Winner: Shikamaru
Kakashi looked at Hinata sitting in the main seat with a smiling expression—it was obvious he fully supported this kind of judgment.
"Tch~ not worth arguing about~ you've had this planned for a while, haven't you?"
Resting his chin in his hand, Shikamaru looked at Hinata with obvious irritation, though his eyes showed he had no real objection to the punishment.
"Then, here is the final ruling: Shikamaru will play the new character, 'Madam Higan.' While there's a possibility of future role changes, for now~ you'll need to learn the Seduction Jutsu from Naruto."
Speaking slowly and deliberately, Hinata's words made Naruto scratch his cheek awkwardly.
"I mean, sure, I have company now, but I'm really not feeling it…"
"But! Please wait! Why do the boys always have to play the female roles?!"
Finally unable to hold it in, Ino looked at Hinata imploringly, her tone full of protest. "I mean, Sakura and I are actual girls, right?!"
"Exactly~ making boys act as girls—it just feels creepy and perverted no matter how you look at it~!"
Sakura chimed in without hesitation, clearly teaming up with Ino. These two girls—who had shared their first kiss with each other—were now united, clearly determined to seize the lead female role.
"Ugh~ Sakura ┭┮﹏┭┮…"
Naruto took a direct hit, being called a pervert, and bit his sleeve with teary eyes like a helpless victim, causing Hinata to rub her forehead in frustration.
Pop!—another corn kernel in Hinata's hand exploded. Shaking her head, she picked up another from the plate and spoke calmly, "You're not wrong. But even you girls would have to use Transformation Jutsu to fit the role. So in that sense, it's no different from the boys playing the part. Naturally, whoever fits the role best gets the part."
"Agreed. In casting, the most fitting performance should determine who plays the role."
Shino, now a loyal right-hand man, gently pushed up his glasses and offered his suggestion thoughtfully, "But words are meaningless without proof. If you don't mind, I think we should do a simple role-casting trial. It would help decide the best fit and soothe everyone's emotions."
Pop~! Another kernel burst in Hinata's hand. With a frown, she picked up yet another and muttered, "Personally, I think this is a total waste of time… but fine. Since we're a team, it's important to respect everyone's wishes. However—Sakura, Ino—you both need to understand: if you lose the casting, I don't want to hear any more complaints or slander about role assignments. Got it?"
BOOM!!
This time, the kernel exploded with a much louder bang. Startled, Ino and Sakura quickly bowed their heads.
"Yes~ we understand."
Well well~~ it did seem like a perfect solution.
But...
Kakashi gave Sakura's dried-squid figure and Ino's totally-flat chest a glance, then mentally compared them to the double-S curves of the female Naruto from memory. The white-haired jonin quietly made up his mind.
"So first up~ Shikamaru's new role: 'Madam Higan.' Key features: black courtesan kimono, long straight black hair, tall with curvaceous figure, smokes, lazy, seductive aura. Judges: Choji, Shino, and our photographer. Highest score is 10 points each. Shikamaru and Ino will transform and be compared."
Reclining in her seat, Hinata held up the photo from Shikamaru's previous transformation and showed it to everyone.
"This is the look we're aiming for. I'll also ask in-character questions. Both of you will answer based on instinct. Whoever feels more fitting gets the higher score. Understood?"
"Tch~ what a pain~"
"Alright! I won't lose!"
"Understood. We'll judge fairly."
Everyone got to work prepping their equipment. Not that there was much to prep—just some cardboard scoreboards. Since they were using Transformation Jutsu, there was no need for makeup or costume changes.
Soon, Ino and Shikamaru stood at the center of the hall, while Choji and the other two judges sat behind a low table. Hinata scanned them both and, after confirming they were ready, nodded.
"First up, appearance. Shikamaru, Ino, transform into Madam Higan."
"Hmph~ if I lose to you as a woman, all my tea and flower arrangement lessons were for nothing~!"
