279 replies to this topic

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

in fact the sage mode of Jiraiya wasn't perfect, that's why he looked more a toad... While Naruto has only eye mark, as stated by Fukasaku, he becomed a real sage.

That's i stated Naruto had way less marks than Jiraiya and Jiraiya wasnt a toad also.
Naruto only had the eye mark and nothing else more.

Edited by Dαrkrєrsŧ, 20 February 2013 - 04:58 PM.

[rocci]

I think you're wrong... An imperfect sage mode is when the more you resemblese a toad, the less your sage mode is imperfect...

http://www.mangastre...418-page-5.html

Fukasaku said that the eye mark represent that you've reached the perfect sage mode.

Sage mode's Jiraiya wasn't perfect, for this reason we was a lot toadish...

All human user only has eye mark like jiraiya n naruto as toad sage,
Orochimaru n kabuto(well kabuto get the horn).
I mean what kind senjutsu that hashi use? slug SM, wood SM, or hawk SM.
because this is the choice I found in the other forum

[CynMichi]

This:

1 --Click here to view--

This:

2 --Click here to view--

and now this:

3 --Click here to view--

I mean...it's too much coincidence.
And Kishi said that after Kakashi, comes Sakura. Kakashi's story is going to soon be wrapped-up, so why is it so hard to believe that this is Sakura's time? Her time is coming?
On that god-like figure, it's only a circle, pretty much like Sakura's.
Also, the reference is this:



Goddess of mercy? Who is the most merciful person we know? That put herself in danger only for the desire to help the wounded, although there were 2 zetsus.
Sakura has been portrayed as merciful from the beginning so I wouldn't be so shocked ot see a huge power-up coming for her...

You have no idea how excited and hopeful I am after seeing the picture with Sakura in front of that symbol!
The other meaning of the circumpunct is that the circle represents the body, or the conscious self, while the dot symbolizes subconscious or super-conscious.

Now which character do we know that has a hidden personality? Inner Sakura .... Conspicuously missing for some time now....perhaps all she needs is to fully accept herself and/or feelings in order to attain her power up. I don't imagine with all the use of parallels, symbols, and foreshadowing that Kishi has "accidentally" reused this symbol. I feel more confident than ever Sakura's time is coming!

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

You have no idea how excited and hopeful I am after seeing the picture with Sakura in front of that symbol!
The other meaning of the circumpunct is that the circle represents the body, or the conscious self, while the dot symbolizes subconscious or super-conscious.

Now which character do we know that has a hidden personality? Inner Sakura .... Conspicuously missing for some time now....perhaps all she needs is to fully accept herself and/or feelings in order to attain her power up. I don't imagine with all the use of parallels, symbols, and foreshadowing that Kishi has "accidentally" reused this symbol. I feel more confident than ever Sakura's time is coming!

I think the inner Sakura disappeared because Sasuke was not around anymore then she could be herself, the inner Sakura for me just showed that there were two Sakura's, the first that appeared was the girl who was around Sasuke and was kind of submissive and had shame to accept who she was, and the inner was the classic tsundere girl who showed off when she was alone with Naruto or on certain occasions, when Sasuke defected, she only had Naruto since Sasuke was not around she was herself around Naruto and didnt had the necessity to draw the inner Sakura.

She appeared on the first episode of the shippuuden and there was clear that the Sakura which was in front of Naruto was the mix of both Sakura's she's now half of that Sakura and half of the inner's one, she because she showed her gentle side to Naruto aswell the tsundere one.

Edited by Dαrkrєrsŧ, 20 February 2013 - 05:07 PM.

[TouKen4Life3g]

With Kishi, I think that's very possible XD

I can see it now.

Madara: Rival, huh? Hm, as if.
Hashirama: Eh? But I declare it a long time ago.
Madara: Long time ago? When was this?
Hashirama: *sigh* When we were 8 years old...
*enter a new flashback*

That can work.

[MangaReader]

Hashirama didn't have the seal thing like Tsunade... maybe Sakura can get a power up out of no where XD

[T XD]

I can see it now.

