned her emerald eyes to her sensei, the glint in them steely. "Why now? Why…us?"

Tsunade looked innocent. "You think there's an actual reason behind this?"

"Isn't there always?" The pink haired medic asked flatly.

Chuckling the fifth leaned back. "All right. As you know, Sasuke is the only heir now to the Uchiha line. It's decreed upon every heir's nineteenth year, he is to choose a bride, and marry to keep the family line going." She raised a brow. "There is a contract is you don't believe me. Sasuke is nineteen, and he must honour that tradition."

"Fine." Sakura frowned. "Why pick me?"

"You don't approve?" Tsunade lifted a brow once more surprised. Off slightly to the side Sasuke regarded his female companion with a hint of surprise as well. Aware of their reactions Sakura let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm honoured I suppose, but please, there are plenty other females that could also serve just as well, or better as Sasuke's wife."

"But are there any he would approve of? Or even stand?" Tsunade countered. "You two know each other inside out through your experiences, you're comfortable, and there's all ready trust between you." She stared at them smirking. "And don't tell me there's no attraction."

Sakura refused to be baited, even as Sasuke slid another glance at her. "Even if I agreed to this, you'll have to get permission from my parents."

"I all ready have." Tsunade gave a gleeful chortle as Sakura's eyes filled with horror. "They were actually excited about it."

"Of course they were." Sakura's fist tightened as a bitter look entered her eyes. Tsunade softened. "Sakura, it's not that bad you know." She glanced at the silent Uchiha as he silent stood regarding the pink haired female. She gave a teasing grin. "Think of the wealth you'll have."

Arching a brow haughtily the pink haired female stared at her teacher flatly. "I'm not interested." Frustration marred her face. "This is stupid, we're too young! Plus, Sasuke is still hell bent on his revenge against Itachi, which means he won't have time for marriage, and may I point out that if Itachi finds out that there's an Uchiha bride, he'll kill her? Tradition or no, it's suicide to even consider this."

Giving up on her student, Tsunade looked to Sasuke. "What do you think of this?" She asked.

Sasuke shifted slightly. "It's not a matter I'd like to even consider right now." He admitted. "Sakura's all ready pointed out the arguments against it." He paused. "But if I have to honour my clans tradition, then I will take a bride."

Sakura stared at him stunned as Tsunade gave a satisfied smile. "Do you agree to Sakura being your choice of a bride?"

"No!" Sakura blew up angrily. Her emerald eyes flashed as the two looked at her startled. "I don't agree to this! I don't want to be forced into some marriage just for duty reason, or even political! Find someone else, I'm gone." With a sudden swirl of leaves and petals she disappeared leaving the two to stare at the place where she had stood. Tsunade looked worried. "I wasn't expecting her to react like that…" she muttered to herself.

Sasuke met her regard as she looked at him expectantly. With a silent sigh, he answered her question. "I'll agree to Sakura being my bride, she's a good choice considering," he admitted, eyes narrowing at the fifths smug expression. "But she doesn't seem to like the arrangement." He added.

"Of course she doesn't, she's female." Tsunade snorted. At Sasuke's rising brow, she explained. "No female likes to be placed in an arranged marriage, she likes to be courted, given time to build up romantic feelings for her chosen one." She shrugged delicately at the long look she received from the male. "It's not that she probably doesn't want to marry you Sasuke, but she's considering your age, and the lack of emotions placed in this. And the other possibilities with it. Believe me, I wouldn't be jumping for joy if I was presented with a marriage condition, even to the most popular and favoured ninja around."

"So I have to court her?" Sasuke asked with a hint of disbelief.

Tsunade lifted a brow. "What? Can't the mighty Uchiha woo a girl?"

Sasuke gave a silent glare to her as she smirked. "Tell you what, I'll pull away the offer, so that Sakura can calm down, it will give you a chance, and she won't be anymore the wiser."

"Sakura's not stupid, she'll notice if I suddenly start giving her more attention." Sasuke countered insulted on behalf of his pink haired teammate. "It will make her suspicious, and angry."

"So what do you propose?" Tsunade demanded.

Sasuke turned away. "I'll handle it." He muttered over his shoulder. "Just make sure there are a lot of missions for us." He left Tsunade to think over his words. "Clever…" she murmured. "But will it work…?" Thoughtful she turned to the pile of papers sitting on her desk, and began to sort through them idea's popping into her head for the future.

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Naruto gave a curious look to Sasuke as the other male showed up somewhat behind on time for the meeting the team had, then at Sakura when she remained silent staring ahead with a dark look to her eyes as she sat on the railing of the bridge they always met on. "Did I miss something this morning?" The blonde asked curiously. "What's up with you two? Sakura's too quiet, and Sasuke got here late."

"I had a meeting with the Hokage." Sasuke glanced over as he leaned on the railing next to Sakura.

Naruto tilted his head. "Okay. Sakura? Is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong." She muttered. "I've got things on my mind concerning work."

A neat lie. Sasuke glanced at her as Naruto frowned, but shrugged before commenting on Kakashi's usual lateness. A comfortable silence fell between them before Naruto spoke up. "Ne, Sakura…"

Roused from her thoughts, the emerald eyed girl turned her head to the blonde as he scratched the back of his head looking slightly embarrassed. "I kinda need your help with something." He confessed.

