The journey was quiet.
Xia Ji walked behind Yamanaka Ino, who was leading the way. She didn't speak, and he didn't either. She would glance around now and then—looking this way, then that—before reluctantly pulling her gaze forward again to keep leading.
"It's still early. I don't need to head back just yet," Xia Ji finally spoke, his voice calm.
"Oh? What do you mean?" Ino glanced over her shoulder, curious.
"It means… you can do whatever you want." His words were simple and direct.
"Really? Great!" Her eyes lit up, and she let out a cheerful cry before dashing off toward the side path, no longer hiding her playful urge.
Xia Ji followed at a steady pace, watching her run. To be honest, he thought the Pig–Deer–Butterfly trio of Konoha was a brilliant combination.
Individually, none of the three clans had overwhelming influence in the village. But together, their bond and teamwork were something to be reckoned with.
What Xia Ji appreciated most was that these families weren't twisted or arrogant like certain others. They didn't look down on people because of their lineage. Even the younger generation didn't grow up flaunting their reputation—except maybe Shikamaru, who probably figured it out on his own thanks to his IQ.
In fact, such a perfect clan alliance was rare not only in Konoha but in the entire ninja world.
The Nara clan provided intelligence and tactics, the Yamanaka clan specialized in mental interference and control, and the Akimichi clan brought sheer strength. Together, they formed an unshakable synergy: control, strategy, and power.
Sure, you could imagine replacing the Akimichi with any strong ninjutsu user, but it wouldn't be the same. Inheritance mattered. Akimichi techniques were easy to pass down, powerful even in the early stages, and—though lacking agility—were invaluable when paired with the other two. Without that unity, their size would make them easy targets.
Other clans might have stronger individual techniques, but they couldn't guarantee their children would be strong, nor could they ensure early compatibility. And without that early synergy, the whole system would fall apart.
Ironically, Xia Ji thought the Nara clan was the most "unstable" part of the trio—not in power, but because their greatest weapon was the mind. Who could predict if one generation might be… different? Still, for now, Shikamaru was shaping up to be an exceptional Nara.
Akimichi Chōji would be the "butterfly" of this generation, Yamanaka Ino the "pig."
Yes, the nickname sounded odd—after all, Ino was hardly like the big, sturdy Akimichi—but the "pig" came from the "Yama" in Yamanaka, which in certain readings meant "wild boar." The previous generation's Inoichi's name also had the "boar" meaning hidden in it. Likewise, "Chō" in Chōji meant "butterfly."
Xia Ji had to admit, Ino had been adorable as a child. Actually, all twelve of Konoha's rookies were cute in their own way when they were young—as long as kids behaved, they were always cute. His thoughts drifted before he caught himself.
"Had enough fun yet?" he eventually asked. Time had slipped by without him realizing, and Ino had spent most of it running around with boundless energy.
"Mm, I guess so." She slowed, suddenly remembering she had a task. The path hadn't changed, but she had been distracted with playing. She scratched her head sheepishly.
"It's getting late," Xia Ji pointed out, glancing at the sky.
"The cake shop's just ahead. It won't take long." Ino's cheeks flushed as she hurried forward, stopping soon after in front of a small shop.
Relieved to see the place, Xia Ji realized he'd passed it before without knowing it sold cakes.
"You wait here," he told her.
"Alright." Ino nodded, watching him disappear inside. She idly kicked at a pebble, only now realizing her legs ached.
Why's he taking so long? she thought, sitting on the curb to rest.
Xia Ji had forgotten that ordering a cake took time. It was too late to have one made from scratch, so he settled for a ready-made one. When he stepped back outside, box in hand, he spotted Ino sitting there, tired at last.
"Why were you so slow?" she grumbled, rubbing her sore legs.
"Are you tired?"
She turned to find him holding out a pastry. Normally she might have passed on it, but right now, her stomach won out.
"Is this… for me?" she asked.
"Yeah. Thanks for taking me all this way."
Her face warmed. She'd been playing around more than guiding, but she accepted the treat without protest, eating quietly.
"Didn't get one for yourself?" she asked between bites.
"I'll eat with my mother at home," Xia Ji replied. Truthfully, his pocket money wasn't much, and the cake had nearly emptied it.
After Ino finished eating, Xia Ji asked, "Do you still have the strength to walk now?"
Ino stood up, twisted her legs a little, and said uncertainly, "It should be okay."
"Then let's go." Xia Ji picked up the box in his hand and started walking at a steady pace.
Ino followed beside him, matching her steps to his. Although her legs were still a bit sore, the quiet companionship made the road feel shorter. The two of them walked together through the fading light, the cake box swinging lightly between them as the village slowly came into view.