54216 replies to this topic

[redragon88]

Well, off to write Sakura appreciation post. Before I go, here's one question:

After going back to anime (me), I realized the studio really likes to add more or emphasis more on the most likely endgame pairing. Note: I say most likely because it's up to the author to actually close the deal or make it like "Well they definitely best candidate but I won't close." That said would you say that the anime increased your liking for NS or any other pairings in general? Why?

 

I think I would've liked NS just the same if I had only read the manga. But I do like how the anime sometimes teases about the closeness between Naruto and Sakura. I think Pierrot enjoys making us wonder whether Naruto and Sakura will finally get together.

 

I think the only instance that left me with a WTF expression was that ending where Naruto and Sasuke fight while Sakura and Hinata wait. While I do understand that it's just to illustrate how they're the girls with the unrequited crushes it rubbed me the wrong way because Pierrot made them look as if they were their fated lovers waiting for the guys to return.

 

At least they balanced the scales and gave us an NS scene in the very next ending (which aired when Road to Ninja came out). Not to mention there's that filler episode from months back where Sakura said she used to love Sasuke, that seriously made me burst out laughing. And a little before that there's that filler interview where reporters ask Sakura about the man she likes in the moment, so if Sasuke is the one she used to like then who's the one she likes now?

 

So either Pierrot wrote themselves into a corner or they are more aware of Sakura's feelings than we are.

Edited by redragon88, 18 October 2013 - 11:23 PM.

[Tokura Misaki]

:)

  I want to see this all the time....

 

 

Naruto will do, at least every night

 

I know what you guys thinking. 

 

 

Fixed it:

 

Spoiler

 

That's better.   The other one makes me disagree.

Edited by sakutonaru, 18 October 2013 - 11:32 PM.

[Luna]

 

I think I would've liked NS just the same if I had only read the manga. But I do like how the anime sometimes teases about the closeness between Naruto and Sakura. I think Pierrot enjoys making us wonder whether Naruto and Sakura will finally get together.

 

I think the only instance that left me with a WTF expression was that ending where Naruto and Sasuke fight while Sakura and Hinata wait. While I do understand that it's just to illustrate how they're the girls with the unrequited crushes it rubbed me the wrong way because Pierrot made them look as if they were their fated lovers waiting for the guys to return.

 

At least they balanced the scales and gave us an NS scene in the very next ending (which aired when Road to Ninja came out). Not to mention there's that filler episode from months back where Sakura said she used to love Sasuke, that seriously made me burst out laughing. And a little before that there's that filler interview where reporters ask Sakura about the man she likes in the moment, so if Sasuke is the one she used to like then who's the one she likes now?

 

So either Pierrot wrote themselves into a corner or they are more aware of Sakura's feelings than we are.

I think the studio already knows who will be the end pairing though. But I think it's their job to keep us on our toes and keep the suspense up.

[morgaine4]

*shrugs* It was addressing an argument against NaruSaku, not so much the proponents of the argument (though admittedly I did touch on that a bit).  It was just something I wanted to write about since I've seen that particular argument tossed around with regularity since I became invovled with the online fandom, and it really bothered me.

 

The above quotes pretty much just all say, "NS is never gonna happen, NH and SS will."  To which I would simply direct them to Selxtrem's build up thread, and some notable tumblr blogs.

 

Sakura, as others have said, seems like a much more realisitc character than many other heroines.  I think most heorines are a lot more idylic or aspirational characters than Sakura is.  Most 12 year girls with the type of childhood Sakura had would act in the manner that Sakura did in part one.  Except that not many would be willing to recognize and examine their faults and actively work to fix them as Sakura eventually did.  She hasn't succeeded entirely, but she's made massive growth overall, and she continues to keep trying to improve herself.