Lifting a brow, Sakura suddenly smirked. "Does it concern a certain heiress?" She teased. Naruto gave a sheepish grin and nodded as Sasuke blinked. "Yeah, I want to ask her out to the upcoming festival, and take her out to dinner, I just don't know what to do about it."

Sakura gave a small soft smile. "Asking her should be easy enough Naruto. Just be yourself."

"Yeah." The blonde nodded. "But it's the rest I'm worried about." He frowned. "I don't want to take her out for ramen…its…" he shrugged uneasily, blushing slightly. "It's different, special."

Sakura's eyes widened. "Naruto Uzamaki, are you now formally courting Hinata?"

Naruto blinked his big blue eyes. "Didn't I say I was?"

"You idiot!" Sakura popped him lightly on the head before she reached over and gave him a huge hug. "It's about time!" Her eyes shone as she jumped down to her feet. "Let me take care of everything." She smirked. "Between Ino and I, it will be perfect."

"Ino?" Naruto gulped. "Are you sure you'll need her help?"

"No." Sakura chuckled. "But it will make things more interesting."

"I'm afraid now…" Naruto muttered to Sasuke causing the other to smirk slightly as a puff of smoke appeared, and their sensei came into view holding a familiar book in his hands. "Sorry I'm late…" Kakashi began.

"You got lost on the road to life." The three spoke bored. "Yeah, yeah, we know that all ready Kakashi sensei." Sakura tossed her head as she folded her arms. "What are we doing today?"

"We're splitting up." Kakashi announced cheerfully. "We have two different assignments given to us." He handed a scroll to Sakura to read. "Naruto and I have to deliver a package. You two will be taking a small trip."

"To the Hidden Sand?" Sakura questioned curiously as she scanned over the scroll contents. Her eyes darkened slightly before she stuffed the scroll away. She glanced at Sasuke. "I'll meet you at the gate in ten minutes." With that, she disappeared leaving a swirl of leaves and petals to fall to the ground.

"She seems rather abrupt today." Kakashi observed lightly. "Am I missing something?"

Naruto shrugged. "Beats me. Sasuke?"

The other male said nothing, giving a minute shake of his head before he left them to go get his pack. Gathering up what he would need, he arrived at the gate only to find Sakura all ready there and waiting. "What are the specifics?" He asked as he joined her. Sakura frowned lightly. "Gaara wants to talk to me." She replied.

"Gaara's not one to talk." Sasuke commented. Sakura said nothing as she jumped off with him following. They travelled in silence leaping through the trees quickly pausing only once to eat a small quantity and drink before going on. At last they arrived at the Hidden Sand village, and were greeted by a tall blonde.

"Temari." Sakura nodded to the older female. The other smirked. "Gaara's waiting for you." Escorting them to the Kamikazes residence, she announced them.

At a window, staring out, a brown haired male turned around, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Sasuke slightly before he fixed his attention to Sakura. "I'm glad you came." His voice was cold and quiet, but his words were heartfelt. Sakura smiled at him. "You wanted to talk?" She asked curiously.

Gaara nodded. "There are matters I need to settle right now." He pinned Sakura with an intent gaze. "I need a wife." He stated bluntly. "The elders think it will help me, and I need an heir. They left the decision to me who I wanted." He took in Sakura's stunned features as Sasuke's face darkened dangerously. "I cannot think of anyone better than you Sakura."

"I…" Sakura bit her lip her thoughts racing. "I don't know what to say…I'm flattered Gaara…but…"

"She's not interested."

All eyes turned to Sasuke, as he stood all but glaring at Gaara. The Kamikaze stared at him. "Who are you to make her decisions Uchiha?"

Sasuke slid a glance to Sakura as she stared at him, and gave a smirk. "Since she agreed to be my bride."

"Sasuke!" Sakura hissed.

"Is this true?"

She looked over at Gaara helplessly. "I'm sorry…" she began, and stopped, not knowing what to say without making the whole situation confusing. Gaara simply nodded accepting it. "The Hokage sent a letter recently saying you are in need of certain desert plants." He gestured to his sister still waiting nearby silently. "Take what you need." He slid a glance at Sasuke. "Uchiha, stay a moment."

At a loss of what to say or do, Sakura turned and stalked out leaving silently fuming with Temari following curiously looking between the younger three.

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I can't believe the nerve of him! I made it clear I wasn't interested in marriage, yet he still goes off and says that to of all people Gaara!

Fuming as she picked the plants that she wanted, Sakura glared at nothing before she paused as a thought struck her. Better Gaara than Naruto.

If Naruto found out that…she mentally groaned to herself. There wouldn't be a person in the village that wouldn't know later that day! Still, it didn't keep her from staying completely annoyed. Frowning to herself she took the plants that she needed carefully selecting certain parts before she packaged them satisfied they would last until she returned to Konoha to prepare them properly.

