3406 replies to this topic

[Codus N]

Yes it does, though I've never used it. Never even noticed it until now.

Yup. This convinces me. Kishi and his editors must have caved into NH comments from there. I really wouldn't be surprised if this were the case.

[MakeMoneyEatRice]

Something tells me there is something in the flavor of the text that we're missing. I'll be patiently waiting for the VIZ translations to get a better look at the tone of Hinata's speech.

Overall thoughts here in Video Form, but I go on for 18 minutes:



tl;dw version: Decent chapter, and everyone's jumping to conclusions we have no business jumping to. It's to get those surveys higher and make some waves in the community. Kinda like what Marvel's doing with Amazing Spider-Man #700. Man, has it been a rough week in comics for me, lol.



Nice gif

Loved the review man.

[James S Cassidy]

... I can't believe I didn't notice that. Wow.

I think we both know that if it was Sakura who slapped Naruto, the others would be saying the exact same thing.

The same things they said during the hug scene.

Well, I guess it is our turn now.

*clears throat*
"Naruto is holding Hinata's hand like a big brother. You can see how he interacts with her and says to Kurama "My friends." Hinata is grieving for Neji too, so she needs a big brother right now since she lost hers to Obito. I guess Naruto will be Hinata's big brother from now on. This is totally a bro/sis moment."

Edited by James S Cassidy, 28 December 2012 - 08:35 AM.

[TwilightLink20xx]

Yup. This convinces me. Kishi and his editors must have caved into NH comments from there. I really wouldn't be surprised if this were the case.

Extremely unlikely, Jump editorial and Kishimoto are focused on the fans in Japan, not those in the US. If you're curious about the editorial process, check out Bakuman, it details some of the intricacies on how they gauge readership interest and what direction stories should go.

[MakeMoneyEatRice]

I think we both know that if it was Sakura who slapped Naruto, the others would be saying the exact same thing.

The same things they said during the hug scene.

Well, I guess it is our turn now.

*clears throat*
"Naruto is holding Hinata's hand like a big brother. You can see how he interacts with her and says to Kurama "My friends." Hinata is grieving for Neji too, so she needs a big brother right now since she lost hers to Obito. I guess Naruto will be Hinata's big brother from now on."

^This just THIS!

[Zatheko]

It's a shame I ended up joining these forums around the time this chapter came out.
Any thoughts I have on this chapter would merely be a repeat of what everyone else said.

Geez, my chest had a tight, cold feeling when I first read this chapter. NaruSaku has been my OTP for years (as it has for many others, I'm sure) and I've always strongly believed that NaruSaku was end game. But after this...I'm not sure anymore. Especially with how shaky Kishi now comes off as. I'm going to try and keep my hopes low. I will always love NaruSaku, but...I don't know. If NaruSaku doesn't become canon and NaruHina does, I probably will be jumping ship. Not because I'm not loyal or I don't love the pairing enough. But because it would hurt too much. I've gotten too emotionally attached to the pairing and to stay active in it's fandom would just be too painful. NaruSaku is the main reason why I continue to follow the manga because, like another person said, the manga kind of lost the appeal for me. I used to care less about pairings but I suppose that changed when Part 2 rolled around.

I have a small hope that it'll become canon, but I just don't know anymore. Hinata suddenly taking Sakura's place, Naruto holding Hinata's hand...I don't know anymore. I really don't. While it's true that it's not quite set in stone, it seems like this is where Kishi is going. Everytime Hinata shows up in the war, I keep hoping Sakura will show up, that Sakura will have time to shine. But I only get greeted with more Hinata. (Whom, I admit, I hate.)
What is also bothering me is that this arc has had more Naru <-> Hina mutual development than ever before. Even to the point where third party people are pointing it out. (Kiba's comment.)

Sakura's reaction panel may or may not mean something. It's really hard to tell. Kind of like Hinata's reaction shot when Sakura hugged Naruto in front of everyone. It stood out, but it never meant anything in the end. (At least so far.)

Anyways, I've stopped buying Naruto merchandise until we finally see what pairing is end game.
Sorry for being pessimistic. But it's hard not to.

If Kishi pulls an ObiRin parallel with NaruHina, then I may just quit.


Moving on, does anyone else feel like Naruto isn't Naruto if he falls for Hinata? Maybe it's just me but...I've always seen his love for Sakura as a HUGE part of his character. Naruto just wouldn't be Naruto if he stopped loving Sakura. At least in my eyes.

