Shikamaru Hiden

Shikamaru HidenKonoha 一、8-20, [chapter one] 二、20-33, [chapter two] 三、33-43, [chapter three] 四、43-54, [chapter four] 五、54-654, [chapter five] 六 、65-74, [chapter six] 七、75-85, [chapter seven] Country of Silence 一、88-98, [chapter eight] 二、98-108, [chapter nine] 三、109-118, [chapter ten] 四、118-127, [chapter eleven] 五、127-137, [chapter twelve] 六 、137-147, [chapter thirteen] 七、147-156, [chapter fourteen] Shikamaru 一、158-169, [chapter fifteen] 二、169-181, [chapter sixteen] 三、181-199, [chapter seventeen] 四、200-210, [chapter eighteen] The End 212-222 [chapter nineteen] Translator’s Note: Okay first thing’s first, I would like to make it clear that I am just translating this. I repeat: translating. This is not my writing, and I’ve tried to edit my translation as little as possible to keep to the tone of the original writer. Which, tbh, is a little blunt and choppy and cheesy. I call ‘em like I see 'em. Second thing, a great big thank you to drowninglinguists for proofreading my grammar/sp. Lol translating from Japanese fries my brain, so I can’t think in English for a while. And a big thank you to therewithasmile for linking me to the raws~! <3 you are both stars Third thing, this chapter’s mostly recap and exposition, and while I wasn’t sure about how I felt towards Shikamaru’s characterisation in the beginning, I warmed up towards it more in the end. The main reason I translated this was bc I was interested in what we see of Shikamaru’s identity crisis, so, yeah. That’s everything out of the way. Read on~ Konoha Chapter One Since when did I stopsaying things were troublesome…? That was the thought passing through Shikamaru’s head as hegazed up at the blue sky. Even though the wind wasn’t that strong, thin cloudswere hurrying along one after another, passing in and out of his line of sight.Their flustered state seemed similar to Shikamaru’s own. He laughed derisivelyat himself for the thought. At any rate, he was busy. Two years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, the world wasfinally starting to regain its stability. The Kage Alliance that had come intoexistence when the war broke out had continued to this day, and the world of Shinobi was drastically different than it used to be. The alliance might have started between the five hidden villages, but after the war, small neighbouring countries started to declare their participation in the alliance as well. It had come to the point the organisation that had started out as an alliance was developing into a Shinobi Union, one that involved every shinobi in each participating nation. Contracts that had been undertaken individually by villages prior to the union’s existence were now being brought towards the Shinobi Union collectively. Each village who participated in the union had shinobi representatives assigned to every other village for discussing negotiations over contracts. In this way equilibrium of labour between villages was guaranteed, the disparity between villages was revised and the Shinobi World could finally greet the era of peace with open arms. “Haa…” Shikamaru’s sigh disappeared up into the sky. His back was absolutely freezing thanks to lying down on the cold stone floor beneath him, and if he stayed like this, then he was probably going to end up catching a cold. But he had his reasons for not getting up. Work was waiting for him. So much work it wasn’t even funny. It was only because Shikamaru was intending on a short break that he was allowing himself to laze around in the afternoon like this to begin with. But he also knew that the moment he so much as sat up, his mind would slip back into Shikamaru was perfectly aware that he wouldn’t get another chance to rest like this again. Now. Shikamaru on the other hand. That was the name of the current Hokage. there wasn’t a single person in the Shinobi World who didn’t know his name. Tsunade. The other. Hiruzen. There was the Third who had died during Orochimarui’s Konoha Crush plot. Kakashi. The Fifth was a legend along with Jiraiya and Orochimaru. stubbornly intent on resting as long as he could. Shikamaru didn’t intend to move an inch from this spot. In order from the left. the face of the man who was the current Hokage could be found carved next to Tsunade’s. as well as the bridge of his nose. The teacher of the two who had lead the way to victory during the war. Even though that symbol’s face was supposed to be carved into the mountain as a commemoration. saying they were ‘heroes of legend’ but in reality none of the three were really types to fit the term “legend”. The Hokage was a symbol of Konoha. there was the first generation’s Hashirama. he refused to move despite the cold. while certainly a man who got things done during a crisis. turned back to his usual role when it came to everyday life: a no-good adult who didn’t feel like doing much of anything.work mode. There were all past Hokage. It was a position that couldn’t be obtained unless you were acknowledged by every single shinobi in the village. ‘This