Not to belabor the point, but I really see this more as a shipping push than any resolution to Hinata's feelings from the Pain arc. If anything, this interaction would give her more reason to "love" Naruto than anything. The whole "I can tell it's Naruto by his eyes" and Naruto's saying "I can see it in your eyes, Hinata" — it's just too much to overlook. And Neji, that's so vague it could be anything. He could be interested in Hinata, or he could just as easily be understanding there is something more between Hinata and Naruto.
Question, Naruto said "You've alread saved me at least twice already." What? If by saving him he means making him go into the 8-tails...um.... So is making reference to actual events (that I just can't remember right now) or is he just being nice? I think he's probably stretching it a bit to be nice, but still, that's a little OOC of Naruto to do so. Social graces like that are not very common for him. (Although it could be argued that he has covered for other people's feelings before, but it's been for Sakura when Tazuna from the Wave country arc was asking where Sasuke was.)
Anyway, I'm bummed about not getting to see Sakura fight. Maybe next week. And I certainly don't think this chapter diminishes NS in any way. But this is one instance where I think the NH fans are justified in saying this supports their pairing. Naruto is speaking directly to her, in a very personal way, making physical remarks and referencing memories that only the two of them would share and understand entirely. I don't see anything as being resolved, in fact if Kishimoto were going to build on NH, then having them both talking about seeing something in each other's eyes is a helluva way to start.
Hate to be the dissenting voice. I see this as a bonafide NH moment, is all.
And actually, this may be a little bit of a plot reset button on Kishi's part. In one chapter he's introduced a new villain (apparently), and the pairing suspense has gotten a little more fuel. The stale battle just picked up, and NH-ers have been lured back into the fold. (NS-ers are here for the long haul!) After this one chapter, so much more interested has been renewed from all different members of the audience. Tons of people are going to be watching the upcoming chapters, who may have dropped off if they did not see anything that interested them (pairings, battle tactics, new villains, etc.).
edit:
Naruto got to hear what Hinata was feeling and he acknowledge her, all she wanted was to protect him (which she did with pain) and have him acknowledge her. Besides I really wanted Naruto to say something about it anyway, him doing this just gives Hinata peace of mind. It wasn't a love confession or him favoring Hinata or anything.
Good point, and I'm sure this is how it will play out. That Naruto is acknowledging her finally. Not jumping ship or anything, just to be clear! Most times I think NH are pulling the shipping stuff out of thin air. But this interaction definitely supports their cause in a way none of the others has before.
Edited by tricksie, 12 October 2011 - 06:40 PM.
This topic is locked
Things just got interesting...
How many times have we been in this kind of situation over the past years? This happens every time Naruto is seen sharing a panel with either Hinata or Sakura (or even both). Sooner or later, we'll get another NaruSaku interaction, then it'll be Hinata, then Sakura.... etc. etc.
