749 replies to this topic

[Psychox]

i'm glad i read that really this smile is the biggest proof already. who ever imagine that part I sasuke would have a soft smile like this.

 

Yes, this is a true smile and it coming from Sasuke is a rare thing, no to mention that  its for a  girl . ^_^
If you take a look at his expression when Amaterasu  surrounded Karin's body , you could see the clear desperation sprouting out of it . That's why SS hate Karin and deny Naruto's feelings , because its a potential thread .

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

I'm talking about the fact of impulse. Both those scenes showed what happened when she let her emotions get the best of her. In both these scenes she could have died. In both these scenes she risked her life. Both these scenes showed her emotions that tipped out of her because she couldn't stand the fact of losing Naruto. Both these scenes showed her love that just happened to show its face in my opinion. I

 

Who said anything about it being brought up during the confession. I explained it above they both displayed impulse, it displayed what would happen when her feelings comes to the top of the pot for Naruto and each scene that displayed this was stronger than the last one.  also, her eyes was widened and her mouth was opened up wide like she was realizing what Yamato was saying, thats what i took from that scene. Yes it also showed the potential love but I don't think Kishi would put that there for potential it showed me that her love for Naruto it hidden inside of her and it is forced out when the time is right, she just hasn't realized it.  She listened to his words for two panels straight and I believe that she gathered something from that her feelings was touched upon in both scenes from what i saw.  I mean I considered her flirting with him, her holding her heart smiling at him,  blushing, her acknowledging that he is more grown up, I considered that as her seeing him in a whole different light right then and there and if Naruto wouldn't have f**cked that up who knows what would have happened? She saw him differently even when he came back from training,until he ruined it himself by acting like a child, in 245 imo she saw him differently, she saw him romantically but hey thats just me. 

 

Now thats another thing I have a problem with, it doesn't make make sense to me. Why would she want to kill Sasuke the man "she loves romantically" for Naruto if she didn't have feelings for Naruto? It makes no sense, nobody would kill the one they love for a friend unless your heart intervenes and makes you do so, which leads me to believe that her heart took over, her heart took over in 297 , it took over in the confession scene. It showe d me she would rather lose Sasuke than Naruto.  She wants Naruto's happiness but I don't believe she would lie just to do it. I don't believe Sakura-Chan wants Sasuke back romantically, but just for team 7 and for Naruto. 

 

Yes it failed, she went after him and then the lingering feelings was brought up. But then something caught my attention again, I don't believe she wants him back romantically as I stated above , and the reason she couldn't kill sasuke was because of the lingering feelings for him and the old Sasuke she remembered but could it have been possible that she couldn't have killed him because of Naruto as well, because when she said Naruto I'm sorry back in chapter 470 before she left do you think that caught up to her because she realized that Naruto wanted Sasuke back for himself as well? I mean she knows how Naruto feels about Sasuke being his brother and all, Its speculation but thats what I think. Wouldn't Naruto's brother dying by the girl he loves hurt him alot, wouldn't it make him sad that Sakura-Chan did this? Even if it was for a great reason, wouldn't it still devastate him? She wants his happiness but couldn't that have came into her head as well that it wouldn't have made Naruto happy that Sasuke is dead?  And wasn't she more gentle and tender to Naruto even before this whole incident?  As Sai stated back in the forest when Sakura-Chan said she was going to take Sai to the sky when they was talking about Naruto and Sasuke being brothers? 

 

I know she didn't want to hurt him and the truth would have hurt him .   but I can't agree with the fact that she lied, she just wasn't sure, because to me previous chapters shows me that she is falling slowly for Naruto, it showed constantly, you don't put someone else's happiness first if you don't love them like that, you kill the one you love for one you don't love it makes no sense to me. Sakura-Chan has shown constant signs that she loves him, she has looked at him romatic wise before imo in 245 but thats my opinion. 

 

Her not feeling worthy of Naruto's love but yet feeling worthy of Sasuke love, like I said, it only proves my point. 

 

but lets just squash this whole argument now because we are just going to keep going back and forth . And I want to save my argument energy for the next NH or SS fan that tries to get out line lols . Not with a fellow NS fan . 

Bolded 1 - Those moment you said above, tell me if there's any resolution on them, Naruto come back from training she did some flirting but yet turns to nothing, NS was like this, hints here and there that leads to nowhere, Sakura's hug scene and Yamato's question are examples of this, are moments that Sakura shows affection but doesnt acknowledge it or even worse doesnt lead to nowhere, we can pass all day you trying to prove that she saw Naruto on a romantic light before but what i know is that she only viewed him on that way but better on a serious way which is what it counts when Sai told her about Naruto's feelings, before that, was just moments like the ones you pointed above, either for comic purposes or just some hints that leads to nowhere.

