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Sakura Haruno

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This article is about the Naruto character. For the Wandaba Style character, see Sakura Haruno (Wandaba Style).
Sakura Haruno
Naruto character
File:Haruno Sakura.jpg
Sakura Haruno by Masashi Kishimoto
First appearanceNaruto manga chapter 3
Naruto anime episode 1

Sakura Haruno (春野 サクラ, Haruno Sakura) is a fictional character in the Naruto universe created by Masashi Kishimoto and developed into a media franchise, which consists of a series of manga, anime, soundtracks, OVAs, movies, video games, and other collectibles. Sakura has become the series' female lead, although she was not immediately intended for the role. Kishimoto has had difficulty in drawing her, resulting in Kishimoto inadvertently emphasizing certain parts of her appearance, including her large forehead.[5][6]

In the anime and manga, Sakura is a kunoichi affiliated with the village of Konohagakure, and part of Team 7, which consists of herself, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and their sensei, Kakashi Hatake. Sakura initially has an infatuation for Sasuke, praising him at every juncture, and heaping scorn upon the less skilled Naruto. Over the course of the series, she begins to shed this singularly driven persona, and grows more appreciative and accepting of Naruto; in Part II, she begins to develop a closer bond with him as they both share in their goal to bring their departed teammate Sasuke back. Sakura has appeared in several pieces of Naruto media, including the four featured films in the series, all of the original video animations, and several video games.

Numerous anime and manga publications have praised and criticized Sakura's character. She was initially noted to be a stereotypical shōnen character, serving as a love interest for the protagonist, and served little purpose in the series initially beyond being comic relief.[7][8] Her emergence from this stereotype as the series progressed, however, has been celebrated by reviewers.[9] Amongst the Naruto reader base, Sakura has been popular, placing high in several polls. Several pieces of merchandise have been released in Sakura's likeness, including a plush doll and key chains.[10][11][12]

Creation and conception

Although Sakura is the most recurring female character in Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto did not originally intend for Sakura to be the heroine of the series. Kishimoto attributes this to his being unable to draw good heroine characters, and fashioned Sakura as a girl who cannot understand men, the best example of a heroine he could come up with. Sakura's creation is a result of Kishimoto's desire to make a somewhat irritating character who was well-intentioned.[5] Despite these elements, Kishimoto is fond of Sakura, as he feels that many of her personality traits are common among all people, thus giving her a sense of real humanity.[13]

When designing Sakura, Kishimoto focused on her silhouette and created as simple a costume as possible. This is a divergence from the other main characters of the series, whose costumes are very detailed. The leggings are the most notable aspect of her design, as they are meant to show that she is very active.[5] At the start of the series, her leggings extended below her knees and closely resembled trousers. As Part I progressed, the leggings become increasingly shorter and tighter.[14] Similar to his inexperience with drawing heroines, Kishimoto lacked the experience needed to make Sakura "cute" when he first began drawing her. Although he implies that her appearance has become cuter since then, Kishimoto and much of the Naruto manga staff agree that Sakura was "far from cute" at the start of the series.[13]

Sakura's most well-known physical characteristic is her broad forehead. Because of this, Kishimoto at times focuses too much effort on drawing it in scenes or promotional artwork where Sakura is featured prominently. This results in her forehead appearing too large.[6]

Character outline

Personality

File:Sakura.png
Sakura as she appears in Part II.

Sakura's personality is largely built off her relationships with other characters. At the start of the series, her infatuation with her teammate, Sasuke Uchiha, is her most prominent relationship. Because of this, many of Sakura's early appearances are dedicated to her continuing effort to spend time with him and win his affection.[15] Her interactions with Sasuke soon shift to a recurring concern, both for his well-being and the possibility that he will someday abandon her and the rest of Konohagakure.[16] When this latter fear eventually comes true at the end of Part I, Sakura does all that she can to stop Sasuke from leaving, such as professing her love for him and offering to join him.[17] Though her efforts are ineffective at stopping Sasuke and he becomes labeled as a traitor, Sakura is unwilling to think of him as such and readily harms anyone who speaks poorly of him.[18] While she still worries for his well-being and wishes to bring him home in Part II, it is unknown if she still harbors any romantic feelings for Sasuke. She willingly attacks him during their first reunion in an attempt to bring him back.[19]

