9679 replies to this topic

[KnS]

I feel that Sakura still has some internal conflict over Sauske. Not so much that she "loves" him, but more the question of how could she have had such strong feelings for someone like him. This is clear in 539 and 540 when she is asked the type of guy she likes. This doubt was created at the beginning in the bench scene, when Naruto inadvertantly creates the "man of her dreams scenario" in the guise of Sauske. This doubt is also shown in her confession to Naruto. When she states that "she has become one of them" referring to herself as one of the villiagers that recognize his accomplishments. There is nothing in her statement about a connection or understainding her. Oddly enough, Naruto has the same doubts stemming from the same question. If she has a deep love for Sauske, then how could those feelings now be directed at him? I don't think that he realizes that he created the "Sauske = soulmate" paradox in her mind. Fortunately this is the last wall to tear down for them both. Each of the major conflicts in the story has strengthened Sakura's outward emotional actions toward Naruto: blushing in the Zabuza fight, nearly quitting the Chunin exam,the smile after the fight wiith Gaara, the concern for Naruto after the retrieve Sauske mission, the resolve to get stronger after seeing Naruto's injuries, her impulsive actions when Naruto used the 4 tail cloak, the ramen feeding scene, the hug after saving the villiage (which she subconciously called for Naruto, not Sauske, to do), finally defending Naruto to Sauske and the loving smile. To me, each of these the reactions seems proportional to the significance of the event. I have to conclude that redeeming Sauske, reincarnating the 6 paths in some way, and saving the entire shinobi world will qualify for more than an intimate hug... Naruto will be more willing to accept a love revealed by Sakura's actions than her words at this point anyway. But before that, I still feel there has to be some sort of revelation that Naruto is in fact Sakura's soulmate. It may happen before the final battle with Sauske so that everything will be resolved afterword.

I firmly believe that Hinata won't die, but something will happen to free her from her fixation on Naruto. If you look back at her interactions with Naruto, they seem to demonstrate a similar type of unhealthy relationship to SasuSaku. She loves Naruto, but she can't interact naturally with him. When facing Tobi, she doesn't have confidence that Naruto can take care of himself. The same is true when she steps into the Pain fight, which inadvertently unleashes the 9 tails. Now she wants Naruto to stop moving forward and wait for her? Really, the healthiest event in the NaruHina relationship was her smile at the NaruSaku hug. She didn't get jealous and throw a tantrum. She seemed genuinely happy. Therefore, I can see several scenarios where she realizes that someone else(leaning toward Neji at this point because of some of his recent reactions to Hinata and creating one clan instead of the head and the branch) has feelings for her, and she sees the bond between Naruto and Sakura and helps to point it out more clearly. I think that Kishimoto likes most of his characters, even the villians. That's why they get flashbacks revealing their origins and how they came to be bad. For these reasons and her fan popularity, I can't see Hinata dying at this point. Kishimoto already had her nearly die against Pain, and that would be too repetitiious and counter productive storywise.

At the very least Naruto can't go against the example set by his mother and father (paralell soulmate scenario).
Plus, he can't go against his mother's final wishes. What Kushina requested will be done!!!

Thanks for the effort on this post. It's well said and reasoned. Let's hope it's prophetic, too.

[ramenanmitsu]

LOL pfft..... Okay yes. Theyre all saved to my computer.



But here's a site that gives every thing from small to large moments and ALL NS developmnent.

http://s36.photobuck.../NaruSakuManga/
hit view all albums (:

Oh my goodness! I skimmed the part two parts before and after the Pein invasion. The amount of love Naruto has for Sakura is amazing! I was nearly brought to Lee like tears. How can he bare to sacrifice that much for a woman and not expecting anything in return? Damn, the greatness of his character shines in the romance aspect as well. It really tore me apart seeing his sad and worried face whenever Sakura was crying. Sakura was sad about Sasuke defecting and joining Akatsuki, but Naruto was even more sad with the additional sadness of seeing Sakura cry. And yet he smiles for her. Awwwww. I cannot bare it any longer Kishi, please make Naruto the happiest character by the end of the series!

[Fenris]

Oh my goodness! I skimmed the part two parts before and after the Pein invasion. The amount of love Naruto has for Sakura is amazing! I was nearly brought to Lee like tears. How can he bare to sacrifice that much for a woman and not expecting anything in return? Damn, the greatness of his character shines in the romance aspect as well. It really tore me apart seeing his sad and worried face whenever Sakura was crying. Sakura was sad about Sasuke defecting and joining Akatsuki, but Naruto was even more sad with the additional sadness of seeing Sakura cry. And yet he smiles for her. Awwwww. I cannot bare it any longer Kishi, please make Naruto the happiest character by the end of the series!

