453 replies to this topic

[rocci]

That's why I said this arc is like chuunin arc, and right now we will enter gar...I mean obito fight with naruto as jinchuriki vs jinchuriki.

@devi
Well I think kishi doesn't want to change it either. I think because of that many nh fan say her love is cute and she deserved naruto and yada yada.

[KnS]

To me, this chapter felt like closure for the Shik-Naru-Saku stuff during the Konoha invasion arc in part 1.  Remember, in part 1 Shikamaru volunteered to essentially become a sacrifice so that the other two could complete the mission, in this chapter we saw that both Naruto and Sakura stopped Shikamaru from becoming a sacrifice --they didn't allow it.  I thought that was well done.

 

Great observation. 

[morgaine4]

 

I also get the feeling Sakura's ongoing bangs are plot device.

 

The way I see it Naruto himself will pull apart Sakura's bangs to expose her forehead, and make a comment about not wanting Sakura's forehead to be hidden since it's very charming. After that maybe a kiss.

 

Yes, I can see something like that happening.

[Otaru]

*_* Please Kishi

[TerrorKing]

Loved it. I feel like this might be Shikamaru's last piece of development. It was nice to see him sort of accept his position as Naruto's future right hand man. 

 

The hightlight of the chapter was when Tsunade acknnowledged Sakura's efforts. Sakura just looked so happy. It really felt like this was something she had been yearning to hear for a long time. How can you look at that panel and not be happy on Sakura's behalf? 

Edited by TerrorKing, 02 October 2013 - 11:41 PM.

[StriderC]

About Sakura's bangs:  I think it's extremely special that Kishi has made the effort to change an integral part of Sakura's design to show that they are in war, and the NS side of me definitely thinks that it makes a forehead kiss to transfer chakra more likely.  Having said that, I'd be pissed if it became a "permanent" hairstyle for the girl.  Showing off her forehead was a major indication of growth for the character, and hiding it now, especially now that she has the seal would be terrible.  No, no I wouldn't be OK with that.
 
Also, as someone else said, I didn't think Tsunade was healing/transferring chakra to Shikamaru but that she was examining/checking on Shikamaru.  Think about it, she checked up on him, noticed Shikamaru was healed, then complimented Sakura for a job well done.

I think she should have a hairband that pushes back her hair exposing more of her forehead. ;)

[morgaine4]

I realized something (that I found) interesting when analyzing this chapter as an extension of the previous chapter, I don't know if this will come into play but considering some recent developments in the manga, it could be important.

 

Last chapter we learned what Hashirama's dream was and we learned (though this wasn't new information) that Naruto has inherited his dreams and his will and would surpass him, and that Sasuke too will surpass Madara and will probably inherit Madara's will to some extent.  This chapter seemed to further define the difference between Hashirama and Madara --or more specifically-- between the Senju and Uchiha and Naruto and Sasuke without explicitly commenting on it.

 

This chapter we saw that Shikamaru has essentially inherited Tobirama's will, and we shown once again that Sakura has or will inherit Tsunade's will, and that was underscored by having Tsunade place her hand upon Shikamaru and Sakura's foreheads perhaps to replenish their chakra but also I think to underscore this point that just like Naruto inherited the Senju determination, so have Shikamaru and Sakura.  It's a subtle (by Kishi's standards) reference to Itachi's speech, Sakura's inner-monologue and speech, Shikamaru's speech, and even Sai's statement during the 5 Kage arc and also really differentiates the Senju-Naruto side from the Uchiha-Sasuke side.  Naruto is turning into a Messiah/God, and yes he's doing too much, and yes his alone in many way, but ultimately he isn't alone.  He has a group, not just to help him out, but who have inherited the same sort of determination that he has.  On the other hand, in terms of the Sasuke-Uchiha camp, even though he has people to help/support him he's still very much alone in terms of what he has inherited from his ancestors.  Now, I'm not sure as to what that means or what it could mean, but it seems that it should be significant.

