234 replies to this topic

[Zin]

This is a reflection of how Naruto views his friends. And actually I do see Kishimoto showing Naruto has indeed come to at least some belief that Sakura has romantic feelings for him- take a close look, she's looking at him with a light blush and her hand is clutched over her heart. It's not the fangirl adoration of Sasuke he was picturing in in his mind in 474. instead it is like how we've seen Sakura look at Naruto when she's flirted with him, and when she made her confession. Sakura is also the only one looking directly at Naruto, and their heads overlap with Naruto and Sakura being nearly eye to eye- more subtle symbolism....

Hinata is a friend but basically still a girl strange to him. Her confession didn't change how Naruto felt about her. Thus she is shadowed smaller and turned away from him with a inward thinking look- like you said as well it also symbolizes what we saw a hint of at the post go after Sasuke mission discussion. Hinata, her confession being said, now seems to be drawing away from Naruto. Sakura, on the other hand is drawing even closer to Naruto since she made her confession.

I knew it wouldn't be addressed directly until Naruto and Sakura have their next interaction- that's just the way Kishimoto develops Naruto and Sakura's romance, especially on Naruto's side. Sakura, on the other hand has had several developments in her romantic feelings toward Naruto when they weren't directly interacting (along with ones where they were of course) That's why I wondered if Tsunade would send Sakura to the island to check up on things... It all depends on how fast he wants to basically take Naruto and Sakura to the final step of becoming an official couple.

Naruto though, may return to Konoha soon- now that it's clear the island is not secure, and the training Naruto needed to do on the island is completed.

I can't help but feel that people seeing too much out of that picture is just a little biased...I saw it too but I simply wrote it off as unimportant because it's obviously not a concrete fact. It's best to just see it as just a picture without any hidden meaning...I agree with the points you made as to IF it had a hidden meaning but it shouldn't be used as a fact to debate the likeliness of NaruSaku, in my honest opinion.

If NaruSaku happens it'll likely be at the very end and I won't hold my breath until the next NaruSaku interaction...I'd suffocate long before we got there...
<Kishi

That's exactly how I feel about it too... I understand he is afraid to give too much to any pairing, but at the same time he recently had these huge pairing moments. If he wasn't ready, he should have never written either of the confessions. All he did was leave them both hanging, unanswered, becoming more and more stale over time.

But anyways...Kushina's comment probably meant very little anyways. Sakura would have gotten her blessing either way.

Considering that both confessions can be written off for a few reasons I don't think they mattered much to Kishi, since they can be interpreted differently depending on how you look at them. Hinata's confession was purely one sided so it's almost completely irrelevant, and Sakura's confession appeared disingenuous for a multitude of different reasons. Part of me can't help but wonder if Kishi was simply using them to test the waters as to how the fanbase would react...

I'd have to agree with you about Kushina approving of Sakura.

Edited by Zin, 05 August 2010 - 03:29 AM.

[shadow_Uzumaki]

Honestly, I just think that the reason there IS a Rikudo Sage-like cloak is because the Biju did come from the separation of the ten-tailed beast from within the Rikudo Sage's body..... It's possible that the Kyuubi is still somewhat linked to the Rikudo Sage and the cloak is a visual proof....Still, the fact that Bee isn't shown with the same cloak kinda debunks this theory.... Oh well

[Zin]

Honestly, I just think that the reason there IS a Rikudo Sage-like cloak is because the Biju did come from the separation of the ten-tailed beast from within the Rikudo Sage's body..... It's possible that the Kyuubi is still somewhat linked to the Rikudo Sage and the cloak is a visual proof....Still, the fact that Bee isn't shown with the same cloak kinda debunks this theory.... Oh well

Well, the Kyuubi IS the strongest tailed beast. So I suppose he has the largest portion of the Juubi which in turn would have the largest connection to the Rikudo...

[Codus N]

Naruto though, may return to Konoha soon- now that it's clear the island is not secure, and the training Naruto needed to do on the island is completed.

Actually, it's shown that Naruto still hasn't completely controlled it properly so he needs to stay a little while longer. But, if Kisame manages to get away, it would mean that Naruto would be called back for stand by position. However, if Kisame dies without telling them the reason why they're both on the island, Naruto will continue his training. If he tells them, Naruto would try & escape along with Bee.

[chouzu_tao]

Nice chappy, whether there was shipping implications is open for debate... or flaming, I guess. Until I see the actual manga in hand the composition and shading of people who are important to him is also up in the air. But if the scan is true, I'd buy that it was done to show importance of people to him. I do believe that Shikamaru is one of his best friends. I didn't get into the manga until Naruto was going of to chase Sasuke in the anime, so I don't know if all the flashbacks of him Shikamaru, and Chouji, getting into trouble are canon, but it's always felt like he was close to Shikamaru as a friend. Anyway, I'm mostly excited about Gai, I already knew Naruto was going to be badass, I'm glad that Kisame won't automatically meet his end at Naruto's hands. Gai for the win!

