413 replies to this topic

[creak]

shoots, page 13 already?

this chapter proves that sakura is still....sakura. all characters have flaws, and one of the themes for the main cast is the theme of "growing up." how could we have expected a dreamy, perfect confession? if anything, this "chastising" that naruto might put sakura through could very well be what sakura needs right now. a reality check, perhaps? these next chapters are ever so crucial...

well, that's my two cents anyway.

Edited by creak, 30 October 2009 - 07:07 AM.

[iwant2bnaruto]

Well, this chapter certainly got me off my ass to post.

When I read the chapter title of "Sakura's Confession", I was thinking nah...couldn't be. Well, like most of the reactions here, it definitely wasn't the type of confession I had envisioned for our favorite couple. But that's ok...at least it is for me.

I found Sakura's tactic unexpected and really interesting. If we go back several chapters to when Sai confronted Sakura and essentially pointed out she is one of the main causes of Naruto's pain, we see an overt realization from Sakura about the depths of Naruto's feelings for her. Fast forward to Shikamaru peusdo-asking permission/telling Sakura that Sasuke needs to be dealt with directly by Konoha - namely their circle of friends, and we see a very painful acceptance of two things:

1. She doesn't want to cause Naruto any further pain, nor make any more mistakes when it comes to him;
2. She understands the vicious cycle of revenge that can preciptate from allowing Kumo to take Sasuke out.

Sakura accepts the responsibility that they as Konoha shinobi and further still as one of the few people that has a personal stake with Sasuke, need to stop Sasuke - even if it means killing him. She accepts this because she is the one that volunteers to tell Naruto, understanding that if anyone has a chance to make Naruto see that things have gone too far with Sasuke, it is her.

That is what I find so interesting in the context of this "confession". Her strategy seemed to have been to get Naruto to focus on her changed feelings toward him, while telling Naruto Sasuke's changed too much - even using the term missing nin and criminal, hoping that Naruto would give up on the promise. She definitely underestimated how well Naruto knows her and I think overestimated the importance of Naruto's promise when it comes to his motivation to save Sasuke.

Do I think that she was lying about her changed feelings toward Naruto? No. Did the delivery of said confession seem insincere? I would have to say yes. However, the very fact that her purpose there is get Naruto to give up on his quest for Sasuke speaks volumes. Especially, when you consider that the decision is ultimately that Sasuke has to die by Konoha's hands. To me, she is doing what she thinks is best for Naruto - protecting him from the harsh reality that his friends have pronounced judgement on Sasuke.

I agree with someone's earlier post that she seemed torn. There is no way that her feelings regarding Sasuke could have been resolved that fast between her talk with Shikamaru and now. Regardless of any trace of romance within her feelings for Sasuke, Sakura had the largest personal stake with getting Sasuke back, aside from Naruto. They were a team once and that alone would be difficult to let go. Yet she knows what Shikamaru said made sense and while she was obivously upset, decided that she would be the one to tell Naruto. In my mind, that acceptance was a huge blow for any lingering hopes for SasuSaku.

If one were to look back at how upset Sakura was when she realized her contribution to Naruto's pain and the blunt statement from Sai regarding his love for her, it would be hard to deny that her eyes have now been open to how she truely feels for Naruto. For this reason, I really don't think she was spouting off insincere reasons for her changed feelings toward Naruto. She made a decision to not cause him any more pain and to not make anymore mistakes. I think most would agree that an intentional misrepresentation of feelings would be both hurtful and a mistake. Sakura wouldn't do that to him. Especially given the seriousness of the big picture. She was true about her feelings.

It was just the delivery (translations notwithstanding) and the mistake of how she brought up Sasuke that made the whole thing "messy" - for lack of a better term. Naruto's lack of acceptance of the confession was unsurprising. The timing was definitely suspect but it was more so the notion that Sakura would give up on getting Sasuke back. A part of the special bond that he and Sakura share is their absent friend and teammate in Sasuke. This is a constant for Naruto and for someone as loyal as him to have this constant challenged, naturally there would be skepticism despite whatever rewards are being placed in front of him.

