#JusticeForAsuka

Chōji and Ino, as a romantic pair.

You know, I am just gonna say it. I have no clue what Kishimoto was overdosing on, as he was busy working on the manga, with barely any breaks or vacation phases, but I will not hold my punches with this one: He really shat the bed here. And I don't just talk about the ship itself not becoming real here, it's moreover that: By making Naruto and Sasuke the core center of the fucking universe that he himself created, while every other character was just reduced to cheerleader #1, and cheerleader #2. No in-between.

And before you smartasses tell me "b-but, they actually participated in the story, what are you talking about, kill your--", that might be it, however, in the grand scheme of things, it just feels so damned inconsequential, and I am not saying that to be a dick. The Indra and Ashura conflict, along with Black Zetsu, literally became the core center piece of the story, in which nobody else, had ANY say or agency, beyond Naruto and Sasuke. Only they matter, everything else means nothing, and that reincarnation bit does so little to fight this claim. As such, everybody else has been made so narratively insignificant, it barely even tries to make me feel invested in anyone else.

And why do I start like that? Simple. He stopped giving a shit.

Otherwise, had he still done so, then he would have been smart enough to not make ships canon, that bring the unavoidable condition of regressing a character's personality, or nerfing it, just to make the ship work, at the expense of one or two parties and their subtle character progression. And the moment you get there, nobody will end up being happy. And for the life of me, I will NEVER understand the reasoning for Sai and Ino.

No disrespect to Sai X Ino shippers, this is not supposed to be a hate post, all I am saying is: Even you need to understand that, this ship is freaking random, and doesn't do both parties any favors for their character progression, or rather, lack thereof. End of story. There was no setup, no foreshadowing, no interpersonal drama connected to either their backstories or, in Ino's case, clan and their individual environments. And yes, ships don't ALWAYS need to make sense, I get that as well. If you knew how random some of my ship ideas are, we would be here forever.

However, in the context of Ino and Sai, what is the HOOK of their relationship, and it's beginnings?

...Ino sees Sasuke in Sai. And Sai calls her beautiful, despite him being as dense as a brickwall.

And this is where all the problems already start.

If we go on the assumption that both Sakura and Ino, who both trained under Lady Tsunade, had both grown mature enough to understand that, around Shippuden, Sasuke's situation is something that doesn't exactly allow for bombastic, teenage romance to have its place in his life, AND with Tsunade coaching them on their abilities, while also strengthening their hearts (she knows herself that, you can heal wounds, but a broken heart, you will never recover from that, ever again), preparing them for the heartbreak that awaits them down the line, you would think that, Ino would be the first to move on from Sasuke, knowing that Sakura's resolve is way stronger than hers. Her love also running way deeper than her own for the Uchiha, considering that...

...Ino was actively present, when it happened. Just witnessing Sasuke only listening to Sakura's words, as he was spiraling and entering an endless pit of despair, with only Sakura's loving arms tugging him out, must have been enough to signal to her: Yeah. Sasuke has made his choice, too. And I must respect that.

But nope...

...Sai calls her beautiful, one single time, while actively reminding her of Sasuke. And yes, for some, that isn't exactly a minus, if the main bad boy is already taken, why not have another? And there is nothing wrong with that. We like, what we like. However...

...To me, considering how off-screen most of the action is for the two, as a couple, how we barely even get to see how this relationship develops, this all translates to character regression in the long run. It's more than obvious that Ino's heart will never be as strong as Sakura's, she already let her actions speak for themselves, and honestly, just falling for a rando "bad boy", just from physicalities alone, is... Pretty shallow.

Unintentionally causing Sai to come off as a "Sasuke substitute". That's why I keep saying "character regression". Sai barely even understands the concept of being a human person, why would romance be on his mind? If I were him, this is the LEAST thing I should be focusing on. And Ino just goes back to something, that has caused her nothing but grief and trauma, but especially for Sakura, even if Sasuke had his reasons. I doubt that, after knowing what Sasuke tried to pull on Sakura, regardless of reasoning, she would ever consider giving him second chances, least of all if it goes back to her seeking substitutes. By that point, she may as well just seek guys that just treat her with respect, war humbles people that way.

