Theme of Part II hints at NaruSaku?

[tun]

This thread is primarily based on this thread.
http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=60998
Please read at least the first post before reading this.

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Preliminary Notes:
1) The purpose of this thread is not to be a pairing war. Only to explore the possibility of something developing between Naruto and Sakura as a result of the suggest theme of Part II in the aforementioned thread. I'd prefer absolutely NO discussion of NaruHina or SasuSaku. The latter may play a role in this discussion, but the former cannot truly be assessed until Hinata actually appears in Part II.

2) Kishimoto has said that Part II will contain romance.

3) This is just something that I came up and threw together today. My opinions aren't that set in stone with this, so I'd like to get some input from you guys before I make a decision personally about this.

4) Please leave your prejudices at the door. I'll try my best to do this as well. I'd prefer unbiased analysis, so saying you hate Sakura and stuff like that doesn't really contribute to the thread.

5) This thread is based on the assumption that the theme discussed in the Part II thread is accurate. You can debate the validity of it in that thread, not here. The only reason I started this thread was because the original theme was well recieved.

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So Naruto is in some emotional turmoil and is gonna need some help getting out of it. His emotional turmoil is evidenced by the following in Part II up to this point

1) When Kakashi commented on Sasuke, he pounded the ground in frustration. blue_angel addressed this point in the original thread so I need not elaborate further.
2) While they are going to the Sand Village, Naruto reveals that he is the container for the Kyuubi and then gets teary eyed.
3) When Chiyo tells the group that the Jinchuuriki will die when the demon inside is released, Naruto gets overwhelmed and leaves to avoid becoming emotional.
4) In general, Naruto's caring for Gaara is due to the fact that Naruto completely understands what he went through. He knows the pain that he's been through and it hurts Naruto as well.
5) Just recently, Naruto burst out in front of everyone. He is basically yelling at Chiyo for the suffering that she and her village put Gaara through, but he is also indirectly crying for help by basically showing that he's struggling with these feelings as well.

Whatever way you look at it, we definitely don't have the same Naruto as before. He's even more volatile now and prone to emotional responses. That 2.5 years away from his friends combined with normal teenage angst has probably put a strain on his emotions. And as blue_angel said, Naruto has been basically been a 1 way street of help. He's changed so many people's lives, but we haven't seen Naruto get anything close to the kind of help he gives out. Sooner or later, he's going to reach his limit. But who's going to answer the call?

Sakura is probably the most obvious choice. Why?

1) She already has a well established relationship with him.
2) Naruto likes her.
3) As a main character, she has the credibility to do it.
4) She now has a far better understanding of what he's been through and going through.

Since we know Kishimoto said that there will be romance in Part II, we should take a good look at what he's done so far. He's definitely established that Naruto and Sakura have a close and strong relationship(not romatic yet, just a relationship in its most literal sense), as evidenced by their humorous reunion and the scenes where Naruto has had an emotional outburst. Sakura has already seen (twice now) first hand what the pain is doing to Naruto, and I figure it won't be long until Sakura actually does something to try to stop the suffering that her friend is going through.

Up to here, I think my idea isn't that far-fetched. It's certainly believable to see Sakura trying to at least help her friend. I don't think I'm asking for much of a leap of faith with my reasoning.

But after that, it's really up to you guys to decide where it goes from there. The ideal NaruSaku shipper in me wishes that they get together this way and they live happily ever after. However, the realistic person in me says that at best, Sakura might harbor some romantic interest in Naruto but those feelings will get conflicted with her feelings for Sasuke. This will probably end badly and everyone involved will probably get hurt. However, the opposite might be true and Sakura does decide to choose Naruto because he's always been there for her (A reccuring theme in many animes and one that I like personally). And while I think Sakura has already redeemed herself, this presents an opportunity for her to redeem herself to everyone else by paying him back for all the support that he's given her.

So the big idea that I want you guys to answer, is this idea plausible? If you remove the whole Naruto example and just use regular people, don't you think it would be a moral imperative for a person who has mistreated someone who has helped that person to at least somewhat redeem themselves by returning the favor? Most people would answer yes to that question, so why should it be any different in this case? Sakura should do something and it seems that's what Kishimoto has planned for her.

[Chiru]

Its a very plausible idea for NaruSaku to come out of the next few arcs. It is also a very well liked idea. Nice job on the thread. Even though I'm more NaruHina, I'm going to rep you!

