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The Couple

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NaruSaku (Japanese ナルサク) is the term used to refer to the romantic relationship between Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno.

Their Relationship

Part I

Prologue — Land of Waves Arc

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When Sakura first makes an appearance, Naruto is shown blushing, stating she was a very cute girl who he liked. Thinking she might sit next to him due to the fact she was looking in his direction while smiling, he waves his hand to welcome her. However, she instead shoves him away and steals the seat next to Sasuke, much to his annoyance and dismay. Naruto is shown to envy Sasuke, much of this due to Sakura's interest in the Uchiha. When the teams are finally revealed, Naruto cheers in delight at the announcement of the pink haired kunoichi's name while she looked down in dismay. Later, Naruto decides to lock away the Sasuke to give a chance for him to talk to Sakura. Transforming to Sasuke, he approaches her. Sitting alone on a bench, Sakura is shown thinking to herself about her flaws. Looking up, she sees Naruto in Sasuke's form who compliments her forehead, causing her to blush. Wanting to know her personal view on himself, the Uzumaki asks her. Sakura bluntly replies and states that he was an annoyance. She then confesses to the transformed Naruto that she just wants the Uchiha's acknowledgement and leans in to kiss him. While leaning to receive the kiss, he realizes to himself why he liked her so much, but this is quickly interrupted with a stomach ache. Upon rushing to the restroom, Sakura comments to herself of how shy he was.

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Sakura chooses to be nicer to Naruto.

When later called annoying by the real Sasuke, Sakura realizes how wrong she was to treat Naruto so poorly and decides to be nicer to him. Not long after, when the just newly formed team is waiting for Kakashi, Naruto decides to prank Kakashi for being late by planting an eraser on the door. Although she scolds him for doing such a thing, Sakura's inner self is shown to approve of this. When Kakashi finally arrives and is hit by the eraser, her inner self is shown cheering for the success of Naruto's prank.

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Team 7

When the team is finally chosen to introduce one another, Sakura is shown to be baffled by Naruto stating that he wanted to become Hokage. When it is her turn to express her likes and dislikes, she plainly points out that she dislikes Naruto, much to his dismay. During the bell test when Naruto shows off his Shadow Clones, Sakura is shown to be impressed. After the team fails to pass the first test, they are given another chance. Though ordered to not share food with the tied up Naruto, Sakura decides to go against it after seeing Sasuke volunteer and eventually ends up being the one to feed Naruto. She also defends her actions along with Sasuke when Kakashi fakes a severe scolding. At the end, the team passes.

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On their way to Tazuna's, Naruto decides to be overly cautious, sensing that somebody was following them. After Kakashi Hatake confirms to his group that they are being followed, he tells everyone to duck and Sakura is shown protecting Naruto with her body. It is revealed the enemy is Zabuza Momichi

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During their battle with by Zabuza, Sakura is shown scolding at Naruto, who runs towards the enemy. However, it is revealed that he had wanted to grab his headband. Surprised by his action, Sakura is shown to be admiring his will. She soon begins to notice his improvements in training as well.

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Naruto cheers Sakura on

When the team is practicing tree climbing, Sakura completes it with ease, showing off her chakra control and earning Naruto's praise. As Sasuke and Naruto continue to struggle, Naruto pleads for Sakura's advice where they then whisper in secret, even out of Sasuke's reach (much to his chagrin). At one point during the next session of the training after Naruto and Sasuke finally manages to complete it, Sakura screams for Naruto's safety as he falls from the top of a tree, but is relieved when it turned out to just be a joke, having the same reaction when Naruto actually did fall but was caught by Sasuke.

Later on, Naruto meets Haku while sleeping alone in the forest, and tells Haku that he is training to impress someone, referring to Sakura. Haku asked if this person was special to him, causing Naruto to react in confusion. Haku then states that people become really strong for those they want to protect, referring to his own bond with Zabuza. After Haku reveals his true gender to Naruto, a stupefied Naruto says to himself that Haku is otherwise prettier than Sakura in disbelief.

During another encounter with Zabuza and finally Haku, Sakura is shown to worry over the safety of Naruto and the rest of her team. She later is relieved when Naruto is shown to be alive following Haku's death. As she asks about Sasuke, Naruto is unable to tell her what happened to him and simply glances down as Sakura runs over to him, while Naruto chastises Zabuza. As the team begins to head home, Sakura comments on how Naruto and Inari are such crybabies.

Chūnin Exams Arc

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After the completion of their mission, the team meets up in the morning, preparing for a new mission. Kakashi is however three hours late and is later scolded by Sakura. After the return of the mission, Sakura is shown carrying an exhausted and injured Naruto, scolding him for pushing himself too hard.

Konohamaru believes that

Naruto's reaction to Konohamaru

The group is approached by Konohamaru Sarutobi and his team and Konohamaru asks Naruto if Sakura was his girlfriend. As Naruto blushes at the thought, Sakura punches him in annoyance before walking away. However, Konohamaru begins to mock her and this causes her to chase the two around in a comedic fashion. When Team 7 enters the room with the rest of the genin, Sakura notices how unusually quiet Naruto is and is about to cheer him up, thinking he was nervous and scared, and is irritated when he immediately banters with the other genin. During the writing test, Sakura notices Naruto's struggle and begins to forfeit with the intention of wanting to save his dream of becoming Hokage, but stops when she sees him lifting his hand up and slamming it down in resolve to keep going on, inspiring her.

In the Forest of Death, when Sakura and Sasuke are left paralyzed by Orochimaru, Naruto quickly comes to their aid. Sakura and her teammate then watch in horror as Naruto attacks the enemy ninja. When Naruto is knocked out, Sakura pins him to a tree with her kunai to keep him from falling. Sakura is shown to be touched when Naruto accuses Sasuke for being someone else since the "real" Sasuke is no coward. When Sasuke is down, Sakura pleads for the unconscious Naruto's help.