In fact, the point "being shallow", is one of Ino's core character flaws, considering how often she had bodyshamed Chōji when they were Genin. She had found it "gross" and "repulsive", also telling him "to lose weight", or straight up calling him "fatso", despite knowing that this is all part of his genetics. So it probably leaves you asking:

...Why even go for these two, as a couple, when it's "one-sided"?

Flaws. Don't. And SHOULDN'T. Define you. For the rest of your life. Character development is a thing, for a reason.

So, let's finally get to the points, WHY I think, Chōji and Ino work far more as a romantic relationship, than Sai and Ino:

Lack of self-esteem

Chōji's issues had always related to his insane lack of self-love and confidence. He was always keeping himself smaller than others, purely out of shame and disgust of himself, considering how often he had been picked on, for his weight. And there was nothing he could do about it, because Akimichi clan members are "blessed" with a genetical build, that force them to consume more calories than the average person, just to survive and turn those calories into power. And while that sounds great and all, for poor Chōji this was like living life on Hard mode. Everybody was making fun of him, just for how "fat" he was. Even if he couldn't help it, that's why, the symbolism with the butterfly, trapped in the spider web, feel so damned poignant.

For a long time, Ino had always played the protector of all the other kunoichi in her year. And while, yes, she is confident and knows what she is worth, let us not forget that, in order for her to do the defending, she needed to be a role model, first. And if we already go there, eventually, your self-sacrificing ways end up being your own personal undoing. Because then, you subconsciously start clinging your entire self-worth onto people, who very likely don't even really care about you. She is beautiful, but that is all that most people and especially the bullies see, that aren't Sakura, Hinata or Tenten. And considering that, unlike Sakura, Ino had the additional pressure of a prestigious clan history in the back of her mind, that just adds more to her soul-crushing insecurities, especially related to her looks. Always looking and acting her best, because other people depend on her, and once they stop doing so, she feels like part of her self-confidence left with them. That also explains her rivalry with Sakura. It's what kept her from mentally falling into the abyss of obscurity. She saw her. Even without the tough girl act.

This is where they compliment each other. Because, yes, Ino may have bodyshamed Chōji, but this was very likely projection, since she already holds herself to a toxic, high standard, than anything she could realistically meet, because: She was the one kunoichi, that the other were emotionally relying on. She had to be better, to offer them a safe haven...

...Something that she really doesn't need around Chōji. He would accept her with open arms, regardless of what standard she clings. To him, she is already fine the way she is.

Opposites Attract

Let's see.

Chōji is shy, sensible and doesn't like the feeling of potentially, personally intruding into any conversations he has no reason being a part of. Again, he makes himself smaller, just to not be too obvious, despite sticking out like a sore thumb. Even with his temper issues, should you decide to insult him as "fatso". Because that is a trauma response. But despite this, as the Sasuke Retrieval mission showed to us: He is more than capable. He may not be the brightest, but his heart is always in the right place, knows when to give you space, and when push comes for shove, he will play the wall for you.

Ino is bold, confident, intelligent, always speaks her mind when it counts the most, and just knows her worth. She knows she is beautiful, the pride of the Yamanaka clan. However, even if the story never really bothered diving into that, I truly believe that, because of how hard Ino works on looking her best, since well, kunoichi excel at using their charms to tickle intel out of others, that has the unintended side effect, that she ends up seeking way more external validation, than she really needs. As such, when you factor that in with the reality that she was always regarded as "everyone's girl from the neighborhood" at the academy, you know how bad her self-esteem really is, deep down. Clinging to the opinion of others, and even holding herself to a higher standard, that even her teammates and dating partners HAVE to meet, otherwise she would run risk of "losing her reputation". And unlike her teddybear of an Akimichi, she never really had the on-screen chance to challenge this, even if she is the most loyal and reliable friend, that you can always count on having your back, when things get rough. And that makes all the difference.

