Inojin Yamanaka

Inojin Yamanaka ( 山中いのじん , Yamanaka Inojin ) is a genin and a member of Konohagakure 's Yamanaka clan . Together with his teammates Chōchō Akimichi and Shikadai Nara , he forms the seventeenth generation of the Ino–Shika–Chō trio.

## Background [ ]

Inojin is the only child of Ino and Sai Yamanaka . As his parents continued to stay close to their childhood friends over the years, Inojin ultimately came to know the various parents' respective kids well. From a young age, Inojin would often have sleepovers with Chōchō and Shikadai, even having matching pyjamas. Their parents would also continue Asuma Sarutobi 's tradition of taking the kids to Yakiniku Q to celebrate accomplishments. On the day of the Seventh Hokage 's inauguration, he watched the ceremony with his parents and Shikadai.

## Personality [ ]

Inojin seems rather obedient and the most reasonable of the new generation of the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, as he, unlike his teammates, insisted on going to training to learn the Ino–Shika–Chō techniques. At the same time, he can be very blunt and indifferent to people, situations and the feelings of those involved even to the point of being condescending. He also seems to have inherited the role of being the most motivated of the trio from his mother, Ino , and his late grandfather Inoichi . Because of his nature, Inojin is a very alert individual with outstanding powers of observation. Likewise, he is shown to be a very level-headed and adaptable person, able to calmly accept the surreal nature of a situation and act accordingly.

Despite regularly practising his respective parents' ninjutsu skills, mainly his father's, Inojin is always looking for a newer and more stylish means to go about it. At the same time, he has very simple goals in life, hoping to make more practical use of his skills for better financial gain. Later, Inojin developed romantic feelings for Himawari Uzumaki .

## Appearance [ ]

Inojin bears a strong resemblance to both his mother and father: he has pale blue eyes and light blond shoulder-length hair which he keeps in a small ponytail, both are traits which feature heavily in his clan. He also inherited his father's pale white skin colour, his hair bangs resemble that of Sai and his attire is also similar to that of his father's: a black collarless suit with red straps and mesh armour and a purple shirt underneath. In his backpack, he carries two items, the handles of which can be seen at each side. As customary of his clan , both of his ears are pierced by grey stud earrings.

His outfit as an academy student consisted of a violet sweater and white overalls, regular shinobi sandals and a brown strap to hold his tantō identical to Sai. Three years after Boruto's departure from Konoha, Inojin wore a large, baggy full-sleeved top with a wide, raised collar along with a bag strapped diagonally across his torso from his left shoulder to his right hip. He wore light shorts that reach past his knees and dark, long socks or leggings under his shorts, finished off with light shinobi sandals.

Three years after Boruto left Konoha, Inojin's hair grew out, no longer having a ponytail while it became fuller as it sat atop his head. He also wears a purple sweater, with a beige, single-strap backpack over right shoulder, light blue shorts, black spandex pants, and low, beige sandals with high tongues.

## Abilities [ ]

Inojin is noted to be a very talented shinobi and well-versed in a variety of skills.

### Ninjutsu [ ]

Like his mother, Inojin is a practitioner of Medical Ninjutsu . While also a Sensor Type , Inojin struggles to detect people, having limited range. He can compensate for this with his drawings, using them as a medium to focus his sensing as they're also made with his chakra. He does, however, have a knack for detecting alterations to one's chakra signature. As a member his generation's Ino—Shika—Chō, he has become proficient in Cooperation Ninjutsu , able to synchronise techniques with his team.

#### Bukijutsu [ ]

Being trained regularly by his parents even before joining the Academy, Inojin had very advanced shurikenjutsu prowess, able to easily hit the bulls-eye. Inojin is also skilled in kenjutsu , wielding a tipless tantō for close-range combat. For his signature skill, Inojin has also been taught the art-oriented techniques of his father, and as such he is able to effectively animate his drawings for various purposes, though his drawing style differs greatly from that of his father's, and even more noticeably, he uses colour in his drawings. He can apply explosive tags to his drawings to cause them to detonate when in close proximity of his target.

#### Fūinjutsu [ ]

In the anime, he can effectively use fūinjutsu , able to restrict a person's movements, and reinforce fellow users' fūinjutsu. Later, Inojin's prowess proved great enough to master the Sealing Technique: Tiger Vision Staring Bullet , letting him use his drawings to seal targets back within his scrolls.

#### Yamanaka Clan Techniques [ ]

As a member of the Yamanaka clan, Inojin has begun learning the various mind-oriented techniques of his clan, like the Mind Body Switch Technique . After becoming a genin, he began learning more advanced techniques, including the Mind Body Transmission Technique to mentally communicate with people from considerable distances. Under Koji Kashin 's guidance , Inojin mastered a more advanced version , which was both undetectable to other sensors and also granted a unique form of sensory awareness through the natural vibrations of their physical being.

## New Era: Part I [ ]

### Academy Entrance Arc [ ]

Main article: Academy Entrance Arc

In the anime, two weeks into his Academy career, Inojin voiced his views on how Boruto was taking advantage of his father's status as Hokage. While Boruto brushed it off and offered to be friends, Inojin noted he doesn't trust Boruto with his nature. Later, he joined the rest of the class to watch the fight between Boruto and Iwabee Yuino , which he later intervened as Iwabee decided to break his word . Ultimately, Boruto and Inojin's respective words resonated with Iwabee, ending the fight. The following day, Inojin defended Boruto, saying that he was actually trying to make a name for himself away from his father and did what he did for his friends.

After Boruto's failed attempt at shurikenjutsu caused property damage, Inojin and his friends were punished with repairing the damages to the Hokage Rock . The day after Shikadai had insulted Lee for his problems with anxiety, Inojin, Boruto and Shikadai found Lee, who was acting unusually aggressive. A fight broke out between them, during which Inojin managed to trick his opponent and get him off his guard with the help of his drawings, which he used to simulate Shikadai's shadows.