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

I realized something (that I found) interesting when analyzing this chapter as an extension of the previous chapter, I don't know if this will come into play but considering some recent developments in the manga, it could be important.

 

Last chapter we learned what Hashirama's dream was and we learned (though this wasn't new information) that Naruto has inherited his dreams and his will and would surpass him, and that Sasuke too will surpass Madara and will probably inherit Madara's will to some extent.  This chapter seemed to further define the difference between Hashirama and Madara --or more specifically-- between the Senju and Uchiha and Naruto and Sasuke without explicitly commenting on it.

 

This chapter we saw that Shikamaru has essentially inherited Tobirama's will, and we shown once again that Sakura has or will inherit Tsunade's will, and that was underscored by having Tsunade place her hand upon Shikamaru and Sakura's foreheads perhaps to replenish their chakra but also I think to underscore this point that just like Naruto inherited the Senju determination, so have Shikamaru and Sakura.  It's a subtle (by Kishi's standards) reference to Itachi's speech, Sakura's inner-monologue and speech, Shikamaru's speech, and even Sai's statement during the 5 Kage arc and also really differentiates the Senju-Naruto side from the Uchiha-Sasuke side.  Naruto is turning into a Messiah/God, and yes he's doing too much, and yes his alone in many way, but ultimately he isn't alone.  He has a group, not just to help him out, but who have inherited the same sort of determination that he has.  On the other hand, in terms of the Sasuke-Uchiha camp, even though he has people to help/support him he's still very much alone in terms of what he has inherited from his ancestors.  Now, I'm not sure as to what that means or what it could mean, but it seems that it should be significant.

I might have been missed this but what is Tsunade's will?

[morgaine4]

I might have been missed this but what is Tsunade's will?

 

To support Nawaki, then Dan, then Naruto in their journey to become Hokage (and in their dreams in general).  It's something that was a part of Sakura's character since before she met Tsunade and became her apprentice, but I do think that we're intended to believe that she inherited that position and the methods to make it happen (this time successfully) from Tsunade.

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

 

To support Nawaki, then Dan, then Naruto in their journey to become Hokage (and in their dreams in general).  It's something that was a part of Sakura's character since before she met Tsunade and became her apprentice, but I do think that we're intended to believe that she inherited that position and the methods to make it happen (this time successfully) from Tsunade.

I agree despite the last part being weird because it's surpassing the previous generation.
I feel that this will is not very clear to me, because everyone else is also doing the same "Support Naruto", even Kakashi downs though the same route.

But it's understandable since Tsunade never had a dream to begin off, the people that she loved the most died, Nawaki, Dan and Jiraiya.

 

I felt that it's not a will that Sakura inherit because she already has it, since she got cut off from this will part(she didnt had any resolution on this chapter), she only get acknowledged by Tsunade for her hard work and the seal, i felt that she's more on the surpassing the previous generation than inheriting Tsunade's will, (making sure Naruto wont die).

Edited by Dαrkrєrsŧ, 03 October 2013 - 01:04 AM.

[morgaine4]

I agree despite the last part being weird because it's surpassing the previous generation.
I feel that this will is not very clear to me, because everyone else is also doing the same "Support Naruto", even Kakashi downs though the same route.

But it's understandable since Tsunade never had a dream to begin off, the people that she loved the most died, Nawaki, Dan and Jiraiya.

 

I felt that it's not a will that Sakura inherit because she already has it, since she got cut off from this will part(she didnt had any resolution on this chapter), she only get acknowledged by Tsunade for her hard work and the seal, i felt that she's more on the surpassing the previous generation than inheriting Tsunade's will, (making sure Naruto wont die).