During Sakura's encounter with the sound ninjas, Sakura's desire to protect Rock Lee, Naruto and Sasuke, the people who've protected her, gave her the inspiration to fight back. After the Sound Ninja's leave, the still unconscious Naruto dreams about saving Sakura from Orochimaru. He then wakes up startled and notices her chopped hair, but Sakura tells him she just wanted an image change. Before the preliminary rounds, the group open the scrolls that summons Iruka Umino, congratulating them on their advance. Before they go off, they ask about the purpose of these scrolls and Iruka explains the Heaven and Earth process of how one needs the other to be complete. He then gives an example stating that Naruto was Earth while Sakura was Heaven and needed to learn from each other as they needed both to be considered as a full shinobi.

Cheering On

Naruto Cheers Sakura On.

During the preliminary matches exam, when Sakura was to face Ino Yamanaka, Naruto, along with Lee and Kakashi, cheer her on. When Ino tries to make Sakura forfeit, Naruto loudly cheers her on, telling her not to give up. Thanks to his cheering, Inner-Sakura awakens and

Sakura rules

forces Ino out; the two finish their battle and it ends in a tie. Before Shikamaru Nara's battle, Sakura tells Naruto he should worry about himself, but also thanks him for cheering for her, even saying that had he not, she would've lost. When Naruto faces Kiba Inuzuka, Sakura is shown silently encouraging him. When Kiba begins to mock Naruto about his dreams of Hokage and how much of an idiot he is, Sakura is shown thinking to herself how she used to think the same, but how wrong she was after seeing him during their fights. Silently and to herself, she tells Naruto to show everyone who had always doubted him to be proven wrong, with Naruto saying the same words to Kiba. Vocally cheering for Naruto, Naruto quickly gets up and finishes Kiba off, becoming the victor. After his victory, Naruto offers some of Hinata's medicinal cream to Sakura, but she merely questions why he healed so fast.

During the final exam, Sakura is shown to cheer on Naruto in his match with Neji.

Konoha Crush Arc

When Sakura is immobilized by Gaara's sand, Naruto fights Gaara with promising himself and Sasuke entrusting him that he would save her [Sakura] no matter what. Naruto eventually manages to summon Gamabunta and avoids hurting her.

Search for Tsunade Arc

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Sakura gives Naruto a smile

After the defeat of Gaara, when Sakura and Sasuke watched Naruto train, Sakura thanked Sasuke for saving her. Much to her surprise, he confesses that it was Naruto. Thankful, Sakura turns to watch Naruto and gives him a smile.

Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc

During the fight between Naruto and Sasuke at the hospital's rooftop, Sakura pleads her teammates to stop, but with no avail. Not wanting to watch the fight any longer, she pleads again for the two to stop and rushes in between both of their attacks, only to be saved by Kakashi. A distracted and worried Sakura is then approached by Naruto, who tries to cheer her up, but also tells her to never throw herself into a fight like that. Sakura then decides to go on a date with Naruto, much to his surprise. This was later revealed to be in order to confess to Naruto about Sasuke's unusual behavior and the possible path he[Sasuke] might take.

That night, Sakura although hesitant, begins to confess to Naruto about Sasuke and his Cursed Seal's aggressive side-effects. Naruto then admits that he met Orochimaru while looking for Tsunade, much to her surprise, and that he[Orochimaru] desires Sasuke. Noticing Sakura's reaction to this, Naruto quickly reassures Sakura that Sasuke wouldn't do anything with Orochimaru, because he's strong. Reacting to this, Sakura smiles at the Uzumaki.

After Sakura tries to go after Sasuke from leaving the village and fails, Naruto and his team are shown waiting outside the gate. They are approached by Sakura, and with Shikarmaru questioning about how he knew what happened, Naruto begins to question her. Instead of giving an answer, Sakura in tears, desperately begs Naruto to bring Sasuke back to her, believing him to be the only person who can. Looking at the crying Sakura, Naruto gives her a pained smile and confesses that he knows how it pains her, telling her he can also understand. He then gives Sakura a thumbs-up, making a lifetime promise to redeem Sasuke and bring him back, and that he will never back down on that in union with his ninja way.

Promise of a LifeTime

The promise

Surprised and feeling guilty, Sakura has a flashback on how she used to always look down on Naruto, but how Naruto always knew, was always there for her, willing to do anything; these thoughts quickly brings her to more tears, and she thanks Naruto while hugging herself. Kiba happily goes along with the promise, and after they leave, Lee tells Sakura that Naruto would definitely keep his promise, having done it with the "nice guy" pose.

When the team comes back and Sakura finds out that Naruto failed the mission, instead of getting angry or disappointed, Sakura tries to cheer him up. When the Uzumaki notes to Sakura that he hasn't given up, she promises him that she'll also get stronger so next time they could get Sasuke back together. In reality, however, Naruto secretly felt that he had failed in his promise, and becomes depressed. The two part ways as Naruto leaves the village to be trained by Jiraiya while Sakura decides to take a similar route and requests that Tsunade take her as her apprentice.

Part II

Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc

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Sakura blushing while asking Naruto if she has grown

When Naruto finally returns to the village, Sakura is one of the first (first in the anime) to greet him. She is shown surprised by how much he's changed. When she asks Naruto if she looks more womanly, he plainly answers that she looks the same, much to her chagrin, to which Jiraiya replies to himself that Naruto still can't understand women. Sakura then notes how Naruto had clearly matured more, but quickly dispatches this thought when Naruto reveals his even more perverted than his Sexy Technique, punching him for ruining all the admiration she held for him.

When they train together later, Naruto is shown to be impressed (and terrified) by Sakura’s strength as he and Sakura work together to retrieve the bells from Kakashi. They start trying to work together and even create a humorous plan to get the bells. The plan succeeds, and Naruto and Sakura hold up the bells to Kakashi while smiling playfully together. After training, Naruto and Sakura start up a conversation, completely ignoring Kakashi's words as they plan a Team 7 get-together. Kakashi bails, however. Naruto then nervously points out that the two are alone. He asks Sakura out for a date based on the get-together's premise to which she agrees, but only if he pays. The two then walk around town together. Sakura then giggles when Naruto outbursts over how he is the only remaining genin among the group that competed in the Chunin Exams.

