I'll start by saying there seems to be two Ino Yamanakas in the manga. One is the Sasuke fangirl. If fans hate Ino, it is usually because of this version that existed mostly in Part 1. This character was underdeveloped, immature, and generally annoying. She served no other purpose than to fangirl Sasuke and be The Rival for Sakura. Which would be somewhat acceptable if Sasuke didn't treat her like she had a disease. While Sasuke tolerated Sakura, he seemed to loathe Ino at best, and at worst, barely acknowledge her existence. This made her interest in Sasuke seem pathetic and silly. Tenten had about as much impact in Sasuke's world as Ino. So her crush did nothing for the character. Even though she seems to have outgrown it, she occasionally lapses like during the Kage Summit.
The other Ino is the Ino of Team 10 and Sakura's friend. We first saw hints of this character when Ino and Sakura fought and we learned how Ino protected Sakura against her bullies. Then when she rooted for Shikamaru during the Chuunin exams. Now this is the Ino I love. This is the girl who grew to be an important part of Team 10 and basically a sister to Shika and Choji. Of all the teams, Team 10 probably has the strongest bond and best teamwork. For all the war's faults, and there are many, Kishi at least got it right with by showcasing Team 10's teamwork and Ino's improvement. She'll never be the star Shikamaru is or as strong as Choji, but now I don't feel she is portrayed as weak. She gives Shikamaru motivation and Choji confidence; Team 10 could not operate without her.
As for her love life, does it really matter? But I guess it does slightly more for Ino since Asuma told her not to lose in love to Sakura. The best guy for her is probably Shikamaru. They do have a great chemistry and look good together. There is a reason ShikaIno is still Ino's biggest pairing in fandom. Heck, ShikaIno seems way more popular in Japan than NaruHina judging by fanart. But I just can't see Kishi not pairing him with Temari. Sai? The Sai thing seemed to be Kishi's way of trying to have him step in Sasuke's shoes as a heartthrob. It didn't work. Having Ino compare him to Sasuke was a way to establish his looks to the audience. And to setup a joke by Sai at Ino's expense. It has never been mentioned again and they haven't interacted since. Choji? This seems her most likely match, but I wonder if it ruins the Ino-Shika-Cho dynamic? It is also interesting there is very little fanfic and fanart with them. Most obscure crack parings have bigger fandoms than InoCho. There just seems to be something flat about this pairing.
Ino might be better off alone and let the fans imagine who she ended up with.
Edited by Deej, 04 September 2012 - 03:34 AM.