"Team 10: Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Akimichi Choji."
As Iruka made the final announcement, all hope drained from Ino's face. After completing the team assignments, Iruka also informed the class that the instructors for each team would arrive to collect their squads shortly, advising the students to wait patiently.
Before leaving, Iruka seemed to recall something and added that students were not allowed to move around before the instructors arrived, or their Genin headbands would be confiscated.
Originally, this rule didn't exist, but Iruka remembered how earlier the students had swarmed Natsuro, bombarding him with questions. He wanted to avoid a repeat of that scene.
The classroom instantly quieted. Although most of them understood that Iruka probably wasn't serious, no one dared to test it. After all, it would be a huge loss if they weren't allowed to become ninjas because of something trivial.
"Actually, Shikamaru and Choji are pretty great," Natsuro remarked after hearing Iruka's team assignments, answering Ino's earlier question.
"What's so great about them? Choji only knows how to eat, and Shikamaru is lazy and always at the bottom of the class," Ino responded.
"You're only seeing the surface. Shikamaru barely writes anything during exams. If he took them seriously, his scores would probably surpass Sakura's," Natsuro said with a chuckle, feeling that Shikamaru was being seriously underestimated.
"Really?" Ino was skeptical. As Sakura's friend, she was well aware of how strong Sakura's theoretical knowledge was. "Other than you, who else can keep up with Sakura in theory?"
"Of course. He sits close to me, so I can see it clearly. He only bothers with multiple-choice questions or those that require short answers. He leaves most of the paper blank. Having a teammate like him will greatly improve your team's overall efficiency," Natsuro explained.
"Even if that's the case, what about Choji?" Ino reluctantly accepted Natsuro's explanation and quickly followed up with another question.
"Choji? His clan's secret techniques are incredibly powerful. He eats so much because it's necessary for those techniques. Plus, he's a straightforward guy. Just don't call him fat, and if you're willing to share food with him, Choji will definitely become a reliable teammate," Natsuro said.
Natsuro then explained to Ino the history of the previous "Ino-Shika-Cho" trio and some basic team dynamics.
"It does sound like a good fit... If only Shikamaru and Choji were girls," Ino sighed, giving up on her complaints and leaning against Natsuro.
Natsuro paused, then an image of a feminized Shikamaru and Choji flashed through his mind. He quickly shook his head to dispel the unrealistic thought.
Soon after, a ninja entered the room. Though he wasn't very tall, he had a broad, muscular frame and a full beard. His eyes scanned the remaining students, pausing on Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino before finally resting on Natsuro.
"So, this is the little genius even more talented than Kakashi? The one the old man never stops bragging about?"
Natsuro looked at the newcomer as well. Sure enough, it was the Third Hokage's son, Asuma Sarutobi .
"Team 10, follow me," Asuma said after his gaze shifted away from Natsuro. He walked toward the door, and Natsuro and the other three followed him out.
Aside from Kakashi, the other Jonin instructors had arrived rather quickly. Although Natsuro wanted to meet the legendary fifty-fifty guy, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future. There was no rush.
"Natsuro." Just as Natsuro was about to leave, Sasuke called out, knowing he would miss the chance if he didn't speak up now.
"Hm?" Natsuro looked at Sasuke.
"Same time, same place," Sasuke said before sitting down again. Nearby, Naruto scratched his head in confusion. Same time? Same place? Naruto thought about it for a moment and realized he had his own regular hangout with Natsuro too. Grinning, he waved at Natsuro as well.
"Got it," Natsuro agreed. He was also curious to see how Sasuke had grown.
Asuma, who was quite well-off, took the group of four to the Yakiniku Q restaurant. Choji's eyes lit up at the sight. Although he didn't know who this teacher was yet, he already approved of him!
Shikamaru glanced at Asuma, recognizing him from a few lessons he'd taught at the school. As for why Choji didn't recognize him, that was something only Choji could answer.
...
"Alright, let me introduce myself. I'm Sarutobi Asuma, son of the Third Hokage, a Jonin. As for my likes... let's skip that part," Asuma said, his face flushing slightly. He continued, "I don't really dislike anything."
"Now, why don't you introduce yourselves?" Asuma said, watching Choji devour his meal. He couldn't help but wonder if he had made a mistake. Oh well, no big deal—he wasn't strapped for cash.
After Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji introduced themselves, all eyes turned to Natsuro.
"Hm? Do I need to introduce myself too?" Natsuro paused and then, after thinking for a moment, said, "I'm Natsuro, a special Jonin. I like myself, my mother, and Ino. I dislike what I dislike."
Ino's face flushed red in embarrassment. She had been too shy to say that she liked Natsuro in her introduction, but now...
"I like Natsuro too," Ino said shyly but earnestly, feeling a warm joy in her heart.