 

As for NaruSaku itself, again, it's really hard to pinpoint what it is about it thats so unique, but I would have to go wth the gradual development.  I like that Naruto's crush started out as something more juvenile and immature than what it grew into by the end of series (and even then it wasn't shallow).  I like that we got to see Naruto and Sakura's friendship develop on panel gradually alongside Naruto's maturing romantic feelings.  I like that it wasn't until part two that we saw any signs of romantic interest from Sakura towards Naruto.  Regardless of whether they become canon or not (even though I think they most likely will), I will still adore the strong and close relationship they've grown over the course of story, and just how far they've grown together from where they began.

 

I really loved reading all the responses to morgaine's question, unfortunately I ran out of likes to give.  Thanks for bringing some much needed positivity to the thread!

 

Thank for answering!  =D  All the responses are helping me to gain a better understanding of some of the opinions/claims within the Naruto fandom, very educational!

[TouKen4Life3g]

Here's my appreciation for Sakura. Enjoy.

 

http://sparda3g.tumb...ra-appreciation

[Luna]

Here's my appreciation for Sakura. Enjoy.

 

http://sparda3g.tumb...a-appreciationh

Very Nice.  I agree with everything said.

[DattebayoXShannaro]

Thank you Baka chan, for the answer!  I don't know if your attachment to Sakura is silly, if it is so is mine.  I feel the same way about her.  I love that she's not from a prominent clan, that she's not a princess of any sort, that everything she's become is she has through her own determination, her intelligence and memorization skills, and her drive.  She's amazing, and I've said this before and I'll say it over and over again, seeing how far she's come (from the skill-free kunoichi to one of the top medics), I just feel like I'm in awe of her...and when I remember what Tsunade had to work with, and how well Tsunade taught her, it really seems to me that not only is Tsunade under-estimated, but that she's probably the most effective teacher.  I'm so team Saku-Shiz-Tsunade it hurts.

 

About NS, that's really interesting about the slow-build, and it really doesn't surprise me that that's something that makes the couple unique (based on complaints I see from anti and pro NSers alike).  It's always surprised me that the slow build is so often criticized, because I would think that in any sort of long-running, serial fiction such snail paced build up would actually be a good thing.

 

Slow builds are truly a well received element in a story.  Reading your post, I'm reminded of a manga Needless that didn't have a slow build up for a couple, but character development.  It's similar to Sakura's in some ways.  The main character is a boy named Cruz.  The world he comes from is a desolate wasteland in Japan that was caused by a nuking.  The area is surrounded by a futuristic city, basically abandoned by the world.  In this area, people with extraordinary abilities appear, called Needless, hence the title.  Cruz isn't a needless, but an ordinary human.  He's constantly surrounded by these special people.  As such, he has confidence issues.  He's humble, but too humble to the point he puts himself down alot.  This land has one unsaid rule:  "the survivial of the fittest", in other words, there are no rules.  As you imagine such a place is dangerous, especially when city corporation takes up business in there, and plans to take over the whole area.

 

Cruz was a part of a resistance, including his sister, who is a needless.  In an attempt to perform a surprise attack on the company's leader, it turns out they were set up by a traitor within the group and everyone except Cruz is killed, even his sister who in her last moments bought him time to escape.  I won't go into much more detail, but basically, he makes new friends, and learns to use what he can do in order to fight, and not just focus on how he's powerless.  His way of fighting is his intelligence.  Being surrounded by superhumans, he uses his brain to figure out how to best handle a situation.  He can actually discern abilities of enemies and discover weaknesses to help his friends who have abilities to defeat their opponents.  While he doesn't have the power to fight, he is no less important to the group as it's times when the fight is against them he offers a way to counterattack.

 

While being with this new group Cruz grows up from being a coward, crybaby, and overall wimp to being more confident and self reliant person.  Even when presented with more failures than successes, he doesn't give up and moves forward.  I'm sorry that this is off topic, but since the discussion was on slow build up.  I thought of this, because his buildup is slow and tedious, but it's worth the wait.  His story is one of the most well done character developments I've read.  I'd recommend the manga to anyone interested.  Again, the title is Needless, by Imai Kami, though warning, there is genderbending and cross dressing elements in it, If those aren't your thing.

 

 

I wanted to say this for a long time and I am saying it now because I don't want to forget. We've all debated about the fact that the forehead scene will play an important role. Some said yes, some said no.