During a lesson about summoning techniques, Inojin and other boys began bickering with the girls, which Konohamaru broke up. Later during their lunch break, Boruto began to fight with Sarada over who would get the last yakisoba bun. Shino appeared, insisting that they boys and girls settle things with a race challenge for a flag. The challenge quickly got heated, with many of the boys being taken out of the contest until only Boruto, Shikadai, and Inojin were left on their team. Getting desperate, Boruto found a summoning scroll and miraculously summoned a snake-like creature. The creature went on a rampage, attacking the students and launched Chōchō Akimichi off the roof, to which Inojin helped Boruto to save her. After the creature was subdued by the timely arrival of Konohamaru, the contest ended with the girls getting the flag. Despite their victory, the girls made peace with the boys.

After their sensei ends classes early due to the impending Five Kage Summit , Inojin tried to convince his teammates Chōchō and Shikadai to go training with them. However, they both casually shirk their training opting to eat instead and claiming it was too troublesome respectively. Ultimately, he went to the training field alone, but was afraid to confront his upset mother and hid behind a tree instead contemplating how best to approach the situation. Later, the class gained a new transfer student from Otogakure named Mitsuki . Wanting the students to warm up to Mitsuki, Shino organised a welcoming party for the new student. When Shino's efforts for the party backfired with his insects, the class began to freak out, with Denki begging someone to make the insects go away, which Mitsuki did with his Wind Release: Breakthrough , causing even more damage to the Academy.

Later, the class was assigned by Shino to split into groups of three and each tail a different workplace for a few days to better understand non-shinobi life. Inojin joined Lee in gong to the Fire Department. While tailing their work, Inojin watched in embarrassment as Lee's social anxiety caused him to spray a fire-hose about the place randomly. Later, Inojin checked on some of his friends after learning that they were hospitalised from a recent attack. After completing his assignment with the fire department, Inojin and Lee were approached by Shikadai, who recruited them to stop the attacker. Inojin and his friends the met up at the post office to discuss their plan. After splitting up to patrol the village, the culprit of the attacks unleashed their Shadow Spectre on the post chief Komame . Inojin's group however quickly appeared, having anticipated this move as all their recent efforts were clearly being spied on. While half the team stayed to save the possessed Komame, Inojin's half pursued the masked culprit. While the post chief was saved, the spectre and the culprit ultimately got away. When another attack came, the area was closed off. Inojin, along with Denki and Shikadai, wondered where Boruto was, along with the missing Sumire. The following morning, they found Boruto, along with Sumire and Mitsuki in the field. They were soon joined by Sai and his unit, who took Sumire in for question. As Denki asked what happened, Boruto happily brushed it off, saying everything was fine.

Several weeks later, Shino decided to change up the three-man teams for their next challenge to determine the optimum pairings for graduation. Inojin teamed up Chōchō and Shikadai. When Iwabee noted that they were essentially forming the Ino-Shika-Chō trio like their respective parents, the team admitted that their techniques were naturally compatible. Later, Inojin told his friends that his father has gathered files on Academies in other villages, making Shikadai wonder if Sumire was going to leave the Academy. During the team challenge to capture the flag, Inojin distracted Mitsuki long enough to let Shikadai pin Mitsuki down, but escaped with a launched needle. Mitsuki created a distraction long enough for Boruto win the challenge. Shino was then called aside concerning Sumire. As the class began discussing rumours that Sumire was being transferred to a different school, they were relieved to see her return to their class.

### Sarada Uchiha Arc [ ]

Main article: Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring

Upon hearing that he and the rest of the class will be going through graduation exams in a week, Inojin was surprised how little some of his classmates cared about it. Later, Inojin continued his training under his father in artistic ninjutsu, noting that his father's style of drawing is so old-fashioned.

### Naruto Shinden: Parent and Child Day [ ]

Main articles: Naruto Shinden: Parent and Child Day and Parent and Child Day Arc NOTE : In the anime, the events of this arc occur after the Mitsuki Disaperance Arc .

When Konohagakure began a new annual holiday, Parent and Child Day, Inojin spent it with his father. During which, they were accompanied by Shikadai, Metal, and their respective fathers. Later, he and Sai entered an eating competition, which ultimately left them sick from overeating and disqualified. At their home, Inojin laughs on as Sai rests in Ino's lap following the end of Parent and Child Day.

### School Trip Arc [ ]

Main article: School Trip Arc In the anime, to improve relationships with other villages and symbolically show the warring era was over, the Seventh Hokage set up an official class trip for the Academy to go to Kirigakure. Upon arriving, they were met with Kagura Karatachi , who was appointed to act as the class' tour guide. The class was later taken to meet Chōjūrō , the Sixth Mizukage, who welcomed the class to the village. The following night, while waiting for Denki to return from his shopping, Inojin, Boruto, and Shikadai received a message in blood that Denki was kidnapped and the culprits demanded Denki's friends come to the pier.

Once arriving, the culprits were revealed to be Tsurushi Hachiya , and old classmate of Kagura, and his delinquent gang. As they began mocking Kagura's relationship with the Konoha-nin, they attacked the visiting class. During the fight, Hachiya revealed Kagura's dark past as the grandson of the Fourth Mizukage and having his own personal bloodshed reputation from his Academy days. After defeating their enemies, to cheer up Kagura, they inviting him to play a card game with them.

Later, when Boruto and Sarada were acting strangely, Inojin and Shikadai decided to follow them. To their surprise, the instead found Mitsuki talking secretly with Suigetsu Hōzuki . He instructed Mitsuki to not get involved with Shizuma Hoshigaki and his team , but Mitsuki plainly rejected the order. While trying to make sense of this, Inojin and Shikadai were taken by surprise by Suigetsu. While not understanding what was happening, the two nervously agreed to help Mitsuki.