I'm thinking we'll check in on Sasuke's power up soon too... just to cast some doubts on Naruto being able to defeat him for dramatic effect.

[Evil Potato]

Sweet chapter, I just noticed that Naruto now has chakra horns lol.

[ciardha]

I can't help but feel that people seeing too much out of that picture is just a little biased...I saw it too but I simply wrote it off as unimportant because it's obviously not a concrete fact. It's best to just see it as just a picture without any hidden meaning...I agree with the points you made as to IF it had a hidden meaning but it shouldn't be used as a fact to debate the likeliness of NaruSaku, in my honest opinion.

If NaruSaku happens it'll likely be at the very end and I won't hold my breath until the next NaruSaku interaction...I'd suffocate long before we got there...
<Kishi

If you want to torture yourself that way go right ahead, but what I said is there. If you've read enough manga like I have it was obvious in chapter 3 that Kishimoto was going to have Sakura fall in love with Naruto (and she has, even Naruto is at least somewhat believes that now) and they would end up together. Kishimoto has used subtle symbolism all along to foreshadow an overt scene, and not just with Naruto and Sakura's romance.

Remember the multiple subtle symbolism to the Fourth Hokage and Naruto biological relationship in part 1 and part 2 before it was revealed for certain? I recall the same level of absolute denial of the meaning of this symbolism from some readers clear up to the chapter where Tsunade and Jiraiya name Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage as Naruto's father. Ignoring the parallels and overt visual hints about Kishimoto's development of narusaku, the fierce insistence that Sakura was lying about her love for Naruto- in spite of Kishimoto himself even stating she was telling the truth- just makes me wonder why would you torture yourself, when the proof is right there in the manga. No wonder you think he's trolling, is a terrible writer, etc... Kishimoto loves subtle symbolism and parallels and employs both a lot, missing that means missing a great deal of his story-writing details. I love writers who use that a lot, along with lots of time devoted to the characters psyches (something else Kishimoto does a lot).

Edited by ciardha, 05 August 2010 - 04:26 AM.

[Michi]

Good God, what is wrong with you guys? You see shipping everywhere, no matter if it makes sense or not! There weren't any hints in this chapter! You all complain about the Naruto/Hinata fans making up reasons for their pairing being canon, but it's okay when Naruto/Sakura fans do it?!

You're kidding right?

We are not celebrating anything...(or that's what I think :/)

We are just taking the hints of narusaku of actually happening. (& we don't make up weird signs as other people)

Also, atleast we don't exaggerate as other people do.

BTW awesome chapter!

Edited by Puni~Chan(:, 05 August 2010 - 04:39 AM.

[dokueki(venom)]

The chapter is good. Like I said I think he has Sakura on his mind she just ain't the main focus at the moment. Guy vs Kisame round 3 and hopefully the final round in this fight. Naruto= Sage of Six Paths>Madera Uchiha. I reply more tomorrow.

[catsi563]

If you want to torture yourself that way go right ahead, but what I said is there. If you've read enough manga like I have it was obvious in chapter 3 that Kishimoto was going to have Sakura fall in love with Naruto (and she has, even Naruto is at least somewhat believes that now) and they would end up together. Kishimoto has used subtle symbolism all along to foreshadow an overt scene, and not just with Naruto and Sakura's romance.

Remember the multiple subtle symbolism to the Fourth Hokage and Naruto biological relationship in part 1 and part 2 before it was revealed for certain? I recall the same level of absolute denial of the meaning of this symbolism from some readers clear up to the chapter where Tsunade and Jiraiya name Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage as Naruto's father. Ignoring the parallels and overt visual hints about Kishimoto's development of narusaku, the fierce insistence that Sakura was lying about her love for Naruto- in spite of Kishimoto himself even stating she was telling the truth- just makes me wonder why would you torture yourself, when the proof is right there in the manga. No wonder you think he's trolling, is a terrible writer, etc... Kishimoto loves subtle symbolism and parallels and employs both a lot, missing that means missing a great deal of his story-writing details. I love writers who use that a lot, along with lots of time devoted to the characters psyches (something else Kishimoto does a lot).

Absolutley Sister. The Authors intent was clear virtually from the moment Sakura was introduced much less from the bench scene.

kishimoto sensei has used a lot of subtle foreshadowing, and hints to lay the framework for the story. Hes actually been very good at interconnectivity with his plotlines and relationships.

