I don't think it's going to be Hanabi, either. My point was that as stupidly as this franchise is being handled, it could be Hanabi. It could be anyone, and it wouldn't have to make sense. They have long passed the point of making sense with their choices for some of these characters.
And there's no concrete reason to think the council would insist on a same-village marriage. Other Kage have married people from other clans and villages, and Gaara's own sister married from outside the village as well.
Nevertheless, I'm hoping for Matsuri.
Yes, this was one of the posts I responded to. That Hanabi would be just the thing they would come up with now. We used to think that Sasuke marrying Karin would be how they would connect Naruto and the Sauce, but maybe it's Naruto and Gaara connecting through Hanabi. Hey, it could happen!!
As for Matsuri, yes that would be my choice too. The only sticking point is that an arranged marriage with a civilian of their own nation/village seems highly unlikely. Arranged marriages come with benefits of more power or an alliance.
However I like the idea that maybe Gaara bucks the arranged marriage in favor of love with Matsuri (or someone else). I can't imagine them bringing in some OC just for this novel. So my money's on Matsuri.
Oh, yes, and — Schmoopy!!! That post got deleted too!