### Graduation Exams Arc [ ]

Main article: Graduation Exams Arc

In the anime, after returning to Konoha, Inojin began photocopying his Super Beast Imitating Drawing instead of drawing them due to finding it exhausting. Using the photocopies in training, Inojin discovered he had lost the ability to maintain the technique. Following his father's advice on the matter, Inojin entered a children's drawing contest but loses to Himawari Uzumaki . Sai offers Inojin vague advice on why he is no longer able to perform the technique, believing it will benefit his son more by discovering the solution on his own. However, Inojins frustration builds which causes him to instead ask his mother to teach him the Mind Body Switch Technique but is unsuccessful when utilising it in a training battle. After discovering an old drawing he made of him and his family together when he was a child, Inojin finds motivation to learn about art and seeks Himawari for help. He then learns from her the importance of putting heart and emotion into his art as he rescues her drawing by finally being able to perform the technique properly again. Later as graduation was nearing, Inojin was interviewed about his goals for the future. He was later also interviewed by " Sukea ", a freelance reporter for an article where he states his desire to be able to continue drawing art whilst making money.

Later, taking up Shino's subtle offer to try stealing the test answers for the written portion of the Genin Exams, Inojin and his friends were able to pass the test. The next day, the students for set against Academy teachers and Kakashi Hatake during the twenty four hour practical portion of the exams. While the teachers would still evaluate the students' respective improvements, their true test was against the Hokage. As the test began, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio fought Anko Mitarashi alongside other students, which resulted in them all being defeated and captured. During the night, his classmates rescued the restrained students after they defeated Anko. Strategising, all the students transformed into copies of Boruto and attacked Kakashi, during which they got into position to restrain him so Boruto could grab his bell. During their struggle, the exam reached its time limit. Despite not getting the bell, Kakashi chose to pass everyone as they succeeded in the test's true goal; team-work and loyalty. Having become a genin, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio was placed on Team 10 under Moegi Kazamatsuri 's leadership.

### Genin Mission Arc [ ]

Main article: Genin Mission Arc

In the anime, the Seventh Hokage personally assigned Team 10 their first mission, which involved chauffeuring around a client. Inojin was annoyed that Chōchō had to carry nothing during it, while he and Shikadai carried the client's shopping around Konoha. Later, Team 10 is tasked with moving rocks off the Thunder Rail , which Inojin does by using his Super Beast Imitating Drawing.

### Byakuya Gang Arc [ ]

Main article: Byakuya Gang Arc In the anime, with the continued thefts performed by the Byakuya Gang throughout Konoha, Team 10 was assigned alongside other genin teams to help stop the thieves. However, they weren't permitted to engage the gang without aid from a higher-ranked shinobi. When protesters began accusing the Kaminarimon Company of corrupt practises, Team 10 was tasked with being stationed at a key point during the protest. When Shikadai ran off during their assignment, Inojin and Chōchō followed him, during which they are joined by Boruto and told that he believed the Ninjutsu Research Centre was being targeted by the Byakuya Gang. Arriving at the institute, the genin discovered it was robbed, and given a way to track the thieves by Katasuke Tōno . Catching up to the gang, Inojin and Chōchō faced the majority of the group while Shikadai and Boruto chased after Gekkō and Ryōgi . Defeating all but one of the thieves, Shikamaru Nara arrived and defeated the final member. Acknowledging that it was an urgent situation, Shikamaru let the pair off the hook for engaging in battle, much to their relief.

### Versus Momoshiki Arc [ ]

Main articles: Boruto: Naruto the Movie and Versus Momoshiki Arc

As Moegi presented the Chūnin Exams application papers to Inojin and his teammates, he and Shikadai had doubts about entering as they considered themselves rookies. Having cold feet about the situation, Moegi resorted to handing the pair letters from their mothers, which frighteningly persuaded them to take part in the exams. Remembering that they organised to meet up with Boruto, the boys hurried off to Lightning Burger . There, the three genin play a video game together. When Boruto offers to give them his data to make the game easier, Inojin reacts with disappointment, along with Shikadai to find that Boruto had been cheating while they were playing.

Following attending the entrance ceremony for the Chūnin Exams, the three raced towards the first exam venue in the time provided in order to not get eliminated. Bypassing all traps and obstacles on their route, the team made it to Exam Venue B. There, the team participated in a true or false question given by Sai, which resulted in all competitors falling into a pit that contained a pool of ink. Having been saved from falling into the ink by Shikadai alongside Chōchō, Team 10 passed the first round. Three days later, for the second round of the exams, Team 10 competed in a game of capture the flag against a Kusagakure team. After subduing an enemy from capturing his flag, Chōchō obtained an enemy team's flag, resulting in their team progressing to the final round of the exams.

On the day of the final round, the event was structured as a one verse one tournament, leading to Inojin being pitted against Araya . Having been defeated, Inojin was eliminated from the exams. He and his team-mates cheered for Boruto when he defeated Shinki to win the tournament, but were shocked when learning that he was caught cheating. When Momoshiki and Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki appeared and began devastating the arena, Inojin used his drawings to assist in the evacuation of civilians. A few days after the attack, Inojin noted their team was getting a lot of work due to Shikadai overdoing his performance during the exams. As Inojin and Chōchō begin to argue, Moegi arrived to give them their mission.

### Chōchō Arc [ ]

Main article: Chōchō Arc In the anime, when the lead actors of a popular TV drama, Tomaru and Ashina received a death threat if they continued filming their show, Team 10 was assigned to protect the actors alongside Team 7. Inojin and his team were assigned to watch Tomaru, which Inojin was upset about, hoping to have been assigned to the beautiful Ashina. Later, a masked attacker managed to capture Tomaru. A ransom was left that demanded 20 million ryō and for Ashina to be the one to deliver it. During the exchange, as Konohamaru already captured the attacker and disguised himself as the Ame-nin, Ashina was revealed to be the mastermind behind the assaults as she desperately wanted to rekindle her fame as an actress. In a last blind effort to keep her fame by burying the truth, she attempted to blow up the area. While Konohomaru stopped her from using them, the explosive tags went off, causing a landslide, which the Konoha-nin quickly saved the spectators from. Afterwards, Ashina was arrested.

### Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc [ ]

Main article: Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc

In the anime, after Mitsuki's apparent betrayal of Konohagakure, the village was put on lockdown. Despite this, Boruto and Sarada decided to sneak out to find Mitsuki. Team 10 was assigned to find and bring back the two genin. The following day, they managed to intercept them. As the two refused to come back peacefully, they created a distraction and then attempted a decoy with Boruto's shadow clones. This succeeded in splitting up Team Moegi between the jōnin and her students. Sarada and Boruto were soon intercepted by their friends, who through Shikadai's strategy easily anticipated Sarada and Boruto's tactics to quickly subdue them. While ready to take them back, Shikadai noticed the snake. Once learning that a message was left on it from Mitsuki, Shikadai realised that the situation had to many inconsistencies to brand Mitsuki a traitor. Wanting to find answers, Shikadai convinced his team-mates to help Boruto and Sarada.

Eventually, they found themselves in a foggy canyon. As they began wondering about aimlessly, they found a large palace, assuming that it must be the Ryūchi Cave. Inside, they found to their surprise a very lavished setting and were greeted by a beautiful young woman. Saying the White Snake Sage was expecting them, the woman invited them to a large feast. As the others began to enjoy themselves, the woman insisted that after they eat, they could ask the sage about Mitsuki. Boruto realised the woman was deceiving them as he never mentioned Mitsuki by name. The woman revealed herself to be a snake creature and the palace and food were but illusions to test the guests. Applauding Boruto's fortitude, she explained that to see the sage, one must past a series of tests, if they fail, the snake servants may eat the guests. As only Boruto wished to speak with the sage, Inojin and the others were separated from him and knocked out. Ultimately, proving his resolve, Boruto passed the other tests.

Once Inojin and the others were reunited with Boruto they met with the White Snake Sage, surprised to see that she was a small and frail-looking reptilian woman. While surprised that someone would risk meeting with her for something other than learning senjutsu, the sage insisted that she couldn't help give answers beyond mastery of senjutsu. Boruto refused to give up, begging the sage to reconsider. Giving in to Boruto's stubbornness, the sage agreed to help analyse Mitsuki's snake only if they first brought to her the Reverse Scale of the giant snake Garaga, who was located in the most dangerous part of the cave. Boruto and the group accepted.

In their journey through the cave, they found several massive stone snake statue before ultimately being attacked by Garaga . The genin attempted to hold their ground but were quickly overpowered by the massive foe. As the rampaging snake attacked Sarada, another massive snake appeared to stop him. After the genin retreated to safety, the other snake appeared again, revealing himself as Aoda , Sasuke's personal summoning. As Aoda made his peaceful intentions known the group explained their goal of acquiring Garaga's Reverse Scale on the request of the White Snake Sage to get her help in finding Mitsuki . Aoda was reluctant as Garaga's savage nature made all other inhabitants of Ryūchi Cave stay clear of him, but nonetheless agreed to help Sarada. Following Shikadai's plan, they were initially able to pin down Garaga after Inojin blinded it with his Super Beast Imitating Drawing, until the rampaging foe used his spit to petrify Chōchō Akimichi .

As Aoda was too battered to continue, Inojin and the others continued their pursuit for the Reverse Scale. Ultimately, Boruto learned Garaga's aggressive nature and disdain for humans came from a past betrayal of one. As Boruto offered the giant snake to enter a summoning contract with him on the grounds that if Boruto failed to make Mitsuki come back, Garaga could eat him. Agreeing this bet, Garaga returned Chōchō to normal and presented himself before the White Snake Sage. Accepting that Boruto upheld his part of the deal, the sage revealed the secret thoughts inside Mitsuki's snake, revealing that Mitsuki feigned killing a guard to save his life. Still unclear why Mitsuki joined the attackers but knowing where he went headed off to the Land of Earth.

As the group began to approach the Land of Earth's border, Shikadai had Inojin and Chōchō to return to the village to report their findings. Along the way, the two found a group of jōnin paralysed on the field. They decided to investigate. Following this, Inojin and Chōchō turned back to help their friends. They arrived in time as they struggled against Kokuyō . The Ino-Shika-Chō trio decided to hold off the artificial man while Boruto and Sarada went on ahead. Despite their perfect team formations, the enemy was able to repel all of them. Ultimately, the trio was forced to retreat. The trio soon after caught up to their friends, where they learned of Mitsuki's betrayal upon attacking Boruto and leaving with the enemies.

While caring for Boruto, Inojin discovered a miniature and imperfect Akuta that became very fond of him. After Boruto awoke, the group discussed whether to return to Konohagakure with their findings, or push forward to find the truth about these new enemies that posed a threat to the peaceful times. Ultimately, it was agreed to go venture on to Iwagakure and retrieve Mitsuki. Boruto suggested that go seek the help of Ōnoki . Upon arriving outside the village, Inojin was chosen to stay behind as the Akuta with them would draw too much attention. While hiding in a cave, realising that the tiny creature didn't like being called an "Akuta", Inojin decided to give it a new name of Akkun , which it liked while Inojin himself became more attached to the creature. Inojin began attempting to teach it his friends' names, but only could refer to them in silly nicknames.

Deciding that they waited long enough, the group decided to look for their friends. They instead found an injured Akatsuchi. They then noticed an explosion. Realising that it could be their friends, Inojin was chosen to take Akatsuchi back to the cave while Sarada and Chōchō went to investigate. Back at the cave, the hideout was found out by Kirara . As she attacked Akkun, Inojin tried to defend it and seal her, only to be subdued by her genjutsu. Inojin was used as a pawn to get close to Boruto and the others, where he quickly subdued his friend.