I completely feel the same way. It seems completely OOC for naruto to stop loving sakura and to just love hinata, since when does naruto just give up? His love for sakura was HUGE part of narutos character IMO.

[Derock]

I think we both know that if it was Sakura who slapped Naruto, the others would be saying the exact same thing.

The same things they said during the hug scene.

Well, I guess it is our turn now.

*clears throat*
"Naruto is holding Hinata's hand like a big brother. You can see how he interacts with her and says to Kurama "My friends." Hinata is grieving for Neji too, so she needs a big brother right now since she lost hers to Obito. I guess Naruto will be Hinata's big brother from now on. This is totally a bro/sis moment."

You know, I can ACTUALLY see the bolded part happening. And I believe after this chapter, this is Kishimoto's route for Hinata's relationship towards Naruto. Watch, after this mess, it would be Kishimoto's plan all along, and all of you who are still screaming that NaruSaku is dead will have your tongues tied badly for believing NaruHina is near canon.

Seriously, I don't know how many of you are doubting this pairing when we have these facts: 1) we're near the end of the series, 2) NaruHina ain't that much a potential of a couple in the Japanese audience's eyes, which MANY of the Westerners here in the US need to learn and understand, and 3) until we get proof from the man himself, Naruto Uzumaki, I HIGHLY doubt he will pull a switcharoo on us in terms of his feelings.

As I said before on my previous post back somewhere, this is a crucial Hinata moment where she finally did something, than go all worrying about, "Naruto-kun!!!" She has gotten out of the shadow of being shy and insecure and has helped the person she "loves" out of being disoriented and confused of his beliefs from Obito's harsh words, and not to mentioned Neji sacrificed his life for him.

[Codus N]

Extremely unlikely, Jump editorial and Kishimoto are focused on the fans in Japan, not those in the US. If you're curious about the editorial process, check out Bakuman, it details some of the intricacies on how they gauge readership interest and what direction stories should go.

Yeah, I've read that. But I've definitely seen that the editors have a ridiculous amount of power over the author sometimes. There are some draconian editors who only cares about the profits and ratings. And there are some, like Hattori who is honest to their mangaka and works hard to let out their story's full potential without even thinking about the profits.

So if Kishi is stuck with a particularly draconian a**hole editor, then I wouldn't be surprised why NH happened. After all, Hinata has more marketable value than the rest of the characters. She's also currently the more popular character compared to Sakura as seen in the latest character poll. Also, I know that they focus on the Japanese audience, but I wouldn't put it past Kishi's editors to consider the international fans' opinion from SJ Alpha.

[Branden]

You know, I just had an interesting thought. I don't know how valid it is but I'm going to post it anyways to spark some discussion.

Ok for starters the series Naruto isn't over. It won't be over for a few years. If NaruHina was cannon right now then there would be no pairing conclusion for the end of the manga. Nothing has changed between Naruto and Sakura yet.

So with that knowledge I am actually a lot more sure that this is the end for Hinata's character (I still can't imagine her dieing after this though). I think this might just be a red herring, or even fanservice for NaruHina fans. I for one am almost certain that this is going to lead to a lot of panel time for Hinata and make her a hero. She is going to be a star, at least for a few chapters. But after that it will end up the same as the Pain arc. Naruto will be very thankful and still be her friend but after that he isn't going to give any attention to her at all. Was this NaruHina fanservice? I think it was. I think Hinata is a decent character now.

Overall this is Hinata's final shining moment where her character is resolved. Naruto will continue to treat her as a normal friend the same way he has all this time. The simple fact is that Hinata cannot be together with Naruto while Naruto still loves Sakura. If anything this chapter should make you much more comfortable about NaruSaku because Hinata's character is being wrapped up in this arc and after that I suspect that the final arc will center around team 7 and the future of the Shinobi world.

I'm almost certain no pairing is going to happen until the end, this shouldn't worry you.

[James S Cassidy]

You know, I can ACTUALLY see the bolded part happening. And I believe after this chapter, this is Kishimoto's route for Hinata's relationship towards Naruto. Watch, after this mess, it would be Kishimoto's plan all along, and all of you who are still screaming that NaruSaku is dead will have your tongues tied badly for believing NaruHina is near canon.

