NARUTO- CH-117. Ino: I Win Too Much

Sasuke's eyes lit up involuntarily, but he quickly straightened his face and said, "Well, let's go home."

Itachi didn't expose him. Instead, he calculated that if they returned now, they might encounter him.

Sasuke, unaware of any ulterior motives, agreed without hesitation.

The two left the training ground.

A few minutes later, Sasuke noticed something was off.

"This isn't the way home."

The next moment, he spotted Shiki.

"It seems we're a step too late." Itachi remarked calmly.

Sasuke frowned, "I told you—he's not my friend!"

With that, he turned and began walking away.

"That's... Sasuke?"

Shikamaru, passing by, noticed him.

"It was definitely him," Shiki replied after a glance.

"Well, if it's Sasuke, it's not surprising," Shikamaru said nonchalantly.

Shiki's gaze shifted toward Ino.

His stare was so intense that even he couldn't ignore it.

"Chouji, isn't there a supermarket nearby with a sale on potato chips?" Shikamaru said casually, trying to divert attention.

"Where?!" Chouji's eyes lit up with excitement.

"I'll show you." Shikamaru stuffed his hands into his pockets and began walking away slowly.

"Hurry up!"

Chouji grabbed him and broke into a run.

"Hey, slow down!" Shikamaru protested, his voice trailing off as they disappeared down the road.

"How did you know I'd be back today?" Shiki asked, shifting his attention to Ino.

"Well…" Ino clasped her hands behind her back, her voice suddenly shy, "I overheard my father mention it."

Shiki raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.

"Never mind that," Ino said quickly, trying to change the subject. "Let me treat you to a meal to welcome you back."

"Not now," Shiki replied, shaking his head. "I need to go home."

Ino nodded, looking a little disappointed. After being away for so long, Shiki probably wanted to reunite with his family first.

"Come to my house for dinner?" Shiki asked after a pause, studying her expression.

From up close, her fair complexion and golden bangs stood out, giving her a youthful, radiant charm.

"Huh?" Ino blinked, momentarily stunned.

"Don't want to?" Shiki asked again.

"I do!" Ino replied quickly, her face lighting up.

"Then let's go." Shiki turned and began walking toward his clan's compound.

"Will it be a bother?" Ino asked, falling into step beside him.

"It won't," Shiki replied plainly.

Ino tilted her head, trying to read his thoughts. Why would he bring her along during what should have been a family reunion?

Suddenly, her face flushed slightly, 'Does this mean he considers me family too?'

"How have you been lately?" Shiki asked, breaking the silence.

Under the orange glow of the sunset, her golden hair shimmered faintly. The soft blush on her cheeks made her look even more enchanting.

"I've been practicing hard!" Ino declared, raising her voice as if to shake off her stray thoughts.

"Have you mastered the Mind Transfer Technique yet?" Shiki asked, nodding slightly.

"Well... not yet," Ino admitted, her cheeks turning red. "But I'm really close! Almost there!"

The Mind Transfer Technique, a hallmark of the Yamanaka clan, allowed its user to project their consciousness into another person's body and control it. Though powerful, it required precise focus and carried significant risks.

Shiki recalled that the technique was classified as C-rank in difficulty. Considering Ino's talent, she should be on the verge of mastering it.

"I believe in you," Shiki said simply.

Ino exhaled in relief, then asked, "And you? What have you been up to?"

"I've been learning things they don't teach at the academy," Shiki replied.

Over the past month, his life had been uneventful aside from an encounter with the clan. Most of his time was spent traveling, watching Tsunade gamble, and learning survival skills from Shizune.

"What kind of things?" Ino asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Knowledge that helps you grow," Shiki answered vaguely.

"Huh?" Ino's face reddened, misinterpreting his words.

"I'll summarize six key points," Shiki said, listing off the most practical pieces of knowledge he'd gained.

"I see," Ino said, nodding earnestly. She had indeed grown as a ninja and felt inspired by his progress.

"I wonder when I'll get the chance to go out and gain real experience?" She mused aloud, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"After graduation," Shiki replied, opening the door to his clan's base.

"Brother?"

Shino, hearing the sound, turned toward the entrance and froze upon seeing Shiki.

"Ino?" Shino blinked as she peeked out from behind Shiki, smiling brightly.

"Shino," Ino greeted cheerfully.

Shino's lips twitched.

'Did he bring Ino home the moment he got back?'

The thought briefly made him consider informing Hinata. But after a moment, he decided against it.

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