Inojin was detained himself when the genjutsu was undone. He was brought back with his fellow captured genin and Ōnoki to the village. Once arriving, they learned that all of Iwagakure was taken over by Kū as an extra measure to keep the outside world from learning of their plans. When contorting the second-in-command, he voiced his desire to transplant human hearts into the Fabrications as it would sustain them. Ōnoki however refused on the grounds that it went against the purpose of his goal for saving lives. Deciding that Ōnoki was to sentimental to see the bigger picture, Kū usurped the Third Tsuchikage. Before Kū could move forward with his plan, Shikadai appeared, using a diversion to help his friends escape.

They were soon intercepted by Kokuyō. Inojin and his team-mates decided to face the foe while Boruto and Sarada moved on. Kokuyō's advanced physical prowess quickly adapted to the Ino-Shika-Chō's previously shown attack patterns and forced them back. Using a plan of Shikadai, they were able to lead Kokuyō into a trap. While nearly working, the foe proved to strong and moved in to finish Inojin. Instead, Inojin was saved by the efforts of Akkun. The creature's efforts let Chōchō land the final blow to finish their foe, but not before Akkun was struck down. Inojin held his fallen friend closing, chastising him for being so reckless and wept as the tiny Akuta crumbled into dust. Ultimately, the Fabrications were defeated, thanks to the personal sacrifice of the Third Tsuchikage. While wanting to stay for the funeral, Naruto sent Inojin and his friends back to Konohagakure. Before leaving, Inojin made a grave for Akkun, placing the remains of its mask and a drawing of the Akuta on top.

### One-Tail Escort Arc [ ]

Main article: One-Tail Escort Arc In the anime, with his entire family off from duty for once, they decided to take a fishing trip together.

### Time Slip Arc [ ]

Main article: Time Slip Arc In the anime, Inojin joined the other genin in testing out new surveillance equipment designed to follow their location. During the field test, Urashiki Ōtsutsuki was spotted in the area, Inojin joined several other Konoha-nin in pursuing him. However, this turned out to be division by the alien, who placed a genjutsu on them to let him sneak into the village.

Some time later, after Urashiki was finally defeated, Sumire's transfer from her genin team to the Scientific Ninja Weapons Team came through. From this, Inojin joined his friends in a farewell party for the former class rep. They also met Sumire's replacement for Team 15, Tsubaki Kurogane a samurai student from the Land of Iron .

Following a moment of hesitation during a mission, Inojin asked his parents to help him train his Mind Body Switch Technique. When he failed to stop Chōchō from having potato chips during training, he wanted to stop. Ino and Sai began arguing over how to train him, which escalated to a fight about them. Inojin failed to stop them with the jutsu by force, but was able to take over his mother when he shared his motivation behind wanting to master the jutsu. After Sai hugged her on Chōchō's advice, they stopped fighting. The following day, Inojin treats Chōchō a meal, but takes her over and eats it in her body, showing off to Team 7.

### Mujina Bandits Arc [ ]

Main article: Mujina Bandits Arc

Later, Inojin and his friends opened their Extreme: Shinobi Picture Scrolls card packets together, during which he got a Second Hokage card. In the anime, they then met Tentō Madoka , son of the Fire daimyo. When seeing that Iwabee had a rare Seventh Hokage card that he was looking far, he begged Iwabee to sell it to him, but Iwabee refused. Trying to sway Iwabee, Tentō began buying up Iwabee's favourite hangouts. As Iwabee got angry and was ready to hit Tentō, Boruto Uzumaki stepped in to stop him. He insisted that having a lot of money is nothing special. While Tentō didn't think much Boruto as he wasn't made a trading card yet, Boruto insisted that one day, he will be come a powerful and cool enough ninja to be added to the game. Intrigued by Boruto, Tentō decided to leave Iwabee alone and his friends alone. In the anime, Inojin later learned how to perform Medical Ninjutsu under Sakura Uchiha 's guidance.

### Kara Actuation Arc [ ]

Main article: Kara Actuation Arc In the anime, Inojin was assigned with his team to join Team Shinki to search for Urashiki's remaining puppet in the Land of Wind. On the way to the mission, Inojin's team decided to stop for a bit to eat, where they bumped into Deepa , who casually ignored them. Once inside the restaurant, they were horrified to see that everyone in it was slaughtered, wondering if Deepa was the one responsible. After reporting their findings to Sunagakure, Inojin's team meat up with Shinki's team.

While Shikadai was the highest ranking ninja of the group as a chūnin, they decided to let Shinki lead the way as he knew the area better. Upon discovering the puppet, they were encountered by Deepa, who demanded to be given the puppet. When they refused, he pelted them with a barrage of carbon cubes that even Shinki's Iron Sand Wall couldn't completely resist. Shikadai developed a strategy to detain Deepa long enough for Shinki to strike. While seemingly working, Shinki's Black Iron Fist was completely ineffective against Deepa's super durable body, who swiftly defeated them. Shinki used the last of his strength to destroy the puppet rather than let Deepa have it, and Deepa let them live.

After returning to the village and reporting what happened, Inojin and Chōchō were convinced by Shikadai to help Boruto in his training to defeat Deepa's durable body. Shikadai decided that the key was focusing Boruto's Rasengan's power on a key point. Despite their long hours of effort, they had little success. Ultimately, Inojin had to call it a day as it was getting late and didn't want to face his mother's fury.

Later, after Boruto and his team's victory over Deepa, Inojin and his friends found Denki setting up an experiment to improve radio communications. Inojin and the others decided to help him with the work. It ultimately worked, but failed to maintain stability. Denki however remained determined to improve the technology. Inojin joined everyone in cheering.

