I seemed to have gotten carried away with this chapter lol. I realize that I need to make a few things clear. Just because I put a pair in my story doesn't mean that the will stay together. So no Naruto is not out of the running. Were hitting the first major story arch here and it took me a while to get the wording just right. I'm still not completely satisfied with it but I realized that I am just nit picking at the moment so it may be edited again later. I need to clarify one more thing before I go, Kakashi's behavior is being effected by his mental state. He is acting this way for the sake of my plot and later events. That doesn't mean he's not a possible pairing it simply means to keep an eye open. Well enough from me, and as always reviews are not necessary but they are inspiring.
Day one was the worst of Sakura's it had included her hospital stay. This was what Sakura would like to call the day of relief Not relief on her part mind you, it was about to turn into her own personal hell. But it was everyone else's relieved faces that caused her to dub it as so. Hearing that she would be in the hospital for no more than two days many of her friends, coworkers, to her surprise some former patients, and even a couple relatives had come to check on her before lunch time. Once one group would leave another would enter with looks of concern and well wishes. She had always felt that if she died on the battle field there would only be a handful at most of people that would truly miss her, now she knew she was completely wrong. It was all very sweet and even made her cry at one point. With a smile she would hug those who had requested it and accept there get well gifts. The cherry blossom wanted to refuse them, but she knew if she turned there gifts down it would be considered an insult even from her friends. This had given her a little stress but she never let it show as she accepted them gratefully. In truth all she wanted was a bath, maybe a quick meal, and then a nap.
When noon finally came around she had noted two things. One, she was starving. Two, none of the nurses had even thought to bring her anything. Half an hour later she found out why. A wheel chair was pushed into her room by Naruto. The look on his face said she would not like what was about to happen. With no explanation other than they were going to lunch with the Tsunade and her guests. She smiled at Naruto and allowed him to assist her to the wheel chair. He was tense and every time she would ask what was wrong he would sigh. As soon as they entered a hall that she knew to be safe and had no traffic she forced the breaks of her wheel chair on causing it to jeer to a halt. This sent Naruto into her back almost toppling her from the chair.
"I'm not moving another inch until you tell me whats going on Naruto Uzumaki. " Her voice was firm and angry. Naruto walked to her front with a sigh, he was doing that allot lately he realized, he raked his fingers through the mass of his hair, bending his legs to sit in front of her. Silently he collected his thoughts and closed his eyes. He was sure she would be adamant about going back if he told her the entire source of his plight. So instead he choose what he would divulge carefully so as not to raise suspicion. She was always able to tell when he was lying. Opening his eyes, and clearing his throat he schooled his face.
"The elders, grandma, clan leaders, their heirs, and our very own Fire Daimyō wanted to congratulate your success. I tried to tell them that it would be best to let you rest, but you know how the Daimyo can be." He tried joking with her to lighten the mood. "Anyone would be just a little stressed hearing that all those stuffy people had gathered to annoy someone with , and I mean no disrespect Sakura-chan, a short fuse such as yours. I don't want you labeled a traitor because you beat them for an insult."
"No matter how much you seem to grow up you'll always be the same Naruto." She laughed seeming as though she was sure this was all that was bothering him, and unlocked the breaks. Naruto smiled and got up dusting his loosely fitting tan pants as he returned to her back pushing her down the hallways to double doors that led into the green house used by the hospital to grow exotic herbs. In the center lay a large table one side filled with its guests. On the other side were chairs filled with the heir of each adjacent clan and between two there was a space far enough apart to comfortably accommodate Sakura and her wheel chair. Once parked in her designated place at the table Naruto sat to her left while Tsunade sat to her right her eyes locked upon Tora who visibly blanched. He knew that the talk Tsunade had planed after lunch was not going to be a pleasant one, nor was it going to be good for his health. He had been the one to cause her hospitalization and he was the one to suggest what they were now about to do to Sakura getting the Daimyo's approval. He had even urged him on in meetings with other Daimyo on this subject. Giving the best bow she could from her seat Sakura smiled to each of the men.
"It is an honor to be within your company this afternoon Fire daimyo Konoha elders, esteemed clan heads, and there honorable heirs." Her manners taking over on reflex alone. This seemed to impress, and confirm the clan heads and Daimyo's assumption on this girl.
"Miss Haruno it is good to see you again. I know that you are more than likely famished and tired so why don't we begin our meal." The Daimyo smiled as he gestured to the covered tray sitting before himself. Each person seemed to have one in front of them. With a polite nod they all expressed there thanks and removed there lids. To her surprise Sakura found that all the food provided to her would serve to better her health. The onigiri would not agitate her stomach, the leek stew would help keep her digestion and antibodies strong, her roasted chicken was seasoned with garlic and herbs to keep her blood pressure down. Beside her tray sat a small parfait with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries each fruit was chosen to boost her vitamin intake and full of antioxidants. A warm chamomile tea was poured for her this was meant to calm ones nerves and relax there body.
