Some years passed, and the Prince and Princess were now at the age of 22.

Sakura sat down in front of her mirror, combing her hair lovingly. "Don't you worry," she hummed, "Soon, you'll grow back to your beautiful long self."

"Princess," a maid entered her room, holding a silver tray. "Dinner is ready!"

Sakura smiled and went over to the brunette. "Why, for me? You shouldn't have Annabelle." She lifted the top and found an envelop inside. "...??"

"Oh, I didn't, miss," Anabelle assured her, "Your mother wished for me to give this letter to you. SPECIAL." She took the envelop and placed it in Sakura's hands. "Enjoy!" She smiled and left.

Sakura frowned and opened the letter:

Sakura,

Meet at the dining table. We have matters to discuss.

- Your Mother

Sakura put the letter on her desk and readied herself. Is she going to scold me? I hope not. She fixed her white skirt and hurried down to the dining room. "Mother!" she cried as she neared the woman sitting at the 'head-chair'. "I'm here!"

"Stop," the woman commanded sharply.

Sakura halted in her tracks, panting. "..."

"Sakura, is that how a Princess should be like?" The woman swayed her long, shimmering silver hair. "Running wrecklessly about in a room full of blessings? In front of her own mother?" Still, she didn't turn around.

Sakura bowed her head, trying to appear humble for the sake of showing respect. "No, mother." Her eyes wandered upwards and caught a quick glimpse of her mother's face. Skin perfect and smooth like a porcelain doll's, eyes as green as the finest emerald ever formed, and lips as red as the fully-bloomed of roses. She stared in awe. She's so beautiful! Compared to me, I'm... She sighed. Nothing.

The Queen stood up, slowly. "Do not gawk at me."

Sakura tore her gaze from the strict woman. "I'm sorry," she apologized quickly, hiding a blush.

Her mother calmly walked by her, caressing her knee-length hair. "Your father and I did not raise you to be a BARBARIAN. Being a woman now, you should be much more mature and delicate- like your name suggests." She paused. "Cherry blossom."

Sakura gasped quietly, and said, "I understand. My name... I am to blossom beautifully and meet a tragic, short end. I am of no importance to my husband."

"Correct. Do you now understand your purpose?"

"Yes, mother."

"Address me correctly, Sakura."

Sakura hesitated, but then replied, "Yes, Queen Mitsukai."

Mitsukai Haruno smiled in satisfaction, her green eyes glinting. "Excellent. You learn quickly, dear daughter. Now, to speak of your future husband. You are to meet him again."

Sakura's heart jumped at the news, but she remained calm. "I'm sorry," she said humbly, "But I do not think I remember his name."

A brief silence hung in the air. "Sasuke Uchiha," Mitsukai stated.

Flashes of many forgotten and scattered memories surged back into Sakura's mind. Jet black spiky hair, perfectly formed pale face, onyx eyes that seemed to block the gateway to his soul, and that dashing yet obnoxious smirk. Sakura shook her head a bit and blinked a few times. "Ah...ehm..." She cleared her throat and eased her breathing. "PRINCE Sasuke?"

"Yes." Queen Mitsukai turned around finally revealing her whole front self. She had a slim figure and a stoic, like Itachi, expression. "Your marriage is set. You are now at the appropriate age for marriage. Our kingdoms will unite."

Sakura stared into her mother's dark almost soul-less eyes. "But, mother, I'm too young!"

"It does not matter. Get yourself ready. Your ship leaves today." With that, the Queen left the dining room and headed into the den.

"Ugh!" Sakura spat and ran back up to her room, blushing in rage.

In the garden...

"Master Sasuke," Takeshi spoke uncertainly, "Are you quite sure that's healthy for you? Your face is quite flushed."

"I'm...sure..!!" Sasuke hitched.

"Give up yet?" Naruto asked, smirking.

"Heck no!" Sasuke smirked back.

"Hanging upside down from a mango tree to see who's head is the first to burst. It's...it's... LUDICROUS!" Takeshi shook his head.

"Sir!" A blonde maid rushed over to him. "A letter has arrived!" She handed the envelope to the old man and rushed back inside the castle.

Takeshi opened the letter and read it. He chuckled and looked up at the Prince. "Oh, master Sasuke!" he called, "Do you remember Princess Sakura?"

