The principle of 'one force overcomes ten skills' applies in many situations.
In close combat, the one with greater strength definitely has the advantage.
Ino's 'strength' is clearly 2 points; women are at a great disadvantage in this regard, and she has no plans to train her strength intensively in the short term.
Shikamaru's strength is a bit stronger than hers, but weaker than Sasuke's; these two should be at the 3 and 4 point level, respectively.
Choji's strength, however, is immense; he can drag a wild boar weighing several hundred pounds with one hand.
This guy's 'strength' is definitely above 5 points, possibly even reaching 6 points.
The two of them truly couldn't withstand Choji's strength.
Asuma pointed to the side, indicating for the two of them to wait there first.
He looked at Choji; the 1.9-meter tall man faced the 1.5-meter short Choji, and their physiques seemed vastly different.
"Choji, does your kindness stem from concern for your comrades? If so, then your actions are misguided kindness."
Asuma took a defensive stance: "Come, attack me! If you can land one punch on me, you pass.
If you can't hit me within an hour, Choji, not just you, but all three of you will go back to the academy!
I don't need subordinates like that!"
Ino didn't say anything, and Shikamaru seemed to have thought of something, but ultimately held back his words.
Choji's expression was extremely troubled.
He looked at his two silent comrades, then at Asuma, wondering why his seemingly kind teacher was pushing him so hard.
"Quick! Come attack me! For their sake, you must turn your kindness into strength!"
Choji was at a loss, his gaze frequently darting towards Ino and Shikamaru, hoping these two clever partners could give him an idea.
He had acted against Mizuki before because he knew Mizuki had betrayed the Village and wanted to harm Hinata, Naruto, and Ino.
Now, he had no grudge against Asuma and truly couldn't bring himself to attack.
Asuma's movements weren't fast; he threw punches left and right, but Choji merely held his head in defense, showing no intention of attacking.
"Sigh," Shikamaru sighed, "It seems we can only use that method."
Ino looked at him with a strange expression.
The next second, Shikamaru yelled, "Hit him hard, you fat pig!"
Choji's eyes snapped open, and he looked over with considerable displeasure: "What did you just say?!"
Ino used her Lv5 'blame-shifting' skill: "You misheard, it was Asuma-sensei who said it just now!"
The Choji turned back, his eyes full of fury: "Was it really you, Asuma-sensei? Unforgivable—!"
An enraged Choji threw a punch at Asuma, but at the last moment, he still stopped, tears involuntarily streaming down his face: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, sensei, I really can't do it.
If it means going back to the academy, then let me go back alone!
Ino and Shikamaru are both excellent Ninja; I'm the one holding them back!"
The Choji was crying profusely, and Ino cursed: "Idiot! Ino–Shika–Choji naturally advances and retreats together!
If it means going back to the academy, I'll go back with you!"
Shikamaru, with his hands in his pockets, also smiled: "I was just thinking being a Ninja was troublesome, going back to the academy sounds good.
Thanks, Choji."
The Third Hokage and the parents of the Ino–Shika–Choji trio, who were not far away, witnessed this scene.
The Third Hokage nodded to himself.
Comrades advancing and retreating together was a core tenet of his will of fire, and in his eyes, this was the most precious thing in the world.
The parents of the Ino–Shika–Choji families were also very satisfied.
The next generation being able to maintain their friendship was better than anything; the alliance between the three families was unbreakable, which was more valuable than capturing a hundred Mizuki.
The Third Hokage looked in another direction; Team 7's side was in utter chaos, with Kakashi currently using 'A Thousand Years of Death' on Naruto, the problem child.
Compared to them, Team 10's progress had already far surpassed Team 7's.
Sending Choji back to the academy was just a joke.
After learning that Ino's family had cut off their allowance and that they usually had to work to earn money, Asuma, the bearded older youth, waved his hand: "Come on, I'll treat you to a meal.
Hmm... let's go for Yakiniku!"
Choji jumped up excitedly, calling him "Asuma-sensei" repeatedly with great affection.
Ino and Shikamaru were also very happy; with someone treating, why hesitate? Let's go eat!
On the way to Yakiniku, Team 10, led by Asuma, encountered Kurenai Yuhi's Team 8.
Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi were in a relationship and seemed quite intimate.
Hearing that they were going for Yakiniku, Team 8 also joined in.
Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino Aburame—the same Yakiniku restaurant, the same people.
After a small detour, they were gathered together again, but this time with two additional Jonin squad leaders, Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi.
The two Jonin did not hide their relationship, and the six youngsters also saw no issue with it.
Everyone socialized at the dinner table, and the atmosphere was excellent for a while.
Asuma suddenly patted his head, then handed Ino a scroll with the character "Water" written on it: "Oh, right, Ino, the Third Hokage old man asked me to give this to you."
What is this? Ino wanted to put it away and look at it when she got home.
Asuma waved his hand: "Open it and take a look.
If you're not satisfied, I'll go back and ask the old man to exchange it."
Since the Hokage's own son said so, Ino naturally wouldn't refuse.
This scroll should be the reward for exposing Mizuki's conspiracy.
She opened the scroll and carefully looked at it twice.
This was a B-rank Ninjutsu, a learning scroll for Water Release: Water Formation Wall.
The handwriting seemed to be the Third Hokage's own.
Ino observed carefully and found that, like Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet, it was another Water Release Ninjutsu modified by the Second Hokage.
It could be performed by forming just two hand seals.
With strong defense and fast hand seal speed, Water Formation Wall was considered a very excellent defensive Ninjutsu.
It perfectly compensated for her weakness in low defense.
This reward was better than Ino had expected, certainly due to Yamanaka Inoichi and the Ino–Shika–Choji connection, and she was very satisfied with it.
"Thank you, Asuma-sensei, and please also thank Hokage-sama for me."
"Ino is so polite, haha.
You'll know after a while, there's no need to be formal with me."
Asuma laughed heartily twice and looked at Shikamaru and Choji: "You two also have rewards.
Considering various reasons, you each get credit for one C-rank mission, and you can receive the payment for this mission at the end of the month."
Mizuki's affair was considered concluded at this point.
Who was behind him, and how the Village planned to deal with it, had nothing to do with them.
They were already Ninja, and no matter how much the Ninja profession was glorified, its essence remained a tool for killing.
Don't ask what you shouldn't ask.
Ino had received another B-rank Ninjutsu.
She was still diligently practicing the Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet that Kosuke had taught her earlier, and now with an additional Water Release: Water Formation Wall, even with the cheat of Shadow Clone, she still felt the learning task was arduous.
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