Thought it was You Shikamaru. (Shikaino Shikamaru x ino)

Chapter 12: The Strength of Resolve

The atmosphere in the Forest of Death was thick with tension, a palpable energy swirling around the group as they prepared for what was to come. Standing shoulder to shoulder with her teammates-Shikamaru and Choji-Ino felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. They were Team 10, known for their formidable Ino-Shika-Cho formation, and now they had to prove themselves against the relentless Sound ninjas.

"Alright, you guys, we need to stick to the plan," Ino said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her. "We know our strengths, and if we work together, we can take them down."

"Yeah, yeah, we got this," Shikamaru replied, his casual demeanor a comforting presence. Choji, however, seemed distracted as he rummaged through his pockets.

"Hey, Choji! Focus! No time for snacks now!" Ino scolded playfully, unable to suppress a smile. His heart was always in the right place, even if his stomach sometimes got the better of him.

Just then, the Sound ninjas emerged from the shadows, led by Zaku and his partner, Kin. They approached with an air of arrogance, their confidence brimming as they taunted the trio.

"You think you can defeat us? You're nothing but a bunch of kids!" Zaku sneered, crossing his arms with a mocking grin.

Ino felt her blood boil at his words. "We'll show you what we're made of!" she declared, determined to prove him wrong.

With that, the fight erupted. The air crackled with energy as they sprang into action, each relying on their unique skills. Ino focused her chakra, ready to initiate her Mind Transfer Jutsu, the technique that had become a cornerstone of their strategy.

She tried to latch onto Zaku's mind, but he was slippery, evading her control with surprising agility. "Stay still!" she shouted, frustration gnawing at her as she fought to regain focus.

"Let me help!" Shikamaru called out, using his shadow jutsu to immobilize Kin, creating the opening Ino desperately needed. Seizing the moment, she launched her technique with renewed determination.

While they were engaged, her eyes drifted toward the fray where Sakura stood, fighting valiantly to defend Sasuke and Naruto. Her heart raced as she saw Sakura being pushed back by Zaku's relentless attacks. Admiration mingled with concern as Ino watched her friend struggle.

"Come on, Sakura!" she whispered under her breath, willing her to hold on. Ino knew Sakura was capable, but witnessing her fight ignited a deep concern within her.

Suddenly, in a moment that felt like time stood still, she saw Sasuke begin to stir. Hope surged through her as he pushed himself upright, his face a mask of fury and determination.

"Who did this to you?" he growled at Zaku, his voice filled with rage. Ino could feel the air shift as he gathered his strength, ready to protect Sakura at all costs.

In one fluid motion, Sasuke lunged at Zaku, and the forest echoed with the sickening crack of Zaku's arm breaking. The sound sent chills down Ino's spine, but she couldn't help but feel a rush of admiration for Sasuke's fierce determination.

"Damn, did you see that?" Choji exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe as they watched the scene unfold. Ino nodded, her own heart pounding in rhythm with the chaos around them. Sasuke was fierce, and with him back in the fight, their chances of victory soared.

As the adrenaline from the battle began to fade, Ino turned her attention to Sakura, who was still catching her breath, her face flushed with exertion. The fight had been brutal, and though they had won, Ino could see that Sakura felt the weight of it all.

"Hey, Sakura," Ino called out, approaching her friend. Sakura was sitting on a fallen log, looking dazed and triumphant all at once.

"What?" Sakura snapped, her mood still charged from the fight.

"Your hair," Ino said, gesturing toward the jagged strands that had fallen around Sakura like wilted petals. "It's a mess, Billboard Brow."

Sakura huffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "You think I care about that right now? We just fought for our lives, Ino Pig!"

Ino couldn't help but smirk, hands on her hips. "Well, you're still the only one who looks like she lost a battle with a wild boar. Here, let me help you."

With that, Ino moved closer, determined to tidy up Sakura's hair despite her protests. "Just sit still, will you? You're lucky I'm here to save you from your own hairstyle disasters."

Sakura rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You're just jealous that I can pull off a bold look."

"Bold? You mean reckless!" Ino shot back, fingers deftly gathering the strands of Sakura's hair. "It's like you took a scissor to it yourself. Next time, try to keep it intact during a fight."

"I didn't see you jumping in to help!" Sakura retorted, her voice rising playfully as Ino began to tie her hair back into a more manageable style.

"Because I was busy saving the day! You're welcome, by the way," Ino replied, pulling Sakura's hair into a loose ponytail, her fingers working quickly.

"Yeah, thanks, Ino. I guess I owe you one," Sakura said, her tone softening as she felt the weight of her hair lift slightly.

"There. Much better," Ino declared, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Now you look ready for another round of insults."

Sakura smirked, flicking a loose strand of hair out of her face. "You know, if you spent less time preening and more time training, you might actually be able to keep up with me."

"Oh, please. I'm already leagues ahead of you!" Ino shot back, both of them breaking into laughter.