I agree, and he was so quick to protect her too; and catch her when pushed <3

[T XD]

Oh my goodness! I skimmed the part two parts before and after the Pein invasion. The amount of love Naruto has for Sakura is amazing! I was nearly brought to Lee like tears. How can he bare to sacrifice that much for a woman and not expecting anything in return? Damn, the greatness of his character shines in the romance aspect as well. It really tore me apart seeing his sad and worried face whenever Sakura was crying. Sakura was sad about Sasuke defecting and joining Akatsuki, but Naruto was even more sad with the additional sadness of seeing Sakura cry. And yet he smiles for her. Awwwww. I cannot bare it any longer Kishi, please make Naruto the happiest character by the end of the series!

now, after seeing again from a long time all the proofs and evidences of naruto and sakura , i expect a more great ending for both of them XD. i think it's goin to be a blast

[Phantom_999]

Why are we discussing honorifics for indication of affection here? I thought it's pretty clear Sakura doesn't address Naruto with "kun" because she is just that close to him, and Japanese girls donn't use honorifics around guys they are completely relaxed with. Naruto only addresses her with "chan" because 1. he always called her Sakura-chan due to his crush since childhood, 2. they are not an offical couple YET so he still needs to come to terms with some aspects of their relationship maturely, which leads us to 3. he says it to show his childish side which is usually his mind set when he's not being the badass or brooding about Sasuke.

Edited by Phantom_999, 05 March 2012 - 03:33 AM.

[Shadow Wolf]

Why are we discussing honorifics for indication affection here? I thought it's pretty clear Sakura doesn't address Naruto with "kun" because she is just that close to him, and Japanese girls donn't use honorifics around guys they are completely relaxed with.

Well, I think I'm the one who has to answer this one, since I started the whole honorifics issue.

I was a bit doubtful at first since, if you remember, Sakura considered Naruto an annoying brat. Yet whenever she talked with him, she never used the term "-kun". It makes sense at first because not using these terms can also imply that you don't recognize nor care about someone.

However, as the series progressed, Sakura's thoughts about Naruto changed. He was no longer a brat, but someone who would do anything to protect his friends, who would never give up, and who would remain true to her. By this time, I asked myself: "Isn't it fair that Sakura begins addressing Naruto with the term "-kun"? That could show that she acknowledges him, right?

But she never did. She would keep calling him "Naruto". Even when screaming for his help (Pain arc), she would not use the term "-kun".

But when I read about honorifics and about how not using them could involve close friendship and also intimacy, I finally realized that there's a possibility that Sakura already sees Naruto as a soulmate despite not even realizing it.

So that's why I wanted to be sure about this by addressing the honorifics issue on this topic.

Naruto only addresses her with "chan" because 1. he always called her Sakura-chan due to his crush since childhood, 2. they are not an offical couple YET so he still needs to come to terms with some aspects of their relationship maturely, which leads us to 3. he says it to show his childish side which is usually his mind set when he's not being the badass or brooding about Sasuke.

Well, I guess I don't have to talk about this part, but I agree with you here.

[Phantom_999]

Well, I think I'm the one who has to answer this one, since I started the whole honorifics issue.

I was a bit doubtful at first since, if you remember, Sakura considered Naruto an annoying brat. Yet whenever she talked with him, she never used the term "-kun". It makes sense at first because not using these terms can also imply that you don't recognize nor care about someone.

However, as the series progressed, Sakura's thoughts about Naruto changed. He was no longer a brat, but someone who would do anything to protect his friends, who would never give up, and who would remain true to her. By this time, I asked myself: "Isn't it fair that Sakura begins addressing Naruto with the term "-kun"? That could show that she acknowledges him, right?

But she never did. She would keep calling him "Naruto". Even when screaming for his help (Pain arc), she would not use the term "-kun".

But when I read about honorifics and about how not using them could involve close friendship and also intimacy, I finally realized that there's a possibility that Sakura already sees Naruto as a soulmate despite not even realizing it.

So that's why I wanted to be sure about this by addressing the honorifics issue on this topic.



Well, I guess I don't have to talk about this part, but I agree with you here.

OH, okay. It's just that the topic has been discussed before so made no sense to me to bring it up again.

[Shadow Wolf]

OH, okay. It's just that the topic has been discussed before so made no sense to me to bring it up again.

