"Street Fighter: Sakura Ganbaru!" is a manga series that centers on Sakura Kasugano, a high school student and avid martial artist inspired by Ryu, the wandering warrior. The story explores Sakura's journey as she balances her everyday life with her passion for fighting, striving to improve her skills and embody the spirit of a true martial artist. The narrative is structured around her encounters with various fighters from the "Street Fighter" universe, each of whom challenges her growth in unique ways.

Sakura's determination to prove herself leads her to participate in underground fighting tournaments and seek out formidable opponents. Her interactions with characters like Dan Hibiki, a self-proclaimed martial arts master with a comedic flair, and Karin Kanzuki, a wealthy rival with a competitive streak, add depth to her journey. These relationships highlight her perseverance and willingness to learn, even in the face of setbacks. The story also delves into her admiration for Ryu, whose stoic demeanor and mastery of Ansatsuken serve as a guiding influence.

The plot intertwines Sakura's personal growth with her battles against both familiar and new adversaries. Her fights are not merely physical contests but also opportunities for self-reflection and understanding the philosophy behind martial arts. The manga maintains a balance between action-packed sequences and moments of character development, showcasing Sakura's evolution from an enthusiastic amateur to a more disciplined and confident fighter. Themes of friendship, rivalry, and the pursuit of self-improvement are consistently woven into the narrative, making it a compelling exploration of Sakura's character within the broader "Street Fighter" universe.