54213 replies to this topic

[arian_rad]

 
I get why the top (color) panel might be interpreted as sadness, but that's not the way I see it.  

When I look at that panel I see introspection. I see Sakura being convicted by the true desire of her heart and not comprehending what it means.  I see a deeper version of this:



She has feelings for Naruto that she doesn't have for anyone else.  She has an incomparable bond with him that she doesn't know how to label.  

The top panel -- when she realizes Hinata's feelings -- is a softer, gentler reflection of Inner Sakura.  Inner Sakura is attracted to Naruto and his personality, and really gets him.  But that part of her is ruled by her conscious mind that hasn't figured out or accepted the truth yet.  The result is conflict and confusion.  

I think Kishimoto has done a great job of showing Sakura's journey toward realizing her feelings for Naruto.  He's given just enough hints that we can see her love for him taking shape, but has kept the full realization from her and us.  

The wait for it is frustrating, but it's going to be so worth it. 

I think there will be a certain moment that will spark those feelings. Whether it is something that Naruto does or just a general realization. I want to know how kishi will make her realize her true emotions towards naruto. However, I think someone posted something similar to this where naruto does something clumsy or stupid again which makes sakura worry or understand her emotions, she goes to hit naruto again much like the pain arc but naruto stops her and does something on his own. I would love to see this but the wait is horrible :( .

[ALESSE]

I think there will be a certain moment that will spark those feelings. Whether it is something that Naruto does or just a general realization. I want to know how kishi will make her realize her true emotions towards naruto. However, I think someone posted something similar to this where naruto does something clumsy or stupid again which makes sakura worry or understand her emotions, she goes to hit naruto again much like the pain arc but naruto stops her and does something on his own. I would love to see this but the wait is horrible :( .

Great post. But I think it won't be totally realizations I personally think that's she's already chosen him and knows that it's him and understands that's she loves him. Just that she's still conflicted with everything and is having a hard time getting herself to openly express herself and those feelings. That is how most tsunderes character development works lading up to a climax. But I do see her re affirming those feelings and them getting stronger, with a certain particular event as you ve stated.

I feel something good commin in the next volume or two.

[arian_rad]

Great post. But I think it won't be totally realizations I personally think that's she's already chosen him and knows that it's him and understands that's she loves him. Just that she's still conflicted with everything and is having a hard time getting herself to openly express herself and those feelings. That is how most tsunderes character development works lading up to a climax. But I do see her re affirming those feelings and them getting stronger, with a certain particular event as you ve stated.

I feel something good commin in the next volume or two.

I most likely see sasusaku dying in the next volume to be honest. It's the fact that anything that is there is that sakura loves sasuke. That's all they have had from pre shippuden up to now. Even when sasuke is back there is still negative development towards this couple. I think kishi is now going to fully try and end SasuSaku, I don't see that continuing much further. As for narusaku, I see it being confirmed at the end of the war by kishi. I don't see why he would stretch it out much longer. The next volume we should most likely by the end of it get to naruto vs sasuke fight hopefully. Interesting to see what would happen there.

[ALESSE]

I most likely see sasusaku dying in the next volume to be honest. It's the fact that anything that is there is that sakura loves sasuke. That's all they have had from pre shippuden up to now. Even when sasuke is back there is still negative development towards this couple. I think kishi is now going to fully try and end SasuSaku, I don't see that continuing much further. As for narusaku, I see it being confirmed at the end of the war by kishi. I don't see why he would stretch it out much longer. The next volume we should most likely by the end of it get to naruto vs sasuke fight hopefully. Interesting to see what would happen there.

Same here, I also see sasusaku being done and over with in the next volume or two most likely. And I see another narusaku moment that ll pretty much, not confirm narusaku but make it redundantly obvious. Here hoping for the event by this years end.

[arian_rad]

Same here, I also see sasusaku being done and over with in the next volume or two most likely. And I see another narusaku moment that ll pretty much, not confirm narusaku but make it redundantly obvious. Here hoping for the event by this years end.

Yeah, I see that narusaku event that you talk about most likely happening in the next volume. Kishi somewhat made it obvious with the kushina comment from minato but now he can deliver the final blow. I think it would be great to end the shipping wars. The sooner, the better hopefully.