Ah, then I apologize. I guess being a new guy can also be a problem sometimes.

[Phantom_999]

Oh no not at all. I was just telling my reasons. Nothing wrong with old topics being brought up by new members

[redragon88]

I wonder if what attracts most people to NaruSaku is because of wish fulfillment that come with the trope of Defrosting the Ice Queen. To elaborate on the bold term, it is a common story telling formula in many types of fiction in which the main character meets a potential love interest that couldn't care less about him at all but through his hard work in the story she slowly starts to look his way. While that goes on the layers of her heart start to melt away until she is finally open to him, therefore being officially defrosted.

I've heard the oldest example is the book "The Taming of the Shrew" by Shakespeare, but I'm not 100% sure. In Japan this kind of trope has been incorporated in their culture to what today is know as the Tsundere. They aren't exactly the same but I'm sure the tsundere came from that trope. Sakura has tsundere characteristics but I'm think she's more on the side of defrosting the ice queen seeing as how she's slowly opened up to Naruto thanks to his actions in the story. When you think about it Naruto is successful in getting affection from Sakura precisely because he isn't forcing himself on her romantically, instead he just wants to make sure she's happy. It's kind of ironic isn't is? But that's how the trope of Defrosting the Ice Queen works.

I think a good story makes you want to see the hero succeed at everything he does. When you read you go on a journey along side the hero and witness his determination to not give up and when he wins it gives you a great feeling of satisfaction seeing it happen. You see how the odds are so monumentally against him that it seems hopeless, so by overcoming those odds in the end makes the journey worthwhile. I believe Kishimoto is aiming for that with the character of Naruto in all aspect and I believe that, at least with Japan, the readers are rooting for Naruto's happiness as well.

I don't know were I heard that SasuSaku was the most popular pairing in Japan but I don't think I can take it seriously since: 1) I heard that the people that participate in those kind of polls are mostly female (which is not Naruto's demographic), and 2) I heard that it was in a same poll were KakaIru was on an even higher place (so I think people just put pairings on a whim).

On another subject, when it come to Hinata's popularity I think it's mostly based on how moe (which means cute in Japan) she is. That kind of appeal works miracles in Japan, something even Kishimoto apparently didn't anticipate for according to an interview. I think people over there like the idea of her liking Naruto since it makes her more adorable but not the actual pairing itself.

One last curiosity I had since I don't visit other Naruto forums besides this one: Are the SasuSaku fans that you encounter mostly male or female? I ask this because I have not idea what would make SasuSaku appealing for a guy, especially one who reads Naruto. I get how some guys are NaruHina fans because for the cute factor Hinata has but when it comes to SasuSaku I just don't see how. If it's mostly girls for SasuSaku then I totally understand because it represents a wish fulfillment that many girls have: taming the bad boy through the use of their love. I believe that what most SasuSaku fans desire to happen is that Sasuke see the light thanks to Sakura saying how much she loves him which won't happen since Sasuke's redemption depends on Naruto. But that kind of fantasy is a girl's dream come true and it happens in many stories directed for girls where the main character is a girl.

The problem is that Naruto is a manga mostly marketed at guys and with a guy as a main character. I'm not saying girls can't enjoy it, they definitely can, but for this story the interest of the guys take priority.

Damn this was a long post. I hope I can get some feedback from you guys. I'd appreciate it.

Edited by redragon88, 03 March 2012 - 09:25 PM.

[LegendaryArcanine42]

Ah, then I apologize. I guess being a new guy can also be a problem sometimes.

Welcome to the club, bro

[The Tax-Man]

One last curiosity I had since I don't visit other Naruto forums besides this one: Are the SasuSaku fans that you encounter mostly male or female? I ask this because I have not idea what would make SasuSaku appealing for a guy, especially one who reads Naruto. I get how some guys are NaruHina fans because for the cute factor Hinata has but when it comes to SasuSaku I just don't see how. If it's mostly girls for SasuSaku then I totally understand because it represents a wish fulfillment that many girls have: taming the bad boy through the use of their love. I believe that what most SasuSaku fans desire to happen is that Sasuke see the light thanks to Sakura saying how much she loves him which won't happen since Sasuke's redemption depends on Naruto. But that kind of fantasy is a girl's dream come true and it happens in many stories directed for girls where the main character is a girl.