Madara: Rival, huh? Hm, as if.
Hashirama: Eh? But I declare it a long time ago.
Madara: Long time ago? When was this?
Hashirama: *sigh* When we were 8 years old...
*enter a new flashback*

That can work.

Then it will be like a flashback within a flashback within a flashback within a flashback... best if it becomes an infinite of flashbacks.

Feels like swirling

Hashirama didn't have the seal thing like Tsunade... maybe Sakura can get a power up out of no where XD

It's really a possibility that Sakura can get a power up out of nowhere. Kishi has different items for her in store, hope he'll use the best one XD

Edited by T XD, 20 February 2013 - 05:26 PM.

[Slextrem]

Found this theory about Sakura, Tsunade and Hashi on Narutobase.net

http://narutobase.ne...ad.php?t=326093

^

This is the most interesting part about this week's chapter. I hope this holds true for Sakura. The old cover arts prove that Kishimoto originally intended for Sakura to have some kind of affiliation with the slugs, though I didn't think that Slug Sage Mode would be a part of that, admittedly. This means that he either:
1) Intended to upgrade her this far into the series all along
2) He spent so much time focusing on Naruto and Sasuke that Sakura's upgrade was pushed back until now
3) We're wishfully thinking.

I doubt it's option number one, but I'm torn between options two and three. I want to say that it makes no sense for her to get that big of an upgrade so late in the game, but Kishimoto is completely unpredictable. He's known for hinting something forgettable early on and then going back to it much later. I can't help but hope that's the case here.

My original problem with Sakura getting something like Slug Sage Mode now was how Kishimoto would go about having her learn it. The theories that fans were throwing out, like Sakura running off to Tsunade and getting the 'Magical Touch of Powaz', felt like a total cop out. If he involved the First Hokage though... Damn. I'm actually excited. The theory in this link, to me, is an example of Slug Sage Mode done right. All of the foreshadowing from Hashirama to Tsunade and connecting it to Sakura makes my jaw want to hit the floor. If Kishimoto can articulate it properly, I think we're all going to be jumping out of our chairs when if the time comes. Of course, that would involve Hashirama going to the battlefield, singling out Sakura specifically, and somehow teaching her how to use it..?

As I typed the last sentence, this thought came to me:
What if before the Hokages reach the battle, it's revealed that Sakura can summon slugs? She could summon Katsuyu to the battlefield to help heal the fallen ninja. Then Katsuyu reveals what happened to Tsunade. This would send not only Naruto, but Sakura into a rage, I'm sure. (I wonder if it would be enough of a rage to have her actually fight...) Then, when the Hokages arrive, Hashirama recognizes Katsuyu and sees Sakura battling with her (or using her to heal - whatever). Through that connection, he learns that she's Tsunade's student..?

This is starting to become a bit of a stretch, I know, but it's possible. Maybe. Does Hashirama know that Tsunade can summon slugs? Was it something that he was able to do that Tsunade could have learned through him? I'm trying to think if there's a way that he could connect the two... Maybe it will be revealed later. I have no idea how he would go from that point to teaching Sakura Slug Sage Mode in the middle of the battle though. Unless this isn't actually the final battle. I have so many thoughts and questions about this that really can't be answered yet, but it's fun to think about anyway.


Other than that, all I have to say is boring flashbacks are boring, though I didn't mind seeing Hashirama and Madara as children. I can only hope that this fight is going to pick up the pace, but if we have to deal with a flashback within a flashback, it's probably going to be a long while before we see anything interesting.

Edited by Slextrem, 20 February 2013 - 05:26 PM.

[MangaReader]

Then it will be like a flashback within a flashback within a flashback within a flashback... and continue till it's an infinite of flashbacks XD

Feels like swirling

We're about to reach flashback limbo do to flashback overload.