The proof as they say is in the pudding or in this case in the picture.

[Toasty Warrior]

Finally got to read the chapter and I gotta say one thing: Naruto has officially become a badass, wait... no, he's become even more badass now!

[Zin]

If you want to torture yourself that way go right ahead, but what I said is there. If you've read enough manga like I have it was obvious in chapter 3 that Kishimoto was going to have Sakura fall in love with Naruto (and she has, even Naruto is at least somewhat believes that now) and they would end up together. Kishimoto has used subtle symbolism all along to foreshadow an overt scene, and not just with Naruto and Sakura's romance.

Remember the multiple subtle symbolism to the Fourth Hokage and Naruto biological relationship in part 1 and part 2 before it was revealed for certain? I recall the same level of absolute denial of the meaning of this symbolism from some readers clear up to the chapter where Tsunade and Jiraiya name Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage as Naruto's father. Ignoring the parallels and overt visual hints about Kishimoto's development of narusaku, the fierce insistence that Sakura was lying about her love for Naruto- in spite of Kishimoto himself even stating she was telling the truth- just makes me wonder why would you torture yourself, when the proof is right there in the manga. No wonder you think he's trolling, is a terrible writer, etc... Kishimoto loves subtle symbolism and parallels and employs both a lot, missing that means missing a great deal of his story-writing details. I love writers who use that a lot, along with lots of time devoted to the characters psyches (something else Kishimoto does a lot).

I think you're confusing me with another type of person altogether...you act like I'm completely dismissing the possibility of the picture meaning more, when I'm simply suggesting that it shouldn't be used in a debate. I meant it was unimportant in the sense that it isn't concrete enough to use as a fact when debating the likeliness of NaruSaku with someone. I'm not torturing myself because I already know that if a pairing happens it'll likely be NaruSaku and even if Kishi doesn't make it completely canon there's plenty of facts already to know what he is suggesting. And for the record, I had assumed it would be NaruSaku and that Minato was Naruto's father from the beginning as well...(or rather chapter 3 for NaruSaku but yea...semantics...) Main male protagonist usually ends up with the main female protagonist end of story. It's logical.

I never said that Sakura was lying about loving Naruto, what I was saying was that she was lying about other things DURING her confession that made her confession of love seem disingenuous as well.

I didn't say he was trolling or that he is a terrible writer. Why would I even read "Naruto" if that was the case ?(Naruto is the only thing I'm willing to read even...Everything else just has such boring characters in it...) I was referring to his indecisiveness in regards to actually going through with making NaruSaku canon completely and that eventually his writing(in regards to romance)was going to grow stale. As for trolling, when I said "testing the waters" I was referring to the positive/negative feedback going around after said confessions. As in trying to figure out how badly it would effect the reputation of his manga if he made a canon pairing ? I didn't mean he was merely doing it to incite things...(the annoy emoticon was a joke...)

[TheBugNinja]

Why does anybody even pay attention to the romantic pairings anymore? Exactly what since the very early chapters of part 1 has led anybody to believe any of these ninjas are seriously interested in each other?

If you started reading Naruto at Shippuden, Naruto hasn't been seriously interested in any females. He thinks about Sasuke much, much more than Sakura. Likewise, Sakura has shown little outside of normal affection towards a close teammate, and the only time she's gone past that was when she lied to Naruto in an attempt to manipulate him, and then she followed that up by lying to Sasuke in order to get close enough to take him out. Sasuke meanwhile, seems about as romantically in interested in women as Andy kitten. So far he's tried to murder both of the girls that have had a crush on him, and has given absolutely no inclination that he has any interest in women at all.

As sad as it sounds, the only younger nin in this entire series who is open and honest with her own feelings is Hinata, who seems destined to be the one character who has zero chance of winding up with anybody.

If you had started reading Naruto after the time jump, has Kishi given the reader any serious, legit interpersonal connection aside from the one Naruto has with Sasuke?

I'm not saying that it's silly to believe in NaruSaku or any other pairing. What I am saying is, either Kishi has taken a step back and decided that he doesn't want to address the fading romantic aspect of Naruto, or he's planning to do it far off into the future, ala Ruroni Kenshin. He's had ample opportunity to throw all the NaruSaku fans a bone to advance the pairing over the last year, and he hasn't done it.

It's gotten really, really bad when we're waiting for Naruto to give us an indication that he's in love with Sakura-the girl he was hopelessly crushing on in chapter three. This is how much Kishi has sucked any and all romance out of this story. Can anybody else imagine eleven years after this series started that people would be pining for Naruto to give some indication that he loves Sakura, of all people? Talk about regression.