When Ino decided to perform a trial run of the newly overhauled sensing system, Inojin was asked to participate, along all other shinobi with sensing skills. He was paired up with fellow clansman Kohan , and learned that his friends Boruto and Shikadai would also participate as mock intruders. During the morning, he underpeformed, and was unable to apprehend a single target. Ino apologised for making him take part in the test when he had little interest in sensing. He confessed to his father he thought his mother was disappointed in him, so Sai explained that her dedication to sensing comes from looking up to her father, who died in the Fourth Shinobi World War. During the afternoon, after Kohan gave him a few pointers, he detected a strange, registered chakra signature. After investigating with Boruto and Shikadai, they discovered a recent addition to the Bingo Book had mimicked a registered chakra signature to avoid detection. Inojin was able to extend his sensing range through his Super Beast Imitating Drawing, and the three were able to capture the intruder. His discovery was deemed valuable and the sensing system was modified to account for it. Inojin asked Ino if she was going to quite Yamanaka Flowers, but she assured him she treasured both jobs, and encouraged him to do what he enjoyed.

### Ao Arc [ ]

Main article: Ao Arc In the anime, Inojin attended the memorial service for the fallen people of the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Later at the Training Hall , Inojin watched Boruto fight the Seventh Hokage alongside other genin.

### Kawaki Arc [ ]

Main article: Kawaki Arc When Team 7 returned from a mission with Kawaki , it was decided that the Hokage would watch over him. As Kawaki began to warm up to Boruto and his family, Inojin eventually met the boy. He and the others began teaching him Extreme: Shinobi Picture Scrolls. Later, Inojin and Shikadai discussed Kawaki's trustworthiness while playing cards, noting how their parents felt about him. Shikadai and Inojin later noticed Boruto and Mitsuki rushing from a distance and wondered what was happening.

Later, after the village was infiltrated and attacked by Jigen , using Kawaki's Kāma as a portal to get in. Naruto was captured by the Kara leader, only to later be saved by Kawaki and Team 7. In the anime, Inojin and Shikadai brought Kawaki some taiyaki while he was recovering in the hospital. Following Kara's attack, the village was put on high alert. Team 10 heard that a village archive was attacked and data was stolen. Inojin noted that according to his mother, there was no tampering with the Sensing Barrier around the village. They realised that this might be an inside job, and decided to investigate. To their luck, they soon found the thief's hideout. They also discovered Kakashi performing his own investigation, who decided to work with the genin. They found the culprit, Koji Kashin , who escaped into the sewers. As Kakashi followed the man, he had the genin report their findings to the officials. Ultimately, Koji was able to escape. While Team 10 was upset at their loss, they did take comfort in knowing they stopped Koji from stealing more data.

While the Ino-Shika-Chō trio were training, they were approached Kara 's chief scientist, Amado Sanzu . Finding him shady, the genin attempted to restrain him. Amado used his tech to easily repel Shikadai's technique and knocked him out with a drug. He strapped a bomb on Shikadai, which was set to go off in 48 hours. Sai and other Konoha-nin the appeared after being alerted by Inojin with the Mind Body Transmission Technique through his mother. Amado asked to talk with Shikamaru, who was given communication via the Ino's telepathic aid. Amado stated firmly that he wished to defect to Konoha, offering his full intel on Kara and its resources, their Ten-Tails , and even on the Ōtsutsuki . Deciding to hear the man out, Naruto ordered the man be brought in for questioning. In the anime, Inojin and Chōchō were assigned to watch over Shikadai in the meantime.

### Chūnin Re-Examination Arc [ ]

Main article: Chūnin Re-Examination Arc In the anime, following Isshiki 's attack, Naruto decided to host another Chūnin Exam to boost morale and promote more chūnin. Inojin passed the first, written exam, and slipped Chōchō answers with his art. While not as invested in becoming chūnin, as being in Shikadai's team already allowed him to take on higher rank missions, Shikadai reminded him that as chūnin, his pay for each mission would also increase. During the second exam, in the Forest of Death , he had to rescue an injured ally within an allotted time limit. Inojin was able to succeed, and was one of 10 genin the pass the exam. He would have to fight an one-on-one battle with one of the other 9 as a final exam.

The following day, as everyone prepared for the finals in their own way, Inojin joined his team-mates for a meal. Afterwards, with Shikadai paying for everyone' meal, it became clear that secretly, Shikadai was eager for his team-mates to advance with him. This prompted Inojin to get more earnest in his preparations. The day of the final exam, the first match pitted Inojin against Hōki Taketori , one of Sai's genin. Hōki quickly disoriented Inojin by turning the arena into a maze, creating blind spots from which he attacked Inojin. Having spent too much chakra, Inojin tricked Hōki into attacking from a known position, putting him on the path of his Mind Body Switch Technique. However, Hōki's Anbu training under Sai allowed him to repel the jutsu and subdue Inojin, winning the match. Inojin's team-mates checked on him, while Hōki helped him up, thanking him for pushing him to give his all. The two shook hands. Inojin took to the stands to watch the remaining matches.

Before the third match, between Chōchō and Sarada, Shikadai found Inojin sulking about his defeat. When Chōchō arrived, distressed at having to fight her best friend, Inojin reminded her of their promise to stand as equals with Shikadai. After Chōchō's loss, while she was happy for her friend, she cried with her team-mates for failing to keep her promise. They consoled her, with Inojin pointing out it would be better for them to be promoted at the same time, so as not to stand out with Shikadai, cheering her up. By the end of the exams, Inojin cheered for his friends as they were officially promoted. Later, Inojin joined his team at Yakiniku Q to celebrate their efforts.

Later, as Kawaki was being tested to earn qualification as a genin, he was put alongside various team, constantly showing poor teamwork. When he was assigned an escort mission alongside Team 10. Inojin wanted to join in fear of Kawaki's poor attitude affecting the team, but was already assigned work with the Konoha Barrier Team.

After he and Chōchō apprehended Jingo Kumano due to out of date information, they helped him develop a new ramen recipe for his restaurant, and rescued him after he was kidnapped over a mix-up with data thieves who were the target of Shikadai's mission.

### Kawaki & Himawari Academy Arc [ ]

Main article: Kawaki & Himawari Academy Arc In the anime, the Academy held a festival, and Inojin attended it, using his shinobi skills to win prizes at a target booth. When the festival received a terrorist threat, he and other former students offered to help deal with the situation. Flying on one of his drawings, he coordinated his friends efforts to remove explosive tags around the area.