spot’ was the roof of the Hokage Residence. was far from star-struck. and then the ‘Yellow Flash’ Namikaze Minato. There were fans who adored and fawned over the three. to still keep the bottom half hidden under a mask… Hatake Kakashi. You could see generations of Hokage’s faces carved into the mountain parallel to the round roof Shikamaru was sprawled out on. while the rest of his well-defined features were hidden under a mask. knowing both the man and his students personally. And so. And when that happened. The other two heroes had similar problems as well. one of the three Sannin. It was because the rest of the world didn’t know about the hopeless sides of those three that they were being hailed as ‘living legends’. One was an abysmal idiot. “What am I even doing…?” . abysmally stubborn. A pair of sleepy looking eyes peeking out from underneath wire-like hair could be seen. then his brother Tobirama. Until somebody found him out. The words left Shikamaru’s mouth without him really thinking about it. That was Shikamaru’s dream. you’d be wrong too. On rainy days. Shikamaru. then at least there’d come a day where you would win against them. If you said he wanted to be one of those ninja who practiced vigorously to improve their ninjutsu. you’d be wrong. either. after an average elderly prime… Well. He wanted to be an average ranked ninja who’d have an average job. If you said he wanted to be someone with a high rank in encryption or in medical surgery. they had to have a weakness somewhere. He never wanted to be one in the first place. If the thing you were fighting was a human being. reality callously kept sending him towards the exact sort of fate he did not want. He certainly never thought about studying medical ninjutsu and becoming a specialist in the vanguard back-up. issued right from the bottom of his stomach. who . ever defeat. either. hadn’t they? You can win against an opponent in front of you. However… Reality is an opponent without substance that you can never. No stress. He himself was the type of person who would never become anything close to a hero. lying down like this and watching the sky. and yet all the shinobi had focused their powers together and won against them. marry an average wife and have an average child. On days with good weather. and then. No matter how Shikamaru kept wishing and wanting otherwise. Was there any greater happiness to be found than in a life plan like that? He didn’t think so. The bastard called “reality” was a really tough opponent. seeing the clouds floating past and taking your thoughts with them. everything came to an end one day. Wasn’t that a wonderful sort of life? “Haaa…” It was a deep sigh. There would be no pressure from people’s expectations. He just…wanted everything to be average. having shougi pieces as your company would be more than enough. Even if they were a god-like person. The enemies in the war had been abominations. It was a really unwelcome evaluation. He hadn’t intended on such on evaluation. one that he’d been forced into entering by his teacher’s. the Five Kage’s consultations. The Chuunin Exams. Sarutobi Asuma’s. They used him for everything. His kagemane jutsu’s success had greatly shocked his opponent. even though he didn’t want to succeed at anything. a sassy kunoichi carrying an absurdly large fan that created giant gusts of wind. It was the kind of situation where Shikamaru felt that yelling ‘what have you done?!’ would have been more than appropriate. His fatal mistake had been in the part of the exam where genin were paired off to fight against each other. started by the villages of the Five Kage and including even the genin of other small countries. for some reason Shikamaru was promoted to the rank of chuunin. In the midst of the chaos of Orochimaru’s plotting and the Third’s death. was now someone the Shinobi Union couldn’t do without. And ever since then. Amongst all the applicants.had wished so badly to be ‘average’. . The examiners approved of Shikamaru accepting that he was cleanly defeated. Shikamaru’s life plan had started to slip out of his grasp. It was an examination he hadn’t wanted any part in. it was Shikamaru himself who threw in the towel. insistence. All the jobs taken on by each nation’s Daimyo and citizens had to be classified from A to D rank. his surroundings kept pushing him until he rose above others. even though he fought and fought against it. as well as to everyone in the village looking at him differently. Being a Chuunin included leading subordinates. That was why the ability to precisely analyse one’s situation was the one most highly valued. and gave him the highest evaluation. hadn’t felt the slightest desire for one either. He had so much work. to the point where he even ended up being a shougi partner for the old Tsuchikage. “The Shinobi Union’s Shikamaru of Konoha. Even though Shikamaru didn’t want to stand out. His first mistake had been at the Chuunin Promotion Exams. but at the end of their stalemate. he was the only one to get