Remember that, yes, she is a genin, but she's proved she's more like a chunin in ability and the Suna nin likely will underestimate her still because of her official rank. For how long, I dunno. But it'll be long enough to put a dent in the pursuing force. After all, they appear to just be chasing after the pair rather than keeping an eye out for traps. So if Sakura's crafty enough, she could take out a few that way. Then she could use a Bunshin or two far enough away that the nin might not spot the fakeness, and have the Bunshins lead some Suna nin into the Trail with the hope they'll end up accidentally hitting one or more of the energy pockets and dying horrifically. With a bit of luck and skill, I wouldn't be surprised if she took done 5-10 of them because they were overconfident, in a rush, or otherwise not being smart.
Though, honestly, I really would not want Naruto anywhere near the Trail while unconscious, especially if he had unconsciously been channeling some of Kyuubi's chakra through his system at the time he passed out.
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Oh oh! Whatcha bet that, due to their efforts in stalling and bleeding out the Suna force... Sasuke gets promoted (by the Council if Sandaime dies)? And, due to what he went through on the mission, he turns it down because Naruto and Sakura didn't receive promotions as well, despite likely deserving it more for their efforts during the mission?
Then again, most of the elements that might push for that were rooted out earlier, so that's probably a long shot (and the author is smart enough not to pull such a stupid cheap trick).
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As to the Ino/Gaara thing, well, the synced readings is kinda creepy (and I suddenly got wondering what would happen if their sync rate hit 400% or higher :? ), but hopefully will have a no doubt awesome appearance crushing the invasion (because Ino wouldn't lose that argument, even if it was against a half-crazed jinchuuriki with a demon trying to drown her out through lots of shouting). I'd feel bad for Inoichi if Gaara ends up moving in with Ino ("Yes, Ino-san. Of course, Ino-san. Just please don't redecorate my mind again, Ino-san."
).Only downside is that Sasuke looks to be becoming a more humble team player due to events! Oh, and if the Sandaime dies in the Invasion, who gives Team Badass orders since they report directly to him?
