Kishi's horrible writing - Sakura

[Keimil]

I got it from Merium Webster. Also look up any definition of backstory you will pretty much get the same definition basically.

Agreed, I found one in Wikipedia.

"A backstory, background story, back-story or background is a set of events invented for a plot, presented as preceding and leading up to that plot. It is a literary device of a narrative history all chronologically earlier than the narrative of primary interest.

It is the history of characters and other elements that underlie the situation existing at the main narrative's start. Even a purely historical work selectively reveals backstory to the audience."

No but they were a mainstory.

The problem is, one happened before the other in the same "line of time".
Applying the definition I found, Part 1 or Pre-timeskip, its development and its outcome happened before Part 2 or Post-timeskip, which has a whole different plot.
I think we can both agree that a lot of Part 1 set the bases for the plot and leaded up to the main story of Part 2, with much more relevance for the main characters.

I don't see why can't Pre-timeskip be considered a great part of the backstory of the Post-timeskip characters.

 

[Natsu Shazneel]

The problem is, one happened before the other in the same "line of time".
Applying the definition I found, Part 1 or Pre-timeskip, its development and its outcome happened before Part 2 or Post-timeskip, which has a whole different plot.
I think we can both agree that a lot of Part 1 set the bases for the plot and leaded up to the main story of Part 2, with much more relevance for the main characters.

I don't see why can't Pre-timeskip be considered a great part of the backstory of the Post-timeskip characters.

Well you see the issue with that is that none of us are talking about what she did in part 1 or considering what she did in part 1. We are talking about what could have possibly developed her character more for the readers eye. I understand that she is your favorite character and you have every right to defend her as you please. But none of us are talking about what she did in part 1.

Now could part 1 be seen as a backstory? Sure, but that does not really mean its not part of the main plot. And a backstory is not something that is seen as the main plot.

I don't see why can't Pre-timeskip be considered a great part of the backstory of the Post-timeskip characters.

I had to reread this part again. What sort of info did we get off them to consider them a backstory?

 

[To Whatever]

Part 1 Team 7:​

Naruto: "My dream is to become the greatest Hokage, that way the whole village will stop disrespecting me and treat me like I'm somebody, somebody important."

"It's almost unbearable, isn't it… the pain of being all alone. I know that feeling; I've been there, in that dark and lonely place, but now there are others, other people who mean a lot to me. I care more about them than I do myself, and I won't let anyone hurt them. That's why I'll never give up. I will stop you, even if I have to kill you! They saved me from myself. They rescued me from my loneliness. They were the first to accept me as who I am. They're my friends."

Sasuke: "My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I hate a lot of things, and I don't particularly like anything. What I have is not a dream, because I will make it a reality. I'm going to restore my clan, and kill a certain someone."

"Just shut up for once! What the hell do you know about it?! It's not like you ever had a family in the first place! You were on your own right from the beginning, what makes you think you know anything about it?! Huh?! I'm suffering now because I had those ties, how on earth could you possibly understand, what it feels like to lose all that!"


Sakura: "My name is Sakura Haruno, what I like is- or rather who- *blush* my dream is- *tee-hee* oh, and I dislike Naruto."

"I've always considered myself to be a true ninja… but those were just empty words, because Sasuke and Naruto were always in the lead! But now it's my turn to take the lead, and all of you can watch me from the background!"

"I… I love you with all my heart!… If you were to stay here with me, there would be no regrets… because every day we'd do something fun, we'd be happy I swear!… I would do anything for you! so… Please just stay with me!"

Part 2 Team 7:​

Naruto: "Yes, he might have died... but together, he and my mom protected Konoha from the Nine-Tails! They protected me! It may have only been for a second, but in that second, they gave me so much... their faith! Faith that I could finish their jobs! Faith that I could fulfill the role of a "savior!"

