Maybe the fanfic is set in a post - war scenario. Their team is tasked with rebuilding relations with a neighboring village. Sakura uses her charm and diplomacy skills, which she has developed over time. Neji, with his respected status, helps in negotiations. Shikamaru, being the brains, figures out the best ways to trade and cooperate. There could be some resistance from within their own village and from the other village, but they persevere.
A possible plot could be that they are on a quest to find a rare herb that has the power to heal a deadly disease. Sakura is eager to find it for her medical research. Neji provides protection and navigation using his skills. Shikamaru tries to figure out the most efficient way to search. Along the journey, they encounter various obstacles like wild animals, bad weather, and other ninja clans who also want the herb. But they work together to overcome all these difficulties.
A fanfic could start with the three of them being assigned to protect a valuable artifact. Sakura, with her strength and knowledge, would be a key defender. Neji's ability to sense and counter attacks would be crucial. Shikamaru would analyze the opponents' moves and come up with plans. Along the way, they might have some internal conflicts, like differences in opinion on how to best protect the artifact, but in the end, they would overcome these and succeed in their mission.
One interesting fanfic could be where Sakura, Neji, and Shikamaru team up for a special mission. In this fanfic, they might face a powerful enemy that requires all of their unique skills to defeat. Sakura's medical ninjutsu could be crucial for healing during the battle, Neji's Byakugan would help in detecting hidden threats, and Shikamaru's intelligence would be used to strategize. This kind of fanfic often explores their characters in more depth as they interact and rely on each other in ways that the original series might not have fully explored.
Another theme is adventure. They could embark on a journey to a far - off land in search of a rare ingredient for Sakura's medical research or to uncover a mystery that Neji's Byakugan senses. Shikamaru would be the one planning the route and anticipating any potential problems along the way.
Perhaps there's a mission where Neji and Sakura are teamed up and during that mission, something magical or strange happens that results in Sakura's pregnancy. Neji, who has always been a bit reserved, is now forced to confront his feelings not only for Sakura but also for the future of their unborn child. Sakura has to deal with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy while still being a ninja. As the story progresses, they might find support in unexpected places, like some of the older ninja who have been through similar situations. And they'll have to navigate the complex world of the ninja villages while also preparing for their new family life.
Well, it could be a story set in a post - war era. Sakura is now a highly respected medical ninja, and Neji has become an important figure in the Hidden Leaf Village. They are brought together by a mysterious illness that is affecting some of the villagers. As they work together to find a cure, they spend a lot of time in close proximity. The fanfiction might explore their emotional and physical attraction during this time. Maybe there are some tender moments where they share their past traumas and hopes for the future, and their relationship blossoms in this unique situation.
One possible plot could be that Neji and Sakura are friends who end up taking care of a baby together. Maybe they find the baby during a mission in a village that has been attacked. They then have to figure out how to keep the baby safe and fed while also continuing their ninja duties. Neji could use his Byakugan to sense any danger approaching the baby, and Sakura could use her medical skills to make sure the baby is healthy.
One possible plot could be that Sakura and Neji are sent back in time to the founding of their village. They use their modern knowledge of jutsu and combat to change some key events that lead to a better future for the village. For example, they might prevent a certain war from starting or help in the development of more advanced ninja techniques earlier.
One possible plot could be that they discover their sibling relationship later in life. Maybe there's a mystery around their family that gets uncovered. For example, Neji could have been separated from his family early on due to some clan politics. Sakura, on the other hand, grew up not knowing she had a brother. When they find out, they have to adjust to this new reality and face the reactions of their friends. Neji might be protective of Sakura in a different way now, and Sakura could learn more about her family's past through Neji.
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.