Jiryoku arrived at the location indicated by Inoichi. Before he appeared on the battlefield, a black hole emerged, capturing the attention of everyone present. Choza, the group leader, along with Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji, also arrived. Seeing the black hole, they recognized that Jiryoku was approaching. Their assumption proved correct as Jiryoku emerged from the black hole.
Upon Jiryoku's arrival, Choza instructed everyone to return to their positions, explaining that the black hole was a false alarm.
After Jiryoku's arrival, Shikamaru's voice carried a hint of curiosity mixed with concern as he inquired, "Did you come here to join the war?"
Jiryoku's response was accompanied by a reassuring smile, his eyes reflecting determination and sincerity. "No," he replied softly, his tone carrying a sense of resolve and warmth, "I came to fulfill my promise to all of you. I said I would make you three very powerful."
All three of them were confused after hearing what Jiryoku said. Shikamaru's brow furrowed with skepticism as he voiced his doubts, "We remember your promise, but can you really do that? I mean, we thought that you were just trying to cheer us up with those words of yours."
Jiryoku's expression softened, understanding Shikamaru's concerns. "Have I ever joked with any of you about such serious matters?" he questioned, his tone carrying a hint of gentle reassurance.
Ino's response came with a nod, her eyes reflecting a mixture of trust and uncertainty. "No, you have never done so before," she affirmed, her voice wavering slightly.
"Then why would I do such a thing?" said Jiryoku with a smile. Then he moved closer to all of them and said to Shikamaru, "First, let's begin with you."
Then Jiryoku placed his hand on Shikamaru's head, and after a few movements below, a dark circle with complicated patterns appeared. Soon, from the circle, a black, slimy substance started emerging, covering Shikamaru and taking the form of an egg. The entire process looked eerie.
Next, Jiryoku stood in front of Ino, and she asked hesitantly, "Will I also be covered in a substance like that?"
"Haha, what are you afraid of? Don't worry, nothing will happen. I'm here," reassured Jiryoku, and Ino nodded reluctantly.
Jiryoku performed the same process on Ino, and like Shikamaru, she too was covered in an egg-shaped black shell. Finally, Choji, like Shikamaru and Ino, became covered in a black egg-like shell.
Believing in Jiryoku, Choza didn't ask anything, but when Jiryoku was done, he finally inquired, "Will they be alright?"
"Don't worry, uncle," Jiryoku reassured with a tone that carried both conviction and warmth. "After they break out from this shell, they will transform into far more powerful beings." His words held a sense of certainty and hope, aiming to ease any lingering doubts or concerns that Choza might have had.
Choza nodded after hearing Jiryoku's words, and both he and Jiryoku began to wait. Finally, after an hour had passed, the wait came to an end.
The first one to break out from the eggshell was Shikamaru. He emerged from the eggshell, releasing black chakra from his body. Not much had changed in Shikamaru's appearance, except that he had become more charming. Then Ino emerged, also emitting black chakra from her body, followed by Choji.
There was no noticeable change in Shikamaru's appearance, but Ino's hair tips had turned black while the rest remained blonde. Choji, who was previously overweight, had transformed into a slim, handsome boy.
Seeing Choji like this, Choza asked, "Son, are you alright? Where did all the fat in your body go?"
"Dad, I'm fine. It's just because of my new abilities that I can be like this," replied Choji.
"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Choza, puzzled.
"Don't be surprised, uncle," said Shikamaru, and suddenly he disappeared, reappearing behind Choza.
As Shikamaru appeared behind Choza, he placed his hand on Choza's shoulder and said, "Hello, uncle."
"Whaaaat!" exclaimed Choza, taken aback.
"What kind of speed is this?" asked Choza.
"This is my ability. I can travel from one shadow to another within my range," explained Shikamaru.
"And my other ability is..." Shikamaru trailed off, then made a hand seal. Shadows of stones, Jiryoku, Ino, and Choji moved and connected to Choza, immobilizing Choza.
"This is my second ability: I can control anyone's shadow as I please. That means I can use all my jutsu without being dependent on controlling my shadow," said Shikamaru.
Choza was amazed after hearing this. Seeing Shikamaru showing off, Ino was not to be left behind. She said, "I also have two abilities now. I can control anything I want with just a thought." After saying this, she controlled a stone, making it float with her mental power.
"And secondly, I can control anyone without fearing damage to my soul," added Ino.
Choji spoke up, "I gained the ability to control the size of my body as I please. Not only that, but I also gained the ability to heal rapidly." After saying this, Choji made a small cut on his palm, which immediately healed, demonstrating his extraordinary healing ability.
Choza was overjoyed after witnessing the abilities of Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. With emotion in his voice, he exclaimed, "Now you all might have already surpassed us in terms of strength. You are all worthy of bearing the title 16th generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio."
Bowing deeply to Jiryoku, Choza's voice carried a mix of heartfelt appreciation and genuine respect as he expressed his gratitude. "Thank you very much," he said with a tremble of emotion, his words filled with sincerity. "I can't express my gratitude in words."
Jiryoku replied with a smile on his face, "Ino is my girlfriend and my future wife. I gave Shikamaru and Choji these abilities so that they can protect her when I am not around. I just hired her two powerful bodyguards."
Upon hearing Jiryoku's words, everyone burst into laughter.
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