A new theory of mine emerges: how Kishimoto is foreshadowing Sakura development via Hashirama Senju. How? Well…
After my previous theory about Sakura Haruno’s possible character development and the subtle hints from Kishi, I finally saw two patterns connecting each other. More or less.
It might be true, it might be not.
But Kishi never does something without a reason. I know, you’ll refuse to see it. Because we’re talking Sakura here and it’s cool to hate on her.
But I am here to talk to the ones I can have a discussion with.
Before saying no, it’s not possible, it’s just a drawing, I think you need to think not twice, but trice about it.
How many of us knew back in the beginning that Naruto was part of one of the most powerful and feared clans? None.
You’d say, but he’s the protagonist, that’s why! Well, like it or not, people, she’s also a protagonist. She’s one of the main three and that’s something you should really deal with.
Sakura development via Hashirama Senju: similarities between Sakura and Hashirama
These are similarities that you can’t get past. Or, you can, given we’re talking Sakura…
But let me continue… I have seen some particularities in Sakura’s character that remind me of Hashirama.
Or, you could say, the viceversa. Particularities in Hashirama’s character that reminded me of Sakura. But let us begin…
Remember when she was young, Sakura always had this non verbal behavior, where she used to sit down and cry?
One that at the time was supposed to inspire her shyness?
Kishi has drawn Hashirama the same way in the latest chapter. Both Hashirama and Sakura have similar drawing style.
And usually when Kishi wants to emphasize on something, he draws the characters similar.
So, here is Sakura, and Hashirama:
And as a proof, we have for example of Naruto, Yahiko, Nagato and Obito that have that similar big smile. All foils of each other.
As well, we have Hashirama being quite emotional and insecure. More or less a “cry-baby” as well. This makes us remember about Sakura back in her childhood years.
Now, getting past these similarities in personality as well, not just in drawing style, let’s get to the idea I’m trying to make here.
Why I believe Kishimoto is foreshadowing Sakura development via Hashirama Senju
Ever since the latest chapters appear, in my opinion, Hashirama foreshadows, as I said, possible upgrade for Sakura.
In my previous theory, I showed you how she could be associated with Tsunade’s and surpass her.
Well, now, it’s not only via Tsunade she could be associated with, in my opinion. Let me explain how.
Remember as I told you that back in part 1, Sakura made a big deal out of her forehead.
Then, while Tsunade commented that Naruto is like a second Jiraiya, he commented that she, Tsunade, has raised another version of herself.
Now, as I said back then, Kishi put an emphasis on the forehead via Tsunade’s Yin Seal.
Hundreds of chapters later, when Hashirama appears, guess what?
His Sage Mode marking appears nowhere else but… exactly: on the forehead!
Now, you would say that it’s nothing… but remember my previous post about how Sakura’s Haruno symbol is similar to Naruto’s one from the belly and arms?
Well, it’s not only similar to that, but it’s more similar to Hashirama’s circle on the forehead.
Remember this?
You may say it was coincidence, but I say it’s not. Why? Because Kishi planned this symbol long time ago in his character design book:
If you haven’t picked it up, let me make it more clear…
It’s the exact symbol on Hashirama’s forehead.
The symbol relevance and connection to Hashirama
You may say you don’t believe it has a relevance… but let’s think… Why the same sign?
On the forehead, which has been a big deal for Sakura back in the days?
Why has she always been, in a way or another, associated with Hashirama? Also, why out of the newest generation she’s the one to know more about Mokuton ninjutsu? A secret technique of Shodai’s?
As I said in the previous theory regarding her development…
Why her being the one knowing this back then? And yhy her being paired with Yamato, in the mission they had?
As well, later in the series, in this war… Why her being the one discovering the Zetsu, which is made from Hashirama, as we all know?
Why show her discovering data about Zetsus and coming to the conclusion they’re made from Hashirama’s cells? Being once again, somewhat associated with him in a way?
Why whenever it’s something about Hashirama, almost every time Sakura is featured?
Coincidence or not?
You could say that it’s all a coincidence up ’till now.
However, why have on his forehead, something prevalent to Sakura’s character?
A symbol that is the same with the Haruno symbol. Is it a coincidence? Or not?
You know as they say… There is no coincidence! And knowing Kishimoto, who, when trying to foreshadow a development or convey a message he brings that similar drawing style for multiple characters.
And not only that but he parallels their story as well, which it can be seen he’s done so. I say something is up there for Sakura. Is up to you to see it or not…
As well, why have her forehead cover drawn exactly like the Senjus used to have it?
Back in the first picture with “Kishi what are you trying to pull”?
Naruto’s and Sasuke’s are drawn differently, while Sakura’s is drawn exactly like the Senju ones. Why?
Also, to make it clear, I am not saying she will be a Senju or something like this.
What I am saying is that even if she is a normal girl, she might get to Senju-like powers. Despite being a normal girl.
Now that would be an excellent example of hard work, and morale of the story that even if you’re not part of a clan, you can still be powerful. Minato Namikaze, anyone?
Other similarities that might foreshadow Sakura development via Hashirama Senju
Ok, now I wanted to bring more ‘proofs’, if you want to call them like that.
To show why I said that Hashirama is foreshadowing a Sakura development, and why he is associated with her. Or viceversa.
When I said related/linked/associated, this is what I meant.
That Sakura and Hashirama share similar traits that have been found only in the two of them.
Now, as I said throughout the post, besides the obvious Naruto/Sasuke parallel, Madara’s and Hashirama’s childhood flashbacks remember me a lot of Ino’s and Sakura.
Let’s count them a bit here.
1: When they first meet, they introduce themselves in a similar way that Ino and Sakura did.
They ask about each other’s names, and other details.
Of course, we also have differences, considering Ino and Sakura lived in a different time.
