The Cherry Blossom Alliance

Disclaimer: I do not own "Naruto", nor will I ever. It belongs to the talented Masashi Kishimoto. This is my very first fanfic.

Sakura slowly entered the room and searched for a friendly face. She seemed unsuccessful aside from noticing Hyuuga Neji and Sabaku no Gaara. Neji spared a rare grin in her direction, the woman who had earned his respect and admiration; they had become friends through many missions, sparring practices, and hospital visits. Gaara briefly nodded towards her to show his acknowledgement. He was the current Kazekage of Suna and was in the process of conducting an important meeting between Suna and Konoha. There had been whispers of an attack from Sound against their two villages; therefore, it was decided advantageous to both to join together in an alliance. To establish an alliance between Suna and Konoha, Gaara had generously decided to loan both of his siblings to Konoha, and in return, Konoha had agreed to lend two of their most talented shinobi, Haruno Sakura and Hyuuga Neji. Gaara was currently speaking to the Hokage in hopes of arranging a marriage between himself and Sakura in order to further strengthen their alliance for his lifetime.

Gaara had acknowledged the fact that Tsunade would be reluctant to relinquish Sakura to Suna in order to enter into a marriage union with him, what he wasn't prepared for was the Hyuuga's outburst. Neji was adamantly opposed to their union for personal reasons which had yet to be disclosed; as well as claiming that Konoha would not release such a powerful asset to Suna in order to secure an alliance. He pleaded that Konoha could offer a different kunoichi for the marriage alliance and hoped to not offend the Kazekage by withdrawing Sakura. The Kazekage's council members tittered nervously amongst themselves as they watched the Kazekage enter into a heated staring contest with the Hyuuga. Sakura finally ended their staring match by destroying the table in which they were all seated around. She immediately held everyone's gaze and attention. She proceeded to explain how she wasn't a possession to be bartered and traded; she had her own mind and if they wanted to discuss her pending marital status, they would have to include her in the conversation.

Please read and review.