Argh! Multiple trains of thought!
Anyway, I have to be truthful here and say that while I'm unsure if its supposed to mean that Sakura's ashamed of loving Sasuke (it could just as easily be argued that she is saddened/distressed that Sasuke, the guy she likes, isn't a goody goody right now), I think the chapter did specify that she has a romantic attachment for the guy. The suki was used in a present tense by that fodder dude and Sakura herself (back in chapter 539).
At any rate, I just can't jump on the "Its bad for SS" train right now. While the scene made Sasuke out to be a bad guy (which he is at the moment) it did not denounce Sakura's feelings for him, but clarified it. I would have been more assured if Naruto was shown in her thoughts as well, then it just being about Sasuke point blank when Sakura's asked about the guy she's currently in love with.
I agree that there's no definite way to interpret these scenes. It's what makes being part of a shipping fandom so exasperating sometimes. However, the point I generally focus on is that, if we take 540 as a stand-alone scene, all it tells us is that Kishi is being painfully redundant. Sakura having feelings for Sasuke has already been established. I can't speak for everyone here, but I generally assume that the unrequited sides haven't changed until blatantly or explicity stated otherwise (I think it's obvious Sakura's feelings for Naruto have progressed past friendship, but not in a way that openly conflicts with her feelings for Sasuke). Now, if you look at that chapter again, that nameless love letter nin was basically introduced for the sole purpose of bringing Sakura's feelings back into the main focus of the plot. It's possible that his entire character was created for the sole purpose of pointing out a previously established side of the love triangle, but that doesn't really strike me as Kishi's style. He's pretty expositional with the romantic subplot, sure, but not redundantly so, at least IMO.
In any case, I don't like to call that scene S/S or anti-S/S, since I don't believe it's a stand-alone scene. However, I think it's important to read the scene in a broad context, instead of the chapter-by-chapter context a lot of fans seem to prefer (especially when reading the manga on a weekly basis). And if you look at all the previous development, foreshadowing, and pretty obvious hints ("Don't marry a weird one?" LOL), that scene in 540 is really nothing to get worked up over. All it really tells me is that Kishi is just taking his sweet time in resolving things. But hey, at the very least, Sakura doesn't seem to proud of her feelings for Sasuke, so I suppose it wasn't a total loss for us.
What do you think Sakura was going to say when she is speaking to the group about her plans to confront Naruto about Sasuke's death warrant? The panel leaves off with her saying to them "And one last thing...." What on earth could she have been talking about? It couldn't have been the confession, because they were all surprised. So what could it have been? (I can't remember what chapter it's from. I've searched and can't find it, and now I'm out of time. If anyone knows please post it. The last line might be a bit different than I remember.)
And Naruto says to Sakura on top of the hospital building to never interfere with their fight again. It's such a strange, strong statement. And it doesn't seem to be entirely out of concern for her wellbeing. Almost like a threat. Do you think it's foreshadowing of another showdown, where there's the possibility Sakura does interfere and gets seriously injured? (And remember Hinata.... What if Kishimoto takes it up a notch, shows Sakura being killed (the appearance of it) and Naruto loosing control?) So do you think the statement is foreshadowing or not?
I can't remember the first scene all that well, I might have to look that up later. If I had to guess, though, it would have to do with Sakura killing Sasuke by herself. We saw that she was still building up the resolve to kill him en route to Iron Country, so I don't think she was fully prepared to do it at that point. Maybe she was going to tell the K-11 to stay out of her fight with Sasuke, only to realize while she was asking it that they would refuse? But, I suppose I'll need to look at the scene again to understand the context.
As for the second one, I remember thinking he was being really harsh at that point. Looking back, I sort of wished he comforted her or something, like he did at their ramen "date" right afterwards. I think, though, he acted the way he did simply due to how strong his desire to prove himself to Sasuke is. That goal of his was so strong, he didn't mind being a little harsh to Sakura. I guess it's another example of how his bond with Sasuke seems to overshadow everything, and everyone, else in the story.
I think it would be very interesting if it was foreshadowing though. I'm not sure about Naruto losing control again, but I guess I could see Sakura trying to get involved the next time the two fight.
Edited by Boom...Winning, 04 January 2012 - 01:17 AM.
This topic is locked
I was starting to forget about 540 and it's brought up again! WHATEVER it was I was still distressed by it so can we just drop the subject please? why you ask? because it just threw any positive or improving concept of Sakura in the blender! You know what some fans are saying? that she's a lying B**** that feels nothing for Naruto and and does not deserve him, so she should just go die with her beloved SASUKE-KUN and whatnot. Lets just leave that as it is and discuss something else, I beg all of you. 