In case those moments only show that there's the possibility of her loving Naruto afterwards but nothing else more.

 

Bolded 2 - Only if you think it's reasonable when she on a matter of hours or on the max of 1 day, Naruto left the village just after Sakura was crying for Sasuke, and she was even going to respond to the kumo ninjas that she loved him, then just after Sai tells her that Naruto loves her, she suddenly is in love with Naruto?

I'm a NS fan but that's ridiculous to me, the summit when she's about to kill Sasuke proves it and even 540 when she's ashamed of her feelings for Sasuke and the whole development on the war arc for her to move on, and her confrontation with Sasuke.
If she really was in love with Naruto she would not be getting a development to move on from Sasuke to Naruto.

She acknowledged Naruto as a lover and as someome better than Sasuke but does this mean that she's in love with him, the answer is no, but she can on the future? Yes, because she is getting development to do so, she confronted Sasuke on the summit and after that she is receiving development to fall in love with Naruto.

 

Bolded 3 - It proves that she has a low opinion about herself it has nothing to do with loving someome otherwise you could say that Naruto feeling that he's not worthy of Sakura means that he loves her, when we know it prevents him from confessing his feelings to her.

Edited by Dαrkrєrsŧ, 20 September 2013 - 10:41 AM.

[tricksie]

Sorry I'm getting back late to these posts. Really good, and I've thought and thought about them. Hopefully I can pull my thoughts together.

 

And I would argue that Karin's affection for Sasuke (however retconned it might be) had a better foundation than Sakura's did initially, since Sasuke at least saved Karin from the bear in the Forest of Death and she had a reason to immediately appreciate him.  When Sakura was first interested in him, it was not based on any personal interaction or knowledge -- only that he was the aloof, cool genius who all the other girls fancied.  (That would change later, of course, when Sakura was teamed with Sasuke and realized there was more to him than his looks and coolness, and she began to feel for him as a person.)

 

I've said this too many times already, but I don't think Karin should be expected to be normal, neither should her behavior be judged on the same scale as Sakura or any other girl in the story.  Karin is very damaged, and even in her chapter debut Suigetsu tells Sasuke that Karin is not normal because she was "experimented on a lot."  

 

Since the moment we met Karin as an "adult" she has been characterized pretty consistently, in my opinion.  Kishimoto might not be developing her, but how does such a damaged creature develop?  We haven't seen any in Suigetsu or Jugo, either.  That's part of the problem with Team Not Seven.  What real purpose do they serve other than to show the depth to which Sasuke has sunk for companionship and minions to control?  What purpose does Karin serve other than, as I said before, show how damaged a girl would have to be to continue pursuing Sasuke as a guy worth getting for any reason at all? 

 

Sakura is the "normal" character, according to Kishimoto, right?  She's the girl without a terrible childhood or any personal hardships to speak of, at least until she became a ninja.  Karin was an orphan, one who was collected by Orochimaru and turned into a lab rat.  Based on that, I wouldn't expect Karin to have any allegiances, except possibly to Orochimaru as has been demonstrated.  But deep and moral allegiances like the other characters?  We haven't been shown that she's capable or even knows what that really means.

 

Point being, I do expect more from Sakura.  That's why I think having Karin's fangirling of Sasuke is a good reminder that we expect to see that Sakura has grown in that department as well, and that Sasuke is the road for the damaged and shouldn't be traveled by a girl with better sensibilities and options.

 

 

I used to see Karin as a foil for Sakura, early on when her character was still developing, but really I don't anymore. To me, it seemed that Karin's basis for initial attraction was pretty much the same as Sakura's: Sasuke was cool. The surface level effort to attain his goal was enough (for Karin his saving her in the forest and for Sakura in his work at the academy and on their team) to form their opinions of him. I always felt Karin's flashback (so late in her story) was to reinforce her parallel to Sakura. She's the anti-Sakura, and Sasuke still makes the same selfish decisions regarding people who care for him. I think the Sasuke's actions after the flashback show he hasn't emotionally evolved from when he dumped Sakura on the bench. Different girl, same response.

 

As for Karin as a damaged character, while it's realistic to think that she would have some residual PTSD from Orochimaru's experiments, in the manga she's never been shown to have regret, remorse or any shade of a desire for a different life. 

