Imogen

Wow, i never thought that the mini essay i wrote in regards to Sakura and Naruto would spark a discussion on filler arcs and voice overs...although i was interested to learn that some of my favourite male characters are actually women...just like i was surprised to find that Bart Simpson is female. Interesting. I agree that some of the filler episodes are pointless, but i also agree that the older ones were funny at times and showed characters learn new abilities etc. Yet they didn't need so many, although without them there wouldn't be a couple of great moments to use in AMVs for Naruto and Sakura. But i get what people say, they aren't in the original story so what is the point, but the programme makers have to do something to fill the gap whilst waiting for manga to be published.

I also agree that the arc at the moment is pointless and boring, as is the arc that had the boy who had some of narutos tailed fox in him...but i think that was a means to show more of Asuma as they new he was going to have a key role to play next *****this is where i need help in putting in SPOILERS as when i press to have something as a spolier it doesn't work! (I'm not an expert with technology****

Getting back on topic though, i merely ,made the point about arcs as a means of building up to my previous post where i gave evidence of a build up in bonding between Naruto and Sakura. If they can make Sakura confess to Sasuke and Hinata to Naruto they can continue doing confessions, although i would prefer to see a kiss, and although Sakura is the domineering character, i'd prefer it if Naruto took control and shut her up with a huge smooch!!!! everyone would be on the edge of their seats as that would have been unexpected!!!! and awesome.

After reading a bunch of comments from other Forums on what people thought about the whole love triangles etc, it amused me and disappointed me at the same time. Some idiot even believed that Naruto had given up on Sakura the moment he saw her hug Sasuke in the hospital when he brought Tsunade back!!! Now I know that there are a lot of filler arcs in the anime and many scenes with suggestions of a build up in a relationship with Naruto and Sakura as well as demonstrations of character development with the other characters. Although long winded, i did like to see more action with the other characters and watch them learn new skills and grow up a bit. However, the manga is completely different in that respect and so hints are far more subtle and hard to find, in fact they can easily be interpreted as attraction or friendship depending on how you wish to see them.

Watching the anime and reading the manga it is clear that during the whole of the first part of Naruto he had a huge crush on Sakura but she never reciprocated these feelings and instead focused on Sasuke. When Sakura pleaded to Naruto to bring Sasuke back, she cried because she couldn't stop him, she loved him and poured out her heart and it just wasn't enough. (we all know how that feels!) that was the moment Naruto realised how much she cared for Sasuke and that is when WE noticed that Naruto is in love with her, it is more than just a crush. In fact, it is Naruto's influence and sacrificial tendancies that make Sakura realise just how much stronger she has to become if she wishes to protect him and Sasuke. (in the anime this is extended with an arc where the bond with Sakura and Naruto grows!) In fact, she is shocked to realise the truth about Naruto's feelings herself when he makes his promise of a lifetime and she realises just how much he understood her, better than anyone else. She also tells Kakashi that she believes in Naruto...a massive growing change from when she first met him. When Naruto returns from being beaten by Sasuke, he is apologetic and she tries to play it all down to make him feel better.

So, 3 years later...despite what others argue, Naruto's feelings are the same. At least on 2 occasions Naruto plans for him and Sakura to have a date. Once near the start of Shippuuden, after their fight with Kakashi, and the second in chapter 311, when Naruto is annoyod that Sai is there as he had planned out an excuse for a walk for them to have a 'date'. Naruto has always made clear his emotions yet Sakura hasn't really responded...however, her response warms the more dates are mentioned. She used to reject him, then went on one to talk about Sasuke, then said 'ok so long as you pay' etc etc. As this is a running theme between the two of them, often resulting in comical moments, there is bound to be at least one date which actually goes to plan for poor Naruto!!! (she almost fed him herself, getting right up close, if it wasn't for that stupid Sai!!!) As this was something she begrudingly did in the past, it shows how much she has warmed to his character.

Now people would say her feelings for Sasuke still remain the same...This could be true, or she was rejected and is holding on to false hope. She saddens with his name and was in awe when they first meet him in Shippuuden, oh and she punches Sai for bad mouthing him as well. But nothing more is mentioned about her feelings or suggested. Not even from Ino, who appears to have forgotten her attraction to Sasuke and has focused on Sai!

Anyway, the following is a list of chapters where hints are made about Sakura and Naruto: (WARNING SPOILERS!!!!!)

Chapter 289, page 8: Sakura explains to Sai that Naruto sees Sasuke as a brother. Sai notes that Sakura is very 'gentle' towards Naruto. She clearly shows a deeper understanding of him and the struggles and emotions he goes through.

Chapter 291, page 3: Sakura gets angry and says to Kabuto "you know nothing about Naruto's feelings", she defends Naruto when she could be asking about the wereabouts of Sasuke.