[narusakurama]

^

This is the most interesting part about this week's chapter. I hope this holds true for Sakura. The old cover arts prove that Kishimoto originally intended for Sakura to have some kind of affiliation with the slugs, though I didn't think that Slug Sage Mode would be a part of that, admittedly. This means that he either:
1) Intended to upgrade her this far into the series all along
2) He spent so much time focusing on Naruto and Sasuke that Sakura's upgrade was pushed back until now
3) We're wishfully thinking.

I doubt it's option number one, but I'm torn between options two and three. I want to say that it makes no sense for her to get that big of an upgrade so late in the game, but Kishimoto is completely unpredictable. He's known for hinting something forgettable early on and then going back to it much later. I can't help but hope that's the case here.

My original problem with Sakura getting something like Slug Sage Mode now was how Kishimoto would go about having her learn it. The theories that fans were throwing out, like Sakura running off to Tsunade and getting the 'Magical Touch of Powaz', felt like a total cop out. If he involved the First Hokage though... Damn. I'm actually excited. The theory in this link, to me, is an example of Slug Sage Mode done right. All of the foreshadowing from Hashirama to Tsunade and connecting it to Sakura makes my jaw want to hit the floor. If Kishimoto can articulate it properly, I think we're all going to be jumping out of our chairs when if the time comes. Of course, that would involve Hashirama going to the battlefield, singling out Sakura specifically, and somehow teaching her how to use it..?

As I typed the last sentence, this thought came to me:
What if before the Hokages reach the battle, it's revealed that Sakura can summon slugs? She could summon Katsuyu to the battlefield to help heal the fallen ninja. Then Katsuyu reveals what happened to Tsunade. This would send not only Naruto, but Sakura into a rage, I'm sure. (I wonder if it would be enough of a rage to have her actually fight...) Then, when the Hokages arrive, Hashirama recognizes Katsuyu and sees Sakura battling with her (or using her to heal - whatever). Through that connection, he learns that she's Tsunade's student..?

This is starting to become a bit of a stretch, I know, but it's possible. Maybe. Does Hashirama know that Tsunade can summon slugs? Was it something that he was able to do that Tsunade could have learn through him? I'm trying to think if there's a way that he could connect the two... Maybe it will be revealed later. I have no idea how he would go from that point to teaching Sakura Slug Sage Mode in the middle of the battle though. Unless this isn't actually the final battle. I have so many thoughts and questions about this that really can't be answered yet, but it's fun to think about anyway.


Other than that, all I have to say is boring flashbacks are boring, though I didn't mind seeing Hashirama and Madara as children. I can only hope that this fight is going to pick up the pace, but if we have to deal with a flashback within a flashback, it's probably going to be a long while before we see anything interesting.

All Kishi had to do was give Sakura a single page , and there were so many times when he could have done it . For example during the time Naruto was training for rasenshurkien , just draw one panel of Sakura training with Tsunade .... or right before the war ... draw one panel of Sakura learning to summon slugs , which could be of considerable help to her as a medical ninja during the war since slugs also have healing powers . But he did nothing so I agree with point 2 , he just focused so much on Naruto and Sasuke that he just forgot about Sakura . I just can not see how he can properly explain Sakura gaining any power up at this point .

[Slextrem]

All Kishi had to do was give Sakura a single page , and there were so many times when he could have done it . For example during the time Naruto was training for rasenshurkien , just draw one panel of Sakura training with Tsunade .... or right before the war ... draw one panel of Sakura learning to summon slugs , which could be of considerable help to her as a medical ninja during the war since slugs also have healing powers . But he did nothing so I agree with point 2 , he just focused so much on Naruto and Sasuke that he just forgot about Sakura . I just can not see how he can properly explain Sakura gaining any power up at this point .

The bolded is the one problem that I have with all of these theories.
If he does it, he has to articulate it properly or it will look like a major butt-pull. Mind you, he butt-pulled Sasuke summoning hawks and Kabuto's Sage Mode so I don't know if we should expect any more than that for Sakura, unfortunately. At least the prelude to it has been done well, assuming that the theory from NarutoBase is correct.

