Chapter 31 : Team 10 and 8 Join Training

As team 10 came to the training ground 8. The figure of one beautiful female kunoichi and three genin were seen.

They were Kurenai Yuhi, Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame and Kiba Inuzuka. Kurenai is a beautiful-looking red eye woman in her mid 20's wearing bandages for some reason. Hinata is a cute 12-year-old girl with white eyes, they are the Byukagan and finally, Shino and Kiba are boys from important clans of Konoha, one deals with bugs while the other deals with ninja dogs.

"Asuma sensei, why are we here," Ino asked after noticing team 8 waiting for them.

"You guys need some join training. Kurenai here agrees with me. There are many things which I can't teach you and the same is the case with Kurenai here. 

So we decided to do a join training class. Shikamaru was the one who asked for this and after talking with Kurenai, we both too agree. 

Ino you especially will be working under Kurenai while we are doing join training. She is a master when it comes to Genjutsu. Something you can excel in considering your mastery of the human brain," Asuma said with a big grin.

"Ah, that makes sense. Then I will be under your care Kurenai sensei," Ino said with bowing. Finally seeing a way to get stronger faster, it was very apparent to her that she was holding back and now it was her chance to get stronger. 

She wouldn't even think like in if this was the cannon, but after Shikamaru's change, he started to borderline manipulate his team to get stronger. It is nothing harmful but anything to make his team realise that they all need power and need to get stronger.

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Kurenai take Ino with her. Actually, there was nothing she could teach other genin here. That was the deal. She will give her full time to Ino while Asuma will train the rest of the genin. Of course, it is close combat hand-to-hand fighting.

"Okay kids, let's partner up and start the spar. I will help you out in between," Asuma said as he picked out who is gonna fight whom.

Hinata will be fighting Choji. Choji could help Hinata who thinks much like him and doesn't want to hurt others. 

Kiba and Shino will be fighting Shikamaru. The reason is that all of them use familiar of some sort.

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Hinata Hyuga and Choji Akimichi prepared for a friendly spar. Hinata, with her gentle demeanour, harboured a reluctance to cause harm, a sentiment that conflicted with the nature of being a shinobi.

Choji, understanding her predicament, he was the same and only thanks to Shikamaru he was able to grow, he wore a reassuring smile. "Hey, Hinata, don't worry. We're just here to practice. No hard feelings, okay?"

Hinata nodded, a faint blush gracing her cheeks. The spar began, and Choji demonstrated his impressive taijutsu skills. Despite his robust form, he moved with surprising agility, weaving through the air.

Hinata, on the other hand, showcased her renowned gentle fist technique, focusing on precision rather than force. However, an internal struggle was evident in her eyes as she hesitated to strike with the intent to harm.

Choji, observing her dilemma, halted their exchange. "Hinata, I know it's tough for you. But sometimes, being a shinobi means facing these challenges head-on, rememeber if you are not fighting back then there will be a time when you can't save your loved ones. Showing mercy is good but if you are too soft then that mercy can come back to hurt you and might even your loved one be hurt. Let me help you find a balance here, OKAY."

With genuine kindness, Choji offered guidance. He demonstrated techniques that allowed Hinata to defend without causing lasting harm. 

As the spar continued, Hinata gradually grew more confident. Choji's support provided her with a newfound understanding of how to navigate the delicate balance between kindness and the demands of the shinobi world.

Their friendly exchange became a pivotal moment for Hinata, a step towards reconciling her compassionate nature with the realities of a shinobi's path. Choji's encouragement and practical guidance transformed the spar into a valuable lesson, forging a stronger and more resilient Hinata Hyuga.

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Kurenai and Ino engaged in a session focused on the elusive art of Genjutsu. Asuma had struck a deal – Kurenai would teach Ino the ropes of Genjutsu, expanding her skill set beyond the realm of Taijutsu.

Kurenai, with her calm demeanour, began, "Alright, Ino, Genjutsu is like a mind game, something which you yamanaka people are very good at. But here we dont control but rather trick the opponent's senses. You use illusions to control what they see, hear, or feel."

Ino raised an eyebrow, "Illusions? Sounds tricky."

Kurenai chuckled, "It can be, but once you get the hang of it, it's a powerful tool. Close your eyes and focus on your chakra."

Ino followed her instructions, shutting her eyes and concentrating on her chakra flow. Kurenai initiated a simple illusion, altering the sounds around Ino.

"Now, Ino, what do you hear?" Kurenai asked.

Ino frowned, "I hear... birds chirping."

Kurenai nodded, "Good. That's an easy one. Now, let's try something a bit more complex."

As the session progressed, Kurenai introduced Ino to various Genjutsu techniques, emphasizing subtlety and finesse. Ino stumbled at first but gradually grasped the concept of manipulating perceptions.

Asuma, observing from a distance, couldn't help but smile. The deal was paying off – Ino was expanding her skills under Kurenai's guidance, and the collaboration between Team 10 and Team 8 brought a sense of camaraderie to the training ground.

Kurenai concluded, "Remember, Ino, Genjutsu is about control and creativity. Keep practising, and soon you'll be weaving illusions like a pro."

Ino nodded, determined to master this new aspect of her ninja repertoire. As the sun set on their joint training session, the bonds between Team 10 and Team 8 strengthened, solidifying the spirit of teamwork and growth.

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Shikamaru stood ready for a friendly spar against Kiba and Shino. Two-on-one wasn't exactly his idea of a lazy afternoon, and honestly, Kiba sounded much more annoyed than Shikamaru but he accepted the challenge with his signature nonchalant demeanour.

Kiba cracked his knuckles, grinning, "Alright, Shikamaru, I have no idea why we both have to fight you at the same time but whatever, you are going down in seconds!"

Shino, ever composed, added, "Let's see if your strategies can outsmart both of us, Nara San."

Shikamaru although still in his nonchalant attitude but still planning, how to take down both Kiba and Shino.

It was a Taijutsu fight in name but there was no rule set that they couldn't use Ninjutsu. But he will not start it. He rather not show his shadow spirits if he didn't have to.

As the spar kicked off, Shikamaru's mind started working overtime. He dodged Kiba's ferocious attacks with a series of lazy sidesteps, muttering to himself, "Troublesome... I really should've stayed in bed." Acting much like a certain yellow monkey, he kept on avoiding the fight.

Meanwhile, Shino unleashed his swarm of insects, creating a tactical nuisance. Shikamaru, still untouched, scratched his head, "This bug thing... It's bugging me." He was not expecting that they would resort to Ninjutsu this quickly, but its not like he can't handle it

In an ingenious move, he gestured toward Kiba, "Hey, Kiba, ever try zigzagging? Your attacks are too predictable."

Kiba shot him a puzzled look but adjusted his tactics nonetheless. Shikamaru, in the process, sidestepped right into Shino's range. With a smirk, he suggested, "Shino, maybe spice it up a bit. Surprise me."

Shino, intrigued by the challenge, modified his strategy, allowing Shikamaru to keep one step ahead. In the end, Shikamaru stood untouched, a smirk playing on his lips.

But what he was doing was messing up there already static team work by asking them to do something new, and find a loop hole to exploit.

Kiba scratched his head, "Man, I can't believe we fell for that." 

Shikamaru shrugged, "It's all about adapting, guys. Now come on, I am finally getting out of my sleepy state."

Another reason why Shikamaru didn't want to use any chakra was that he was low on it. He sends 2 shadow clones to work on Rasengan. If he is in the village he usually sends the clones to practice that technique.

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