I doubt any of us would have been satisfied with a "Dattebayo! I knew you would come around Sakura-chan!" and then on to the next chapter. Even an emotionally drawn out acceptance with a sunset and kiss would have been left wanting. This is just the beginning of resolving the feelings and tension between Naruto and Sakura and I definitely look forward to what Naruto has say after that last statement.

I found this whole chapter to be interesting development between the remaining members of the original team 7. How did Sakura intend this confession to work in relation to the news about Sasuke? Did she think it would lessen the blow for Naruto? There is obviously more to it with the flash back scene to where she was telling the group that she would handle the talking. There was that open ended "and also..." on page 12. Will Sakura's plan back fire? I'm thinking yes. Given that she doesn't want to cause Naruto further pain, the results of this tactic should be very interesting. And I also think that is lays the ground work for much more meaningful development between her and Naruto.

How does someone tell Naruto that his friends have decided to take Sasuke out? Or at the very least that Naruto should give up on him? Sakura decided on a confession. Despite the confession not being what we were all hoping for, I think there is tons of potential for it build up into the true "moment" we've all been waiting for...whenever that may be.

Edited by iwant2bnaruto, 30 October 2009 - 10:19 AM.

[Sherry]

I think...

Sakura really did a biiiiiig mistake...I facepalmed when I read the chapter...

Oh no Sakura, I know you don't wanna make Naruto suffer again, but you chose the wrong way, it just...made Naruto don't like you. I thought you were the one who knew Naruto better than anyone else, but maybe I was...a bit wrong??

[Merger Knight]

people still growing up are RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL. Especially when they're going through tremendous emotional changes.

i can acount for that cause i'm doing the same thing

[Gaara]

Some of you guys have some great insight on this. Definitely some interesting responses from the NaruSaku community.

Here's my personal take on this being a long time member of this group and longtime NaruSaku fan. This is just my interpretation of the whole scene

This really does seem like a forced confession. It seemed like Sakura cares about Naruto but this doesn't reflect geniune love on any level. At least this confession. It's more something along the lines of, "I know you love me and I care about you enough that it hurts me to see you willing to destroy yourself for my sake." If you look at the build up with her realization of the situation from previous chapters, this is also a guilt trip confession because of what he's done on her behalf so far and even more so how much further he's willing to go for her. If you look at plenty of the dialog in the released translation, it's all over the place. She's openly denying her love for Sasuke thinking that she should somehow control the situation. "I love you now, just like you wanted! So you can stop all this!"

Naruto, loving her truly like he does, pretty much as picked up on all the lies. He knows her well enough that he knows she's lying and that this is a confession of convenience. Those flashbacks reflect Naruto's personal conclusions that his love for her will always be an unrequited love. She's never expressed anything so far between them that could constitute any feelings of mutual love. Since the beginning to the present, he's always seen her reaction to Sasuke and nothing definitely outward towards him so he's in a way accepted this "unrequited love". To hear her say her confession I pretty much predicted his reaction from the first page this scene played out. I can only imagine how hurt he must feel, not just to hear something that he wanted to hear for so long only to have it be a outright lie in this situation to knowing that she's lying to herself in the way to "protect" him.

Following this whole story, we know that there's a ton of development between Naruto and Sakura. How much she's cared for him and secretly grown to love him and how much his love has matured for her. At the same time the main theme between them has been Sasuke. They've never noticed how Sakura has grown to love Naruto though she may not realize it nor has Naruto noticed all the times that Sakura has shown her care for him more than a friend would. Even Kakashi and Yamato picked up her bogus confession as in stark contradiction to her being true to herself as Yamato noticed during the fight with Orochimaru at the bridge. Sakura has yet to realize the magnitude of the situation and even when she spoke the truth about Naruto bringing her peace, her motives were definitely impure and not sincere to how true that statement is yet how much it was a lie in the way she recognized it. It must be bittersweet to Naruto to hear the truth about how he's been there for her yet the lies behind her confession. Here's to hope that this will actually lead to a geniune NaruSaku moment.

Thank you Silverback! That's exactly how I feel about the whole thing. I don't think she was honest, she cares a lot about Naruto, but she still doesn't know if she really is in love with him, that's why the whole confession sounded so akward. So I just hope that in the future, there will be a point where she actually is SURE about loving Naruto and then there will be THE REAL CONFESSION. Probably in a more dramatic moment.

