36 replies to this topic

[六道仙人]

Romantic from Hinata's point view? Maybe yes.
Romantic from Naruto's point view? Naaah.

[luffyq1]

You know, just because Naruto held Hinata's hand to transfer chakra does not dismiss the obvious NH moment at all, right? It makes it less effective, yes, but that chapter was very much a NH moment. Let's not try to deny that.

We should probably dismiss the NS moments of Sakura cheering for Naruto in the Chuunin Exams then, right? Considering that had no romantic subtext to them either and was just friendship development.

Let's not be hypocritical, here. Naruto's and Hinata's relationship progressed last chapter (whether it was atrocious writing or not). Whether it was explicitly romantic or not doesn't matter; we have to apply our logic to NH as well, or else we're just being stubborn. Not every NS moment had underlying romantic undertones; not every NH moment has to, either. It would be even worse if it did, anyways. A relationship needs to not appear out of nowhere; it has to build in some way, shape, or form.

Oh, it's too late to start building NH. That's for sure, yeah. But it's best that we don't deny what's there. This can easily count as buildup, if it needs to be. It wouldn't be enough buildup on its own (far from it), but nonetheless, it's there.

[kirabook]

The point he's trying to make is that not all pairing moments, even ours, are completely mutual and utterly romantic from both sides.

Yes, we know that Naruto did not indicate anything romantic towards Hinata. It is a pairing moment, but just like all other 'pairing' moments for NH, it is one sided on the romance factor. Just because there was no romance does not mean it wasn't a pairing moment.

His example of the chuunin exams is something we consider a pairing, moment, but it's obviously not romantic. If it is, it's romantic from Naruto's side, but not Sakura's. That is the point of our pairing, is it not? Going from not caring to loving. Back then, Naruto was in the same position as Hinata is now I guess you could say. The difference between our pairing and theirs is not due to having more romantic moments than them, it's the obvious indication that Sakura is actually considering looking his way. (or already has)

The NH pairing moment was severely weakened with the last chapter, and it also still does not provide any indication of Naruto turning her way, but it was a friendly pairing moment. (in the middle of an extreme situation)

[Weltall]

I still didn't read chaper 616 but I suppose by people's reactions it is back to business as usual, why am I not surprised ? Nh moment or not Nh will never happen, when you look at a picture you look at the picture as a whole not at one little piece here and there and nothing in the manga support nh, nor the themes nor the parallels nor the kind of romantic relationship kishi has set so far, not only that for nh to happen it would go against naruto's entire persona. I know Kishi can be a hack at times but he's pretty consistent in his themes and the way he handles them.
I didn't back down when people told me that tobi couldn't be obito or when they told me that itachi wasn't a good guy I won't back down now for an outcome which seems even more obvious than the other 2.

[CloudMountainJuror]

The point he's trying to make is that not all pairing moments, even ours, are completely mutual and utterly romantic from both sides.

Yes, we know that Naruto did not indicate anything romantic towards Hinata. It is a pairing moment, but just like all other 'pairing' moments for NH, it is one sided on the romance factor. Just because there was no romance does not mean it wasn't a pairing moment.

His example of the chuunin exams is something we consider a pairing, moment, but it's obviously not romantic. If it is, it's romantic from Naruto's side, but not Sakura's. That is the point of our pairing, is it not? Going from not caring to loving. Back then, Naruto was in the same position as Hinata is now I guess you could say. The difference between our pairing and theirs is not due to having more romantic moments than them, it's the obvious indication that Sakura is actually considering looking his way. (or already has)

The NH pairing moment was severely weakened with the last chapter, and it also still does not provide any indication of Naruto turning her way, but it was a friendly pairing moment. (in the middle of an extreme situation)

Thank you, thank you, thank you for understanding what I was trying to say.

[Sojobo]

I told you guys that there wasn't any problem with chapter 615.
Just Hinata fanservice.

I'm starting to get really excited about Kishimoto being silent with Sakura's character !!
Now that Juubi's blocked, it's time to show the main characters actions. Remember Shikaku's plan, Taijutsu team against Madara and Medical team with Naruto (and obvousily Kakashi) against Obito.
Sakura will get "her" fanservice in a more important moment, a decisive moment. And we NS fans will have fun after waiting so long for Sakura's developpement in war. ^^
The best always comes at the end !! ^^


Anyway, good to know that everyone is releaved about with this chapter, I really didn't understand why the fans were crying about chapter 615.
Keep reading previous chapters about NaruSaku when you doubt about it being canon, you will remember that NH will never have a chance to happen. (lack of Naruto's feelings developpement for her)

Edited by Sojobo, 18 January 2013 - 01:22 AM.

[Inferno180]

Basically 615 turned into a good/bad crisis for the fanbases:
NaruHina: CONFIRMED, WE WIN WE WIN, ATTACK THE NARUSAKUs
NaruSaku: TAKE COVER! SAY ITS NOT SO!

Chapter 616: Maximum trolling giving NaruSaku fans despair and making NaruHina fans embarrass themselves.

There was a lot in this chapter to show how it was just part of the plan, however many questions were raised, these were what some people asked me and I noticed these answers:
While it was releving to see that the main purpose of the hand holding was to commit a plan, if anything this just means the pairing stuff is back to what it was before.

NaruHina is back to being unconfirmed and at the same time NaruSaku is still in the game.

