Chapter 165: I Was Just Stargazing with Ino
Ino's template was highly similar to Sakura's. Not only did they both possess the four chakra natures of Earth, Water, Yin, and Yang, but they also each had a talent for spiritual energy. As expected of best friends.
In that case, did their simultaneous affection for him also count as a manifestation of their friendship?
He smiled as he helped Ino select her panel attributes and talents.
First, the Genjutsu 10 attribute was a must. Although Ino didn't excel in genjutsu, the flip side of Genjutsu 10 was spiritual energy. A maxed-out spiritual power was more than enough for her to cast all of the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques.
Next was the Advanced Yin Release Chakra Talent. Although she had an affinity for Yin Release, it was likely only Low-grade; her talent in this area was a bit lacking.
Then he chose the Low-grade Mind-Mirror Image talent. At present, this talent was only Low-grade, and it seemed a bit wasteful to spend a simulation attempt to lock it in. But both he and Sakura had already proven the importance of this technique, and he felt that Ino needed it even more than they did. When she used her clan's secret techniques, her body would become completely immobile, which was undoubtedly one of the greatest weaknesses of the Yamanaka style.
The reasons for this weakness were twofold. One was that the secret techniques themselves were flawed, being rather crude in terms of spiritual energy control, making it impossible to split one's mind. The other was that the Yamanaka's spiritual strength was insufficient, forcing them to project all of their spiritual energy with each use.
He didn't know the specific reason. In his previous simulations, he hadn't tried to investigate this problem. But this time, he could try to solve it by using the Mind-Mirror Image talent to allow her to retain a portion of her spiritual energy after using a secret technique. Even if it was just a tiny bit, enough to simply control her body, it would be a huge improvement for her. Especially when facing a one-on-one challenge, she could use her secret techniques with confidence, without having to worry that a failed cast would mean certain defeat. At that point, the number of people who could win against her would be few and far between.
After selecting these three, he looked at the remaining attributes and fell into thought. Theoretically, a Ninjutsu of 9 was the best choice, but Ino didn't really need to rely on her own hand seals to compete with enemies. As for the future... after his own panel was maxed out, he would update her talent again. It wouldn't be too late to consider the future then.
So what talent or attribute should he give her...
In the end, he chose the Taijutsu 8 stat. Not because he wanted her to switch to taijutsu, but because he remembered that at this time, her 'Strength' attribute was a pitiful 3. That talent might as well have a sign on it that said, "If you get close to me, I'm just going to lie down."
The purpose of this simulation was to let everyone pass the Chūnin Exams safely, and at the same time, to raise everyone's basic attributes. He naturally could not allow her to have such a super-shortcoming as a Strength of 3.
After making his selections, the simulation began.
[Simulation starting...]
[Remaining Simulation Attempts: 34]
[Simulation Target: Yamanaka Ino]
[Initial Relationship: You like each other.]
His simulation attempts were still plentiful, enough to last until the Chūnin Exams without any problems. And after the exams, he could use the pretext of medical ninjutsu to freely contact other ninja. The efficiency of earning simulation attempts would be greatly increased then. Most critically, he would no longer be limited to Konoha. He could go anywhere in the ninja world, so he would have even less to worry about.
Of course, that was on the condition that there were no new modes that would cost even more simulation attempts—although he felt that such a mode was bound to be released.
[The next morning, Ino, wearing a floral-print sundress and a sweet honeysuckle-flavored perfume, comes to you holding a bouquet of roses and hydrangeas, decorated with baby's breath and gypsophila.]
[Looking at the shy and affectionate young girl before you, you take her hand and lead her into her room. Immediately after, Yamanaka Inoichi knocks on your door.]
Pfft!
Makoto, who was drinking water, spat it all out.
Why was Inoichi here? —Alright, after the little show Ino just put on, with so many sensory ninja in the Yamanaka clan, it would be strange if they didn't find out.