I've seen tons of males. In fact, most female shippers of SS I know of are only so because they want Sakura out of the way for NH. On the other hand, most male shippers of NH I personally know are only so to get Naruto out of the way. With the few of my friends that ship SS, they usually started near the beginning of part 1. MANY guys that watch Naruto, especially those who started back in part 1, just adore Sasuke, him being the 'cool' guy. Then they saw Sakura obsessing over him and just started liking SS. When Naruto's feelings became painfully obvious, they went dual and shipped NH just to 'keep everyone happy'.

Edited by The Tax-Man, 04 March 2012 - 01:47 AM.

[LegendaryArcanine42]

I've seen tons of males. In fact, most female shippers of SS I know of are only so because they want Sakura out of the way for NH. On the other hand, most male shippers of NH I personally know are only so to get Naruto out of the way. With the few of my friends that ship SS, they usually started near the beginning of part 1. MANY guys that watch Naruto, especially those who started back in part 1, just adore Sasuke, him being the 'cool' guy. Then they saw Sakura obsessing over him and just started liking SS. When Naruto's feelings became painfully obvious, they went dual and shipped NH just to 'keep everyone happy'.

But conversely the same could be said for NaruSaku and SasuHina... That it could just be making everyone happy, because Naruto gets what he wants and Hinata gets the guy that every girl wanted (past tense guys)

Just an interesting point I wanted to point out in this Relationship Rhombus (y'know because Love Triangles are overrated...)

[redragon88]

I've seen tons of males. In fact, most female shippers of SS I know of are only so because they want Sakura out of the way for NH. On the other hand, most male shippers of NH I personally know are only so to get Naruto out of the way. With the few of my friends that ship SS, they usually started near the beginning of part 1. MANY guys that watch Naruto, especially those who started back in part 1, just adore Sasuke, him being the 'cool' guy. Then they saw Sakura obsessing over him and just started liking SS. When Naruto's feelings became painfully obvious, they went dual and shipped NH just to 'keep everyone happy'.

So the guys that you know who ship SasuSaku just do it because they think Sasuke is awesome and should get whatever good stuff comes his way, which includes the affection of Sakura. I guess I understand now why they would support SasuSaku, I don't agree with it but I understand it.

I really wish I could know someone in Japan who could honestly tell me which couple the people find better over there.

Edited by redragon88, 04 March 2012 - 03:11 AM.

[Darth Krypt]

I've seen tons of males. In fact, most female shippers of SS I know of are only so because they want Sakura out of the way for NH. On the other hand, most male shippers of NH I personally know are only so to get Naruto out of the way. With the few of my friends that ship SS, they usually started near the beginning of part 1. MANY guys that watch Naruto, especially those who started back in part 1, just adore Sasuke, him being the 'cool' guy. Then they saw Sakura obsessing over him and just started liking SS. When Naruto's feelings became painfully obvious, they went dual and shipped NH just to 'keep everyone happy'.

I think they're stuck in the past. I too liked Sasuke during part 1 and thought he was cool. And also Sakura was an ultra-b**ch. But what happened? Story progression. Now I think otherwise for both characters. It shouldn't be a good reason to ship SS. These guys should understand the story better.

[ramenanmitsu]

So the guys that you know who ship SasuSaku just do it because they think Sasuke is awesome and should get whatever good stuff comes his way, which includes the affection of Sakura.

Oh my god. This was exactly the reason why I used to ship SasuSaku before.

Now that you put my past thought in words I feel like a shallow person lol.

EDIT: About Japan, well I have at least 10 Japanese friends who read Naruto. They are all guys. We never talk about which pairing we like but whenever we talk about the ending of Naruto, we all reach a common consensus that Naruto is going to be Hokage, Sasuke is getting his redemption, and Naruto is getting Sakura. Sorry, this may not help the discussion we're having about Japanese pairing fan's preference since the guys around me don't really care about pairings. It's likely that my friends don't know that such a thing as "pairing fans" exist.

Edited by narunarunaru, 04 March 2012 - 05:53 AM.

[Soul]

Well, I won't blame them for shipping SasuSaku or Naruhina. When I first watched Naruto, I thought that Sakura hates Naruto by punching him and all stuff. I didn't really understand what does tsundere means.. And more reason that you guys already mentioned.

Edited by Zeref, 04 March 2012 - 02:04 PM.

