Sasuke went to Sarutobi Asuma's class, ready to take Ino away for some training.
Asuma agreed readily without much fuss. However, after pulling Sasuke aside, he asked in a low voice, "Sasuke, I've explained myself to Kurenai countless times, but why won't she forgive me?"
Asuma scratched his head in frustration. Though it was awkward to ask such a question to someone younger, Asuma was desperate. After all, most of his peers were also bachelors, while Sasuke, even at a young age, was already popular with girls.
He figured it couldn't hurt to ask Sasuke directly for advice.
Sasuke was secretly amused but quickly began thinking about the situation. "Hmm… maybe Asuma-sensei's way of talking hasn't exactly impressed Kurenai-sensei. You know, talking to girls is a skill that needs to be learned."
Asuma quickly asked, "So how can I get better at talking to girls?"
"It's simple!" Sasuke said with a sly smile as he pulled out a small book from his pocket and handed it to Asuma. The cover was striking, adorned with bold letters: *Icha Icha Paradise: How to Win Over Girls*.
It was one of the latest volumes from the famous author Jiraiya.
Sasuke had originally bought it as a gift for Kakashi, knowing his sensei's love for the *Icha Icha* series. However, since Kakashi seemed a little preoccupied lately, Sasuke decided it might be more helpful for Asuma.
"I've been reading this series since I was young," Sasuke said with a grin. "I've learned a lot from it over the years. This is Jiraiya-sama's newest work, so I'll let you have it, Asuma-sensei! I'm sure it'll help."
Asuma took the book, but he was skeptical. "Will reading this really help? Kakashi reads *Icha Icha* all the time, but he's still single!"
Sasuke smiled knowingly. "Kakashi-sensei is amazing. If he wanted to, he could easily find a girlfriend. It's just that he probably prefers spending time with Gai-sensei, so he doesn't bother with it. But with his looks and charm, finding a girlfriend would be a breeze for him."
"You know, that actually makes sense," Asuma said, nodding in agreement.
Sasuke continued, "So, Asuma-sensei, you should study this book carefully. It explains in detail how girls like to be talked to and what they're really thinking. If you read it closely, I'm sure it'll help you win over Kurenai-sensei!"
A bright light sparked in Asuma's eyes as he clutched the book tightly like it was a precious treasure. "Thank you so much!" he exclaimed. "I really owe you one, Sasuke. If you hadn't helped me, I think my relationship with Kurenai would only have gotten worse."
"It's no big deal," Sasuke said casually, though inwardly he was quite pleased.
*Icha Icha Paradise* was written by a seasoned bachelor, and Asuma was also a bachelor through and through. If he tried to win over Kurenai using the advice in that book, Sasuke imagined the results would be… amusing, to say the least.
However, if Sasuke himself were to use these methods, they might actually work. After all, he had a handsome face, charm, and a way with words. Few girls would be able to resist him.
But Asuma? If he tried those same tricks, the results could be unpredictable—if not outright disastrous.
With that entertaining thought in mind, Sasuke brought Ino and Sakura to the center of the training grounds. He looked at them with a serious expression and said, "Although teamwork is crucial in the early stages of the Chunin Exams, there are individual battles later on. More importantly, the Chunin Exams carry real danger, and candidates are allowed to fight each other. You need to be fully prepared for anything."
Hearing this, Ino pouted in disappointment. "Aww… I thought Sasuke just wanted an excuse to spend time with me. I didn't think he actually wanted to train…"
She tried to wrap her arms around Sasuke's neck playfully, but Sasuke remained serious, gently pushing her away. "This isn't a joke," he said firmly. "I'm not here to play around. The Chunin Exams are dangerous. You have to take this seriously."
Sasuke understood the gravity of the exams. It wasn't just some friendly tournament—it could cost them their lives if they weren't prepared. Although Ino wasn't in serious danger during the original story, Sasuke knew this was the real ninja world. Anything could happen.
Seeing Sasuke so serious, both Sakura and Ino began to realize how important this training really was. Sakura nodded resolutely. "I understand! I'll train harder from now on."
Ino, too, reluctantly agreed. "Alright… I get it. I'll be serious about training."
Seeing Ino's slightly upset expression, Sasuke's heart softened a little. After all, she was his girlfriend. As long as she took training seriously, he didn't need to be too strict with her in other areas.
Clearing his throat, Sasuke added with a grin, "Ahem. If you two work hard enough in training, the one who performs best might just get the chance to spend an entire day alone with me."
As soon as Sasuke said that, Sakura and Ino's eyes lit up with excitement, and their enthusiasm surged.
"Hehe! I'm in the same team as Sasuke, and I work hard every day! I'll definitely be the best!" Sakura said confidently.
Ino, not to be outdone, responded, "When I get home tonight, I'll have my dad teach me the latest secret techniques from our clan!"