After the news of Gaara's capture, Naruto starts continually going further ahead of the group in haste despite Sakura and Kakashi's protests. Eventually, Naruto reveals that he is the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails to Sakura and Temari for the first time. Sakura then has a flashback of Naruto standing and crying in a circle of people. After taking the news in, Sakura tells Naruto that she sympathizes with him being targeted by Itachi, but that is also bringing them closer to Sasuke, cheering Naruto up. Sakura then vows to save Naruto and Sasuke.

Sakura later questions him on how long he has been targeted by Akatsuki in fear, and continually looks at him while he is holding his stomach (where the Nine-Tails is located) in sadness. Eventually, this causes Sakura to ponder upon what would happen to the Jinchuriki if the beast was extracted from them. When Chiyo explains that they would most likely die, Sakura looks on at Naruto then bursts into tears. After saying Sakura cries a lot, Naruto tries to cheer her up by saying that he would rescue Gaara, which causes the frustrated Sakura to exclaim she is worried about him, but quickly, she is cut off by him walking away, leaving her further worried.

You're great

"Sakura-chan...you're great."

Sakura later proves her skills as a talented medical ninja by saving Kankuro's life. While removing the poison from his body, Naruto comes into the scene and is shown to be impressed. While the medical nin is shown explaining to a group about the complicated medical procedures, Naruto is again shown impressed, commenting to himself how great she was.

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The group later runs into Itachi Uchiha. Discovering who he was, Sakura quickly becomes angry at knowing that he [Itachi] was one the who was causing both Naruto and Sasuke so much suffering. During the fight with him, one of the genjutsu's used against Naruto was his failed promised towards Sakura. As Naruto struggles to break Itachi's genjutsu, Sakura and Chiyo transfer chakra to his body, causing him to break free. However, Naruto is shown to still remain dazed. Noticing this, Sakura slaps her hand on his face, causing Naruto to snap out of his trance but clearly confused by what she was doing. Later during Sakura's fight with Sasori, she is shown using Naruto's life time promise as one of her motivations.

When Naruto chastises everyone for not understanding the jinchuriki, Sakura worriedly looks at him and says his name. The two also team up to give Chiyo their chakra. After Gaara's retrieval and revival, Naruto and Sakura mourn over the death of Chiyo together.

Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Arc

When Sai is introduced to the group, Naruto, who had met him earlier, greets him in disgust, whereas Sakura is shown surprised by his similar looks towards their former teammate. When Sakura is later torn up by how Naruto was over Sasuke, she tells Sai that the two were like brothers. Sai then questions her actions to why she was being so sensitive, but is quickly interrupted by Naruto.

During Naruto's fight with Orochimaru, Sakura is given her first glimpse of the Four-Tailed Jinchuriki form. Watching Naruto, she has a flashback of various times Naruto has smiled for her and questions if the beast in front of her was really Naruto. As Naruto continues to express pain, Sakura becomes deeply concerned and starts clutching her chest. Kabuto then goes on and says that Naruto is a monster and is only doing this because of Sasuke, concluding with "What a sad child". With this revelation, Sakura remembers Naruto's promises to bring Sasuke back for her, then starts crying heavily. Unable to further contain herself, she quickly runs to his side in tears while pleading with him that she'd save Sasuke herself, despite Yamato's protests and Kabuto's nonchalance. However, she is knocked away by and receives a major gash on her arm from one of the tails, due to Naruto having lost control of his mind and body; Kabuto remarks that this is a shame. After Kabuto mostly heals her and Naruto is calmed, Sakura runs back over to Naruto in tears, showing concern.

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Sakura healing Naruto

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When healing Naruto afterwards, Sakura expresses her desire to be more useful. Despite her wound, she continues to heal the Uzumaki and soon asks Yamato to teach her the technique to stop Naruto's Kyubi form. She is quickly saddened when he tells her that he was the only who had this ability, saying that, as usual, the things she can do for Naruto are small and meaningless. Noticing this and her wound, Yamato claims that the important things are Sakura's feelings, causing her to look up in confusion. Smiling, Yamato tries to say something, but is quickly cut off as Naruto begins to awaken. Upon waking up, Sakura is shown to shed tears of joy upon his revival. Seeing this, Naruto thinks Sai insulted her, and immediately tries to "aid" her, getting punched in the gut for his dense nature in the process.

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Later on, the trio is shown discussing about Sai's betrayal. When Yamato finally decides that they should go after them, Naruto begins to stretch his arm and immediately faints, causing him to fall to the ground. Sakura then quickly rushes to his aid, and holds him in her arms. Noticing his heavy breathing, she becomes worried and concludes that he hasn't fully recovered yet. When Yamato advises her to leave him there, she quickly outbursts in disagreement. However, Naruto quickly assures her that he would be alright, although Sakura is still noticeably worried. Standing to his feet he claims that he would be following the group, but is shown struggling not to fall causing Sakura to be more concerned.

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The three then begin their pursuit on Orochimaru. While traveling through the forest to reach their destination, Naruto and Sakura are both shown struggling with their injuries. Naruto is quickly shown to lose consciousness from time to time to the point of almost being hit by a branch, which Sakura notices. Sakura who is swinging behind the group slips from the pain in her arm and begins to fall. Naruto then desperately tries to grab her, but misses. Instead, Yamato managed to catch her instead. Naruto soon expresses his concern over her condition, staring intently at her as she sits under a tree. Looking at the injury on her arm, he questions her where she got it. She lies that it was from Orochimaru to prevent Naruto from knowing. Yamato then says that Sakura must heal herself, since the mission depends on her healing. Although Sakura says she'll be fine, Naruto sides with Yamato and advises her to not to push herself too hard; he even compliments her every juncture which causes the medical nin to blush and look down until he mentions about her "brute strength", at which she flails her legs at him in frustration despite his apologies. While Sakura is sitting alone healing herself, Yamato confirms to Naruto that it was him while in his beast form who wounded her which leaves the Uzumaki shocked and devastated. Yamato then advises that if he wants to save Sasuke and protect Sakura, he has to do it with his own strength; Naruto, having an illusion of Sakura and Sasuke walking, agrees. Later, the group reunites with Sai and runs into Sasuke. Sasuke chides Naruto for chasing him around rather than training to be Hokage, but Naruto makes a reference to his promise by saying that he can't be considered a Hokage if he can't even save his friend. When Sasuke tries to cut down Naruto, Sakura gasps and tries to stop Sasuke. After Naruto gets knocked down by Sasuke's Chidori Current, Sakura remembers that she said she and Naruto would bring Sasuke back together, and finally sums up the will to attack Sasuke. However, as Yamato jumped in front of her, they were stopped as Orochimaru intervened by telling Sasuke to leave them for the time-being. After the group fails to retrieve Sasuke, Sakura tells Naruto that even if they failed here, they'll continue to get stronger together. After the mission report, Naruto asks Sakura out, but is declined as she states that they were ordered to remain home; Naruto then tries to make excuses on how they could avoid getting noticed, while Sai watches the whole time.