The sound of the name made Sasuke shudder. "DO I? Ugh. Why'd you have to remind me? Not seeing her for many years has made me so content."

"Well, it seems as though your deadline has arrived."

"Huh?"

"You two are to be married."

"WHAT?!!!" Sasuke and Nauto shouted in unison.

Sasuke lost his concentration and fell off from the branch of the tree, landing on the ground loudly. "Takeshi," he said, "Tell me you're kidding! I-it's too soon!"

"Too soon?!" Takeshi laughed. "Do not joke with me, young Prince. It's been YEARS already. Well, good luck." He waved a farewell and walked back inside the castle.

Naruto looked up. "Peace of cake!" he exclaimed and freed his legs from the branch. Wait- no! That was wrong! "Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!" he fell on the ground, his head shaking it. "Owwowowowowowow!" he cried, rubbing the big lump on his head. "Errr... that hurt!!"

"Dope." Sasuke rubbed his own head, his stubborn spikes sweeping his hand. "Crap. I guess I'm gonna have to get ready before my mom nags me about it." He stood up. "See you later." Forming a few hand signs, he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

In seperate views...

Sasuke entered his room and shut the door behind him. He took out his tux and began to change.

For as long as I remember, we were told we'd someday wed.

Sakura, inside her room of the ship, took out her brand new red and white gown. She practically ripped her original dress off and put the new one on angrily. "Urrgghh..."

Every June until September...

"All their pushing and annoying hints!" Sasuke fixed his black bow. Right on cue, three butlers barged into his room and forced him down to the courtyard.

Sakura had finally arrived at the port. Before she was even able to step onto the ground, she was carried by Kakashi to the carriage and seated inside. "I've got bruises with their fingerprints," she sighed sadly as she neared the castle.

Sasuke was shoved out into the courtyeard and they shut the doors and windows so that he was unable to get back inside. He folded his arms and scowled in disgust when he saw the Princess's carriage coming. "I can do much better, I am sure!" he told himself, turning his back to the entrance of the courtyard.

Sakura was pushed out of the carriage and she sent Kakashi a death glare for it. She looked up ahead and saw Sasuke's familiar figure. Sighing, she went over to him with Kakashi behind her. When she arrived at the entrance, she stopped. Unfortunately, Kakashi pushed her inside and locked the gate, sealing her inside. She pounded at the bars, but finally gave up. "He's so immature!" she cried, not wanting to face the Prince.

Sasuke became daring and turned around a bit to see the Princess. "..." I bet she's as ugly and annoying as ever. Seeing as her hair is still short.

Feeling his intense gaze on her, Sakura rolled her eyes and turned around as well, keeping her grumpy scowl. Here come the insults.

Much to her surprise, Sasuke's frown turned into an awed smile. "Sakura," he said, barely in a whisper.

Sakura blushed, trying to keep her scornful glare. But she just couldn't help it and began to smile back herself. "I see him smiling and my knees start buckling," she sang to herself quietly and stared at Sasuke. "I see inside him and my doubts...are gone." She looked away for a few times, but always ended up looking at him again.

"She started out as such an ugly duckling," Sasuke muttered quietly, and then spoke much more softer. "And somehow suddenly became a swan." As much as he tried, he couldn't wipe the dumbfound smile off his usually-stoic face. Her slender figure and beautifully-shaped face had impressed him, as much as he hated to admit it. Right now, he just wanted to run over to her and touch her to see if she was real.

Sakura approached him shyly, still blushing. "Hello, Prince Sasuke," she greeted him, her voice gentle and melodic much to Sasuke's surprise. "It's nice seeing you again."

Sasuke was speechless for a moment. But realizing that he was gaping at her, he pulled himself together and greeted back formally, "Welcome back, Princess Sakura. It's nice to have you here."

Awkward silence followed.

"You're pretty," Sasuke blurted and clamped his mouth shut. DAMN IT!

Sakura rose an eyebrow. "E-excuse me?" Actually, she had heard what he said, but just wanted him to say it again. But he didn't. He just denied everything. "Just wondering..." she started, "Are you willing to marry me now?"

"Uhh..."

"Because...because..." Sakura swallowed the lump in her throat and confessed, "Because I am."

Sasuke gawked at her in disbelief. "What??"

"I'm willing to marry you...if you still wish to have me, Sasuke."