[Odlam]

Its possible, but I think Naruto has actually somewhat moved past his romantic interest in Sakura. In the same way that he considers Iruka like a father and Sasuke like a brother, Sakura seems to have more of a sisterly quality to her relationship with Naruto now. She is going to be there for him when he needs her, but nothing romatic.

NaruHina has been hinted at too strongly for far too long to just ignore that little plot thread and let it die out before it ever really gets started.

[tun]

Originally Posted by Odlam

Its possible, but I think Naruto has actually somewhat moved past his romantic interest in Sakura. In the same way that he considers Iruka like a father and Sasuke like a brother, Sakura seems to have more of a sisterly quality to her relationship with Naruto now. She is going to be there for him when he needs her, but nothing romatic.

I'd hardly say he's moved past it when he still wanted to go out on a date with her.

NaruHina has been hinted at too strongly for far too long to just ignore that little plot thread and let it die out before it ever really gets started.

As I requested, please don't include NaruHina in this discussion. This thread is only about the merits of this idea.

[Blooming Cosmo]

I totally agree. Kishimoto seems to be building up a lot in this arc of the manga. Whenever Naruto seems to be in turmoil, the next panel usually shows Sakura with a pained look in her eyes almost like she's ready to say something, but can't find the right words to say it. There has definitely been a change in Sakura's character. In the beginning she couldn't care less for Naruto's feelings, but now he seems to be on her mind. She even cried for him. I sense something is going to happen between these two...and whether it ends happily or tragic is still up in the air. I like to think that this theory is correct and that their well established relationship will eventually blossom into something romantic.

[Chiru]

Originally Posted by Odlam

Its possible, but I think Naruto has actually somewhat moved past his romantic interest in Sakura. In the same way that he considers Iruka like a father and Sasuke like a brother, Sakura seems to have more of a sisterly quality to her relationship with Naruto now. She is going to be there for him when he needs her, but nothing romatic.

That's true. I think he finally gave up on her once she came to him crying her eyes out over Sasuke. As it was then that she realized he didn't try to ruin her "romantic life", but actually tried to help her. I think that was when Naruto really realized that NaruSaku is farfetched.

[Firedraconian]

Two and a half years is a long time. Sakura will have to get to grips with the fact that Sasuke basically abandoned her and his entire village for vengence. Naruto has been encouraging her ever since they became a team.

I think Sakura never really considered Naruto as a romantic possibility because of the way he acted. He was always like a little kid, not someone like Sasuke who could be crushed on or admired. But with the events after Itachi pre-TS, and post-TS, I think Sakura is seeing Naruto as a real possibility now. I'm not saying that she's giving up on Sasuke, but I think Naruto could become a real contender for her affections now.

When they first met after the two and a half years apart, she remarked on how mature he seemed. Sure, he spoiled that, but the scene was there. When Naruto talks about the Kyuubi, Sakura worries about him. As a teenage girl and a teenage boy, both at 'that age', working together in close conditions, especially in situations that may require them to save each others lives even more then before, some kind of romantic situation is inevitable.

The question is, is Sakura going to hold on to Sasuke, or consider Naruto as a better choice?

[mayumi]

well, naruto has been away from the village for 2.5yrs. i have no idea how long team 7 have been working together but i think its definetely shorter than 2.5yrs. personally, i always thought sakura would consider naruto more as a brother than actually liking him since sakura always had sasuke on her mind.
also when sasuke was leaving the leaf village, it seemed like sakura understood sasuke back then but after timeskip sakura understands naruto but was either not given an opportunity to express her opinion since naruto cut her off or she doesn't know what to say to him.
i think sakura will play a bigger role in part 2(just hoping she doesn't fight again anytime soon), hopefully she will a lot of development and what she can do for naruto and sasuke.
as for naruto, i have a feeling that it won't just be sakura who will help, he has a lot of people he can count on like iruka, gaara, shikamaru, neji, hinata, kakashi, jiraiya, tsunade etc. though sasuke is not in the leaf village at present, i think sasuke will play a big role aswell.
for all we know most of naruto needing help could be leading to "why did yondaime seal the kyuubi in naruto?"