They already have history together

Their families are representing the famous Formation Ino–Shika–Chō. Meaning, neither of their families are unfamiliar with one another, the get-togethers wouldn't be awkward or oppressive, they are already family by default. Sure, them having had close ties to Hiruzen, being three of his strongest pillars when he was still alive, leaves a few, quite unpleasant, unanswered questions, making me wonder if they had also known about Minato and Kushina, since well, they were Hiruzen's personal three-men-army. They were there, when the Nine Tails ravaged the village, and they were there, when Minato and Kushina died, so it leaves me wondering: What did they think about Naruto's existence? Were they aware? Did they even know his parents personally? And what orders did they follow from Hiruzen, the moment Naruto's parents died? I really need to know this, because going off of how isolated Naruto's life had been, ignoring stupid anime filler, all of Team 10 had never made an attempt to be there for him, so all I am left with is the conclusion that, even they were part of the propaganda machine, using a child as a scapegoat.

But then good for it, because that can create some genuine drama for Cho and Ino. Since they both obviously grow up to genuinely appreciate Naruto with open arms, and that should create a story hook in which you can can make them grow suspicious of their own families, if we remember that, their parents worked in very close, personal ties to Hiruzen. Aka, the old turd, who essentially scammed Naruto out of his own family inheritence. I will leave that open for anyone to go and try writing something good about this, because it creates some genuine tensions between them as well. Making them wonder if the so-called "Will of Fire" is just some hogwash nonsense, created to make them both smaller, than they deserve to be. Part of their character arc, y'know?

Teaching each other how to love oneself

With both, you can easily tell that they are two sides of the same coin.

Chōji's bad eating habits are sadly, a genetic MUST, considering that those extra calories actually keep him alive, the moment he enters Buttefly mode, since that form literally sucks him dry. And sadly, those eating habits have made him the butt-end of every joke at the academy, causing his self-image to be that of shame and disgust, especially aimed at himself. He hates himself, for what he is.

Ino, on the other hand, may not be bogged by genetics that force her to eat, she can actually make that a choice, whenever he body is caling for it, it isn't mandatory for her in the exact same manner. But like Cho, her eating habits aren't very healthy, either. Again, since she clings her entire self-worth to how other people around her perceive her, using her good looks to succeed as a kunoichi, alongside her clan-related talents, she is very likely starving herself half to death, just to stay thin. Remember having that one female classmate, that gets told that she is fat, even though she isn't, so she runs to the store or candy shop to do stress-eating and throw up later in the bathroom? That is Ino. She does yoyo-dieting. Causing her own self-image to be also that of shame and disgust, aimed at herself, only expressed in a different way. Forcing herself to stay lean and fit, and never eat unhealthy, giving her insane mood swings in the long run.

And then, one time, she may stay over at Chōji's place, and she watches him cook, as though he was on masterchef. That is the smell of happiness. And she grows so addicted to his cooking, for the very first time in years, she could eat and eat and eat, and never feel ashamed of herself, because Chōji's family cooking makes her feel like, she had just come home from a long mission. Teaching her that: There is no shame in sinning. Live life, be happy, and if you gain a little weight, who cares? You can always work to lose it. And even if you can't, he would love you regardless.

And even in reverse, you need to keep in mind: Because Chōji had always struggled with self-confidence, having a presence in the room, and not being seen as a laughingstock. He must have severe trust issues, because of his childhood experiences, and those can genuinely define your outlook in life, going forward. But then comes Ino...

...And she doesn't tell him to change who he is, because he is fine the way he always had been. He just needs to grow more bold, like her. Imagine how adorable this scenario would be. Her playing Chōji's confidence coach, giving him tips on how to talk to girls more confidently, getting into a conversation with the other guys without embarrassing himself, becoming authentic and downright unapologetic about who he is...

...Which ends up causing Ino to really catch feelings for Chōji, because, he had always been there for her, as an emotional cushion, whenever she felt down or depressed over life practically beating her down with all the expectations people have around her. Her father, Sakura, Lady Tsunade, Shizune, Shikamaru, Asuma, etc. She wants to perform well, but always feels so damned alone in this, since Shikamaru really isn't fit to lead. Unlike her. And that puts so much pressure on her.