By this same measure, many fans are still going around making their own assumptions, despite how the hand holding ended as soon as this chapter started, many NaruHina fans are saying it was symbolic because it was the real naruto and he did it for a few moments, others say while he did tag many others with power, its still confirmed.

To clear this up:
Is NaruHina confirmed? No its not, its still just a possible pairing. The hand holding of last chapter was significant for Hinata, not Naruto. Naruto again had no romantic intent and though some fans are trying to use the line "you've been by my side the whole time." They don't realize the context, again Naruto is replying to Hinata ABOUT THE WAR AND THEIR ALLIES NOT HOW SHE LOVED HIM. Obito nearly broke Naruto but Hinata's speech and Kurama's input got him back in. The hand holding as I see it for now, was merely a way to both thank and consulate Hinata for a brief moment over both cheering him up and for Neji.

Why did Hinata revive the power first? Easy she was the closest, might as well had used her as the lab rat for enhanced chakra. Naruto had just snapped out of a daze, the hand moment was brief but important for Hinata, yes it was the real naruto but now the real naruto is over with kakahsi and team guy, does this mean if he tags them its special for them as well? No because everyone got power, Hinata is not special in that case.

Was chapter 615 a NaruHina moment? Yes, Yes it was but it was that a moment and its passed. 615 was about Naruto realizing whats really at stake, nothing between them romantically. It was about how Naruto had been entrusted with so much and how everyone was willing to die for him to succeed. Its not up to Naruto alone, the only way he could succeed is from the help of others which is already being proven from the Ino-Shika-Cho formation in 616. Hinata was the secondary character of this chapter to remind Naruto exactly for that and she who just lost Neji her own cousin, it was her own cousin she lost but slapped naruto out of it to prove to him that Neji dying and everyone helping each other was proven Obito's statements of hopelessness wrong. Hinata had her big moment, the motivational speaker, now the speech is over and the spotlight has shifted. 616 dealt with Shikamaru and Ino mainly over the loss of their fathers and how the mantles had been passed on. Hinata had her moment, its over.

Was 615 romantic? Yes for only Hinata, Naruto did not think either way about romance, he was thinking about how the fight was not hopeless and gave Hinata the first enhanced chakra. Hinata thought romantically but Naruto did not give a rats ass either way over romance, they are in a battle for the fate of the world, Naruto is at least smart enough to not think this way.

What about Hinata's role in 616 she punched the ten tails? Hinata merely tested the power, the air palm is a rather weak technique in the hyuga clan, but it was enhanced to the point as it could deflect a punch from the imperfect ten tails, everyone is figuratively as strong as naruto was when he had the four tails or in sage mode, some equivalent. That point acted as a moment for Madara and Obito to realize the kitten just got real and how if a minor tech could block a punch, then what would a normally powerful move do? The results: The Choji and Choza had the immense strength to hold down the ten tails as if equals and the Nara clan got the power to immobilize it fully, and Ino was able to move even faster than Naruto and hold Obito for much longer (though Obito being very powerful was still able to shake her off and remain awake).

What about Sakura, she was nowhere to be seen? Yes what about Sakura, she was not seen (save Ino's flashback) but that does not mean she is not present, Sakura is still very much around the battlefield and doing her role most likely. Keep in mind the real time of the battles, the NaruHina moment seemed like 5 mintues but it was just more like 10 secs in real time (manga and anime always do this stuff for the drama, a dramatic drag). Same thing with Sasuke and co, the battle with Kabuto and where they are currently (back in Konha) are all occurring at the same time. Sakura's parents were much in the same way they are now, they always existed and were present just not in the main focus.

Why didn't Sakura get any power? She's useless: This one we don't know, we assume Naruto gave her power or more likely those who needed it for the time being. If anything Kakashi and Guy did not get any power boost either but remember theres a good reason for this, they just had it. Just like how sage mode is a 3rd source of power for Naruto, he can use it to substitute and supplement his own supply but he is limited in how many times he can enter sage mode. So its no surprise if Kakashi and Guy need a bit longer before they can become devastating. Sakura we don't know, she could have gotten it or not gotten it, Kiba got it yet he did not fight. This is the only thing I'm unsure of, if they suddenly have many wounded I could see Sakura getting pumped up for hyper speed healing or if they need it, a very strong physical attack. Sakura we need to wait and see, I could see the medical one but I could also see naruto needing help for a major physical attack from Sakura, Lee, and Guy, but maybe others as well.

Is Sakura going to have a moment? Yes, Yes Sakura will have her moment, remember above anything else regardless of pairings, Sakura is part of team 7 and part of the conflict, even if Naruhina was confirmed back in 615, it would make no difference for this, Sakura was there when Sasuke did bad stuff not Hinata. Naruto and Sakura are the team members with Sasuke not Naruto and Hinata. Kishi even said all characters will have a big moment, what this means for sakura is unknown but we know her being a main character will have something to do. Sakura is still the heroine, just as Tsunade is healing the other Kage off screem, Sakura could be prepping for a big role. Remember back in 615, though the NaruHina moment was just very short lived, we have no idea what Sakura reacted too, it could have been Hinata's speech or it could have been Tsunade in some way, the Sakura panel was important but we still have no idea for what.

