4869 replies to this topic

[Strangelove]

Next time that you see Kishi says say Simon says in response, it works better.

[ciardha]

I've wondered for a while what other reasons she could have had for making that sad face and haven't come up with anything /shrug

Easy, she's comparing it to her similar but more excusable action in 296, from her own feelings of love for Naruto. That's how she knew it was from love in the first place, because she knows she's in love with Naruto and knew what she had done because of that. Sakura's known for sure that she's in love with Naruto since Yamato spoke with her in 297. "Depth of your feelings for Naruto" Thus Sakura's wide eyed acceptance face. Remember Sakura had done something similar for Sasuke in the Forest of Death when she was in love with him, and it had brought him out of the curse seal madness temporarly. She acted in 296 out of an even deeper feeling of love for Naruto hoping what worked for Sasuke would work for Naruto. Kyuubi though is a whole different ballgame than the curse seal. The self is still there with curse seal, just driven by a violent madness.

[Miss Soupy]

To me, Sakura's expression in ch 442 was that of sadness and uncertainty. She realizes Hinata loves Naruto, enough to risk her own life. Perhaps she recognizes similarity between herself and Hinata as well, knowing she would also do the same for Naruto. Sakura would then also know she can't blame Hinata for her actions, because they were done out of love. At the same time, she is uncertain of her own feelings for Naruto. It looks like she felt something that hit her deeply, given the way her eyes fall and she lowers her head. I don't think Sakura has known she loves Naruto, but I think in that moment she either did realize it, or she came extremely close to knowing. But remember, at this point she doesn't know Naruto is in love with her. For someone like Sakura, who has loved someone who did not love her back, I think it would be extremely hard for her to accept that Naruto would return her feelings. Perhaps that is part of her sadness.

Either way, it is a look that says something caused Sakura a negative feeling. If she didn't love Naruto (either consciously or unconsciously), why wouldn't she be happy for Hinata?

Edited by Miss Soupy, 18 October 2009 - 02:15 AM.

[Merger Knight]

To me, Sakura's expression in ch 442 was that of sadness and uncertainty. She realizes Hinata loves Naruto, enough to risk her own life. Perhaps she recognizes similarity between herself and Hinata as well, knowing she would also do the same for Naruto. Sakura would then also know she can't blame Hinata for her actions, because they were done out of love. At the same time, she is uncertain of her own feelings for Naruto. It looks like she felt something that hit her deeply, given the way her eyes fall and she lowers her head. I don't think Sakura has known she loves Naruto, but I think in that moment she either did realize it, or she came extremely close to knowing. But remember, at this point she doesn't know Naruto is in love with her. For someone like Sakura, who has loved someone who did not love her back, I think it would be extremely hard for her to accept that Naruto would return her feelings. Perhaps that is part of her sadness.

Either way, it is a look that says something caused Sakura a negative feeling. If she didn't love Naruto (either consciously or unconsciously), why wouldn't she be happy for Hinata?

maybe also she doesnt want to open her self up like that again. Cause the last time she did he left.

[Miss Soupy]

maybe also she doesnt want to open her self up like that again. Cause the last time she did he left.

Exactly. I think Sakura would be worried about Naruto not returning her feelings, because she has never considered that he might love her already. The first person she loved certainly didn't return those feelings, so why would Naruto?

[ciardha]

Exactly. I think Sakura would be worried about Naruto not returning her feelings, because she has never considered that he might love her already. The first person she loved certainly didn't return those feelings, so why would Naruto?

No, if she felt that way she would have never flirted with him, inviting him to look at her body in an overtly sexual way the very first moment she saw him, nor would she have done that playful teasing flirtation in 311 about Naruto's nickname, nor would she have given him the "bedroom eyes" look in 343 when she offer to feed him (overt enough flirtation that it made it through Naruto's denial barrier that Sakura would be attracted to him- that way) nor would she have given him that romantic embrace in front of the whole village... No, Sakura had figured out by the end of part 1 that Naruto wasn't pranking her, he was genuinely attracted to her in some manner, she just didn't know how deep.

Naruto as well figured out from her tears when she heard fully what pain and danger Naruto had endured and endures during the rescue Gaara arc, how she tried to protect him from feeling horrible about what he had done in 296, the flirtatious attempted feeding in 343, etc... that she cares deeply about his welfare and has some attraction to him but he doesn't know how deep her feelings of love for him is.

