Summary
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio is one ofNaruto’smost iconic formations, and the generational legacy that continues to shape this team adds a symbolic touch to their teamwork. Formed by the collaboration between the Yamanaka, Nara, Akimichi, and Clans, the Ino-Shika-Cho formation serves as a symbol of their unity through the ages. The very same camaraderie between the three clans seems to have trickled down toBorutoin the form of the 17th generationIno-Shika-Cho formation.
With Shikadai, Inojin, and Chocho taking up the mantle of the next Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the three genin have big shoes to fill, as their predecessors left quite a mark onNaruto’snarrative. While the three might be mere children, the trio has already proven to be in a similar league as their parents, with many more feats to come.
The New Ino-Shika-Cho Trio
Created out of a shared history of collaboration, the Ino-Shika-Cho formation utilizes each of the three respective clans’ hiden techniques, forming a pattern that is, more often than not, successful in taking down their opponents. TheYamanaka Clan’s Mind-Body Switchtakes control of the opponent, followed by the Nara Clan’s Shadow Possession Technique restraining the enemy. Lastly, the Akimichi Clan’s Expansion Jutsu finishes the job with a powerful punch.
This very formation has been passed down through generations, and the 17th generation of the trio comprises Inojin Yamanaka, Shikadai Nara, and Chocho Akimichi. While the formation has always followed in the footsteps of its predecessors with the same secret techniques, this generation has shaken things up a bit with a slightly different set of techniques.
How Strong Is Each Member of the Formation?
The strength of the formation lies in the collective power of all three members, yet each member’s individual abilities play a significant role in the team’s overall success. While Inojin, Shikadai, and Chocho possess similar strengths to their parents, the three have honed these powers at a much faster pace.
As the children of extremely powerful shinobi, it comes as no surprise that all three members excel at utilizing their respective clans’ techniques. From Inojin inheriting both his parents’ secret techniques to Shikadai mastering a new variant ofthe Shadow Posession, the new Ino-Shika-Cho trio continues to surpass its previous two predecessors.
Shikadai Boasts Both Nara and Kazekage Lineage
Shikadai had always been hailed as a genius amongthe Nara Clan, and with his mother belonging to the Kazekage Clan, he was already expected to be a prodigy. Safe to say, Shikadai did not disappoint, as his strength rivals that of Shikamaru during his early days, with some instances showcasing even greater wit and strength.
Even if your opponent is strong, pooling our strength makes victory possible.
Shikadai is able to expand his shadow and debilitate a large number of shinobi, something that Shikamaru was never able to achieve at this age. Moreover, Shikadai has inheritedTemari’s Wind Release abilities, even using her signature Sickle Weasel Technique at one point. It’s clear that Shikadai is on par with his father, even surpassing his legacy in some aspects.
Inojin Possesses Two Hiden Techniques
Inojin is the only known member of the Ino-Shika-Cho formation that doesn’t rely on his clan’s hiden technique. Inojin is adept in Sai’s secret technique, Ninja Art: Super Beast Scroll, and he often opts to use this jutsu in the formation. In some ways, Super Beast Scroll is a superior technique thanthe Yamanaka Clan’sMind-Body Switch technique in the formation, since it doesn’t leave his body vulnerable.
However, Inojin has access to both techniques, and he can use either one depending on the situation. With two different hiden techniques at his disposal, Inojin’s fighting style is quite versatile, making him a superior fighter to his predecessor, Ino. He has also inherited his mother’s sensory techniques, and he has aknack for medical ninjutsu, truly deeming him an all-rounder in the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
Chocho Has Far Greater Strength (and Appetite) Than Her Father
While there isn’t much difference between Chocho and her father’s overall strength, she has shown considerably higher proficiency in using theAkimichi Clan’s hiden techniques. Chocho was able to master Calorie Control at a much younger age, granting her the power to use Butterfly Mode without relying on the poisonous Three Colored Pills. Mastering such a taxing technique at her age goes to show how much strength she possesses compared to her predecessors.
You never know until you step up to the challenge, right?
Choji was only able to master Butterfly Mode after the timeskip, and his initial usage was a result of usingthe Three Colored Pills. It’s safe to say that Chocho acquired far more strength than her father had at that age. In terms of raw strength, Chocho is arguably the strongest member of the Ino-Shika-Cho formation, though it’s only through Shikadai’s direction and Inojin’s diversions that Chocho’s true strength shines through.
Borutois available to stream onPrime Video.
Boruto
Boruto is an action anime series that continues years after the events of Naruto, now in the shoes of the next generation - many of which are the children of the protagonists from the original series. Boruto follows the titular character, the son of Naruto, who seeks to impress his father. Together with the other ninjas-in-training, Boruto will battle to overcome trials and threats even more significant than his father ever faced.