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Some time after returning to Konoha, Naruto is shown walking outside for some fresh air while Sai is seen studying books in the library. He is shown reading aloud about suffixes and the importance of each to himself. Curious, Sakura approaches Sai and greets him to where he in embarrassment, tries to cover the books that he was reading. Naruto who is still walking through the village has a flashback about the encounter he had with Sasuke and just as he snaps out of his trance, Sakura and Sai arrive to see him sitting on a bench. Naruto then questions Sai's presence and complains that both Sakura and Sai interrupted him, lying that he was devising a plan to go with Sakura on a date. The medical nin then advises him that he should better go study ninjutsu instead. While Naruto argues with Sakura, Sai notices the close relationship between the two from what he learned previously in his books about the importance of suffixes. Watching the two, he blushes and asks to join them to where the two stare at him in confusion. Sai goes on by saying he had read a book on how name suffixes and nicknames work, and Sakura gives him poor advice by saying he should focus on one's qualities, giving Naruto the nickname "Stupid Naruto", causing him to gently try to appease her. When a misled Sai promptly calls Sakura "Ugly", she tries to attack him; Naruto holds her back, resulting in both Naruto and Sai getting slapped.

Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc

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Naruto is shown training with both Kakashi and Yamato as he tries to learn a new technique with Sakura and Sai watching in the background. Sakura is shown to come visit casually and is quickly impressed by the Uzumaki's vast improvements.

At the end of the mission, Sakura is shown healing Naruto’s broken arm and warns him that it’s too dangerous to use his newly learned jutsu, the Rasenshuriken. Naruto replies that it'd be alright as long as she heals it for him. She argues that medical ninjutsu doesn't heal every injury completely, so he won't be fine immediately. Naruto, however, states that her healing him makes him happy, leaving Sakura confused. Naruto then explains that it's because they are getting closer to Sasuke together, causing the two of them to smile at each other.

While eating ramen with Sai and Sakura, Naruto complains he can’t eat because of his broken arm. Sakura, remembering their time in the hospital, moves her chair and leans in closer to him, offering to feed him, which leaves Naruto happily surprised and blushing. The moment, however, is interrupted because of Sai, who tries to feed Naruto himself per one of his book instructions. Sakura and Naruto immediately get on his case. When Kakashi comes by, he tries to appease everyone by feeding Naruto himself, and eventually is the one to do so, much to Naruto's dismay.

Itachi Pursuit Mission Arc

At one point, Sakura comes to Naruto's apartment and finds him having just woken up and eating breakfast despite it being noon. After lamenting his laziness, Sakura tells him to get dressed. Surprised, Naruto teases her if it was a date. Angrily, Sakura yells at Naruto that Tsunade had summoned them. When they arrive, they discover that Sasuke had "killed" Orochimaru. After also learning he's going after Itachi, the two resolve to search for Itachi and use him as bait for Sasuke, becoming part of the Eight Man Squad.

Pain's Assault Arc

When Naruto discovers that Jiraiya has been killed, Sakura tries to stop him from leaving the meeting in frustration, even trying to reason with Tsunade to let her go follow him. As Fukasaku prepares to depart, Sakura is shown looking down at her left where Naruto is sitting on a pole in sorrow.

After Pain attacked the village, seeing the village in ruins, in the midst of despair and disaster, Sakura screams for Naruto to come back soon. With Naruto arrived, Sakura then finds herself watching him from afar with the help of a Hyuga as he attacks the village invaders, and silently cheers for him when he defeats the Asura Path in a single blow. Sakura is shown being concerned for his well being when she found out he transformed into the Six Tails, and gets everyone to evacuate. While healing Hinata, Sakura remarks to her feelings. When Katsuyu informs everyone that Naruto destroyed the Deva Path, Sakura immediately asks her if he is injured, and is shocked when she learns that Naruto is going to meet Nagato.

Sakura and Naruto

Sakura Thanks Naruto

When Naruto returns back to the village after his talk with Nagato, Sakura scolds him and hits his head for being careless, but thanks him for saving everyone with a warm embrace. While the rest of the Konoha 11 smiles happily at the scene, Sakura is later among those who hoisted him into the air multiple times.

Five Kage Summit Arc

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Naruto comforting Sakura

Sometime later, Naruto and Sakura are sitting alone together. Naruto says that he has so many things he needs to tell Tsunade, and Sakura tells him not to worry because she will definitely recover. She then turns to the side, however, and internally asks for Naruto to comfort her, not vice versa. They then meet with Inari and Tazuna, who ask about Sasuke's whereabouts. Both of them come to a loss of words, but Naruto quickly intervenes by saying that Sasuke and him got into a mere fight, and that they can talk with him when he gets back. Sakura silently thanks Naruto for this. After Inari and Tazuna leave, Naruto tells Sakura and Kakashi that, because he now understands loss, he knows how to redeem Sasuke and plans to do so, causing his friend and his sensei to smile.

When Kiba informs Team Kakashi that Danzo has become the Sixth Hokage Candidate, Sakura immediately disagrees, with Naruto following suit. As Sakura and Naruto confront Sai about Danzo planning to have Sasuke killed, they are suddenly interrupted by the arrival of two members of Team Samui who demand to be told all they know about Sasuke. Not knowing who they were, they begin to fight with Sakura being hit and thrown on the ground by Omoi. Naruto then interrupts the battle by rushing immediately towards Sakura; catching her. When discovered that Sasuke was now in the Akatsuki, Sakura and Naruto are shown as shocked.

