Chapter 23: Yamanaka Inoichi: The Little Padded Jacket Is Leaking!

What is the most important thing about being a ninja?

Some people say it is strength because strength is the guarantee for completing tasks. Others think it is intelligence; in situations where strength is equal, ninjas with more strategies tend to survive longer.

And now, the Third Hokage, through Iruka's lessons, told Tetsuya something different.

The most important thing for a ninja...is loyalty.

For a whole week, the first week of school, Iruka didn't say much about the duties of a ninja. He focused solely on one thing: extolling the virtues and achievements of the wise and great Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. He detailed the Hokage's numerous accomplishments and legendary stories. The school even handed out biographies of Sarutobi Hiruzen to each student.

Under this brainwashing offensive, the students, who already had a favorable impression of the Third Hokage, raised their admiration to a new level. Especially the more energetic ones like Naruto and Kiba, who began treating the Third Hokage as an idol.

Tetsuya, however, couldn't take it after just ten minutes. He found the Third Hokage's self-praise too much, especially the claim of being the strongest Hokage of all time. He promptly asked Hinata to keep an eye on Iruka while he dozed off.

...

"Tetsuya, Tetsuya," Hinata's gentle voice stirred Tetsuya from his slumber. He woke up groggily, his sleepy demeanor making Hinata and Ino next to him light up with delight.

The day after school started, Ino had abandoned the traditional seating arrangement of Ino–Shika–Chō and sat directly beside Tetsuya. This made the boys in the class envious and jealous. Not only had Tetsuya charmed Hinata, but now Ino was also captivated.

After stretching, Tetsuya gradually woke up. The Will of Fire's rhetoric was indeed potent, rivaling the legendary Mouth and Distinguished Heavenly Gods. Despite having spiritual attributes comparable to Elite Jōnin, he found it hard to stay awake during Iruka's lectures.

Fortunately, Iruka mentioned that the following week, the school would begin formal teaching. Tetsuya wouldn't have to endure such monotony any longer.

At noon, the students took out their bentos to enjoy lunch. Under Hinata's careful care, Tetsuya didn't need to prepare his own lunch. Every day, Hinata prepared a hearty meal for him. Watching Tetsuya eat with such delight made Ino envious. She didn't envy Tetsuya; she envied Hinata. If only she could prepare a lunch for Tetsuya herself.

With this thought in mind, Ino decided not to go home with the others after class but hurried back on her own.

...

"Mother!" Ino called out before entering the house.

"What's wrong?" Ino's mother, Yamanaka Hana, looked at her fiery daughter with some doubt. She was a gentle woman who rarely saw her daughter so agitated.

"Mom, I want to learn cooking!" Ino declared.

Yamanaka Hana was even more surprised. Her daughter had always been pampered and had never shown interest in household chores, especially not cooking. Her father, Yamanaka Inoichi, doted on her too much to let her do such things.

"Oh, Mom, don't worry about it. I have to learn!" Ino urged again, her determination clear.

"Alright, come with me," Yamanaka Hana agreed. She believed it was good for girls to learn cooking, as it would help them win their husband's love in the future. However, she didn't anticipate how challenging it would be.

That evening, Ino struggled to make a decent omelet. Despite her talent in flower arrangement, she was a disaster in the kitchen. The unidentified black substance in the pot could no longer be called an egg. Yamanaka Hana spoke gently, "Ino, I think you should focus on more meaningful things."

"No!" Ino insisted. "I must cook a proper meal for Tetsuya..." Realizing her slip, she stuck out her tongue playfully.

Yamanaka Hana understood her daughter's unusual behavior. Though young, it was good to have someone she liked. Smiling, she patiently guided Ino in cooking.

At dinner, Yamanaka Inoichi looked at the food with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Hana, did you cook tonight's dinner?" he asked.

Yamanaka Hana glanced at her husband and replied, "Do you dislike it? Your precious daughter made it."

Yamanaka Inoichi's eyes lit up. Ino cooked? No wonder it looked unique. He eagerly tasted a piece and, despite the odd flavor, maintained a straight face. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad, just a bit salty.

"How is it? Is it good?" Ino asked eagerly.

"Very good! Our little Ino is so smart. It tastes great for a first try. It would be even better if it were lighter," Inoichi praised.

Ino nodded happily, and Inoichi was touched, thinking his daughter was learning to cook for him. Yamanaka Hana smiled knowingly, understanding her husband's thoughts.

She revealed the real reason for Ino's new interest in cooking later that night. "What?! Ino's learning to cook for a boy named Tetsuya?!" Inoichi exclaimed, feeling betrayed. His little girl, only a few years old, was already interested in a boy. The realization that his little girl was growing up and away from him hit hard.

Yamanaka Hana chuckled, "Inoichi, I only know his name is Tetsuya. I don't know much else. You should see for yourself what kind of boy has such charm to change our Ino."

Inoichi nodded, determined to meet this boy who had captured his daughter's heart.