22 replies to this topic

[Toasty Warrior]

I couldn't really see Naruto not calling Sakura without using chan at the end of her name, it's not him, and doesn't fit with what his character is, although if he were mad at her for some reason or he's really sad about something then probably he'd call Sakura just by her name.

[SakuraHarunoChan]

I think there's only one time he just said ''Sakura,'' that was when Sakura got mad that Sai called Ino Gorgeous.

[tricksie]

I would make him drop the -chan when he is serious (like you would call someone - I usually do for my kids- by his full name, including middle name, when needing to make a strong point. Or when being, er, during an intimate act )

I think this scenario is highly likely! And not hypothetically either. I'm kind of expecting him to drop the -chan in his big moment of confession.

The reasons being first, it is a strong marker of an emotional shift, him moving from a childhood crush to an adult, mutual love.

But also, the -chan and -san suffixes are used in this manga to denote distance not closeness. The only two -chans are with one-sided affection and the only other uses of -san come from Lee to Sakura, and maybe Neji (but I can't remember). Even Naruto's use of -chan, although sweet and puppy-love-ish, will be the same one-sided affection if NS doesn't come to pass.

Lastly we have, from the manga, the quote about suffixes distancing people:

Sai, thinking: "First thing to do is reduce any emotional barriers...."

From Sai's book in the library, "How to Quickly Become Friends with People: "In order to hasten the develpoment of understanding between yourself and others...you will remain distant from that person, never seeing any reduction in emotional barriers.... For instance, when addressing someone...by using name suffixes such as '-san' and '-kun.'"

Sai, reading out loud: "To combat this, one should first take the initiative to stop using such suffixes. Assigning nicknames or other terms of endearment may be viable options. By doing such one is able to position themselves in a particularly special and close relationship.... Hmm, makes sense...."

Which then leads, of course, to Sai's disasterous attempt at nicknaming, calling Sakura 'Ugly Dog' and Ino 'Beautiful Girl.'

But the important point is, Kishimoto himself has stated in the manga the suffixes are distancing. And the use of suffixes is never shown in a positive light (as in a mutual, mature loving relationship). Right now, Naruto uses -chan as a nickname for Sakura. But I feel like the foundation has been laid for Naruto to shed the suffix in the moment of emotional development, showing he's moved closer to her and recognizes her love. After that he will surely continue to use the -chan as term of affection and endearment.

I don't think Naruto is going to get mad at Sakura and quit calling her Sakura-chan. But the foreshadowing has been laid for Naruto to put the nickname aside in a moment of true closeness. And that's what I'm expecting to happen.