"Quit it with your stupid reasoning! I meant to say that I'll stand any pain for my friends!! I'm not gonna give up on them!! It might just be me being selfish, but… not having my friends here… is the most painful thing for me!! Period!!!!"

A Hokage is someone, standing the pain, walks in front of everyone else. It's someone that breaks through the dead end for everyone to pass.”

Sasuke: "If you want to ridicule me as a brat swayed by his emotions, go ahead. To accept and adopt Itachi's intention would be childish. The foolish sputtering of those who don't know hatred. If anyone who criticises my way of life were to come forward, I'd turn around and kill every single one of their loved ones, so that they too can grasp what it's like… to experience this hatred of mine."

"Naruto… I now remember the words you once said to me. That when you're with me, you finally understand what it's like to have a brother… And when I think of it that way… That feeling… I finally get it now. I've been traveling around the world and I seem to recall these memories a lot. We were alone and starved of love. Kids that lived in a world full of hate. And from that point on, we went our separate ways… and fought. But time has passed and now I'm thinking… Could it be that… just like how the hope and and pain from my father, mother and my brother, Itachi flowed into me… I'd understand your pain and hopes too, Naruto? You never abandoned me, no matter what. And you never gave up on me, coming closer when I pulled away. It wouldn't have surprised me if you hated me, but you didn't… You kept insisting that we were friends. And even that, I nearly destroyed. You fought to stop me… to the point you lost an arm. All because you were my friend. You saved me. The us that quarreled over the smallest things… are now able to share the pain in each other's hearts. On my journey around the world, I noticed… That all these feelings of mine aren't just about us, I'm sure it's the same for everything else. But… there aren't a lot of people like you. And things won't go as planned, look at us. It's especially true when it comes to bigger things. I think it's the same as praying. And until I can do it, I'll stay strong. The beings that have been entrusted with hope… that's us. That's what makes us shinobi."


Sakura: "Naruto's here because he's made up his mind… my resolve is nothing compared to his now! I'm supposed to be a ninja, but all I've ever done is lean on him and cry… I was supposed to change that… I came here and I thought I was ready. But I can't do anything… I can't say anything. The only thing that remains for me… is to believe in them!"


"Naruto… You saved Konoha… And now you're trying to save the entire shinobi world… You always get 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's character development in Part 2 is very conflicting.​

 

[Natsu Shazneel]

snip

So let me get this straight. In part 1 she was all about Sasuke and in part 2 she was all about Naruto?

 

[To Whatever]

So let me get this straight. In part 1 she was all about Sasuke and in part 2 she was all about Naruto?

Part 1 was more or less her discovering her place on the team and her infatuation with Sasuke. After the POAL was whenever her reliance on Naruto really started.

Part 2 was her still figuring our her role in helping bring Sasuke back. Her knowledge of the Akatsuki among other things proved she was determined to not be left behind this time.

And when she did, her feelings of inferiority grew as did her reliance on Naruto. It caused her to do what she did during the Kage summit arc. (Which was basically betraying both Naruto and Sasuke.)I believe her heart was in the right place though.

"I'm the one who made Naruto suffer the most… I've just been getting it wrong… just been messing it up… I don't want to get it wrong anymore… don't want to screw it up anymore."

This continues well into the War Arc in which she bounces between feeling inferiority and seeking approval from Sasuke and Naruto. To having confidence within herself; before relapsing back into contemplating whether she's being a burden

What she soon realizes is that relying in Naruto and doing what you can isn't a burden to him. If anything it empowers him.

At a certain point (and i'm really hoping i'm right) she finally realizes her role in the team which is to have their backs when they need it.

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People complain about her still loving Sasuke and not moving on. But she's what Sasuke needs in the end and she still loved him.

People also forget that during the Chuunin Exams arc she understood Sasuke more than anyone. Hell, Sasuke even picked up on Sakura's feelings earlier in the arc.

Not in order.
1# He purposefully forgot calling her annoying and confessed that he was happy in Team 7. But the circumstances were that he had to follow the road he was going on.