Or... this Manga ends NaruHina/SasuSaku... which would suck

[RyrineaHaruno]

Well, this chapter certainly got me off my ass to post.

When I read the chapter title of "Sakura's Confession", I was thinking nah...couldn't be. Well, like most of the reactions here, it definitely wasn't the type of confession I had envisioned for our favorite couple. But that's ok...at least it is for me.

I found Sakura's tactic unexpected and really interesting. If we go back several chapters to when Sai confronted Sakura and essentially pointed out she is one of the main causes of Naruto's pain, we see an overt realization from Sakura about the depths of Naruto's feelings for her. Fast forward to Shikamaru peusdo-asking permission/telling Sakura that Sasuke needs to be dealt with directly by Konoha - namely their circle of friends, and we see a very painful acceptance of two things:

1. She doesn't want to cause Naruto any further pain, nor make any more mistakes when it comes to him;
2. She understands the vicious cycle of revenge that can preciptate from allowing Kumo to take Sasuke out.

Sakura accepts the responsibility that they as Konoha shinobi and further still as one of the few people that has a personal stake with Sasuke, need to stop Sasuke - even if it means killing him. She accepts this because she is the one that volunteers to tell Naruto, understanding that if anyone has a chance to make Naruto see that things have gone too far with Sasuke, it is her.

That is what I find so interesting in the context of this "confession". Her strategy seemed to have been to get Naruto to focus on her changed feelings toward him, while telling Naruto Sasuke's changed too much - even using the term missing nin and criminal, hoping that Naruto would give up on the promise. She definitely underestimated how well Naruto knows her and I think overestimated the importance of Naruto's promise when it comes to his motivation to save Sasuke.

Do I think that she was lying about her changed feelings toward Naruto? No. Did the delivery of said confession seem insincere? I would have to say yes. However, the very fact that her purpose there is get Naruto to give up on his quest for Sasuke speaks volumes. Especially, when you consider that the decision is ultimately that Sasuke has to die by Konoha's hands. To me, she is doing what she thinks is best for Naruto - protecting him from the harsh reality that his friends have pronounced judgement on Sasuke.

I agree with someone's earlier post that she seemed torn. There is no way that her feelings regarding Sasuke could have been resolved that fast between her talk with Shikamaru and now. Regardless of any trace of romance within her feelings for Sasuke, Sakura had the largest personal stake with getting Sasuke back, aside from Naruto. They were a team once and that alone would be difficult to let go. Yet she knows what Shikamaru said made sense and while she was obivously upset, decided that she would be the one to tell Naruto. In my mind, that acceptance was a huge blow for any lingering hopes for SasuSaku.

If one were to look back at how upset Sakura was when she realized her contribution to Naruto's pain and the blunt statement from Sai regarding his love for her, it would be hard to deny that her eyes have now been open to how she truely feels for Naruto. For this reason, I really don't think she was spouting off insincere reasons for her changed feelings toward Naruto. She made a decision to not cause him any more pain and to not make anymore mistakes. I think most would agree that an intentional misrepresentation of feelings would be both hurtful and a mistake. Sakura wouldn't do that to him. Especially given the seriousness of the big picture. She was true about her feelings.

It was just the delivery (translations notwithstanding) and the mistake of how she brought up Sasuke that made the whole thing "messy" - for lack of a better term. Naruto's lack of acceptance of the confession was unsurprising. The timing was definitely suspect but it was more so the notion that Sakura would give up on getting Sasuke back. A part of the special bond that he and Sakura share is their absent friend and teammate in Sasuke. This is a constant for Naruto and for someone as loyal as him to have this constant challenged, naturally there would be skepticism despite whatever rewards are being placed in front of him.

I doubt any of us would have been satisfied with a "Dattebayo! I knew you would come around Sakura-chan!" and then on to the next chapter. Even an emotionally drawn out acceptance with a sunset and kiss would have been left wanting. This is just the beginning of resolving the feelings and tension between Naruto and Sakura and I definitely look forward to what Naruto has say after that last statement.