that promotion. It was this forfeit of Shikamaru’s that was so highly valued. But reality had still lead Shikamaru to becoming a chuunin.” There were people who even went around calling him that now. and then each village’s characteristics had to be carefully taken into account to figure out which one was most suitable for the allotment of labour – and then there were the Chiefs of the Union. Honest to a fault. To become Mirai’s teacher…it was a promise that he absolutely had to keep. And no matter how much he was against the idea of being depended on. He resisted and protested. Was being someone who others depended on really such a wonderful achievement? The answer went without being said. He wondered just how grateful you should be for people expecting great things from you. Shikaku. Naruto. Shikamaru knew very well that people were living things who would end up depending on one person or another. [We are always within you. There was a plain example in Shikamaru’s friend. And then. the whole Shinobi World’s hero. The group who had intended to take over the world. Shikamaru was assigned as a Team Leader working together with his classmates to try to bring him back. Her name was Mirai. and how his desire to be relied on by everyone had turned him into the whole village’s– no. had killed his teacher Asuma. his father had died alongside Ino’s father. had been tasked with being the Alliance’s main strategist at the time of the Fourth Shinobi World War. who never doubted the fact for even a moment… . That’s why despite his misgivings. and yet he already had so many obligations and entanglements he’d gotten himself involved in. his father’s and Inoichi’s last words were still ringing clearly in Shikamaru’s ears. he had never once cut corners on missions. Inoichi. rather. It was an age where he could no longer be called a child.When Sasuke left the village. Since the Fourth Shinobi World War…it’d been two years. there was… Naruto. the “Akatsuki”. he was given the most missions out of all his classmates. Shikamaru’s father. That child was now two years old. When Obito used the destructive power of the resurrected Ten Tailed Beast to aim for the Alliance’s Headquarters. Shikamaru had become 19 years old. but reality just kept bringing Shikamaru higher and higher up in rank. Even now. and after that as well. It had been 19 years since he’d been born into this world. Asuma’s girlfriend Kurenai had been pregnant with Asuma’s child. he didn’t feel any hateful feelings such as ‘if only you didn’t exist’ towards the people who relied on him. Never forget that!] To become as great a man as his father…it was a promise he’d made to the man who had helped to bring him into this world. the hero of Shinobi who believed wholeheartedly that he’d become Hokage. That was the truth behind the man that was Nara Shikamaru. Shikamaru had been on the brink of death. the more he wanted to run away. His real self was a man who thought everything was troublesome. not glancing away for a moment. how much he didn’t feel like accomplishing anything. Shikamaru’s real self wasn’t the man everyone thought he was. Since when had they started to misunderstand him? Since when had he stopped calling things troublesome? Logically. deep furrows came into Shikamaru’s brow. His mind that had been dwelling in depths as deep as the sea was sharpening again. His eyes narrowed as he thought hard on the subject. No – the correct thing to say was that the hawk was circling around the Hokage Residence. He should be grateful. both of those things must have started around the same time. then Shikamaru would be his right hand man. who wished for an average life. Jet black… . It was a good thing to be needed. he didn’t even want to count them. The kind of man that could be found anywhere. It was his dream. He had so many obligations already. where parts of the sky were already beginning to be dyed a light pink from the setting sun. all his comrades had fully understood how full of complaints he was. Shikamaru didn’t just sit up. There was no mistake that it was all because of that same force that kept pushing him forwards. In the old days. and he should be grateful for everyone’s opinion of him allowing him to live as he was. He leapt right to his feet. And the greater people’s expectations of him became. until he could only see a little bit of the sky. A single hawk came into his line of sight… The hawk was flying West. but… He got tired sometimes. Shikamaru happened to be right in the middle of the hawk’s arc. While he was being healed by Sakura.During the fight with the Ten Tails. “When did it start…?” As he gazed up at the clouds. Shikamaru had this thought: Nobody is more suited to being his advisor than me…! If Naruto became the Hokage. It spread out its wings and slowly started to circle. and his eyes locked onto the hawk. delicate writing from a fine brush. “The situation seems to be even graver than we’d thought. Shikamaru leapt down the stairs. The hawk would definitely end up going there. He