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2# He thanks her for the things she's done.

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3# Sakura recalls the Orochimaru encounter and urges him to forfeit

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4# Sasuke gives Sakura confidence

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I believe Sakura is one of the few people other than Naruto and Itachi to make Sasuke question things or hesitate. The only time you can even tell Sasuke is effected by words is when he says he doesn't care or starts questioning.

If Naruto hits home. He asks him obvious questions: "why do that much for me"

If Itachi is around: "Why did you do that much for me?" "Why protect the village?"

If Sakura says something he either hesitates for a brief moment or starts saying things like: "You're annoying" "I don't see how you love me" Etc.​

 

[Avani]

Yes Tsunade is better written. I agree 100%

Tsunade , Chhiyo all are in motherly role. It's not that Kishi doesn't understand how to write female at all. He couldn't write someone in Sakura's situation better. Or even Hinatas for that matter. It's the romantic angle and reactions he fails to convey feeling that well. Some scene are good , while some needed more panel to elaborate. If only he had given a little less time to his favourite theme of resolving issues of evil people to make them look less of jerks and saved some for the girls...This shonnen could have been more rounded.

 

[Ken Kaneki]

Tsunade , Chhiyo all are in motherly role. It's not that Kishi doesn't understand how to write female at all. He couldn't write someone in Sakura's situation better. Or even Hinatas for that matter. It's the romantic angle and reactions he fails to convey feeling that well. Some scene are good , while some needed more panel to elaborate. If only he had given a little less time to his favourite theme of resolving issues of evil people to make them look less of jerks and saved some for the girls...This shonnen could have been more rounded.

That is what this thread is about.KISHI'S HORRIBLE WRITING. Yes we know he can develop characters. But when in comes to Sakura he is either confused or lazy to give her development. I don't know which. Instead he gives her random powerups to compensate. Power can't compensate for character developments

 

[Avani]

That is what this thread is about.KISHI'S HORRIBLE WRITING. Yes we know he can develop characters. But when in comes to Sakura he is either confused or lazy to give her development. I don't know which. Instead he gives her random powerups to compensate. Power can't compensate for character developments

For one horrible is too strong a word and horribly over used in this case. If you are going for dramatic effect then it's another matter otherwise it's essentially a hyperbole and misleading.

For Sakura's envelopment those were needed to show the extent of her progress in her skills. They highlighted need of a medic in every team and then Sakura shows her resolve to master that art to be able to match up Naruto and Sasuke. She knew she was falling behind and she didn't have enough stamina or eye techs to keep up with the guys. So a diverse skill set which the team lagged and which also increased her strength is a good choice. Her current skills despite her slow start are part of story and her character development.

What do you think about Boa Hancock? She starts with such a hype and detailed BG of life as a slavery and then turns into an infatuated 9 year old for comic reasons. One would expect her to be more mature and worldly, but nope. She suddenly loses all brain cells. What do you think about that kind of nose dive? Do you think showing her as a shichibukai and adding that BG to make people more sympathetic to her and then using her for comic purpose good writing and character development?

 

[Endles Waltz]

Part 1 was more or less her discovering her place on the team and her infatuation with Sasuke. After the POAL was whenever her reliance on Naruto really started.

Part 2 was her still figuring our her role in helping bring Sasuke back. Her knowledge of the Akatsuki among other things proved she was determined to not be left behind this time.

And when she did, her feelings of inferiority grew as did her reliance on Naruto. It caused her to do what she did during the Kage summit arc. (Which was basically betraying both Naruto and Sasuke.)I believe her heart was in the right place though.

"I'm the one who made Naruto suffer the most… I've just been getting it wrong… just been messing it up… I don't want to get it wrong anymore… don't want to screw it up anymore."