But still, Sasuke shouldn't have said anything. Her lips turned down once more. It doesn't make sense in the first place, why would Sasuke agree to this when he knows that Itachi is still out there? He's the avenger, he's told me more than once in the past that his foremost goal is to kill his brother…then rebuild the clan. Annoyed she stepped out of the room and made her way back to the Kamikazes office. Leaning on the wall outside, she stared ahead blankly without taking in her surrounding as she lapsed into deep thought. Unless Sasuke's given up on his vengeance. The thought almost made her laugh at the hilarity of it. Yeah right. Then what? Sasuke has no interest in any female, even me, that's why I…she sighed tiredly. Well, I still love him, or I think I do…her brow marred. He's always been the best of the best, in skill, and looks, but…I didn't ever really give up on him, even after everything he did…

Her eyes darkened with the pain of the events that had occurred between the three of them. For so long she was sure that Sasuke wouldn't come back, and even more positive that he'd turned his back on Naruto and herself and would kill them. He almost had…

I won't think of that! She became aware of chakra near her, and glanced to her side, finding Sasuke regarding her silently with a small frown. She met his dark gaze with a cool one of her own and straightened. "Finished?"

He nodded once, offering nothing else of what they'd talked about, and she didn't bother to ask. Scooping up her bag she slung it on, making sure the plants she'd collected were safe before heading out, giving Temari a farewell.

The return was much swifter, and by the time the two had landed inside the gates the sun was beginning to set. Without a word, the two headed for the Hokage office. Glancing up when they arrived, Shizune gave a small smile. "Hello Sakura."

"Hello Shizune, I collected those needed plants."

Shizune wore a puzzled expression as Sakura produced what had been needed. "You went to the Hidden Sand?" She asked studying the plants. Sakura frowned. "Yes…we needed these…didn't…we?"

The two women looked at each other before two gazes turned on Sasuke. He nearly stepped back at the slow kindling anger in Sakura's emerald orbs before she swept up the bag and stalked to the Hokage's office, throwing the door open. From inside, Tsuande looked up startled, and her eyes widened seeing Sakura. "Sakura…"

"We didn't need these." Sakura slammed the plants on the desk. "Did we?" Her eyes burned angrily. "I don't know what kind of games you guys are playing, but I will not be apart of them!"

Tsunade sighed sitting back. "I wondered if you'd figure it out…" she muttered.

"It wasn't hard." Sakura bit out scowling. "It was just a set up, and an obvious one too if I hadn't been so shocked." Her eyes narrowed. "You asked Gaara to help didn't you?"

"Guilty." Tsunade mumbled. "I'm sorry Sakura."

Eying the older woman distrustfully for a moment, Sakura turned away. "Don't do it again sensei." She warned. "And," she added giving a sharp look to where Sasuke stood. "Next time, keep your mouth shut, I'm still not agreeing to this marriage idea." Taking the bag, she walked out silently, and closed the door behind her.

Tsunade blew out a small breath before she reached into a drawer, and pulled out some sake and uncorked the bottle. "You know that she's going to figure this out."

Sasuke stared at her. "She's the smartest kunoichi around, of course she will."

Annoyed the fifth took a drink of her sake and gave a glare to the male as he raised a brow. "You were the one that came to me. You were the one that asked me to find you a suitable bride for the Uchiha. You could have just as easily dealt with this yourself." She leaned forwards regarding him intently. "You knew that Sakura would be a likely choice of mine, and you know she is more than suitable."

Sasuke gave a small curt nod. Sitting back Tsunade regarded him. "Why don't you just tell the truth? You're able to take up your duties once more, nothing is stopping you from rebuilding your clan."

"It's not that simple." Sasuke muttered. "Itachi…" he stopped his face darkening. "Itachi is still out there."

"We've been over this." Tsunade retorted sharply, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, he is still alive, and your goal is unaccomplished. "But." She paused. "Announcing a Uchiha bride is as Sakura said, suicide, not only for yourself, the village, but also to the bride herself." She pinned him with a glare. "I suggest that if you want to find a bride, you should tell her of Itachi and this mad plan of yours." She paused. "And if Sakura's smart, she'll figure it out by tomorrow, and she'll be very mad."

"She'll understand."

"Will she?" Tsunade challenged. "She's told me of the things that have happened in the past between the three of you, and I have both Naruto's and Sai's stories to back it up. You've almost killed them, more than once. You've turned your back on them before Uchiha, what makes you think that she won't be thinking you'll do the same again, just for power, and your vengeance?"

She was met with silence. "You have to take in both Naruto and Sakura's feelings Sasuke." She continued quietly. "Both are very emotional, and you have hurt them many times before in the past. They may not react as kindly as they have before to this." She paused, and her tone grew cold. "And if you do not tell them, I will, I will not have them harmed again at your expense."

He refused to look at her. "Do I have permission to leave?"

Tsunade sighed. "Dismissed." As he left, she slumped in her chair and took a large swallow of her sake.

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Okies...this started out as a one-shot, but obviously its not goint to be...which disgusts me to no end, I can't seem to get the hang of one-shots. Which is exactly why I keep doing them. I will master them! But...in the meantime, please enjoy whatever I'll do with this, and review please! I love getting them!

Storm