What now? Would he be unable to complete the True Spirit Seal?
[You simply take Ino and use the Flying Thunder God Technique, arriving at a long-term rental house you have in Tanzaku Town, avoiding Inoichi.]
Good, good. As expected of my simulated self. So arrogant! This was completely disregarding the fact that he would have to face Inoichi in battle when he returned.
But, with his current strength and influence, he really didn't need to care too much about him. After all, his precious daughter was in his arms and was clearly biased towards him. How could he possibly lose? The only problem was that this would make his relationship with Inoichi very tense, which he was not inclined to do.
But this was a simulation, so it didn't matter.
[Ino is shocked by your Flying Thunder God, but since you've already revealed the True Spirit Seal, it doesn't seem so strange for you to reveal this as well.]
[You give her a Hiraishin mark, telling her that if she is in danger, she can just tear one of the tags, and you will appear to protect her no matter where she is.]
[She is moved to tears and hugs you. Then, she happily decorates the room with the bouquet, and finally sits on your lap, lifting the hem of her clothes.]
[You then ask her a soul-crushing question: "If you get the mark tattooed here, you won't be able to wear crop tops in the future."]
[Ino's face turns to stone. Her first reaction is to declare that she will no longer wear crop tops. You tell her you respect her fashion style, and finally, with her face as red as blood, you leave the mark on her chest.]
Really? On her chest?!
He felt a headache coming on. He was afraid he would really get into a fight with Inoichi when he got back. Oh well. If a fight was what it took, then a fight it would be. Perhaps he could use this as a way to prove his strength.
[Afterward, you teach Ino how to use the True Spirit Seal hand-in-hand, and then spend a day with her in Tanzaku Town. Finally, just like at Sakura's house before, you channel your Yang chakra into her all night.]
[The next day, Ino is pleasantly surprised to feel her own growth. She forgets yesterday's shyness and has no regrets about what happened this day and night. She is even prepared to have a big fight with her father and run away from home.]
[You naturally do not let her be put in a difficult position and choose to take her back to the Yamanaka compound. Her mother and grandmother take her away, while Inoichi chooses to spar with you.]
[Ten minutes later, you are not at a disadvantage against his taijutsu attacks. Just as he is about to use ninjutsu on you, Ino's grandmother twists his ear and drags him away.]
[It turns out that Ino's grandmother and mother have discovered that she is completely fine. And Ino told them that you just took her out of the village to look at the stars, which was how she got away with it.]
He stroked his chin. He knew her excuse didn't make sense logically. But the Yamanaka clan had always maintained a low-key and modest style of conduct, so as long as he didn't cross the line, they wouldn't press the issue. After all, the Yamanaka could read minds. If they were also aggressive in their social interactions, they might attract the enmity of many people.
He let out a breath. The small interlude at the beginning of the simulation was now over. Next was the Land of Waves incident, which he had been looking forward to for some time.
Although on the surface, Team 7 receiving the mission to the Land of Waves seemed like a coincidence, he felt that it was a mission that Hiruzen had deliberately chosen to train them. Of course, the presence of Zabuza and Haku was probably not within his intelligence range. Otherwise, the difficulty of this mission would not have been in line with his usual style.
As for why he was looking forward to this, it naturally wasn't because he wanted to show off in front of Zabuza. Rather, he wanted to see if he could use Zabuza to open a path to the Hidden Mist Village. The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, should be dying this year, and Terumi Mei would succeed him next year. If he wanted to leave an influence in the Mist, then this year was indeed a good time.
While he was at it, he could also make contact with Obito, who was there for revenge, and test their respective strengths. Of course, this would be done in a simulation. In reality, he would not be so reckless.
[One week later, Team 7 receives the mission to the Land of Waves. Sakura excitedly tells you the good news, and you give her the same Hiraishin mark amulet as Ino's.]
[The next day, Team 7 sets off. You also create a shadow clone and follow them all the way.]
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