This continues well into the War Arc in which she bounces between feeling inferiority and seeking approval from Sasuke and Naruto. To having confidence within herself; before relapsing back into contemplating whether she's being a burden

What she soon realizes is that relying in Naruto and doing what you can isn't a burden to him. If anything it empowers him.

At a certain point (and i'm really hoping i'm right) she finally realizes her role in the team which is to have their backs when they need it.

Spoiler

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Spoiler

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People complain about her still loving Sasuke and not moving on. But she's what Sasuke needs in the end and she still loved him.

People also forget that during the Chuunin Exams arc she understood Sasuke more than anyone. Hell, Sasuke even picked up on Sakura's feelings earlier in the arc.

Not in order.
1# He purposefully forgot calling her annoying and confessed that he was happy in Team 7. But the circumstances were that he had to follow the road he was going on.

Spoiler

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2# He thanks her for the things she's done.

Spoiler

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3# Sakura recalls the Orochimaru encounter and urges him to forfeit

Spoiler

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Spoiler

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4# Sasuke gives Sakura confidence

Spoiler

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Spoiler

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I believe Sakura is one of the few people other than Naruto and Itachi to make Sasuke question things or hesitate. The only time you can even tell Sasuke is effected by words is when he says he doesn't care or starts questioning.

If Naruto hits home. He asks him obvious questions: "why do that much for me"

If Itachi is around: "Why did you do that much for me?" "Why protect the village?"

If Sakura says something he either hesitates for a brief moment or starts saying things like: "You're annoying" "I don't see how you love me" Etc.​

​

I am very glad that this unreasonably exaggerated and ongoing trend of hating on Sakura does not stop someone like you from analyzing her character sensibly.

Great analysis, you make valid points, everything in bold is spot on.

You are right about her influence on Sasuke, I'm surprised you didn't include this:

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Excellent post, can't rep you again.

 

[irishboy9780]

I have never been fond of Sakura's character, but I guess only Kishimoto is to be blamed. Here is a list, where I think she may have been better developed by Kishi :-

1) Part 1:- Mean and selfish. Absolutely narcissistic along with Ino. But she had more panel time, and thus this was that much more amplified
2) Part 2:- Tsunade's shadow. All originality lost. Just to create 3 disciples of 3 sanins , Kishi seemingly made her Tsunade's disciple. This made her worse for me.
3) 0 character and story depth :- Her deepest emotions are Sasuke kunnn , while others have emotions of loss of clan, loss of friend and parents , being called a looser etc. Her motivation was not strong as other characters. This is where Kishi could have done more.
4) 0 background story :- With so much panel time, we know nothing about her background , how she grew up , the environment , the reason behind her choices , the good, the happy and the sad moments. This made her character appear very shallow in my books
5) 0 influence on the story :- You remove her from the story and there won't be much difference. Sasuke would still leave the village, Naruto will still try to break the curse of hatred , Madara , Hashi etc back story will still be there. The panel time could have been used much more constructively

This is nowhere near to character bashing. I am just pointing out how she could have been executed better. She didn't even need to be powerful if her character satisfied the things above. However, Kishi just kept on making her worse

Part one sakura was bad no doubt. We did get backstory from her fight with ino though so saying she doesn't have backstory is incorrect. Sure it isn't like dealing with no parents or the death of the clan, but since when is this a "woe is me i have a harder life than you" story? Part one sakura was mean and pretty useless.

Part two sakura isn't. She showcased that in the beginning of shippuden and at the end. Yes she isn't at naruto or sasukes levels but those two are so OP and hax that nearly no one ever will be as powerful as them. Hating on sakura because she is paired up with the two most OP characters and main characters in the story isn't fair.

She does have character progression from the time skip she shows genuine feelings (not love) for naruto and cares for him, ect.

I agree that sakura as a whole could have been written better. The whole pointless love triangle he tried to keep going until the end is another thing the character did not need. That being said a lot of the hate she gets is just because she isn't uber OP like sasuke/naruto which isn't fair at all.