[TouKen4Life3g]

I do believe SS end is very near. Honestly, it will be for the best to have her end it and later, realized what's already there. Or, you can do the Jiraiya's book route, which is great too.

[arian_rad]

I do believe SS end is very near. Honestly, it will be for the best to have her end it and later, realized what's already there. Or, you can do the Jiraiya's book route, which is great too.

I'd rather have Sakura realize that sasuke was never that great of a guy, it seems that even though he is back she is not that happy. I think she is already on the road to realizing that her love for sasuke was never something that great. She can do better and she already has someone better than sasuke. I would love to see HER end sasusaku compared to someone else hinting it for her. That's just me though

[TouKen4Life3g]

I'd rather have Sakura realize that sasuke was never that great of a guy, it seems that even though he is back she is not that happy. I think she is already on the road to realizing that her love for sasuke was never something that great. She can do better and she already has someone better than sasuke. I would love to see HER end sasusaku compared to someone else hinting it for her. That's just me though

It kind of remind me of a novel where the guy got everything back but he realized that it wasn't something that he truly needs it. So towards to the very end, he saw a new opportunity to make his life worth it. Maybe Sakura is going through that phase, rather than just "I don't trust him." I don't know, but soon, we will come to that conclusion.

[arian_rad]

It kind of remind me of a novel where the guy got everything back but he realized that it wasn't something that he truly needs it. So towards to the very end, he saw a new opportunity to make his life worth it. Maybe Sakura is going through that phase, rather than just "I don't trust him." I don't know, but soon, we will come to that conclusion.

Yeah, I have always thought that she has this great image of sasuke and who he is, compared to what he actually is. I think she is coming to a full realization of this at this very moment. Hopefully her feelings are out there soon so we know what is going on with her emotionally.

[ALESSE]

I'd rather have Sakura realize that sasuke was never that great of a guy, it seems that even though he is back she is not that happy. I think she is already on the road to realizing that her love for sasuke was never something that great. She can do better and she already has someone better than sasuke. I would love to see HER end sasusaku compared to someone else hinting it for her. That's just me though

Yeah that would be awesome. But I wouldn't be surprised if it takes more than a volume or two. You know how kishi tends to forget about characters for a lil bit after they get some focus. Though I really hope this wont happen.

I don't see sasuke turning till madara is taken care of and Donne and over with. But here's hoping for more moments.

[TouKen4Life3g]

Yeah, I have always thought that she has this great image of sasuke and who he is, compared to what he actually is. I think she is coming to a full realization of this at this very moment. Hopefully her feelings are out there soon so we know what is going on with her emotionally.

The question is does she need a push? If so, by who?

[arian_rad]

The question is does she need a push? If so, by who?

I don't think she will get a push by anyone during this war honestly. So far at least she seems to be figuring things out on her own.

[arian_rad]

Yeah that would be awesome. But I wouldn't be surprised if it takes more than a volume or two. You know how kishi tends to forget about characters for a lil bit after they get some focus. Though I really hope this wont happen.

I don't see sasuke turning till madara is taken care of and Donne and over with. But here's hoping for more moments.

I'm guessing since All the characters are there in one spot except for Yamato that we will have tons of sakura and a more clear understanding of that smile and what it will do to the plot from here on out.

[sushi.]

The question is does she need a push? If so, by who?

An event may push her, doesn't need to be a person.

 

Maybe something will happen and she will find the answer crush SasuSaku?

[TouKen4Life3g]

Hm, good answers. Personally, I'm liking what I'm seeing now, especially how so far is going in the direction that needs to be done.

[Lalufuffy]

I most likely see sasusaku dying in the next volume to be honest. It's the fact that anything that is there is that sakura loves sasuke. That's all they have had from pre shippuden up to now. Even when sasuke is back there is still negative development towards this couple. I think kishi is now going to fully try and end SasuSaku, I don't see that continuing much further. As for narusaku, I see it being confirmed at the end of the war by kishi. I don't see why he would stretch it out much longer. The next volume we should most likely by the end of it get to naruto vs sasuke fight hopefully. Interesting to see what would happen there.