I found this whole chapter to be interesting development between the remaining members of the original team 7. How did Sakura intend this confession to work in relation to the news about Sasuke? Did she think it would lessen the blow for Naruto? There is obviously more to it with the flash back scene to where she was telling the group that she would handle the talking. There was that open ended "and also..." on page 12. Will Sakura's plan back fire? I'm thinking yes. Given that she doesn't want to cause Naruto further pain, the results of this tactic should be very interesting. And I also think that is lays the ground work for much more meaningful development between her and Naruto.

How does someone tell Naruto that his friends have decided to take Sasuke out? Or at the very least that Naruto should give up on him? Sakura decided on a confession. Despite the confession not being what we were all hoping for, I think there is tons of potential for it build up into the true "moment" we've all been waiting for...whenever that may be.

Thank you, I'd just find it funny that people are overreacting to this.

[Paradox Jast]

I don't think I could say anything about this chapter that hasn't already been said. I agree that it was a forced confession, but to be honest, I don't think I'd have been happy with any kind of NaruSaku relationship before the end of the manga. It just wouldn't feel... right.



Waiting patiently for the make-up sex,
Jast


EDIT: Btw, just came across this... Cold Confession

Edited by Paradox Jast, 30 October 2009 - 01:24 PM.

[Enermil]

Honestly when Lee facepalmed he wasn´t the only one, me too did it.

What a mess you have made yourself alone Sakura-chan.

[Strangelove]

okay, someone should close this thread, and move back to the debate thread...

[Shadow-kun]

Honestly when Lee facepalmed he wasn´t the only one, me too did it.

What a mess you have made yourself alone Sakura-chan.

My thoughts exactly. What a mess indeed!

[RedDelicious]

Now that I've read the chapter at OneManga, I'll try to add something to the discussion...

(1) catsi563 (various posts) :

(2) People have commented that the confession feels forced. I agree. That doesn't make it false. What alternative did Sakura have?

A date at the ramen shop, followed by a confession, would have worked better. (Unless Sai interrupts again. Chapter 343: "Read the situation!") But that wasn't going to happen. Naruto was going to be informed about the decision to execute Sasuke. That will send Naruto running off again. So Sakura's choice is to confess now (before Naruto runs off), or wait until later for the right time.

But she has seen what happens when someone waits for the right time:
Tsunade & Jiraiya. The pain of never having revealed the feelings to someone precious.

So although it is not ideal, Sakura is (in my opinion) right to do it NOW and not wait for a time that may never come.
She has already waited a long time. She has to put Naruto first, ahead of the hunt for Sasuke.

(3) Sakura doesn't say that she never loved (had a crush on) Sasuke, she has stated that she has gotten over it. Some people feel that this is rushed too. I don't (in hindsight), although Naruto can be forgiven for not seeing it. We've seen the "catalyst" for this change in feelings, when Shika told her of Sasuke's execution orders.

It might be easier if I make a metaphor. If this was a story in a different genre, Sakura would be the teen girl with self-esteem problems that crushes on the brooding pretty-boy who treats her like crap. She is increasingly conflicted about her feelings for the "right" boy, who actually makes her feel good about herself, since in her mind she thinks that she should be in love with the bad boy. Now she is informed by the authorities that the bad boy isn't just a petty criminal, he is basically a serial murderer/terrorist... This is enough of a shock, where she wonders "why the heck am I trying to be with this creep who makes me feel bad."

This story metaphor mirrors what Sakura has gone through in the last dozen chapters or so. Kishimoto has set up the pieces for Sakura "getting over" Sasuke, it is up to people to decide if these pieces were used or not. Everything Sakura said during the confession could easily be true (I think it is), so until their talk is over, it is premature to say that she is lying.

(4) In that sense, Naruto is right that "something happened". But Sakura wants Naruto to accept her confession BEFORE talking about Sasuke's death sentence, so she can't reveal the reason until the current discussion is over.

Edit: Oh, one more thing. If inconvenient timing is enough to "invalidate" a confession, then we can discount Hinanta's confession as a lie too. Confessing during a battle, shortly before she attempts suicide, is hardly the right time.

Edited by RedDelicious, 30 October 2009 - 02:26 PM.

