Sakura Haruno is one of the main characters in Naruto, yet fans remain divided over her significance in the series, particularly in Naruto’s life. From the early parts of Naruto to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Sakura has received plenty of exposure. However, despite her long presence in the story, she has often been the subject of criticism due to her past behavior and the strength she embodied. Many fans have questioned her role, especially compared to other characters.

As a member of Team 7 alongside two of the strongest ninjas, Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura was frequently compared to them. Some viewed her as unfit for the team and a burden to Naruto, especially after Sasuke became a rogue ninja. However, she had her own motivations since Sakura never saw Naruto’s strength as something to rely on but rather as inspiration to carve her own path as a kunoichi. She aimed to become strong enough to stand beside them, capable of saving even the most powerful ninja. Despite the doubts surrounding her, Sakura has long proven that she belongs in Team 7 and is no longer a burden to the Seventh Hokage and his Shadow Hokage.

8 Defeating Sasori in 3 Minutes

Naruto Shippuden Episode #20 to Episode #26

Sakura had already shown great courage in the early parts of Naruto, but her true growth in strength became evident in Naruto Shippuden. After parting ways with Naruto, who trained under Jiraiya, she honed her medical ninjutsu and combat skills under Tsunade Senju. Her power as an individual fighter was fully realized during her battle against Sasori. In Naruto Shippuden episode #26, Sakura, alongside Lady Chiyo, faced the master puppeteer whose near-invincible body and deadly techniques made him one of the most dangerous Akatsuki .

Despite their teamwork, the battle lasted over five episodes, showcasing the difficulty in overcoming Sasori’s poison and puppet mastery. Though Lady Chiyo was by her side, Sakura played a vital role in dismantling Sasori’s puppets and disrupting his attacks. This battle marked a defining moment, showcasing the results of Sakura’s training and her strategic thinking. The most crucial moment was when she neutralized Sasori’s poison with an antidote she istered herself and accurately gave herself 3 minutes to defeat the Akatsuki member, which she successfully did.

7 Mastering the Strength of a Hundred Seal

Naruto Shippuden Episode #373

Unlike Naruto’s training with Jiraiya and Yamato, Sakura’s training under Tsunade was never given much exposure or flashbacks. It was never shown how Tsunade helped her master the Strength of a Hundred Seal, but one can only imagine how difficult it was. The technique involves continuously storing small amounts of chakra over several years without using it for any other purpose. Given her knowledge and continuous growth, Sakura gradually mastered the seal, which she finally revealed in Naruto Shippuden Episode #373.

Tsunade used the chakra stored in her Strength of a Hundred Seal to heal the entire Hidden Leaf Village during the Pain Assault Arc, saving countless lives. Sakura, on the other hand, showcased hers when Team 7 reunited to fight against Madara Uchiha and, later, Kaguya Otsutsuki. Her training under the Fifth Hokage began before the time skip in Naruto Shippuden, but it didn’t end there.

Since mastering the Strength of a Hundred Seal requires patience, precise chakra control, and great discipline, Sakura reached her final stage of training when she successfully activated it. This jutsu demanded years of perseverance, and Sakura proved her mastery by using it to aid both Naruto and Sasuke during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

6 Punching Kaguya to Defeat and Seal Her

Naruto Shippuden Episode #473

Kaguya Otsutsuki, the true villain of the Fourth Great Ninja War, pushed everyone beyond their limits, especially Naruto and Sasuke. The war featured many intense battles, but none could outmatch the final defeat of Kaguya. However, it wasn’t just Naruto and Sasuke who sealed her; it was only possible with Sakura’s massive help. Team 7, along with Kakashi Hatake, were the final ones standing to defeat Kaguya Otsutsuki.

Throughout their battle, even with Obito Uchiha’s aid, they struggled to find a weakness against the god-like Kaguya. In Naruto Shippuden Episode #473, Naruto and Sasuke decided to seal her, attacking from both sides. But even with the combined power of Indra and Ashura, sealing Kaguya wouldn’t have been possible without Sakura. Just as Kaguya attempted to escape, Sakura delivered a powerful, full-on chakra punch, sending her back to Naruto and Sasuke, who finally got the opening they wanted to seal her, showcasing Sakura’s importance in the war.

5 Saving Naruto's Life During the Fourth Great Ninja War

Naruto Shippuden Episode #414

One of the many reasons that inspired Sakura to become a stronger kunoichi is her desire to protect Naruto. She wanted to be able to protect him and his dream, just as he had been protecting her throughout the years. While she had demonstrated her strength on several occasions, it wasn't until Naruto was on the brink of death during the Fourth Great Ninja War that her immense skill and knowledge as a medical ninja truly shone. This moment was one of the keys to highlighting her place as the rightful successor to Tsunade Senju.