 

[Ken Kaneki]

For one horrible is too strong a word and horribly over used in this case. If you are going for dramatic effect then it's another matter otherwise it's essentially a hyperbole and misleading.

For Sakura's envelopment those were needed to show the extent of her progress in her skills. They highlighted need of a medic in every team and then Sakura shows her resolve to master that art to be able to match up Naruto and Sasuke. She knew she was falling behind and she didn't have enough stamina or eye techs to keep up with the guys. So a diverse skill set which the team lagged and which also increased her strength is a good choice. Her current skills despite her slow start are part of story and her character development.

What do you think about Boa Hancock? She starts with such a hype and detailed BG of life as a slavery and then turns into an infatuated 9 year old for comic reasons. One would expect her to be more mature and worldly, but nope. She suddenly loses all brain cells. What do you think about that kind of nose dive? Do you think showing her as a shichibukai and adding that BG to make people more sympathetic to her and then using her for comic purpose good writing and character development?

I don't consider Boa as a good character. Luckily she is not as major a character as Sakura. Having a tragic story is not even necessary. However, having a story is necessary for a MC. Consider Sanji's character for example. He has a story. He wants something. His actions are justified. He joins straw hats because he can achieve his dream and contribute to other's. Now consider Sakura. What is her dream? To be the best medical nin ? To catch up with Naruto / Sasuke? To be Sasuke's wife ? What is it ? Only superficial goals. One goal handed to her each time Kishimoto could not find anything to do with her character.

 

[Avani]

. He wants something. His actions are justified. He joins straw hats because he can achieve his dream and contribute to other's. Now consider Sakura. What is her dream? To be the best medical nin ? To catch up with Naruto / Sasuke? To be Sasuke's wife ? What is it ? Only superficial goals. One goal handed to her each time Kishimoto could not find anything to do with her character.

I will follow the same line as you- Sakura wanted something. Her actions were justified too. She went to Tsunade to get the medical training and worked hard so of course she wanted that too. She wanted to and secured and justified her place in the team 7 as an excellent medic. And she helped Naruto and Sasuke during fight in more than one way. So her goals at the time were achieved. How is her goal to become a medic a superficial but Sanji's goal to cook the fish in blue blue is not. Why her wanting to marry is a not good but Sanji's groping Nami's breasts without her permission and despite her anger and objection, is justified?

What's wrong with having more than one goal? Females like to multitask anyway.

 

[BLAZE]

U r making a big issue out of it

 

[Ken Kaneki]

Part one sakura was bad no doubt. We did get backstory from her fight with ino though so saying she doesn't have backstory is incorrect. Sure it isn't like dealing with no parents or the death of the clan, but since when is this a "woe is me i have a harder life than you" story? Part one sakura was mean and pretty useless.

Part two sakura isn't. She showcased that in the beginning of shippuden and at the end. Yes she isn't at naruto or sasukes levels but those two are so OP and hax that nearly no one ever will be as powerful as them. Hating on sakura because she is paired up with the two most OP characters and main characters in the story isn't fair.

She does have character progression from the time skip she shows genuine feelings (not love) for naruto and cares for him, ect.

I agree that sakura as a whole could have been written better. The whole pointless love triangle he tried to keep going until the end is another thing the character did not need. That being said a lot of the hate she gets is just because she isn't uber OP like sasuke/naruto which isn't fair at all.

But this isn't a hate thread bro. Here people have stated what they think is missing in her character. Its not like a VS thread. This thread exists so that people can state their opinion about her character. At the end of the day,one or two characters would be more powerful than the others. However, that does not mean you can't have a weaker character as your favourite. Most of the threads I see say Sakura is too weak hence not likable. I 100% disagree. Why I dislike her, I have stated

 

[To Whatever]

I am very glad that this unreasonably exaggerated and ongoing trend of hating on Sakura does not stop someone like you from analyzing her character sensibly.

Great analysis, you make valid points, everything in bold is spot on.