 

Sakura is shown, over and over, striving for development. For both Naruto and Sasuke's sakes, as well as her own. 

 

I'm not being harsh on Karin, it's just that we have no proof that she's not perfectly content with the way her life is.

 

As for allegiances and the like, I'm not setting them as a goal Karin has to achieve or that I would even expect her to want to achieve. Loyalty and character development have been show in the mange to equate to love. So if we use that as a litmus of Karin's willingness to develop to attain Sasuke's love, or attaching herself to his causes at a deeper level than just following orders, then Karin's still operating from a position of lust rather than love. And that to me, for all their initial parallels, is what separates the development of Sakura and Karin in terms of their connnection to Sasuke.

 

 

And to add to that I highly disagree with the notion of changing one self to match their ""love interest"". In point of fact that was one of Sakuras worst traits early on.

 

that notion that she hid her true self and changed herself from the out going person she is to this quiet demure little goody two shoes was sickening quite frankly.

 

Karin has NEVER changed herself for Sasuke or anybody for that matter. She has held firm to her character from her introduction to current. This to me is what makes her a strong character. She doesn't change for anyone or anything.

 

 

"Changing" probably wasn't the best term. Developing or maturing might have been better. 

 

Karin certainly doesn't seem like the typ of person to change for anyone, nor would I expect her to. It would be terribly ooc.

 

However, Kishimoto's rules for true love in the manga tie character development into the mix. Once the character overcomes their personal flaws or achieves their personal goals they are to be rewarded. This has been shown in every positive romance so far. Now, the actual reward of a "happily ever after" romance may not manifest itself (Yahiko/Konan, Jiraiya/Tsunade, just to name a few) but the rules for love in Naruto's world are clear.

 

Based on this, I don't think Karin has moved from lust to the next level of love. There has never been a moment of introspection or a vow to work toward her personal goal. The only thing was after he struck her, and she reaffirmed her commitment to herself. Which ironically makes her very much like Sasuke...but it does not bring them any close to a mutually loving relationship.

 

She's a tremendously strong and interesting character. And like KnS' assessment, I think she's probably got a whale of a backstory. (In fact, I think Karin could probably headline her own manga, whereas most of the characters in Naruto don't have enough mettle and backstory to carry readers past the first couple of pages.)

 

But in terms of true love and operating within this story's formula of who ends up with it, Karin stays clearly outside those parameters. As does Sasuke. They function for their own self interests, and Kishimoto has shown time and time again that he doesn't reward it. It's the premise of Sasuke's whole life in Naruto!

 

Lastly, I tend to think like Nate, that Karin was introduced to serve a purpose, but that purpose ended with Sasuke's assasination attempt. And now Kishimoto is trotting her out for comedy breaks, instead of staying true to her strong character and letting her keep her vow of moving on from her would-be murderer. And for anyone who likes Karin as a character, that's the sickening part.

[Psychox]

^I don't know ,the only ''positive'' in her character so to say is that she loves Sasuke for who he is or that is how i interpret it .I believe that the rescue in the FOD is what made her fall in love with him . I mean she had no glasses on , so she wasn't tempted with his good looks and she was already blushing . So i think this is one solid reason to love the guy , yes, he was a jerk , pierced her chest and what not ,but there is a good excuse  explanation behind it , or that's what Kishi introduced via the chat with Tobirama . You are absolutely right about her mental condition . Not only Orochimaru experimented on her , but she experienced the same mental drama of a clan elimination . So there is a reason of her behavior . That or Kishi just does that on purpose .. hm.. Dunno .. Thing is she doesn't expect him to take a new direction . In some occasions those kind of things tend to happen

There is a thing however that bugs me , why did Kishi make her say 'Im through with Sasuke '' at the Samurai bridge after his murder attempt ?But then he shows that she didn't change her mind being with him at all ..

I don't know if Sakura waits for Sasuke to change or not the so called ''redemption'' that will fix everything , he will fall in love with her yada yada., but clearly she doesn't like that Sasuke , oh well , that is reality . She fell in love with Sasuke because he was popular and for his handsomeness . So it doesn't go that deep , never was ,really ... Her ''love'' is on the same level as Ino's and she has been with Sasuke for ..... 5 minutes? Maybe 10? But loves him .... Sometimes i wonder if its all because of immaturity ? Probably ..