One of the arguments is that it holds no true meaning in her heart because she's only remembered the thank you part from Sasuke, when she was about to slay him, so to speak.

 

Now, I want to beg to differ here. One of the reasons Sakura didn't remember the forehead scene and remembered the thank you part was because:

1. That is a scene that will be brought-up in a Naruto context, since Naruto was the one henge'd into Sasuke.

2. After that moment, the real Sasuke comes and calls her annoying, which adds to the "you hate me" part or however you want to name it.

 

Now, the reason she didn't remember that part, imo, is the fact that since it was a negative experience in Sakura's mind, let's say she burried it somewhere and holds dear only the "Thank you" part because it was the most positive thing she ever got from Sasuke.

 

That's why, when the forehead scene will be played, it will be played in the Naruto-Sakura pov and it wasn't present in the Sakura-Sasuke pov.

 

Hope I am clear, it's early in the morning and I still can't think clearly.

 

I'm one of those people, who don't consider it important.  One of the reasons is what I believe another user mentioned, about Kishimoto saying how while Naruto does find her physically attractive, it's her personality that he's drawn too.

 

 

 

Sakura

Well, for Sakura, you have to join me in Sakura appreciation post tomorrow. I will write down on why she has been one of my favorite. I will write down the nutshell here though.

 

Sakura is different from many that I have read or watch because many of them are there just to provide backup and exchange with interactions and so on. They will have one problem that will center them, but once that's done, in a way, they can disappear and you won't miss a thing. Granted, Sakura don't need to be here but it's her developments, attachments, and her character herself that makes it worth being there. Ok, here's an example. I like Rukia from Bleach, but unfortunately not just in interactions, but not much has happened with her and often feels like more of background, way more so than Sakura as people would like to say. I know it's about preference, but to me, I feel disappointed because while she can fight, the problem is she can only fight.

 

Not saying no heroine should fight, but heroine should also provide other traits, especially in a manga where heroine is not the protagonist, let alone not in Shoujo. That's why medic is still considered heroic and there are matured critics that actually agreed on this. Also, it's not bad that you can fight, but the novelty would wear thin if you're in a long lasting series, which is why short series works really well. Don't get me started on Orihime if you want to talk about in battlefield wise. That's one of the reason why the first war arc they had was, well not terrible, but not good. The thing about heroine to me is don't be the same class as the hero or at least of another. This is why I appreciated a lot with AoT (SnK) because the protagonist has a different power altogether, so the heroine role is highly acceptable as well the other main character, who is all about the intellect. Naruto works as well and it's one of the few reason why I'm glad Sasuke went separate way, because we don't really two powerhouse guys in terms of story. Real life, yeah, why not, but something for us to watch/read, well make it different. If you like to know more, feel free to ask because I don't want to take too much time.

 

NaruSaku

Now as for pairings, the thing is about this pairing is that it involved in different criteria. In part 1, we start off with a dislike from Sakura to Naruto and no, not like "Oh I hate that guy" in comedy fashion, most notably Sailor Moon, where you can tell right off the bat they will be together. Then, we literally see the transformation of Sakura from disliking to slowly accepting him more and more. Like how she couldn't believe Naruto was capable to handle the battle with Kakashi. You got her feeling mixed with doubts and trusts that Naruto can actually become a true ninja. For example, she was like, "Oh I knew it, he's giving up climbing the tree," only for Naruto actually asking for help, which caught her off-guard. So yeah, you know the story. The main factor is the transformation of her and they become close friends by the end of part 1. So in the beginning of part 2, it feels like they can always be friend and they will get Team 7 back together. Unfortunately, there's many problems that is already placed on Naruto.

