Asuma Sarutobi had taken in all the information from last night and analyzed it again. He could only teach basics to a kid so much before he had to learn through experience. He gathered his students in the usual spot before breaking the silence.

"Alright then Ino, fight Naruto." Ino nodded and Naruto got up to his feet. Ino took a basic academy stance while Naruto loosened up and put his fists up in resemblance of his sensei. Asuma looked between them both.

"Alright, Justus are legal here but Naruto, go easy on her no more Shadow Clones than let's say 4. Don't need her fighting an army on her 2nd day now." Naruto chuckled to himself.

"Alright begin."

Naruto immediately made 2 shadow clones that immediately dashed towards Ino. Ino took a few steps back to put better space and analyze both clones. Naruto's speed was faster than she had anticipated and she was forced to throw a quick jab into a clone that had approached from her side before quickly stabbing a kunai through it. The clone burst into a plume of smoke signifying its end.

The other clone approached from behind her and made a lunge towards her. Ino moved aside from the clone trying to grab her and looked into the direction where the clone flew towards to. She saw instead a trio of shuriken coming towards her, she quickly made some hand seals and just before she was hit, she was replaced by a log that took the hit from the shuriken and plopping as it hit the ground.

Naruto had begun to get annoyed; he was used to fighting his clones which were never shy in coming face first to him but Ino was being elusive. Naruto hadn't noticed but while he was stewing, Ino took the other clone from behind and quickly dispatched it.

Naruto yelled out in frustration and charged at Ino, Ino waited for him to get close enough before retaliating with a wide sweeping kick. She smirked and took a quick side step which she ten turned her momentum into delivering the strongest kick she could deliver to knock over the boy.

The boy yelled out before doubling over in pain. Ino stood over the boy and raised her leg to deliver an axe kick to finish the fight. She tried to kick her leg down as hard as possible but just as it made contact with the boy, he quickly grabbed her ankle and rolled her over onto the ground. She tried to headbutt him but he pressed his forehead against hers and shoved a kunai against her neck. Both blonde genin breathed heavily while looking each other in their eyes.

"You have really pretty eyes" Naruto whispered. A slight blush came onto Ino's face.

"Alright, that's enough." Asuma said. Naruto retracted the kunai against her neck and stood up. He gave out his hand to his blonde teammate and she paused before quickly taking it. "I'm impressed Ino, you might've almost had him there but you need to finish faster. He could've easily broken your leg or ankle. If you can try to finish with a kunai rather than a leg kick." Ino nodded as a response.

"And Naruto, I know you're not used to fighting anyone but don't ever rush in against an opponent without a strategy." Naruto nodded. He had her beat in strength and speed but she was elusive as hell.

"You better watch yourself Naruto, next time we fight ill kick your ass again and finish the job."

Naruto laughed and looked at her "You can try whenever you want Ino, I'm free all day."

Asuma moved over to them and put a hand on each one of their shoulders. "You guys did well." He turned to look at a napping Shikamaru. "You want to fight next kid?"

Shikamaru opened one of his eyes. "Na, I'm kind of tired today."

Asuma glared at him in response. "Everyone did just as much as you yesterday and they gladly took on a fight."

"Yeah, I know." Shikamaru retorted. "But look at them." Naruto was dripping in sweat already and Ino was breathing heavily. "Naruto looks like he only went for a jog and let's be real, he'd absolutely beat the snot out of me. And look at Ino, she looks like she's exhausted. She'd probably put up a fight for what 5 minutes before stamina gave out. I'd have an unfair advantage against her."

Asuma's eye twitched. "Listen here you little shit, you act like I haven't ever worked with a Nara before. I'll find a way to get your unmotivated ass to work. Go on lunch you two, me and Shikamaru have some private training to do."

The Nara groaned at what his sensei had said. "Always so troublesome."

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Naruto and Ino had walked away from the endless groaning that their Nara teammate let out. Both laughed at their teammates suffering but they tried to be nice and had just left.

"So, what are you hungry for?" Naruto asked

Ino shrugged her shoulders. Naruto looked at her and noticed she was walking with a slight limp in her right leg.

"Whoa, I didn't hurt you, did I?" Naruto worriedly asked.

Ino looked at Naruto before she realized what he was talking about. "No, it's just a little tweak and nothing a good night's sleep won't fix." A mischievous idea had wound its way into her mind. "Although..." Ino wrapped her arm around Naruto's and she pressed up against it. Naruto was shocked, what the hell was he supposed to do.

"How did you like being so close to me at the end Naruto? You seemed pretty comfortable on top of me." She purred into his ears.