Edited by Nate River, 20 September 2013 - 06:08 PM.
Was able to salvage post. I accidently hit edit instread of quote. That is why my name is on your post

[TouKen4Life3g]

^I don't know ,the only ''positive'' in her character so to say is that she loves Sasuke for who he is or that is how i interpret it .I believe that the rescue in the FOD is what made her fall in love with him . I mean she had no glasses on , so she wasn't tempted with his good looks and she was already blushing . So i think this is one solid reason to love the guy , yes, he was a jerk , pierced her chest and what not ,but there is a good excuse  explanation behind it , or that's what Kishi introduced via the chat with Tobirama . You are absolutely right about her mental condition . Not only Orochimaru experimented on her , but she experienced the same mental drama of a clan elimination . So there is a reason of her behavior . That or Kishi just does that on purpose .. hm.. Dunno .. Thing is she doesn't expect him to take a new direction . In some occasions those kind of things tend to happen .

There is a thing however that bugs me , why did Kishi make her say 'Im through with Sasuke '' at the Samurai bridge after his murder attempt ?But then he shows that she didn't change her mind being with him at all ..

I don't know if Sakura waits for Sasuke to change or not the so called ''redemption'' that will fix everything , he will fall in love with her yada yada., but clearly she doesn't like that Sasuke , oh well , that is reality . She fell in love with Sasuke because he was popular and for his handsomeness . So it doesn't go that deep , never was ,really ... Her ''love'' is on the same level as Ino's and she has been with Sasuke for ..... 5 minutes? Maybe 10? But loves him .... Sometimes  i wonder if its all because of immaturity ? Probably ..

This is my take on the situation and no, I'm not a fan of the pairing, but I can see what is written, like or not.

 

The thing about her is that she's in the same state as Juvia. Not exact but it's there. If you don't know what I mean, then I'll explain. Juvia never got a respect everytime she's around because she's "depressing" since she's a water mage and such, so she is alone. She was an enemy with Gray, but only because she's from another guild. When Gray presented himself in a respectful manner with her, it was development for her to step out the loneliness. Therefore, she fallen in love with Gray because he practically saved her.

 

That all said even though she's fallen for him, she is obsessed with him in many ways. Karin got stabbed, so I guess that's why people are having a hard time to appreciate, which I won't blame them. Put it this way, it's love, just a crazy way of showing it. There was even a scene of talk back but it's rebounded in comedy, similar to Karin hugging Sasuke and he just said, "Get on with the mission," with Karin being pissed about it. I do question myself on why the moment for Sakura is literally heartbreaking, rather than "Ouch..." only to rebound with comedy. I feel like Kishi did use Sakura for girls to be aware of guys who can really hurt you not physically, but mentally. This tactics does occur in different media, including that Yakuza game I recently played and that's from Japan (no duh, lol).

 

The point is Karin just need to grow up for this. You may ask "What about Sakura?" Two things: Sakura and Sasuke haven't been together in a scene for a very long time. Lastly, she is growing up...with Naruto. That's the major factor because she is showing what a woman should really feel with a man who can make her happy, hence with so many warm smiles. Not to mention the size of the panel and them leafs in the background, indicating a strong moment. Not necessarily interpreted only a romance moment, but a moment to be highlighted. That said this is why I don't see anyway around for NS. Well, that time will be clear very soon. As for Karin, well if you don't like it, by all means I don't blame you. If so, then ok.

[soraandven]

If Sakura does die for a while we will have to prepared for what most haters will be like.

we know but if she dies she will die protecting him she almost did once before

[Nate River]

^I don't know ,the only ''positive'' in her character so to say is that she loves Sasuke for who he is or that is how i interpret it .I believe that the rescue in the FOD is what made her fall in love with him . I mean she had no glasses on , so she wasn't tempted with his good looks and she was already blushing . So i think this is one solid reason to love the guy , yes, he was a jerk , pierced her chest and what not ,but there is a good excuse  explanation behind it , or that's what Kishi introduced via the chat with Tobirama . You are absolutely right about her mental condition . Not only Orochimaru experimented on her , but she experienced the same mental drama of a clan elimination . So there is a reason of her behavior . That or Kishi just does that on purpose .. hm.. Dunno .. Thing is she doesn't expect him to take a new direction . In some occasions those kind of things tend to happen

The thing is, do we actually know that? Fact is, we don't. We know she was experimented on and that the clan was slaughtered, but Kishimoto has not provided anything to say those two events traumitized her and did so in a way that has anything to do with her behavior at this point. With other characeters, we know certain events effected who they are and what they did because we have been shown it. Almost everything Sasuke has done has followed from his tragedy so we know it harmed him. Such assumptions are reasonable, given what we know about Orochimaru and we think of regarding expermination. But then, if true, that makes his treatment of Karin it all that much worse.