 

After Naruto dealt with Itachi, Sakura was shocked to learn that Naruto's enemies are really strong and because of that, he will always be in danger as long as they're around. So the more she learns about his problems, the more she becomes afraid of his well being. In part 1, while there were troubles, it's more of a natural situation like a robbery comes to my house on one night. In part 2, she learned that there are enemies that specifically targets Naruto as well as his own curse. Part 1 is about making a great friendship with each other, but now, it's all about the dark side. It's much like if the protagonist enters the war and the heroine does as well, the rude awakening awaits them, especially if the protagonist will be treated differently from others, due to writing a story for us. The fear factor from the heroine, or in this case Sakura will increase in a very serious situation, which again why I love KN4 incident. In fact, that moment alone should easily tell you that they're going to be together in the end. Funny, because the witnesses (supporters aka Yamato and Sai) of Sakura's feelings towards Naruto actually isn't the first.

 

So again, this one takes it time to create a convincing strong bond and it works because you can really buy the fact they are close and they would do anything to keep each other from feeling hurt, physically and mentally. That's not to say all anime/manga should copy the formula from this, because there are others that are pretty good. It's just this one got my right cup of tea.

 

While I agree with you most of what you said, I feel a need to give Rukia a fair bit of defense.  While it's true she hasn't gotten as much screen time as a main character usually gets.  She has her focus, especially when it comes to Ichigo.  At least with him, she provides more than just fighting ability, but mental connection.  For those who read and watch Bleach, you're aware of the special bond that's been developed between Ichigo and Rukia. From the movie "Fade to Black" interviews, you're aware of the "not friends, but not lovers either" quote, because their bond is difficult to describe in words, and you can't label it to one category alone.  Every time Ichigo finds himself in a fix mentally, it's Rukia, whether directly or indirectly, who snaps him out of it.  She provides that kind of support that even Sakura herself has yet to attain.  There is nothing wrong with that, as I feel that will be the pinnacle of Naruto and Sakura's relationship and what they are working towards.   One of the reasons why I'm an IchiRuki shipper is because Ichigo and Rukia could naturally gain this type of connection where they simply get each other.  Why I'm looking forward to seeing more interactions between Naruto and Sakura as they gain this connection.  As one of reasons I like about NaruSaku is that they are working towards (one of the theme of the manga) it than being simply natural, which don't get me wrong is one of the reasons I like about IchiRuki.  I believe one of the joys of shipping multiple pairings is noticing you like each pairing for different and unique reasons.

 

I'm gonna by happy after all the years the fanservice they gave to Hinata like even making her use                                    Mystical FacePalm Technique to heal patients.

It's gonna be a pleasure.

 

What episode was that?  People assume Hinata's a medic too because of that "fanservice".

Edited by DattebayoXShannaro, 19 October 2013 - 03:10 AM.

[TouKen4Life3g]

While I agree with you most of what you said, I feel a need to give Rukia a fair bit of defense.  While it's true she hasn't gotten as much screen time as a main character usually gets.  She has her focus, especially when it comes to Ichigo.  At least with him, she provides more than just fighting ability, but mental connection.  For those who read and watch Bleach, you're aware of the special bond that's been developed between Ichigo and Rukia. From the movie "Fade to Black" interviews, you're aware of the "not friends, but not lovers either" quote, because their bond is difficult to describe in words, and you can't label it to one category alone.  Every time Ichigo finds himself in a fix mentally, it's Rukia, whether directly or indirectly, who snaps him out of it.  She provides that kind of support that even Sakura herself has yet to attain.  There is nothing wrong with that, as I feel that will be the pinnacle of Naruto and Sakura's relationship and what they are working towards.   One of the reasons why I'm an IchiRuki shipper is because Ichigo and Rukia could naturally gain this type of connection where they simply get each other.  Why I'm looking forward to seeing more interactions between Naruto and Sakura as they gain this connection.  As one of reasons I like about NaruSaku is that they are working towards (one of the theme of the manga) it than being simply natural, which don't get me wrong is one of the reasons I like about IchiRuki.  I believe one of the joys of shipping multiple pairings is noticing you like each pairing for different and unique reasons.

