Guiding Sakura

According to the original plot, the Chunin Exams proceeded as follows: registration in Room 301, the written test, the survival trial, the one-on-one elimination matches, and the finals.

There was one crucial thing that had to be done during registration.

In the original story, Sakura would begin to lose confidence during registration.

She felt that she could not keep up with Naruto and Sasuke's rate of progress.

Now that Su Bai had joined Team 7 and outperformed Naruto and Sasuke even more, it only worsened her mindset.

Sakura absolutely could not be allowed to back down.

Otherwise, he would lose a huge amount of experience!

This was the highest priority!

He had to make Sakura realize that she was not useless and help her gain confidence in herself.

After careful consideration, he came up with a combination strategy.

First, he would compare her with Sasuke and Naruto to highlight Sakura's intelligence and quick wits;

Then, he would strongly affirm her contributions to the team so she could truly feel that she was an indispensable member.

Finally, he would expand upon her potential and praise her further.

With that plan in mind, Su Bai nodded to himself.

"Then it's settled."

There was still some time before the Chunin Exams began. During that period, Team 7 continued carrying out D-rank missions as usual.

Ever since returning triumphantly from the Land of Waves, Naruto and Sasuke had never stopped competing against Su Bai.

Neither of them could accept that Su Bai had performed so much better than them during their last mission in the Land of Waves.

Su Bai did not care about the two of them constantly butting heads. All his attention was focused on Sakura.

Whenever they carried out missions, Su Bai would occasionally praise Sakura's meticulousness and sharply contrast it with Naruto and Sasuke's carelessness.

Throughout their various D-rank missions, Su Bai carefully observed Sakura's performance and gave her encouragement and praise at the right moments.

For example, when Sakura carefully identified medicinal herbs hidden among the weeds during a weed-pulling mission, Su Bai sincerely praised her focus and sharpness.

"Sakura, it's truly admirable that you were able to spot these valuable medicinal herbs."

Su Bai smiled. "That requires exceptional observation skills and professional knowledge."

Hearing praise from her idol, Sakura lowered her head with a blush, her heart filled with joy. "Thank you, Su Bai. It's just basic medical training."

Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke missed quite a few medicinal herbs due to their lack of herbal knowledge, creating a stark contrast with Sakura.

Su Bai pointed it out at the right moment. "You two should learn more from Sakura. Carelessness won't do."

After Su Bai said that, Naruto was instantly overcome with embarrassment and repeatedly complained about how he could never remember those herbs.

Sasuke merely snorted and turned his face away, though a trace of unwillingness showed in his eyes.

Similar scenes played out during many missions.

When catching cats, Sakura would prepare dried fish beforehand and lure them in with ease;

When helping villagers harvest fruit, Sakura could always find the best angle to pick the ripest fruit without damaging the peel;

When transporting supplies, Sakura's sensible vehicle arrangements and meticulous packing were equally impressive.

Whenever Sakura displayed her attentiveness and intelligence, Su Bai would promptly praise her and tactfully remind Naruto and Sasuke to learn from her. This gradually strengthened Sakura's confidence.

Little by little, Sakura began to realize that a female ninja's meticulousness and focus were actually her unique strengths.

With this steady encouragement, her confidence was slowly taking shape.

Naruto and Sasuke had plenty to say about Su Bai's approach, but Su Bai remained completely unmoved.

He said flatly, "If you two don't want to owe me a favor, then keep working hard and try to surpass me."

The two were instantly rendered speechless. They could only respond with silence and vow in their hearts to surpass Su Bai.

After the mission ended, the four of them were preparing to head home separately.

Sakura keenly noticed that the atmosphere within Team 7 was somewhat strange.

Although the three of them were still clashing as usual, something felt off.

"Um..." Sakura hesitated before gathering her courage. "Everyone's been working hard lately. How about we have a meal together? We haven't had a team activity in a long time."

Naruto's eyes immediately lit up at the suggestion. "Great idea! Let's go eat at Ichiraku Ramen—Sakura's treating!"

"Who said I was treating?"

Sakura shot him a helpless look before turning to the other two. "Sasuke, Su Bai, what do you think?"

With his hands in his pockets, Sasuke said coolly, "Not interested."