[TouKen4Life3g]

Then it will be like a flashback within a flashback within a flashback within a flashback... best if it becomes an infinite of flashbacks.

Feels like swirling

Actually, I remember one show long time ago where the guy kept going flashback within flashback. I'll make an example.

Jiraiya: I'll start writing novels.
Minato: Sensei, you should think over this. Remember when you opened a book store.
*2 years ago as business was a bust*
Minato: Don't worry, Sensei. Remember the time when you opened a restaurant.
*A year ago as business was also a bust*
Minato: Don't worry, Sensei. Remember the time when you--
Present Jiraiya: Alright already!

[CynMichi]

I think the inner Sakura disappeared because Sasuke was not around anymore then she could be herself, the inner Sakura for me just showed that there were two Sakura's, the first that appeared was the girl who was around Sasuke and was kind of submissive and had shame to accept who she was, and the inner was the classic tsundere girl who showed off when she was alone with Naruto or on certain occasions, when Sasuke defected, she only had Naruto since Sasuke was not around she was herself around Naruto and didnt had the necessity to draw the inner Sakura.

She appeared on the first episode of the shippuuden and there was clear that the Sakura which was in front of Naruto was the mix of both Sakura's she's now half of that Sakura and half of the inner's one, she because she showed her gentle side to Naruto aswell the tsundere one.

I feel like the gentle Sakura is the one being supressed now. I think when Sasuke hurt her she brought inner Sakura out to protect herself from being hurt again emotionally. She does show some gentleness toward Naruto , but I think she's holding back a lot of what I think is love for him because she's locked away that part of her"weaker" self. Perhaps this is why we have no idea what Sakuras feelings are ...there has been no inner monolgue excepting lover nin mention of Sasuke....which imo is a look of grief and shame....

I don't think Sakura truly accepts herself yet...but I think this is where her feelings for Naruto will shine through to give her gentle side a time to prove that love doesn't = weakness. Naruto after all has that effect on people using love rather then hate or pain he makes people want to do better and its his strength.

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

I feel like the gentle Sakura is the one being supressed now. I think when Sasuke hurt her she brought inner Sakura out to protect herself from being hurt again emotionally. She does show some gentleness toward Naruto , but I think she's holding back a lot of what I think is love for him because she's locked away that part of her"weaker" self. Perhaps this is why we have no idea what Sakuras feelings are ...there has been no inner monolgue excepting lover nin mention of Sasuke....which imo is a look of grief and shame....

I don't think Sakura truly accepts herself yet...but I think this is where her feelings for Naruto will shine through to give her gentle side a time to prove that love doesn't = weakness. Naruto after all has that effect on people using love rather then hate or pain he makes people want to do better and its his strength.

You have an interesting thought but i dont think she supressed it because she showed both her gentle side and her tsundere side, about the supressing it was on part 1 when she supressed her inner self when she was around Sasuke, remind of the pranks Naruto did and she liked it but she didnt wanted to show it because Sasuke was around and so on, she's still have a gentle side confession arc shows this and it was natural she's acting herself when it comes to Naruto.
A feel like you're talking about other stuff, her inner self has nothing to do with the lover-nin scene we are talking about the physical inner self that appeared on part 1 a lot that shows what she was really feeling inside about a moment or someome.

[Inferno180]

I see the circle similarities some people are making between Harshirama's forehead and Sakura's well circle design, and while I like Sakura, this is just too soon to note a similarity.

I mean I like Sakura, she is one of my favorite characters and I don't think we should be advoacting some pairing similarites so soon. I mean its just showing us how Tsunade's power in part originated from him (Tsunade may only he half senju due to Harishrama's son/daughter and if the one they married was outside of the clan, marrying outside clans in this universe could decrease the powers of a kekki genki).

