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Many key characters’ romantic relationships became official off-screen in the Naruto universe. However, one animator from Boruto: Naruto Next Generations shared their interpretation of how a certain couple came to be.
Reddit user u/GenericBobbie shared the Boruto animator’s work of how they believe the two members of Naruto’s original team seven, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, actually ended up together. The opening panels show Naruto and Sasuke conversing on the outskirts of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. As the last Uchiha exits the village, Sakura arrives and pleads with him to let her come along. He accepts her company, and the two begin a journey of their own.
The remaining panels don’t have any dialogue, but instead, they show the two in flashes as they travel across harsh landscapes, face extreme perils and grow closer throughout. There are several panels that demonstrate a budding comfort and intimacy between the two such as cuddling, hand holding and finally a tap on the forehead from Sasuke — a gesture of love that was used between him and his brother, Itachi. This simple tap initiates a kiss between the two and the chapter ends soon after. Though it isn’t official, it creates a strong storyline for how Sakura and Sasuke could have finally started their romance.
Fans were left to wonder how many relationships began after the official closing moments of Naruto: Shippuden. The only hints of a future coupling would be from Sasuke as he starts his first of many solo journeys in an effort to atone and protect the Hidden Leaf. As he goes to leave, Sakura rushes to him only to receive a tap on the forehead and a promise that he’ll soon return. He would briefly return to the village, at least onscreen, in The Last: Naruto the Movie and one of the show’s Shinden arcs, Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding. Thus, there would be no official proof of love between the two until the appearance of their daughter, Sarada Uchiha.
When the short manga sequel series Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring introduces Sarada, it is made clear that she doesn’t have any memories of her father. This implies that Sasuke has been largely absent throughout his child’s life, so much so that he doesn’t recognize her in their first meeting. Sasuke’s role as a lone protector and growing desire to be a better father are both explored in that series and in Boruto’s ongoing manga series and anime.
