I really just can't buy it. I can't. Maybe if it wasn't preceded by conspiracy to break the news to Naruto because he is in love with her, maybe if it wasn't painted to be a deliberate attempt at manipulation and there wasn't an agenda behind it, I could believe the confusion pitch. But I can't. Whether the confession was an outright lie, or whether she simply wasn't sure yet, she had to have known that what she was saying was not true. Not the way she was saying it. A non-truth and a lie are the same thing. If it wasn't true, it was a lie. Maybe it was a lie with good intentions, maybe the lie doesn't necessarily mean that she doesn't really love him, but in the moment, it was a lie.
I understand, but really it isn't about whether or not you buy it. It's about what the AUTHOR wants you to buy. I don't buy it that Sakura is still in love with Sasuke, despite all the horrible things he's done. But Kishi has shown us that she still has feelings for him, so obviously he is trying to show us that she's still in love with him, despite what little reason the author has given us that she should still have those feelings. It's mostly about the author's intent, and how well he portrays certain things. I think he portrayed Sasuke and Sakura's relationship HORRIBLY, yet we still are force to believe she is still in love with him.
Admittably the whole confuse feelings is actually speculation, but it's speculation that is supported by hints (the third data book, which down right says it, and Sai's and Yamato's implication she has stronger feelings for Naruto). Also, like I said, I doubt Kishi will make one of the main characters, who isn't a villain or anti-hero, look that badly INTENTIONALLY (unless, of course, he hates that character). Really, it's all up to how much you're willing to accept in a story that allows you buy it or not.
Edited by Transformers03, 21 July 2012 - 08:32 AM.