http://eiga.com/movie/79681/interview/
Trans:
Naruto ending up with Hinata was decided in the very early stages of the story.
Naruto being close to Sakura was a deliberate mislead, thats why the scenes of Sakura being compared to Kushina were introduced.
The Last Movie is not only the story of Naruto falling in love with Hinata, but it is the story of Sakura & Naruto parting ways.
He felt the story of Naruto falling in love with Hinata has to be propely explained, or it wouldnt be fair to the readers. Thats why the Last Movie exists.
^is this really what Kishi said?? If so I'll throw up. He just wanted to keep us interested..
If nh was decided sooo early then why was there barely any interactions?!