She was be someone obsessing over an abuser as the result of mental issue that came about because of personal tragedy. What is funny about that? Who could laugh at that? To turn that into light hearted comedy...yikes.

[soraandven]

 

Yes, this is a true smile and it coming from Sasuke is a rare thing, no to mention that  its for a  girl . ^_^
If you take a look at his expression when Amaterasu  surrounded Karin's body , you could see the clear desperation sprouting out of it . That's why SS hate Karin and deny Naruto's feelings , because its a potential thread .

thats why i like sasukarin he even apologized for stabbing her

[Nate River]

thats why i like sasukarin he even apologized for stabbing her

Heh.

I'm sure my Agg. Assault defendants all wished it was that easy.

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

thats why i like sasukarin he even apologized for stabbing her

dude...

 

Imagine Sasuke saying "i'm sorry" to sakura

SS would be canon.

Edited by Dαrkrєrsŧ, 20 September 2013 - 06:33 PM.

[Paptala]

So it looks as though Mangastream's translation was the more accurate one this time when it came to Sakura's line:

 

 

The only thing I can't tell is whether Sakura's line is singular (I'm entering his heart) or plural ("we're entering his heart).  But for certain its about a heart and entering, so . . .

 

On a side note though, is it just me, or does Sakura's expression look at lot more intense than in the cleaned up version?

 

(also, I love that Kishimoto is keeping up with Sakura's messy bangs . . . could be just a coincidence, but I hope the theory that this is going to lead to a forehead compliment/kiss is true )

Edited by Paptala, 20 September 2013 - 06:55 PM.

[六道仙人]

yeah... MS is the right one... I'd like to say that she was speaking about herself... I think that Sakura didn't know that Naruto's heart has entered in the everyone minds but it's just my personal thought...

[Psychox]

The thing is, do we actually know that? Fact is, we don't. We know she was experimented on and that the clan was slaughtered, but Kishimoto has not provided anything to say those two events traumitized her and did so in a way that has anything to do with her behavior at this point. With other characeters, we know certain events effected who they are and what they did because we have been shown it. Almost everything Sasuke has done has followed from his tragedy so we know it harmed him. Such assumptions are reasonable, given what we know about Orochimaru and we think of regarding expermination. But then, if true, that makes his treatment of Karin it all that much worse.

She was be someone obsessing over an abuser as the result of mental issue that came about because of personal tragedy. What is funny about that? Who could laugh at that? To turn that into light hearted comedy...yikes.

 

We are short on evidence that much is true ,but i think its safe to assume that since its not likely to be experimented on and then to forget  everything, it just doesn't fit in . It would cause a great deal of trauma if you ask me , but manga wise , yeah, we could only contemplate on it  since we have little clues if that affected her in a strange matter . Yep, but Sasuke is different , he has sharingan so its like hate and anger on a level unmatched for  Karin . I think that there is the main weight that balanced out the scale.

I think she can relate to him on a tragic level . She shares some of his loses and understands him or tries to anyways . Thing is , its not . That's why i am wondering for what reason Kishi makes her act like that ? She makes funny faces , okay , that's acceptable , but your surroundings wreak of corpses. Its inappropriate and dumb.Is kishi doing this to bring a point or something ? Because i don't find it funny at all , given what the atmosphere and the situation at hand was ..
 

 

dude...

 

Imagine Sasuke saying "i'm sorry" to sakura

SS would be canon.

 

oh fu..

Nonetheless , its hard to imagine , since he tried 3 times, he didn't spoke to her in part 1 if not necessary in part 2.. well.. And its hard to believe even if he apologized to Sakura that she would forgive him like that . Imagine it happening .. Even Karin hasn't forgiven him yet.

Edited by Psychox, 20 September 2013 - 07:11 PM.

[TouKen4Life3g]

So let's see, we got Sasuke and Juugo together (interesting to see how he's going to work with this), Madara vs. Hashirama (continuing maybe?), Naruto getting back up, Kages almost on the arrival (What is the first moment? Interesting to see), people being motivated by Naruto's words, and there's a time limit before the world ends. So...how can they defeat this? Part of me tells me that you must kill the controller to end the tree. That said will Naruto even go to this? Why I get the feeling this could be conflicting issue? The tree seems impossible to destroy unless you go after the source. Won't that be a good idea. The only problem is killing Obito (if true) would result the end of Bijuus and pretty much adds renegade gauge to it. So now I am interested on how to end it. Keep in mind, Madara plans to stop him, not necessarily kill him and then do it. It's like a Dragon Ball, whoever speaks out the wish first gets the wish. Why I also get the feeling that TnJ can result in ending the tree? I am jumping a lot but it should be something to look forward.

