The principle of "overwhelming force subduing all techniques" often holds true.
In close combat, the stronger party undoubtedly holds the advantage.
Ino's "strength" is clearly defined at 2 points. Women are at a disadvantage in this regard, and she has no plans to intensively train her strength in the short term. Shikamaru's strength is slightly better than Ino's but falls short of Sasuke's. These two are likely at 3 and 4 points respectively. As for Choji, his strength is immense—he can drag a wild boar weighing several hundred pounds with one hand. His "strength" must exceed 5 points, possibly even reaching 6.
Indeed, the two of them couldn't withstand Choji's strength.
Asuma pointed to the side, signaling for the two of them to step aside.
He looked at Choji—a towering figure of 1.9 meters facing a small, chubby boy of 1.5 meters. The difference in their physiques was striking.
"Choji, does your kindness stem from concern for your comrades? If so, then your actions are misguided kindness."
Asuma assumed a defensive stance: "Come on, attack me! If you can land a single punch on me, you pass. But if you can't hit me within an hour, Choji, not just you, but all three of you will return to school. I don't need subordinates like this!"
Ino remained silent, while Shikamaru seemed to have thought of something but ultimately held his tongue.
Choji's expression turned extremely grim. He glanced at his silent companions, then back at Asuma, wondering why the seemingly kind teacher was pushing him so hard.
"Quick! Attack me! For their sake, you must transform your kindness into strength!"
Choji was at a loss, his gaze frequently shifting to Ino and Shikamaru, hoping these clever friends could offer some advice.
Previously, he had acted against Mizuki because he knew Mizuki had betrayed the village and intended to harm Hinata, Naruto, and Ino. But now, facing Asuma, who had no grudge against him, he truly couldn't bring himself to strike.
Asuma's movements weren't fast, throwing punches left and right, but Choji only shielded his head, showing no intention of attacking.
"Sigh," Shikamaru sighed. "Looks like we have to resort to that method."
Ino gave him a strange look.
The next second, Shikamaru shouted, "Hit him hard, you fat pig!"
Choji's eyes snapped open, glaring fiercely. "What did you say?!"
Ino used her Level 5 blame-shifting skill: "You misheard! That was Asuma-sensei who said it!"
The chubby boy turned around, his eyes filled with rage. "Was it really you, Asuma-sensei? Unforgivable!—!"
Enraged, Choji swung a punch at Asuma, but at the last moment, he stopped. Tears streamed down his face. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, sensei. I really can't do it. If it's about returning to school, let me go back alone! Ino and Shikamaru are the best ninjas. It's me who's holding them back!"
The chubby boy cried uncontrollably, and Ino scolded, "Idiot! The Ino-Shika-Cho Formation moves forward and retreats together! If it's about returning to school, I'll go back with you!"
Shikamaru, hands in his pockets, also smiled. "I was just thinking being a ninja is troublesome. Going back to school sounds good. Thanks, Choji."
Not far away, the Third Hokage and the parents of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio witnessed this scene.
The Third Hokage nodded to himself. The idea of comrades standing together through thick and thin was a core tenet of his Will of Fire. In his eyes, this was the most precious thing in the world.
The heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho families were also very satisfied. The fact that the next generation could maintain their bonds was more important than anything else. The alliance between the three families was unbreakable, and this was more valuable than capturing a hundred Mizukis. The Third Hokage glanced in another direction, where Team 7 was in complete chaos. Kakashi was using the "Thousand Years of Death" on Naruto, the problem child. In comparison, Team 10's progress had far surpassed that of Team 7.
The idea of sending Choji back to school was just a joke. Upon learning that Ino and the others had their allowances cut off and had to earn money by working part-time, Asuma, the bearded older youth, waved his hand and said, "Come on, I'll treat you to a meal. Hmm... let's go for barbecue!"
The chubby Choji jumped up in excitement, calling out "Asuma-sensei" repeatedly with great affection.
Ino and Shikamaru were also very happy. When someone offers to treat you, why hesitate? Let's eat! On the way to "Yakiniku Q," Team 10, led by Asuma, ran into Team 8, led by Yuhi Kurenai.
Asuma and Kurenai were in the midst of a relationship and appeared quite close.
Hearing that they were going for barbecue, Team 8 decided to join in as well.
Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino Aburame—the same people, the same barbecue place—after a small detour, they were all together again. This time, however, there were two Jonin leaders, Asuma and Kurenai.
The two Jonin didn't hide their relationship, and the six younger ones didn't see any issue with it.
Everyone bonded over the meal, and the atmosphere was great.
Suddenly, Asuma patted his head and handed Ino a scroll with the character for "Water" written on it. "Oh, right, Ino. The old man, the Third Hokage, asked me to give this to you."
What is this? Ino thought about keeping it to look at later at home.
Asuma waved his hand. "Open it and take a look. If you're not satisfied, I'll go back and exchange it with the old man."
Since the Hokage's own son said so, Ino naturally didn't refuse. This scroll was likely the reward for exposing Mizuki's conspiracy.
She opened the scroll and took a careful look.
It was a learning scroll for the B-rank Ninja Technique, Water Release: Water Formation Wall. Judging by the handwriting, it was likely the Third Hokage's own writing.
Ino examined it closely and found that, like Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet, this was another Water Release Ninja Technique that had been improved by the Second Hokage.
It only required two hand seals to perform.
With strong defensive capabilities and fast hand seal speed, Water Formation Wall was an excellent defensive Ninja Technique.
It perfectly compensated for her weakness in defense.
This reward was better than Ino had expected. It was likely due to Yamanaka Inoichi and the Ino-Shika-Cho Formation, and she was very satisfied with it.
"Thank you, Asuma-sensei. Please also thank the Third Hokage for me."
"Ino, you're so polite. Haha, you'll learn over time that there's no need to be so formal with me," Asuma laughed heartily, then looked at Shikamaru and Choji. "You two also have rewards. Considering various factors, you'll each be credited with one C-rank mission, and you'll receive the payment for it by the end of the month."
The matter concerning Mizuki had come to an end for now. Whoever was behind him and how the village planned to deal with it were no longer their concern. They were already ninjas, and no matter how much the profession was glorified, its essence remained that of a killing tool. Questions that shouldn't be asked were best left unasked.
Ino had obtained another B-rank ninja technique. She was still struggling to master the Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet that Kosuke had taught her earlier, and now she had an additional technique, Water Release: Water Formation Wall. Even with the advantage of the Shadow Clone technique, she still felt the weight of her training tasks was immense.