So who loves who and what is the pairing status? As I said in the start, the pairing stuff is back to normal, Kishi just trolled both NS and NH fanbases. Hinata is still the only one with a direct love. Naruto we have no idea (no proof he is over Sakura even with the confession and no idea about Hinata especially considering Hinata's confession is still unaddressed), Sakura finally we know she loves Sasuke as of 540 but seemed depressed, She still likes Naruto and has genuine feelings, just we don't know how those feelings are, its true Sakura was depressed about Sasuke and she has hinted a couple times she may love Naruto (the bridge, possibly jealous of hinata from the healing moment after pain attacked her, possibly for something over hinata's speech in 615).

Again its nice to have the tension eased up over these pairing wars but only time will tell, I mean what if Kurama ends up thinking Sakura was like Kushina, if that happened then I think we would know where that would lead. Sakura is around, I don't think she ditched or went to the kages, we should see her soon. Remember Hinata, Shikamaru, and Ino all had their moments they even all just lost someone (Neji, Shikaku, Inoichi). If Sakura loses Tsunade, you all realize what this means considering how Sakura is a main character and Tsunade is a major one with an important role.

NaruSaku is still a possibility and it could come around, if everyone has a major moment, what I would love to see for Sakura regardless of pairings is her surpassing Tsunade, maybe getting the title and mantle passed on right here, it may seem like a cheap power boost to Sakura but she could be put in a very important position soon. Especially when it comes to Naruto and Sasuke what will she do? (most likely just have faith in Naruto or possibly even help him to fullfil the promise, it would be neat to see Sakura do something like "Its not just a promise, its because we are a team Naruto and we need to fullfill that obligation to Sasuke). I can dream but we just need to see.

So its nice things are back on track with action for a while, lets see how they play out but we know for sure Sakura has an important event coming and it should be good.

One thing people keep saying is, NaruSaku is dead since there have not been any real moments since team 7 was all gathered. No, its not dead. True there have been hardly any moments but they have been separated by war for quite a while. They had a short reunion during the white zetsu attack and on the ten tails battlefront. Some have said its been over since 469 despite there being nothing to show he is over her, just cause he said I hate people who lie to themselves does not mean he would just shut her out all at once, rather it would make no sense on kishi's part to just make 4 characters go out and one be desperate to protect another just to have her lie in an effort to protect him and shut out the possibility of the pairing. Sakura was desperate and hurt, tried to make amends, and fix her mistake. On the battlefront now, she is in the back during her main role healing, she will come to the front soon being a main character and everyone getting a big moment.

Finally there are just 2 main reasons why I still see NaruSaku happening, 1. Kushina's parallel childhood, seriously its almost too good to just be there. To have had so many similar interactions and events like Sakura, its just too good to be dumped on NaruHina. I still don't understand why crazy fans don't acknowledge this, its all there plain and simple the early interactions between Naruto and Sakura are practically the same as Minato and Kushina. Kushina was not shy or unconfident in her own ablitlies, she was bullied, had a temper, hated a feature about herself, hated a blonde at first, blonde loved thing she hated about herself etc. Only other girl I can think of like this is Sakura.

2. This is the most important, Naruto's cycle breaking record. Naruto has resolved so many things in the series from bringing hope to the land of waves, giving Sakura the courage to fight, showing hinata to not give up, proving to neji life is your choice, gaara that people like him are not alone, Tsunade that her predecessors died for what they believe in, showed Chiyo that the hopes of the past generation are carried on by the next, even managed to convince Nagato of peace and become friends with Kurama. If Naruto could do that, I don't see why he should not succeed with Sakura. Hell he made a pact with the tailed beasts to save them, how can he not at this point?

Jiriaya loved Tsunade and wanted to get Orochimaru back, but he failed, failed to get peace, and failed to protect his mentor and student. Succeed though because of his beliefs and faith in Naruto.

Obito loved Rin who loved Kakashi. Obito wanted to bring peace and become a good ninja but Kakashi killed Rin for unknown reasons, this changed kakashi. In a way Obito failed for the peace he once dreamed of (now being really crazy in bringing it about) and Kakashi failed because all of his team was thought to be dead, he felt that he failed them and would always have to live with it, only resolving to make sure it never happened with team 7, though Sasuke ran away.

Minato and Kushina: They did not fail, they realized their role was to protect and entrust the future to Naruto. Minato was only the father of the prophitezed savior.

Madara wanted peace in his own way but he was taken over to highly in vengence and the anicent conflict between the senju and uchiha. Madara now just wants to dominate everything.

Naruto will end the cycle of hatred and bring the old feud from the SOT6P to an end with Sasuke. In a nutshell all I see NaruHina fans wanting the ending to be is this. "Hey Sakura heres Sasuke for you" he becomes hokage, stuff happens here with Sakura and Sasuke and Naruto, whatever, then Naruto just goes over to Hinata. Basically he gets Sasuke back then goes to sakura like everything fine? ok.

No, I just don't see that as a good one, not at all. If we see a common theme in failure and a hero who manages to succeed in other ways, is it too hard to think that Naruto's goal is to succeed where his predecessors failed? And why not succeed in everything? Obviously we know naruto will save the world and bring peace, but why should he again fail in the love area like his predecessors? I don't know why it should just be simply Naruto saves the day yet fails with Sakura, goes to Hinata, thats just not doing it for me. I think that as his character who began as a failure, he should surpass his predecessors and succeed where they failed.

