Since that moment of triumph, Shorai had been consumed by the intricacies of the Shadow Clone Technique. It wasn't merely a matter of chakra division; it was a redefinition of existence. The jutsu demanded a complete splitting of self—half the chakra to the clone, half retained—each half becoming an anchor in reality. Yet, unlike a battery that could be recharged, the energy lost in the process was never fully recovered, even when the clone dispersed. It was a one-way expenditure, a sacrifice of self for knowledge.
He tested it in silence, in the dark hours between night and dawn.
"Final analysis," he whispered, reviewing the data in his mind. "Creating and dividing my chakra yields approximately five percent to each side. After dispelling, only ten percent returns. Barely enough for a single clone or two minutes of controlled Shunshin."
But it was enough.
"Good enough," he said quietly, a rare spark of excitement lighting his voice. "Now, every experience, every lesson, can be burned into memory through the clone. This is the key to accelerating Swift Release."
He resolved not to reveal it yet. Not until Naruto learned it. Not until the story's rhythm allowed.
The next morning, Shorai returned to the Academy with a calm demeanor, though his mind churned with equations and elemental flow. At the entrance, he met Sakura and Ino. His half-smile was familiar, steady.
"Good morning, ladies," he greeted.
Sakura returned the greeting warmly, but Shorai caught a flicker of something beneath her smile—a quiet strangeness, a guarded tension. Ino smiled as well, though her eyes held a shadow of something unspoken, a hesitation that lingered just out of reach.
They spoke of the festival, reminiscing about the night's magic and how Shorai had looked—like a prince from a forgotten tale.
Shorai chuckled softly. "Maybe I should start wearing that when I become a formal genin."
Ino's reply was quick and firm. "No need. Keep it private. Reserve it for special moments."
He nodded, amused by her earnestness.
Inside the classroom, Sakura's relentless pursuit of Sasuke continued unabated. Her advances were clumsy, her confidence a thin mask barely concealing desperation. Shorai recognized it instantly—she was mimicking Ino, but without the instinct, the grace. Every time he looked or interacted with Ino in class, he noticed Sakura's particular expression. There were times when he would glance toward the Academy's window and spot her watching him and Ino walking together. Although Sakura tried to hide it behind a smile or chuckle, the sadness and envy couldn't escape his sharp mind. It made him glance unconsciously at Sasuke and sigh.
And thus, days turned to weeks, it wasn't long before Ino's birthday approached.
Shorai, whose mind was a ledger of training schedules and elemental thresholds, had nearly forgotten. But he remembered in time.
"Sorry to bother you," he said, catching Ino and Sakura mid-conversation during lunch.
"S-Shorai-kun?!" Ino stammered, startled.
"You aren't bothering us at all!" Sakura chimed in, curiosity brightening her tone.
He looked directly at Ino. "What would you like for your birthday?"
She hesitated, avoiding his gaze. After a gentle nudge from Sakura, she declared with sudden confidence, "A date!"
The classroom froze. Girls exchanged sharp glances, hearts breaking in silence.
Shorai blinked, surprised. "Is that all? Really?"
"Yes," she said, eyes locking with his. "I'd be very happy with that."
A broken smile tugged at his lips—unconscious, disarmed. "How can I refuse?"
"Then it's set!" Ino cut in, triumphant. "Sunday. No Academy. I'll tell you when!"
"Alright," he said, smiling warmly. "If anything comes up, I'll come to you."
They parted, and Ino spent the rest of the day glowing, teased by Sakura and envied by the others.
Sasuke watched silently from a distance.
Later, the boys, Naruto among them, gathered around Shorai.
"How'd you do it?" they whispered eagerly.
He looked at them, puzzled by their curiosity. "At the very least, you need to be calm and confident. Even if it's stupid."
Naruto frowned. "But I always end up laughed at..."
"Confidence helps," Shorai admitted. "But it's not enough. You have to excel. Stand out. That's what draws attention."
"Now you're talking!" they cheered. "No wonder you and Sasuke are the center!"
Shorai leaned in, voice low and serious. "Reality is harsh. Let me share a secret."
They leaned closer, hanging on his every word.
"We're all different. But women—there are three things they inherently need. Safety. Closeness. Gratitude."
"W-what do you mean?" they asked, eyes wide.
"Safety isn't just protection," he explained patiently. "It's making them feel safe to be themselves. To speak, to share, to be close—without fear of judgment. Moreover, financially, emotionally, intellectually. It connects to their role as a mother—someone who nurtures without anxiety."
"But they're strong too!" one protested.
"Of course," Shorai nodded. "But strength and need aren't opposites. Think of it like our infiltration lessons—project safety, and closeness follows. Add gratitude, and they'll seek you out. It's the foundation of lasting bonds."
They stared thoughtfully, then grinned.
"Thanks, Shorai!"
They scattered, already scribbling notes.
The day before the date, Ino skipped up to him after class.
"Tomorrow at 3 PM! I'll be waiting!" she grinned brightly before darting off with Sakura.
