[bLhuez]

Originally Posted by Rlinfamous

I've liked how, throughout Part Two (especially early Part Two when she was around more), Sakura was the one who could look out for and was sensitive to Naruto's feelings, and also was the one who could stand up for him or control his impulsiveness. I liked the relationship between them up through the arc where Sai was introduced. After that, the action was more fast-paced, breaks and character development were fewer, and Sakura was seen less. But I think she provided a good presence, particularly when interacting with Naruto, during her scenes.

In 469, Sakura was the impulsive one, and Naruto was the one who understood her. He's protecting her from hurting herself, and essentially has reversed the roles. However, I think Sakura will realize from this that it's always been that way, and that Naruto has always understood her better than she understands him.

I also actually like the comedy duo scenes they have. I wouldn't expect her to continue to punch him for asking her out on dates, but I wouldn't mind more comedy scenes were Naruto and Konohamaru compete sexy jutsu transformations (that sounds so wrong) and Sakura punches them. I thought it was hilarious when Sakura also was weak against it. In fact, that scene highlights my next point:

Sakura is a lot like Naruto. In Part One, we constantly saw Sakura frowning upon Naruto's antics outwardly, while the "inner Sakura" enjoyed them, too. Oftentimes Naruto would say something, and Inner Sakura would agree wholeheartedly. What is more, she's motivated by many of the same desires as Naruto.

In fact, I think a lot of the search for Sasuke has reversed its purpose. I think it's become more for Naruto than for Sakura, and Sakura's more concerned about helping Naruto and ensuring his safety than she is about bringing Sasuke back. Even if she still has feelings for Sasuke, she's becoming more and more focused on Naruto.

Part of what makes me favor Sakura and Naruto's relationship is that it's developing. It's not pre-decided (like Sakura/Sasuke or Naruto/Hinata). The characters initially had a lot of growing up to do, and they're growing closer as they do. Naruto has recently grown up a lot after losing Jiraiya and facing Pain, and, if Sakura grows up more from him turning her down, it'll bring them even closer.

Even her half-assed confession is progress in their relationship. Nothing gets done if neither of them is honest with the other. It's like Courage Wolf says, "Even if you fall flat on your face, you're still moving forward." For that reason, I don't consider Sakura out of the picture just yet.

There are plenty of things I like about Hinata, and wouldn't mind seeing her with Naruto. I just like Sakura better, have major problems with Sasuke, and, for the reasons I listed above, prefer Sakura for Naruto.

Well said.

But her "half-assed" confession isn't as bad as they think, right? I think that would push Sakura into maturely growing or I think she is just trying to free Naruto from his "promise of a lifetime" to bring Sasuke back. She is doing it the hard way by saying those three words and making Naruto hate her.

I think she's putting the burden on her shoulders now. And that thing shows love.

On the last page of 489, their facial expression struck me. I can't put it on words. It is like look of "understanding".

Originally Posted by afro thunda

Its very simple (for me). Sakura and Hinata are the only ones who have been shown as potential love interests to Naruto throughout the story. So their the only ones I discuss when it comes to a possible pairing in the story

Can you specify it? For example, Sakura, what do you like about her? then goes for Hinata? If you only like one of them, can you give some thoughts. In that way, a lot of readers can compare them and have a better understanding and insights.

Also, this might help them see Sakura differently. The same goes for Hinata as well.

Originally Posted by paulbee

My experiences with Manga have mostly been from Naruto and Bleach. I've also read Claymore, D-Gray man, and FMA.

Perhaps it is this pausity of experience that is the reason why I have not come to appreciate what others deem as comedy so well. I also have had a rather difficult time accepting the verbal and physical abuse Sakura has dished out to Naruto. I don't see abuse as a triffle matter and I'd prefer that Mangakas not treat it as such.

To my view, Sakura may have changed from the proud and haughty "princess" who looked down on Naruto. Even if that were so, I see no reason why Naruto's future needs to be tied to Sakura. Just what is it about Sakura that demands that Naruto must end up as her mate anyway? This I fail to see.

To me Hinata just happens to be a plausible alternative. Not only that, she has always ever only treated Naruto with kindness and consideration. Why must the Star of the Manga go back to his former Crush who verbally and physically abused him, when he has all the eligible women in Naruto land as alternatives.

For me Sakura was a childhood crush, is now a friend. I'd prefer Naruto to be his own man who is not emotionally dependent on approval and acceptance from Sakura. To me Sakura's recent comments and "Confession" indicates that she has not fully recognized his manhood and his growth. I guess I have always been someone who takes himself seriously and insists on others treating me seriously, perhaps that is how I prefer Naruto to be seen.

I agree. Well, people have different tastes. Hinata is some kind of girl to like. She loves Naruto wholeheartedly and showed it. (I'm not saying Sakura doesn't it is just it is still not shown.)

Yeah, moving on as you mature to reach greater heights than to not progress at all. The only thing I find odd was her confession, when I read her confession to Sasuke, it shows real interest and pure love. But I don't consider Sakura as dumb. Her confession just rings another bell for me. It is like she wants to take the "torch of sacrifice" from Naruto to free him. But I think she should have yelled "Batton Pass" rather than having that confession, if she only wants to lessen his burden.

Paul, I completely understand you and back you on this one. I know how you feel. Especially the bold part.

Originally Posted by jmbrosendo

I like reciprocity in a relationship, and frankly, so far, besides healing Naruto when He went Four-tails against Orochimaru, I can't spot anything of significance Sakura has done for him. Nothing that makes me say, blatantly, She deserves Naruto. Can be wrong.