Smirking at the scowling Shikamaru, Ino quickly formed hand seals and shouted.
"Transformation Jutsu!"
"Tch~ I really don't wanna do this… but whatever…"
Knowing he couldn't forfeit, Shikamaru sighed and raised his hands.
Transformation Jutsu.
Poof!
With twin puffs of smoke, two nearly identical figures appeared in the hall—exactly as Hinata described. A beautiful, regal courtesan in a black kimono trimmed in gold, elaborate hairpins in her high-styled hair, and a full, mature figure like a ripe fruit.
"Hmm~~ both transformations are very well done~"
Hinata nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the judges. "Alright, time to score the looks. First up, Ino."
Proudly puffing out her chest, Ino showed off her transformed figure with confidence.
"Hmm~~ outfit details, natural expression, and accessory precision—all excellent. I'll give both a perfect ten."
Kakashi spoke sincerely, raising his 10-point sign. As a humble ninja, he clearly saw great potential in these kids.
"Ah~~ Ino's transformation is very pretty, but… I dunno…"
Munching on chips, Choji seemed hesitant.
"It's just… kinda too serious… like a statue in a temple or something…"
"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?!"
Ino flared up, but Shino calmly adjusted his sunglasses and added.
"Choji's right. Ino's transformation is flawless. But that's the issue—everything, from the outfit to the posture, is so precise, it feels like a shrine idol, not a courtesan from the red-light district."
The room went quiet for a moment, everyone clearly stunned. Hinata furrowed her brows too. It was true—in Ino's transformation, everything was so prim and proper that she came off as stiff, lifeless—like a wax figure, not a living, breathing courtesan.
"Tch~ what a pain…"
Shikamaru, leaning on his elbow and looking dead inside, muttered as his transformed version of the courtesan showed more looseness. His kimono collar was open at an angle, his hairpins and bun slightly messy—but paired with his disinterested expression… hmm…
Sharing a look, Choji and Shino each raised their scoreboards: Ino—9, Shikamaru—10.
"Heh, looks like in terms of appearance, Shikamaru's in the lead."
Pop!—another corn kernel burst in Hinata's hand. She smiled with interest.
"Alright, now let's see who's got more charm. Listen carefully—I'll ask a question. You must both answer simultaneously."
Clearing her throat, Hinata adopted a sultry tone. "It's been years since we last met, Madam Higan. Might I share a drink with you tonight?"
No question, this was a very suggestive line. Ino and Shikamaru glanced at each other and answered at the same time.
"Please mind your manners, sir~"
"Tch~ what a pain~"
"..."
The hall fell silent for a few seconds once again. But this time, it was obvious. All three judges held up their boards: Ino—9, Shikamaru—10.
"For a jaded and weary courtesan, Shikamaru's vibe really fits better, don't you think?"
Shaking her head, Hinata felt genuinely disappointed in Ino. A courtesan replying with "Please mind your manners"? Seriously? She totally missed the point. Meanwhile, Shikamaru's lazy "what a pain~" came across like a masterstroke of subtle allure.
Face pale, Ino canceled her transformation and sat down quietly, utterly defeated. Losing in femininity to a guy—even though she was a real girl—was a serious blow. Yup~ textbook loser arc.
"Alright, next up is the female lead: the fox spirit Ahri—yes, that's the name. Contestants are Sakura and Naruto. Please step forward."
Ignoring the dazed expressions of both Shikamaru and Ino, Hinata quickly moved on. Sakura and Naruto obediently stepped to the center of the hall.
This time, no introductions were needed. The two of them immediately transformed. When the smoke cleared, two identical fox spirit Ahri figures stood before them.
"Hmm~~ visually, both are flawless… So, it's down to who can convey more emotion."
Hinata gave them both a long look, then decided quickly. "Let's settle it with a single test. You two—cry. Let's see who does it better."
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(If you find some wrong names or terms that are misleading you can chapter comment tham.)