 

I think what sets Sakura apart from everyone else, including even Tsunade, Kakashi, and the other "elders," is that Sakura has been shown as extremely supportive of Naruto's dreams, and had faith in Naruto's dream, before his dreams seemed feasible.  Back then, it was still a silly dream, now with everything he's done --especially in part 2 and over the course of this war-- it would seem ridiculous for anyone to become Hokage in Naruto's stead.  Of course Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kakashi had faith in him much earlier as well, but unlike Sakura, they knew of Naruto's heritage.  That makes a major difference IMO.

[narusakuforlife1667]

cute face sakura made page 15 last panel  im also curous about the name of the last chapter naruto and sasuke vs obito and finally...?!

maybe kakashi or sakura and wow sakura thinking about naruto once again I see progress in sakuras feelings for naruto

and shikamaru I loved his speech so heartwarming hinata I have to say im not surprised and tsunade frekin boss like always

 

so happy I decided to give the manga a chance again this was a amazing chapter and the sakura scenes I hope we get to see more panels

like those

[rocci]

Sakura really fill kushina parallel, I wouldn't surprise if sakura get parallel with mito by hashirama or tobirama.

[TouKen4Life3g]

cute face sakura made page 15 last panel  im also curous about the name of the last chapter naruto and sasuke vs obito and finally...?!

maybe kakashi or sakura and wow sakura thinking about naruto once again I see progress in sakuras feelings for naruto

and shikamaru I loved his speech so heartwarming hinata I have to say im not surprised and tsunade frekin boss like always

 

so happy I decided to give the manga a chance again this was a amazing chapter and the sakura scenes I hope we get to see more panels

like those

You know, while that's not the title name, but I wonder what is it trying to say, let alone which translation is more accurate. On the one hand, it saying "Naruto and Sasuke vs. Obito continues and now..." while the other one is saying that "Obito is being pushed to do..." So which one is accurate? To me, I think Obito will be busier because the alliance is going to attack now and Obito has the control of the tree, so he has to control it and fight Naruto/Sasuke. That's going to be some hard work. Ironic, because that's what Naruto would do if he was in his position.

[TouKen4Life3g]

Sakura really fill kushina parallel, I wouldn't surprise if sakura get parallel with mito by hashirama or tobirama.

She always has been. Realizing now, she cares the village much as she did in past. If that parallel happens, good god, can someone ring the bell and pull a montreal screwjob for other pairings, except this one does more good than harm.

[xxRomanceGirlxx]

The last chapter was kinda slow for me, but this one was a lot better. I'm so glad Shikamaru and Kakashi are alive still, Kishimoto still has use for them.  Knowing two of my favorite characters are still around is awesome. I found the Shikamaru focus very nice to read, and I also found it interesting that he said "I'll stay by his side" considering Naruto. However, I don't think we should completely downplay Hinata's speech about doing the exact same either. Not that NaruHina still has a high chance, just that just because someone says the same words doesn't mean it has the same context. Shikamaru has long been established as one of Naruto's closest friends, we know he means it platonically. Hinata, in contrast, has been carrying a romantic interest with him for years now. It's debatable, but it could easily be argued her statement was always in a romantic light until proven otherwise.

 

And Sakura ... she was just perfectly amazing in this chapter, I really did like how she helped Naruto save Shikamaru.  Useless?? Seriously, no one should call Sakura useless ever since her new seal.    As for NaruSaku, I don't think the moments were concrete to consider it canon. Most of it just revolved around saving Shikamaru. However, in my POV, there was one particularly strong one: Sakura's face when she was worried about Naruto working so hard to save everyone while fighting at the same time. It's not anything new, but Kishimoto drew her the second panel of her face with a lot of emotion; I was actually shocked, she almost looked like she would cry. That was a definite plus for us, but again, most of it was nothing too heavy or obvious other than that. Pretty subtle, so let's not look at it too intensely with our NS shipper goggles on, 'kay?

