Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

Shikai walked calmly through the streets of Konoha, the golden light of the setting sun illuminating the village. He was heading to the hospital to continue monitoring Kushina's progress. As he turned the corner of an alley near a small park, his attention was drawn to the sound of raised voices.

Two young girls, around ten years old, stood face to face, arguing with a passion reminiscent of a ninja battle. One of them was Ino Yamanaka, a blonde-haired girl with long hair tied back in a stylish ponytail. She wore a purple top and matching skirt, her outfit already showcasing her penchant for fashion. Her slightly arrogant posture and hands on her hips indicated that she was used to being in charge.

Opposite her stood Sakura Haruno, a girl with bright pink hair cut short. Her red dress gave her a simpler look compared to Ino. Sakura, though intimidated, seemed ready to defend her point of view. Her determined gaze contrasted with her still-childlike face.

"A superficial girl and another one too annoying... Honestly, I look like a pointer... Whatever, let's go."

"You really think Sasuke is looking at you, Ino-pig?!" Sakura retorted with a smirk, her fists on her hips.

"Oh, cut it out, big forehead! You don't stand a chance against me!" Ino replied with a mocking pout.

Shikai approached silently, amused by the scene. These childish squabbles between children reminded him of another time.

"It seems you're very busy," he said in a neutral but audible tone.

The two girls stopped instantly, turning their heads towards him. Their argument died down like a candle in the wind.

Ino furrowed her eyebrows slightly, not recognizing Shikai, but Sakura seemed hesitant.

"Who... who are you?" Ino asked timidly, giving Sakura an elbow nudge to prompt her to respond.

"I... I think he's a jōnin," Sakura whispered softly.

"Jōnin? Impossible! He doesn't even look impressive!" Ino retorted in a whisper, loud enough for Shikai to hear.

With an amused smile, Shikai crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

"How are you doing?" he asked politely, intentionally ignoring Ino's remark.

Sakura blushed slightly and bowed.

"Very well, thank you for asking, Sensei."

Ino, seeing Sakura's respectful attitude, immediately changed her posture. Her expression shifted from arrogance to feigned innocence. She placed a hand on her chest and tilted her head slightly.

"Pleased to meet you, Sensei," she said in a soft, sugary voice, hoping to catch his attention.

Shikai turned his gaze to Ino, a smirk on his lips.

"Inoichi-san told me you've grown up, but... looking at you, you still resemble the cute little Ino I knew."

Ino's cheeks flushed slightly, but she scowled, offended.

"I'm not a little girl! I'm mature for my age!" she protested, crossing her arms indignantly.

Sakura, seizing the opportunity, burst into laughter.

"That's true, Sensei! Ino is very immature!" she said, a big smile on her face.

Ino turned her head sharply towards Sakura, her eyes narrowed in anger.

"You think you're funny, big forehead?"

Shikai raised an eyebrow and, seeing an opportunity to ease the tension, decided to do the opposite and tease Ino further.

"You know, Ino, your father always told me you'd be an exemplary clan leader. I'm sure he'd be proud of you... one day."

Ino, still red with anger, sniffed loudly.

"Of course! I'm destined to be the best! Not like Sakura!"

Shikai raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

"Calm down, girls. I have to go to the hospital, and I can't stay here all day playing referee."

He took a step forward, placing a light hand on Ino's shoulder.

"Ino, tell your father I'll be visiting him soon."

Then, turning to Sakura, he gave her a warm smile before continuing on his way.

"See you later, you two. Keep working hard."

The two girls watched him leave in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Once Shikai was out of sight, Ino crossed her arms, her face still slightly red.

"Who was that bum chūnin?!" she asked, clearly offended by his playful attitude.

Sakura blushed slightly and replied,

"I think he's a jōnin."

Ino raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

"A jōnin? Him?! He's barely four or five years older than us."

Sakura nodded, a slight smile on her face.

"And... he's quite handsome, isn't he? Not as much as Sasuke-kun, of course."

Ino burst into laughter.

"Handsome? Don't make me laugh, Sakura! He's not bad-looking, I'll give you that, but... he's no match for Sasuke-kun."

Sakura scowled, crossing her arms.

"Anyway, Sasuke-kun is mine!"

Ino shook her head with a smirk.

"As a future clan leader, I have to aim higher. Someone like Sasuke is much more on my level than a civilian like you."

Their conversation was interrupted by an energetic shout,

"Hey, girls!"

Naruto Uzumaki made a dramatic entrance, jumping off a wall and landing clumsily beside them.

"What are you doing here? Talking about me?" he asked enthusiastically.

Ino and Sakura sighed in unison, annoyed by his interruption.

Meanwhile, Shikai arrived at the hospital, a slight smile on his lips. Though amused by their immaturity, his mind was already elsewhere, pondering his next moves. He didn't look back, lost in his thoughts.

[Yamanaka Chakra: 10%]