The promise of a lifetime is one of the most important events in the story, its not only symbolic to team 7 and the bond, but its binded them together. Naruto and Sakura both missed Sasuke, to naruto it was losing a friend and brother, to sakura it was losing a loved one. Naruto knew Sakura loved Sasuke and would do the promise not only because both were his closest friends, he did not want them to suffer. Sasuke leaving hurt both Naruto and Sakura. In the same way he promised Sakura he would get Sasuke back, Sakura wanted to help Naruto in any way she could. Even with Sakura loving Sasuke part of the promise was so Naruto would still hope he could fulfill his promise to Sakura and still get her to notice him. Naruto only craved 2 things from his best friends: Acknowledgement from Sasuke and love from Sakura. Where sakura loved Sasuke just out of generalities, Naruto said again and again he tries his best to show Sakura he is there for her and willing to do what it takes. Even with Sai seeing naruto loving sakura, Naruto feels he does not deserve to confess or become hokage until that promise is fulfilled. Why should naruto only succeed in becoming hokage?

There is still time, much more of the story to come, and Sakura will have a big moment. Kishi did say all characters (mainly kohna 11) would have big moments and Sakura is coming up. Chp 616 did not reveal what sakura was reacting too now was it? Sakura will have her time and soon we should see something between Naruto and Sakura.

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

People keep saying that NS is dead to avoid facing reality, Naruto loves Sakura and they want to put doubts about his feelings, I see NS happening for a lot of reasons, Kushina paralleling Sakura, is a strong one for me but Sakura personality that is capable of handling Naruto.
Second, Sakura is Naruto's love interest and moving on from her just when he's close looks retarded and unlogic.

Third Kishimoto made Naruto's mom to be like Sakura, because i doubt that he had Kushina planned since chapter 1.

4-> After all that sasuke did to Sakura there's no reason for her to be in love with Sasuke is still understandable for her to be in love with him yet but it seems that her feelings are decreasing and she found a reason to move on.

[sushi.]

People keep saying that NS is dead to avoid facing reality, Naruto loves Sakura and they want to put doubts about his feelings, I see NS happening for a lot of reasons, Kushina paralleling Sakura, is a strong one for me but Sakura personality that is capable of handling Naruto.
Second, Sakura is Naruto's love interest and moving on from her just when he's close looks retarded and unlogic.

Third Kishimoto made Naruto's mom to be like Sakura, because i doubt that he had Kushina planned since chapter 1.

4-> After all that sasuke did to Sakura there's no reason for her to be in love with Sasuke is still understandable for her to be in love with him yet but it seems that her feelings are decreasing and she found a reason to move on.

Yes.

If Sakura is conflicted with her feelings, why no earth would they change back to part 1 at the end of the series?
It's like "I love Sasuke --> Hmm..maybe there's something special between me and Naruto --> Naah, I got it all wrong, I really do love Sasuke."

Edited by sushi., 19 January 2013 - 04:20 PM.

[Sakamaki Izayoi]

Yes.

If Sakura is conflicted with her feelings, why no earth would they change back to part 1 at the end of the series?
It's like "I love Sasuke --> Hmm..maybe there's something special between me and Naruto --> Naah, I got it all wrong, I really do love Sasuke."

If i remember correctly on shounen jump 2008 or something like that there was an interview which he says "i'm currently working on Naruto's backstory" in other words he was doing the whole "uzumaki clan" concept and her mother and her background.

[sushi.]

If i remember correctly on shounen jump 2008 or something like that there was an interview which he says "i'm currently working on Naruto's backstory" in other words he was doing the whole "uzumaki clan" concept and her mother and her background.

lol what does that have to do with what I said?

[fireandice]

Yeah, about Sakura/Kushina parallels, you guys can note that in her initial appearance in Jiraiya's flashback, she did appear quite gentle and soft-spoken. Although Tsunade mentioned she was a tomboy, it was suggested that she might have matured and grown more womanly (Tsunade's comment on Kushina becoming so beautiful when she grew up). For a while that had NH fans saying Kushina's personality was more like Hinata's- how Hinata had a very boyish haircut and grew her hair out and looked much prettier after the timeskip etc.

Yet, when we got properly introduced to Kushina in 500, Kishi made it pretty clear she still had a temper

Are there differences between Kushina and Sakura? Sure, because Kishi doesn't want to make them CLONES, and that would be boring because they wouldn't be their own person. But IMO when other ppl say these differences mean Sakura doesn't resemble Kushina, it's a logical fallacy. Because, overall, they are pretty similar in terms of personality and appearance. The MinaKushi rescue from Obito and NaruSaku rescue from Sasuke was almost a carbon copy in terms of poses and panel for panel!

Kishi could easily have gone down the 'tomboy when she was a kid, but demure, beautiful lady when she grew up' route. But he didn't And the whole "like your mother" thing is a parallel he could have left out. But he didn't.

As I would think the Rookie Nine were designed before Kushina, I think that makes it clear who she's intended to resemble

IMO, the story hasn't ended. Sakura's learning to let go of Sasuke is I think meant to be a pivotal part of her journey. Sasuke may eventually be redeemed, but it's about her realising those feelings were probably for a boy who never really existed- her 12 year old self created this 'cool' Sasuke when the real one was seriously messed up because of the massacre. The panel where Sakura looked depressed when the random ninja said whoever she loves must be a great guy seems to me negative progress on the SasuSaku front and positive on NaruSaku.

