Not quite; you equated Neji having romantic intentions towards Naruto (or vice-versa) with Iruka somehow not only having intercourse with Naruto but also making arrangements for such a union to produce offspring. The two examples aren't, quite, of the same magnitude by any means.
Magnitude has no relevance to the discussion.
Arguing that there is a Flying Spaghetti Monster is as logically flawed as arguing that there is a Floating Tea Cup between Earth and Mars - "because we just don't have the ability to see it."
Kishi's notorious lack of interest in developing romance in any manner means that he may simply neglect bourgeoning feelings between any two (or more) members of the cast. It's not like it hasn't happened before; emotional development in terms of romantic feelings is not what this manga is about.
True. Yet romance is a critical part of human interaction and his characters are often unrealistic in scenarios where a degree of romance is expected.
Though it would seem ironic that the first thing Kishimoto did in Naruto was establish a love triangle... then he developed a second one that branched off of that (with Hinata vying for Naruto).
He'd be better off to drop the nonsense "I don't plan on there being romance" and just allow the characters to behave naturally.
Otherwise we end up with situations like Hinata's confession - where a typically concerned and forward character like Naruto simply avoids a character who practically died for him (which, as this thread argues - is a very emotional point for Naruto). Simply because Kishimoto wasn't prepared for or resolved to meaningful interaction between the two.
While his lack of interesting in turning Naruto as a series into one containing homosexual student/teacher relationships with a significant age-gap that result in PREGNANCY means he's not a nutcase. At least, not THAT kind of nutcase.
Agreed. I think. Kind of had to do a little guesstimating.
Meh, I regularly test in the top one percent regardless of metric. I'm secure in my opinion. To put it lightly.
His sacrificing his life would not and could not possibly be a romantic overture, true. It is, however, a symptom of significant emotional attachment, which could very well be the result or cause of romantic feelings. It was exactly that in the case of Hinata, for example.
I'll admit, I'm literally loling at this point (Laughing-Out-Louding... hmm...).
I believe the point has been sufficiently established, however, that Neji is required to have romantic feelings for Naruto in order for the OP's logic to imply evidence for "NaruNeji" pairings... and I'm still laughing.
And their "well-developed friendship" is far more than Hinata ever had with Naruto before gaining (and confessing) her feelings. More time spent together means more time available to foster such emotions, on either side.
By that logic, you hold romantic feelings toward your mother.
....
!
Yes, I am. But it is an interesting observation, and one not wholly impossible.
I'll just assume that plausibility and the maintenance of my innocence are directly proportional.
I am quite aware that negative confirmation should in no way be considered as evidence, it was simply an observation of the fact that there is, in fact, no evidence to the contrary. Not that there is any, to or fro, for almost any possible configuration of "pairings" in Naruto as a series...
I don't know about the evidence for Minato and Kushina... kinda sketchy
Yes, I'm just being difficult at this point.
It may not be more meaningful than all the sacrifices made for Naruto, but it has, quite definitely, resulted in more permanent effects than any other on the behalf of the one who made it. Save his parents, which he does not remember.
Well... this has yet to be determined. I don't find the idea plausible... and I hope to God Kishimoto does not use the same lame plot mechanic twice... but Obito or someone could potentially come along with another "I take it all back-no-jutsu!"
Maybe they'll find seven tomoe distributed around the battlefield after the defeat the Ten Tails, and it can be summoned to grant them a wish.....
They have made statements of personal attachments of similar magnitude, but it seems to me that Naruto has had a more profound, and a more intentional, effect on Neji's life than Hinata's. At the very least before her feelings developed for him.
It's kind of difficult to say, in regards to the Manga, when her feelings developed for him. The Anime elaborates upon it, but whether that was just artistic liberty taken by the studio or gathered from conversations their staff had with kishimoto is anyone's guess (which is why the manga is established as canon). Taking the anime as canon - her feelings started with him back before the academy days (somewhat supported by the manga with Hinata's early interest in him - though the causes for this are not stated).
In any case ... what the hell were we even talking about? *scrolls up*
I think I can agree that Neji displays a much more developed appreciation of Naruto than Hinata - at least until her confession, and later during the war where she decides to stop picturing herself as "chasing" Naruto and to develop into his companion.
Plus, Neji styles his hair FAR too well to be straight.
Don't know... I had some friends who were quite into taking care of their hair who were not homosexuals.
And I take care of my hair (though it's cut within military regs...) - what are you trying to say?
EDIT: When I woke up today, I was NOT expecting to write an argument on behalf of Naruto/Neji...
I ... honestly can't believe I'm arguing against it.
Amazing what the desire to show someone else they are wrong will cause you to do, huh?