[9Tail-Hokage]

Originally Posted by tun

So Naruto is in some emotional turmoil and is gonna need some help getting out of it. His emotional turmoil is evidenced by the following in Part II up to this point

1) When Kakashi commented on Sasuke, he pounded the ground in frustration. blue_angel addressed this point in the original thread so I need not elaborate further.
2) While they are going to the Sand Village, Naruto reveals that he is the container for the Kyuubi and then gets teary eyed.
3) When Chiyo tells the group that the Jinchuuriki will die when the demon inside is released, Naruto gets overwhelmed and leaves to avoid becoming emotional.
4) In general, Naruto's caring for Gaara is due to the fact that Naruto completely understands what he went through. He knows the pain that he's been through and it hurts Naruto as well.
5) Just recently, Naruto burst out in front of everyone. He is basically yelling at Chiyo for the suffering that she and her village put Gaara through, but he is also indirectly crying for help by basically showing that he's struggling with these feelings as well.

Yeah, Kishimoto's pretty much planting seeds here and there, only to make it explode into something big later on, if you ask me. His suffering in the past, his bond with his currently dead friend Gaara, who also went through similar experiences, them being labeled as "containers" and not people, his failure to save Gaara and Sasuke, it's all seemingly getting into Naruto's head. However Kishi decides to bring more of this tortured Naruto out, I can only speculate.

Whatever way you look at it, we definitely don't have the same Naruto as before. He's even more volatile now and prone to emotional responses. That 2.5 years away from his friends combined with normal teenage angst has probably put a strain on his emotions.

His emotions are a direct result if his continued suffering, I agree.

And as blue_angel said, Naruto has been basically been a 1 way street of help. He's changed so many people's lives, but we haven't seen Naruto get anything close to the kind of help he gives out. Sooner or later, he's going to reach his limit.

It's ironic, isn't it? Naruto needed help the most out of anybody in Konoha, but he, instead, decides to help everyone else. His altruistic personality is really a great thing. Other people might hate the fruits of his labor(a changed Neji, a changed Gaara, Tsunade, etc.), but they can shut up. Naruto's altruism and benevolence is a great thing, band it also might've served, in a way, as a plot device to distract us from Naruto's still-tortured soul.

Sakura is probably the most obvious choice. Why?

1) She already has a well established relationship with him.
2) Naruto likes her.
3) As a main character, she has the credibility to do it.
4) She now has a far better understanding of what he's been through and going through.

Hmmm, that SasuSaku-tards will be highly disappointed because your points are convincing.

Since we know Kishimoto said that there will be romance in Part II, we should take a good look at what he's done so far. He's definitely established that Naruto and Sakura have a close and strong relationship(not romantic yet, just a relationship in its most literal sense), as evidenced by their humorous reunion and the scenes where Naruto has had an emotional outburst.

Way back then, I used to say that they'd have a happier relationship because they can be themselves in front of one another. I like Sakura when she's with Naruto. As a matter of fact, I think we don't see Inner-Sakura(her true personlaity) because of (mostly) Naruto. When Sakura's with Sasuke, she's always trying to baby him, cater to him, do all this crap that not even Sasuke wants. She a different person in front of Sasuke. She's herself with Naruto. Sasuke hasn't done anything, IMO, to be loved by Sakura. Naruto's tried, tried, and tried but in the end, it might all still be in vain.

Sakura has already seen (twice now) first hand what the pain is doing to Naruto, and I figure it won't be long until Sakura actually does something to try to stop the suffering that her friend is going through.

Which, in turn, will make her "open her heart" and embrace Naruto as....(wait for it)....more than a friend?

Up to here, I think my idea isn't that far-fetched. It's certainly believable to see Sakura trying to at least help her friend. I don't think I'm asking for much of a leap of faith with my reasoning.

You're certainly right.

But after that, it's really up to you guys to decide where it goes from there. The ideal NaruSaku shipper in me wishes that they get together this way and they live happily ever after. However, the realistic person in me says that at best, Sakura might harbor some romantic interest in Naruto but those feelings will get conflicted with her feelings for Sasuke.

And this is where the NaruSaku dreams stop. For the NaruSaku thing to happen, Kishi must have Sakura get some closure(romantically-speaking, at least) in her relationship with Sasuke. That'll be quite a feat for Sakura if she can pull it off.

This will probably end badly and everyone involved will probably get hurt. However, the opposite might be true and Sakura does decide to choose Naruto because he's always been there for her (A reccuring theme in many animes and one that I like personally).

Only the indecisive ones hurt themselves and everyone around them. If you choose someone, there shouldn't really be a problem with the two in the relationship. Will people get hurt? Well, yeah, they always do, but this is Sasuke we're talking about, here. This kid most likely doesn't think of Sakura that way, anyway, in the first place.

And while I think Sakura has already redeemed herself, this presents an opportunity for her to redeem herself to everyone else by paying him back for all the support that he's given her.