Sakura's relationship with her second teammate, Naruto Uzumaki, is also featured prominently throughout the series. Initially, Sakura views Naruto as a talentless idiot who does all in his power to ruin her life.[15] As the series progresses and Naruto continually shows his worth as a ninja as well as his dedication to protecting his teammates, Sakura realizes her initial perceptions of him were wrong.[20] After Sasuke defects from Konoha at the end of Part I, Sakura pleads for Naruto to bring Sasuke back after her own failed attempt to stop him. Despite having a crush on Sakura, Naruto does all in his power to return Sasuke to her.[21] Although he fails and is left in the hospital afterwards, he vows to someday complete the task she has given him.Naruto then later in the sroes shows even more effection for Sakura. Thinking more and more about her. Realizing the lengths Naruto will go to for her, Sakura spends the two-and-a-half years dividing Part I and II to training, wanting to be of use during his next attempt to retrieve Sasuke.[22] As she joins Naruto in his searches throughout Part II, Sakura learns of the various hardships he faces: the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox and Akatsuki.[23] Saddened by the impact both forces have had on his life, Sakura becomes very protective of him and tries to do whatever she can to help him overcome these obstacles.[24]

Within Sakura resides "Inner Sakura", a manifestation of her inner emotions that, aside from comic relief, represents Sakura's actual opinion on things when she outwardly displays something opposite.[15] Inner Sakura's appearances are typically marked by an exclamation of "Shānnarō" (しゃーんなろー). The phrase has no literal meaning, but is usually translated as "hell yeah", "hell no", or "damn it" depending on the situation. Instead of "Shānnarō", Viz replaces it with the phrase "Cha!" in the English version. Though Inner Sakura appears quite frequently at the start of the series, her appearances begin to slow dramatically after the Chunin Exam arc; her only two subsequent appearances take place during one of the anime's filler arcs and at the start of Part II.[25] Inner Sakura's decreasing number of appearances is likely a result of Sakura becoming more comfortable with herself, as she no longer says the opposite of how she actually feels. Sakura, likewise, now performs the emotional outbursts she once relied on Inner Sakura for, much to the dismay of those who are around her at the time.[26]

Abilities

File:SakuraHealing.jpg
Sakura extracting poison from Kankuro's body.

For the duration of Part I, Sakura's abilities go largely unseen and undeveloped. While she is shown to be very proficient with basic ninja abilities during the few battles she participates in,[27] Sakura lacks any unique traits that set her apart from the rest of Team 7. Her teacher, Kakashi Hatake, notes that Sakura has an excellent control over her chakra early in Part I,[28] but it is not until Part II that she is taught to use this ability to her advantage.

After training under Tsunade for two-and-a-half years, Sakura acquires two abilities that rely directly on her precise chakra control. The first and most common of these two is her ability to heal wounds, giving her the position as her team's medical ninja. Due to the speed and proficiency with which she can heal others, many characters have noted Sakura to be more talented than most medical ninja with far more experience.[29] Because a ninja team relies on its medical ninja to survive, Sakura must both avoid opponents and keep them at bay during battle.[30] This is accomplished through Sakura's second ability: her superhuman strength.[31] By building up chakra in her fists and releasing it on contact with a target, Sakura can reduce most obstacles to rubble.[32]

Plot overview

Sakura accompanies the rest of Team 7 during all of its early missions, though she does little to contribute to the battles that take place. Instead, Sakura sits on the sidelines, content in allowing her teammates to protect her and defeat their opponents. During the Chunin Exam arc, when the rest of Team 7 is left in need of her protection, Sakura realizes that relying on others to fight her battles has been unwise. Sakura resolves to better her ninja abilities from that point further,[33] and throughout the rest of the series takes a more active role in Team 7's battles. After Sasuke's defection from Konoha at the end of Part I, Naruto's failure to bring him back, and Sakura's inability to help either, she becomes Tsunade's apprentice so that she can do more to help her teammates in the future.[22]

Sakura takes a more active role in Part II, as is first seen in her defeat of Akatsuki member Sasori. As a result of her victory, Sakura is given the chance to learn of Sasuke's whereabouts.[34] Naruto, Sakura, and the new members of Team 7 use this intelligence to track Sasuke down, but they are once again unable to prevent him from escaping.[35] Though disappointed in their failure, Team 7 tries once again to find Sasuke, and they are currently in the process of following his trail.[36]

Appearances in other media

File:ClashofNinjaGameplay.jpg
Sakura (right) in Naruto: Clash of Ninja.

Sakura has made several appearances outside of the Naruto anime and manga. She is in all four of the featured films in the series: in the first movie, she battles Mizore Fuyukuma, and later defeats him;[37] in the second she helps Naruto and Shikamaru Nara in their battle against Haido and his subordinates;[38] the third has Sakura battling the hired ninja Karenbana, whom she defeats using her enhanced strength;[39] and finally in the fourth movie, which is set in Part II, Sakura, Naruto Uzumaki, Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga are assigned to escort the maiden Shion.[40] She is also present in all three of the original video animations produced for the series, helping Naruto and Konohamaru to find a four leaf clover in the first original video animation,[41] joining his team in escorting a ninja named Shibuki to his village and helping him fight the missing-nin that stole the village's "Hero's Water" in the second original video animation,[42] and participating in a tournament in the third original video animation.[43]