"This looks wonderful I am honored you would go to such lengths for my comfort and health." Her smile was sincere and unguarded. This made the Daimyo and those surrounding him pause. Exchanging glances to each other a mutual knowledge passed through them. She had noticed her meal was tailored to her recovery. She truly was all the things they had heard. This woman would one day make a wonderful bride the only concern lay in who's bride she would be. Each leader looking to their heir or in the case of the Yamanaka and Hyuga's there nephews they seem to decide that a play for this woman to become family was necessary. Still they could not simply order her to marry there choice. That they knew from her file and quiet observation would cause the girl to completely shun said men whom catching these glances became restless. They were no fools and knew exactly where this was leading due to previous conversation. Finishing there meal they sat sipping there tea deep in thought the tension thick as to whom would break the silence and cause the first bout of the small woman before them to become enraged.
"Akimichi-sama please give my compliments to your wife she truly is a wonder in the kitchen. Nara-sama as usual you have provided the best of your stock I never thought I'd be able to partake of your clans excellent meats. Hyuga-sama your wife truly has a reason to boast her home grown tea leaves provided an excellent brew and the fruit was the best I've ever had." Sakura's manners again kicking in to complement each of her hosts and there contribution to her meal. Yet she was soon interrupted by Naruto who had become fed up with this farce. Slamming his hands upon the table he growled standing erect.
"Tell her now! Tell her why you really called Sakura here! Tell her why each of you deemed it so important to butter her up." His eyes locking on the men before him. With that Sakura's eyes narrowed. She had known that this was a cover for something and now that her suspicions were ringing true her soft fake smile had disappeared. She had been awaiting there hidden purpose and now it seemed the curtain on this act was falling. Sitting back in his seat none to gentle Naruto huffed. He hated this he would not let Sakura be used like a tool for status.
"Very well Uzumaki-san I will begin." The Daimyo dismissed the boys rash actions understanding that if he were in the same position he would be reacting the same way. "Miss Haruno you have accomplished a great deal and for that we commend you. Your talent has caused every land to take interest in you and even if you had failed we decided that you have achieved the status as sanin. However with that title you of coarse know that your hand will be well sought out . The other Daimyo's and myself have come to a decisions. We have decided to make this a competition to ensure each suitor gets a fair chance to win your hand. Only those given specific permission by their respective Daimyo and kage will be allowed to participate and so as not to create any animosity or future political problems the Daimyos and there respective family will not be allowed to compete. Further more we are giving you the title of nobility and as such giving you a substantial amount of wealth as a reward for your efforts upon the creation of the unnamed jutsu you have created. This will be your families legacy and only those deemed worthy of such a technique will be permitted to learn said jutsu. Are there any questions so far?" The Daimyo paused to allow Sakura to absorb the information that was thrust upon her.
"And if I choose a foreign man as my husband or choose not to marry at all?" Her voice was cold and dripping with displeasure. Her eyes refusing to look anywhere but her now balled fists in her lap. She was completely pissed off. She was half expecting to be ordered to marry this was not a surprise, still it hurt that she was being told to do so in front of spectators!
"If you choose someone from any other country then you and your spouse will be given duel citizenship. You will spend half of a year in each country. You will pick your successor and be the head of your family. We have taken your pride into account, no offense meant Miss Haruno. In the event that you do not marry we will provide a man that we agree on for you to produce a heir with." Sakura's eyes closed and she nodded her head with a sigh.
"Very well then I will comply with your orders Daimyo of the land of fire. On one condition and it will not be discussed. I will have to both love the man I choose and be loved by him in return. I will not enter into a loveless marriage. " Sakura glared now at the man. The heirs at the table now gawking at her with disbelief. They were so sure that she would have protested and argued with the Daimyo's plan. Her restraint was quite admirable.
"That is just like you miss Haruno you decide to add a level of difficulty to this challenge. Now the men must make you fall in love with them as well. You are quite clever miss Haruno. You think that you will avoid this by not falling in love. I cannot wait to see the results." The fire Daimyo laughed.
"Now if you will excuse me Daimyo my mood has soured and I wish to retire." Sakura all but snarled at him as Naruto returned her to her room. She was silent the entire length of her short travel to her room. She ignored Naruto's constant words of remorse. Now she was completely drained and simply wished to go to sleep. When Naruto left her room and closed the door behind him he left word that she was not to be disturbed. With a sigh for the hundredth time today he left to finish some paper work and maybe get some much needed sleep. He only prayed that Kami would find a way to help Sakura in her time of grief.