In spite of Naruto notorious for failing as a female character overall, Sakura still manages to be an incredible hero despite being misunderstood by many in the fan community. Part of the problem is why Sakura is so obsessed with Sasuke even though he despises her. Other misconceptions stem from a failure to understand the series’ true significance of her powers. They are not just techniques for the sake of techniques. Like the most effective series in shounen, Naruto infuses them with effective metaphors to explore more aspects of her personality, proving that Sakura is an underrated character.
Naruto has actually repeatedly deconstructed Sakura and Sasuke’s unhealthy dynamic through symbolic actions that highlight Sakura’s growth as a truly emotionally independent woman. with Sasuke, events can make fans believe. Other powerful images are conveyed through powerful metaphors, most notably through a backstory that connects a defining part of her character to one of her strongest powers. her, all in an effort to show her journey toward personal acceptance more effectively than her usual actions ever could.
Sakura’s power of a hundred seals has a hidden meaning
Besides the fact that her backstory is not nearly as tragic as that of her fellow shinobi, Sakura’s past stands out from her peers based on how much it revolves around her appearance, which initially seemed to reinforce gender stereotypes. However, the way the series explores this theme through symbols proves the focus is not just superficial. As revealed in the series, Sakura used to be very insecure about her forehead and would actively try to hide it due to being bullied by her peers. So it’s understandable that when Ino accepted that part of Sakura, the two of them became friends.
Although Ino later helped Sakura accept herself, it is poetic that Sakura had to undergo a rigorous three-year training regimen to master a technique that not only involved using her forehead but also caused pain. leave marks on that part of the body. The power of the Hundred Seals allows her to store chakra there so she can perform ninjutsu without wasting any precious energy, as revealed in Naruto chapter #632 by Masashi Kishimoto.
The Power of the Hundred Seals sees Sakura use a part of her body that she was once ashamed of to enhance her abilities. The symbol that appears on the forehead after mastering this technique can be worn proudly, representing determination, strength and success. As a result, Sakura no longer needs to hide that part of her body, especially since it now represents something she is proud of and may feel compelled to show off. On another level, this development allows Sakura to achieve one of her earlier hopes when she first befriended Ino. Although Sakura comes to appreciate how Ino’s kindness helps her accept who she is, Sakura still feels the need to distinguish herself from Ino. Sakura’s mastery of the Power of the Hundred Seals is Sakura’s powerful way of accepting herself. However, the Seal is not the only symbol of Sakura’s self-acceptance.
Sakura’s hair freed her from Sasuke
Like Sakura’s Power of a Hundred Seals, her hair represents more than just her appearance. Initially, Sakura’s hairstyle actually signified how negatively Sasuke influenced her. When she first learned that Sasuke liked girls with longer hair, Sakura changed herself to meet those standards by growing her hair long. Sakura will keep that particular style for quite a while. But by Naruto chapter #539, Sakura came to the conclusion that having shorter hair would help her become a more successful ninja and cut her hair in a dramatic scene.
This shows that she is willing to make sacrifices to improve herself and increase her abilities. It’s telling that, despite her obvious obsession with Sasuke, she made this decision even though it might make Sasuke find her less attractive. Sakura changed herself in ways that later proved dangerous, but ultimately chose to do what was more beneficial to her in the long run. Like the Power of a Hundred Seals, Sakura cutting her hair can be interpreted as a decision to stay true to herself. She would no longer allow Sasuke to control that aspect of her life no matter how small it was.
Of course, it’s easy to point to later events to prove that Sakura is still influenced by Sasuke in her personality and health. Without a doubt, the most obvious example is her marrying him after he repeatedly proved unworthy of her love. Even though Boruto tried to make Sasuke worthy of Sakura, the character development really wasn’t a straight line. Instead of seeing Sakura’s haircut as the final straw, it’s best to see it as a small step toward independence. While powerful, the scene’s focus on such a small act is actually what makes it work. Just as she felt insecure about her forehead because she was still a child, Sakura couldn’t get over the unhealthy aspects of her obsession with Sasuke right away. But cutting your hair to become a better ninja is still an important step in the right direction.
Despite the sometimes uncomfortable nature of Sakura and Sasuke’s relationship, the Sakura who chooses to marry Sasuke is much different than the girl who is obsessed with the most popular boy in school. Just as fans can’t blame Sakura for falling in love and marrying someone who many felt they had minimized in the process, they shouldn’t say she doesn’t have substance because Naruto demonstrated through powerful symbols that Cherry blossom truly a fascinating and impressively misunderstood character.
Naruto available on Viz.com.
