As far as Hinata's words in 573 go, there's some argument to be made that aspects of it could be platonic. The manga page that you guys posted of Shikamaru saying that he wants to walk with Naruto, as well as this page in the same chapter where both Couji and Shikamaru ask Naruto to wait for them:
There is one thing about Hinata's whole speech that is pretty undeniably romantic in nature though, and that is her claim that she's going to hold Naruto's hand after this is all over. That's a decidedly non-platonic gesture, and unlike wanting to walk by his side, its not really symbolic of platonic support.
Personally, I just think that her feelings are being brought up in more frequency in this arc because they are about to be resolved; either she's just going to witness some interaction between Naruto and Sakura that hits home the fact that Naruto loves Sakura and not her, or she's going to make a move on Naruto that spurs Sakura emotionally in regards to Naruto (like how realizing Hinata loved Naruto bothered her, Hinata making some sort of move on Naruto may also bother Sakura, leading her to question why it does, leading her to question the true nature of her feelings for Naruto).
Both of those scenarios are far more consistent with what we've been given so far than a scenario in which Hinata holds Naruto's hand and he suddenly starts reciprocating her feelings (at least imo).
As far as Naruto "dying", I fully agree that its a likely scenario. I think that the OVA scene increases the possibility of a scenario in which Sakura thinks that Naruto is dead - such a moment could be exactly what leads to a romantic epiphany on Sakura's part. I can imagine a set up very similar to Ranma's love epiphany in Ranma 1/2, where he could only finally admit to loving Akane after he thought that she had died.
Great post. I really like your ideas for the future events.
Everyone got their resolves in terms of side characters alas K11. As I mentioned before, it is 50/50 chance that Hinata's confession will be addressed. It will be used for a plot device for Naruto and Sakura, and yes, that's what I'm sticking to it. The other 50 will be ignored altogether and just let it be as a development for her, not NH, even though it's already looks that way in the first place. I mean noticed that we are now getting main characters' developments. Kakashi is going to get a big one and perhaps the last one. Guess who will be the cure: Naruto. If that's the case, it would seem Naruto will be the one to be the key to the developments for his team, whom are main characters. That said Sakura will get the talk with Naruto without a doubt. Kakashi will get a development to move forward and what not by Naruto. Sakura will realize her feelings for Naruto. Sasuke will become good due to Naruto. It's all according to the plan to Kishi at this point. I mean Tsunade's possible death (hopefully not) already setting up for Naruto and Sakura. Remember, Naruto was already very upset to see Madara coming back alone. So yeah, it's all coming together.
As for Sakura's realization, the way you pointed out is a pretty good idea and could be possible. It's like how in Inuyasha and some other ones has the heroine upset for seeing another person with the hero, but doesn't know why until she hits that moment that awaken her feelings. Sakura does seem uncomfortable for Hinata to love Naruto. I mean the way how its portrayed really gives that sense. Of course, she won't expose that emotion at that moment because that time wasn't a good time. She is known to keep her feelings inside. Sakura is always about feelings and even Ino knows that she does it so often. So, there are two routes for Sakura's realization, though there are more but these are the two.
1) Witnessing Hinata with Naruto that will cause her to feel uncomfortable. Go through some envy emotion, only to realize why she is feeling this way.
2) Naruto hugs her before the last fight with Sasuke. This is one way to prove that Naruto is really serious with her and she will get some insight that Naruto really cares for her. Remember, she knows he loves her but the question is: why.
Naruto's dying can happen and seems like the best bet is on Sakura to go forth. She's a medic. Again, she worries about him heavily. Those worry emotion is a sign of more than friendship, especially heavily worry. Most, if not all the time, the heroine worrying/screaming for the hero usually means she is attracted (depends on the circumstance like she's his sister and what not). Worry is like half way there to love. It sounds strange but trust me, that just how it is.
As for the future events, the way I image it is this. Obito will still be like the boss battle of this arc. Madara most likely will live for another day. Not sure Obito's fate. The reason why I said Madara will live after this is because well, it seems like we will get his flashback to see how everything begins like his survival. Sasuke will learn the truth. Then, commence the final phase. Everyone will get their final words before the epic battle. Sasuke will meet Naruto but after the problem we are dealing with now, because we are going to get a rest. After all, the Kages are in great danger. If Sasuke comes now, it will be the fight. So, pretty much, the war will pause, not end. It will end once everyone get their stuff ready. Also, Kakashi will tell Naruto the story of Obito, of course in a short summary. There's a lot of discussion to have before the final arc. Besides, Sasuke is far away from the battle, so yeah, until then, let's just settle this battle.
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