It was evening.
Since tomorrow was the weekend, Shinji was taking his disciples to a bonfire barbecue near the training ground.
Mainly, he himself didn't want to cook, and remembering that Choji and Naruto seemed to like barbecue, he suggested it.
Ino, unlike the others, stopped eating after a while and asked Shinji, "Sensei, if what you say is true, after graduation, Shikamaru, Choji, and I will definitely be in the same team, right?"
Shinji nodded. "Yes, after all, your Ino–Shika–Chō combination can be considered a golden combination."
Such matters weren't a secret. There was no harm in telling Ino now.
Naruto, hearing Shinji talk about the Ino–Shika–Chō combination, asked with a hint of curiosity, "Sensei, what is the Ino–Shika–Chō combination?"
As he spoke, he casually placed a piece of barbecue on Hinata's plate beside him.
Hinata blushed and nodded in acknowledgment, then obediently began to eat.
As for speaking to thank him, after spending time together, Naruto had grown to dislike Hinata's habit of constantly saying thank you, so he had told Hinata to change it.
Shinji said slowly, holding a teacup, "Ino–Shika–Chō actually refers to the ninjas of the Yamanaka, Nara and Akimichi clans within the combination, named for their different roles in battle."
"The Yamanaka clan symbolizes 'Ino' (boar), responsible for control and perception, taking on the role of initiator and controller in battle."
"The Nara clan symbolizes 'Shika' (deer), responsible for tactical planning and core control, generally taking on a support role."
"And the Akimichi Clan symbolizes 'Chō' (butterfly), responsible for main offense and destruction, taking on the primary attack."
Sasuke and Hinata, who rarely learned about these things, both had surprised expressions, while Naruto scratched his head.
"It surprisingly fits Shikamaru's current positioning."
From the division of labor during his usual training with Shikamaru, Naruto felt it perfectly matched what had just been said.
Shinji chuckled and patted Naruto's head, saying, "The plans I made for you were inherently suited to your individual styles."
"Just like you, Naruto, although you don't follow convention, you are suited for explosive power and a main attacking path."
"Sasuke, on the other hand, leans towards a traditional fighting style, somewhat similar to Shikamaru's positioning, but he can also serve as a primary attacker."
"You two would actually make a very good team together."
"I object!"
"I refuse!"
Hearing Shinji's words, Naruto and Sasuke spoke at the same time. Then, they exchanged a look of mutual disdain.
Ino, with an expression that seemed to relish the drama, spoke up, "Then, sensei, wouldn't Hinata be very suitable to take on the observation and support role in Naruto's team?"
Hinata's face immediately turned red at these words, feeling a slight premonition of fainting. Yet, she still looked at Shinji with an expectant gaze, wanting to know the answer. After all, being able to form a team with Naruto was something she really wanted.
"Well..."
Shinji was a bit stunned, as the last member of the original Team 7 was Sakura. She had always been a background presence in the class, and Shinji hadn't really paid much attention to her because his quota for disciples was already full.
Ino waited for a long time and hearing no answer, she quickly asked, "What is it, sensei? Hurry up and tell us."
"How to put it, in terms of configuration, it's indeed very suitable, but..."
Shinji finished speaking, then turned to look at Hinata and Ino.
"Actually, most current small team combinations usually include a member with Medical Ninjutsu talent."
"And this medical ninja also needs to have a certain level of combat ability, to ensure they can treat injured teammates and also protect themselves in battle."
Hinata looked thoughtful at these words, while Ino rubbed her temples.
Ino suddenly remembered her father mentioning Tsunade, the most popular female ninja, to her and asked, "Sensei, are you talking about the 'Sannin' combination from the legends?"
Shinji nodded. "That's right. Although your Ino–Shika–Chō is a golden combination, ordinary small teams should actually be more like the original Sannin."
He pointed at Naruto and Sasuke and said, "The two of them represent two of those roles."
"I see." Ino nodded.
Ino looked at Hinata, who was still deep in thought, and asked like a cunning old woman, "Hinata, are you interested in learning Medical Ninjutsu?"
"Ah?! Me?" Hinata was startled, but then fell silent.
"Although I have thought about it, I probably won't have much of a chance."
After all, as the heir of the Hyuga clan, there was no way they would allow Hinata, the young lady of the main family, to learn Medical Ninjutsu.
Ino was stunned, then remembered Hinata's identity and couldn't help but inwardly curse herself for being an idiot.
"Why, Hinata?" Naruto asked, puzzled.
After spending time together recently, while he refused to team up with Sasuke, he would definitely raise both hands in agreement for Hinata.
"Just do what you want to do. Just say what you mean. Why care about what others think?"
Hinata's pupils constricted sharply at these words, and she looked at Naruto, who had spoken them.
The gradually darkening surroundings, illuminated by the bonfire, made Naruto's figure seem like a bright lamp.
Shinji couldn't help but curve his lips.
It's just like you, Naruto.
Shinji reached out and patted Naruto's head, saying, "Alright, Naruto, Hinata's situation is different. However, Hinata, Naruto is right. For now, you can just do what you want to do, and I will arrange the rest later."
Hinata, who had been a bit downcast, quickly nodded at these words.
The atmosphere returned to normal, but it was somehow different.
Sasuke was thinking about the Sannin combination Shinji had just mentioned and decided it was necessary to learn more about it when he got back. He could also talk to his brother about it so they would have something to discuss.
Shikamaru leaned against a tree, enjoying the breeze, his eyes closed and a slight smile on his lips.
Ino was with Hinata, deeply discussing topics related to medical ninja.
Naruto, on the other hand, was vying with Choji for ownership of the last piece of barbecue.
Swoosh—
A figure appeared before Shinji. An Anbu nodded and said, "Chunin Shinji, Hokage-sama requests your presence."
Naruto and the others, hearing the sound, all turned to look, and seeing a masked person, they all went back to their own activities. After all, they had seen this kind of thing many times before.
Shinji nodded and smiled. "Alright, thank you."
The Anbu, having received a response, did not retreat as usual but remained standing.
"Hmm?"
Shinji was a little puzzled, as when Hiruzen summoned him, the Anbu usually just went away after informing.
"Hokage-sama has instructed that you need to go to the Konoha Medical Department immediately."
Shinji immediately stood up at these words, his expression serious, and said, "Please lead the way."