I love how it's kind of the opposite of Arya and Joffrey, they could be baddies but instead end up being good people. Instead of Hinata saving Sasuke, he ends up corrupting her further and they have an epic bloody romance of destruction. Jesus. XD

I think the team combination was really cool for Ino-Shika-Cho but they won't be able to team up and do it as they grow older and apart. I think if Shikamaru and Sakura could utilize each other's strengths, it would be a sight to behold. It would be cool if Kakashi could teach Sakura some stuff (urgh my inner shipper cries) ahem...though for my sake it might be best to summarize said training. I still think Shikamaru also aiding Sakura in the Chunin Exam prep would be nice of him.

I do remember Sage Mode. I only recall seeing it like once though. I was more into the ability to summon cool beasts. Totally not like Pokemon haha. But I think he summoned the toad then kinda fused with it? He could come back knowing that, though he still is a Genin technically, he better take the Exam ASAP though I still assume so is Ino (and Sakura).