[Psychox]

So let's see, we got Sasuke and Juugo together (interesting to see how he's going to work with this), Madara vs. Hashirama (continuing maybe?), Naruto getting back up, Kages almost on the arrival (What is the first moment? Interesting to see), people being motivated by Naruto's words, and there's a time limit before the world ends. So...how can they defeat this? Part of me tells me that you must kill the controller to end the tree. That said will Naruto even go to this? Why I get the feeling this could be conflicting issue? The tree seems impossible to destroy unless you go after the source. Won't that be a good idea. The only problem is killing Obito (if true) would result the end of Bijuus and pretty much adds renegade gauge to it. So now I am interested on how to end it. Keep in mind, Madara plans to stop him, not necessarily kill him and then do it. It's like a Dragon Ball, whoever speaks out the wish first gets the wish. Why I also get the feeling that TnJ can result in ending the tree? I am jumping a lot but it should be something to look forward.

I think its gonna be interesting since we haven't seen Naruto kill anybody . He was gonna kill Haku and he almost ended Kakuzu but failed . So maybe he''ll go for Obito? Or Sasuke's gonna get it? hm...

[T XD]

oh fu..

Nonetheless , its hard to imagine , since he tried 3 times, he didn't spoke to her in part 1 if not necessary in part 2.. well.. And its hard to believe even if he apologized to Sakura that she would forgive him like that . Imagine it happening .. Even Karin hasn't forgiven him yet.

If Sasuke apologized to Sakura, it's probably at the end which he would apologize to Naruto as well and maybe Kakashi too as in him apologizing to them cause of all the bad things he did.

 

So, if he apologized, Sasuke's apology to Karin won't be special anymore cause it's told to others. But, there's one thing that can still be considered special between him and Karin which is the word of apology he used. The apology he said to Karin is very serious. If he apologized to others and did not use the same apology word he said to Karin then I think it still would be special, but not as much as before.

[Psychox]

If Sasuke apologized to Sakura, it's probably at the end which he would apologize to Naruto as well and maybe Kakashi too as in him apologizing to them cause of all the bad things he did.

 

So, if he apologized, Sasuke's apology to Karin won't be special anymore cause it's told to others. But, there's one thing that can still be considered special between him and Karin which is the word of apology he used. The apology he said to Karin is very serious. If he apologized to others and did not use the same apology word he said to Karin then I think it still would be special, but not as much as before.

''Summanakata'' i know , its very powerful, and that is if Sasuke survives . IF he wanted to do it he would've done it when he arrived to the battlefield , he did no such thing, yes, he may if they both survive after their fight , but that's arguable . That word comes rarely to never from his mouth .

[StriderC]

So it looks as though Mangastream's translation was the more accurate one this time when it came to Sakura's line:
 

 
The only thing I can't tell is whether Sakura's line is singular (I'm entering his heart) or plural ("we're entering his heart).  But for certain its about a heart and entering, so . . .
 
On a side note though, is it just me, or does Sakura's expression look at lot more intense than in the cleaned up version?
 
(also, I love that Kishimoto is keeping up with Sakura's messy bangs . . . could be just a coincidence, but I hope the theory that this is going to lead to a forehead compliment/kiss is true )

I actually like how he decided to just let her bangs fall without the arch. I think they shouldn't be so big but overall, its kewl. He should give her a new look with her hair afterwards. Show off more of her forehead. :-)

And as for her expression, it seems like it hit her harder than everyone else since she's pretty much the closest to him. She's been through the most with Naruto and of course, entering his heart is a very big deal. I can't help but love their dynamic even more. Things are gonna start moving again next chapter it seems and the alliance will fight once more. I wonder how long Sakura is gonna be sidelined and if she'll be able to save Shikamaru and fight.

[sushi.]

I liked her expression too, it looks like Kishi really put effort into making it special.  And even better, we got two reactions.

[StriderC]

I liked her expression too, it looks like Kishi really put effort into making it special.  And even better, we got two reactions.

It definitely hit her harder than the others I would bet and maybe Sasuke as well. She now sees and feels what he felt throughout his life. We all know how much he means to her. Hopefully we get some dialogue from her on the matter. What's more is his dad sees this also. A rundown of the trials his son had to endure. ..