Sakura has been quite physically expressive of her feelings of love for Naruto in part 2, she hasn't held back. Naruto has held back, but we know it's from an extreme sense of honor, he will not cheat the guy he still thinks is his rival for Sakura's affection by pressing his advantage while Sasuke isn't there. He wants to win over Sakura's heart fair and square. He just doesn't realize Sakura's already given her heart to Naruto, he was already in her heart the moment she saw him in the hospital after the fight at the Valley of the End. Sakura, herself clearly was aware of her attraction to Naruto before his return- thus the overtly sexual flirtation in 245. Yamato's words in 297 right on the heels of her action in 296-7 was enough to make her realize those confusing feelings was love, a deeper more intense love than what she had felt for Sasuke before he chose vengeance and darkness over the bond he had with Team 7.

[Froot]

Wow! Looks like you did your research! Very nice.

I agree. Just... I don't think it's as sexual as you're saying it is. Yes, there is obviously some very hormonal stuff going on, but not... that much.

On everything else, though, I agree. She did give him the rape face when she offered to feed him. I found that very interesting. And I use the ''Sakura asked Naruto if she looked more womanly, inviting him to look at her body'' argument against the over beaten ''NaruSaku is brother/sister'' argument, because siblings just don't do that.

I'm actually glad Sakura's being physical, rather than saying ''I care about you.'' Just like Naruto, she prefers actions to words (even though Naruto sure loves to use words too) and shows that she loves him, instead of just saying it.

Actually, at this point, with everything she's done for Naruto, she might as well have said ''I love you'' to him thousands of times. Her actions speak volumes, rather than Hinata's sudden burst of courage. I mean, that was balls to the wall what she did, but if that single moment of martyrdom was compared to what Sakura's been doing in succession over the series, Hinata's shining moment would pale in comparison.

That's why it was so huge; because it was so brazen and sudden. People instantly throw Sakura's past developments out of the window, because they're so subtle. They don't care to look at the big picture and see it for what it really is. In comparison, Sakura's got Hinata beat tenfold.

Another reason I love NaruSaku is because of the subtleties. Their relationship actually has a foundation and development. It's like a house; started from scratch. Then, a foundation was built. And slowly but surely, bricks were added to make the house stonger.

In comparison to a mud hut that was slung together in one desperate act.

Which do you think is strong enough to survive the hurricane that is life?

/Cheesy metaphors

Edited by Froot, 18 October 2009 - 03:16 PM.

[RedDelicious]

Yamato's words in 297 right on the heels of her action in 296-7

Right, Yamato was commenting on the strength of her feelings, not that she had feelings for Naruto. Naruto and Sakura have teenage hormonal feelings for each other, which they and everyone else recognize (except the NaruSaku haters). The only question is where those feelings fall on the scale, from "I'm bored, let's go on a date" to "soul-mate life bond". (Obviously, I vote for the high end, but let's see what happens in the story.)

You mentioned the hospital after the fight at the Valley of the End. In that chapter, Sakura told Ino that she was going to visit Naruto... and Sasuke. She looked up Naruto's room AND went to visit him, before finding out Sasuke's room! (Otherwise, she would have gotten the bad news from a hospital worker that Sasuke was not in the building.) Not a huge piece of evidence, but another subtle sign (like Froot pointed out).

(Every time someone says that Sakura doesn't respect or want to be around Naruto, I figure they forgot to read pages 16 "I trust you completely" and 17 "Next time, we'll do it together!")

Edited by RedDelicious, 18 October 2009 - 04:27 PM.

[Froot]

Huh! Good point about the hospital thing! I forgot about that.

Which only proves my point.

At this point, not to bash or anything, but from an objective point of view... NH fans are in denial/desperate. Clinging to the confession like it's the be all, end all canon confirmation while totally ignoring NaruSaku's steady develolment. NH is a sprint, while NS is a marathon. While some may argue that it's the other way around, that Hinata's been slowly biding her time, it's still not mutual development and Hinata has made no effort to further her relationship with Naruto.

Before she confessed, she said she wasn't afraid of dying. That obviously means that her confession was a last minute, desperate, go-down-in-a-blaze-of-glory-one. She had no intention, then, to have a future with Naruto, but rather finally tell him bow she felt. She was fully prepared to die. It was a desperate moment. Impulsive. Abrupt. That is not development.