Chapter 296, page 2: Sakura shows anxiety and worry about Naruto after learning the truth about him for the first time. On page 7 she runs to him crying and says 'enough Naruto, I'll save Sasuke for you'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, that is a big deal, not for herself or for him but for Naruto. She doesn't want him to die trying to meet the promise he made to her. She wants him to live! She will put herself out on the line to protect him and bring him his wish, to bring Sasuke back. It may also be that she feels guilty now, knowing the truth and the realisation of how selfish her request was and how serious Naruto is about his promises.

Chapter 297: Sakura says to Yamato 'same as always, I can only do the dumbest of things for Naruto'....not for 'them', as she was previously worried about being weak and unable to protect Naruto and Sasuke, but for Naruto. This supports the scene where Naruto is in bandages when he comes back from fighting Sasuke and Sakura looks at him, battered and bruised but still smiling and willing to fight! It motivates her and upsets her that he put his life on the line and all she did was cry. It makes you wonder then if she became strong because of her love for Sasuke or because of her love for Naruto?

Then there is the important quote that everyone goes on about....Yamato says to Sakura in Chapter 297 "It is not what you DO it's how you FEEL, Sakura I can tell just by looking at you...the truth is..." Very irritating that this is not finished, but then why put it in there if not to tease the reader? There is not other way to interpret that, the continuation would have been 'care deeply for Naruto...Besides, every time Naruto has fought to protect her he has become stronger in some way and determined (the fight with Gaara proves that much) so it would have been easy to say that Narutos feelings for Sakura were important, but no, HER FEELINGS TOWARDS HIM are important...If she showed him she felt the same way, he would become a great deal stronger. Being accepted by people and recognised is all he has ever fought for from the very beginning, and to be accepted by her in such a way, to be loved, wouldn't that be a more powerful bond than the ones he has with Iruda and Sasuke (father and brother)? If they really wanted to they could have put Hinata in this scene, but they didn't!!!

Chapter 298: Sakura is disgusted by the idea of leaving Naruto behind. She isn't worried about chasing Orichimaru or finding Sasuke, she is more concerned for Narutos health. Is she beginning to learn that it may not be worth it all if he dies in the process?

Chapter 299: she lies to him to protect him and not worry him about her injuries...I guess this is something most people would do with someone they care about. But when Yamato tells Naruto the truth he is shocked and worried about the fact he hurt Sakura. And it was her of all people. He could have hurt Yamato or another friend at some point, but it had to be Sakura because she is the one he has the strongest emotions for, the one he has sworn to protect, only proving he still feels for her and has not given up yet!!!!

As for the violence parts, it is in there for comic effect only. They over emphasise the hits to get more of a reaction from the audience, and to demonstrate how much stronger Sakura has become. Sakura has lost her inner self and now speaks her mind. She has better control over her emotions, although Naruto has had to jump in to try and protect Sai on a couple of occasions, receiving damage himself. If not for Naruto and her understanding of him she would not have held back from Sai. Telling Sai herself that in order to find Sasuke she would not hurt him again...Some could see this as her still feeling for Sasuke (well he was her first love so that makes sense, he saved her live a few times so she owes him to, but this was brought about by Naruto saying he would work with even Sai if it meant bringing Sasuke back....again she did it for him not Sasuke).

I think i have made my arguement clear!

Hope you all agree...if there are any more scenes you can think of let me know.

But to conclude with this, i believe Sakura will confess at some point, hopefully before it is too late. Hinatas confession may have triggered something in her, but i get the feeling that they may put in another comic scene and make Sakura lash out, with a hint of jealousy or embarrassment...or she may go quiet and be completely different as she wouldn't want to stand in between Naruto and Hinata, delaying her feelings and going into denial, focusing back on healing people or finding Sasuke, which may hurt Naruto but hopefully someone will point out the truth, like Shikamaru, as he seems to understand people better than they do.

Don't worry, it is unlikely to happen, but i have watched anime before and charcters die when you least expect it. I think something serious will have to happen before any confession or action. May that be Naruto near death or Sakura...But then i never expected some of the charcters who are now dead to die in the way they did! Who knows what they have install. But i guess it is more likely that Sasuke would pop it rather than the others...Naruto has to live in order to prove to everyone that your dreams can come true if you fight for them. Sakuras character shows that people can grow up and change their ways. Sasuke, well if he comes back, then it shows there is light at the end of the tunnel, never give up! Each charcter and their story gives an important message. Well, i think they do anyway.

--- I completely agree. Well said!


Very true. In most animes, films and books the best couples are the ones with tension. It's always more fun and exciting to read or watch the frustrations and denials between characters then sigh with relief once they finally hook up. That, or shout at the screen 'It's about bloody time already!'


They probably are. Best stories have suspense! I just hope they do a good job of it if they are and not rush scenes just to get it over with or meet public view. One thing about Manga, they think of every route and carefully plan it all. Gives you a great story but a long wait!

Yeah i know i am getting my hopes up, but there have been some animes with subtle hints, which are enough for me...but if they can make hinata confess they can sure as hell make sakura!