However, Ino is pretty much similar to Madara, the confident one and, as I previously showed.
Hashirama is potrayed the same way Sakura was back then. A bit insecure, and always had that sitting position.
No need to repost it, as I showed it to you already.
2. Latest chapter showed us how even more similar Hashi-Mada relationship is with Ino and Sakura’s.
Madara comments on Hashirama’s style, the same way Ino’s commented about Sakura’s.
3. Another similarity is that after Madara’s/Ino’s comment, both Hashirama and Sakura begin changing their styles, in order to look better.
Oh, another thing that I forgot, when Madara says to Hashirama that he can read him like an open book, remember who did that in part 1?
Yeap, Ino.
In the Forest of Death situation after Naruto asks Sakura what about her hair and she lies in order to not make him worry, Ino catches that immediately.
Reading her…like an open book!
4. In their respective fights, both Ino’s and Sakura’s panels were drawn similar to Madara’s and Hashirama’s ones.
5. Also, similar drawing style and the overall idea/context we find it in the latest chapter.
Both Hashirama and Madara were shown having the same resolution when it came to agreeing over the Konoha subject.
The same manner that Sakura and Ino were having their resolution after the fight.
You will say that it’s slightly different. Yes, it might be, however, in the next panel, Sakura has the same facial expression like Hashirama.
6. While drawn differently, given the times and places, another similarity is the fact how both Hashirama and Madara had their special place where they were meeting.
The same way Sakura and Ino had.
7. Also, in the same way the rock is a representative of Hashirama and Madara’s friendship, in Sakura and Ino’s one, we have the flower. And to my knowledge, both pairs share this unique trait.
8. As we have been showed in the latest chapter, another common trait they both share is their superior chakra control.
Sakura’s interest in Hashirama’s techniques
Now, getting past those similarities and what I’ve already presented before, as I reminded you, in the past, Sakura asked Yamato if he could teach her Shodai’s binding technique.
Once again her being in one way or another, associated with him.
Back at that time, probably meant nothing, but considering the latest events, it might mean something, in the end.
Also, as someone reminded me, Hashirama has a technique related to flowers that puts people to sleep.
Well, whose name has the meaning of a flower and was showed to be proficient with sleeping gas bombs?
Sure, as I stated all throughout this post, all this could mean nothing or it could mean something.
Other connections between Hashirama and Sakura
Another connection, or however you want to say is the following [copy paste from an actual response to a member on ex Narutobase (currently Animebase), in regards to Sakura throughout the story, as a character and the symbol:
Well, if you would have researched a bit about the symbol, you would’ve seen that she doesn’t need something major to happen in her life.
As well, if you would have taken notice of her character all-throughout the manga, you would’ve seen that this symbol is a heavily related to her symbol.
And with her development throughout the manga.
Anyway, let me try to explain this a bit.I think I’ve seen this theory on the base, but can’t remember who made it. I know for certain the person but can’t remember the username so I could’ve told you who. Kirin-Rei, maybe?
However, I have found this on other forum, so credits to the initial creator.
Hashirama’s forehead seal, that circumpunct, is actually the Bindu symbol. What does it mean?
It represents a vast number of things, but mainly; creating life from nothingness.
Meaning, his regeneration abilities, similar to Tsunade’s Byakugou. Which is derived from Sōzō Saisei (Creation Rebirth).
The Sage’s technique Banbutsu Sōzō means Creation of all things. See the connection here?
Basically, Tsunade creates life out of nothingness. More or less, since she does it with her chakra, but I think you get the idea.
Anyway, moving along…
Bindu symbolism
Bindu is said to be located at the back of the head. This centre is said to be where the chakra is produced from, a chakra that can be the nectar of immortality.
In metaphysical terms, Bindu is considered to be the point where creation begins.
Now, at the back of the head thing. If you remember back in part one, Naruto and Sakura were compared to Heaven and Earth.
More specifically, Body and Mind. General conception, the mind resides in the head. So, there you go, another connection.
In most books the Bindu chakra is not mentioned, but in the Tantra teaching a lot is written about the healing and rejuvenating effects of said chakra.
It’s basically considered to be the health centre of the human body and when put to use, it’s said to speed up healing, satisfy the being both physically and spiritually and basically grant the user immortality.
Now, what do we get here… healing and rejuvenating. Don’t you find really suspicious the fact that Sakura, out of all the things she could’ve been, she became a medical nin?
Keep in mind healing and rejuvenating.
Green color symbolism
Let’s get to something else about Sakura. As we all know, Sakura’s color eye is green. What is it known/said about green?
Green is a vibrant and fresh color that has connotations of life-force, vegetation, rejuvenation, youthfulness, and health.
In the chakra system, green is the color associated with the fourth chakra, also known as the heart chakra. It’s associated with empathy, compassion and the power to heal.
The fourth chakra is associated with the path of devotion that elevates spiritual love above religious ritual.
Green eyes can indicate a youthful-seeming and compassionate person of boundless energy who has immense creativity as well as the gift of healing.
Coincidence much about the symbol she had above her head in chapter 3’s cover?
The symbol Hashirama has on his forehead. What the color of her eyes are, what it means, Tsunade’s heritage, skills, color coat?
The common denominator: healing
All these have one thing in common: healing.
Coincidence that all these details are linked and connected to each-other? Most of them have in common healing, rejuvenating, immortality? And that the only characters that are associated with such thing are Hashirama, Tsunade (who even has a green coat) and Sakura.
Well, excuse me if I think not.
Since we previously talked about the Bindu symbol (if you want to read more about the Bindu Chakra, you can do it here), I found something pretty interesting:
Whilst this energy centre “sleeps” it is similar to a dot, but when awakened its energy begins to flow or to “drip”.
Now, on who have we seen a dripping dot?
