SasuSaku pt 1

Okay so since I have my own space here, I might as well go on a bit of a rant abt why I love SasuSaku, and why I kind of dislike the fandom's portrayal of it. 

This is mostly just a discussion abt anime vs manga SSK, the fandom perception of SSK, and genin SSK. 

I might go a bit more in depth on Sakura's writing and characterization another time, because (don't attack me) I genuinley believe she is a well written character aside from her lack of screen time compared to Sasuke and Naruto. 

To me, although yes they are a bit toxic, SasuSaku is actually a very beautiful and deep relationship. However, I often feel that the fandom boils them down to Sasuke just being an abusive husband who only married Sakura to generate his clan, and is really in love with Naruto, which REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU FEEL ABT SNS, that is an objectively incorrect assessment of SSK. 

In the manga, which is the cannon source material, Sakura and Sasuke have clear affection/care for eachother-- I feel like Sasuke is a very stoic/quiet person, but I do see clear expressions of care towards Sakura, with small glances, physical contact, and just cute moments. I think these are the type of moments that are super important in romance, because the big plot romance moments don't make much sense or feel hollow if the small subtle moments aren't built up correctly. This is what I think the anime did TERRIBLY-- the anime's adaptation of SSK is so atrocious it makes me physically grimace out of hate,, that is NOT my SSK.--- I have heard that the animators wanted Naruto and Sakura to end up together, so they purposely changed some moments between SSK, I HAVE NO CLUE IF THAT IS TRUE INFORMATION OR NOT, however, it would make a LOT of sense considering how they characterized Sasuke in relation to Sakura, and how they completely changed the chemistry between them, especially in earlier episodes WHEN THE AUDIENCE IS LEARNING THE CHARACTERS AND DYNAMICS. 

I feel like SSK always had chemistry and care for eachother, which is why I didnt view Sakura as much "boy crazy" rather than her and Sasuke having a mutual admiration for eachother, although again I feel like Sasuke is just a more stoic person while Sakura is a more outgoing and chatty person, but even then we do see Sasuke hype her up, praise her intelligence and skill, and show concern/care for her in major moments all within the first few arcs, NOT SOMEONE WHO DOESNT CARE ABT HER.. 

This is also why when Sasuke leaves the viliage, I saw it as kind of a breakup? I believe Kishimoto himself in an interview said he was reminded of lovers parting in that scene, and I feel like that fits very well. I will go more in depth about SSK and esp their later years at another time, but I'm gonna go back to talking about the fandom perception for the remainder of this. 

Okay so I think in general all aspects of Sakura's story are very mischaracterized due to massssive Sakura hate, which I think influenced this perception of SSK, but the Naruto fandom (a large part of it) seems to feel either that 1. Sasuke hates Sakura and Sakura deserves it or 2. Sasuke mistreats Sakura and she deserves better because SSK is horrible and toxic, and I have seen both of these opinions used as a way to hate on SSK and to push SNS together. 

I have no problem with SNS, one of my closest friends is a major shipper of them, and although it isn't my personal favorite, I have a lot of respect for it. However, I can't help but cringe seeing SNS shippers hate on SSK for being toxic and abusive when SNS is literally the same, arguably more so (which is fine, obviously ships do not have to be perfect nor do they have to be completely moral to enjoy them, I just think you should check yourself before policing other ships based of morality/toxicity). (This is NOT me saying SSK is completely healthy btw.) 

This is lowk off topic but I also think another thing I dislike is how these people hate on SSK saying Sakura deserves better (which duh she does but that isn't the point), and so they ship her with someone like Lee or Naruto, but what I kind of dislike about that (no disrespect to shippers of SKL or NRSK) is that I feel like a lot of people want to ignore what Sakura actually wants and feels, which as she has said maaany times is that she DOES NOT want to date Lee or Naruto--- I honestly don't think Sasuke deserves to be with Sakura, HOWEVER, I think Sakura deserves the man she wants and to choose her own life that she genuinely wants, I just personally do find it a little odd how everyone ignores Sakura herself's opinions on her own life. 

anyway thats my rant yes i am crazy yes i think too much no it isnt this deep anyway yeah--- PLEASE comment if you have any disagreements, anything to add, or just any thoughts!! just dont be super mean or anything! if you need proof of anything i have said i can find it but it might take me some time!