[T XD]

^ Tsundere characters are the best XD

Sakura not shown in ch.616, makes me think that Kishi's preparing something for Sakura... well, I hope for something important. Plus, I think that her part in the plan is the last one.

Edited by T XD, 19 January 2013 - 06:04 PM.

[rocci]

Basically 615 turned into a good/bad crisis for the fanbases:
NaruHina: CONFIRMED, WE WIN WE WIN, ATTACK THE NARUSAKUs
NaruSaku: TAKE COVER! SAY ITS NOT SO!

Chapter 616: Maximum trolling giving NaruSaku fans despair and making NaruHina fans embarrass themselves.

There was a lot in this chapter to show how it was just part of the plan, however many questions were raised, these were what some people asked me and I noticed these answers:
While it was releving to see that the main purpose of the hand holding was to commit a plan, if anything this just means the pairing stuff is back to what it was before.

NaruHina is back to being unconfirmed and at the same time NaruSaku is still in the game.

By this same measure, many fans are still going around making their own assumptions, despite how the hand holding ended as soon as this chapter started, many NaruHina fans are saying it was symbolic because it was the real naruto and he did it for a few moments, others say while he did tag many others with power, its still confirmed.

To clear this up:
Is NaruHina confirmed? No its not, its still just a possible pairing. The hand holding of last chapter was significant for Hinata, not Naruto. Naruto again had no romantic intent and though some fans are trying to use the line "you've been by my side the whole time." They don't realize the context, again Naruto is replying to Hinata ABOUT THE WAR AND THEIR ALLIES NOT HOW SHE LOVED HIM. Obito nearly broke Naruto but Hinata's speech and Kurama's input got him back in. The hand holding as I see it for now, was merely a way to both thank and consulate Hinata for a brief moment over both cheering him up and for Neji.

Why did Hinata revive the power first? Easy she was the closest, might as well had used her as the lab rat for enhanced chakra. Naruto had just snapped out of a daze, the hand moment was brief but important for Hinata, yes it was the real naruto but now the real naruto is over with kakahsi and team guy, does this mean if he tags them its special for them as well? No because everyone got power, Hinata is not special in that case.

Was chapter 615 a NaruHina moment? Yes, Yes it was but it was that a moment and its passed. 615 was about Naruto realizing whats really at stake, nothing between them romantically. It was about how Naruto had been entrusted with so much and how everyone was willing to die for him to succeed. Its not up to Naruto alone, the only way he could succeed is from the help of others which is already being proven from the Ino-Shika-Cho formation in 616. Hinata was the secondary character of this chapter to remind Naruto exactly for that and she who just lost Neji her own cousin, it was her own cousin she lost but slapped naruto out of it to prove to him that Neji dying and everyone helping each other was proven Obito's statements of hopelessness wrong. Hinata had her big moment, the motivational speaker, now the speech is over and the spotlight has shifted. 616 dealt with Shikamaru and Ino mainly over the loss of their fathers and how the mantles had been passed on. Hinata had her moment, its over.

Was 615 romantic? Yes for only Hinata, Naruto did not think either way about romance, he was thinking about how the fight was not hopeless and gave Hinata the first enhanced chakra. Hinata thought romantically but Naruto did not give a rats ass either way over romance, they are in a battle for the fate of the world, Naruto is at least smart enough to not think this way.

What about Hinata's role in 616 she punched the ten tails? Hinata merely tested the power, the air palm is a rather weak technique in the hyuga clan, but it was enhanced to the point as it could deflect a punch from the imperfect ten tails, everyone is figuratively as strong as naruto was when he had the four tails or in sage mode, some equivalent. That point acted as a moment for Madara and Obito to realize the kitten just got real and how if a minor tech could block a punch, then what would a normally powerful move do? The results: The Choji and Choza had the immense strength to hold down the ten tails as if equals and the Nara clan got the power to immobilize it fully, and Ino was able to move even faster than Naruto and hold Obito for much longer (though Obito being very powerful was still able to shake her off and remain awake).

What about Sakura, she was nowhere to be seen? Yes what about Sakura, she was not seen (save Ino's flashback) but that does not mean she is not present, Sakura is still very much around the battlefield and doing her role most likely. Keep in mind the real time of the battles, the NaruHina moment seemed like 5 mintues but it was just more like 10 secs in real time (manga and anime always do this stuff for the drama, a dramatic drag). Same thing with Sasuke and co, the battle with Kabuto and where they are currently (back in Konha) are all occurring at the same time. Sakura's parents were much in the same way they are now, they always existed and were present just not in the main focus.

Why didn't Sakura get any power? She's useless: This one we don't know, we assume Naruto gave her power or more likely those who needed it for the time being. If anything Kakashi and Guy did not get any power boost either but remember theres a good reason for this, they just had it. Just like how sage mode is a 3rd source of power for Naruto, he can use it to substitute and supplement his own supply but he is limited in how many times he can enter sage mode. So its no surprise if Kakashi and Guy need a bit longer before they can become devastating. Sakura we don't know, she could have gotten it or not gotten it, Kiba got it yet he did not fight. This is the only thing I'm unsure of, if they suddenly have many wounded I could see Sakura getting pumped up for hyper speed healing or if they need it, a very strong physical attack. Sakura we need to wait and see, I could see the medical one but I could also see naruto needing help for a major physical attack from Sakura, Lee, and Guy, but maybe others as well.