At the end, Naruto discovers that Killer B is a jinchuriki, and agrees to tell the Kumo shinobi of Sasuke. Sakura is shown to be worried about this, but Naruto says that he will be fine to her. After Naruto leaves with the group, he again is shown to refuse as he remembered both Sasuke as a comrade and his promise to Sakura. Resulting into getting brutally (and willingly) beaten by Karui, Sai comes to his aid and later bandages to his wounds. Asking Naruto if he could notify Sakura, Naruto refuses and states that he would heal by himself just soon enough.

How can I

I can't even keep my promises.

Seeing this selfless act, Sai is later shown thinking about the bond between Sakura and Naruto in comparison to himself. In a flashback, Sai bluntly asks Naruto if he likes Sakura after the two talked to her, to which Naruto quickly gets embarrassed. Sai continues to say he read about a book that says when you are with someone you like, you always smile and that Naruto had always done that around Sakura. He then adds on if Naruto has ever told Sakura how he felt to where Naruto replies by stating that since he wasn't able to keep his promise to her, he really can't.

Feeling compelled as a friend, in the present, Sai confesses to Sakura about Naruto getting beat up and how he left to go convince the Raikage to spare Sasuke from being executed. Going on to say that despite not knowing both of Naruto and Sakura well and not being able to understand feelings, Sai stated that he could tell that Naruto loved her, leaving Sakura shocked. With a flashback of thinking back to all the things that Naruto had done, Sakura began to wept. Sai continues to tell her that he thinks she's hurting Naruto by encouraging him to keep the promise to bring Sasuke back, which she takes as fact. Wiping away her tears, Sakura asks Shikamaru to let her be the one to talk to Naruto about the group's decision to kill Sasuke, citing that Naruto is a fool for falling for her, which he agrees to do.

In an attempt to release Naruto of the promise, Sakura, accompanied by Kiba, Lee, and Sai, travels to the Land of Iron where she confesses her love towards Naruto. Stating that she no longer loved Sasuke and asks for him[Naruto] to come home and give up on the promise; much to Lee and Yamato's dismay, Sakura pulls Naruto into an embrace and cites that while Sasuke keeps breaking her heart, Naruto has always been by her side. Stating that he was now a hero, Sakura confesses that she had now just realized that the prank-filled loser she once knew now was an amazing man that she can be eternally close to. Shocked and pushing Sakura away, Naruto shouts out to Sakura that he hated those who lied to themselves. Stating that no one would travel across a continent to just confess their feelings, Naruto states that he no longer cared for the promise and had always intended to go for Sasuke himself. Sakura angrily defends her confession and states to Naruto that he has to think of himself for a change instead of getting himself hurt by the Akatsuki, eventually leaving in frustration. However, as Sakura turned away to leave, she is shown silently apologizing to Naruto to herself.

Realizing that telling Sakura about Naruto's feelings for her and how keeping the promise is affecting him was a critical error, Sai tells Naruto what Sakura decided: to kill Sasuke on her own. Naruto, shocked and horrified, refused to believe this because Sakura truly loves Sasuke. Naruto still can't believe Sakura would do it and, along with the fact all of his friends agree to kill Sasuke to prevent him from getting Konoha involved in a war, Naruto hyperventilates and passes out.

After Naruto regains consciousness and overhears from Yamato that Kakashi had gone after Sakura to save her; knowing that his teammates would die in the resulting conflict, Naruto tricks Yamato with a shadow clone and follows Kakashi.

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Naruto saves Sakura

When Sakura makes a failed attempt to kill Sasuke, Naruto comes to her rescue before Sasuke could strike kill her with her own poisoned kunai, catching her just in time while getting scratched on the cheek from the kunai.

Setting Sakura down, Naruto then chastised Sasuke for trying to kill their own teammate. Sasuke countered by stating that he no longer saw any of them as his teammates and Naruto finds himself rebunked. Sakura however backs Naruto up by citing his resolve to help Sasuke even when all of their friends turned against him, but in response Sasuke continues to state his plan to destroy Konoha. When Naruto and Sasuke charge at each other with the Chidori and Rasengan, Sakura pleads for the two to stop. Showing concern when Naruto says he will be satisfied if he and Sasuke die together the next time they fight, Kakashi offers to deal with Sasuke himself in order to keep Naruto safe and allow him to be Hokage Naruto says he is unworthy of being Hokage if he can't save one friend and repeats his decision to fight Sasuke, even to the death, as long as he is brought back to Konoha. At this point, Sakura decides that she is a failure as she always found herself leaning onto Naruto for support and states that all she could do now was just "have faith in" both of her teammates.

After this encounter, Sakura silently thanks Naruto for helping her with their dream of seeing Team 7 smile again. Naruto then falls unconscious from Sakura's poisonous kunai and Sakura freaks out upon realizing the cause. She then assists him when he is one the verge of vomiting, while laughing nervously in the belief she is the cause of Naruto's poisoning (which Kakashi agrees with). When the group returns to Konoha, Sakura defends Naruto when the rookies question him on what happened and how he wants to handle Sasuke to the point where it works, although she also starts to wonder what Naruto is hiding. The two later walk together to help with the rebuilding, where Sakura states that she believes in Naruto and knows he is doing the right thing, resulting in Naruto getting a double shock (both from the comment and from Kakashi and Guy's "last" competition).

Before the war, Sakura excitedly tells Naruto who was eating ramen at the time that Tsunade had finally awoken from her coma. As Naruto makes a 'hell yeah' pose, Sakura gives him a big grin. Upon learning Tobi has declared war on the five nations, Nakura is given the task to help keep an eye on Naruto because he is the Akatsuki's target.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation Arc

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When Sakura is approached by an injured ninja couple who later reveals themselves to be impostors, Sakura although is attacked, is quickly saved by one of Naruto's clones. Worried and surprised to why he was on the battlefield, Sakura is quickly cut off into wanting to question him when Naruto asks if she was alright.