Shorai watched her go, then joined Naruto for ramen.
On Sunday, he arrived at the Yamanaka flower shop in his white and turquoise wind-patterned outfit—sharp, flowing, a quiet storm.
Ino's mother greeted him warmly, calling up the stairs.
A moment later, footsteps descended.
Shorai slowly turned.
Ino stepped into view.
She wore a light azure knee-length dress, scattered with roses, a deep red sash at her waist. Her hair was tied in a large ponytail, a blue butterfly pin nestled within.
"Good to see you, Shorai-kun! You came on time!"
He didn't answer.
He stared.
Ino's mother waved a hand in front of her daughter. "Ah? Shorai-kun?"
He blinked. "I... You're beautiful, Ino. But... today, you went too far above."
She blushed, turning away.
Her mother smiled, intrigued. But before she could tease them, an unexpected thing happened.
Ino stepped forward, with a sudden burst of courage, hooked her arm into his, and pulled.
"Let's go!"
He let her lead.
They walked through the streets, drawing glances and whispers.
Ino chattered, lost in joy. Shorai listened, nodded, commented—his mind occasionally drifting to training, to Swift Release, to the next step.
"You keep spacing out," she said, worried.
"Sorry," he said, scratching his head. "My mind's full of ideas for my goal. It's one of my two weaknesses."
"You thought I annoyed you?" Her voice dropped.
"No," he said, locking eyes with her. "I'd never waste time with someone I didn't want to be around. If I call you a friend, I mean it."
She smiled.
"You think I'm boring," he admitted. "All I do is train and study."
Ino laughed. "Everyone's jealous! You never spend time with anyone!"
"Not true," he said. "I help everyone with lessons."
"But not like this," she said, mischievous. "Girls try with Sasuke. He ignores them. You? They can't even get close."
He raised a brow. "You're interested in both of us, aren't you? Trying to get close. Frustrated by our behavior."
She froze, her mouth slightly open.
"I know," he said softly. "Sasuke's different. He's a survivor. He knows who killed his family. Relations are the last thing on his mind. I've talked to him. I understand."
Ino's expression softened. "Then… I feel sorry for Sakura."
"And you," he said, "You deserve more than guessing games."
She looked down. "Just friends?"
He paused.
They moved into the park and sat on the bench by the river.
"Interactions between people begin slowly, step by step. They grow stronger and transform into friendship, building closeness." His face softened as he explained his stance. "Your parents look like they're in a happy relationship, aren't they?"
Ino watched him intently, nodding. "They sure are!" Then, in a whisper, "It's envious..."
Thanks to his memories from his past life, Shorai fully understood the ignorance everyone had about relationships—even he hadn't known until he'd admitted his lack of knowledge and sought out the answers.
"Please, don't worry. My outlook on relationships might differ from what's considered normal around here."
"Huh? How? What's normal?" She perked up, drawn to this rare side of him.
Shorai stared at the water. "I believe a relationship is a status reserved for marriage—and marriage alone. Until then, people date, spend time together, and get to know each other. It helps us realize how suitable—or not—they are for us."
Ino's eyes widened, giving him a complex look.
His gaze shifted to her as he continued, "Swift steps into intimacy tend to create false attachments... make us see a false reality. I think you don't want to waste your time—especially years—with someone you eventually find you have nothing in common with… aside from just their looks, which attracted you in the first place, right, Ino?"
She remained silent, staring at him.
Then he broke the quiet with a soft laugh. "I didn't say no… you know… he-he."
She blinked. A smile returned to her face. "You mentioned a goal and two weaknesses… What are they?"
He paused for a moment, then said, "My goal is to surpass the Hokage, to walk a path few could follow."
She gasped, eyes wide. "That's… impossible."
"Not for me," he said, calm, certain. "Two to four years. Depending on luck. As for the second… you'll discover it in time."
She didn't reply, but just gave him a look carrying surprise and curiosity towards his serious face filled with confidence.
They didn't linger, both their location and conversation moved on.
Then, at the BBQ place, they spent more time talking—of class, of boys, of dreams.
The sun began to set and night approached. He walked her home, the streetlights flickering on one by one, casting a soft glow along their path.
He noticed a shift in her gaze—something lingering, something new, a puzzle.
Her blue eyes seemed to shimmer in the light, fixed on his face throughout the walk, a charming smile never leaving her lips.
"...Can... can I hug you?" Ino asked, her voice uncharacteristically soft, a quiet plea as they stood beneath a streetlight by the entrance to her home.
Shorai raised a brow, a thin smile playing on his lips. "That doesn't sound like you at all, Ino. Of course... come here."
He opened his arms, and moments later, felt the warmth of her light embrace against his chest. She held him gently for a heartbeat before pulling away.
Her azure eyes caught the light, sparkling with happiness as she gave Shorai a final, warm smile and a stuttering goodbye. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she turned and ran inside.
The abruptness of her farewell made him pause. In that fleeting moment as she turned away, he swore he saw a tear glisten in her eye.
Was it happiness... or something else?