The Gaara retrieval arc : Sakura
Sakura isn't a character I particularly like, and I believe I'm not being biased when I say that the Gaara Retrieval Arc is the best Sakura arc by far. To me, it's the arc where she truly feels like a heroine, not (just) because she's part of the main team, but because she actually displays heroism.
First, I want to emphasize something very important: since the timeskip, this is the first time Sakura expresses her new goal to the reader. This is consistent with what we saw when she asked Tsunade to take her as an apprentice, but it also represents an evolution in her character. In her introduction, Sakura primarily focused on wanting Sasuke for herself and nothing else.
Her goal has now shifted to protecting both Sasuke and Naruto from Orochimaru, Itachi, and the Akatsuki. While this isn't shown in those panels, it's mentioned that she read Tsunade's reports and conducted her own research during the timeskip. I included the second panel because Sakura is often accused of not caring about Naruto, which is definitely not true.
It's a first sign of growth and not the last one.
Another point is that the show-don't-tell technique is effectively used for Sakura in this arc. This is usually one of my complaints about her character, so I'll appreciate it when it's done well. The first example comes when Chiyo, well versed in poisons, can't heal Kankurou. She explains to the people of Suna that Tsunade is the only one who knows more about it than her. And guess what happen?
Sakura arrives, saves Kankuro's life effortlessly, and finds the antidote. This is the first time since the timeskip that Sakura showcases her medical ninjutsu skills. She takes control of the situation, remains composed, and makes it look almost easy. The little girl who couldn't do anything against Zabuza, Orochimaru, and the four ninjas from the Sound Village is a thing of the past; now, she is the one who is capable to save the day.
That marks her first heroic act in this arc, and she accomplishes a significant achievement there. She gets praised for it (from Naruto, Chiyo and later Sasori who created the poison).
(Also, keep in mind that she created three different antidotes. There's another storytelling technique used by Kishimoto.)
Two traits I really like about Sakura in this arc are her determination—something I often miss when she's around Sasuke—and her guts. One example of this is when she uses an explosive tag to dissipate the poison. She takes risks and demonstrates that her words are not just empty promises.
Remember the three different antidotes? She uses one of them in this situation, demonstrating her intelligence in doing so. As she explains, she ensures that Sasori remains unaware of the antidotes. She then uses it at the last minute to surprise Sasori and destroy one of his puppets. This technique exemplifies Chekhov's gun, as Kishimoto made sure to show that Sakura created three antidotes and later utilized one effectively.
This is another example of the show-don't-tell technique. In the first part of Naruto, we're told that Sakura is bright, but here we actually see it in action. She's even strategic, which doesn't always go hand in hand with being intelligent.
It's important to note that we've seen Sakura's various skills, proving that Tsunade didn't waste her time training her. She is now a poison expert, capable of healing, and possesses (super) strength. This contrasts sharply with the time when Shikamaru described her as 'a kunoichi with no special skills.' That version of Sakura is nowhere to be found now. So yes, she has significantly evolved in her abilities since part one.
So when Chiyo comments on Sakura's skills—'that monstrous strength, dodging, healing'—it doesn't feel empty.
These panels parallel Tsunade's fight against Orochimaru (you can see Tsunade doing something similar in chapter 170). I think it's a nice way to reinforce the promise that Sakura will one day surpass Tsunade.
Another heroic act by Sakura is when she risks her life for Chiyo.
I believe a heroine isn't just the main female character or someone who saves lives or risks their life for others. To me, a heroine is also a character who drives the plot forward. At the end of the fight, Sakura achieves what she wanted: information about Orochimaru. This information ultimately leads to the next arc.
When I say Sakura truly feels like a heroine in this arc, it's because she embodies all the qualities of a heroine. She demonstrates her abilities, bravery, and determination. She accomplishes great things, and her actions have a significant impact on both Chiyo and the plot. I believe Sakura is one of the reasons Chiyo ultimately decides to sacrifice her life for Gaara.
Moreover, when Chiyo says that Sakura can surpass Tsunade at the end of the arc, you can actually believe it. Kishimoto provides ample evidence to support this claim, and Chiyo's words are backed by all the panels I've mentioned.
I wanted to make this post because Sakura's fight alongside Chiyo against Sasori is often downplayed or overlooked. I really liked that arc for Sakura, but at the same time, I was somewhat disappointed by the subsequent arcs where she doesn't have nearly the same level of importance again.
