Although Ino had teammates of her own, neither Shikamaru nor Chōji was a good match for taijutsu sparring.
Shikamaru didn't need explaining. He fought with his head, not his fists.
As for Chōji, his style was all raw power. Precision-based close combat did nothing for him. If anything, spending that time eating snacks to support his Expansion Jutsu would be more efficient.
So Ino had to look elsewhere.
She didn't want to bother Fujimoto Tōma. Not only was he far stronger than her, but she also didn't want to slow him down. What she wanted was someone around her level. Someone she could grow with.
She had considered Sakura, but Sakura's mood earlier made her hold back.
Just as she was resigning herself to waiting again, Hinata agreed.
That alone made the trip worth it.
Before long, Ino and Hinata began sparring. From a distance, Hyūga Hiashi and Neji both watched, surprise flickering in their eyes.
Hinata clearly held the advantage, yet it wasn't overwhelming.
That alone was strange.
Even without using Gentle Fist techniques to strike chakra points, a Hyūga should dominate close combat. And yet, Ino was holding her own.
Hinata wasn't weak. Hiashi could see she was improving faster than she ever had within the clan.
The issue lay with her opponent.
The Yamanaka girl's movements were rough around the edges, but her speed and raw strength were noticeably higher than Hinata's.
Since when did Yamanaka techniques come with this kind of physical conditioning?
Still, Hiashi relaxed. Sparring like this would benefit Hinata. It wasn't wasted effort.
He sipped the tea Neji had prepared, quietly satisfied.
When the sparring ended, Ino wiped the sweat from her brow and grinned. "Wow, Hinata, you're amazing."
"Y-you too…" Hinata replied shyly, unused to praise.
"I'm not amazing at all," Ino laughed. "I had the strength and speed advantage, and I still couldn't win."
She knew the truth. Her physical conditioning wasn't normal. Without Tōma constantly helping her refine her body, she wouldn't be at this level.
Hinata looked flustered, unsure how to respond.
"Alright, alright," Ino said, waving it off. "I'm heading home. I'll come spar again another time."
Hinata nodded quickly, relief obvious on her face.
Before leaving, Ino flashed a mischievous smile. "And I meant what I said. If I get the chance, I'll help you get closer to Naruto."
"E-eh?!" Hinata's face instantly turned red.
Ino laughed and left the Hyūga estate in high spirits.
After changing clothes and wiping away the sweat, Hinata knelt in front of her father and explained why Ino had come.
Sparring could be skipped.
Tsunade's potential apprenticeship could not.
"Lady Tsunade might take you as a disciple?" Hiashi said, surprised. Even Neji looked taken aback.
"Yes. Ino said Fujimoto Tōma told her."
"Then it's likely true," Hiashi said seriously. "Hinata, this is an opportunity. Don't waste it. Do not shame the Hyūga."
"I… I understand," Hinata replied, fists clenched.
Hiashi nodded and said nothing more.
Once Hinata left, Neji spoke quietly. "Hiashi-sama, aren't you being too strict? She's already working hard."
"That's not something you need to worry about," Hiashi replied calmly.
If Hinata truly became the Hokage's disciple, the elders would finally stop pushing the cursed seal onto her.
That alone made it worth everything.
"Why are you in such a good mood?" Tōma asked, watching Ino practically glow.
Ino laughed and told him how she'd arranged for Chōji to keep Shikamaru hungry all day before forcing him to treat everyone to barbecue to celebrate his promotion.
"Chūnin, huh…" Tōma mused. "When did I become one? Ten, maybe?"
Ino shot him an annoyed look. "Stop comparing yourself to normal people. Becoming chūnin in your second year after graduation is already incredible. I just hope I can make it next time."
Everyone their age had silently agreed to exclude Tōma from comparisons. It was better for morale.
"You will," Tōma said calmly.
Ino then told him about Sakura's situation and her agreement with Hinata.
Tōma nodded. Sakura's growth in the original timeline had been driven by loss. Without that catalyst, it was hard to say how far she'd go. He'd done what he could.
The rest was up to her.
"Hinata's solid," Tōma added after a moment. "Her fundamentals are excellent. Her problem isn't skill. It's confidence."
Ino nodded. "Yeah. I didn't notice before, but she's actually really kind."
She hesitated, then asked, "Tōma, you're close to Naruto, right? Do you think he and Hinata could work? I already promised I'd help."
Tōma looked at her for a moment, then smiled. "I think they're a good match."
Ino exhaled in relief. "Good. You scared me for a second."
He then pointed out the real issue. Hinata froze up around Naruto, and Naruto was oblivious. Unless she spoke up, he'd never notice.
In fact, he might just think she was acting strange.
"That's pretty much what I thought," Ino sighed. "Guess we'll have to take it slow."
"Help if you can," Tōma said. "But don't force it."
"I know," Ino replied confidently.
Suddenly, she leaned closer and sniffed.
Tōma blinked. "What?"
She leaned in again, practically clinging to him. "Your scent changed. It's… calmer. Natural, I guess?"
"That so?" Tōma nodded. "I thought you smelled sweat."
"Nope," Ino grinned. "It's nice."
She didn't ask why. If it was Tōma's secret, that was fine.
Tōma pinched her cheek lightly. "Glad you approve."
Ino beamed. "Then come eat at my place tonight. My mom says I keep running off to yours and have no shame."
Tōma smiled. "Alright."
...
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