Hinata has never before made it a point to show Naruto that she'd loved him, whereas Sakura's shown concern for him in every way possible. Hitting/Crying/Running to him.

EDIT: That said, I've got another point.

During the confession, Hinata herself said that she was ''just being selfish.''

Which is true. She had good intentions, but consciously acknowledged that it was selfish. Not only did she end up making things worse, but she made Naruto feel 1000 times worse when she got ''killed'' than he already felt. He probably felt guilty, like it was his fault. But she did it for her own gratification, to finally let him know, even know she knew it would bring him pain. That is very selfish.

So why, whenever I say that it was selfish, do NH fans become hostile and disagree so vehemently, even though Hinata said it herself? They hang on her every word, but look the other way when she says it's selfish then turn on me when I quote her words.

Edited by Froot, 18 October 2009 - 06:00 PM.

[Miss Soupy]

No, if she felt that way she would have never flirted with him, inviting him to look at her body in an overtly sexual way the very first moment she saw him, nor would she have done that playful teasing flirtation in 311 about Naruto's nickname, nor would she have given him the "bedroom eyes" look in 343 when she offer to feed him (overt enough flirtation that it made it through Naruto's denial barrier that Sakura would be attracted to him- that way) nor would she have given him that romantic embrace in front of the whole village... No, Sakura had figured out by the end of part 1 that Naruto wasn't pranking her, he was genuinely attracted to her in some manner, she just didn't know how deep.

There is a big difference between being attracted to someone and being in love with them... You are assuming they are the same thing, or if not the same thing, that knowing the one means Sakura would know the other. My post was about Sakura not knowing if Naruto was in love with her, not about if he might be attracted to her. You said yourself, she didn't know how deep Naruto's feelings were, which leaves a possibility she was afraid of rejection.

Naruto as well figured out from her tears when she heard fully what pain and danger Naruto had endured and endures during the rescue Gaara arc, how she tried to protect him from feeling horrible about what he had done in 296, the flirtatious attempted feeding in 343, etc... that she cares deeply about his welfare and has some attraction to him but he doesn't know how deep her feelings of love for him is.

Yes Naruto knows she cares about him. However, due to the promise, he doesn't even consider she might love him. Or, if he does consider it, it is too painful for him to completely believe and he ends up trying to change the subject or associate her feelings towards something else. At any rate, I didn't at all contest that Sakura cared greatly for Naruto.

Sakura has been quite physically expressive of her feelings of love for Naruto in part 2, she hasn't held back. Naruto has held back, but we know it's from an extreme sense of honor, he will not cheat the guy he still thinks is his rival for Sakura's affection by pressing his advantage while Sasuke isn't there. He wants to win over Sakura's heart fair and square. He just doesn't realize Sakura's already given her heart to Naruto, he was already in her heart the moment she saw him in the hospital after the fight at the Valley of the End. Sakura, herself clearly was aware of her attraction to Naruto before his return- thus the overtly sexual flirtation in 245. Yamato's words in 297 right on the heels of her action in 296-7 was enough to make her realize those confusing feelings was love, a deeper more intense love than what she had felt for Sasuke before he chose vengeance and darkness over the bond he had with Team 7.

At this point Naruto isn't trying to win Sakura's heart. He is assuming she is still in love with Sasuke and out of respect for that, he is not pursuing her. You said Naruto doesn't pursue Sakura out of respect for Sasuke, when it is actually he doesn't pursue Sakura out of respect for HER feelings. He asks her on dates, but the overall mood of them is quite lighthearted and far from serious.

Also, saying Sakura was in love with Naruto by the hospital scene in part I is quite a stretch. I actually haven't seen anyone claim this before, which I'm kind of curious why you think this. Sakura worried about Naruto and Sasuke equally at that point, to me that was the major shift from Sakura's obsession over only Sasuke into also including Naruto in her thoughts. It wasn't a scene that said Sakura is in love with Naruto, but it is one that moves Naruto up in importance and acceptance (in her mind). She goes to Tsunade for training so she can be helpful to Naruto when rescuing Sasuke. Sasuke is still of great importance, but Naruto is moving up. There isn't, in my opinion, any evidence to suggest Sakura has fallen in love at that point, in fact Sakura's caring for Naruto continues to grow over the course of part II. It is the gradual love, a love Sakura still may be unsure of, but one that will be resolved by the end.