 

I totally agree with you. The negative SS development is really obvious. A lot of people keep saying that Sakura's fake and forced smile only shows her mistrust towards Sasuke. Yes, she's also doubting Sasuke,

but it's rather an expression of conflict and emotional pain. 

I also think that the Naruto vs Sasuke fight is gonna come soon, there are actually three panels

foreshadowing that:

 

chapter 488, page 14, panel 1 showing Naruto's serious expression and grey face

chapter 634, page 19, panel 2 showing Sasuke's sinister expression and shaded face 

chapter 635, page 17, panel 1 showing Sasuke's sinister expression and parts of the face are shaded, even the Sharingan, which is centered and emphasized.

Furthermore, Sakura's fake smile could also be a foreshadowing. No matter how you see it, there's something tragic being hinted towards. 

 

Also, a lot of people in neutral forums say that Sakura would trust Sasuke, if she knew the truth about him.

I'll just copy what I wrote in another forum:

 

The truth about Sasuke includes the fact that Sasuke actually decided to go against Konohagakure 

of his own accord. Obito didn't use any Genjutsu on him.

Furthermore, Obito offered Sasuke one of the Bijus. Sasuke didn't even know if that Biju would be any good since he didn't have any techniques to use it efficiently, but he accepted the offer right away. Obito did not say 'I've manipulated Sasuke' to Kisame. In chapter 404 (page 17, panel 5) he says:

'I've won Sasuke over'

 

So if anything, Sakura would be shocked if she knew about all the decisions Sasuke has made so far.

Edited by Lalufuffy, 01 July 2013 - 08:16 AM.

[Canadian_DJ]

Sorry I cannot read anything to be translated on the valentine's special ^^ too smudgy. Couldn't find a bigger picture either.
 
I am thinking that Sakura will probably bring up Hinata's feelings to Naruto, due to her own reactions to them. I see that more as a possibility than Naruto seeking out Hinata or vice versa.

Aww mannn...that sucks.. looks like im never gonna know what it says

I don't really care about the Hyuugas and their clan heads/heirs tbh..   
The only member of this clan I was ok with was Neji, but now he's dead so I couldn't care less about the Hyuugas. 

Same here buddy, I really dont care about them either since neji's gone

Yeah true, don't think he or the publishers rally care about the western fan base much. Honestly how many of us buy the English Shonne jump here. All of us western fans, well the vast majority of us that have been following this manga for years that feel were improtant, haven't spent a single penny on anything manga related. I read a while ago that foriegn volume sales represent less that 7 percent of total revenue of sales. I've bought maybe what a 9 volumes of a few different mangas through out my life. The vast majority of money comes from tv syndication rights, movies and apparel sales. Than the fiscal comic sales the weekly Shonnen jump is number one.
And still I don't think a fan base really affects what the author does or doesn't do with his story. It's like most stories the romance aspect of it is kept mum till the end.
Great post btw

Thanks pal, glad you liked it

And yeah, I completely agree with you, the fanbase doesnt change kishis style of writing, but its just great to know that the japanese fanbase is how It is now. Like how sakura's overall popularity according the the third databook, which added all the 6 polls together, is number six out of all the characters in naruto (hinata isnt even in the top ten for those of you who say shes always head to head with our heroine which she is not, she's not even popular for pete's sake) kakashi number 1, naruto 2, sasuke 3, iruka 4, shikamaru 5, sakura 6, neji 7, gaara 8, lee 9 and itachi 10. And if you add these polls with the seventh one, gaara beat sakura and neji so he's number 6 and sakura is number 7 and neji is number 8 and itachi beat lee so he's number 9 and lee is number 10 and judging by the current narusaku second event, looks like narusaku popularity is skyrocketing.

[arian_rad]

 
I totally agree with you. The negative SS development is really obvious. A lot of people keep saying that Sakura's fake and forced smile only shows her mistrust towards Sasuke. Yes, she's also doubting Sasuke,
but it's rather an expression of conflict and emotional pain. 
I also think that the Naruto vs Sasuke fight is gonna come soon, there are actually three panels
foreshadowing that:
 
chapter 488, page 14, panel 1 showing Naruto's serious expression and grey face
chapter 634, page 19, panel 2 showing Sasuke's sinister expression and shaded face 
chapter 635, page 17, panel 1 showing Sasuke's sinister expression and parts of the face are shaded, even the Sharingan, which is centered and emphasized.
Furthermore, Sakura's fake smile could also be a foreshadowing. No matter how you see it, there's something tragic being hinted towards. 
 
