Thanks for the feedback guys! I've been crazy busy and haven't been on long enough to respond, so I'll try to do so now. I don't want to accidentally spoil anything, so I'll respond in tags.
@Torxe
@ BakoNeko-Chan
@ Konoha'sCrimsonFox
The one hard thing about writing serialized fanfic is knowing that you might seriously disappoint some readers! I wish I could tell you the things that are to come, but I can't. It wouldn't be fair. It would be just an explanation, not a story.
But I love these characters and I wouldn't trash them just for a cheap love triangle. I see them more as adults and less as a fairy tale romance. What I mean is that they have to choose to love each other, rather than just rely on destiny.
As far as "balanced" relationships or being even…. That won't be happening here. Naruto certainly won't be the passive scapegoat, as he's had the upper hand the whole story (by withholding his true identity), and it's in the summary that he's going to join Akatuski…. So something really bad has to happen to him to force him to join. And Sakura's apparent "betrayal" isn't the only thing. But I can't say any more without spoiling.
I know where you're coming from though, and I've totally thought about how to tool Sakura and Katsuro's story, and giving them a love story while staying true to their individual characters. I'd rather test them both and have them choose love, than have them fall in love because I wrote them that way.
So it's not a love triangle in that Sakura isn't with Sasuke to make Katsuro jealous. She's just trying to heal, really. And so is Sasuke. There will be more on this in the chapters to come. So you'll just have to trust me there.
Naruto has never been dissuaded by Sakura's infatuation with Sasuke in the manga, and the same holds true with the story. Much later, when they are all three together, Katsuro/Naruto won't give up so easily on Sakura either.
Okay, seriously, I can't write anymore without giving stuff away! lol! But I guess the most important thing I can say is don't worry: the things that distract their attention for a while ultimately will reinforce their love for each other. No matter how painful it is in the process. Much like real life.
I also could not help noticing the parallel to the manga and the reversal of Naruto and Sasuke's roles in Sakura's life, it was very cleverly executed, I think. I can understand that some readers are not going to like it, but I think there's probably some underlying importance to Sakura and Sasuke forming this bond, and it doesn't feel like it's been added for the sake of drama, so really, you've just got me more excited.
not to mention I'm also a writer. I am not at all ignorant of the plot device Tricksie has chosen to utilize, and yes, it can be quite excruciating and annoying in the wrong hands, but in the hands of a proficient writer I don't find this to be true, and I have faith in Tricksie's ability to use it well. But, personally, I don't see Naruto/Katsuro choosing to remain abstinent, if that happens, as something to 'stomach', to me there is nothing wrong with a character waiting for the right person - or whatever others reasons there may be for it. I'm not fond of the idea of paring him with someone just to 'even the playing field', so to speak. Right now, I like the way it illustrates the contrast in Naruto and Sakura's lives, she is building bonds and he is left isolated, with no one to rely on. But of course, I don't know what Tricksie may have planned in regards to that.
Thanks for the vote of confidence BakoNeko-chan! You're so right about what you said about Sakura and Sasuke - that their relationship isn't just for the sake of drama. Both of their characters need to develop, form a bond and move ahead with their lives — and this has the biggest impact on Katsuro, who literally and figuratively isn't moving on, growing or developing. Yet.
As a matter of fact.... I just put it up!! 
I have a lot of respect for your writing so it really means a lot to hear you say that you like mine.