[catsi563]

Also, saying Sakura was in love with Naruto by the hospital scene in part I is quite a stretch. I actually haven't seen anyone claim this before, which I'm kind of curious why you think this. Sakura worried about Naruto and Sasuke equally at that point, to me that was the major shift from Sakura's obsession over only Sasuke into also including Naruto in her thoughts. It wasn't a scene that said Sakura is in love with Naruto, but it is one that moves Naruto up in importance and acceptance (in her mind). She goes to Tsunade for training so she can be helpful to Naruto when rescuing Sasuke. Sasuke is still of great importance, but Naruto is moving up. There isn't, in my opinion, any evidence to suggest Sakura has fallen in love at that point, in fact Sakura's caring for Naruto continues to grow over the course of part II. It is the gradual love, a love Sakura still may be unsure of, but one that will be resolved by the end.

Actually you have. especially if youve read In your arms.

Ive positied exactly this thought in my own opinions and stories. I do beleive that the hospital scene is the moment when we see a "Shift" in ehr feelings from Sasuke to Naruto. Its subtle--like all their interactions -- but definately there. Even if neither realizes it at that moment.

Sakuras focus however is crystalized at that moment even if her feelings remain a little shadowed she is determined to get stronger so that both of them can get Sasuke together.

however I still feel like she has a critical shift in her heart at exactly that moment. a shift brought about by the slowly building feelings which hit a dramatically appropriate climax at that moment and tilt towards naruto and away from sasuke.

this is as ciardha says what leads to the flirtations in part 2 and alot of Sakuras very expressive moments towards naruto. Shes actively showing that shes interested, and open to his advances. Its why she even says yes to a date right off the bat with no hesitation.

the surprise that naruto is in love with her also comes from this while she does understand that he had a crush and has feelings for her. to actively have it confirmed by someone can really throw you for a loop especially given the current situation which ahs them all on the edge.

In conclusion when Naruto returned empty handed Sakura was devestated, but as he does his renewal of his promise and his courage in front of her lifted her out of despair and gave her heart wings. this is the key moment when her heart shifts and a new possibility of love is born.

Edited by catsi563, 18 October 2009 - 07:01 PM.

[Jenskott]

You mentioned the hospital after the fight at the Valley of the End. In that chapter, Sakura told Ino that she was going to visit Naruto... and Sasuke. She looked up Naruto's room AND went to visit him, before finding out Sasuke's room! (Otherwise, she would have gotten the bad news from a hospital worker that Sasuke was not in the building.) Not a huge piece of evidence, but another subtle sign (like Froot pointed out).

Ive positied exactly this thought in my own opinions and stories. I do beleive that the hospital scene is the moment when we see a "Shift" in ehr feelings from Sasuke to Naruto. Its subtle--like all their interactions -- but definately there. Even if neither realizes it at that moment.

I have been telling this for YEARS. And I honestly can say I realized right away she told: "First I'm going to see Naruto... and after Sasuke."

Sakura confessed Sasuke. And he showed her he put his wants and desires above hers.

Later, Naruto proves her he puts her wants and desires above his. He shows her he has always understood her better than anybody and he cares for her happiness first and foremost.

Later she states she plans checking on Naruto first.

IMO, it shows their relationship had given a definitive shift. And that shift was the fruit of two hundred forty chapters of evolution and strengthening.

And it also suggests me the confession scene wasn't intended to develop SasuSaku but killing it for good instead.

[ciardha]

I have been telling this for YEARS. And I honestly can say I realized right away she told: "First I'm going to see Naruto... and after Sasuke."

Sakura confessed Sasuke. And he showed her he put his wants and desires above hers.

Later, Naruto proves her he puts her wants and desires above his. He shows her he has always understood her better than anybody and he cares for her happiness first and foremost.

Later she states she plans checking on Naruto first.

IMO, it shows their relationship had given a definitive shift. And that shift was the fruit of two hundred forty chapters of evolution and strengthening.

And it also suggests me the confession scene wasn't intended to develop SasuSaku but killing it for good instead.

Yes, to both you and catsi, you saw exactly the same thing I did in the hospital scene.