Sasuke remained quiet for a few moments and contemplated the whole thing. Whoa, crap this is all going too fast and sudden! I mean- I know we're supposed to get married and all but... Well, actually, I don't think we're strangers. He looked at her. We've known each other since childhood. So I guess... He nodded and said, "I do, Sakura."

"HOORAH!!! HOORAH!!!" the castle boomed and everything seemed to open. The doors, the windows, the gates, etc. Servants brought the whole party outside and Queen Mikoto came out crying with Takeshi behind her.

Sasuke and Sakura looked at each other, happiness beaming in their hearts. Though Sasuke didn't really smile, Sakura was able to see his pleasure of the whole moment through his eyes. She smiled at him and, without warning, crushed their lips together in a kiss.

Sasuke nearly fell down, but managed to hold their combined weight. His eyes widened in shock of her actions. "...!!"

Sakura gasped and broke the kiss, her hand on her mouth. "Oops!" she squeaked, "I-I-I'm so sorry! I...I didn't m-mean to...! Eh-heh." She smiled nervously. "I guess I got a little carried away."

Sasuke blinked a few times before a full broad smile formed on his damp lips. THE SASUKE UCHIHA...was...SMILING. A true, genuine smile. "It's no big deal," he told her and planted a soft kiss on the pink-haired woman's soft lips. "We're going to kiss at our wedding anyway."

"HOORAH!" the castle cheered once again and clapped and whistled.

Itachi merely clapped, his expression stoic and carefree. So he got her after all. What a pity. I was about to take her all for myself... The last line made him smirk.

"Look Mr. Huggles!" Naruto pointed out, holding the old, beaten, brown-ish panda plush doll close to his...heart. "Isn't that awesome?!"

Itachi turned around stiffly, his eyes full of annoyance and disbelief. "Why are you so close to me all the time?" he whispered.

"Our Sasuke's finally getting married!" Naruto nuzzled the bear's fluffy face. All of a sudden, it popped off, the stuffing spilling from its neck. Naruto stared at it and then cried, "NOOOOOO! NOT AGAIN!! MR. HUGGLES, COME BACK!"

"...??"

Naruto turned to Itachi and pointed an accusing finger at him. "YOU did this! You cut his head off years ago and now it won't stick!" He took the panda's head and tried to reattach it to its body. "C'mon! STICK! Urrrrgggghhhhh!!!"

Everyone stared at the blonde and then looked at Itachi. Itachi shook his head and began to walk away. "I don't know that boy," he stated in a cold voice. "He is mentally challenged."

"Hey, I heard that!" Naruto gritted his teeth in anger. "I deserve respect! Honor! Acknowledgement! I have pride you know! And dignity and I-"

"NARUTO!" his grandmother called hoarsely from the shrimp tables, "Get over here young man and get me that shrimp!"

"Yes, grandma!" Naruto ran over to her, hiding his headless plushy behind him.

Sakura pulled away from Sasuke, cutting their kiss, and happily asked, "So, what traits of mine lead you to the decision in marrying me, hmmm?" She blushed and put a finger to her lips. "Is it because I look more a woman now? Is THAT it?"

Sasuke's face heated up and he answered her earnestly, "Not...really..."

This broke Sakura's 'happy spirit' and made her pop a vein. He's STILL a jerk! Okay, next question. "Okay," she said, trying to remain cool. "If THAT'S not the reason, then what is it, Sasuke?"

Sasuke took a moment's pause, trying to search his mind for a reasonable, intellegent, and sensibile reply. Okay, I should tell her something nice. Something she'll- "Your lumps," he said before he could finish his thoughts. Holy shh-nykies!

Sakura felt her face flush with embarrassment. "WHAT?!" She looked down at her chest and then sent the Prince a sharp glare.

"They're...they're nice!" Sasuke complimented, unsure of his choice of words. When he saw the Princess's red, infuriated face, he quickly tried to make it up. "If you squeeze them, they'll probably squeak!" Sakura's face got redder and her knuckles whiter. "I mean like... You can practically see them a mile away!"

Sakura felt as though a nerve in her neck was cut, getting her beyond ticked off. "Anything...else?" she asked him dangerously, the corner of her mouth twitching.

"Uhhh...errr...umm..." Sasuke shook his head profusely and blurted, "Your butt!"