You are right about her influence on Sasuke, I'm surprised you didn't include this:

Spoiler

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Excellent post, can't rep you again.

Completely missed that one, But that goes without saying.

If I recall correctly, isn't there something in the Databook about Sakura and Sasuke's darkness?

 

[Ken Kaneki]

U r making a big issue out of it

You are free to share your opinion too

 

[Edenia]

Completely missed that one, But that goes without saying.

If I recall correctly, isn't there something in the Databook about Sakura and Sasuke's darkness?

Pg 49
Separation
Towards darkness,… the one to appear before him is Sakura. She confesses to him as he tries to leave without looking behind him. She confesses with a blindingly uncompromising mind that does not want to lose him. The one that filled his lonely existence was Sakura. But he cannot let her in. He leaves with just one word of thanks. (...) I’ve walked the path with companions. Now I walk the lonely path of revenge. Sakura who needed him to the very last. His words were real.
“Thank you…”

 

[Ken Kaneki]

I will follow the same line as you- Sakura wanted something. Her actions were justified too. She went to Tsunade to get the medical training and worked hard so of course she wanted that too. She wanted to and secured and justified her place in the team 7 as an excellent medic. And she helped Naruto and Sasuke during fight in more than one way. So her goals at the time were achieved. How is her goal to become a medic a superficial but Sanji's goal to cook the fish in blue blue is not. Why her wanting to marry is a not good but Sanji's groping Nami's breasts without her permission and despite her anger and objection, is justified?

What's wrong with having more than one goal? Females like to multitask anyway.

This is not about female character or male character. Just one specific character.
Sanji groping women and Sakura hitting Naruto are comic relief. I understand that. I have not mentioned in the OP about her hitting Naruto, if you notice.
Now back to that part where you were following my line of reasoning. Sakura wanted something you say. If she wanted to be a medic where was that motivation in Part 1?(Sanji has always wanted to find all blue) Now let's say in Part 2 she realised that being a medic is her priority. So what should her priority be ? The village or Naruto or Sasuke? As a medical ninja she did well in the final battle, but somethings don't add up and make her character flawed. For eg :- your aim is to be a medical ninja, you stay behind and help Sasuke and Naruto. Why would you charge towards Madara? Is that what a proficient medical ninja do ? Why were you doing this? Just so Naruto and Sasuke could be together ? Was that your task to begin with ? No. Your task was to be behind them and assist them. Instead you get yourself stabbed. So do you do justice to your new found dream ?
Now that you have decided to be a medical ninja and help the village , would you go to the front lines to taken down your love ?(Sasuke killing Danzo ) Is that your priority or your love for Sasuke the priority ? What is your aim ? You really think you can take him down ? Or is it your responsibility to do so ?

Ok sure you have been swayed by your emotions but now when your fellow Shinobi appears, you will assist him and not poison him ?

What the hell is this character trying to do puzzles me. Kishi tries to show that she is taking the lead just to get her stabbed. He tries to show she is helping her village, only to show the next moment , she has taken some of her fellow shinobis down and poised the village's hero. He tries to project her strong, only to have her forget how to breath in the next moment. Its like 1 step forward, 10 steps back. If I had to say something to him I would say make up your mind about Sakura dude. Why humiliate her ?

 

[Shruikan]

The one that filled his lonely existence was Sakura. B

This actually contradicts the manga

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[ninjarasengan]

Sakura's goal was Sasuke...everything in between was in order to accomplish that goal of Sasuke.

a character failing to accomplish mini goals and so called taking steps back on development is meant to create tension. Also to keep them from being a Stu type character who is always right.

He tries to project her strong, only to have her forget how to breath in the next moment. Its like 1 step forward, 10 steps back. If I had to say something to him I would say make up your mind about Sakura dude. Why humiliate her ?


Character development showing her resolve...after fearing Madara, she stood up to him...then Kaguya.

Its not rocket science.