Ch-208 Kinkaku's rampage.

Jiryoku said to everyone, "Okay, then take care. I will take my leave, and it seems that you should continue your journey for reinforcement." After saying this, a black hole formed behind him, and Jiryoku walked backwards into it, disappearing from sight. Soon after, the black hole also vanished.

Shikamaru sighed, his brow furrowing as he watched the swirling edges of the closing black hole, a mixture of fascination and frustration evident in his expression. "Understanding his moves is really beyond my grasp," he murmured, almost to himself.

Ino nodded in agreement, her eyes focused on where Jiryoku had disappeared. "Yeah, but we definitely need to move out for reinforcement," she replied, her voice tinged with determination.

"Yes, ma'am, we will follow your orders. After all, we are your bodyguards," said Shikamaru with a smile, bowing before Ino.

"Yes, that's right. I'm your boss," Ino declared with a playful grin, her voice carrying a hint of lighthearted authority as she waved her hand in the air to signal their departure. Shikamaru and Choji exchanged amused glances before falling into step behind Ino.

Of course, this was all a joke—a rare moment of happiness amidst the war.

Soon, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, and the others reached the place where they needed to provide assistance.

When they reached the battlefield, the scene was chaotic with Kinkaku unleashing destruction in his formidable tailed beast form.

However, before they could confront Kinkaku, they had to navigate through a swarm of White Zetsu soldiers. Shikamaru's voice was charged with excitement as he took charge, declaring, "Let me handle these White Zetsu." With swift precision, he appeared behind the nearest White Zetsu, swiftly killing it with a well-aimed strike to the head. Moving with calculated speed, Shikamaru continued this method, seamlessly neutralizing one White Zetsu after another. In a display of remarkable skill and efficiency, he managed to eliminate over fifty White Zetsu in less than a minute, clearing the path for their advance towards the main threat posed by Kinkaku.

"Are you going to have all the fun? I want to test out my new abilities too," said Ino, her voice eager. After speaking, she took control of ten White Zetsu, directing them to attack their own comrades. With her telekinesis, she manipulated nearby boulders, hurling them at the mass of White Zetsu and instantly eliminating them.

Choji enlarged himself to a massive size, towering over the battlefield. With every strike from his limbs, he crushed the White Zetsu as if they were mere insects.

In just a few minutes, the trio of Ino-Shika-Cho showcased their formidable strength by decimating hundreds of White Zetsu. The allied ninjas observing the scene couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and admiration. Unbeknownst to them, Kabuto witnessed this slaughter of White Zetsu through the reanimated Asuma via the Edo Tensei technique.

Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji observed Asuma battling the ninjas of the Allied Shinobi Forces. Despite Asuma's formidable power and the significant casualties among the allied ninjas, their attention was drawn to Kinkaku wreaking havoc on the battlefield in his tailed beast form. Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji made the decision to confront Kinkaku instead of engaging with Asuma.

However, just as they were preparing to execute their plan, they were halted by Shikaku's voice in their heads.

"You three, go and deal with Asuma. You are all well aware of Asuma's abilities and are the best candidates to confront him. Assist in sealing Asuma," instructed Shikaku.

"But..." Shikamaru hesitated, his brow furrowing with concern.

Before Shikamaru could articulate his thoughts, Shikaku interjected firmly, "I understand that facing your teacher may be challenging, but confronting Asuma is imperative. It's my direct order."

"Dad, I believe there's a misunderstanding," Shikamaru responded earnestly. "We're not avoiding Asuma-sensei, but the threat posed by tailed beast demands urgent attention."

Shikaku's expression shifted slightly as he comprehended the gravity of the situation. "You mean Kinkaku," he affirmed.

"Yes," Shikamaru confirmed, his tone resolute.

Shikaku nodded reassuringly. "You needn't worry about Kinkaku. Darui is leading the charge against Kinkaku, and we've deployed a potent sealing tool specifically designed to aid in his containment." His voice conveyed unwavering confidence in the strategic measures taken to address the tailed beast's rampage.

"Okay, I'll follow your plan. I'll go and confront Asuma-sensei, and I'm more than capable of handling him. Choji and Ino will support others on the battlefield," said Shikamaru confidently.

"But your strength..." Shikaku began, only to be cut off by Shikamaru.

"Dad, trust in us. If we weren't confident in our abilities, I wouldn't have suggested this battle plan," Shikamaru assured him.

"Yes, Uncle, please don't worry. We've gained strength from Jiryoku. Have faith in us," Ino added.

Choji joined in, saying, "Yes, trust us with everything."

Shikaku could only sigh. "Alright, I'll trust you." With that, Shikaku terminated the communication with Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru.

Shikamaru stated, "As I mentioned, I'll handle Asuma-sensei. What about you guys?"

Ino responded, "It looks like Uncle Choza is struggling against the man with sky-blue hair. I'll go and assist him."

Choji added, "Since I can freely control my size, I believe I'm best suited to contain Kinkaku's rampage."

"Then let's all give it our best," Shikamaru affirmed, nodding before vanishing into the shadows.

Ino floated toward the location where Choza was locked in combat with Kato. Meanwhile, Choji expanded in size and began striding purposefully toward Kinkaku's position.

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