Oh don't get me wrong, I like the connections between Ichigo and Rukia, but that's a pairing talk. The one I was referring to the role in the battlefield. I mean in two arcs ago, she was in a battle that was like way too early for her to shine and she never shows up again until the end of the arc. What the hell? Not even Orihime, another heroine AND one of the big reason to enter this arc. AND SHE'S A HEALER!!! Granted, it's not all about her, but at least don't make her do nothing until the very last minute of healing when everything is over. It should be 24/7 for lack of better words, duty. Oh and that arc had a very anti-climatic ending ever, I mean only one chapter of clear everything and time to go home. Orihime don't even have anything to say once she returns. What the hell? Sorry, I know I sound frustrated but that's how I felt after that arc ended. Though I did like the goodbye from Ichigo and Rukia. Now, well if you're craving for pairing, I don't know, it seems like it's going to pass that chance, let alone passing a chance to possible more interactions, but I could be wrong. I pray that I'm wrong.

Edited by NaruSaku4Life3g, 19 October 2013 - 03:01 AM.

[DattebayoXShannaro]

Oh don't get me wrong, I like the connections between Ichigo and Rukia, but that's a pairing talk. The one I was referring to the role in the battlefield. I mean in two arcs ago, she was in a battle that was like way too early for her to shine and she never shows up again until the end of the arc. What the hell? Not even Orihime, another heroine AND one of the big reason to enter this arc. AND SHE'S A HEALER!!! Granted, it's not all about her, but at least don't make her do nothing until the very last minute of healing when everything is over. It should be 24/7 for lack of better words, duty. Oh and that arc had a very anti-climatic ending ever, I mean only one chapter of clear everything and time to go home. Orihime don't even have anything to say once she returns. What the hell? Sorry, I know I sound frustrated but that's how I felt after that arc ended. Though I did like the goodbye from Ichigo and Rukia. Now, well if you're craving for pairing, I don't know, it seems like it's going to pass that chance, let alone passing a chance to possible more interactions, but I could be wrong. I pray that I'm wrong.

 

I understand your frustrations.  It bugged me that Rukia didn't have bigger role, but I got over it.  I am not even close to worrying over couples.  In the latest arc, Rukia senses some distress from Ichigo, when he was trying to hide it.  That foreshadow has yet to be resolved.  Also, I'm more interested in what's going on in the latest chapters now than couples at the moment.

[TouKen4Life3g]

 

I understand your frustrations.  It bugged me that Rukia didn't have bigger role, but I got over it.  I am not even close to worrying over couples.  In the latest arc, Rukia senses some distress from Ichigo, when he was trying to hide it.  That foreshadow has yet to be resolved.  Also, I'm more interested in what's going on in the latest chapters now than couples at the moment.

True, but don't be surprised if the series ends with no romance. It does somewhat suggest that because the way Kubo addressed the relationship and Ichigo seems not going places, but who knows. I can be wrong. It's not that Rukia didn't have a bigger role, it's just she just fade away. No, literally, she really did. I mean can you imagine Sakura just stand there as everyone takes a beating and then finally Tsunade comes in and she did the healing by herself as Sakura is like fodder #983? I would go all hulk mode. But that's what happened to Rukia and I felt so bored with the arc. My goodness, the pacing. If you ask me, I believe Kubo has more trouble with main characters than Kishi. I mean aren't those normal people aka Chad and Orihime main characters? So why they keep coming back for one small moment in the middle then bye-bye. Not even words exchange or anything. That's why the last arc was lackluster and now here they are, have to announce that they're in final arc. I don't want to say it deserve it, but it sure asked for it.

[DattebayoXShannaro]

True, but don't be surprised if the series ends with no romance. It does somewhat suggest that because the way Kubo addressed the relationship and Ichigo seems not going places, but who knows. I can be wrong. It's not that Rukia didn't have a bigger role, it's just she just fade away. No, literally, she really did. I mean can you imagine Sakura just stand there as everyone takes a beating and then finally Tsunade comes in and she did the healing by herself as Sakura is like fodder #983? I would go all hulk mode. But that's what happened to Rukia and I felt so bored with the arc. My goodness, the pacing. If you ask me, I believe Kubo has more trouble with main characters than Kishi. I mean aren't those normal people aka Chad and Orihime main characters? So why they keep coming back for one small moment in the middle then bye-bye. Not even words exchange or anything. That's why the last arc was lackluster and now here they are, have to announce that they're in final arc. I don't want to say it deserve it, but it sure asked for it.

