One of the most confusing Naruto moments takes place when Sakura admits she loves him. But why did Sakura confess to Naruto, and what were her true motivations?
Sakura chose to confess to Naruto because she wanted him to stop searching for Sasuke. As kids, Naruto promised that he’d bring Sasuke back to the village no matter what. As Sasuke became a hardened criminal, Sakura wanted Naruto to abandon the promise for his own safety. She thought by “admitting” her love, Naruto would think she’s over Sasuke.
Naruto didn’t believe Sakura’s advances to be true and explained that he has his own motivations for bringing Sasuke home now.
Plot Behind Why Sakura Chose to Confess to Naruto
In chapter #469, Sakura tracks down Naruto to say that she loves him. Naruto was searching for Sasuke following his attack on the Five Kage Summit, and Sakura abruptly mentions her feelings during this time.
Naruto blows off Sakura’s advances, saying they must be a joke. He thinks back on all the times Sakura showed love and concern for Sasuke instead of him. The two argue back and forth, and Sakura eventually admits the real reason for why she interrupted his search.
Sakura says that Naruto is always talking about “Sasuke this and Sasuke that,” chasing after him with no regard for any dangerous situations that may come. She stresses that he’s the Nine Tails’ Jinchuriki being targeted by the Akatsuki, and he should start to worry about his own skin for a change.
You see, I’m trying to tell you that you don’t have to chase after Sasuke to the point of putting yourself in danger! I came here to find you because I want you to return to the village right away! That’s all!
Sakura to Naruto | Chapter #469
Sakura says that because Sasuke is a criminal, she doesn’t care about him anymore. Naruto no longer needs to honor the promise they made as kids that he’d bring Sasuke back to the village no matter what.
After learning the truth behind why Itachi destroyed his clan, Naruto says he has a better understanding as to why Sasuke has become obsessed with revenge. Since Sasuke’s love for his clan ran so deep, it’s hard for him to forgive.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter even if there’s no promise between us anymore. Cuz I want to rescue Sasuke for my own sake.
Naruto to Sakura | Chapter #469
That’s the answer. Sakura decided to confess to Naruto because she wanted him to quit his search for Sasuke.