I think Sakura could defeat most of the K9 except for Lee and Neji. Shikamaru and Choji are debatable as well. What the above user mentioned are my thoughts as well.
In some aspects Sakura is on the same level as a Sannin but there is much to be desired still. Her restorative techniques and raw strength equal, if not surpass Tsunade's own capabilities. However, since the fight with Madara she's managed quite a number of impressive feats and exploits in combat. Not only did she successfully withstand Susanoo's magatama with minimal damage incurred, but she was able to swiftly close the distance with Madara, corner Madara, and force him to hide inside the Mokuton foliage. The former was revealed to be so powerful that it nearly penetrated all of the way through Gaara and Onoki's double layered barrier composed of sand and stone. The fact that Tsunade could brush this attack aside with little more than a momentary exclamation of pain given should speak for how incredible her resilience is. And people say Raikage is the durable one.
Something else to consider is Tsunade's performance against Kabuto; a man who was stated to be the equal of Kakashi. Despite her hemophobia and rustiness she was able to hold her own throughout most of the fight. She successfully landed several attacks and was able to elude her opponent when he attacked. Granted Kabuto's intentions were not to kill but to immobilise. This does indicate that Tsunade is capable of fending against powerful Jonin tier shinobi even when she is at her weakest.
Sakura's combat performance has been so-so in retrospect. She demonstrated the value of patience and analytical thinking against Sasori. However, her ability to survive against Sasori's puppetry was only possible with Chiyo's knowledge of the puppeteer mentality and assistance in battle initially. Were it not for her Sakura would have been killed at the beginning of the fight. It's not a representation of how she would perform without those advantages. Granted Kishi did establish that the puppeteer's fighting tactics and manoeuvres are unique when in comparison to how the average shinobi fights. Against the common grunt or even a nameless Jonin she could probably win without suffering much damage.
Despite Sakura having more powerful strength and equal leveled healing (outside of Byakugou), Tsunade's experience, versatility, and battle skills give her a foundation to argue on for the position of strongest kunoichi between master and apprentice. I hope this comparison is shaken up with new evidence in favour of Sakura being greater in the near future though. There really needs to be a better demonstration of what Sakura is capable of now; her last actual fight occurred hundreds of chapters ago. If Kishi is looking to authenticate her superiority in all aspects of the ninja that Tsunade had specialised herself in then another fight exclusive to Sakura would be appropriate.
Edited by Atheck, 24 September 2013 - 07:23 AM.