That it does.

Is a hook-up possible? Yes, very. Is it probable? Maybe, maybe not. Will it happen? Only time will tell. Could it happen? Yes.

We'll just have to wait and see. Though, a tortured kid finding refuge with a girl he likes certainly is romantic, no?

[Raptor]

Nice Tread. anyway my two cents, but before, the naruhina hinted is an anime spoiler so it doesn't count. at least not to me. so i'll deal with Sakura here.

Naruto as far as i've seen him now, is more real than the old one. why u ask? 'cause he doesn't wear a mask of happiness like before. he doesn't want everyone attention by making pranks (he's a bit pervert by nature but that's to be expected with the teacher he has) what he want's right now, more than anything is the feeling any teen has. the need of acceptance, the need of love. until now, everything was denied to him... sooner or later his facade of happiness would crumble.

And that time is coming. slowly but surely. the burden he carries on his shoulders is by far greater than anyone alive, with the exception of the rest of the jinchuriki(or however is spelled, u get the idea) but with the added fact that he's the one who contains the king of the tailed beasts. So not only he has to deal with the conflicted emotions of his soul, but now, and as far as we can see he has to deal with the risk that the fox takes him over (i am just theorizing here, but I think that's why ero senin told Kakashi to stop him before he gets 2 tails. if Jiraiya doesn't want that to happen it must mean something BIG).

Sure he's a good fella. but like anyone else he has a limit. he's sick of people hating them for something they don't have control over, sick of everyone trying to take advantage of them, and sick of everyone looking at them as monsters when the only thing they want is to be treated as humans.

So knowing all that, i'll go with Sakura. she seems to be the most fitting to be the one who keeps Naruto's rage under control. Sure she still likes Sasuke and their next encounter might be a painful experience for everyone but it has to happen. what she liked was a childish ilusion and nothing else. the "inner sakura" was in a way her true self. we could also see her thinking sometimes to herself and we can find that, oh surprise, she actually likes one thing but says another just to get attention. 'cause that was the end of the "sasuke-kunnities" or whatever sickness she had over him. at those ages it's very easy to mistake love with ilusion. heck it's easy when were older too. (personal experience.) But then again, now without Sasuke around she can see more clear to the world around herself.

And what she seems most now, is Naruto. she now even cries for him, for his sake. she seems to worry about him, and actually enjoys his company. sure she doesn't love him, but probably a spark is starting here. i'm sure she cries on the inside for being so blind to see that, her most loyal commarade was suffering so much and no one was able to see it.

I'm sure she'll be there for him. those situations might change her heart sooner or later. she's not the sasuke-kun fangirl anymore, and she's gotta learn some painful lessons there. When she takes off that mask she'll trully bloom like the flower she represents. (i don't hate sasuke, in fact i hope he turns to the light side again, but he was another person with a mask here, always hiding behind cooleness not letting anyone see his pain, surprisingly much like Naruto here.)

So yeah. there are high chances. why not? they even look good togheter too.

[Duality]

I'll be as less unbiased as I can in this honestly.Iam NaruHina supporter myself too.The other pairings are k but I won't bother much if they don't happen.

As far as we know Sakura since sometime after she met Ino for first time started to like Sasuke.When she was introduced she had a very strong crush on Sasuke.I mean unlike Ino and every other girl her mind was only there.Ino saw Sasuke as the hot shot of the class and start liking him from that.Sakura liked him in an innocent way and after she said her friends about it they laughed at her saying 'Don't say Sasuke-kun.He is super popular.'.We see her relationship with him starting with him hating her.They went through a lot and showed that she really cares about his situation.Sasuke cares a lot about her too and is willing to risk his life for her.Even Ino mentioned how worried sick Sakura was for Sasuke in Chuunin exams.Seeing how they react together and how they talk when they are alone someone easily can see Sakura and Sasuke has a 'special relationship' between them.They talk like married couple in some cases.I don't know if something happened in the past that caused this or its by chance.
Since Itachi incident and after seeing Sasuke in coma eventually her crush turned into love.For me scenes in the hospital and after proved this.She told him how she feels about him and he responded with a 'thank you' strong word for someone like Sasuke given his condition too and left her on a bench.
After this we see Sakura deciding to train with Tsunade to go with Naruto together this time and get Sasuke back.
Needless to say even her rivalry with Ino is inspired from this.Sasuke is a vital part of Sakura's life since the start.Naruto became too after all they went through.
After the timeskip we still see her determined to save him.But now she matured surprisingly good she will risk her life for Naruto as well.

