Chapter 32: The Ino-Shika-Chō
The morning sun cast long shadows across Training Ground 8 as Aizen arrived. His team was already there, a buzz of nervous energy surrounding them. Today's joint training session with Team 10 was more than a simple exercise; it was a test of their abilities against another established team.
Team 10, led by Sarutobi Asuma, was famously composed of the heirs to Konoha's three great clans: Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chōji, and Yamanaka Ino. Together, they were known as the "Ino-Shika-Chō" formation, a trio whose families had fought together for generations. Their combination of the Nara clan's tactical genius, the Akimichi clan's raw power, and the Yamanaka clan's sensory and mind-control abilities made them a formidable force even at their young age.
"Aizen, you're here!" Kiba called out, Akamaru barking a cheerful greeting from his jacket. "We're finally going up against those three from Team 10. This is going to be great!"
"I've heard about their teamwork," Aizen said, his tone characteristically humble and gentle. "I hope the four of us can work well together. They are supposed to be very strong."
His modest words were immediately met with friendly protests from his teammates.
"Don't be so modest, Aizen," Hinata said softly, a small, confident smile on her face. "With your talent, we have nothing to fear."
"Yeah!" Kiba added, grinning. "You're a monster compared to them!"
Shino simply adjusted his glasses. "The data suggests your capabilities far exceed the average genin. Your humility, while commendable, is statistically inaccurate in this context."
Before their conversation could continue, a new voice, smooth and slightly amused, cut through the morning air.
"Well, well, looks like everyone's eager to get started."
Two figures landed lightly in the center of the training ground. The woman, Kurenai, was as poised and beautiful as ever. Beside her stood Sarutobi Asuma, a tall and solidly built man with a kind but weary expression, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his lips.
Behind them, their students made their entrance with considerably less grace. On the left, Nara Shikamaru shuffled forward, his hands in his pockets and a look of profound annoyance on his face. "So troublesome..." he muttered, casting a glance at the clear sky. "Can't we just forfeit and call it a day?"
On the right, Akimichi Chōji followed, happily munching on a bag of potato chips. "Yeah, Asuma-sensei. Wouldn't it be better to finish early and get some barbecue?"
Between them, Yamanaka Ino marched with her fists clenched, her blonde ponytail swishing with irritation. "You two idiots! Take this seriously! We can't embarrass ourselves in front of another team!" she scolded, her voice a mix of exasperation and determination.
"It seems your students are... quite the characters," Kurenai remarked, a charming smile playing on her lips as she observed the trio.
Asuma let out a weary sigh, the smoke from his cigarette curling upwards. "You get used to it," he said with an awkward chuckle. "They have their own rhythm."
"Kurenai-sensei!" Team 8 greeted their teacher in unison.
"Now that everyone is here," Kurenai began, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "the purpose of this exercise is simple: to help you discover your own weaknesses. Fighting only within your team can make you complacent. Facing a different team with different skills will expose gaps in your training and show you where you need to improve."
She looked between the seven genin. "The rules are straightforward. We will hold a series of one-on-one sparring matches. I want you all to do your best and learn from this experience."
At her signal, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio stepped forward together. Despite Shikamaru's complaints and Chōji's snacking, their movements were synchronized, a silent testament to their deep-rooted bond.
The members of Team 8 glanced at each other, a silent communication passing between them. Hinata, Kiba, and Shino each stepped forward to face a member of the opposing team, their expressions set with determination.
Aizen remained where he was, a calm observer. The first match was about to begin. The air grew tense, the gentle morning breeze doing little to cool the competitive heat rising from the two teams. It was time to see how the humble prodigy of Team 8 would fare against the legendary formation of Team 10.