 

I think I'm probably the only person that's saying this, but I also don't agree that this chapter confirmed Sakura's canonical feelings for Naruto either just because "she didn't notice Sasuke." Do I believe Sakura has stronger love for Naruto than Sasuke? Of course, even if she doesn't know it yet. But we need to look more deeply in the context of the situation. Sasuke and Naruto were both fighting, yes. But Sasuke wasn't the one overexerting himself to save Shikamaru (And it would weird if did, seriously.  That's like a major trip on the OCC train) as well as fighting. Naturally Sakura would start worrying about Naruto, he's the one pushing himself too far. It's not like she was showing preference for Naruto than Sasuke, it's different context. However, it did prove something else. That Sakura has come far from the "Sasuke-obsessed fangirl" many sections of the fandom claim her to be. If she was supposedly really that childish and selfish over Sasuke, than she'd be way more worried about Sasuke fighting than Naruto being reckless. That is another obvious tell-tale sign that she simply is not Part 1 Sakura anymore. They're never going to change their mind about her until Sakura proves overtly she let go of loving Sasuke and moves on to Naruto, but the evidence is already leaning towards that. So yay for some wonderful Sakura character development!

 

Oh, and I did like that Tsunade-Sakura moment. We see so little of their bond in comparison to Naruto's with Jiraiya, it was nice to see something like that for a change. And Sakura's bangs ... I lik'em.  I don't care if it stays like that or parted, either way Sakura always looks pretty.

 

As for Hinata, come on guys. Go easy on her.  There's not any problem whatsoever with Hinata thinking about Naruto here. It was perfectly normal in this situation, she was literally following the crowd. This isn't another 615 moment. She reiterated wanting to be with Naruto's side just like everyone else, what's the big? I do understand the annoyance, I really hate Hinata's one-track "Naruto-kuning" just as much as you. It's annoying hearing it a lot yes, but it's not inappropriate she said it this time. Though I'd be lying if I was perfectly okay with her monologue. Not because she mentioned Naruto again, just the fact that she looked so miserable and unconfident once more. God, does the girl ever keep any confidence more than 20 minutes? I wish Kishi would just change that already, it's sickeningly detrimental to her character.  I'd of much preferred a "I'll be at Naruto-kun's side too!" *confident happy face* instead of "I want to stay at Naruto-kun's side too ... I'll try to my best." *sad face* Just ... why, Kishi? Why.  

 

I also like to point out an observation I saw in this chapter. I think Kishi's subtly hinting which characters will play a part in Naruto's life later on at the very end. It's was implied, or mentioned earlier on in the story, but now it's overtly confirmed/heavily implied when the series is at it's final stretch. With Shikamaru, we had the flashback of "always staying by Naruto's side" and looking out for him. Besides that, we have him being there for him many other times to give him advice or reasoning over something. Now we have, "I need to stay at Naruto's side as his advisor when he's Hokage!" this late in the game. It's like a callback to things that happened way earlier, only to finally point out his place in the future. Funnily enough, Kishimoto did this with Sakura as well already when the series is almost over. First, we have the "Find someone like your mother" line spoken by Kushina herself in a flashback. Then we have Itachi saying Minato only became Hokage with the help of Kushina and the villagers. All of this is obviously gesturing to Naruto's future wife at some point, but it's not overt. And then we have Sakura suddenly give this great speech by motivating the alliance into action and relaying Naruto's feelings without even talking to him. Sakura's also there to help save Shikamaru's life, saying "Naruto needs you."  But the real clincher? Minato's "That girl reminds me of Kushina" comment. He was making a blatant Saku/Kushi connection and even believed Sakura's relationship with Naruto was romantic. Kushina was his wife and the person who understood him the most and helped him become Hokage. So what will be Sakura's place in Naruto's future? Kishimoto heavily implied in this War Arc that Sakura will follow in Kushina's footsteps some point in the future.

 

Oh Kishi, you're so obvious sometimes lol.

Edited by xxRomanceGirlxx, 03 October 2013 - 01:36 AM.