Edited by TheBugNinja, 05 August 2010 - 06:52 AM.

[ciardha]

I think you're confusing me with another type of person altogether...you act like I'm completely dismissing the possibility of the picture meaning more, when I'm simply suggesting that it shouldn't be used in a debate. I meant it was unimportant in the sense that it isn't concrete enough to use as a fact when debating the likeliness of NaruSaku with someone.

Not when bundled with all the other bits, it's just another step- One important thing it does show a change in how Naruto sees Sakura- now aware and believing she has at least some real romantic feelings for him. (and as well that they see almost "eye to eye" on things, closer than everyone else) Now if you want me to stretch it a bit I'll tell you what it reminds me of that Kishimoto recently drew- that panel where a lightly blushing and smiling young Kushina is leaning over a smiling young Minato's shoulder and they are nearly eye to eye... (only a slight stretching there- she and Minato were an official couple already, where Naruto and Sakura just have to make that last step, and at this point, especially with the strong parallels with Minato and Kushina, it probably is just one more step. He loves her, she loves him, she knows he loves her, he knows she loves him- to some degree at least, what's left to make them an official couple- just a minor step now.)

Oh, it wasn't just a response to your post, yours was just the most comprehensive, so I chose yours- you made most of the same points even if not from quite the same POV.

[Insurrection]

Oh, it wasn't just a response to your post, yours was just the most comprehensive, so I chose yours- you made most of the same points even if not from quite the same POV.

Can we all get back on the chapter now? Like Kisame v Guy Round 2? PLEASE!!!

Edited by Insurrection, 05 August 2010 - 08:26 AM.

[Zin]

Not when bundled with all the other bits, it's just another step- One important thing it does show a change in how Naruto sees Sakura- now aware and believing she has at least some real romantic feelings for him. (and as well that they see almost "eye to eye" on things, closer than everyone else) Now if you want me to stretch it a bit I'll tell you what it reminds me of that Kishimoto recently drew- that panel where a lightly blushing and smiling young Kushina is leaning over a smiling young Minato's shoulder and they are nearly eye to eye... (only a slight stretching there- she and Minato were an official couple already, where Naruto and Sakura just have to make that last step, and at this point, especially with the strong parallels with Minato and Kushina, it probably is just one more step. He loves her, she loves him, she knows he loves her, he knows she loves him- to some degree at least, what's left to make them an official couple- just a minor step now.)

Oh, it wasn't just a response to your post, yours was just the most comprehensive, so I chose yours- you made most of the same points even if not from quite the same POV.

I don't particularly disagree here. But as a whole in regards to all of the hints and such as to NaruSaku I don't consider it much of a point. There are other instances that showed Naruto's opinion more clearly than that.

[TheBugNinja]

@Bug, nevermind okay you're saying he's stalling. Yeah, I can see that, but still saying what's the point in a pairing to a pairing site is kind of silly. Also chapter 457.

I'm not asking what the point is in a pairing. I'm asking what the point of looking for them is when this is a series that is very clearly (as of now) devoid of any pairings at all. We're having to look for the smallest, inconsequential things as hints because there's nothing real to go on. Naruto could step on a flower in the next chapter and someone somehow would find some deeper meaning in that.

Edited by TheBugNinja, 05 August 2010 - 07:09 AM.

[Zin]

I'm not asking what the point is in a pairing. I'm asking what the point of looking for them is when this is a series that is very clearly (as of now) devoid of any pairings at all. We're having to look for the smallest, inconsequential things as hints because there's nothing real to go on.

I'm bored ? That's as good a reason as any right ? Why watch tv or play video games ? Why read books ? Why read "Naruto" ? Easiest answer ? It keeps us occupied or even entertained. It's no more absurd to look at the details of the relationships of Naruto than it is anything else that we do to entertain ourselves in life...It's more entertaining to debate the relationships of Naruto in a group than alone though.

[MangaReader]

Finally got to read the chapter and I gotta say one thing: Naruto has officially become a badass, wait... no, he's become even more badass now!

Glad you caught your mistake , any who, I think this is just the beginning, more epicness and Naruto power ups are bound to happen

[TheBugNinja]

I'm bored ? That's as good a reason as any right ? Why watch tv or play video games ? Why read books ? Why read "Naruto" ? Easiest answer ? It keeps us occupied or even entertained. It's no more absurd to look at the details of the relationships of Naruto than it is anything else that we do to entertain ourselves in life...It's more entertaining to debate the relationships of Naruto in a group than alone though.

Yeah, except in this case you're discussing something that currently does not exist. If I pop in Gears of War, I don't pretend I'm playing Final Fantasy.