### Code's Assault Arc [ ]

Main article: Code Invasion Arc

Following the defeat of Isshiki Ōtsutsuki , Boruto was put indefinitely off active duty to be monitored for his Kāma. Inojin and his friends decided to talk about this, as they were all concerned about Boruto's future. When Kawaki was walking around the village with a glum expression on his face, Team 10 witnessed Kawaki lashing out aloud, which earned him stares and whispers from the villagers, to which Team 10 approached him and encouraged him to not let their opinions of him affect him, stating that since Naruto deemed Kawaki worthy to remain in Konoha, Kawaki shouldn't feel bad about it.

### Omnipotence Arc [ ]

Main article: Omnipotence Arc Later, upon learning of Ada's arrival, interested in meeting her, Team 10 decided to check on her. They arrived at Team 7 acting as surveillance, and when Ada arrived, Inojin, Chōchō, and Mitsuki, were affected by her ability, wishing to get closer to her. Moegi arrived, and angry because they ignored her orders to stay away, decided to punish them with training.

A notice later informed Inojin that Kawaki had gone rogue. Team 10 went to find him. After a flash in the sky switched everyone's memories of Boruto and Kawaki, Team 10 immobilised Boruto, blaming him for killing Naruto. To their confusion, Sasuke rescued Boruto.

## New Era: Part II [ ]

### Boruto's Return Arc [ ]

Main article: Boruto's Return Arc Three years later, Inojin and his team were helping Himawari with her shinobi training. They were still amazed how Himawari continued to view Boruto as a good person who didn't kill her parents and needed her help.

When Code attacked the village, looking for Boruto, he unleashed his Claw Grimes . Inojin joined his team and Himawari to defend the village, taking to the sky on his drawings with Himawari. He picked one grime who targeted Chōchō from behind, but it slashed his ink bird's wing with its tail, the loss of balance throwing Himawari off. Inojin jumped to catch while Kawaki arrive to fight the grime, as their numbers increased.

Once all the grimes were defeated, Team 10 and Himawari joined Kawaki to face Boruto and Code. As Boruto was able to subdue Code an interrogate him for the Ten-Tail's location, another Claw Grime then emerges from Code. As Kawaki strikes it down, Code uses it to teleport away. Shikadai noted that Code may still be in the village. Team 10 and Himawari then went to work looking. They later learned that a Claw Grime had consumed Moegi and transformed into a small tree to contain and steal her chakra. Inojin and his team vowed to free her. When Jura and Hidari invaded Konoha, they met with Team 10, who was with Himawari, having mistaken her for Naruto over the presence of tailed beast chakra in her. Inojin assured Himawari he'd protect her.

Jura quickly recognised who Shikadai was from previous research. The sentient God Tree revealed that he was here for Naruto, yet was instead drawn to Himawari because she somehow had Kurama 's chakra. Deciding to follow through initial direction, Jura ensnared Himawari with his Wood Release. Team 10 used their formation to save her. When Jura suddenly unleashed a powerful Tailed Beast Ball, which Team 10 narrowly deflected safely away, it was decided to leave the village with Himawari, knowing that the enemies wouldn't launch such attacks near Himawari as they desired her now. Ultimately, Jura caught up and grounded them. As Himawari was captured, Inojin tried to save her, only be impaled by Jura's Wood Release. The sight of this caused Himawari to unleash a new power and break free, revealing herself as the new Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Using her newfound power, Himawari healed Inojin and his team-mates took him away from the battle for safety.

After the God Trees retreated, Inojin was brought to the hospital, where he was looked over by Sakura, proclaiming him fine as he slept.

### Matsuri and Ryū Arc [ ]

Main article: Matsuri and Ryū Arc By the time Team 7 returned from the Land of Wind with the Thornsoul of Moegi's Human God Tree Matsuri , Inojin had fully recovered. He witnessed Konohamaru, along with his team and Himawari, freeing Moegi. Teams 10 and 7 would then accompany Moegi to the hospital, where it was confirmed that Moegi would be fine.

### Mamushi Arc [ ]

Main article: Mamushi Arc After Inojin visited Himawari’s home to deliver her favourite rare honey, he was confronted by one of Koji's toads . The toad initiated a conversation, noting Injoin's romantic interest toward Himawari, which greatly flustered Inojin. From this, it asked Inojin if he desired to protect her. Inojin confirmed without hesitation. Immediately, Inojin was transported to Koji, who formally introduced himself alongside Boruto. Both requested Inojin’s assistance, assuring him that they would safely return him to Konoha. Inojin performed the Mind Body Transmission Technique , which enabled Koji to secretly communicate with Shikamaru during a meeting with the village elders.

Following the meeting, Inojin expressed concern that he had violated several protocol by facilitating the secret communication. Koji reassured him that the situation allowed no alternative against their enemies and declared that Inojin was now part of their group. Boruto then instructed Inojin to consider what he needed to fight, he concluded in order for him to protect Himawari both power and resolve were necessary to defeat Jura.

Later, Inojin helped Koji contact Shikamaru again. Koji explained how the Human God Tree, Mamushi , would attack the village soon. He warned everyone about his Division ability and how to best deal with it. When Inojin suggested they attack Mamushi before he arrives in the village, Koji said facing him in the village would be their best chance to defeat Mamushi because he would be more restricting in battle, fearing damage to Konoha and angering Jura, who came to enjoy the village's environment. Koji then tells Inojin that he needed to master a new technique, a superior version of the Mind Body Transmission Technique, within just 2 days before Mamushi arrives in Konoha, as he believed this new jutsu will be a key factor in defeating Mamushi. Puzzled, Inojin expressed his doubts about being able to master a new jutsu in such a short time. Koji then reveals to him that it is a jutsu he had created on his own in an alternate timeline to avenge Himawari, therefore it is well within his potential. Motivated by this, Inojin vowed to learn it in just a single day in order to prevent a tragic future for Himawari. Afterwards, Inojin connected Shikamaru to Konohamaru, who admitted to the Jōnin that he freed Boruto and was working with Koji and asked Konohamaru to help them.