 

I'm prepared, but like NaruSaku, IchiRuki has the development for it.  Even we worry if Kishimoto will leave it open-ended with NS,  the possibility can apply to all pairings.  It happened with Soul and Maka from Soul Eater.  You're right she just fades away, but she did see Ichigo off beforehand as if letting us know her role was done, resolving the worry she had for him earlier when he saved her from Yammy.  I haven't really consider Chad and Orihime main characters, even in the Soul Society arc.  While it's true, Kubo could have focused on them more.  We know as much as we should.  They were given enough backstory.  It all comes down to Kubo's writing style.  I heard Kubo likes to give focus on characters fans don't particularly like.  That's why characters like Omeada got the amount of focus they were given, when he could have focused it elsewhere.  That may be part of the reason they just zoned in and out, though Chad got plenty of panels during the Hueco Mundo arc, even teamed up with Renji within his last moments of focus, and Orihime got focus still though it wasn't used for fighting, but in depth look at her character.

Edited by DattebayoXShannaro, 19 October 2013 - 03:50 AM.

[TouKen4Life3g]

 

I'm prepared, but like NaruSaku, IchiRuki has the development for it.  Even we worry if Kishimoto will leave it open-ended with NS,  the possibility can apply to all pairings.  It happened with Soul and Maka from Soul Eater.  You're right she just fades away, but she did see Ichigo off beforehand as if letting us know her role was done, resolving the worry she had for him earlier when he saved her from Yammy.  I haven't really consider Chad and Orihime main characters, even in the Soul Society arc.  While it's true, Kubo could have focused on them more.  We know as much as we should.  They were given enough backstory.  It all comes down to Kubo's writing style.  I heard Kubo likes to give focus on characters fans don't particularly like.  That's why characters like Omeada got the amount of focus they were given, when he could have focused it elsewhere.  That may be part of the reason they just zoned in and out, though Chad got plenty of panels during the Hueco Mundo arc, even teamed up with Renji within his last moments of focus, and Orihime got focus still though it wasn't used for fighting, but in depth look at her character.

Well, Soul and Maka from Soul Eater, I don't think it has that much of a buildup for romance, but NS got a lot. IchiRuki got the friends down, but sign of more, well it's there, but this one Kubo can escape as much as I don't want to think this. Well, you could argue for Chad for not being main, but Orihime is one. The problem is that Kubo writes along the way, so it's not all that planned. Now, well it's more intact, but the previous damage was heavy so here we are. Again, it's not about fighting, it's about the character and Orihime got them, which is good, but the power she has could do some helping but for whatever reason, good or not, she was sidelined, only to have the other to do it. Why? Why not use both? That's like Tsunade telling Sakura to stand there and watch as we win the war. That said the other problem is that they are done like a side character. There's no second goal that is not in lined with other, it's just what it is. I guess this is the way that I was addressing for adventurous character.

 

Sakura is ongoing character that continues to evolve because her character is about learning the reality as well as getting to the level that she too can protect her team. Not to mention the situation that Naruto keeps placing himself in, which is currently going on. In physical, you can say she's done with Sasuke, but now, her mentally is soon to be done. The thing is Sakura and Naruto are both learning the cold side of the world and both of them have a reaction to them whether they're similar or not. But you know, I can't really complain. It is a different series altogether in the end. So, can't really rant. Still, it did have a good chance of becoming a really good one to me. It doesn't need to be perfect but it doesn't need to lose its momentum.

Edited by NaruSaku4Life3g, 19 October 2013 - 04:59 AM.

