Naruto Shippuden Episode 395 (Verified Source)

Initially, Sakura declines, fearing her lack of strength compared to her former teammates will hold Ino and Chōji back. However, after reflecting on her medical ninjutsu training with Tsunade and her desire to stand on equal footing with Naruto and Sasuke, she changes her mind and joins them.

Fū, the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki, is eager to see the outside world and make friends. Despite Lord Shibuki's concerns, he eventually allows her to participate in the exams with two guardians, provided she keeps her Jinchūriki status a secret. Naruto Shippuden Episode 395

In Konoha, Team Asuma is short one member because Shikamaru Nara has already been promoted to Chūnin. Ino Yamanaka and Chōji Akimichi ask Sakura Haruno to join their team as a substitute. Initially, Sakura declines, fearing her lack of strength

The story is set during the two-and-a-half-year time skip, focusing on the second Chūnin Exams co-hosted by Konohagakure and Sunagakure while Naruto is away training with Jiraiya. Despite Lord Shibuki's concerns, he eventually allows her