A starting point could be that Sakura and Shikamaru are part of a larger group sent to the desert. However, they get separated from the group during a sandstorm. Now, they have to rely on each other to survive. Sakura is a bit worried as she is used to having more backup, but Shikamaru assures her with his calm demeanor that they will be fine as long as they use their skills and work together. They then start looking for shelter and a way to reunite with the group.
The story might begin with Shikamaru alone in the desert, sent there on a reconnaissance mission. He stumbles upon Sakura who is there for her own reasons, perhaps researching some unique desert herbs for her medical research. They are initially surprised to see each other but then decide to team up as the desert is full of dangers and they realize they can be of help to each other.
One idea could be that Sakura and Shikamaru are on a mission in the desert. They encounter a rare desert plant that has healing properties which Sakura is eager to study. Shikamaru, on the other hand, is more focused on getting the mission done quickly and efficiently. Their different priorities lead to some interesting interactions as they traverse the sandy dunes.
Sakura may become more patient. In the original story, she can be a bit hot - headed, but in the arranged marriage scenario, she has to deal with Shikamaru's laid - back nature. So she learns to be more patient. Shikamaru, on the other hand, might become more responsible. He realizes he has a partner to take care of and can't just be lazy all the time.
One possible story could be that Shikamaru and Sakura start off as friends. They've always been comrades in their ninja village. As time passes, they find themselves growing closer during a difficult mission. They realize they have a deep connection and feelings develop. Eventually, they decide to start a family. Their baby could inherit Shikamaru's intelligence and Sakura's strength. It would be a new chapter in their lives filled with the joys and challenges of raising a child in the ninja world.
Sakura is a very empathetic person, especially with her medical skills. In a marriage with Shikamaru, she can understand his needs and feelings easily. Shikamaru, who is often seen as aloof, can be brought out of his shell by Sakura's warmth. His intelligence and ability to analyze situations can be beneficial for Sakura too. For instance, if there are any political or social issues in the village that affect their family, Shikamaru can figure out the best way to deal with them. Sakura's kindness and Shikamaru's wisdom can make their relationship a stable and loving one.
One plot twist could be that just as Sakura is about to say yes, an old enemy from their past appears and challenges Shikamaru. Shikamaru has to prove himself worthy of Sakura by defeating the enemy. Another could be that Sakura discovers a long - lost family secret that makes her question whether she should get engaged. Maybe she has a hidden power that could put Shikamaru in danger if they are together.
One possible plot twist could be that Shikamaru is actually on a secret mission that he can't tell Sakura about, and she starts to suspect he's hiding something from her, causing tension in their marriage. For example, he might be working undercover to expose a traitor in Konoha and his secrecy makes Sakura think the worst.
A different fanfiction could explore an alternate universe where Shikamaru and Sakura are paired as genin teammates instead of Naruto and Sasuke. Their journey would be very different from the original story. Shikamaru's intelligence combined with Sakura's book - smarts and physical strength could make them a formidable team.
Sakura could also develop her sense of humor. Since Shikamaru has a dry sense of humor, she might start to pick up on it and use it to lighten tense situations. This not only adds a new dimension to her personality but also helps her bond better with Shikamaru. On the other hand, Shikamaru can develop his leadership skills further. With Sakura as his teammate, he has to take into account her ideas and abilities more, which forces him to be a more inclusive leader and grow in that aspect.
Well, it could be that there's a high school dance coming up. Shikamaru doesn't really want to go, but Sakura convinces him. At the dance, they both have some awkward moments but also some really fun ones. And through this experience, they realize they have more in common than they thought. For example, they both care a lot about their friends and are actually quite loyal. And this realization starts to build a stronger bond between them.
The plot could revolve around a mission where they are forced to take care of a baby for some reason. This baby then turns out to be their own in a strange twist. Shikamaru is initially reluctant but slowly warms up to the idea of fatherhood. Sakura is more immediately attached. As they try to find out how this happened, they also grow closer as a couple and start to envision a future with their new family member.