Is Sakura going to have a moment? Yes, Yes Sakura will have her moment, remember above anything else regardless of pairings, Sakura is part of team 7 and part of the conflict, even if Naruhina was confirmed back in 615, it would make no difference for this, Sakura was there when Sasuke did bad stuff not Hinata. Naruto and Sakura are the team members with Sasuke not Naruto and Hinata. Kishi even said all characters will have a big moment, what this means for sakura is unknown but we know her being a main character will have something to do. Sakura is still the heroine, just as Tsunade is healing the other Kage off screem, Sakura could be prepping for a big role. Remember back in 615, though the NaruHina moment was just very short lived, we have no idea what Sakura reacted too, it could have been Hinata's speech or it could have been Tsunade in some way, the Sakura panel was important but we still have no idea for what.

So who loves who and what is the pairing status? As I said in the start, the pairing stuff is back to normal, Kishi just trolled both NS and NH fanbases. Hinata is still the only one with a direct love. Naruto we have no idea (no proof he is over Sakura even with the confession and no idea about Hinata especially considering Hinata's confession is still unaddressed), Sakura finally we know she loves Sasuke as of 540 but seemed depressed, She still likes Naruto and has genuine feelings, just we don't know how those feelings are, its true Sakura was depressed about Sasuke and she has hinted a couple times she may love Naruto (the bridge, possibly jealous of hinata from the healing moment after pain attacked her, possibly for something over hinata's speech in 615).

Again its nice to have the tension eased up over these pairing wars but only time will tell, I mean what if Kurama ends up thinking Sakura was like Kushina, if that happened then I think we would know where that would lead. Sakura is around, I don't think she ditched or went to the kages, we should see her soon. Remember Hinata, Shikamaru, and Ino all had their moments they even all just lost someone (Neji, Shikaku, Inoichi). If Sakura loses Tsunade, you all realize what this means considering how Sakura is a main character and Tsunade is a major one with an important role.

NaruSaku is still a possibility and it could come around, if everyone has a major moment, what I would love to see for Sakura regardless of pairings is her surpassing Tsunade, maybe getting the title and mantle passed on right here, it may seem like a cheap power boost to Sakura but she could be put in a very important position soon. Especially when it comes to Naruto and Sasuke what will she do? (most likely just have faith in Naruto or possibly even help him to fullfil the promise, it would be neat to see Sakura do something like "Its not just a promise, its because we are a team Naruto and we need to fullfill that obligation to Sasuke). I can dream but we just need to see.

So its nice things are back on track with action for a while, lets see how they play out but we know for sure Sakura has an important event coming and it should be good.

One thing people keep saying is, NaruSaku is dead since there have not been any real moments since team 7 was all gathered. No, its not dead. True there have been hardly any moments but they have been separated by war for quite a while. They had a short reunion during the white zetsu attack and on the ten tails battlefront. Some have said its been over since 469 despite there being nothing to show he is over her, just cause he said I hate people who lie to themselves does not mean he would just shut her out all at once, rather it would make no sense on kishi's part to just make 4 characters go out and one be desperate to protect another just to have her lie in an effort to protect him and shut out the possibility of the pairing. Sakura was desperate and hurt, tried to make amends, and fix her mistake. On the battlefront now, she is in the back during her main role healing, she will come to the front soon being a main character and everyone getting a big moment.

Finally there are just 2 main reasons why I still see NaruSaku happening, 1. Kushina's parallel childhood, seriously its almost too good to just be there. To have had so many similar interactions and events like Sakura, its just too good to be dumped on NaruHina. I still don't understand why crazy fans don't acknowledge this, its all there plain and simple the early interactions between Naruto and Sakura are practically the same as Minato and Kushina. Kushina was not shy or unconfident in her own ablitlies, she was bullied, had a temper, hated a feature about herself, hated a blonde at first, blonde loved thing she hated about herself etc. Only other girl I can think of like this is Sakura.

2. This is the most important, Naruto's cycle breaking record. Naruto has resolved so many things in the series from bringing hope to the land of waves, giving Sakura the courage to fight, showing hinata to not give up, proving to neji life is your choice, gaara that people like him are not alone, Tsunade that her predecessors died for what they believe in, showed Chiyo that the hopes of the past generation are carried on by the next, even managed to convince Nagato of peace and become friends with Kurama. If Naruto could do that, I don't see why he should not succeed with Sakura. Hell he made a pact with the tailed beasts to save them, how can he not at this point?

Jiriaya loved Tsunade and wanted to get Orochimaru back, but he failed, failed to get peace, and failed to protect his mentor and student. Succeed though because of his beliefs and faith in Naruto.

Obito loved Rin who loved Kakashi. Obito wanted to bring peace and become a good ninja but Kakashi killed Rin for unknown reasons, this changed kakashi. In a way Obito failed for the peace he once dreamed of (now being really crazy in bringing it about) and Kakashi failed because all of his team was thought to be dead, he felt that he failed them and would always have to live with it, only resolving to make sure it never happened with team 7, though Sasuke ran away.

Minato and Kushina: They did not fail, they realized their role was to protect and entrust the future to Naruto. Minato was only the father of the prophitezed savior.