[racerxdsr]

Well here is my 2 cents on the whole thing.

I agree with Catsi on most of her points if not all of them. Here is a point that Catsi has brought up numerous times before and it is the bench scene. I think it could come into play here soon or at least it could be used here in this instance. After Naruto's statement about her lying to herself, Sakura could say "I really fell in love with him when after graduation wnhe were on the bench and he told me he liked my forehead and it made him want to kiss it. But, now that Sasuke is gone." and when she says this it can make Naruto realize that because of him is why Sakura started to fall in love even more with Sasuke after that because he "lied" to her and that "Sasuke" saw was not real. It can open his eyes that she does have genuine feelings for him but of course he probably wouldn't tell her that was him instead of Sasuke and then eventually have his own confession to Sakura and that is when the real NaruSaku will begin.

Thought I would put this out there. I hope it turns out something like that but like everyone else, I'll just have to wait and see.

Keep the faith and its not over til its over!

[Lazy-Genius]

I don't know why, but the SleepyFans translation made one thing clear to me. Sakura is lying, but not about her feelings for Naruto. Looking at it closer, it's still the same old Sakura (I mean that in a good way). I think by lying and saying she doesn't care about Sasuke anymore, and at the same time confessing to Naruto, she's trying to make Naruto forget about his brotherly bond with Sasuke and have him give up on chasing Sasuke and bringing him back before she tells him that the rest of his friends are planning to take out Sasuke. She's trying to get him to agree to severing his bond with Sasuke and softening the blow by creating a stronger bond with her. All in all, she's trying to prevent Sasuke from causing Naruto more pain (looks like she took Sai's advice)

Edited by Lazy-Genius, 30 October 2009 - 03:00 PM.

[Nick Soapdish]

Wow. 20 pages for the spoilers and we're already up to 13 for the chapter.

I'd like to add that we've been talking about it a bit in the NF chapter of H&E. The reaction has been mixed, but a lot of us are pretty positive about it and I've put together a list of the posts on why we should be positive on this chapter. I'm going to try to do the same for posts over here and link it back.

[RyrineaHaruno]

I feel that she not lying about her feelings, but she is lying about Sasuke.

[Smiter]

Wow. I'm glad Mum has a broadband connection! Still waiting for my modem, sodding postal strikes. *mutter*

First of all, some fine British advice for those of you who have been shaken to the core by this chapter:

No need to burn down H&E just yet.

Now, there's so much going through my head, so I'm not sure if I can get every thought into this post. So many people have posted so many thoughts and opinions, I'm sure my post will overlap with several others!

Before coming here, I went to OneManga to read the chapter. And almost spat out my coffee when I read the chapter title.

"Sakura's Confession".

Bloody hell, Kishimoto threw a massive curve ball. When I read Sakura's confession, I initially leapt up and ran around the room a bit, cheering. XD Then, I suddenly stopped and thought "Hang on... there's a catch, isn't there? Something's not right here."

Oh, Sakura... Sakura... The poor girl vowed to never make another mistake. She may have made her biggest one yet, practically kicking herself in the face in front of everyone.

Like many of you have said, I also don't doubt that there is some truth behind Sakura's confession. Her feelings towards Naruto have grown, and it's true that she has noticed how he has always been there for her. However, her big mistake was saying that she was "so over Sasuke".

No matter how much Sakura may wish it, the truth is that you cannot switch your feelings around in an instant. I suspect she is still torn between Naruto and Sasuke, and she definitely has not figured out what she feels in her heart.

Naruto may not always be the sharpest kunai, but he is very intuitive when it comes to matters of the heart. Sakura messed up by assuming that Naruto would drop Sasuke just like that if she confessed to him. It was a half-hearted confession, and he knows it. Unfortunately, it most likely means that he will assume that everything Sakura said was a lie, and it will be a huge blow to his heart.

It was disappointing to see Sakura say those things to Naruto. She still doesn't know him as well as she should, and has ended up hurting him. Naruto has such deep feelings for Sakura, and it was very careless of Sakura to try and use his feelings to drop the promise. Naruto would never act in such a shallow way. I don't think Sakura fully understands just how deep the promise runs through Naruto, and her rash confession will only create a rift between them.