A day has passed, and Inojin has seemingly completed his new jutsu. Upon receiving praise from Boruto, Inojin retorts that he does not accept Boruto as a comrade, and he is only cooperating to defend Himawari and the village. Boruto responds that he will shave Inojin's head completely bald if he ever makes Himawari cry, which baffles Inojin. Later, Inojin questions Koji's decision to only relay bits and pieces of intel, despite being aware about the future. Koji explains the basis of being a singularity of fate to Inojin, revealing that in order to keep things headed towards an ideal future, he must be careful with what information shares and who he shares it to, as any change in emotion or decision caused by one's awareness of future can cause that future to branch out in unpredictable and complex ways, which negates the advantage of Ten Directions. Inojin resolves to see things through as he agrees with Koji that they should work to avoid a future where Ada and Himawari die.

In the following days, Inojin was able to complete his Mind Body Transmission Formation with Koji's guidance. As Inojin made it clear that he still didn't forgive Boruto for his "betrayal", Boruto simply retorted, now knowing about Inojin's feelings for Himawari, that if he ever hurt the girl's feelings, Boruto would make him pay, leaving Inojin baffled. As Boruto went to collect his modified sword from Sumire, Inojin asked Koji why they don't include more people on the future knowledge. He explained to Inojin how too many people knowing the future and in to great a detail can make people unintentionally act in ways that would take them off correct path to the desired future.

Soon after, Mamushi arrived in the village. Inojin used his new technique to help Shikamaru assemble his secret team of Konoha-nin that acknowledged Boruto as an ally. As it was explained the nature of the Human God Tree's Division ability to mask his chakra signature, it was revealed that Inojin's new technique would anyone connected to the technique to act as receivers to perceive the specific vibration frequency of any target, Inojin was instructed to work closely with Shikamaru to detect and relay the locations of the Mamushis to the others. As the unified teams began keeping the Mamushis in check, Inojin cheered in joy.

As the pressure on Mamushi continued, the Human God Tree replicated himself into the hundreds, concerning Inojin. Soon, it was learned that Fire Daimyō 's chief advisor, Kobu , had deduced that Shikamaru was responsible for letting Boruto escape capture. As the advisor began questioning the acting Hokage, Koji instructed Inojin to use his Mind Body Switch Technique on Kobu via Koji's toad. Upon doing so, acting as Kobu, Inojin excused himself from the meeting. Koji then instructed Inojin to take Kobu to the roof, where Koji told Inojin to make Kobu jump off the roof. As Inojin was horrified by this request, Koji coldly told the boy they need to keep Shikamaru in power as Hokage. Suddenly, multiple Mamushis appeared before Kobu. Taking matters into his own hand, Koji made his toad on Kobu attack the Mamushi, provoking them into attack the advisor.

As the Mamushis attacked, Koji warned Inojin to break the connection or his mind would die with his target, but the boy refused to let an innocent man die, struggling to get Kobu to safety. Ultimately, Koji forcibly broke the connection. As Inojin asked how Koji was able to do that, the man instead instructed Inojin resume his Mind Body Transmission Formation for the sake of his friends. Inojin agreed and did so.

Ultimately, as the Mamushis reached the hundreds, it was decided to lure them to Ada, where they could work with Daemon to finish them all off at once. As the Mamushis were brought to Ada, who flew off to draw them all together, it was decided to rely on Sarada's Ōhirume for the final strike once the numbers were reduced enough. As Daemon and the Konoha team began their counterattack, quickly depleting the numbers, Inojin kept track of said numbers. Ultimately, as the Mamushis were down to under 50, Sarada made her finishing move, but it failed as Sarada fainted from overusing her Mangekyō Sharingan . To Inojins horror, the remaining Mamushis, now filled with survival instinct, multiplied into the thousands.

As the Mamushis continued their relentless pursuit of Ada, Inojin asked Koji for future advice, only for the man to reveal that has no conscious control over his foresight as it is randomly activated. As Inojin was furious to learn that Koji was leading them blindly into battle against Mamushi, he realised that Koji's teaching him of Mind Body Transmission Formation was to guide events to this moment. Also realising he was key to stopping Mamushi, Inojin was summoned to the field. With it deduced that the Divisions shared a hive mind, Inojin transferred his mind into a Mamushi, subsequently taking control of all the Mamushis with their reduced intelligence. He then called to Daemon, getting his attention as he directed killing intent on Daemon. This made Daemon reflect it back on the Mamushis and destroy their eyes, the only means for Mamushi to continue dividing. Because of the Mind Body Switch Technique still being in affect, Inojin's eyes were also destroyed, although they were restored by Himawari. Following this, all the Mamushis collapsed and disintegrated.

As Mamushi's Thornsoul Bulb appeared, Boruto took it and teleported away.

## In Other Media [ ]

### Video Games [ ]

Inojin Yamanaka is a playable character in the following video games:

## Trivia [ ]

- Various settei from before and after becoming a genin zigzag his height, from 144 cm, 147 cm, 152.2 cm, and back to 147 cm.
- According to the movie's light novel adaptation, Inojin's role-playing character, when he plays with Shikadai and Boruto, is a white mage.
- According to character trivia from Boruto: Naruto Next Generations :
- Inojin's hobbies are painting/drawing and playing first-person shooter games.
- His favourite foods are cheese and takoyaki .
- His least favourite foods are fatty meats.
- His attributes are: 100 in intelligence, 120 in negotiations, 126 in dexterity, 80 in strength, 160 in perception, and 140 in chakra.
- He was also given a skill rating in these particular areas:
- Espionage: ★★★☆☆
- Art of Conversation: ★★★☆☆
- Medical Ninjutsu: ★★☆☆☆

## References [ ]