[DattebayoXShannaro]

Well, Soul and Maka from Soul Eater, I don't think it has that much of a buildup for romance, but NS got a lot. IchiRuki got the friends down, but sign of more, well it's there, but this one Kubo can escape as much as I don't want to think this. Well, you could argue for Chad for not being main, but Orihime is one. The problem is that Kubo writes along the way, so it's not all that planned. Now, well it's more intact, but the previous damage was heavy so here we are. Again, it's not about fighting, it's about the character and Orihime got them, which is good, but the power she has could do some helping but for whatever reason, good or not, she was sidelined, only to have the other to do it. Why? Why not use both? That's like Tsunade telling Sakura to stand there and watch as we win the war. That said the other problem is that they are done like a side character. There's no second goal that is not in lined with other, it's just what it is. I guess this is the way that I was addressing for adventurous character.

 

Sakura is ongoing character that continues to evolve because her character is about learning the reality as well as getting to the level that she too can protect her team. Not to mention the situation that Naruto keeps placing himself in, which is currently going on. In physical, you can say she's done with Sasuke, but now, her mentally is soon to be done. The thing is Sakura and Naruto are both learning the cold side of the world and both of them have a reaction to them whether they're similar or not. But you know, I can't really complain. It is a different series altogether in the end. So, can't really rant. Still, it did have a good chance of becoming a really good one to me. It doesn't need to be perfect but it doesn't need to lose its momentum.

 

I disagree that there is not any planning.  While Kubo may not have an ending in mind from the beginning, as Kishimoto stated that he has.  Kubo has shown the intricate storyline.  He's just as good as matching flashbacks to show support for buildup just as much as Kishimoto, and that's why I like his writing.  Bleach started with first the concept of shinigami and hollows, then Soul Society, then Vizards and Arrancars, then Hueco Mundo, then substitute shinigami and fullbring, and now Quincy. All the while, Kubo has set up the build up for each arc.  While it may be true while some chapters he's shown signs of writing in the moment, the same can be said for every weekly manga.  With Orihime, all I can say is she will get her focus when she gets it.  I mean Kubo spent time giving panel time to Omeada.  He can definitely put focus back to a primary character as it's required for the status.

[TouKen4Life3g]

 

I disagree that there is not any planning.  While Kubo may not have an ending in mind from the beginning, as Kishimoto stated that he has.  Kubo has shown the intricate storyline.  He's just as good as matching flashbacks to show support for buildup just as much as Kishimoto, and that's why I like his writing.  Bleach started with first the concept of shinigami and hollows, then Soul Society, then Vizards and Arrancars, then Hueco Mundo, then substitute shinigami and fullbring, and now Quincy. All the while, Kubo has set up the build up for each arc.  While it may be true while some chapters he's shown signs of writing in the moment, the same can be said for every weekly manga.  With Orihime, all I can say is she will get her focus when she gets it.  I mean Kubo spent time giving panel time to Omeada.  He can definitely put focus back to a primary character as it's required for the status.

Well, I heard there was an interview that he admitted that he wrote along the way, rather than planning. I don't think all of the writing part is "along the way". Surely, the planned parts are the plot points like what you mentioned, but who knows. There was a source, but I don't have time to dig for it. So for whatever is, I would just say he write down like every writers do. End of story. I think the reason why I'm in more rant mode for the series is because we know the series is in the final arc. Again, final arc, so the materials they are presenting show that there is not much promises for something greatness for others not named Ichigo. I mean the battle will happen but I hope it's not just that and then Ichigo do his thing, finish it, then finally interact. That's what I'm worried. Orihime seems like she would just be there to make a cameo. I'm kidding but I do hope she do stuff and no, it doesn't need to be fighting. Just anything. Nothing like "I'm told to push this" moment, more like her own will because she wants to. Same thing for Rukia but it could be anything else. Same applies to all other characters. We'll see.

[DattebayoXShannaro]

Even though it's the final arc.  It's not like it's going to end soon.  Take this war arc in Naruto that''s been going on for years, and I remember a cover page announcing we were at the climax over a year ago.  I'm sure it's the same thing with any manga.  It's a different media than television, where the announce the end is coming, you know it's a few episodes., or they announce a final season for a show, and you know the set amount episodes for a season.  With manga, it's different, because there is not set limit for arcs.  Even though an climax of an arc is announced, it can take years to finish even that as what we're seeing now with the war.  All I'm saying is that there is time. The focus won't be regulated to mostly Ichigo.  I don't think Ichigo had most of the panel time in Hueco Mundo.  I just have confidence with it, when taking into account Kubo's writing so far. 

