Finally, Inoiki arrived at his home, trailed by Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. They made their way into the room where Shikaku, Choza, and Inoichi, Inoiki's father, were waiting. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the elders sat in quiet discussion, their attention immediately shifting when Inoiki entered.
Inoichi, who had been mid-conversation with Shikaku and Choza, stood up the moment his son appeared. His stern expression betrayed his frustration. "Where have you been?" he barked, his tone sharp. "You're late, even though I told you to be here on time! Do you know how long your uncles have been waiting?"
Inoiki could tell his father was genuinely angry, but he maintained his composure. "I went to the Third Training Ground to practice," he explained. "After that, I just... fell asleep." He shrugged slightly, trying to ease the tension. "Besides, Dad, you're the only one here who's impatient. Look at Uncle Shikaku and Uncle Choza—they're sitting calmly. Maybe you should try that instead of acting like a child."
Inoichi's face darkened, clearly about to fire back, but before he could say anything, Shikaku intervened.
"Alright, alright, Inoichi," Shikaku said smoothly, raising a hand to calm the situation. "Let it go. Inoiki didn't do this on purpose. We all know he wouldn't." His calm, measured voice seemed to defuse some of the tension.
Inoichi glanced between Shikaku and his son before sighing and sitting back down, his annoyance simmering but contained. It was clear he wasn't happy, but he also trusted Shikaku's judgment.
"Now that Inoiki's here," Shikaku said, his tone businesslike, "let's begin the meeting." He gestured for the younger ones—Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji—to sit down. "Everyone, take your seats."
Once they had all settled, Shikaku's expression grew serious as he addressed the room. "The purpose of today's meeting is to finalize the next generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. This group will not only represent the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi Clans but will also be future clan heads of their respective families."
The weight of Shikaku's words hung in the air, and the room grew quiet as everyone understood the gravity of the discussion. Ino shifted slightly in her seat, glancing at her brother, while Shikamaru and Choji sat with rapt attention.
Shikaku continued, "Originally, there was no question. Inoiki was set to represent the Yamanaka Clan as the 'Ino' in the next Ino-Shika-Cho trio. However, since Inoiki awakened his Kekkei Genkai, *Psychokinesis*, things have changed." Shikaku looked toward Inoiki. "Inoiki, you mentioned that you have other plans. Let's hear them."
Inoiki spoke with a quiet confidence, his eyes sharp as he began. "The Ino-Shika-Cho trio was designed for a singular purpose: to combine the strengths of the three clans—Akimichi's raw power and defence, Nara's control and intelligence, and the Ino Clan's sensory and mental prowess. Together, they create a near-perfect team, one without weaknesses."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "But ever since I awakened my Kekkei Genkai—'Psychokinesis'—things have shifted. My abilities now give me a balance of power that rivals the trio itself. With psychokinesis, I can achieve both offense and defence on par with the Akimichi Clan's strength. I can immobilize anyone weaker than me, just like the Nara Clan's shadow techniques. And, of course, I can wield the mental attacks of the Ino Clan as well."
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "In essence, I've become something close to a perfect ninja. And my sister Ino, though just a few minutes younger, is the one who is best suited to be the member of 16th generation of Ino-Shika-Cho."
After listening to Inoiki's statement, everyone in the room nodded in agreement. No one objected to his decision, and the idea of Ino being part of the 16th generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio was accepted without question. Inoiki's reasoning for stepping away from the team was clear and sensible, which made it easier for everyone to understand.
Inoichi, ever the honest and dutiful father, had always envisioned his son taking on the role as the next head of the Yamanaka Clan. He wanted Inoiki to be a part of the prestigious Ino-Shika-Cho team, following the legacy of their ancestors. Yet, Inoiki had his own plans. Deep down, Inoichi knew that his son's free-spirited nature wouldn't align with the responsibilities and pressures of leadership. Inoiki wasn't one to take on roles that required weighty burdens or the hassles of duty, and Inoichi couldn't help but feel a sense of relief about his son's decision. He knew that Inoiki would never fully embrace the role of clan head or any such title that restricted his independence.
As Inoiki finished explaining his position, the room grew quiet for a moment. It was Shikaku who finally broke the silence.
"Alright," Shikaku said, his voice steady. "Now that the 16th generation of Ino-Shika-Cho has been decided, let's head to the Hokage's office and inform Hokage-sama of our decision."
Inoichi and Choza exchanged glances before both nodded in agreement. Shikaku's suggestion made sense, and with their resolve set, the group prepared to take their decision to the village's leader.
After the meeting concluded, everyone stood up, the weight of the decision finally settling over the room. Inoichi, Choza, and Shikaku exchanged final nods before heading toward the door, their minds already on the next step. They had not only to inform Hiruzen, the Hokage, but also the members of their respective clans. This was no small matter—the continuation of the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance was deeply important to their families, and it was a decision that would resonate throughout the clan.
As the elders departed to prepare for their duties, the younger generation—Inoiki, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino—looked at each other with relief. The formality of the meeting was over, and with the decision behind them, a lighter mood settled over the group.
"Well, that was a drag," Shikamaru muttered, stretching lazily. He had been more involved than he wanted to be, but he understood the importance of the moment. Still, he was glad it was over.
"Yeah, but at least it's done," Ino said, brushing her hair back and looking at Inoiki with a smile. "You handled it well, brother."
Inoiki gave a casual shrug. "I just said what I felt. The whole clan thing isn't really for me, you know?"
Choji, ever the optimist, chuckled and clapped a hand on Inoiki's shoulder. "Well, now that that's over, let's go play! We don't get to relax this much when our parents are always talking about clan duties and training."
As the group left the room, laughter and light banter filled the air. Their fathers were off handling the weight of tradition, but for now, they were just friends looking forward to spending time together. They knew that eventually, their own responsibilities would come, but for now, they were free to enjoy the simpler moments of life.
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