So we finally see where Sakura needs to "grow up". There are some hard lessons here for her to learn. Sakura is a wonderfully intelligent girl, but she can be so clumsy when it comes to relationships. I think this will actually be a good thing for her development.

I'm actually loving this chapter! It has created such deep emotional drama, and is so much more exciting than simply having Naruto and Sakura become a couple all of a sudden. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I can think of two possible outcomes for the next chapter, but I'm sure Kishimoto will come up with a third. XD

1 - Naruto demands that Sakura tells the truth. She tells him everything, that Sasuke has to be killed, and that she is so confused over everything. She breaks down, and Naruto comforts her, while glaring at the other Rookies.

2 - Naruto walks away and leaves Sakura out in the cold. Sakura learns some very harsh lessons, and Kakashi/Yamato lecture her.

Or perhaps a combination of the two, leaving out the comfort part.

One thing's for sure - we should stock up on hankies and comfort food for the next chapter! Things are going to be VERY awkward for our pairing for a while.

EDIT: Ooh, thanks for the link, Nick. I shall brew up another coffee and have a read. I love discussions.

[elmonoloco]

I've actually done some thinking, and at first it seemed that her confession was a little shady. Now I honestly feel that she hasn't really lied about anything, though I do feel that she's bending the truth moreso as well as leaving out some details about the over situation. Here's why, and I'll go by each panel and page BTW.

She told him that she loves him; I don't think there could be any real debate to this due to the fact that been shown that she has slowly realized the importance as well as the impact that Naruto has on her life through their "development chapters". We all have know (though some are more willing to believe it than others though) that there was always the potential for Sakura to have feelings for Naruto. The extent of her love for him though has yet to be seen, all in all though I think that was the honest truth.

The next panel down she states that she doesn't care about Sasuke anymore and that she was crazy to ever love him. This part right here is tricky, and it's really all about how you analyze it, but in my opinion the very fact that she is willing to suggest that she doesn't care about Sasuke any more after all they've been through prior to and after he left just shows that she probably doesn't care for Sasuke as much as she did. That being said, she probably does still care about Sasuke, but the fact that she is willing to move on with her life, just shows that Sasuke isn't as important to her than he used to be and that she is capable of living her own life without him.

Onto the next page, we see the Naruto questions exactly why Sakura feels this way and what could have hap pend to cause this change in her. She responds by saying that she "has come to her senses, there is no use loving a missing nin or criminal, she's not a child anymore, that she's being realistic." This statement right here I feel is another truth, because honestly the kid she fell in love with 4 years ago isn't the same person anymore. At the height of her feelings for Sasuke, he was probably distant from his team somewhat but you could tell that he honestly cared about team 7 and had he never left would have probably become even closer to them. Now though, he is a missing nin, as well as a criminal, far from being the person they knew all those years back, and that fact alone would make it very difficult to continue caring for them when he him self has turned his back onto them and left. So she's basically doing what she said, she's being realistic.

Next she asks Naruto if he could stop chasing Sasuke, and that she doesn't need the promise anymore. Going back to what I said earlier that the very fact that she would be willing to suggest this just shows that she understands that Sasuke isn't the most important thing in her life anymore, that the people around her and their lives take priority over a never ending chase that in the end could cause the lives of thousands. IMO Her facial expression in the panel seems to be showing what Naruto has done countless times before, smile in the presence of heart breaking pain, you can tell that it hurts her to say this and to face the facts, but it looks as if she is hiding her feelings about it from Naruto because she doesn't want him to worry any more than he has.

From there Kiba has a flashback where she asks the rest of the rookies to allow her to handle how everything is brought up to Naruto, there seems to be some details left out probably to be brought about later, for the sake of speculation and discussion I'll just leave it at that.

Page 13 has Naruto question her once more, with her denying that anything happend, he shoots a pissed off glance towards Sai, probably feeling that he had a hand in all of this, then he reminisces about Sakura's feelings and reactions towards Sasuke in the past.

Page 14 is the hug, looks like Naruto had a slight shock to this sudden display of affection, the onlookers look tense most likely due to the atmosphere and the most likely questioning the overall situation.

