This chapter is interesting in so many ways. First, the badassary of everyone involved. Hinata is badass in that she did not hesitate to jump into death itself to protect the one she loves the most. Pain..., well, Pain is Pain. He's just got badass written all over him--destroying Konoha, killing Jiraiya, (possibly) Kakashi, and then unfazed by the six tails..., woah woah woah. And then Naruto himself--God Damn Six Tails is the most badass creature in Shounen right now.
Honestly, I am so very touched by Hinata's confession in this chapter I can even feel for Naruhina. I always have a soft spot for dramatic scenes like that... guess I am a romantic after all, hahaha.
However, I still think that even with this confession, NaruSaku is still going to be canon. The reason? First and foremost, Hinata's confession *IS* required in order to propel NaruSaku forward. It is one of the issues that need to be resolved, and I am glad that Kishi finally made Hinata did it.
The second, I can't help but to relate to Kishi's comments about Sakura needing to 'grow up'. Whether Hinata dies or not, I don't know why, but I can foresee a scene where Naruto tells Sakura about Hinata's confession, and in the end he confessed (in a serious way) his own feelings to Sakura. Something about don't want to lose you because Ninja's life is a harsh and dangerous one. And this time, Sakura needs to respond because Naruto has suffered so much pain in losing too many precious people around him, with the last one being a girl confessing her undying love for him (assuming Hinata dies of course)
That, and the fact that, come on people, it's still 6 tails! 8 tails is reserved for Sakura for sure!
Of course, there's always the possibility (you gotta admit this) that Hinata survives and Naruto is returning her feelings. You just never know.
Gah, I'm rambling, sorry. Time to get out!