The following contains spoilers for Chapter 2 of Naruto: Sasuke's Story -- The Uchiha and the Heavenly Stardust, by Masashi Kishimoto, Jun Esaka, Shingo Kimura and Snir Aharon, now available in English from Viz Media.
When the Naruto series ended, many fans were shocked to see that Sasuke and Sakura got married. They really didn't have a romantic arc, so it felt like they were just being forced together for Boruto and to have Sarada as a foil for the Hokage's son. Admittedly, Sakura did have a crush on the Uchiha warrior in their teen days, but it never felt organic, which is why many hoped Boruto would add more love to their relationship.
Their dynamic sadly hasn't improved, with Sasuke being a Ranger who's constantly away. It's torn his wife up, as well as his daughter, who often begs for him to stay home and train her. Well, come Chapter 2 of Naruto: Sasuke's Story -- The Uchiha and the Heavenly Stardust, Sasuke gets schooled on something missing from his and Sakura's marriage as he runs a spy mission in Redaku.
Jiji Teaches Sasuke About Wedding Rings
Early on, the inmates Sasuke is placed with are fawning over a pretty nurse in the Tatar prison, especially as she's got no wedding ring on. Sasuke inquires about this as he finds it juvenile, but Jiji -- one of the cool prisoners around -- lets him know the band is a token of love, fidelity, loyalty and appreciation. It's what soulmates wear, tethering their spirits to each other.
This is all news to Sasuke, as Konoha doesn't follow this practice. But it does place Redaku's customs into context, and why a woman was grateful that he rescued her ring from thieves. Sasuke thought it was an average trinket, but now he sees this goes beyond a relic or jewelry -- it embodies much more as a major point of connection. Again, it nods to how little Sasuke knows of romance, but it also harkens to another problem.
Sasuke and Sakura's Marriage Lacks Passion
Sasuke and Sakura don't show love or affection, which is the opposite of Naruto and Hinata. Even Shikamaru and his wife display warm, cuddly moments. This is why Kawaki, as he grows to accept Konoha as his home in the Boruto anime, takes to Naruto's family, as he'd never felt love like this resonating with Isshiki and the Kara terrorists. But in Sasuke's case, one would expect some growth and evolution -- after all, even Sarada wondered if he fathered her with Karin and not Sakura.
Chapter 2 of the Heavenly Stardust spinoff sums up how there's no real depth to him and Sakura, whether it be physical or metaphysical, and that Sasuke doesn't have anything to signify a token of their union -- inside or outside. It could simply be a Hidden Leaf headband, or some other accessory to his costume, especially as Sakura is fashionably dynamic. Even just a kiss to express his emotions and overall affection would represent progress.
Ultimately, Jiji's conversation leaves Sasuke wondering if his bond is indeed healthy or toxic, if he's adequate for Sakura, and whether he's done enough to show her what she means to him while inspiring and reassuring their daughter along the way.