Tsunade handed her a scroll.
The pink-haired Kunoichi narrowed her eyes in confusion. She unrolled the scroll and read the words printed there. Her eyes turned into slits as she read the words again and again. Willing to make the message different by rereading it. But it remained the same.
"Don't tell me that you're going to accept that." Sakura asked her master; propriety is out of her mind as she recalled the contents of the scroll.
"I can't find a good excuse to not approve this."
"Good excuse? I am not a product for trading, Shishou." Sakura exclaimed. "That... that proposal from the daimyo is degrading, insulting, and outdated! Why do you have to marry me off to them for alliance?"
Tsunade looked at Sakura with a mixture of sympathy and seriousness. "Sakura, you have to understand the delicate politics of the situation. The alliance with the daimyo is crucial for the safety and prosperity of our village. We are in a time of peace, but that peace is fragile, and we must do what's necessary to ensure it endures."
Sakura clenched her fists, frustration and anger evident in her voice. "But this is my life we're talking about, Shishou. I've trained for years to become a strong ninja, not to be married off like some political pawn. It's not fair!"
Tsunade sighed, recognizing the pain in her apprentice's words. "I know it's not fair, Sakura. But I can't deny this without a good reason. Are you seeing someone right now?"
"No." Sakura answered.
"Someone who is pursuing you?"
"No."
Tsunade considered Sakura's responses, then continued, "I understand your frustration, Sakura, and I wish there were more options. But this alliance is vital for the village, and we don't have the luxury of refusing it. If you are only promised to another, we can deny this. But as it is, I cannot."
"Shishou, please." Sakura pleaded. "I don't want to leave Konoha. Don't make me leave."
Tsunade sighed. She can't take the pleading look that Sakura has now. If only she can marry her off to another clan in the village. Then, an idea struck her. There is one clan with only one survivor, she might be able to make it possible.
"I can't promise you anything, Sakura." Tsunade started, "But are you willing to marry someone from the village?"
Sakura looked up at Tsunade with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "If it means I can stay in Konoha and continue serving the village, then yes, I would be willing to consider marrying someone from the village. I want to be here, to protect our home, and I'll do what it takes."
"Okay. Stay here, I will call for him."