Later when Sakura rushes to Naruto's aid with the rest of Konoha 11, Sakura is shown thinking about Naruto and the tasks that he was always put upon, promising to him that he wouldn't be alone this time as he had her and the troops.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax Arc

After somehow surviving the attack of the Ten-Tails, Sakura along with the rest of the Shinobi Alliance rallies around an exhausted Naruto. With the shinobis' quickly losing hope, Sakura reassures the entire army and rallies them with a speech on Naruto and how he considers them all comrades. Stating that they must all be willing to die for him and each other just like he is for them, Sakura makes a promise that she will fully heal Naruto back to health so they can begin the battle.

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"Well, that's more or less of it."

When Minato Namekaze arrives onto the scene and asks if he is late, Sakura quickly ponders if he was an enemy due to his Edo Tensei. Noticing Sakura's doubts, Minato quickly assures her and bluntly asks after observing her healing Naruto if she was his girlfriend. Naruto gives an answer of a "more or less" which leads to Sakura ultimately headbutting and silencing Naruto to save his energy. Minato then asks for Sakura to be gentle with Naruto, thinking to himself that Sakura's temper reminded him of Kushina.

When Sasuke arrives onto the scene and begins to leave with Naruto, Naruto tells Sakura to get some rest after thanking her for healing him. However, Sakura quickly follows the duo and states that she also wanted to fight alongside them. After hearing this, Naruto smiles. With Sakura demonstrating her newly found power in the battle against the clones, Naruto is surprised and notes to himself that he wouldn't get on Sakura's bad side ever again in the fear that she might actually "kill" him next time.

Later as the battlefield rages, Sakura turns to Hinata and asks the status of Naruto and her teammate. She is then confirmed that the two are safe and are "smiling".

Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki Arc

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After the attack of the God Tree is calmed, Naruto's feelings and memories are spread throughout the troops. During the transfer, Sakura is shown to be shocked and overwhelmed by the many hardships her teammate had endured, even saying that she can feel his heart. When Sakura notices Shikamaru's healing speed, she notices it being the cause of Naruto's chakra. Growing worried, she thinks to herself about Naruto and exclaims that he shouldn't do too much. But this is reassured by Ino that he is doing all of this unconsciously. Watching the battlefield when Sakura spots the Rasengan that belongs to Naruto and the members of Konoha 11, Sakura is shown silently cheering them on, and even sheds a tear.

Fear of a Loss

Sakura fearing over Naruto's Death

When Naruto is brought to Sakura, Tsunade, and other medical ninja by Gaara, Sakura is shocked to see his state and quickly rushes to his aid, being the only one with enough chakra to do so. Being taken by Gaara to heal Naruto by Tsunade's order, Sakura who notices Naruto's unconscious and dying state continuously begs him to stay alive as she works to heal him, telling him that he's strong. Soon, Sakura comes to the fear of thought that Naruto might die.

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Sakura performing CPR on Naruto

As Naruto's heartbeat becomes weaker, Sakura finds her medical ninjutsu to have no effect. After being informed by Gaara that the only possible hope in keeping Naruto alive was to carry him to Minato, Sakura slices open Naruto's chest and grabs his heart. Using the little chakra she still has, she manually begins pumping his heart and performs CPR on him. Remembering Naruto's proclaimed dream to become Hokage, a determined Sakura tells him that she would not allow him to die. When they arrive at Minato's area, she was shown still tirelessly pumping Naruto's heart. As the Fourth began to transfer Yin Kurama's chakra into Naruto, only to be stopped by the Black Zetsu that intercepts his action and absorbs all of the chakra, Kakashi teleports both Naruto and Sakura into Kamui's dimension. Obito Uchiha who arrives soon afterwards tells her he wants to save Naruto. Although Sakura is worried at first, she eventually chooses to trust him and lets Obito transfer Kurama's chakra into Naruto, saving his life. After Naruto wakes up, Sakura quietly says his name in relief. After Naruto leaves the dimension with his new powers to save Guy from Madara, Sakura, despite still having animosity towards Obito, thanks him for saving Naruto's life and decides to consider him an ally for now.

Narusaku save

Naruto saves Sakura from Madara's clones

As Team 7 prepares to face Madara Uchiha, Sakura is amazed when Naruto uses his new powers to restore Kakashi's original left eye. When Madara finally appears, Sakura, who is wary at first, charges head forward at him while releasing the Strength of a Hundred Technique in an attempt to create a diversion. She is quickly stabbed by Madara's staff, shocking Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi. Sakura however ignores the attack and tries to land a blow at Madara, but is stopped by the 'invisible wall'. Naruto and sasuke, sensing this, quickly come to her aid and Naruto grabs her into a safety zone while Sasuke cuts the staff. Sakura reassures him that she is okay and doesn't need to worry. Inside Sasuke's Susanoo, Naruto defends Sakura and Kakashi when Sasuke tells them that they were of no use at that moment. Naruto comments that Sakura and Kakashi would had devised a better plan to defeat Madara than Sasuke (even saying that he himself couldn't make a better plan), but Kakashi eventually appeases him.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes Arc

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Sakura thanking Naruto

Once Kaguya comes out and summons another dimension alternating the terrain right into a river a hot lava, with team 7 falling, Naruto is saved by Sasuke, but still pleads to save both Sakura and Kakashi as well. Naruto is relieved to find that they were hanging closely, but Sasuke confirms to Naruto that the only reason Kakashi and Sakura were still there was because during the Infinite Tsukuyomi, they just happened to be there when he activated the Susanoo and that he and Naruto are the only ones that are needed to defeat Kaguya. In disbelief of Sasuke's words, Naruto sticks up to the team and reminds Sasuke of the bridge scene where Sasuke had also 'unintentionally' saved him as well. Sakura is then seen thinking, and comments that, although Sasuke's words are accurate, she still thanks Naruto for defending them. The scroll holding her and Kakashi then snaps, causing them to fall into the lava stream. Naruto jumps after them and catches both Sakura and Kakashi with his Tailed Beast Hands, then uses Six Paths Flight for the first time to catch himself. After placing her by one of his clones, he entrusts it to keep Sakura along with Kakashi safe. Sakura is shown amazed as Naruto curses Black Zetsu for taunting the deceased Obito.