Su Bai gave a meaningful smile instead. "A group meal is a good idea. Cooperation is a required lesson for every ninja team, and strengthening relationships is part of it."

Hearing Su Bai's words, Naruto became even more excited. "That's right, that's right! Sasuke, come too! Don't spoil the mood!"

Sasuke had already made up his mind, but after hearing Naruto and Su Bai, he suddenly changed it.

He frowned so slightly that it was almost imperceptible, as if engaged in some internal struggle.

After a moment, he turned his face away and said in a reluctant tone, "...Since Su Bai is going too, whatever."

A delighted smile appeared on Sakura's face. "Great! Then let's go. How about a barbecue restaurant?"

And so, on what seemed like an ordinary evening, the four members of Team 7 set off for their group meal.

In the end, all four members of Team 7 gathered at a barbecue restaurant.

During the meal, Naruto and Sasuke continued bickering back and forth while Su Bai took the opportunity to steer the topic toward the Land of Waves mission.

His gentle yet firm gaze fell on Sakura, his voice filled with sincere gratitude. "Sakura, I've always wanted to tell you this. When we protected Inari and his mother in the Land of Waves, it was thanks to your quick thinking and courage."

Sakura lowered her head somewhat shyly. "Not at all. I only did what I should have done..."

"No, your contribution was extraordinary."

His words made Sakura recall what had happened then:

How she had calmly analyzed the situation, how she had stood in front of Inari and his mother at the critical moment, and how she had cleverly used her talent for genjutsu to create chaos.

Su Bai continued, "As a ninja, you displayed exceptional courage and wisdom. You made tremendous contributions to our team—that is beyond question."

She smiled modestly. "Not really. I'm the most useless one."

Su Bai immediately refuted her. "No. We are a team, and every person is indispensable."

Naruto nodded repeatedly in agreement. "That's right! Sakura's really amazing! Remember when we practiced tree climbing in the Land of Waves? You were practically on par with Su Bai!"

Even Sasuke, who was usually so quiet, looked at Sakura with firm eyes, silently expressing his recognition of her strength.

Moved by her companions' heartfelt affirmation, Sakura fell silent for a moment, tears in her smile.

Su Bai struck while the iron was hot and continued praising her. "Among the four of us, you have the best academic scores. Even I feel inferior."

Sakura's face brightened with delight.

Su Bai could see that Sakura's confidence was slowly awakening. He decided to press on and give her even stronger encouragement.

"Sakura, do you know? In our class, there isn't a single person who can control chakra as precisely as you."

Su Bai looked at her sincerely, his tone full of certainty. "I'd bet that before long, you'll become one of Konoha Village's finest medical ninja."

A flicker of surprise rose in Sakura's heart, only to be quickly replaced by self-doubt:

Me? A medical ninja? But...

You're all working so hard. I always thought I was dragging the team down...

"Believe me. If you set your mind on becoming a medical ninja, you can definitely do it."

Su Bai spoke decisively, his eyes firm and inspiring. "By then, if the three of us suffer serious injuries during missions, our lives will be entirely in your hands. The future of the entire team will be in your grasp."

"That's right!"

Naruto loudly chimed in beside them. "Sakura's so amazing! Saving our lives will definitely be no problem for her!"

Even Sasuke rarely spoke up to praise her. "With your abilities, learning medical ninjutsu won't be difficult."

Encouraged by her teammates, Sakura's tightly clenched fists suddenly loosened.

They were replaced by a resolute expression.

She took a deep breath and raised her head, an unextinguishable flame of determination burning in her eyes.

"I understand. Since everyone has so much faith in me, I definitely can't let you down!"

Sakura's voice was not loud, but it was full of strength. "If you ever need me, I swear I'll do everything I can to save you, even if I have to risk my life!"

Her words exploded over the table like thunder, and both Naruto and Sasuke showed surprised expressions.

Su Bai stared at her blankly, his eyes filled with heartfelt admiration.

He had not expected Sakura's will to be so firm. Her courage and resolve moved even him.

Only after a long while did Su Bai come back to his senses.

He nodded solemnly. "Then we'll be counting on you."

Sakura nodded heavily, crystalline tears glimmering at the corners of her eyes. "Please, leave your backs to me!"