As a member of Team 7, Sai was a strong presence throughout the course of Naruto after Sasuke ran away and left the ninja team lacking a member. There was no mistaking the connection that formed between Ino and Sai during the events of the series, eventually resulting in their son Inojin. Inojin in many ways has traits from his mother, including her features and Mind Transfer abilities. However, this genin has set himself apart in both talent and personality as he works alongside his own Team.
Ino is a diligent mentor who shares a lot of qualities with her son Inojin, although there are many things that set them apart. Inojin innovates and interacts with his friends in a way that completely sets himself apart from Ino and Sai, establishing his own character that is not only valuable but efficient in battle.
10 Similar: Ino-Shika-Cho Trio
Much like his mother and predecessors before him, Inojin was placed into a team with members of the Akimichi and Nara clans. The Ino-Shika-Cho formation has lasted seven generations, and is easily one of the most formidable team combinations in Konoha. Inojin takes over Ino's previous role in the trio and receives the same earrings that each of the Ino-Shika-Cho teams gets upon being inducted as a genin.
Generally, Inojin takes much of his appearance and style from his father. However, there is a nostalgic aspect to watching the new Team 10 go through the same growing stages as the former Team 10 in Naruto.
9 Different: Innovative Style
Even though Sai's style is present in much of Inojin's fighting technique, the genin shows much of his own personality through his drawings. Referring to his father's art style as outdated, Inojin is constantly trying to innovate his art and technique to create a seamless ability in combat. This escalates to the point of adding color and various customizations to common drawings that Sai uses. Inojin tries to make his drawings not only express emotion, but appear more lifelike as well.
Additionally, Inojin uses jutsu in a myriad of situations. Where Ino would stick to a particular formation or tradition, Inojin prefers to experiment with strategies to find what works best for any given situation.
8 Similar: Yamanaka Clan Technique
The Yamanaka Clan's secret technique is considered one of the most debilitating in Naruto, with the power to disable Obito's control over the Ten Tails during The Fourth Great Ninja War. Ino was essential to communicating hand signs and orders coming from Shikamaru and other commanders to the Allied Shinobi Force divisions. She saved countless lives with her ability.
Inojin's grandfather Inoichi was also the leader of the Intelligence Unit. He oversaw intel that passed through thousands of ninja, creating a powerful precedent for Inojin to learn the Clan's signature Jutsu.
7 Different: Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu, or sword abilities, is something that Inojin also masters during combat. Ino herself doesn't have much physical strength or dexterity, almost never being seen in direct combat or hand-to-hand combat. Rather, her intelligence-based abilities make her unique.
On the other hand, Inojin adapted the use of Sai's sword and made his own technique from it. In doing so, he gained the ability to fight close range with opponents even when in the Ino-Shika-Cho formation.
6 Similar: Team Motivator
Fans of Naruto will remember many story arcs revolving around the previous Team 10's issues with motivation. In these moments, Ino was the major source of energy out of the three. While Choji and Shikamaru were laidback and preferred to procrastinate, Ino would force the group to partake in various schemes and plans.
Inojin is very similar to his mother in this respect. Often, he's the first to suggest training on the group's Ino-Shika-Cho formation or to spar with each other for upcoming battles.
5 Different: Blunt Observation
Ino spent a great deal of time nurturing and caring for Inojin's development and growth as a person. Yet many of Sai's more endearing traits often make an appearance throughout the series as well. Much of Sai's personality revolves around his inability to perceive many conversations. This results in his tendency to be blunt or callous with others unintentionally.
Inojin possesses these keen observation skills, but doesn't spend time working around subjects like Ino does in conversation or disputes. Even when dealing with Boruto Uzumaki, Inojin is very upfront about his distrust of the other genin and states that Boruto abuses his power. Inojin is more blunt than Ino, closer to his father's demeanor.
4 Similar: Medical Ninjutsu
Ino picked up medical ninjutsu later in her ninja career thanks to thanks to Sakura's mentorship, and displayed an eager talent to learn and save the lives of others. During medical training, Inojin also displayed the same ability to perform Medical Ninjutsu on various items. He completed several trials that required obvious talent in this field.
Not only does Inojin have the talent for healing, but also reserves the Yamanaka spirit of stubbornness in this area. He constantly practices techniques and styles of Ninjutsu to perfect his form.
3 Different: Sai's Technique
Inojin inherited his mother's technique and fighting style; however, most of his jutsu revolves around his father's style of artistic creation. Using Beast Scrolls and drawing fantastical creatures to fight in battle, Inojin mimics Sai's behavior and style by getting assistance from drawings and other forms of battle companions.
Ino's style involves more long-range fighting that relies heavily on the physical and mental strength of her two teammates, Choji and Shikamaru. Inojin doesn't really align with this. While working with Chocho and Shikadai, Inojin instead prefers to use a more flexible style that accommodates the personality and fighting abilities of his comrades.
2 Similar: Clan Appearance
Sharing many traits with his mother, Inojin bears several key traits of Yamanaka Clan members in his appearance. The key features of blond hair, pale skin, and light blue eyes with no visible pupils are commonplace in the clan. Both Ino and her son display these traits.
Additionally, the color scheme of most of Inojin's wardrobe matches his mother, with many shades of purple, grey, and black – the Yamanaka Clan colors. Additionally, his matching earrings denote his place in the Ini-Shika-Cho formation.
1 Different: Cooperation
Fans of Ino are familiar with her quick temper and grudges that she holds against rivals like Sakura Haruno. This aspect is missing from her son's personality. Inojin almost never creates a grudge between himself and others in Konoha. Instead, he speaks honestly and creates bonds with the teammates around him.
Perhaps this is due to Inojin not being obsessed with a cold and distant love interest, like his mother was. Whatever the reason, many of Inojin's compassionate traits oppose and complement Ino's behavior.