It's really sweet and wholesome. Not helped at all, by how much of a human teddybear Chōji is...

...And most definitely not because of his Partial Expansion jutsu, nooo. Ino could use his huge belly, during his expansion form, as a huge pillow to fall asleep on. Just to feel happy and secure.

Butterflies can't live, without flowers

The symbolism behind their passions and interests, is also pretty telling. In nature, butterflies need flowers to survive, since they have nectar, the core source of their nourishment. But the flowers also need, aside from the bees, butterflies to spread the pollen around other grassy fields, just to keep the vegetation alive. And since Chōji's strongest form involves him becoming a butterfly, while Ino is running her own flowershop, you do the math on that one. I can even see Chōji, the old-fashioned romantic that he can be, making a connection like this in Ino's presence...

...And that would solidify her love for him even harder. Since, well. He created an analogy, that just helps her understand, how valueable of a partner he really is. Whenever someone feels down, Chōji is right there, ready to write some poetry, or cook something good, just to cheer you up. He is just so damned dependable, even if he is a bit of a slug.

...Partial Expansion, in the bedroom 😏

Because Chōji proves, sometimes, size DOES matter, not just the technique, and he can show to Ino that he can use the Partial Expansion jutsu to increase the size of his di--

*pssst, check out the hentai, Baka Dakedo, if you need a good physical representation of how the bedroom action goes down between Chōji and Ino, and no, for once, the fat guy ain't an ugly bastard, but a classmate of the girl, and it's all wholesome and cute, not creepy or inappropriate, but you didn't hear it from me, OK, byeeee*

Anyway, that would be all.

In conclusion, it's a damn shame that these two never became a real thing in the story, since, as I have shown off, this ship isn't just there to look good, or to provide empty, vapid shipping fodder, that mostly remains undercooked for most of the series, and being stuck in creative limbo, since most of it will probably never see an animated version of the script. It also provides genuine drama, correlating to questioning your own family history, and wondering about, "Is loyalty still an option, when it had to involve ruining the lives of innocent people? Especially if it involves hurting and isolating a small child, that was practically used for its powers, since the very beginning, being treated more like a nuclear warhead, than a person?". It adds moral complexity, on the side, considering how closely intertwined their clans are, within Konoha's leadership.

I mean, I am not just saying that. Naruto always had the most pleasant encounters with Team 10, I know most of it is non-canon, but it does offer up a decent point to be made about how, hadn't it been for their families, they would have protected Naruto, no sweat. In fact, Ino is a lot like Naruto, considering how self-sacrificing she is, even more than Chōji.

Anyone who remembers Episode 192 is a real one, this episode is freaking hilarious. LOL

Blond hair, blue eyes, boldness, love for flowers and plants in general, I say, two peas in a pod.

I hope, I was able to win some of you over, and help you understand a few different key shades of Ino's personality, that help giving a few different perspectives as to why Sai just isn't that productive a partner around her. She has been enduring, all her life. She seeks security and someone reliable, not someone with too many burdens to count. That is not to say, it would disqualify her for Sasuke either, it's just, had she actually had a good and fleshed out character arc, she would stop chasing validation and chasing after guys, who are just not mentally stable enough for a relationship, period. She would just end up going for someone, that is always there in a pinch, when she really needs it. Someone she can lean against, when she is sucked completely dry. And that is ALL she wants. Sakura has practically outgrown her. No need in following her example.

And well, I never liked how the series overall, just ended up making Chōji's running gag about "I am not fat, I am just chubby" into one of his core-defining character traits, when he is obviously way more than just. He may eat a lot, but he is not selfish. A glutton, with a heart of gold. And it never went any further with him, and that just pisses me off. Bodyshaming for humor, is also something that just lets you know, how horribly some of Kishimoto's "humor" aged, especially in the modern day. And that tradition carries over to Chōji's daughter...

...And oh, by the way...

...Chōji and Karui are an even MORE random ship, than Sai with Ino--