Shikamaru and Choji didn't react much; they'd known this for a while. Shikamaru even rolled his eyes slightly and said, "That's basically the same as saying nothing."
Asuma, however, was surprised. He looked at Natsuro, then at Ino, realizing that the little girl in his team had already been claimed by someone.
But then again, it wasn't that surprising. Exceptional people tend to attract others. Asuma had felt a bit annoyed hearing his father constantly praise Natsuro, but after learning more about Natsuro's accomplishments over the past two years... well, that irritation vanished.
Kakashi couldn't keep up with Natsuro, so why should he expect to? Asuma surrendered, mentally.
"Alright, you all can call me Asuma-sensei, but Natsuro, just call me Asuma," Asuma said. "Now, let's eat some grilled meat... right?"
It was no surprise why Asuma felt this way—Choji had already eaten a huge amount, leaving Asuma to sigh. This kid was really going all out. He had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time he'd have to foot a hefty bill.
After their meal, everyone slumped back into their chairs, full and content. Asuma, still smiling, then made an unexpected announcement.
"Oh, by the way, there's something you should know. Tomorrow, there's another test. If you fail, you'll have to return your headbands and go back to the Academy."
Asuma was puzzled when no one reacted to this news. Normally, someone would have panicked, but instead, there was nothing.
"Such a drag," Shikamaru muttered.
Ino already knew from Natsuro, and Choji—who might have reacted—was too busy rubbing his overstuffed stomach to respond.
"Alright, since you all understand, we'll meet tomorrow. Be on time," Asuma said, dismissing the team.
As Team 10 parted ways, Natsuro walked through the village with Ino by his side.
"Ino, you should still be cautious during tomorrow's test. Even though Asuma isn't as strict as some other teachers, performing poorly could still mean being sent back to the Academy," Natsuro advised, planning to skip the test himself.
"I understand," Ino nodded, feeling a bit hesitant about whether to bring up what her mother had asked her to.
After all, Ino had eventually realized her mother's intentions, which made her feel a little embarrassed and unsure. Was it too soon? Would Natsuro be scared off?
Lost in thought, Ino didn't notice that Natsuro had led her to a quieter part of the village and stopped walking.
Natsuro gazed at Ino, who still hadn't reacted, and couldn't help but reach out to pinch her cheek. He'd been wanting to do that for a while, and now that he had, the soft, pleasant sensation made him reluctant to let go.
"What are you thinking about, Ino? Is there something you can't tell me?" Natsuro asked, noticing her hesitation.
Feeling Natsuro's hand on her face, Ino had grown used to this gesture. He seemed to really enjoy pinching her cheeks. After hesitating for a moment, she finally told him what her mother had instructed.
"Got it. Let me know when your family is free. Your dad's pretty busy, and I'm flexible with my schedule. Once you've figured out a time, I'll go over with my mom,"Natsuro responded.
Ino's eyes widened. Natsuro's words clearly indicated they were already moving on to their parents meeting. Was it really progressing that fast?
Ino could feel the sincerity in Natsuro's feelings for her; he wasn't just casually toying with her emotions. A wave of joy and emotion washed over her, and her eyes grew misty with tears.
In the next moment, Ino rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Natsuro and standing on her tiptoes.
Natsuro, for his part, was also wide-eyed. This was the first time in his life he'd experienced something like this. But as he looked at Ino's face, a thought crept into his mind.
"Am I... committing a crime?"
He quickly dismissed the idea. They weren't even from the same world, and besides, she was soon to be his fiancée...
Was there anything wrong with kissing his fiancée? Not at all!
The next moment, he wrapped his arms around Ino's waist, her torso wrapped in bandages.
A long while later, Natsuro and Ino walked hand in hand towards Ino's house, both their faces flushed.
Ino felt that she had been a bit impulsive, but she didn't regret it.
As for Natsuro, he was feeling quite satisfied. He even wanted to do it again, though unfortunately, they couldn't go further just yet. They were still too young—ah, youth!
Natsuro felt as though, through Ino, he had regained a part of his youth that he had once discarded. The thought brought a smile to his face.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at Ino's house.
"Natsuro, I'll let you know after I talk to my parents," Ino said, her face red.
"Alright," Natsuro nodded, watching her disappear through the door. Suddenly, a sense of reluctance crept over him.
He shook his head and, rather than going home, made his way to a long-unused training ground. Of course, it wasn't the one from his childhood—it wasn't suitable for his current level of training anymore.
This training ground had been prepared for him by the Anbu, and he was usually the only one who used it. Most of his time had been spent doing missions away from the village, so he hadn't had much opportunity to train here.
Now, looking at the well-equipped facilities, he felt quite satisfied.
It was time for Natsuro to consider his next steps...
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