Now on page 15 she begins to state how Sasuke keeps on getting further and further away from them, but that it was Naruto who has always been there standing right by her side the entire time and the she's realized how he is. I don't think it's really possible to question this, it's true that ever since the beginning of part 2 that she has shown alto of admiration for him, that he would encourage her and push her, and show how far he would really go for her. We've all pretty much seen how her feelings for him could have developed in part 2 and how he's supported her since the very start of the series.

Sakura then goes on to state that he's the one who protected the village and that now everyone loves and admires him as she does, she also tells him how she's seen his development from being a failure in the academy to being a heroic top class nin. She then states that Sasuke keeps causing havoc and that it breaks her heart how much he's changed from when they knew him. So in my opinion everything I've seen so far in page 15 is pretty honest as well, and I know I've already stated these points, but she stated it with her own words, that she has slowly fallen for Naruto for what he's done for her all this time, and on the flip side Sasuke isn't even the same anymore and that he only causes team 7 pain and grief.

The last panel in page 15 has Sakura state how Naruto brings her peace and she was about to state that from the bottom of her heart that she loves him. Now, honestly why would Sakura even lie about this ? Why would Sakura lie about loving Naruto ? I honestly believe that she was telling the truth, I don't feel like she would ever play with Naruto's as well as her own emotions like that and to that extent. I believe that if she didn't love Naruto then this whole conversation wouldn't have hap pend, and that she would have cut straight to the point. The reason why this conversation is happening is because she doesn't want to cause Naruto any more pain, that all she wants is for Naruto to be happy and to relieve this feeling of his that he's trying to carry the world on his shoulders.

From there on page 16 Naruto grabs her shoulders and moves her away and looks into her eyes, still not believing what he's hearing. Page 17 she her self questions why Naruto is upset and makes the comment that she has fallen for him instead of Sasuke, that a woman's heart is like the Autumn sky (she tells him this with a smile on her face BTW). Basically once again you can see that she's trying to hide the pain of the truth, that the rookies plan on hunting Sasuke down. Now people have been giving her character a hard time about "a woman's heart is like the Autumn sky", basically saying that if she can change her mind on who she loves so easily then couldn't she do that again? Honestly I think she's just saying anything to reassure Naruto that she is over Sasuke and that she has feelings for Naruto so I don't think that statement is all that big of a deal.

From there Naruto states that he hates it when people lie to themselves, I repeat, he hates it when people lie to themselves, no where did he say that she's lying to him though. Most of the arguments and discussion's arising from this chapter are about what exactly Sakura is lying to her self about, some say it's her feelings for Naruto, others say that she's lying about not loving Sasuke anymore. In my opinion it's not so much lying to her self as opposed to her hiding her feelings about giving up on Sasuke, I'm sure that we all can agree that she doesn't want to give up on Sasuke as he has history with team 7 and that she genuinely cares about him as a friend, teammate, and (ex) love interest.

All in all, I think next chapter Naruto is going to really make her thing about all of the feelings and tension that has risen from this conversation between the two of them. Especially if she decides to tell Naruto about the rookies decision, since we know Naruto determination can never be fazed.

After analyzing this chapter, I can honestly say that I enjoyed it thoroughly =]

Those are my 2 cents, for those who feel like reading.

Edited by elmonoloco, 30 October 2009 - 04:53 PM.

[chouzu_tao]

I can think of two possible outcomes for the next chapter, but I'm sure Kishimoto will come up with a third. XD

1 - Naruto demands that Sakura tells the truth. She tells him everything, that Sasuke has to be killed, and that she is so confused over everything. She breaks down, and Naruto comforts her, while glaring at the other Rookies.

2 - Naruto walks away and leaves Sakura out in the cold. Sakura learns some very harsh lessons, and Kakashi/Yamato lecture her.

Or perhaps a combination of the two, leaving out the comfort part.

One thing's for sure - we should stock up on hankies and comfort food for the next chapter! Things are going to be VERY awkward for our pairing for a while.

