Naruto and Sakura do not share a genuine romantic kiss within the canon Naruto storyline. The widely referenced “kiss” occurs in episode 158 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “Everyone’s Strength”, but it’s far from a heartfelt moment; it’s a desperate attempt by Naruto, disguised as Sasuke, to deceive Sakura and the others during a crucial mission.
The Context: Desperation and Deception
The infamous “kiss” is rooted in Naruto’s unwavering commitment to bring Sasuke back to Konoha. Driven by a promise to Sakura and fueled by his bond with Sasuke, Naruto takes drastic measures. Understanding that Sakura is determined to meet Sasuke, Naruto transforms into him using his Transformation Jutsu. This act is driven not by romantic feelings towards Sakura, but by a desperate attempt to stop her from potentially encountering and being harmed by the increasingly dangerous Sasuke.
Naruto’s transformation is imperfect, and Sakura sees through the deception relatively quickly. However, before she can fully react, Naruto (as Sasuke) attempts to poison Sakura’s soup, hoping to incapacitate her. During this struggle, they fall, and their lips momentarily connect. This isn’t a deliberate act of affection; it’s an accident born out of a tense and deceptive scenario.
Debunking the Misconceptions
The “kiss” scene often causes confusion and sparks debate among fans. Many view it as a significant romantic moment between Naruto and Sakura, but this interpretation is fundamentally flawed. The key to understanding the scene lies in recognizing the following:
- Naruto’s Disguise: He is not himself; he is attempting to impersonate Sasuke.
- The Intent: The intention behind the act is not romantic. It’s a strategic maneuver to control Sakura’s actions.
- The Accidental Nature: The lip contact is a byproduct of a struggle and is not portrayed as a tender or meaningful moment.
This incident highlights Naruto’s dedication to his friends but also showcases his immaturity and poor judgment in handling the situation. He prioritized his mission over Sakura’s feelings and ultimately failed to achieve his objective.
FAQs: Unveiling the Truth About Naruto and Sakura’s Relationship
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the Naruto-Sakura “kiss” and their complex relationship:
FAQ 1: Is the kiss considered canon in the Naruto storyline?
Yes, the event in episode 158 is canon. It happens within the established storyline of Naruto Shippuden, even though its nature is accidental and deceptive.
FAQ 2: Did Sakura have any feelings for Naruto during this incident?
Sakura’s feelings towards Naruto at this point were primarily those of friendship and concern. She was worried about him and Sasuke, but there’s no indication that the accidental “kiss” triggered any romantic feelings for Naruto. Her primary concern was Sasuke’s well-being and whereabouts.
FAQ 3: What were Naruto’s true feelings for Sakura at this time?
Naruto harbored strong feelings for Sakura throughout the early series. He was infatuated with her and desperately sought her affection. However, his feelings evolved over time. While he still cared for her deeply, his primary focus shifted towards protecting her and his other friends. He eventually recognizes Sakura and Sasuke truly belong together.
FAQ 4: How did Sasuke react to this event (if he ever found out)?
Sasuke never directly confronts Naruto or Sakura about this particular incident. However, his later actions and expressions, particularly his realization of Sakura’s unwavering love and support, suggest that he understood the complexities of their relationship dynamics. It can be inferred that this event played a role in his understanding.
FAQ 5: Why did Naruto attempt to poison Sakura’s soup while disguised as Sasuke?
Naruto’s intent was to prevent Sakura from meeting the real Sasuke, believing he could protect her from harm. He considered Sasuke to be too dangerous and feared for Sakura’s safety. The poisoning attempt, though misguided, stemmed from a place of concern.
FAQ 6: Does this “kiss” have any impact on the development of Naruto and Sakura’s relationship?
The incident primarily serves as a catalyst for highlighting the growing distance between Naruto and Sasuke and the lengths Naruto would go to fulfill his promise to Sakura. It doesn’t significantly develop a romantic connection between Naruto and Sakura. In fact, it arguably highlights the lack of genuine romantic chemistry between them.
FAQ 7: What is the fan reaction to the Naruto-Sakura “kiss”?
Fan reaction is diverse and often divided. Some fans dismiss it as an irrelevant accident, while others view it as a potential, albeit flawed, romantic moment. The controversial nature of the scene often leads to heated debates about the nature of Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke’s relationships.
FAQ 8: Are there any other moments in the Naruto series where Naruto and Sakura share a kiss?
No, this incident in episode 158 is the only instance where Naruto and Sakura’s lips connect throughout the entire canon Naruto series (including Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto).
FAQ 9: How does the anime portrayal of the “kiss” compare to the manga?
The anime adaptation stays true to the manga panel in episode 158. The overall tone and context remain the same, emphasizing the accidental and deceptive nature of the contact.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of Naruto’s Transformation Jutsu in this context?
Naruto’s Transformation Jutsu is crucial because it highlights the deceit involved. He is not being genuine; he is pretending to be someone else to manipulate Sakura. This emphasizes the lack of genuine romantic intention behind the act.
FAQ 11: How does this incident affect Naruto’s relationship with Sasuke?
The incident arguably deepens the rift between Naruto and Sasuke. It underscores Naruto’s desperation to bring Sasuke back while highlighting Sasuke’s growing darkness and isolation. It also demonstrates Naruto’s willingness to go to extreme lengths, even deceiving his friends, to achieve his goals related to Sasuke.
FAQ 12: Ultimately, why did Naruto end up with Hinata instead of Sakura?
Naruto’s relationship with Hinata developed gradually throughout the series. Hinata’s unwavering support, genuine affection, and belief in Naruto’s potential deeply resonated with him. In contrast, Sakura’s feelings were consistently directed towards Sasuke, and Naruto eventually accepted this. His relationship with Hinata allowed him to experience a true partnership built on mutual respect, understanding, and genuine love – qualities that were absent in his infatuation with Sakura.