[dokueki(venom)]

I always liked Sakura ever since the fist time I saw Naruto which was the Crescent Moon movie. Sadly i wasn't into Naruto from the beginning. If I was I think would of been shipping Naruhina and Sasusaku as well. Talk about great timing. I didn't real know what Tsundere was either. I wasn't into any anime before Naruto except DBZ. Me and my niece use to always talk about Naruto but not anymore. I think it was our difference in pairings cause she always ships Naruhina and I of course ship Narusaku. I don't think she cared too much for Sasuke or Sakura to consider them a pairing. Now for me if Sasuke does get redeemed I really can't pair him of with anyone. He lets Karin almost experience death and he almost killed Sakura. I am pretty sure Ino as well is almost over him. I only have one person for him but it might be crack and that is Tamaki because of the bond her and her grandmother have with the Uchiha Clan. Talking about Sasuke on a Narusaku Debate Thread. Now back to Narusaku. ... Damn! I can only give reason why I like Narusaku but I can't make a valid argument. I must be the worst Narusaku fan ever. The other thing being that I probably just be bringing up stuff someone else already said. I know people hate subjects repeated. How did I get to writing this? It just came out. WOW!

[Phantom_999]

Oh my god. This was exactly the reason why I used to ship SasuSaku before.

Now that you put my past thought in words I feel like a shallow person lol.

EDIT: About Japan, well I have at least 10 Japanese friends who read Naruto. They are all guys. We never talk about which pairing we like but whenever we talk about the ending of Naruto, we all reach a common consensus that Naruto is going to be Hokage, Sasuke is getting his redemption, and Naruto is getting Sakura. Sorry, this may not help the discussion we're having about Japanese pairing fan's preference since the guys around me don't really care about pairings. It's likely that my friends don't know that such a thing as "pairing fans" exist.

Nope You proved that neutral people see NS happening and that SS and NH pairings that defend their shipping till sunk are just in denial

Well, I won't blame them for shipping SasuSaku or Naruhina. When I first watched Naruto, I thought that Sakura hates Naruto by punching him and all stuff. I didn't really understand what does tsundere means.. And more reason that you guys already mentioned.

I always liked Sakura ever since the fist time I saw Naruto which was the Crescent Moon movie. Sadly i wasn't into Naruto from the beginning. If I was I think would of been shipping Naruhina and Sasusaku as well. Talk about great timing. I didn't real know what Tsundere was either. I wasn't into any anime before Naruto except DBZ. Me and my niece use to always talk about Naruto but not anymore. I think it was our difference in pairings cause she always ships Naruhina and I of course ship Narusaku. I don't think she cared too much for Sasuke or Sakura to consider them a pairing. Now for me if Sasuke does get redeemed I really can't pair him of with anyone. He lets Karin almost experience death and he almost killed Sakura. I am pretty sure Ino as well is almost over him. I only have one person for him but it might be crack and that is Tamaki because of the bond her and her grandmother have with the Uchiha Clan. Talking about Sasuke on a Narusaku Debate Thread. Now back to Narusaku. ... Damn! I can only give reason why I like Narusaku but I can't make a valid argument. I must be the worst Narusaku fan ever. The other thing being that I probably just be bringing up stuff someone else already said. I know people hate subjects repeated. How did I get to writing this? It just came out. WOW!

You can like NS for any reason you like just NH or SS fans can like NaruHina or SasuSaku for their own reasons. WE just like to argue why they are unlikey to happen compared to NS.

[CloudMountainJuror]

I always liked Sakura ever since the fist time I saw Naruto which was the Crescent Moon movie. Sadly i wasn't into Naruto from the beginning. If I was I think would of been shipping Naruhina and Sasusaku as well. Talk about great timing. I didn't real know what Tsundere was either. I wasn't into any anime before Naruto except DBZ. Me and my niece use to always talk about Naruto but not anymore. I think it was our difference in pairings cause she always ships Naruhina and I of course ship Narusaku. I don't think she cared too much for Sasuke or Sakura to consider them a pairing. Now for me if Sasuke does get redeemed I really can't pair him of with anyone. He lets Karin almost experience death and he almost killed Sakura. I am pretty sure Ino as well is almost over him. I only have one person for him but it might be crack and that is Tamaki because of the bond her and her grandmother have with the Uchiha Clan. Talking about Sasuke on a Narusaku Debate Thread. Now back to Narusaku. ... Damn! I can only give reason why I like Narusaku but I can't make a valid argument. I must be the worst Narusaku fan ever. The other thing being that I probably just be bringing up stuff someone else already said. I know people hate subjects repeated. How did I get to writing this? It just came out. WOW!

If you want to be able to make a valid argument, just look back in this thread and read. Trust me. One is able to make valid arguments for NaruSaku much easier than SasuSaku or NaruHina because there's so much more manga support/evidence for it.