Inoichi Yamanaka's humble brag added a sense of urgency to Shikaku Nara.
He didn't play any games, thinking for a moment before saying, "Originally, I wanted to let Shikamaru play for a few more days. But since Ino is working so hard, it seems I need to push my boy to train harder as well. You're busy, I'll go check on the school!"
With that, the strategist left the Shadow of Fire building and headed for the Ninja Academy.
Inoichi felt a deep sense of satisfaction, it was wonderful! Shikaku had been swayed by his words, and there was still one more of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio to deal with, the father of the chubby Choji, Choza Akimichi, the 15th generation "Butterfly."
Since the 14th generation "Butterfly," Chōza Akimichi, died in battle, the Akimichi clan had essentially lost its upward trajectory, and the family's mindset had largely become one of resignation.
Inoichi didn't care whether they were truly resigned or just pretending, he waited in front of the Shadow of Fire building. Soon, the 1.8-meter tall, 120-kilogram Choza Akimichi emerged. Inoichi chatted with him for a bit, then repeated his spiel about his daughter's "low talent and weak willpower."
Choza was too fat, his face covered in fat, his eyes mere slits.
He wasn't as sharp as Shikaku, and it took Inoichi two rounds of humble bragging before he roughly understood the underlying message.
After offering a few words of congratulations, the big man chuckled amiably and then left the Shadow of Fire building, heading in the direction of the Ninja Academy.
Inoichi continued to wait in front of the Shadow of Fire building, watching as various jonin strolled out.
Kakashi? A man destined to be alone, he didn't understand the deep bond between parents and children, nothing to say to him, move along.
Might Guy? A muscle-headed brute, this guy probably didn't even understand what a woman was, move along.
Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai? Hmm, Inoichi hesitated for a moment, these two were in the midst of a passionate romance, likely not experiencing the anxieties of parenthood, let them pass as well.
As he waited, the head of the Hyuga clan, Hinata's father, Hiashi Hyuga, walked out.
Inoichi immediately approached him, you're the one.
In less than half a day, the story of Ino and Hinata competing in Body techniques at the academy, then feeling ashamed and striving to improve, spread among the jonin circles.
The time, place, people, cause, process, and outcome of the event were all accounted for, with numerous witnesses, leaving no room for doubt.
Most of the jonin were supportive of Ino's efforts, as hard work is a commendable quality in any profession, and ninjas are no exception.
Most of the jonin had been established in their careers for many years, and comparing their children was a common practice. Using Ino as a topic, they reminisced about how hard they worked in their youth, discussed how today's children didn't appreciate their good fortune, and the discussion became so heated that it even caught the attention of the Third Hokage.
After hearing the details, the Third Hokage personally wrote "Guard Against Arrogance and Rashness" and had an Anbu Ninja deliver it to Hinata, hoping she wouldn't become complacent and would continue to strive.
On the other side, Danzo Shimura, for reasons unknown, also wrote a piece on the spot titled "Catch Up with Determination" and had a Root Ninja deliver it to Ino.
It's quite ironic to say, but the Yamanaka family was actually aligned with Danzo Shimura's faction. Their Jonin, Yamanaka Fu, was Danzo's right-hand man, and Inoichi's intelligence department had many secret connections with the Root. The original Ino, after the Fourth Great Ninja War, had Sai marry into the family, and the Yamanaka family subsequently absorbed a large portion of the Root ninjas, partly for this reason. Since they were already on the same side, the Root had no qualms about aligning with the Yamanaka family after Danzo's death.
While the Jonin were casually chatting, Shikaku was the first to arrive at the Ninja Academy.
Upon asking, he found out that Ino hadn't come to school today. Yamanaka Rino had taken a leave for her, citing the reason as special training at home to prepare for the graduation exam.
Shikaku found his son on the school rooftop, along with the ever-present chubby Choji. Choji was still munching on snacks, while Shikamaru lay on his back, hands behind his head, staring into space.
Shikaku coughed lightly. Strictly speaking, he and his son had some communication issues. Both were too smart, and often didn't know what to say to each other.
After thinking for a while, he simply said, "Since you're skipping class anyway, come home with me and start training in the family's secret techniques."
His tone was more of a command than a suggestion.
Shikamaru looked surprised, glancing at his father. "I remember we agreed that I'd start learning the secret techniques after graduating from the Academy."
"That was the original plan, but now that girl from the Yamanaka family has already started training in their secret techniques. According to Inoichi, she's progressing quickly. You're a smart kid; you can probably guess what I'm thinking, right?"
Shikamaru was silent for a few seconds, his gaze fixed on the clouds in the sky. "Women are such a hassle... I just wanted to peacefully finish these last six months. Why does it have to be so difficult? Sigh..."
He was a top-tier genius and well aware that the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were comrades who fought side by side, but there was also competition within the alliance. If he fell behind, it could lead to a series of unpredictable consequences.
Allies support each other, but they also push each other forward.
Inoichi's subtle flex earlier had this underlying meaning—he was reminding the Nara family.
"Let's go, Dad, we're heading home," Shikamaru said lazily, standing up and putting his hands in his pockets. He turned to Choji and said softly, "Unless something unexpected happens, I probably won't be here tomorrow. Your good days, heh, are over. We'll see each other in a few days. Women are such a hassle!"
"Oh, see you," Choji replied blankly, still holding his snack bag.
Shikaku nodded slightly to him, then took Shikamaru to see Iruka to request leave.
Only Choji remained on the rooftop.
Choji might look chubby and act a bit slow, but he wasn't stupid. With Ino and Shikamaru leaving one after the other, he had a rough idea of the reason. It seemed like he couldn't stay out of this either?
He finished his snacks, his mind in a daze, and started walking home alone.
Just as he stepped out of the school gate, he ran into his father, Choza Akimichi.
Choji was still confused. He didn't have Shikamaru's intelligence, and being young, he only had a vague understanding of many things. Not entirely sure what was going on, he decided to ask his father.
"Is the village going to war again? Why does Shikamaru, who is usually so lazy, force himself to do things he doesn't like?"
The big man, Choza, gently patted his son's head and said in a soft tone, "No, it's not your turn to go to the battlefield yet, my child. Remember my words, as ninjas, you must make some sacrifices. Both Ino and Shikamaru have made their choices, and you must follow suit. This is your inherent duty."
Choza took his son back to school, made up an excuse for his absence, and then returned home to practice their family's secret techniques.