QUOTE (Smiter @ Feb 5 2006, 03:11 PM)
It's definitely certain that, without Naruto, Sakura would not have become a medic-nin. She wouldn't have started to realise her potential. Hell, she was ready to just give up until Naruto told her he wouldn't drop his promise.
This is one of the main reasons why I support NarutoxSakura - because of the influence they have on each other to constantly grow as humans and as shinobi (primarily for Sakura). One of the primary themes in this series involves changing established perceptions, and Naruto is the catalyst of development for so many of the characters, including Sakura. She began the series as a character who had a seemingly irrational and completely random crush on Sasuke, to the point where it was holding her back. She also disliked Naruto, and thought he enjoyed "tormenting her", despite his obvious affection for her. Over time, she comes to respect and appreciate Naruto, as her crush on Sasuke also deepened. I think her "love" for Sasuke is pretty unhealthy, and it continues to hold her back(she's willing to betray Konoha and everyone she loves for him!). If SasuSaku was ever realized, it would be a nightmare.
On the other hand, her relationship with Naruto has progressed and has made her a better a better ninja for it.
QUOTE (shadow_Uzamaki @ Feb 5 2006, 09:17 PM)
Just 1 question, when Sakura ran to sasuke after she sees him filled with Haku's needles and Sakura rans past Naruto, why did Naruto placed his hand on his chest?
He clutches his chest because as much as he was hurt by Sasuke dying, seeing
Sakura hurt pained him equally as much...if not even more so. Because of the depth of feeling he has for Sakura, he never wants to see her hurt, and I think this is also why he is so intent on pursuing and retrieving Sasuke. He wants to, not only because Sasuke is his "nakama" who might die if Orochimaru gets his way, but because he made an oath to Sakura. He made that "promise of a lifetime" because he recognized how important Sasuke is to Sakura, and is intent on bringing him back, because not doing so would hurt Sakura immensely (god I'm long-winded).
Naruto's own affection for Sakura is so constant and deep, he would do anything for her, including, it seems to me, "give her up", knowing how much she truly loves Sasuke (chapter 183). The lengths he'd go for her are so immense, he's even willing to allow the Kyuubi to develop to the point of personal, physical harm. Of course, there are other factors in the Kyuubi transformation, but I'm convinced it wouldn't happen if Naruto wasn't allowing it to, and his oath to Sakura plays a large role in that.
Naruto is such a force of change, I think it would be beautiful if ultimately someone he influenced so much - Sakura - helped make him realize he's loved and help change him in return.