I think Sakura does more than we can see in my opinion. She still serves as an emotional support for Naruto. For example, his promise to her is what keeps him great and motivated. Just like how motivated he is when trying to surpass Sasuke or gain his recognition.

Naruto wouldn't be Naruto if Sakura wasn't there hitting and nagging him. The same goes for Sasuke. That is my opinion. This is kinda big for me to chew. :(

Originally Posted by Rlinfamous

It's just a trend in Shounen manga. Chichi in Dragonball, Nami in One Piece, Kaoru in Kenshin, Naru in Love Hina, Asuna in Negima, Kagome in Inuyasha (SIT!), Winry in FMA (beats him bloody with a wrench), etc.

In almost every case, the heroine (especially the tsundere archtype ones) "beats up" the hero for reasons ranging from sexual advances to simple acts of idiocy.

It is like a guideline for mangakas to follow but aren't you tired of the same thing? Now, it makes me think that all of the teenagers of Japan receives this sort of beating from their true loves.

Well, I think the manga is already finished in Kishi's mind. We could only watch it unfold.

[jmbrosendo]

Originally Posted by bLhuez

I think Sakura does more than we can see in my opinion. She still serves as an emotional support for Naruto. For example, his promise to her is what keeps him great and motivated. Just like how motivated he is when trying to surpass Sasuke or gain his recognition.

Naruto wouldn't be Naruto if Sakura wasn't there hitting and nagging him. The same goes for Sasuke. That is my opinion. This is kinda big for me to chew. :(

I was putting it in a scope of a true relationship, as a couple, Naruto already has many who motivate, cheer him, and care for him, we could name about half of Konoha. For example, after the news of Jiraya's death, a couple of characters went to Naruto to make him feel better. In this case Sakuras reaction towards Naruto was a bit less than stellar.

Of course She's had an influence for him, over time, She's his balance, in terms of behaviour a bit her oposite, and the reason why I like the idea of her and Naruto over Hinata. I simply dislike subservience, and personally, my relations with women, relate more to Naruto and Sakura, in terms of being a goof and getting hit for it, but all in a playfull manner.

Can't see anything significant in Sakuras behaviour towards Naruto that made me say She has done well and enough to deserve him. But this is how I see relations too, in equal terms, between both parties. Would even challenge any of you to show me wrong, to show me an instance where Sakura went out of her way to stick up for Naruto, unconditionally, or failing to be interpreted in their common goal of bringing Sasuke back.

[Rlinfamous]

Originally Posted by bLhuez

It is like a guideline for mangakas to follow but aren't you tired of the same thing? Now, it makes me think that all of the teenagers of Japan receives this sort of beating from their true loves.

Well, I think the manga is already finished in Kishi's mind. We could only watch it unfold.

The fact that it's considered humorous probably means it's even more socially awkward. But I think we've already deviated from the norm in having Sakura go 470 chapters without switching to Naruto.

[bluntman_exe]

Forget NaruHina or NaruSaku. The ultimate solution would be Naruto getting both of em. With his shadow clone jutsu, sexy jutsu and kyuubi chakra he would be able to do all kinds of things with them. Plus Hinata could kiss his boo boos after Sakura hits and nags him. But then he might have to become a mormon to make it work and then it'd be too much like that show Big Love.
But what someone previously said about NaruSaku being something that's developing as opposed to something that's pre-determined really resonated with me. Sakura is Tsunade to his Jiraiya, except they could go one better than their predecessors. All the while Sasuke would have Karin who'd jump at what ever crumbs he throws her way in between frequent brooding sessions.

[Rlinfamous]

Originally Posted by bluntman_exe

But what someone previously said about NaruSaku being something that's developing as opposed to something that's pre-determined really resonated with me. Sakura is Tsunade to his Jiraiya, except they could go one better than their predecessors. All the while Sasuke would have Karin who'd jump at what ever crumbs he throws her way in between frequent brooding sessions.

Exactly; a self-absorbed guy like Sasuke needs a girl who's twice as obsessed with him as he is... even Sakura at her worst couldn't compete with Karin. I mean, Karin sniffs his bloody, sweaty clothes to get off. Assuming Sasuke doesn't sniff them, himself, that makes her the winner.

[POW]

Originally Posted by Rlinfamous

Exactly; a self-absorbed guy like Sasuke needs a girl who's twice as obsessed with him as he is... even Sakura at her worst couldn't compete with Karin. I mean, Karin sniffs his bloody, sweaty clothes to get off. Assuming Sasuke doesn't sniff them, himself, that makes her the winner.

hahaha yea I agree with this.

I think someone has been forgoten in these realtionships tho! With Sakura heart broken over Sasuke and Naruto rejecting her that leaves only one. The ninja who always loved Sakura , Rock Lee!


Rock Lee & Sakura

Naruto & Hinata

Sasuke & Karin


K, bye

[Rlinfamous]

I've said it before, but I can see Sai/Sakura, sorta.

[hyuga_hinata09]

obviously with happened to naruto and sakura...narusaku dont have anychance for now if sakura would not do anything about it to make up with her mistake...NARUHINA do have a greater chance now...

[Hagane, the Ice Nomad]

Originally Posted by Roshi

Maybe not... But could you imagine their kid?

Almost unlimited chakra reserves, Byakugan, Sage mode, and the will to never give up... (s)he'd be amazing!

Gentle Fist style taijutsu in sage mode would be devastating.

Yeah, it'd be the Naruto version of Chuck Norris...But then again, Chuck Norris doesn't need alternate versions, since he can walk from one dimension to another.

[captainclaw]

I call for a threesome!!