Edit - Lulz Smiter, I was already posting this, just kind of nodded off for a few while editing before I hit Add Reply
Well actually, this is probably the strongest NS chapter to date in my opinion. Lets look at the facts shall we?
1. Sakura openly acknowledged naruto's feelings for her. Thats a pretty big one. No shame...no nothing. That of course means that she knows naruto loves her and accepts his feelings, enough to the point where she has no problem talking about it in front of others who may not know (but who doesnt).
2. This one is even bigger, and I'm surprised that no one caught it. Sakura volunteered to be the one to talk to naruto, but its much bigger than just that. Anyone remember why she said she was going? She said, and I will do my best to quote "Since that fool loves me, I will go". Amtrack, whats so significant about this, you ask? She's not going because she's naruto's friend, nor his teammate (although she is all of those things). She is going to see naruto as the woman he loves, and is most likely loved by in return. Thats pretty big. In essence she's going as naruto's love, and this was stated by her, which makes it all the more powerful.
3. I thought it was cute how she called him a baka for loving her. Its cute because that is a term of affection that sakura uses towards naruto quite often. The fact that she used it in conjunction with acknowledging his feelings for her makes it even cuter, and also more telling.
4. And of course the last thing she says, coupled with those sharp eyes of determination. She's been making mistakes all of her life but she won't make another one. What is this last mistake we wonder? I have a few theories about it. For one, its not Sasuke related, this is about naruto. So anything that has to do with Sasuke is essentially ruled out. It is very clear that the topic switched from Sasuke to naruto once shikamaru started inquiring to his whereabouts. Two, since it has to do with naruto, I instantly thought of Tsunade and Jiraiya when I read about "not making another mistake". I wish I knew the chapter where that whole tsunade jiraiya thing is addressed but alas, I dont remember. Regardless, that screamed parallel to me. And again, that look of determination said a lot to me too.
EDIT: since I love the Tsunade Jiraiya parallel I'll make it even clearer. Remember when Jiraiya left to go do something on his own? Tsunade said to herself that when he comes back, he won't have to front anymore. It was a subtle admission on her part, but unfortunately he up and died before he could come back. Get itttt ? Naruto left to tackle a big problem on his own (mostly) and.....fronted like it wasn't a big deal......and.....
Think about it, what mistake could sakura end up making by not being the one to go to naruto? Just mull it over , I think you get my drift.
5. And finally, this chapter greatly reinforces all of the moments that happened before this. Everything we have thought, wondered about, etc etc, got thrown out into the open for the most part. In retrospect, it makes all of those moments make that much more sense.
With that I'm done for the moment because its getting a tad late and my brain is ceasing to function. Kudos , and woot for NaruSaku. Its a great pairing for a reason and this chapter proves it.
Edited by Sakura Blossoms, 07 August 2009 - 10:18 AM.