Introduction
Naruto and Hinata have a long-standing relationship in the Naruto series, yet there are moments in the story that raise questions about the nature of their bond, especially after the Pain arc. Many fans wonder why Naruto never thanked Hinata for her bravery during that critical moment. This article delves into the reasons behind this, examining the plot details, character growth, and writing style that contribute to the perceived oversight.
Delayed Acknowledgment
The Pain arc was a pivotal moment, where Naruto and Hinata demonstrated the strength of their friendship and bond. Despite this, it was not immediately followed by a sincere thank you from Naruto to Hinata. This raises an interesting question: why did Naruto take so long to express his gratitude?
The Characters' Background
Naruto's delayed acknowledgment can be attributed to several factors, which are explored in detail below:
1. Sakura's Influence and Proximity
Naruto's initial attachment to Sakura was a significant factor. He was deeply involved with her and had made a promise to her to bring Sasuke back. This promise held him back from fully embracing his feelings for Hinata. As an honor-bound character, Naruto would not have felt free to move on until he fulfilled his promise. Additionally, Naruto often felt tied to his past commitments, making it difficult for him to change his emotional landscape overnight.
2. Processing Hinata's Declaration of Love
Hinata's declaration of love was a profound moment for Naruto. It was the first time he had ever heard someone say "I love you." This significant event would have taken time to process, allowing Naruto to understand the depth of his feelings and how this new love aligned with his existing ones. Over time, Naruto slowly began to understand Hinata's shyness and cherish every moment they shared.
3. Priorities and Mental Space
Naruto was heavily focused on finding Sasuke and dealing with the threats posed by the Akatsuki. These priorities consumed much of his mental space, which is why he may have struggled to immediately thank Hinata after the battle with Pain. The urgency of these tasks left less room for focusing on his personal relationships, including thanking Hinata for her actions.
Post-Pain Arc: Developing the Relationship
Despite the delay, eventually, Naruto did thank Hinata in Naruto: The Last. By this time, Naruto had spent more time processing his feelings and had a better understanding of his romantic inclinations. This scene was more heartfelt and evident of the mutual admiration they share.
Critique of the Writing and Character Development
Many fans argue that the lack of an immediate thank you from Naruto was due to poor writing. It was suggested that there would have been ample opportunity within the rebuild and preparation for war for Naruto and Hinata to acknowledge each other. In the chaos of rebuilding and preparing for war, taking small breaks for personal interactions would have been plausible, and surprisingly, it was Hinata who should have made the first move.
However, regardless of the missed opportunities, it is important to note that even if Naruto was initially oblivious to Hinata's feelings, her declaration should have sparked a level of curiosity within him. Any girl declaring her love, whether verified or not, would naturally create a sense of intrigue and the need for clarification. The fact that Naruto shows no concern for following up on her confession is seen as rushed and indicative of the author's struggle with romance in the series.
Final Thoughts
While the delayed thank you may be a source of frustration for many fans, it provides valuable insights into the complex development of Naruto and Hinata's relationship. Their journey was marked by challenges, misunderstandings, and personal growth, which ultimately led to a more meaningful connection. The series' exploration of their relationship, despite its flaws, underscores the struggles and triumphs of human and character development in storytelling.