I'm for right now calling it too much of a longshot to say that Sakura could have anything related with Harshirama but only if it was passed to her by Tsunade or if there is in fact a Haruno Clan, but there is no Haruno clan as we only see Sakura and her parents and that circle could just be a fashion design, not a clan symbol or anything. Even with that cover of chapter 5, I think back then it was referring to their emblems, I mean all the rookie nine seemed to have one design or something on them that gave them an identiy. Out of the rookie 9 we were able to tell them apart and see their own unique powers easily. That could have been the point back then, Kishi could be falling back to it now years later but I don't think we should be going "OMG cirlce on his forehead, must be related to Sakura for the symbol on her shirt!", That just sounds honestly dumb for now, until we can see some possiblitly for this to even relate or if Tsunade does something for Sakura to get the similar power, I'd say don't go thinking like this for now.

As for now this is Harshirama's history with Madara explaining to Sasuke all about the shinobi and villages, nothing to do with pairings. If Mito does show up in this and acts like younger Sakura did between Naruto and Sasuke, there would be more support for it but as for now, just treat it as where Tsunade's forehead power originated from.

[Codus N]

^

This is the most interesting part about this week's chapter. I hope this holds true for Sakura. The old cover arts prove that Kishimoto originally intended for Sakura to have some kind of affiliation with the slugs, though I didn't think that Slug Sage Mode would be a part of that, admittedly. This means that he either:
1) Intended to upgrade her this far into the series all along
2) He spent so much time focusing on Naruto and Sasuke that Sakura's upgrade was pushed back until now
3) We're wishfully thinking.

I doubt it's option number one, but I'm torn between options two and three. I want to say that it makes no sense for her to get that big of an upgrade so late in the game, but Kishimoto is completely unpredictable. He's known for hinting something forgettable early on and then going back to it much later. I can't help but hope that's the case here.

My original problem with Sakura getting something like Slug Sage Mode now was how Kishimoto would go about having her learn it. The theories that fans were throwing out, like Sakura running off to Tsunade and getting the 'Magical Touch of Powaz', felt like a total cop out. If he involved the First Hokage though... Damn. I'm actually excited. The theory in this link, to me, is an example of Slug Sage Mode done right. All of the foreshadowing from Hashirama to Tsunade and connecting it to Sakura makes my jaw want to hit the floor. If Kishimoto can articulate it properly, I think we're all going to be jumping out of our chairs when if the time comes. Of course, that would involve Hashirama going to the battlefield, singling out Sakura specifically, and somehow teaching her how to use it..?

As I typed the last sentence, this thought came to me:
What if before the Hokages reach the battle, it's revealed that Sakura can summon slugs? She could summon Katsuyu to the battlefield to help heal the fallen ninja. Then Katsuyu reveals what happened to Tsunade. This would send not only Naruto, but Sakura into a rage, I'm sure. (I wonder if it would be enough of a rage to have her actually fight...) Then, when the Hokages arrive, Hashirama recognizes Katsuyu and sees Sakura battling with her (or using her to heal - whatever). Through that connection, he learns that she's Tsunade's student..?

This is starting to become a bit of a stretch, I know, but it's possible. Maybe. Does Hashirama know that Tsunade can summon slugs? Was it something that he was able to do that Tsunade could have learned through him? I'm trying to think if there's a way that he could connect the two... Maybe it will be revealed later. I have no idea how he would go from that point to teaching Sakura Slug Sage Mode in the middle of the battle though. Unless this isn't actually the final battle. I have so many thoughts and questions about this that really can't be answered yet, but it's fun to think about anyway.


Other than that, all I have to say is boring flashbacks are boring, though I didn't mind seeing Hashirama and Madara as children. I can only hope that this fight is going to pick up the pace, but if we have to deal with a flashback within a flashback, it's probably going to be a long while before we see anything interesting.

Actually, I'm having the same thoughts as well. That Hashirama will enter the battlefield and teach Sakura the secrets of the Slug Sage Arts (if it's really Slug Sage Mode). But of course, with how disappointing Kishi has been as of lately, I'm going to put No.3 at the top of my expectations .