And more proof the confession scene with Sasuke was to end sasusaku, look at Sakura's words, she knows Sasuke doesn't and will never love her- she point blank says- "you must hate me." The words she says during the whole confession continue to make it clear she knows there will be no romance, she merely hopes her presence will keep him from destroying himself, it's a last ditch desperate effort to try to save someone that wants to jump off a building ledge. She's throwing anything and everything out hoping to save him from the suicidal path he's determined to follow.

And Sasuke's words to Sakura, you can see he sees Naruto and Sakura's similarities, even a hint of knowing they'll end up together- he is not like them, he has to follow a different path from them.

You can even see the first hints of a shift in Sakura's inward reaction to Naruto making the POAL- "You've always understood me..." the hospital scene makes that shift obvious, as catsi, jenskott and I note.

You see further proof of that when you compare Sakura's reactions to seeing Naruto for the first time in 2 1/2 years to her reaction ditto for Sasuke. With Naruto she smiles, blushes and very overtly flirts with him. With Sasuke she doesn't so much as smile, much less blush or attempt to flirt. She is apprehensive, unhappy, outright frightened and then angered into action when he threatens Naruto. This follows right after the key moments in 296-7 when you've been shown and told the depth of love Sakura has for Naruto. You are meant to notice the difference in how she acts toward Naruto and toward Sasuke. And at the end of this arc, Sakura is the one giving the comforting words to Naruto like she did when he was in the hospital. Sakura wants to be strong for Naruto like he wants to be strong for her. That's echoed again Konoha destruction aftermath mini arc, they trade off being the stronger one in quick sucession, Sakura at the beginning, Naruto at the end, then Sakura becomes strong again in 459 to now, while Naruto is the one more in need.

[Strangelove]

Lol isn't 311 the part with Sai and his nicknames, calling Ino gorgeous, and reading books about relationships. That's what i find funny about all this, because he seems to always connect Naruto and Sakura together when he reads pages of those books, though when in practice he always gets it wrong, and we all Loled.

Yeah Sakura is already a grown woman, she has taken emotional trauma from Sasuke, and then from the Kyubi inside Naruto. She wants to help Naruto overcome those odds of being possessed by the beast, and at the same time fighting for the beast not to leave his body, to prevent Akatsuki from taking the Kyubi, even when she knows, that deep inside she wants the beast to disappear from the body of her friend, so that he could live a happy normal life. This has become an odd oxymoron. Either Naruto looses the kyubi and dies, or keeps it and slowly becomes one with it, thus dying.

Edited by Strangelove, 18 October 2009 - 09:58 PM.

[Miss Soupy]

You can even see the first hints of a shift in Sakura's inward reaction to Naruto making the POAL- "You've always understood me..." the hospital scene makes that shift obvious, as catsi, jenskott and I note.

Yes, I too noted a shift in my post. However you associate it to Sakura realizing she loves Naruto, which as I am still wondering what proof you have of the hospital scene showing this is true.

You see further proof of that when you compare Sakura's reactions to seeing Naruto for the first time in 2 1/2 years to her reaction ditto for Sasuke. With Naruto she smiles, blushes and very overtly flirts with him. With Sasuke she doesn't so much as smile, much less blush or attempt to flirt. She is apprehensive, unhappy, outright frightened and then angered into action when he threatens Naruto. This follows right after the key moments in 296-7 when you've been shown and told the depth of love Sakura has for Naruto. You are meant to notice the difference in how she acts toward Naruto and toward Sasuke. And at the end of this arc, Sakura is the one giving the comforting words to Naruto like she did when he was in the hospital. Sakura wants to be strong for Naruto like he wants to be strong for her. That's echoed again Konoha destruction aftermath mini arc, they trade off being the stronger one in quick sucession, Sakura at the beginning, Naruto at the end, then Sakura becomes strong again in 459 to now, while Naruto is the one more in need.

It was an innocent flirting, not a jump in bed with me type of flirting. It was meant to show how much Sakura has matured, she is more comfortable with herself. At the same time, her bond with Naruto has not diminished over the years. They are still comfortable around each other.

I agree fully that Sakura definitely does care quite a bit about Naruto's welfare, his feelings, etc, even over Sasuke. That isn't really what is at question, but rather when Sakura truly realizes her love for Naruto. Whether it has happened already or whether it still has to happen is quite open to interpretation as there has not been a confession on her part, or even any questioning inwardly of her feelings.

