Well, it seemes that SS fans are feeling quite discouraged after today's chapter. They think that Sasuke's evil PMS has taken its final blow at Sakura's feelings and she can only give up. I can't say I share their pessimism as much as I want to. It feels like Sakura has faced all kinds of Sasuke's treachery already and if it didn't change her feelings before, it won't change them now. There is probably one thing she never experienced though - Sasuke actually threatening Naruto's life. I mean literally - him about to make the finishing blow. Maybe that would snap her out of her dedication. But I seriously feel that Naruto is going to be a dominant force in this fight. I am not even sure we're gonna see Sakura participating in any way other than emotionally. I hope she'll join the fight though. To fulfill her promise to Naruto that they are gonna bring Sasuke back together. It's just that if Kishimoto wants to end this in 5 or so chapters, it will probably be a very short "one major blow and some talking" kind of fight. (someone called it Talk-no-Jutsu - i laughed a lot)
No, I don't think Sasuke will die. I am pretty certain he won't. We are going to revisit all the major themes and scenes in the manga that define Team 7, their previous conflicts and interactions, their promises to each other. We will have some kind of closure. But Naruto will lose if he kills Sasuke or lets Sasuke die. And we won't see the last fight in this manga turn out to be a loss. I knew it would all come to this. I could forsee NS happening if I could forsee Sasuke dying. But I don't, so NS is also still a big mystery. I can very well see Sakura dedicating herself to help Sasuke live his life in prison or smth. Like visiting him and bringing news. Tragic dedication. Naruto would respect that. He is the kind of guy who falls in love with other girl's dedication to the other guy (chapter 3 - lol).
There is one thing else that made my blood boil though. This face that Naruto made after Sasuke's "confession" and the one in the last panel. He anticipated Sasuke's 360' so well, he was not surprised at all. I could sense not only readiness, not only anger, but some sort of happiness as well. Like he finally got what he wished for for a long time. Like he wanted it all to be clear, he wanted it all to depend on him and only him, he wanted one truthful and intense conversation (through voice or fists). He wished to put everything in its rightful place. And he finally got it. And I'd like to think that this is connected to Sakura too. That weight that he harbored due to their promise, that wall he couldn't cross to reach her because of it - it can all finally be resolved and he will feel free to approach her. That last panel expressed his will for that so well. To clear all regrets and become free to act upon his desires and choices.
EDIT: I never answered that question from awhile back, but yes, it is Nami from One Piece on my avatar.
Edited by Alessa, 10 September 2014 - 01:34 PM.