Naruto's face heated up and took a dark red tone. "W-w-What? I was just fighting; it was the proper thing to do there!"

Ino knew he was right but she couldn't just let him have the laugh last and she loved to make the boy flustered. "You know at the end you were just so gentle; I swear I could feel you rub against me you know? It felt good you little flirt?"

Naruto's eyes rolled back into his head and his brain had begun to melt.

Ino smirked "You can make it up to me for lunch though, I'm feeling somewhere expensive"

Naruto couldn't help himself but nod. What the hell did he get himself into.

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Days and weeks had passed since Team 10 had officially been placed together. Slowly and I do mean slowly they had begun to find their rhythm as a group. They all had been working hard and even Shikamaru with his "extra training" begun to actually put in effort. They all begun to get accustomed to one another and how they all operated, especially after Asuma forced them to do training exercises after their missions, including the one they had done today.

Asuma looked at his genin as they were all sprawled out onto the surrounding grass. They all were breathing heavily and Naruto especially was scuffed up.

"Well, that was good work you guys, almost thought you had me there for a second. Good use of using your clones a decoy Naruto but you tried to pull the trap too early. Ino, you used your Mind switch jutsu way too early and Shikamaru, you need to communicate better. It was a good plan and excellent teamwork but a good plan won't work if you don't adjust to some hiccups."

Naruto slowly began to pick himself off the ground wincing in pain. "Yo Asuma, what the hell are we getting out of you kicking out asses with these training exercises?"

Asuma grinned at Naruto. "Well first to be honest, it's quite a lot of fun." The other 2 teammates looked up and shot him death glares after this response. "Second, you guys have been doing D rank missions but you all need battle experience and hopefully with me kicking all of your asses that's the worst you will ever experience against an opponent. And lastly, this was a test."

Ino shot up at that but she was still somewhat disoriented after using her justsu. "A test? After everything we've don't together were not done with tests yet?"

Asuma rubbed the back of neck. "Yes, a test Ino. A test to see if you guys are finally able to take the next level of missions yet."

Shikamaru sighed and stayed on the ground. "And what the hell is that gonne be? Finding a cat, cleaning a storage room and chopping firewood at the same time? Or wait we might be stuck on multiple babysitting missions?" The Nara said sarcastically.

Asuma shrugged his shoulders before turning around and walking away. "Fine then, here I was about to give you guys your 1st C ranked mission for all the great work you guys have done but I guess we can continue to do D ranked missions. But i think I'll take Shikamaru up on his idea and have you guys do multiple missions at once. It'll be a better pay day for you all."

Just then Asuma found himself unable to continue walking. He looked down and saw he was caught in Shikamaru's shadow possession jutsu. "What does that now sound fun to you guys anymore? He jokingly asked.

Naruto cleared his throat before speaking. "Give us the C rank mission or the threat from our first day mission still stands."

"Yeah, I could probably find Kurenai-sensei pretty easy if I had to find her." Ino said "Especially if I have Naruto here help me out." Ino chuckled

A bead of sweat slowly slid down Asuma's face. With his back turned he couldn't tell if his students were serious or not, and this time they really had caught him not a clone. "Okay, okay now let's not be rash here guys, I was just messing with you guys. You can have the mission just let me out."

Ino stroked her chin. "Actually, I think I should still do it. You've been kicked our asses for months and you've ruined so many of my clothes." She pouted.

"Oh, stop it Ino you look fine." Naruto said absently. "So, what happens if you do do it? He is a Jounin and I can only run for so long."

Asuma smirked. Over the last couple of weeks Ino would take very opportunity she could to make poor Naruto flustered and Naruto just walked himself into another trap.

"Oh, so you think I look fine Naruto? Aren't you the sweetest ever? I think you've earned something from your favorite blondie later." Ino battered her eyes at Naruto and Naruto brain begun to melt again.

"Yo lovebirds, can we please do this another time?" Shikamaru said annoyingly. He was crouched down still holding his hand seals in place with a look of intent on his face. "Unlike our dear Naruto, I don't have endless energy and chakra so I don't know how much longer I can keep him like this."

Naruto sighed and regained his composure. "Whatever Shikamaru, you probably need the work out anyway you lazy ass." He chuckled to himself while saying the last part.

Shikamaru shot a death glare back at the boy. "You know, you can be a real asshole sometimes."

Naruto shrugged his shoulder in response. "It's what I do sometimes."