Personal opinion?Even if I don't like Sakura as much as other anime characters and girls in Naruto basicly I strongly believe Sakura seriously loves Sasuke and no matter what he does and how he treats her she will continou to love him.In my eyes Kishimoto made her feelings surpass the crowd of fangirls of Sasuke for him.Until we see Sasuke dead we won't see Sakura showing romantic interest in Naruto or Lee.

Answering the thread:NaruSaku is possible like hell given the cliche of anime.But right now I see Sakura and Naruto having a very well established friendship that I personally like.And I like the team 7 bond that way.

Sakura-Sasuke=unknown yet in part 2
Sakura-Naruto=strongest friendship possible
Naruto-Sasuke=brothers enough said

[FFLN]

Actually, we've gotten few hints of that. Sakura may like Naruto more now and feel more towards him, but... we still don't know Naruto's true feelings towards her now. We know how he's like on the surface, but we've seen little direct evidence of his feelings for her when it comes to a pairing.

Hehe... actually...: we've seen alot more to indicate Naruto x Gaara, Naruto x Sasuke, and Kakashi x Gai.;) That last look that Kakashi and Gai gave eachother... you could see exactly what was going through their mind.

Kakashi: How was that... Big Gai?
Gai: Mmmhhhmmphhh.... Kakashi... you're making me smirk with the hotness of youth.
Kakashi: *faints* Oh... Gai... you're stare is just TOO much...
Naruto: Kakashi-sensei!! *grabs Kakashi*

As you can see. There's quite a bit of love between those two.;)

Naruto x Gaara and Naruto x Sasuke. Who are the only ones that Naruto's cried for? They were the people that he truly loved. There was Haku, Sasuke, and now Gaara. He's never cried for Sakura. If Haku was still alive, Naruto would go with him in an instant.:D With Sasuke and Gaara though... he still has a chance. Remember the illusions of an orgy that Itachi immersed Naruto in? First he pictured himself sharing his body with Sasuke.;) Then Sakura popped out from below. Kakashi got a peek in from the shoulder. Last was Gaara... taking his spot at Naruto's left hand.;) If that's not Naruto's dream orgy, well... I obviously don't know what is.

[Chi]

Well.. He said that there will be romance, but did he said that Naruto will be involved?
He might talked about SakuSasu. You know.. there will be a lot of emotions when they'll try to get him back. And "love" is something, that can change people, and is something that, maybe, can change Sasuke..

Anyway.. I like the idea of NaruSaku. Maybe it's just because i don't like characters like Hinata in the anime (quiet, shy, always afraid to say something...).

[Splintered]

I’m quite split. You can’t talk Narusaku with talking Sasusaku- Kishimoto made it that complicated. Each coupling pulls the strings of another.

Anyway, the potential for Narusaku was more there than it was pretimeskip. I think after all these years Sakura’s feelings for Naruto has started to mature above the point of brotherhood, however I don’t think she can quite escape her feelings for Sasuke. She was dealt two powerfully emotional scenes in pretimeskip, and handfuls of others (though not quite as strong). That still merits for something because it doesn’t seem that Sakura’s feelings for Sasuke ended.

I think that the true colors of the Team7 triangle dynamics will be shown through Sakura’s utter confusion of the topic. The hope and the trust she puts in Naruto will be fought with the heart and the body she puts into Sasuke. She will eventually might have to chose unless one of them dies; which would complicate things more than solves it.

[dylec]

Heh, i think Kishimoto is setting up a classic triangle of love & hate, push & pull between the 3 main chars. I definately hope it's not one of those love polygon scenarios in Takahashi's manga. :D
Right now, at the beginning of part 2, it's still early to put one's foot down & decide how this romance will fly without Sasuke's appearance. But i gotta admit, there are sparks here & there.

[blue_angel]

NaruSaku? Probably. But it's too early to say. Sasuke hasn't appeared yet and we haven't seen Sakura's reaction to him. Right now, I think Sakura is emphatizing more with Naruto. She finally saw the light of her actions against Naruto earlier and what she might be feeling right now is not affection but guilt. She is also facing the reality that her friend's life is in danger. Sakura's scared right now for Naruto but being scared for someone is not akin to loving.