Madara wanted peace in his own way but he was taken over to highly in vengence and the anicent conflict between the senju and uchiha. Madara now just wants to dominate everything.

Naruto will end the cycle of hatred and bring the old feud from the SOT6P to an end with Sasuke. In a nutshell all I see NaruHina fans wanting the ending to be is this. "Hey Sakura heres Sasuke for you" he becomes hokage, stuff happens here with Sakura and Sasuke and Naruto, whatever, then Naruto just goes over to Hinata. Basically he gets Sasuke back then goes to sakura like everything fine? ok.

No, I just don't see that as a good one, not at all. If we see a common theme in failure and a hero who manages to succeed in other ways, is it too hard to think that Naruto's goal is to succeed where his predecessors failed? And why not succeed in everything? Obviously we know naruto will save the world and bring peace, but why should he again fail in the love area like his predecessors? I don't know why it should just be simply Naruto saves the day yet fails with Sakura, goes to Hinata, thats just not doing it for me. I think that as his character who began as a failure, he should surpass his predecessors and succeed where they failed.

The promise of a lifetime is one of the most important events in the story, its not only symbolic to team 7 and the bond, but its binded them together. Naruto and Sakura both missed Sasuke, to naruto it was losing a friend and brother, to sakura it was losing a loved one. Naruto knew Sakura loved Sasuke and would do the promise not only because both were his closest friends, he did not want them to suffer. Sasuke leaving hurt both Naruto and Sakura. In the same way he promised Sakura he would get Sasuke back, Sakura wanted to help Naruto in any way she could. Even with Sakura loving Sasuke part of the promise was so Naruto would still hope he could fulfill his promise to Sakura and still get her to notice him. Naruto only craved 2 things from his best friends: Acknowledgement from Sasuke and love from Sakura. Where sakura loved Sasuke just out of generalities, Naruto said again and again he tries his best to show Sakura he is there for her and willing to do what it takes. Even with Sai seeing naruto loving sakura, Naruto feels he does not deserve to confess or become hokage until that promise is fulfilled. Why should naruto only succeed in becoming hokage?

There is still time, much more of the story to come, and Sakura will have a big moment. Kishi did say all characters (mainly kohna 11) would have big moments and Sakura is coming up. Chp 616 did not reveal what sakura was reacting too now was it? Sakura will have her time and soon we should see something between Naruto and Sakura.

this post is the answer for the anti-ns, i agree 100% especially the bold part

[James S Cassidy]

Oh, it's too late to start building NH. That's for sure, yeah. But it's best that we don't deny what's there. This can easily count as buildup, if it needs to be. It wouldn't be enough buildup on its own (far from it), but nonetheless, it's there.

I know what you are trying to say Zac, but I don't consider it a NH moment.

How can I put this?

Well, we have hundreds of moments for both NH and NS (mostly NS) where many take them as romantic or platonic or whatever. It has gotten so bad that people have been jumping on scenes and saying they are romantic or saying they are not romantic. Some say this, others say that. Then we got other accusing of denial and et cetera.

I have gave my own personal rules to determine whether or not this is a scene.

- Is it mutual love? Not to be confused with mutual friendship moments. Is the scene a love emotional scene between two people?

- Practical and purpose. Is there an ulterior reason why a character would do what they did? Is the reason for doing it a romantic one or a practical one? Is the purpose meaningful or is the purpose something much more straight forward?

When I think of "NaruHina" or "NaruSaku," I think romantic. Since these are the "couple call signs" when someone says "NH/NS moment" I want to see the romance between them. I want to see them mutual love relationship happen. (blushing, attraction, et cetera.)

"Naruto and Hinata moments" where it is just a scene they share together and interacted. I don't suppose you consider Naruto holding Hinata's forehead and asking if she had a fever romantic do you? Especially since Hinata fainted and Naruto thought nothing of it. It is just an example.

615 is a Naruto and Hinata moment, but not a NaruHina moment. The scene you pointed out with Sakura cheering Naruto on is a "Naruto and Sakura moment," but not a "NaruSaku moment." Am I making any sense? The hug scene is a NS moment to me, So is the feeding scene because there was an emotional mutual feeling, even if Sakura didn't realize it. The only NH scene I see is the one in the Pein Arc. That's it really.

Edited by James S Cassidy, 20 January 2013 - 03:27 PM.

[AnimeGirl_123]

You know, just because Naruto held Hinata's hand to transfer chakra does not dismiss the obvious NH moment at all, right? It makes it less effective, yes, but that chapter was very much a NH moment. Let's not try to deny that.

Yea I agree with this. But lets hope Sakura gets chakra too to make the moment EVEN LESS THAN THAT effective....

I think Kurama's comment will come into play for Narusaku. Maybe after the war or after he saves Sasuke, he will go for the kiss instead of confessing.

[NarutoxSakuraFan4Life]

I wrote a whole article on the, "NaruHina moments" on chapters 615-617.

~ I believe the NaruHina moment in 615 is actually a Hinata moment, just with Naruto in it. Not just any Hinata moment, but Hinata character developing moments. Okay so let’s discuss, 615 first.

~ 615 ~ Speech ~ As you look at 615 you may remember the horrifying feelings of Hinata touching Naruto’s cheek and giving him speech. But, if really look at this chapter we will see what it was actually all about. If you look at Hinata’s speech, you can see she does not stammer once… For her that’s a HUGE deal, because you know, she stammers A LOT. So, there began her character development. She's beginning to gain more confidence in herself.