@catsi
I haven't read 'in your arms', though I am guessing it is a fanfic?

My own opinion would be that it was far too soon for Sakura to have a sudden shift in love interest. Sasuke had just left, and whether you believe she really loved him or not, his leaving was a fresh wound to both her and Naruto. If she had truly fallen away from caring about Sasuke and instead cared more for Naruto, I would think her reason for asking Tsunade to train her would be specifically only for Naruto, to protect him, to help him.

Also, Sakura has no problem going on very dangerous missions to receive information about Sasuke in part II. It seems she is still quite focused on saving him. Only when Naruto loses himself does she start to focus more on Naruto. That was a huge turning point for her, I think. She saw Naruto fighting so hard, to the point where he went K4, and she hated seeing that happen to him. That was when she yelled to him that she would bring Sasuke back for him. Not for her, but for Naruto, so he didn't have to suffer for the promise. If I'm not mistaken, that was the first time Sakura wanted to remove the promise. That shows a clear shift from Naruto and Sasuke are equal, to Naruto is more important than Sasuke.

In other words, the hospital scene made it Naruto = Sasuke. The K4 scene made it Naruto > Sasuke. The gradual progression.

[RedDelicious]

I agree fully that Sakura definitely does care quite a bit about Naruto's welfare, his feelings, etc, even over Sasuke. That isn't really what is at question, but rather when Sakura truly realizes her love for Naruto. Whether it has happened already or whether it still has to happen is quite open to interpretation as there has not been a confession on her part, or even any questioning inwardly of her feelings.

I agree with this 90%. There has been questioning inwardly of her feelings. Not a direct sign of love, but she is/was questioning. (As recent as chapter 451 "why am I trying to cheer him up?", but as far back as the Wave Country arc "What's this feeling? This is Naruto.")

Now having said that... I think there is circumstantial evidence that Sakura was beginning to fall for Naruto earlier in Part 1 than the POAL. I doubt Sakura would have been aware of the change in feeling. It would only be a first step (so not deeply in love by any means), but the journey of a 1000 miles begins with the first step.

I'm thinking back to chapter 144, where Sakura remembers being informed that Naruto saved her from Gaara.
1) On page 5, Sakura is looking out her window, remembering the flashback. Odd that she would have Naruto on her mind on a quiet afternoon.
2) On page 6, we see that Sakura is full-on fangirl-ing on Sasuke, especially that bottom left panel (both arms tight to her chest). But after Sasuke gives her the information on page 7, she focuses on Naruto. She stops talking to Sasuke. At that time, it would take quite a lot to get her to stop fawning over Sasuke.
3) That smile on page 7... She sees Naruto making that goofy, grumpy face while frustrating Kakashi, and still finds that she likes the idea that Naruto saved her.

Very circumstantial and open to interpretation... But seeing Naruto in a new light, and thinking of him a lot (and at least temporarily more than Sasuke) is at least some evidence of love in part 1, even if it isn't compelling enough on its own.

Edited by RedDelicious, 18 October 2009 - 11:03 PM.

[pharix]

what episode is chapter 144 in the anime >.> kinda wanna see that scene

[ciardha]

I agree with this 90%. There has been questioning inwardly of her feelings. Not a direct sign of love, but she is/was questioning. (As recent as chapter 451 "why am I trying to cheer him up?", but as far back as the Wave Country arc "What's this feeling? This is Naruto.")

Now having said that... I think there is circumstantial evidence that Sakura was beginning to fall for Naruto earlier in Part 1 than the POAL. I doubt Sakura would have been aware of the change in feeling. It would only be a first step (so not deeply in love by any means), but the journey of a 1000 miles begins with the first step.

I'm thinking back to chapter 144, where Sakura remembers being informed that Naruto saved her from Gaara.
1) On page 5, Sakura is looking out her window, remembering the flashback. Odd that she would have Naruto on her mind on a quiet afternoon.
2) On page 6, we see that Sakura is full-on fangirl-ing on Sasuke, especially that bottom left panel (both arms tight to her chest). But after Sasuke gives her the information on page 7, she focuses on Naruto. She stops talking to Sasuke. At that time, it would take quite a lot to get her to stop fawning over Sasuke.
3) That smile on page 7... She sees Naruto making that goofy, grumpy face while frustrating Kakashi, and still finds that she likes the idea that Naruto saved her.