Yes, I'm a NaruSaku supporter but the possibility of that happening is still low. I think what makes the idea appealing is that it's romantic. The bitch girl (admit it!) from the past is now falling for the "loser" (term used loosely) and is mending her ways. The "loser" is finally getting what he deserves all along. it's nice to think that a single girl will be the saving grace of naruto's tortured soul. but its ideal and because its ideal, that what makes it special.

i think naruto is pre-occupied right now with all the things running in his mind. naruto needs love but a single person cannot fill the void effectively etched by years of neglect and blatant disregard for his being.

narusaku is a possibility but as far as possibility goes, it's on the same level as happening as sasusaku.

[Duality]

wow just wow.When ppl are talking calmly they say awesome words.Every post until now is so awesome..I just changed my oppinion about NaruSaku supporters=biased.I always said the pairing is k but the supporters are another story now It seems I was quite wrong.

[Woozie]

There will surely be Naruto and Sakura activity in part 2.

Naruto already showed he isn't so confident and loud about himself anymore when he realized Gaara was actually dead.

And Sakura is the only person who can help him at the moment if that's needed.

But it won't just be that easy, ofcourse ;) Now to wait for Sasuke and Hinata to reappear.

[tun]

Originally Posted by Gxzero

I'll be as less unbiased as I can in this honestly.Iam NaruHina supporter myself too.The other pairings are k but I won't bother much if they don't happen.

As far as we know Sakura since sometime after she met Ino for first time started to like Sasuke.When she was introduced she had a very strong crush on Sasuke.I mean unlike Ino and every other girl her mind was only there.Ino saw Sasuke as the hot shot of the class and start liking him from that.Sakura liked him in an innocent way and after she said her friends about it they laughed at her saying 'Don't say Sasuke-kun.He is super popular.'.We see her relationship with him starting with him hating her.They went through a lot and showed that she really cares about his situation.Sasuke cares a lot about her too and is willing to risk his life for her.Even Ino mentioned how worried sick Sakura was for Sasuke in Chuunin exams.Seeing how they react together and how they talk when they are alone someone easily can see Sakura and Sasuke has a 'special relationship' between them.They talk like married couple in some cases.I don't know if something happened in the past that caused this or its by chance.
Since Itachi incident and after seeing Sasuke in coma eventually her crush turned into love.For me scenes in the hospital and after proved this.She told him how she feels about him and he responded with a 'thank you' strong word for someone like Sasuke given his condition too and left her on a bench.
After this we see Sakura deciding to train with Tsunade to go with Naruto together this time and get Sasuke back.
Needless to say even her rivalry with Ino is inspired from this.Sasuke is a vital part of Sakura's life since the start.Naruto became too after all they went through.
After the timeskip we still see her determined to save him.But now she matured surprisingly good she will risk her life for Naruto as well.

Personal opinion?Even if I don't like Sakura as much as other anime characters and girls in Naruto basicly I strongly believe Sakura seriously loves Sasuke and no matter what he does and how he treats her she will continou to love him.In my eyes Kishimoto made her feelings surpass the crowd of fangirls of Sasuke for him.Until we see Sasuke dead we won't see Sakura showing romantic interest in Naruto or Lee.

Answering the thread:NaruSaku is possible like hell given the cliche of anime.But right now I see Sakura and Naruto having a very well established friendship that I personally like.And I like the team 7 bond that way.

Sakura-Sasuke=unknown yet in part 2
Sakura-Naruto=strongest friendship possible
Naruto-Sasuke=brothers enough said

I think for a situation like this, it's more prudent to focus on the characters as they are now, not what they were in the past. As much as I want NaruSaku to happen, there's definitely going to be pain along the way. I entirely expect Sakura to be confused and hurt by her mixed emotions. We know that Sakura still cares about getting Sasuke back, but has the motive changed? Is it to save him so that she can be with him, or is it because she's saving him because she cares for his well being? The former is about Sakura's personal reasons and desires, and the latter is about what is best for Sasuke. If it's the former, we have to admit that Sakura is very ignorant to think that Sasuke is going to come back and be with her. I think the 2.5 years has given her time to think about why she's trying to save him in the first place. She cares about him, so she wants to help him regardless of how he feels about her in return. But now that she sees that Naruto is in emotional trouble, she might feel like she's being pulled in two different directions of responsibility. If this is the kind of drama that might happen, I would be very excited no matter what the ending was.

[Core]

Unless its Naruto x Gaara, I haven't really seen to much romance in part 2 yet. It's been rescuing Gaara and taking out some Akatsuki, I think the romance is going to come once more characters get introduced to offer some conflict.