~ Now, think of Hinata’s character. We all know her whole character revolves around Naruto pretty much. Hinata, in order for her to gain any character development, she needed to be put by Naruto’s side.

~ Now, how am I SO sure this is character development. Well, I’ll get to that at the end.

~ Hand holding ~ As you may or may not remember back in, chapter 573, The Path Toward Radiance. Hinata thought,

~ “Naruto-kun… I’ve always… always been chasing you. Even now. But once this war ends, I’m going to stop once and for all. Next time, I’ll be next you, holding your hand… Walking with you! Wait for me!!” ~ Hinata Hyuga thinking about Naruto Uzumaki.

~ Now, a couple of things… Hinata again said, “Naruto-kun… I’ve always… always been chasing you. Even now. But once this war ends, I’m going to stop once and for all. Next time, I’ll be next you, holding your hand…”

~ She said once the war ends, she’d be holding his hand. Okay, apparently in the end Hinata, you won't be because holding Naruto's hand has already been done. In the eyes of NaruHina fans, this is a good thing. They didn't want to wait to see Hinata hold Naruto's hand. But... Um, it may be a bad thing.

~ If Hinata was intended to hold Naruto’s hand and live happily ever after with him in the end, why did Kishimoto draw the hand holding in chapter 615? Wouldn’t he have waited to draw it in at the end of the war? Seems a little… funny huh?

~ The other thing about this hand holding… It was clearly a chakra transfer. Some people (NaruHina fans) said that Naruto did not know he was going to transform. How couldn’t he?

~ In chapter 615, Kurama and Naruto conversing. Naruto sees Kurama regaining chakra. He knew he was going to transform soon. The hand holding was part of Hinata’s development and clearly a transfer. This chakra was given for a power boost and protection.

~ ALSO, NaruHina fans are saying, Hinata was THE FIRST to get Kurama’s chakra. Actually, Kakashi was. You should feel special, Kakashi. XD And even if she was the first to get the Kurama’s chakra (which she wasn’t) it was only because she was the only one beside Naruto. Well, her and Neji, who was dead.

~ 616 ~ Staying By Hinata’s Side ~

~ NaruHina fans made a big deal out of this part. The fact that Naruto stayed by Hinata’s side and never left her. Hah! Here’s the problem with this. Take Sakura, Ino, Tenten, or even Temari and put one of them in Hinata’s place. He would do the same thing, stood by them. Look at Hinata’s position. She’s in the front lines with Naruto, if he didn’t stay around, she’d be the next one to get killed and Naruto just lost Neji.

~ ‘Little Missus’ ~ It cracked me up when some NaruHina fans screamed, ‘Madara called Hinata, ‘Little Missus’ look what ‘little missus means! NaruHina is canon!’ Sorry to rain on your parade, but Madara doesn’t give a crap about ANYTHING or ANYBODY. He’s trying to destroy the world, sure he’s going to support NaruHina…

~ Plus there are two translations of what Madara said, ‘Little Missus’ AND ‘Little Girl’.

~ 617 ~ Healing Popping Naruto’s Shoulder Back Into Place ~

~ NaruHina fans for some reason this was a big deal. We all know it's because of the fact that Sakura didn’t fix Naruto's shoulder and Hinata did was what had the NaruHina fans stirred up. Really, this is no big deal.

~ Now NaruHina doesn’t seem too bright now does it? How can I prove that 615 was a Hinata developing character? Well, it seems that Kishimoto is doing that with the characters. Giving them development. First Hinata. Then Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji, then Lee!

~ Who’s next for development? Well we’ll see. We have many other characters that need development, Tenten, Guy, Shino, Sakura, and Sai… Not only that but we are beginning to see less and less of Hinata. We see Hinata a lot in chapter 614 and 615. Then in 616 we see her a little, then in 617 in one or two panels.

~ Naruto Developing Feelings For Hinata? ~ No, he’s not. He’s not even thinking about Hinata or anything romantic at the moment, if you look through 617, he’s thinking about two people.

~ Neji Hyuga and he’s will… AND now… Sasuke Uchiha and his bond with him.

~ SO, if Naruto is thinking about Sasuke and Neji… Then how could he be thinking of how he’s developing feelings for Hinata? Honestly, wouldn’t he have began to feel something towards Hinata AFTER her confession? A girl’s confession is a bigger deal than a slap in the face and a speech of not giving up…. So, I believe he would start developing feelings for Hinata then, not now. PLUS, even after the confession there is a place where it shows Sai talking with Naruto asking him if he liked Sakura AFTER Hinata's confession, and Naruto says himself, "I can't even keep a promise, how can I confess to her?" Okay, well.. there you have it.

~ What NaruHina fans don’t seem to understand is that relationship, even in a manga (well maybe in shojo mangas, but Naruto IS NOT a shojo manga) does not start in three chapters. NaruHina lacks in development, BUT who knows, Kishimoto might turn something around on us. I HOPE he doesn't

These are my thoughts on the past chapters. I'm not saying all of this is totally correct. And yes NaruHina fans on Tumblr hated me for saying all this. XD

Edited by NarutoxSakuraFan4Life, 04 February 2013 - 02:03 AM.