Also, a lot of people in neutral forums say that Sakura would trust Sasuke, if she knew the truth about him.
I'll just copy what I wrote in another forum:
 
The truth about Sasuke includes the fact that Sasuke actually decided to go against Konohagakure 
of his own accord. Obito didn't use any Genjutsu on him.
Furthermore, Obito offered Sasuke one of the Bijus. Sasuke didn't even know if that Biju would be any good since he didn't have any techniques to use it efficiently, but he accepted the offer right away. Obito did not say 'I've manipulated Sasuke' to Kisame. In chapter 404 (page 17, panel 5) he says:
'I've won Sasuke over'
 
So if anything, Sakura would be shocked if she knew about all the decisions Sasuke has made so far.

At the end of it all, it all comes down to one thing. Thirst. SasuSaku fans have been dying for interaction between their two characters for so long that any interaction will make them happy and will always lead to a good thing. Saw a post on tumblr today about sasuke which said "stop romantisizing something that hurts". This is a clear example of almost all sasusaku fans which whenever sasuke does something bad, they make an excuse or find something romantic in. It's not right somewhat considering we are reading a shonen manga and not a romantic drama. I don't intend to bash with this but it's just the simple truth of the whole thing. I respect them but I feel as though they are reading a completely different genre of a manga.

Edited by arian_rad, 01 July 2013 - 01:19 PM.

[Inferno180]

I'd rather have Sakura realize that sasuke was never that great of a guy, it seems that even though he is back she is not that happy. I think she is already on the road to realizing that her love for sasuke was never something that great. She can do better and she already has someone better than sasuke. I would love to see HER end sasusaku compared to someone else hinting it for her. That's just me though

 

Again, its just that forehead event looming around, seeing that the Sasuke she fell for never really existed, rather the Sasuke she loved that day was Naruto. If the forehead thing is ever revealed to her, Sakura would most likely act embarrassed and whack Naruto for it, but then act better to him, kind of like how after pain was beat she hit him for being reckless but then hugged him.

[redragon88]

So what do you guys think is the status of the promise of a lifetime?

 

I think it's still active, but only on Naruto's side. Although to be fair I think it's always been like that.

 

What Sai made Sakura believe is that Naruto was partly pressuring himself because he believed Sakura was in expectation of him to bring Sasuke back. Therefore Sakura, through her confession, wanted to let Naruto know that he was more important to her than any expectation to bring Sasuke back. Sakura wanted for Naruto to understand that his safety and happiness took priority over any desire to have Sasuke back.

 

Naruto never burdened himself with thoughts about the promise maybe being more important to Sakura then himself, but that's what Sakura had thought Naruto believed which is why she had her tearful breakdown. Naruto never wanted to fulfill Sakura's promise because he thinks Sakura is pressuring him, he wants to fulfill it because he wants to make her happy. It's always been his choice, no one ever made him take any action that he didn't want to, even if it was painful.

 

I really hope Kishi can resolve the romance subplot properly. Every since the Summit arc it feels like a mystery to me how will Kishi go about resolving Sakura's feelings. The build up for Sakura to fall for Naruto is there crystal clear, but her ongoing love for Sasuke is what makes one unsure about how will she finally be able to fully love Naruto without reservation.

 

Unless it's established somehow that Sakura's love for Sasuke had a sense of falsehood in the romantic perspective I really don't know why would Sakura let go of that love for him. It needs to be shown that her love for Naruto is different, for her to understand that what she feels for Naruto is true love which is not the same that she has felt for Sasuke. And that should be used as the reason for her to choose Naruto in the end.

 

The problem with the confession in the Summit arc is that Sakura was weighting the pros and cons of Naruto and Sasuke, and that's how she chose Naruto. I think Naruto would rather Sakura choose him completely instead of just saying he's the better option since that would mean that regardless of being together that every time they were with Sasuke that would mean that Sakura would have a small desire to be with him. Naruto would rather her taking more time and choose him for all that he is, that way he can know for sure that Sakura will only want him.