Or, Kishi could throw some more frustration into our fire and concentrate solely on the Kisame vs Killabee fight. Don't do it Kishi,

Yeah... I haven't commented, and we still have to wait for the outcome to this, but right now I think the only clear feeling I have on this chapter is that I'm numb about Sakura. She shouldn't have put herself as being the one to talk to Naruto about this when she's still very confused herself. Shikamaru should've done the talking, because to me, he and Chouji are also two of Naruto's best friends, plus Shikamaru doesn't have the baggage that Sakura does right now, but I'm sure this would've simply opened the door to more Shikamaru bashing.

I'm very curious as to what everyone else there's thoughts are, especially Sai, Yamato, and Kakashi.

Edited by chouzu_tao, 30 October 2009 - 05:04 PM.

[Smiter]

Or, Kishi could throw some more frustration into our fire and concentrate solely on the Kisame vs Killabee fight. Don't do it Kishi,

Yeah... I haven't commented, and we still have to wait for the outcome to this, but right now I think the only clear feeling I have on this chapter is that I'm numb about Sakura. She shouldn't have put herself as being the one to talk to Naruto about this when she's still very confused herself. Shikamaru should've done the talking, because to me, he and Chouji are also two of Naruto's best friends, plus Shikamaru doesn't have the baggage that Sakura does right now, but I'm sure this would've simply opened the door to more Shikamaru bashing.

I'm very curious as to what everyone else there's thoughts are, especially Sai, Yamato, and Kakashi.

God, I hope Kishi doesn't do that. DX

I think everyone else wil be disappointed with Sakura. Even Sai could see that she had gone about it the wrong way. While Sakura's intentions were good, I wouldn't be surprised if the poor girl got the cold shoulder for a while.

One thing I forgot to mention in my earlier post! Someone mentioned the bench scene. I definitely agree it's an important scene, and I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be the scene where Sakura fell in love with Sasuke. Out of all the scenes in the manga, it's the only part where she believed Sasuke was being romantic/warm towards her - and it was actually a henged Naruto! Sasuke has been protective of Sakura, but he has never thought of her in a romantic way.

I don't think she'll bring up the bench scene until she sees Sasuke again, but you never know. For now, though, I think Kishi may want to keep things awkward between Naruto and Sakura.

[Chivalrysae]

Firstly, I would like to say I did like the fact that she confessed infront of allthose people. Why? Because if not for that, we never would have gotten that priceless reaction from Lee. That panel made my day. That's right Rock Lee...Naruto is greater than you. haha.

About the confession. I did feel forced. And I do feel that's how it was intended. Her main objective was to convince Naruto to give up on his pledge and be able to accept the Rookie 9's decision. Her feelings are the same as Naruto with regards to Sasuke. Deep down, she wants to save him too. The two of them have sacraficed so much for so long.

Since she has only recently begun to accept that she has feelings for Naruto, I don't think she "loves" him just yet. That's where I feel that she is using her feelings for him and his feelings for her to help convince him of the right decision. She understands that giving up on Sasuke is the right thing to do because the stakes are too high. She also knows that Naruto's will and emotions won't allow him to give up on bringing back Sasuke. At this point, if the translation is right, the Love part is a lie. That does not mean she is not falling for him...I just don't think they are quite there yet. Will there be further development between the two, I have no doubt that this will be a crucial point in their growth from a relationship standpoint. In the panels there are moments where Sakura looks to truly have feelings for Naruto, and then again there are moments where she is hiding something. So I think it's a little of both, however the main objective (in my opionion) of the talk is to convince Naruto to give up on Sasuke, not to profess her love. That will come in time.

On a side note, I think his rejection of her will show her how much he's grown, and possibly make her see him in a different light. When they were younger if she had said that, he'd be taking her out for Ramen. But now, he can see right through her. He knows she hasn't completely given up on Sasuke. And I don't think she has chosen him over Sasuke. It's just too convenient and objective from her conversation. But I think there has been enough development so far between these two that we can easily say something is there, and something will develop. This is definitely like Jiraiya and Tsunade. They just keep dancing around their feelings. They let the decisions of the ninja world and their burdens (Jiraiya's decision that will change the ninja world) dictate their relationship. But in the end, they did love each other. I feel this is something that their students will surpass them in. They will succeed in bringing peace to the ninja world, and they will succeed in strengthening the bond they have between them.