Seriously, I don't know how many of you are doubting this pairing when we have these facts: 1) we're near the end of the series, 2) NaruHina ain't that much a potential of a couple in the Japanese eyes, which MANY of the Westerners here in the US need to understand, and 3) until we get proof from the man himself, Naruto Uzumaki, I HIGHLY doubt he will pull a switcharoo on us in terms of his feelings.

I am with you on this one.

[Zatheko]

You know, I just had an interesting thought. I don't know how valid it is but I'm going to post it anyways to spark some discussion.

Ok for starters the series Naruto isn't over. It won't be over for a few years. If NaruHina was cannon right now then there would be no pairing conclusion for the end of the manga. Nothing has changed between Naruto and Sakura yet.

So with that knowledge I am actually a lot more sure that this is the end for Hinata's character (I still can't imagine her dieing after this though). I think this might just be a red herring, or even fanservice for NaruHina fans. I for one am almost certain that this is going to lead to a lot of panel time for Hinata and make her a hero. She is going to be a star, at least for a few chapters. But after that it will end up the same as the Pain arc. Naruto will be very thankful and still be her friend but after that he isn't going to give any attention to her at all. Was this NaruHina fanservice? I think it was. I think Hinata is a decent character now.

Overall this is Hinata's final shining moment where her character is resolved. Naruto will continue to treat her as a normal friend the same way he has all this time. The simple fact is that Hinata cannot be together with Naruto while Naruto still loves Sakura. If anything this chapter should make you much more comfortable about NaruSaku because Hinata's character is being wrapped up in this arc and after that I suspect that the final arc will center around team 7 and the future of the Shinobi world.

I'm almost certain no pairing is going to happen until the end, this shouldn't worry you.

I agree with this, I don't think the pairings will be concluded till the very end of the manga, it seems to early right now for a pairing with the main character to become canon already.

[Poison_In_Your_Coffee]

Something tells me there is something in the flavor of the text that we're missing. I'll be patiently waiting for the VIZ translations to get a better look at the tone of Hinata's speech.

Overall thoughts here in Video Form, but I go on for 18 minutes:



tl;dw version: Decent chapter, and everyone's jumping to conclusions we have no business jumping to. It's to get those surveys higher and make some waves in the community. Kinda like what Marvel's doing with Amazing Spider-Man #700. Man, has it been a rough week in comics for me, lol.



Nice gif

Don't bother. If you honestly want to know anything abt tones of her speech you need to look at the original Japanese script. Translations aren't ever exact due to differences in languages. Japanese especially is a difficult language to translate as it is a very context-based language and has so many shades that simply don't translate well (think the honorifics, for example). If you want to know if her speech was romantic, you'll see this better by just reading the chapters and seeing where they go.
If you know any Japanese, then I suggest you read the original Japanese version and examine that. That might get you somewhere.

Edited by Poison_In_Your_Coffee, 28 December 2012 - 09:03 AM.

[Derock]

Yeah, I've read that. But I've definitely seen that the editors have a ridiculous amount of power over the author sometimes. There are some draconian editors who only cares about the profits and ratings. And there are some, like Hattori who is honest to their mangaka and works hard to let out their story's full potential without even thinking about the profits.

So if Kishi is stuck with a particularly draconian a**hole editor, then I wouldn't be surprised why NH happened. After all, Hinata has more marketable value than the rest of the characters. She's also currently the more popular character compared to Sakura as seen in the latest character poll. Also, I know that they focus on the Japanese audience, but I wouldn't put it past Kishi's editors to consider the international fans' opinion from SJ Alpha.

Very Untrue. Where do I see Hinata as a marketable value now? I don't see any clothing merchandise, toys, figurines and/or any other stuff about her up in center in the past up until now. The only thing is marketable is her "assets". Plus, I hardly doubt she's highly popular now just because of the recent poll. Yes, the editors can consider the international fans' opinion, but what does that stop Kishimoto to suddenly make Hinata appear more often when we're almost done with the series? He has to get her long, overdue development done, as so as the rest of Loads and Loads of characters in the list.

[Codus N]

Very Untrue. Where do I see Hinata as a marketable value now? I don't see any clothing merchandise, toys, figurines and/or any other stuff about her up in center in the past up until now. The only thing is marketable is her "assets". Plus, I hardly doubt she's highly popular now just because of the recent poll. Yes, the editors can consider the international fans' opinion, but what does that stop Kishimoto to suddenly make Hinata appear more often when we're almost done with the series? He has to get her long, overdue development done, as so as the rest of Loads and Loads of characters in the list.

