Chapter 46: Guidance

"Chunin Exams, huh."

After Asuma and Konohamaru left, Ino stared at the simple, thin application form for the Chunin Exams in her hand. Though just a single sheet of paper, it felt heavy with meaning. Beside her, Choji was already pumped up and determined, his face bright with excitement, ready to take the exam just for the chance to get some barbecue. As for Shikamaru...

Ino watched Shikamaru closely. He was looking down at the form, a small, rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Her feelings were complicated.

"If it's Shikamaru, he'll definitely stand out in this exam. But for Choji and me..."

The thought of Shikamaru becoming a Chunin and leaving the Tenth Squad made Ino uneasy. After all, once you become a Chunin, you're basically a squad leader. Unlike being a Genin — more like an intern — the village would assign you actual duties. Even if they remain close friends, they wouldn't get to hang out like they do now.

Shikamaru studied the form carefully. During the mission in the Land of Waves, the chance to face Zabuza was rare and precious. And if it weren't for Asuma watching over him, Shikamaru, knowing the original story well, wouldn't have jumped into the fight. He believed that real growth comes from battling opponents far stronger than yourself — anything else is almost suicidal. Compared to that, the Chunin Exams, where most Genin have similar strength to him, was actually a great opportunity to train.

"What's up, Ino?" Shikamaru looked up, sensing the gaze from beside him. He turned and asked when he saw her watching him.

"Nothing." Ino blinked, surprised by his question, then quickly shook her head.

Though she said that, a faint sadness lingered in her expression. Shikamaru frowned slightly, thinking for a moment before telling Choji, "Choji, if we're going to register, the three of us should meet before 9 a.m. tomorrow at that dessert shop near the Ninja Academy. If we get there early, we can observe other Genin taking the exam and prepare ourselves."

"Ino," Shikamaru said, turning to her with concern in his voice, "I'll walk you home."

"Ah!?" Ino blushed deeply, flustered. After a moment's hesitation, seeing he was still looking at her, she finally replied, "O-okay."

Shikamaru nodded, then turned to Choji, whose expression was a bit strange. "Alright, we'll head off now. Choji, don't forget the meeting time and place tomorrow!"

With that, Shikamaru gestured to Ino, and the two walked side by side, leaving Choji standing alone.

"Huh?" Choji, who had been a bit dazed since earlier, finally came back to himself. Scratching the back of his head, he watched their backs and muttered, "Are those two finally going on a date!?"

...

Walking side by side through the streets, neither Shikamaru nor Ino spoke. The atmosphere was a little awkward. Shikamaru, recalling Ino's earlier mood, was thinking carefully about how to open up the conversation and encourage her.

Ino, on the other hand, kept her hands behind her back, humming lightly as she bounced along, pretending to be carefree while observing the shops and crowds around them. Her behavior was a bit out of the ordinary, but Shikamaru didn't notice. Their relationship with Choji was close, but quite different from the original story. After all, as someone with the mind of an adult, it was hard for Shikamaru to truly see Ino and Choji — both under twelve — just as friends. He tended to look after them more like a responsible older brother.

Finally, Shikamaru broke the silence. "Are you worried about the Chunin Exams, Ino?"

Ino stopped humming and paused, turning to look at him.

"What's on your mind, Ino?" Shikamaru asked gently, softening his tone. "Can you tell me?"

"..." Ino looked at him, then quickly averted her gaze to the ground, her expression a little sad. She kicked a small stone at her feet absentmindedly and said softly, "I'm really weak. I'm probably not even as strong as Choji. Even if I take the exam, there's no way I'll rank."

"I see..." Shikamaru nodded. He knew registration was done in teams, and he wouldn't lie to her. In fact, even knowing that the exam's focus was more on leadership and decision-making skills than raw power, he didn't think Ino or Choji would stand out enough to pass easily. So he said honestly, "But you can't stay a Genin forever, Ino. Eventually, you have to take the exam."

"Even if you don't pass it this time, the goal is to pick the Chunin. The exams definitely test the qualities a Chunin must have — not just strength, but decision-making and leadership. For Genin, this is a rare and valuable chance."

Shikamaru's tone was sincere. In the original story, many Genin from Konoha made huge progress after taking the Chunin Exams, mainly because they fought peers of similar level and realized their own weaknesses and strengths, then improved themselves accordingly.

"But…"

Ino was about to say more, but Shikamaru raised his hand to stop her. "No buts. You haven't really fought other Genin yet. You've been training hard these past few months, so why doubt your strength?"

"And don't forget..." Shikamaru smiled and looked at her. "You, me, and Choji — we're teammates. Even if you don't have full confidence, we'll help you!"

His expression was gentle, but he still looked like a twelve-year-old boy, his smile bright and sincere. Ino saw it and playfully blinked, as if making a decision.

"All right!" she took a deep breath, then teased, "What do you mean 'we'll help you'? You really mean yourself! But you're right — Choji and I can't stay Genin forever. This exam really is a good chance to improve!"

"One day, I'll catch up to you!" Ino glanced sideways at Shikamaru, quietly determined.