I do believe that Hashirama would recognize Katsuyu. But not because he could summon her back then, but because he knew her when she was young. Also, I think Hashirama had left the info about Shikkotsurin (residence of the slugs) in his clan archives. At some point in her life, Tsunade set out to search for Shikkotsurin as stated in her grandfather's scrolls. From there, she gained a contract with Katsuyu. She tried to learn SM as well, but failed to perfect it. Her Byakugou may have been something she based on the Slug Sage Arts.

But my only problem with this theory about Hashirama joining the party is the hype. I believe that Hashi's joining will be hyped from Tsunade's death. Tsunade's death is the event hyping Hashi's arrival. Going by that, I think it would be kinda lame just to see Hashi teaching Sakura Slug SM. Seriously, if you had to choose between Hashirama kicking ass tenfold of what he did in this chapter and give Madara thousands of asskickings that lasts for almost an eternity because Madara bullied his favorite granddaughter to just teaching Sakura SM, the choice is pretty obvious. Unless of course, he gets depowered somewhat. Which would be another lame-ass cop-out. (I'm calling it now, ET Shinobi's can't gather natural energy since they're corpses to begin with.)

For the flashbacks, seriously. Make up your mind, you're saying the flashback is boring, but you want to see more of Hashi and Madara as kids?? which, by the way can only be seen through flashbacks.

[merryGOflava]

anymore flashbacks and it'll become inception!!

[tricksie]

Inner Sakura may come into play if Obito succeeds in his world moon plan, knocking everyone out. As Ino said in the chunnin exams, Sakura has a separate "mind," an area of her psyche that is able to elude jutsus, fight back and gain control. So it might very well make another appearance if succeeds in his plan. Then Sakura would be able to help rouse the others. (Sort of like RtN but without the alternate universe thing.)

I vaguely remember that Kishimoto saying Inner Sakura was a coping mechanism of sorts, and that it receded with her maturity. But I may be wrong.

[Slextrem]

Actually, I'm having the same thoughts as well. That Hashirama will enter the battlefield and teach Sakura the secrets of the Slug Sage Arts (if it's really Slug Sage Mode). But of course, with how disappointing Kishi has been as of lately, I'm going to put No.3 at the top of my expectations .

I do believe that Hashirama would recognize Katsuyu. But not because he could summon her back then, but because he knew her when she was young. Also, I think Hashirama had left the info about Shikkotsurin (residence of the slugs) in his clan archives. At some point in her life, Tsunade set out to search for Shikkotsurin as stated in her grandfather's scrolls. From there, she gained a contract with Katsuyu. She tried to learn SM as well, but failed to perfect it. Her Byakugou may have been something she based on the Slug Sage Arts.

But my only problem with this theory about Hashirama joining the party is the hype. I believe that Hashi's joining will be hyped from Tsunade's death. Tsunade's death is the event hyping Hashi's arrival. Going by that, I think it would be kinda lame just to see Hashi teaching Sakura Slug SM. Seriously, if you had to choose between Hashirama kicking ass tenfold of what he did in this chapter and give Madara thousands of asskickings that lasts for almost an eternity because Madara bullied his favorite granddaughter to just teaching Sakura SM, the choice is pretty obvious. Unless of course, he gets depowered somewhat. Which would be another lame-ass cop-out. (I'm calling it now, ET Shinobi's can't gather natural energy since they're corpses to begin with.)

For the flashbacks, seriously. Make up your mind, you're saying the flashback is boring, but you want to see more of Hashi and Madara as kids?? which, by the way can only be seen through flashbacks.

Bolded: I'm with you on that one. Sakura learning Slug Sage Mode would be perfect if they weren't in a war with Madara, Obito and the Jyuubi. I have no idea how Kishimoto would go about teaching her Slug Sage Mode while they're in the middle of the battle. Having Hashirama teach Sakura Slug Sage Mode be the first thing that he does in the war (assuming he'll enter the fight) sounds really lame, no offense at all to Sakura. As you said, I would much rather see him fight than go into instructor mode. It doesn't really make sense for him to do that anyway, going back to the situation that they're currently in. Sakura may learn it, but it probably won't be in this arc.