After Kaguya is defeated and Sasuke calls for a revolution, watching as Sakura is knocked out by one of Sasuke's genjustu, Naruto immediately comes to Sakura's defense saying that Sasuke's action wasn't needed. After Sasuke leaves for the Final Valley, Naruto reveals to Kakashi about his lifetime promise to Sakura, which still stands under his ninja way.

When Sakura and Kakashi finally arrive at the Valley of the End, Naruto and Sasuke are revealed to have lost both their dominant arms. Sakura quickly comes to both their aid with Naruto happily calling out to her. As Sakura begins to heal them, Naruto thanks Sakura while Sasuke apologizes to her for everything he has done. With the trio smiling, Kakashi then remembers when he first laid eyes on his team and happily comments that they had finally returned. Naruto's promise, meanwhile, to Sakura had finally been fulfilled.

Blank Period

The Last: Naruto the Movie

At the academy in a scene of Naruto and Hinata's childhood, Iruka asks his students to write on a piece of paper the name of the person they want to be with if the world was going to end tomorrow. Naruto bursts out and says to Iruka that there is no way the end of the world is coming to which Iruka responds, "what if the moon is falling?". Chouji then says that it would be nice if meat was falling on the last day on earth instead of the moon. As the class is laughing, Naruto confidently turns to Sakura who is sitting next to him and Sasuke, that he[Naruto] would protect her even if the moon is falling. Sakura responds that she would rather not be protected if it was by him and then turns to look at Sasuke, blushing. When the students starts writing, Naruto, who is not able to think of anyone else, folds the paper into a paper plane and throws it out the window. Iruka scolds Naruto for throwing the paper away.

In the present timeline of the movie, Naruto is having ramen with Sakura and Team 10. Naruto is seen wearing a blue-striped scarf and he then remembers to take it off before he starts eating his ramen. Sakura, who is sitting next to him wonders why he would be so concerned about the scarf.

When Hinata appears, Naruto asks Hinata to join them for ramen and says it was his treat since he had a good day. Seeing Hinata hesitant, Sakura asks Hinata to join them and moves her seat over to let Hinata sit next to Naruto. When Hinata takes the seat, Naruto's fangirls appear and Naruto also treats them to ramen the same way he treated Hinata. Hinata then says she is already full despite not touching any and starts to leave. Sakura then tells Naruto to walk Hinata home to which Naruto asks why and says that Hinata is strong so she can walk home herself. Hearing this, Hinata then leaves. Pissed off, Sakura scolds Naruto and calls him an idiot and leaves.

Later, Kakashi sends Naruto, Sakura, Hinata, Shikamaru and Sai on a mission to save Hanabi, who was kidnapped by Toneri. During the mission, the group enters a cave with a glowing lake inside and decides to dive in due to the distortion of Hinata’s byakugan. Before they dive in, Naruto takes off his scarf to which Sakura starts to ask what the deal was with his scarf. Naruto then replies it as something important to him, but is quickly reassured by Sai who notes that despite touching the water, you won't get wet. When the group finally dives into the water, a genjutsu falls and recollects their memories. Later, Sakura wakes Naruto up from the genjutsu.

Naruto who becomes badly injured due to his fight with Toneri is healed by Sakura. After Naruto wakes up, Naruto and Shikamaru get into an argument. Knowing that Sakura is the only one who could get through Naruto, Shikamaru brings Naruto to Sakura. Naruto and Sakura then share a one on one chat as they rest in the cave. It has been revealed that Naruto only had a crush on Sakura to compete with Sasuke. Upset that he was "rejected" by Hinata, Sakura tells Naruto that Hinata might have something up her sleeve, scolding him that he was an idiot, especially when it comes to love. Sakura then tells Naruto that she understands Hinata's feelings very well, stating that once a girl falls in love, their feelings can't change. Closely listening, Naruto begins to understand Sakura's words.

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Naruto tries to grab Sakura's hand

As Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru and Sai try to enter the moon’s barrier to save Hanabi and stop Toneri and Hinata's wedding ceremony, one of one of the enemies manages to hit Sakura's ink bird Sakura. Falling, Naruto quickly comes to Sakura's aid and tries to grab her hand. Safely being caught by Naruto's ink bird, Sakura thanks him for saving her. Once inside the castle, they split up into two groups; Shikamaru and Naruto while Sakura with Sai. At the end of the film, she attends Naruto and Hinata's wedding.

Epilogue

Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring

While Naruto and Sakura remained close friends, Naruto still holds high regard to her. When Sakura unexpectedly showed up while Sasuke and Naruto fought Shin, Naruto was annoyed that she more concern for Sasuke than him. Naruto reacted with dismay and anger when Suigetsu ran a DNA test at Sarada's request that erroneously confirmed Karin, not Sakura, as her birth mother. Naruto was angry at the idea that Sasuke may have been unfaithful to Sakura and kept this information a secret. He comforted a distraught Sarada, who wanted to leave the village after concluding she had no family or purpose there. Naruto told her that Sakura has and will always be her mother because all that mattered in a family was love rather than blood. This made Sarada remember parts of her childhood with her parents and she decided to help save her mother. After being kidnapped by Shin, she berated him for trying to kill her husband and child, and dear friend (Naruto). Naruto later reacted calmly when Sakura said she was Sarada's real mother and the Uchiha family reconciled.

Quotes

Naruto introducing Sakura to the audience - Chapter 3:

  • "Haruno Sakura: A very cute girl I like a lot."

"Sasuke" (Naruto) to Sakura - Chapter 3:

  • "You sure have a large charming forehead. Makes me want to kiss it. --- Haha, that sounds like something Naruto would say."

Sakura to herself about Naruto - Chapter 43

  • "Always acting like a fool who knows only one thing. Hokage, Hokage. I'm sorry Naruto, but that impossible dreams of yours. I don't want to see it crushed!!"

Sakura to Naruto:

  • "If it wasn't for you screaming like an idiot.. I would have lost to Ino."

Sakura about Naruto - Chapter 105:

  • "Naruto is getting stronger and stronger.. I'm kind of jealous of you... When I watch you fight, I feel like I have to try harder ..that's an incredible thing."

Sasuke to Naruto about Sakura - Chapter 133:

  • "Hey...Naruto. You have to save Sakura no matter what.. I know you can save her."

