Naruto: Why Sasuke and Sakura’s Relationship is Flawed

With the Naruto Franchise continuing on with its sequel, fans got to see many of their beloved ships become canon, yet not all relationships received the same outpour of emotion from viewers. One such case is Sasuke and Sakura’s relationship, a highly controversial and problematic relationship which had its roots set in the beginning of the Naruto series. Despite being riddled with perplexing issues and many tribulations, the two still ended up together, a fact that baffles many till this day.

Stating that their relationship is flawed would be an understatement, as the incompatibility and lack of mutual affection purport the narrative of forcefully canonizing a relationship that never existed in the first place. While the sentiment of affection never really blossomed between the two, the events that followed in Shippuden served as the final nail in the coffin, yet Kishimoto was able to somehow salvage the relationship. At first glance, Sasuke and Sakura ending up together may seem like a valid conclusion, however, delving deeper into the intricacies of their controversial history reveals why the two are so incongruous.

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Sakura’s Shallow Infatuation

Sakura’s feelings date back to her childhood, as she became obsessed with Sasuke ever since she laid eyes on him. Even after ending up on the same team as Sasuke, her infatuation never waned as she constantly sought his approval and attention. This unhealthy obsession consequently damaged her own character, stunting her growth as a person and as a kunoichi. While childhood crushes are quite normal and understandable, Sakura’s obsessive feelings go far beyond normalcy, as the only thing fueling her sentiments were Sasuke’s looks and indifferent personality.

Throughout the series, Sasuke disregards Sakura’s feelings countless times, even going as far as calling her annoying, yet she was never able to move past her emotions. An obsession of such lengths clearly indicates a problematic approach to love, and Kishimoto’s decision to bring the two together promotes an unhealthy perspective of relationships where persistence and infatuation are key to obtaining affection – something that is far from reality.

Sasuke’s Absence and Lack of Affection

One of the major flaws in Sakura and Sasuke’s entire relationship is the latter’s lack of affection and commitment. Sasuke had always bore an indifferent personality, which was further exacerbated by the loss of his family and clan. This led to Sasuke only being focused on one goal – vengeance, leaving behind all trivialities of life, including romance. With no room for emotions, Sasuke never reciprocated Sakura’s feelings, even till the very end – making the two’s marriage all the more improbable.

Even after marriage, Sasuke remains wholly absent as he leaves the village to serve as the Shadow Hokage, even to the point of his own daughter not being able to recognize him. Even when the two are together, Sasuke barely shows any affection, leaving room for a few side-hugs and head flicks. These awkward and cold interactions are clearly indicative of the lack of chemistry and affection between the two, revealing one of Kishimoto’s many glaring mistakes in the series.

Sasuke’s Maltreatment of Sakura

Even if the rest of the flaws are overlooked, one obtrusive issue in this relationship is that of abuse and degradation. The fact that Sasuke tried to kill Sakura is enough on its own to negate all of Sakura’s heartfelt emotions for the young Uchiha, yet Sakura’s feelings lingered on after such a debilitating event, further presenting the relationship as nothing but a toxic infatuation.

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No matter how strong the sentiment of love may be, attempted murder should be the last straw, yet this event purports the message of toxicity and abuse among viewers. Even during their days in the village, Sasuke never regarded Sakura as an equal and had no care for her well-being. Her advances were met with indifference and her confessions were treated as an annoyance, demeaning Sakura as well as her emotions.

Sasuke’s Lack of Reciprocity

Once Sasuke and Sakura’s relationship became official, fans had hoped that things might finally turn around for the non-existent romance between the two, yet matters kept on getting worse. One obvious example is Sasuke’s lack of reciprocity to Sakura’s unending sacrifices, as the kunoichi gave up her entire life for the sake of being with him. When Sasuke traveled throughout the world, Sakura joined him and left behind her entire life as a shinobi in the Hidden Leaf. Once Sarada was born, Sakura devoted her life to raising their child instead of living her life as a shinobi.

Sasuke, on the other hand, made no such sacrifices that would prove his loyalty and affection to Sakura. This is primarily why the relationship seems entirely one-sided, as Sakura is the only one continuously making an effort to breathe life into an almost dead relationship. With his lack of investment and interest in their marriage, it’s quite obvious that Sasuke still bears no affection for Sakura, making this relationship one of Kishimoto’s glaring flaws in the series, one that continues to haunt the Naruto franchise till this day.

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