I also really like your theories regarding how Hashirama knows Katsuyu and how Tsunade gained her contract with the slugs. Your prediction of Hashirama entering the battle because he hears of Tsunade's condition is also really nice. Enraged grandfather for the win. I wonder how he would get word of that information though. None of the people that he's with at the moment know anything about what happened to the Kages. I doubt that anyone else involved in the war knows that the Hokages have been summoned either, so no one is going to run and tell them the news... Maybe Orochimaru has another buttplug-pull up his sleeve.

For the record, I didn't say that I want to see more of Hashirama and Madara as kids. I said I didn't mind seeing them as kids. The flashbacks are still incredibly boring for me. I'm not trying to rain on your parade though. I'm glad that other people are enjoying it.

Edited by Slextrem, 20 February 2013 - 06:24 PM.

[StriderC]

^

This is the most interesting part about this week's chapter. I hope this holds true for Sakura. The old cover arts prove that Kishimoto originally intended for Sakura to have some kind of affiliation with the slugs, though I didn't think that Slug Sage Mode would be a part of that, admittedly. This means that he either:
1) Intended to upgrade her this far into the series all along
2) He spent so much time focusing on Naruto and Sasuke that Sakura's upgrade was pushed back until now
3) We're wishfully thinking.

I doubt it's option number one, but I'm torn between options two and three. I want to say that it makes no sense for her to get that big of an upgrade so late in the game, but Kishimoto is completely unpredictable. He's known for hinting something forgettable early on and then going back to it much later. I can't help but hope that's the case here.

My original problem with Sakura getting something like Slug Sage Mode now was how Kishimoto would go about having her learn it. The theories that fans were throwing out, like Sakura running off to Tsunade and getting the 'Magical Touch of Powaz', felt like a total cop out. If he involved the First Hokage though... Damn. I'm actually excited. The theory in this link, to me, is an example of Slug Sage Mode done right. All of the foreshadowing from Hashirama to Tsunade and connecting it to Sakura makes my jaw want to hit the floor. If Kishimoto can articulate it properly, I think we're all going to be jumping out of our chairs when if the time comes. Of course, that would involve Hashirama going to the battlefield, singling out Sakura specifically, and somehow teaching her how to use it..?

As I typed the last sentence, this thought came to me:
What if before the Hokages reach the battle, it's revealed that Sakura can summon slugs? She could summon Katsuyu to the battlefield to help heal the fallen ninja. Then Katsuyu reveals what happened to Tsunade. This would send not only Naruto, but Sakura into a rage, I'm sure. (I wonder if it would be enough of a rage to have her actually fight...) Then, when the Hokages arrive, Hashirama recognizes Katsuyu and sees Sakura battling with her (or using her to heal - whatever). Through that connection, he learns that she's Tsunade's student..?

This is starting to become a bit of a stretch, I know, but it's possible. Maybe. Does Hashirama know that Tsunade can summon slugs? Was it something that he was able to do that Tsunade could have learned through him? I'm trying to think if there's a way that he could connect the two... Maybe it will be revealed later. I have no idea how he would go from that point to teaching Sakura Slug Sage Mode in the middle of the battle though. Unless this isn't actually the final battle. I have so many thoughts and questions about this that really can't be answered yet, but it's fun to think about anyway.


Other than that, all I have to say is boring flashbacks are boring, though I didn't mind seeing Hashirama and Madara as children. I can only hope that this fight is going to pick up the pace, but if we have to deal with a flashback within a flashback, it's probably going to be a long while before we see anything interesting.

Niceeeeeeee!! The bolded works out perfectly and she doesn't have to get pulled to Tsunades location with this. She gets the news, we her reaction, and she doesn't have to leave Naruto's side. I truly hope THIS happens.

Also, about that marking on the forehead. I don't think it's because his was imperfect at all. He doesn't even have frog features in other places besides the eyes. Kishi... what the hell are you up to?