#sakura ask

Wow, this comment is really how many times I can u write know in a paragraph.

Wait, if Hinata knows, then Sakura would probably know to, right?

Or at least have a strong suspicion?

Even if she were to suspect odd behaviour…

They could have probably guessed from the first instalment? That would make them the only members of the konoha12 to know?

Nope. Only Hinata. The concept is flying in stealth mode below Sakura’s radar. Namely because she’ll project her own (limited) understanding onto what she perceives to be a strong bond of camaraderie coupled with a deeply ingrained Will of Fire.

Sakura is used to seeing Naruto constantly throw himself at the altar of pain and punishment for others (especially Sasuke) without any regard for his own physical safety or emotional self-preservation (though he does it far more honestly and transparently than Shikamaru or Neji).

She’s seen Naruto exhibit insane levels of self-sacrifice and protectiveness for others (including those he dislikes/hates), regularly putting himself at risk for men, women, children, etc. That’s a huge frame of reference for her.

So, when Sakura witnesses Shikamaru and/or Neji going to dangerous and seemingly manipulative (yet well-intentioned) lengths to help protect/save/contain one another, she reads these actions/behaviours as a selective expression of the same forces/values that motivate and shape Naruto when he’s in rescue mode.

And she wouldn’t be wrong.

However, where she falls short is that she doesn’t see/suspect any deeper motivations. She assumes they act out of loyalty, friendship, and camaraderie, with the least emotional drive being the mission objective. She doesn’t register what might be beneath that, as her perspective hasn’t expanded to include that possibility.

My BtB interpretation of Sakura (insofar as emotional intelligence in her close interpersonal relationships) is that she can get ‘fixed’ on an ideal/idea and often struggles to see/feel things from another person’s perspective, unless she’s able to personally relate in some way (as reflected briefly with Hibari in HHU). This limited perspective is one of the reasons why I see her suffering so terribly in the HHU arc of the BtB-verse — and why Sasuke finds her so frustrating and exhausting. He can’t fit into the role/mould she’s cast him in. Poor girl has a painful growth arc, but a necessary one.

Wow, this comment is really how many times I can u write know in a paragraph.

I: “Aside from Sakura’s habit of stepping on my toes with those heels of hers, I don’t think it’s too bad. We have a long history after all.”

S: “I don’t know what kind of buffoon thinks they can tell us if our relationship is healthy or not. Itachi and I get along just fine. Honestly.”

I: “I do agree. I suppose how we treat each other in public might seem unorthodox in comparison to troll standards. Speaking for myself, I am quite happy with our relationship. And, to be frank, I do owe a lot to her for the sweeps she’s helped me out.”

S: “Dear, no need to gush. I know you would have done the same for me if I had been in your situation. I’m still appalled that those demons of Mizuki put you through all that they had. You certainly deserved more than what they threw at your feet.”

I: “Yes, yes, I’m aware. It won’t stop me from being grateful. Though I would like it more if you wouldn’t stab my toes so often. Heh.”

S: “Maybe its a lesson in wearing steel toed shoes, hm~?”

I: “Hah, I suppose I should have seen that coming.”

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

“I used to. Mother was a darling although a little absent minded, to say the least. She passed away a few sweeps ago. I’m sure she’s in a better place now.”

09: Do you bite your nails?

“Do I look like the kind of person who would? Please.”

20: Where was the last place you snogged someone?