Template:Infobox Character (fixed)Ino Yamanaka is a kunoichi of Konohagakure's Yamanaka clan and a former member of Team 10. She is a childhood friend of Sakura Haruno, helping her develop her own identity. When they discovered they both liked Sasuke Uchiha, their friendship ended. The two eventually make amends and rekindle their friendship, but still retain a competitive attitude towards each other. In the anime, when Sakura begins to excel in healing techniques, Ino becomes her surrogate apprentice, hoping to be more useful to her friends and teammates as a capable medical ninja. In terms of combat abilities, Ino specializes in mind-altering techniques. To use these techniques, Ino transfers her consciousness to her opponent's mind, gaining control over their body which she can then use to attack others. In the series epilogue, Ino ended up marrying Sai and they have a son Inojin. In the Japanese anime, her Japanese voice actress is Royoka Yuzuka, and her voice actress in the English adaptation is Colleen O'Shaughnessey.
Background
Early Life
Ino and Sakura as children.
Ino was born the only child of Inoichi Yamanaka and was a popular student during her time in the Academy. There, she met Sakura Haruno, who was teased by the other kids due to her large forehead. Ino defended Sakura from the bullies and encouraged her to embrace her forhead rather than hide it, becoming good friends with her. Over the following years, Ino's guidance and friendship helped Sakura become more confident and develop into her own person. However, when Sakura found out they had a crush on the same boy, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura approached Ino and informed her of her liking towards Sasuke. Ino took it to end their friendship, starting their dislike towards each other in the beginning of the series.