In Naruto Shippuden episode #414, Yang-Kurama is extracted from Naruto, leaving him in a critically weakened state. Gaara rushes Naruto to the Fourth Hokage to reunite him with Yin-Kurama, but they are running out of time. With Sakura by Naruto’s side, she uses her chakra as a scalpel and manually pumps his heart, saving him. Her profound knowledge and bold decisions as a medical ninjutsu were crucial in keeping Naruto alive, ensuring his survival, and ultimately securing victory in the war.

4 Destroying the Ground to Reach Shin Uchiha

Boruto: Naruto Next Generation Episode #21

Sakura’s journey to matching Naruto and Sasuke's strength didn’t end after the battle with Kaguya Otsutsuki. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, she continues to prove herself as the strongest kunoichi of her generation, especially during the battle against Shin Uchiha. When Sarada questions her parents’ relationship, she finds herself in a dangerous situation, prompting Sakura to go after her. This eventually led to the reunion of Team 7, marking one of the first times they fought together again since the Fourth Great Ninja War.

While Naruto and Sasuke could have easily overpowered Shin Uchiha, their priority was protecting Sarada and Cho-Cho. When Shin caught Sasuke off guard, Sakura surprisingly stepped in. Using her immense chakra manifested into a powerful punch, Shin fell to the ground, even causing the ground to crumble beneath him. It may have been like her many moments that showcased her superhuman strength, but it was another crucial scene that emphasized Sakura’s high-level status as a kunoichi.

3 Overpowering Shin Uchiha in a Battle

Boruto: Naruto Next Generation Episode #26

Punching Shin Uchiha to the ground was not enough to completely defeat him. Sakura continued the fight even after being transported to another location to save her daughter, Sarada. While Naruto was engaged in his own battle and Sasuke went after his wife, Sakura had to face Shin alone initially but managed to prove she could overpower an opponent who had been scientifically modified with incredible strength and abilities. During the fight, Sakura showcased her superhuman strength to counter all of Shin's attacks, and despite her lack of speed compared to Shin, she kept up with his movements.

Sakura used her massive chakra reserves to deliver powerful punches that helped her overpower Shin. Even though Shin utilized his Sharingan-enhanced abilities to launch devastating attacks, Sakura’s determination and strength gradually weakened him. This battle was one of Sakura’s most intense fights since Naruto. It highlighted that she had sured her master, Tsunade Senju, and solidified her as the strongest kunoichi.

2 Summoning Lady Katsuyu as Part of the Three-Way Deadlock

Naruto Shippuden Episode #374

Aside from mastering the Strength of a Hundred Seal, summoning Lady Katsuyu was another testament to Sakura suring her master and fighting alongside Naruto and Sasuke. The original Legendary Sannin—Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade—ed down their legacy to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, each training under them. However, it was their individual strength that allowed them to summon the same powerful creatures that helped their masters in battles. Sakura’s success in summoning Lady Katsuyu proved her growth as a kunoichi.

Sakura summoned Lady Katsuyu, a giant slug who could heal and protect her allies. Team 7 each summoned their powerful creatures—Naruto with Gamabunta, the giant frog, and Sasuke with Manda, the giant snake. Sakura and Lady Katsuyu were ed by healing injured ninjas and restoring their strength during the Fourth Great Ninja War. Witnessing the new Legendary Sannin and their Three-Way Deadlock summons even mesmerized ninjas like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze,

1 Raising Sarada as a Strong Kunoichi

Boruto: Naruto Next Generation Episode #171

Sarada Uchiha was destined to be an exceptional kunoichi, inheriting the strength and intelligence of both her parents, Sasuke and Sakura. Despite her impressive abilities, Sarada struggled with self-doubt, feeling immense pressure from her parents’ powerful legacies. Seeing this, Sakura decides to train Sarada, not to test her skills, but to help her realize that she doesn’t have to live up to their expectations or be like them. This moment allowed Sakura to show her wisdom and nurturing side as a mother, guiding Sarada through her inner turmoil.

Additionally, the training highlighted Sakura’s strength as a mentor, ing on not just her combat abilities, but her wisdom and belief in perseverance. It also emphasized Sakura’s conviction that women in the ninja world must be strong to survive. Sarada acknowledged the importance of this lesson, reflecting on the need for women to be strong in the ninja world. This intense but heartwarming fight showed the deep bond between Sakura and Sarada, as well as Sakura’s caring side as a mother and her great potential to be a mentor.