[TouKen4Life3g]

Even though it's the final arc.  It's not like it's going to end soon.  Take this war arc in Naruto that''s been going on for years, and I remember a cover page announcing we were at the climax over a year ago.  I'm sure it's the same thing with any manga.  It's a different media than television, where the announce the end is coming, you know it's a few episodes., or they announce a final season for a show, and you know the set amount episodes for a season.  With manga, it's different, because there is not set limit for arcs.  Even though an climax of an arc is announced, it can take years to finish even that as what we're seeing now with the war.  All I'm saying is that there is time. The focus won't be regulated to mostly Ichigo.  I don't think Ichigo had most of the panel time in Hueco Mundo.  I just have confidence with it, when taking into account Kubo's writing so far. 

I hope you're right. The difference is that these guys are fighting sub-bosses already. Not the main subs, but it is suggesting that there's nothing to slow down. In Naruto, the war arc stretched so long is because it covered many characters, old and new, then Naruto's developments, then approval from kages to let Naruto enter the war, and so on. Not to mention that we had Sasuke's focus to see how he ends up where he is now. There's no "Sasuke" in here though you could say for Ishida but he is going to combat, so no other turns like meeting someone then another meeting after that. For now, it looks straight forward and that could go fast at this rate. I think they're about to kill 2 guys very soon. So we'll see.

[DattebayoXShannaro]

I hope you're right. The difference is that these guys are fighting sub-bosses already. Not the main subs, but it is suggesting that there's nothing to slow down. In Naruto, the war arc stretched so long is because it covered many characters, old and new, then Naruto's developments, then approval from kages to let Naruto enter the war, and so on. Not to mention that we had Sasuke's focus to see how he ends up where he is now. There's no "Sasuke" in here though you could say for Ishida but he is going to combat, so no other turns like meeting someone then another meeting after that. For now, it looks straight forward and that could go fast at this rate. I think they're about to kill 2 guys very soon. So we'll see.

 

We still have Kukaku and her "guests".  There's still the condition of Halibell.  Also, I'm sure more exposition will go into the Soul King and Squad Zero.  Aizen did everything he did just to kill "that thing", and we still don't know why.  The focus isn't solely on the Quincy.  We still got other areas outside them to cover.

Edited by DattebayoXShannaro, 19 October 2013 - 06:14 AM.

[TouKen4Life3g]

 

We still have Kukaku and her "guests".  There's still the condition of Halibell.  Also, I'm sure more exposition will go into the Soul King and Squad Zero.  Aizen did everything he did just to kill "that thing", and we still don't know why.  The focus isn't solely on the Quincy.  We still got other areas outside them to cover.

True with that. Alright then, but these main stars should not come too late or too early. I don't know if he's taking this slow or fast. We'll see soon with the arc progresses. I didn't like they did have to rely on the bankai, which I found it interesting for something new, only to retrieve it back momentarily or not. It felt like it should have waited. As for pacing, it's a double edge for me because go slow, it will be a drag, especially with many letter villains, but go fast, well time to say bye-bye.

[DattebayoXShannaro]

Needs a balance.  Take things slow when it's needed, but go fast through the miscellaneous stuff.  Wow, I fear I've taken things way off topic.

[TouKen4Life3g]

Needs a balance.  Take things slow when it's needed, but go fast through the miscellaneous stuff.  Wow, I fear I've taken things way off topic.

We have. Lol. Anyway, feel free to answer this:

 

After going back to anime (me), I realized the studio really likes to add more or emphasis more on the most likely endgame pairing. Note: I say most likely because it's up to the author to actually close the deal or make it like "Well they definitely best candidate but I won't close." That said would you say that the anime increased your liking for NS or any other pairings in general? Why?