[TouKen4Life3g]

I don't see a problem with Hinata. She's being in crowd and while yes she carries the love for him, again, not all the time and honestly, this is one of them. Those days are over. She's falling in line where once she declared love, that topic most likely never comes back again. If so, she won't win. Hate to say this but...deal with it.

[Nate River]

I think I'm probably the only person that's saying this, but I also don't agree that this chapter confirmed Sakura's canonical feelings for Naruto either just because "she didn't notice Sasuke." Do I believe Sakura has stronger love for Naruto than Sasuke? Of course, even if she doesn't know it yet. But we need to look more deeply in the context of the situation. Sasuke and Naruto were both fighting, yes. But Sasuke wasn't the one overexerting himself to save Shikamaru (And it would weird if did, seriously. That's like a major trip on the OCC train) as well as fighting. Naturally Sakura would start worrying about Naruto, he's the one pushing himself too far. It's not like she was showing preference for Naruto than Sasuke, it's different context. However, it did prove something else. That Sakura has come far from the "Sasuke-obsessed fangirl" many sections of the fandom claim her to be. If she was supposedly really that childish and selfish over Sasuke, than she'd be way more worried about Sasuke fighting than Naruto being reckless. That is another obvious tell-tale sign that she simply is not Part 1 Sakura anymore. They're never going to change their mind about her until Sakura proves overtly she let go of loving Sasuke and moves on to Naruto, but the evidence is already leaning towards that. So yay for some wonderful Sakura character development!

I'd agree it doesn't confirm them. Not all NS moments have to be pairing moments.

As for Hinata, come on guys. Go easy on her. There's not any problem whatsoever with Hinata thinking about Naruto here. It was perfectly normal in this situation, she was literally following the crowd. This isn't another 615 moment. She reiterated wanting to be with Naruto's side just like everyone else, what's the big? I do understand the annoyance, I really hate Hinata's one-track "Naruto-kuning" just as much as you. It's annoying hearing it a lot yes, but it's not inappropriate she said it this time. Though I'd be lying if I was perfectly okay with her monologue. Not because she mentioned Naruto again, just the fact that she looked so miserable and unconfident once more. God, does the girl ever keep any confidence more than 20 minutes? I wish Kishi would just change that already, it's sickeningly detrimental to her character. I'd of much preferred a "I'll be at Naruto-kun's side too!" *confident happy face* instead of "I want to stay at Naruto-kun's side too ... I'll try to my best." *sad face* Just ... why, Kishi? Why.

I think that fair because, as you say, everyone is thinking about him. It still felt to me that it was a way for Kishimoto to say to the audience..."Yeah, people, I remember what she said earlier and I know it's what Shika just said."

[morgaine4]

What bothered me about Hinata wasn't what she said necessarily (because everyone including cutie puppy was sharing the sentiment), but it's how she said it.  Her expression, her body language.  Why wasn't she happy?  Why didn't she seem self-confident or optimistic as the others?  I don't understand why she was upset, why she wasn't confident.  Maybe she's realizing something?  Maybe she has concerns regarding her ability to follow through?  I don't know, but I thought she came off as almost petulant --once again, to me it didn't seem as if she cared that Shikamaru was saved, that she actually thought about anyone other than herself and Naruto.

 

I get the feeling that her major development came full circle in 615 (or was the hand holding in 616?  I always forget), and that her growth is stalled even more than the manga in general because the next step for her would involve coming out of her self-inflicted codependency, in order to focus on how to better herself through herself, and in order to focus on her clan.

Edited by morgaine4, 03 October 2013 - 02:55 AM.

[Darkness]

I agree 100% with Morgaine. Hinata's expression, or should I say her lack of expression, is what is tremendously bothering me. She didn't show any kind of relief at how her friend had just escaped a near death situation. She didn't even smile. Instead, to me it seemed as if she was being bothered by something, and all she wanted was her own piece of Naruto in the end. I couldn't help but to to visualize this image while reading it.

 

 

 

Edited by Darkness, 03 October 2013 - 03:17 AM.