Very circumstantial and open to interpretation... But seeing Naruto in a new light, and thinking of him a lot (and at least temporarily more than Sasuke) is at least some evidence of love in part 1, even if it isn't compelling enough on its own.

Good point and yeah you see an unconscious attraction all along, even in chapter 5. What happens in the hospital scene at the end of part 1 is the completion of Sakura's unconscious shift in who she loves from Sasuke to Naruto and more foundation laid for her conscious feelings even at the beginning of part 2, the start of her conscious awareness of feeling something more than friendship begins with her inward reaction to the POAL. And note her thoughts at the end of part 1 when she asks Tsunade to train her- already CONSCIOUSLY Naruto has equal billing with her feelings. (subconsciously he already has more)

We aren't shown any of Tsunade and Sakura's conversations concerning Naruto during the timeskip, but it's clear Tsunade is quite aware of Sakura's budding romantic feelings for Naruto from the way she acts in 245. And her knowing smile as she observed the hospital scene between Naruto and Sakura at the end of part 1. Sakura has become consciously aware of her attraction to and feelings for Naruto by the time he returns. But doesn't know those confused bundle of emotion is real love until 297. From that point onward there is a confidence and ease in Sakura's flirtations with Naruto, from the nickname flirtatious teasing in 311, to the attempted feeding with her overt come on eyes and moving in far closer than needed in 343, to the romantic embrace she gave him in 450. And it's to Naruto she shows her most vulnerable side. When bad things happen when he's not there she pulls herself together quickly and shoves the emotional side of herself to the background. When Naruto is there she feels secure enough to not repress it. ("Even the strongest woman can be soft around the man she loves")

[Miss Soupy]

Very circumstantial and open to interpretation... But seeing Naruto in a new light, and thinking of him a lot (and at least temporarily more than Sasuke) is at least some evidence of love in part 1, even if it isn't compelling enough on its own.

I agree it is very open to interpretation, which is why I spoke up with my own opinion. Those things you linked me say that Sakura is growing to care more and more about Naruto, but remember, Naruto's place in Sakura's mind was extremely low at the start of the manga. In the scale of everything, part I was largely about everyone, Sakura included, coming to respect Naruto. Whether that means she is falling in love or not, is extremely unclear. I don't think she was ready at that time, and there is evidence for that too. I am viewing scenes where Sakura thinks favorably of Naruto with less emphasis on love and more emphasis on growing care and respect.

[Merger Knight]

No, if she felt that way she would have never flirted with him, inviting him to look at her body in an overtly sexual way the very first moment she saw him, nor would she have done that playful teasing flirtation in 311 about Naruto's nickname, nor would she have given him the "bedroom eyes" look in 343 when she offer to feed him (overt enough flirtation that it made it through Naruto's denial barrier that Sakura would be attracted to him- that way) nor would she have given him that romantic embrace in front of the whole village... No, Sakura had figured out by the end of part 1 that Naruto wasn't pranking her, he was genuinely attracted to her in some manner, she just didn't know how deep.

Naruto as well figured out from her tears when she heard fully what pain and danger Naruto had endured and endures during the rescue Gaara arc, how she tried to protect him from feeling horrible about what he had done in 296, the flirtatious attempted feeding in 343, etc... that she cares deeply about his welfare and has some attraction to him but he doesn't know how deep her feelings of love for him is.

Sakura has been quite physically expressive of her feelings of love for Naruto in part 2, she hasn't held back. Naruto has held back, but we know it's from an extreme sense of honor, he will not cheat the guy he still thinks is his rival for Sakura's affection by pressing his advantage while Sasuke isn't there. He wants to win over Sakura's heart fair and square. He just doesn't realize Sakura's already given her heart to Naruto, he was already in her heart the moment she saw him in the hospital after the fight at the Valley of the End. Sakura, herself clearly was aware of her attraction to Naruto before his return- thus the overtly sexual flirtation in 245. Yamato's words in 297 right on the heels of her action in 296-7 was enough to make her realize those confusing feelings was love, a deeper more intense love than what she had felt for Sasuke before he chose vengeance and darkness over the bond he had with Team 7.

you really thought this out

Actually, at this point, with everything she's done for Naruto, she might as well have said ''I love you'' to him thousands of times.

well if he wasnt that dense he would be Naruto