SasuSaku and japanese culture
I don’t think people give enough credit to the Japanese culture, and how different it is to the west, when it comes to justifying SasuSaku.
Japanese men are known to be married to their work. They are extremely hard working, and sincere in what they do. This is the reason why Sasuke is not around for Sarada’s childhood. What people in the west fail to understand is that, for Sasuke, protecting his family and his village is his duty, his job, and he’ll do anything to carry that out, even if it means staying away from them.
One anti argument is that Sakura and Naruto are loud, and very un-japanese, but Kishi has said multiple times that Naruto was created partly keeping in mind that it must appeal to Americans and american culture. Naruto and Sakura are very much “commoners” in Konoha. Naruto, not knowing his heritage, was like any other average citizen, so was Sakura. Even their colour scheme was very loud and bright, unlike an average japanese, who prefers subtlety.
Conversely, we have people like Sasuke and Hinata, who come from noble clans and are “konoha royalty”. Their colour schemes are far more dark and subtle, and even their mannerisms are very quiet and serious. Thus, they emulate an average japanese more than characters like Naruto and Sakura, due to their noble blood. And this circles back to the first point made, Sasuke is modelled after a general japanese man.
The japanese are not known for their grand gestures. They will not announce their love to the rest of their world, and kiss their love under a thousand stars. But, it doesn’t mean they care any less. It’s the same for Sasuke. His way of showing his love is by scouring any threats which may harm his family, or keeping information which would put Sarada in danger. He cares about his wife’s well being, as shown in the gaiden.
You must understand that Kishimoto himself is a japanese man. He was not brought up in Tokyo or Kyoto, he grew up in rural Japan. Thus comes his conservative nature, and his ideal of a japanese couple who love each other.
If people think NaruHina is a more ideal couple then let me ask you this: What would the relationship have been like if Hinata was the man of the family? Hinata, other than the time she stepped in to protect Naruto during the pain invasion (as Sasuke had done for Sakura when orochimaru had sent them into shock, or when he offered to be the sacrifice, so that Naruto could save Sakura and run), has never been very vocal about her feelings for Naruto. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t love him every bit as much.
This is why, in Japan, SasuSaku was well received and did not face as much criticism.
To anyone who still thinks Sasuke is a horrible husband and father, let me draw a parallel to Masashi Kishimoto’s own life: Masashi never went on his honeymoon, for the 12 years he’d been married, because he was that dedicated to his readers and his manga, WHICH WAS HIS JOB (again, back to square one). Does that not remind you of a certain raven-haired shinobi? Tell me, does that mean he doesn’t love his wife? Grow up, love does not mean honeymoons, chocolates and kisses. It’s so much more than that, and the moment you realise that, you’ll realise that the subtle gestures Sasuke does for Sakura, are much more than any big white wedding/kiss under the stars/proclaiming to the world.
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