"Oh, my butt now?!" Sakura finally tore herself away from him, placing her hands on her hips. The guests and servants looked at the couple. "What ABOUT my butt, romeo?! You had better say something nice or else!"

"They're...they're... They're huge!" The people of the castle fell anime style. Sasuke saw that Sakura was about to throw a big punch at him and continued, "No- That's not what I meant to say! It came out all wrong! Your butt is just so...so... Uhh... Okay, I'll shut up now."

"Urrrgghhhh!" Sakura shrieked, "I KNEW IT! You're still a jerk!" She stepped on his foot with her heel and went back to her carriage wth a huff.

"Ow!" Sasuke grabbed his foot as he felt tears come to him because of the pain. "Damn!"

"Sasuke Uchiha," Sakura informed, "If this is how you're going to be as my husband, then I would NEVER marry you!" She stepped inside her carriage and sped off.

The guests and servants groaned in disappointment and Queen Mikoto went over to her injured son. "Oh dear," she sighed, "I guess her kingdom will unite with that of the South."

This caught Sasuke's interest. "The...South?"

"Yes," his mother replied sadly, "Princess Sakura had another proposal and arrangement to Prince Lee of the Southern Kingdom. It was declared that if you two weren't to be married by the deadline, then she would be bound to HIM instead."

"Oh..."

"It's okay, my son. We tried. But it seems as though our efforts just weren't good enough." She fought back impending tears as she retreated inside the castle. "We'll have to find you another Princess to wed."

Naruto went over to Sasuke and gave him a pat on the back. "It's okay, Sasuke," he said, "Mr. Huggles and I are always here for you."

Sasuke ignored him and shook his head. But I don't want to marry someone else. I want Sakura. He stood up and went to see her at the port. "I'll never make it like this!" He focused his chakra on his legs and increased his speed.

Sakura was about ready to go into her ship when she heard rapid footsteps coming her way. She turned around and found that it was Sasuke himself. "Sasuke?"

Sasuke panted and was about to say something, but Kakashi interrupted him. "Is there something you'd like to say, Prince?" he asked. In return, the young man motioned to Sakura, still trying to catch his breath.

Sakura looked at Sasuke longingly and muttered, "Goodbye, Prince Sasuke."

"N-no, hold on!" Sasuke argued, catching the Princess's attention. Please, give me another chance! I love you, Sakura, I really do! Please...stay! Stay by me! He wanted to tell her that so bad, but all that came from his lips were, "Goodbye...Princess Sakura." SAY WHAT?!!

Sakura sighed, loneliness in her heart. "Very well." She and Kakashi turned around and boarded the ship.

Sasuke watched on as the ship moved away and then disapeared behind the valley of blue seas. "Sakura." He bowed his head and thought. What do I REALLY want?

Back in her own kingdom, Sakura entered her castle and came face-to-face with a tall, bushy-browed man. She acknowledged him immediately and curtsied. "Hello, Prince Lee."

Lee (Rock Lee) bowed in response and took the pink-haired woman's hand. "It's nice to meet you, Princess Sakura," he greeted politely and kissed her hand.

Sakura felt herself sink into deep cold water. That's how Itachi greeted me... She forced a smile.

"My," Lee continued, looking up to meet her gaze, "Your name truly lives up to its potential. You're as beautiful as the flower itself, Princess."

Sakura wasn't at all flattered, but she managed to let out a small giggle to show her appreciation of the compliment. "Thank you."

"I certainly look forward to our marriage."

Sakura felt her heart shatter at those words and bit her lip. "I-I'm sorry," she mumbled, her voice shaky, "But I a-am extremely...tired right n-now. I have to go and-and rest. Please excuse me!" She pulled back her hand and ran upstairs and to her room.

When Lee heard the door slam shut, he flinched and turned to Kakashi. "Is...something the matter with her?" he asked the older man.

"It's nothing," Kakashi lied, following Sakura's trail, "I'll be right back. Excuse my haste, Prince Lee."

Lee mentally cheered as a deep blush appeared on his cheeks. Yes! I am going to marry the loveliest Princess of all four kingdoms! I feel so fortunate and blessed!

Heyz! Hope u liked this chappy! Wind Scythe gave me the idea of having Lee be arranged with Sakura! See wut happens next, k? And the more reviews, the better! Thnx a bunch!

PS: This is an early update so you guyz owe me more reviews! lol Just Kidding:)