What I'm saying is, she has much more character appeal than Sakura. The marketable value I'm talking about here is the ratings. IMO, from the looks of it, it would seem that Kishi's editors may have believed that NH becoming canon or having a big moment like this would up the ratings or rankings of the manga in the Jump questionnaires.

That, and the moe factor helps too, along with the anime.

[James S Cassidy]

Very Untrue. Where do I see Hinata as a marketable value now? I don't see any clothing merchandise, toys, figurines and/or any other stuff about her up in center in the past up until now. The only thing is marketable is her "assets". Plus, I hardly doubt she's highly popular now just because of the recent poll. Yes, the editors can consider the international fans' opinion, but what does that stop Kishimoto to suddenly make Hinata appear more often when we're almost done with the series? He has to get her long, overdue development done, as so as the rest of Loads and Loads of characters in the list.

9 times out of ten, I never see Hinata in advertising for Naruto. Sure she has plushies and stuff, but who doesn't? When ever there is a product of Naruto on the shelf it is either Naruto, Naruto and Sasuke, or Old team 7.

I got this Naruto bag at a reading convention and Hinata is not on it. Sakura is though. Also all the posters I have seen advertising Naruto never have Hinata in it. The only poster with Hinata on it was RtN, but she played a role in that movie so it is not surprising. Every where else...nothing.

I have no idea what it means, but I agree with Derock, Codus. To say Hinata has "marketing value" is not true. At least not from what I have seen. If she really did, she would be on stuff more often.

[Codus N]

Read my post above.

[Derock]

What I'm saying is, she has much more character appeal than Sakura. The marketable value I'm talking about here is the ratings. IMO, from the looks of it, it would seem that Kishi's editors may have believed that NH becoming canon or having a big moment like this would up the ratings or rankings of the manga in the Jump questionnaires.

That, and the moe factor helps too, along with the anime.

She may have the appeal but it doesn't change the fact that she will suddenly get "bumped" up near characters such as Iruka, who hasn't done anything at all, and others like Gaara, Itachi and Minato just because of her one "defining" moment here?! She's never near that category and she wouldn't be now in the Japanese eyes. Only one character recently should get the marketing value and that is Rock Lee because of his spin-offs for the smaller audiences.
.
It's a Hinata moment, NOT a NaruHina, which many of you need to understand. Also, her confession didn't do jack squat, it only gave a poll increase, no marketing value. Compare that to Sakura's confession, which I recently found out: that got praise from manga reviewers because it left questioning, discussion and not to mention drama for the story and the audiences.

And just because of that, this chapter, I forgot to mention, is only words! No action, and I mean fights for that term. Do I recall that a certain character needs to boost up by performing both at the same time?

[StriderC]

You know what is really funny?

Noone has said anything like:

"This was just a platonic sibling moment. Naruto sees Hinata as a friend."

or

"Hinata slapped Naruto? Wow, she is so abusive."

Because we're not petty fans. We know what good a slap or punch can do for Naruto.

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

yfw there will be a great NS moment



and the NH moment was just to boost SJ alpha that's is going to make a simultaneous release and they are in campaign to get more subscriptions.

About the rumours that kishi fired up his editors, i dont think so but the quality of kishi's drawing decreased.

Sakura told that they would fight together i'm expecting next chapters.

Edited by Dαrkrєrsŧ, 28 December 2012 - 09:18 AM.

[James S Cassidy]

Read my post above.

Already did, but my argument still applies.

If her being this moe character makes her more popular, why isn't she on more advertising space? I just looked at all my Naruto products and not one has Hinata on it. Well, that's not true she is on this SJ alpha book thing I just got, but as said it was for the RtN movie.

You would think if she was popular as you say she is among the American community, the advertisers would take advantage of that. At least that is what I was taught going through advertising classes. If you want to sell a product, appeal to the majority consensus. We even had to do research on what people find most appealing and exploit it to hook people into a product.

From Advertising alone, I would say Old Team 7 is the most popular selling market. Not trying to say you are wrong, but just saying that going by advertising space is not an accurate depiction of "who is more popular?"

Edited by James S Cassidy, 28 December 2012 - 09:23 AM.