Sakura is a playable character in nearly all Naruto video games, including the Clash of Ninja series and the Ultimate Ninja series.[44][45][46] In some games, she uses "Inner Sakura" in combat, as well as numerous different genjutsu. Naruto Shippūden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX marks the first appearance of Sakura in her Part II appearance in a video game, with the second one being Naruto Shippūden: Narutimate Accel.[47]

Sakura has starred in many naruto hentai movies where she has baan screwed by most naruto characters. some naruto hentai movies inclued her in bondage where she is onstantly being rapped. they will pretend it is a mission then attack her with dildos instead of kunies. naruto often uses his shadow clones to scre her in every hole.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Chie Nakamura". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  2. ^ "Kate Higgins". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  3. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2002). NARUTO―ナルト―［秘伝・臨の書］. Shueisha. p. 101. ISBN 4-08873-288-X.
  4. ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2005). NARUTO―ナルト―［秘伝・闘の書］. Shueisha. pp. 130–131. ISBN 4-08873-734-2.
  5. ^ a b c Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 140. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
  6. ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 122. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
  7. ^ Ross, Christina. "THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 - Naruto". T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  8. ^ Dodson, Joe (2007-10-13). "Franchise Player: Naruto". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ White, Charles (2007-10-27). "IGN: Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad! Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ "Amazon.com: Naruto 8-inch UFO Sakura Plush Figure + Pin: Toys & Games". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  11. ^ "Amazon.com: Naruto Sakura Sitting Pose PVC Keychain GE-3571: Apparel". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  12. ^ "Amazon.com: Naruto: Sakura Figure Hurricane Chronicles (Naruto Shippuden) Key Chain: Apparel". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  13. ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2004). Naruto, Volume 3. Viz Media. p. 146. ISBN 1-59116-187-8.
  14. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 121. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
  15. ^ a b c Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 3". Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-56931-900-6.
  16. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 178". Naruto, Volume 20. Viz Media. pp. 142–143. ISBN 1-4215-1655-1.
  17. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 181". Naruto Volume 21. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-1855-4.
  18. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 286". Naruto, Volume 32. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874039-3. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  19. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 308". Naruto, Volume 34. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874138-3. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  20. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 105". Naruto, Volume 12. Viz Media. pp. 109–110. ISBN 1-4215-0242-9.
  21. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 183". Naruto, Volume 21. Viz Media. pp. 58–62. ISBN 1-4215-1855-4.
  22. ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 236". Naruto, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-1863-5.
  23. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). "Chapter 252". Naruto, Volume 28. Viz Media. p. 166. ISBN 1-4215-1864-3.
  24. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 297". Naruto, Volume 33. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874108-6. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  25. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). "Chapter 250". Naruto, Volume 28. Viz Media. p. 125. ISBN 1-4215-1864-3.
  26. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 312". Naruto, Volume 35. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874273-1. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  27. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 90". Naruto, Volume 10. Viz Media. p. 162. ISBN 1-4215-0240-2.
  28. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 18". Naruto, Volume 3. Viz Media. pp. 16–17. ISBN 1-59116-187-8.
  29. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2005). "Chapter 271". Naruto, Volume 30. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-873881-9. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  30. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2005). "Chapter 270". Naruto, Volume 30. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-873881-9. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  31. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2005). "Chapter 265". Naruto, Volume 30. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-873881-9. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  32. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). "Chapter 246". Naruto, Volume 28. Viz Media. p. 40. ISBN 1-4215-1864-3.
  33. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2005). "Chapter 54". Naruto, Volume 6. Viz Media. pp. 168–170. ISBN 1-59116-739-6.
  34. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2005). "Chapter 275". Naruto, Volume 31. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874002-7. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  35. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 309". Naruto, Volume 34. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874138-3. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  36. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 354". Naruto, Volume 39. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874364-4.
  37. ^ "Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
  38. ^ "Naruto (movie 2)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
  39. ^ "Naruto (movie 3)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
  40. ^ "Naruto Shippūden (movie)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
  41. ^ "Naruto Special: Akaki Yotsuba no Clover wo Sagase (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
  42. ^ "Naruto Special: Battle at Hidden Falls. I am the Hero! (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
  43. ^ "Naruto (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-02-18.
  44. ^ Bozon, Mark (2006-09-29). "Naruto: The Complete Fighter Profile". IGN. Retrieved 2007-01-24. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  45. ^ Alfonso, Andrew (2004-09-26). "TGS 2004: Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen! 3 Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2007-01-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  46. ^ Naruto: Ultimate Ninja English instruction manual. Namco Bandai. 2006. p. 26.
  47. ^ "ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ 疾風伝:ＴＶ東京 - Goods". TV Tokyo. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
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