Naruto's Promise of a Lifetime - Chapter 183

  • "I know how much pain you're in because of Sasuke.. I can understand. Don't worry! I'll bring him back! Promise of a Lifetime!"

Sakura to herself about Naruto - Chapter 183:

  • "He always knew.. he always helped me... Thank you... Naruto."

Lee to Sakura about Naruto - Chapter 183:

  • Naruto-kun said with the 'nice-guy' pose. He'll keep his promise. Everything will be fine."

Naruto to Sakura after the healing of Kankuro

  • "Sa... Sakura-chan.. You're great!"

Yamato to Sakura- Chapter 297:

  • "It's not what you do for Naruto that's important. It's how you strongly feel about him that counts. Sakura, I can tell just by looking at you. The truth is you..."

Sakura hugs Naruto for defeating Nagato - Chapter 450

  • "What were you thinking, you idiot...?! --- Thank you..."

Sai reveals Naruto's feelings - Chapter 458

  • "I was only recently assigned to Team Kakashi to take Sasuke's place. So I still don't know all of you that well.. and I'm not good with emotions. Also... I have no idea what promise he made to you, but... even I can tell... That he really loves you!... He's been shouldering that promise for a long time. I think he plans to shoulder it for the rest of his life."

Sakura's confession - Chapter 469

  • "Naruto... I said I love you!... I've finally woken up... It's obvious why I fell for you!... Naruto.. You've always stayed here by my side. You've encouraged me. I... finally realized who you are Naruto.. the hero who protected the village... beloved by everyone in the village... I'm just one of them. That mischievous little dummy I knew, little by little is becoming a great and important man.. and I've been watching from right next to him... You're here where I can be close to you like this. You comfort me. From the bottom of my heart, I..."

Sai to Naruto about Sakura - Chapter 474

  • "By coming here and telling you she loves you, she was trying to release you of the burden of your promise. She was only ever thinking about you. And I think you understood that."

Sakura about Naruto while running to his Aid - Chapter 573

  • "Naruto, you saved Konoha and now you're trying to save the entire Shinobi World. You've always left with these insurmountable tasks, but no matter what you say this time.. We're going to be together. Not just me, we're all going to fight together this time!!"

Sakura to the Ninja Alliance about Naruto - Chapter 630

  • "He's making us realize that he considers all of us his comrades!! I am going to make sure Naruto has a full recovery! Every one of us must do what's in their power!! If we're going to die anyway.. Then it's better to die fighting than to do nothing!!"

Sakura to Naruto while healing him - Chapter 663

  • "Your stupid dream.. it's right in front of us! ..I absolutely can not allow you to die!"

Naruto restates his promise - Chapter 693

  • "I made a promise. With Sakura-chan way back.. that I'd definitely bring Sasuke home. You know how I work, don't you? I'll be back!"

Databooks

Databook 1 (Sakura Haruno's Profile):

  • "Sakura herself doesn't know how she feels about Naruto. Her great love is Sasuke, but it should be noticed that she also looks Naruto's way. We can't talk about love for the moment, but who knows? It might happen."
  • "She feels spontaneous admiration for Naruto and for some reason, she's blushing."

Databook 2 (Sakura Haruno's Profile):

  • "Totally unreliable and full of baseless confidence is Naruto. But this Naruto becomes to Sakura someone she can rely on the most. The moment she acknowledges this, one can say her true development began. A companion is always by your side. It is because she knows this that she can get up again from the swamps of despair. The girl who travels a new path, her eyes only gazing at the future."

Databook 3 (Sakura Haruno's Profile):

  • "When she was younger, the one Sakura yearned for then loved, was Sasuke. Naruto was merely a nuisance, the loser who always came between her and Sasuke. But as she goes over the various missions in the past, and Sakura comes to a realization. When times were hard, when she wanted to give up on life, it was always that nuisance, Naruto, who protected and encouraged her. How does she feel about Naruto? Sakura still has not found the answer."
  • ​"Does her heart beat unexpectedly fast before the unforeseen, rapid growth of her childhood friend?"

Databook 4 (Sakura Haruno's Profile):

  • "That guy who was so troublesome by constantly courting her with such obstinacy.Even Sakura who who used to think about that way,now, thinks about him in a caring way she thinks about him as a semeone  important to her and is one who understands her very well.She decided to believe in his beautiful dream that is to "become Hokage" She believes that one day Naruto will become Hokage and She decided to protect his dream.To pay back Naruto Who always protected her and loved her until now ."
  • "Naruto who is dying after the Kyuubi extracted from him, Sakura is using the necessary rescue method.Until Naruto's dream will be accomplish, She won't forgive let him die."
  • "As Naruto was the hope of the village,Sakura disregarded herself,devoted into supporting/assisting him."

Among the Fans

NaruSaku is one of the most popular pairings in the fandom. It is most likely supported due to Naruto's feelings for Sakura and the development of their friendship throughout the series. Many fans of the pairing were upset when it did not become canon. It is believed by some fans that the reason NaruSaku did not become canon is because other pairings, such as NaruHina and SasuSaku, proved to be more popular among fans worldwide.

After the ending, NaruSaku fans created their own original children, one of the most popular ones being dubbed "Uzumaki Shinachiku". The name was taken from an interview by Kishimoto where he jokingly stated he would name Naruto's son "Shinachiku" since "Menma" was used for Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie.

Their rival couples are NaruHina, SasuSaku, and SasuNaru. NaruSaku is sometimes a companion ship to SasuKarin, SasuHina, and SasuIno.

Trivia

  • In the New York Comic Con Interview 2015, Kishimoto said his wife and some animators of Studio Pierrot were disappointed and upset that Naruto did not end up with Sakura.
  • In the Jump Festa Interview 2017, Kishimoto stated that nothing was ever set about Naruto and Sakura being a couple, and that they were always going to be just friends and teammates. Later on, he decided to create the messy Hinata/Naruto/Sakura love triangle to make things interesting. He regrets creating the love triangle, because Naruto is a battle manga, not a romance story, and also because it was all about Naruto and Hinata getting married from an early stage.

External Links

References

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