Asuma was finally able to get the team back on track after convincing them of finally letting him go. He sighed and took a look at the trio. "So, since we're all-in agreement, we're going to take that C ranked mission tomorrow. Make sure you have everything you need for a decent length away from Konoha. Clothes, tools, food." Asuma knew they were ready for this. C-rank was definitely in their arsenal. "Also make sure to tell the people that need to be told that you'll be gone for a while. Last thing I need is a cranky parent when I get back on my ass."

They all nodded in response. "See you in front of the tower at let's say 7." Naruto and Shikamaru groaned, Naruto hated waking up early. Asuma chuckled and proceeded to leave the training field.

Ino waved goodbye while smirking. "Make sure to tell Kurenai-sensei I said hi." She said sarcastically. Asuma almost tripped and turned around to look at the platnium blonde. He shook his head. "I don't want to ask how you know but I really hate you guys sometimes."

All Ino could do is form her hands into a heart shape. "Love you too sensei." She said while she couldn't stop herself from laughing. Naruto and Shikamaru started to leave the field before Naruto felt a hand grab that back of his windbreaker.

"And where are you going?" Ino asked. Naruto could only muster a sigh in response. "We have plans today Goldie."

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Ino's Home (Later that Evening)

Ino was in the dining room of her home. She had laid out all the supplies she intended to bring out on the table. She loaded the slowly piece by piece before she was interrupted.

"And where are you going that you need all these supplies young lady?" She turned around to see her father standing in the doorway.

"Me, Shikamaru, and Naruto finally got our first C ranked mission and we leave tomorrow. Any tips?" She looked at her father.

Inoichi looked at his daughter. "You'll be fine, youre good enough to take on this mission, just make sure to trust your teammates and you all will be fine." He stopped for a moment. "You know, I know Shikamaru but what about your other teammate. I don't think I've actually met him yet."

Ino shrugged her shoulder in response. "Naruto's really nice, he's actually a way better ninja than most would give him credit for. He's actually got some brains too, even if he was ranked dead last in the class." She smiled to herself. "No one believed he had any shot after coming out of graduation. He's good, really good. Sure, he can be goofy at points but he's actually pretty fun to be around."

Inoichi's face hardened momentarily. "Naruto Uzumaki." He thought to himself. "Why don't you invite him over sometime. I'd like to meet him, bring Shikamaru too, we can all have dinner."

Ino nodded. "Will do daddy. Can you help me though?" It was obvious that Ino was struggling to fill her overfilled back. Inoichi sighed. He could never say no to his daughter

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Shikamaru's House

Shikamaru walked through the door of his home before he could hear his father call for him. He sighed and his way to the living room where he had been called from. "Yeah Dad?"

Shikaku was sitting on the sofa with his eyes close. "How was your day?"

"Annoying" his son replied. "Same old same old. Did some training, got our asses kicked by Asuma. You know if I ever knew being a ninja would involve be doing so much work, I wouldn't have ever let you talk me into it."

His father could only muster a grunt in response before finally saying something. "I did tell you that you could quit at any point, didn't I?"

Shikamaru leaned against the door frame before letting out a yawn. "And what about Mom? She said she wouldn't have a dropout for a son and here I am now."

"Troublesome." was all his father could let out.

Shikamru nodded in agreement. "You're telling me. Anyway I've got a C rank mission starting tomorrow. Asuma finally toldwa me, Ino, and Naruto could take one on so if you don't see me don't panic."

Shikaku chuckled and closed his eyes. "That's right, you have Ino on your team. She try taking you out for shopping yet?" And you have naruto too. Jeez you got the short end of the straw. You get pranked yet?"

Shikamaru shook his head. "No thank god. I like my clothes just the way they are, even if they aren't in her words "fashionable". And Naruto, he's not what he was in the academy. Sure, he has his moment from time to time with Ino but otherwise he's actually pretty good. Even sometimes has a brain he uses to think."

Shikaku only nooded in silence thinking upon his son's words. "Hey dad?" He opened one of his eyes to look back at his son. "Why do people seem to have a problem with Naruto? Sure, he did some stupid shit at times but he isn't that bad of a guy."

Shikaku could only let out a sigh before closing his eye again. "Too much work to explain. You're a smart kid, figure it out on your own."

Shikamaru got off the wall and walked away." Whatever Dad, troublesome old man.:

Shikaku muttered when shikamaru left. "Troublesome brat." He said with a smirk

AN: Sorry its been a while boys and girls. Just havent been in the right mindset to write anything. Also to be fair I've been dreading writing Wave Arc to be honest. But watcha gonna do? Need the plot. Also just wanna thank everyone for their reviews espically everyone who either follows or loved the story. You all give me an incredibe amount of motivation. Anywau with christmas i hope to really crank dwon with my writing. Love you all_ Kuco