was standing behind a desk cluttered with piles of books and documents. No – it really was a hawk painted with ink. “Did Sai’s hawk just…?” “That’s right. Even the usual vague way of speaking the Hokage had was now entirely replaced by a sombre tone. Shikamaru.” It was Kakashi who spoke. As soon as he reached the bottom of those. the last sentence alone stood out.The hawk was so pitch black.” Kakashi turned the scroll over to Shikamaru so he could see. His specialty was the Super Beast Imitating Drawing Jutsu. the look in his eyes even more solemn than Shikamaru had dreaded it would be. he could see the hawk stop going around in circles and start to descend. Shikamaru’s eyes followed the handwriting on the scroll.” Kakashi’s gaze met Shikamaru’s as he spoke. as a shadow would flit over one’s face. running down the hall to the Hokage Office. he’d be at the Hokage’s office. Sai was the man who had joined Naruto and Sakura on team 7 as a replacement for the missing Sasuke. it could’ve been painted with ink. “It’s finally come…” In Shikamaru’s field of vision. Super Beast Imitating Drawing… Sai’s jutsu. It looked like a very hastily written message. reading an open scroll. The hawk flying overhead Shikamaru was definitely from Sai. the hawk also disappeared behind the side of the Hokage Residence. “Oh. The messily written sentences on the white paper of the scroll flitted in and out of Shikamaru’s sight. The moment Shikamaru had reached the stairs. thick and violently written: . painting ink animals and giving them life and movement. While most of Sai’s message was written with very small. Kakashi’s whole attitude was giving him an awful sense of foreboding. Shikamaru ran towards the stairs that went down from the roof. He opened the door without even bothering to knock. No. Our investigation intothe matter of your concern has been completed up to the degree you specified. There is a man who is shaping this country. I believe that the very framework of the world could end up changing. The internal affairs of this country are far. I will get straight to the point. far worse than you had feared them to be. However. then the Shinobi Union is going to end up in a predicament. I think that there’s no mistake the enemy hassensed us. There is not muchtime. and I have been left on my own.“I don’t know who I am anymore.However none of my 10 comrades have returned.” Chapter Two Addressed to the Sixth Hokage. so I must write briefly. If we leave it be. His name is Gengo. I do not know if theyare dead or alive. . in fact. Kakashi-san. “What are you thinking?” He asked. Kakashi leaned back thoughtfully. and Gengo is here because of the country. Cradling his jaw with both hands.” . But is that really a good thing? Hokage-sama. I’m not sure if I don’t want it to change. He was wearing the hat that all Hokage’s must wear during official business or otherwise. The living things called Shinobi don’t really have a saving grace to them.” Letting go of his chin. doesn’t it?” “It does look like that. he let out a louder and bigger sigh than Shikamaru had. Gengo may end up becoming an existence that will change the world. we are shinobi. It weighed down on his hair that had grown out in the last few years. Shikamaru let out one small exhale Kakashi was seated at his desk in front of him. Tilting his jaw to look up at the ceiling. ‘Enchantment. with a very clear voice. do they? Because we endure.This country is here because Gengo is. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this entire country only exists for the sake of Gengo. I don’t know who I am anymore… Lifting his head from reading Sai’s letter. it seems that all except Sai have fallen into the enemy’s hands and been killed. “And I’m thinking that. “I’m thinking…why would Sai send back a Beast Imitation. he was quietly watching Shikamaru’s reaction. There was no one other than them inside the Hokage’s Office. Every part of his face that lay below his nose was hidden behind a mask as always.’ That is the word that describes Gengo the most suitably. his elbows leaning against the surface. No. looking at the letter. instead of returning himself?” “That is indeed a thing to wonder. eyes going over it again. He opened his mouth to speak. their body would freeze up along with their thoughts. before slowly turning around again. He spun around once. The hawk that Shikamaru had seen on the roof was the ink beast form of Sai’s handwriting he saw now.” “I wasn’t going to stay a kid forever.“Sai was leading a team made up of ten of Anbu’s most skilled members. I see…” Somewhat of a sad look entered Kakashi’s eyes. “At the moment Sai realised he had lost all of his comrades. “The situation is ‘far worse than I’d thought. bloody carnage. still watching the ceiling. instead of coming back to the village and reporting directly to you. “Since when have you gotten so stiff? It was nice when you used to have your shoulders slouched all the time.” “Escape. “And yet he sent this kind of letter. Shikamaru was looking at Kakashi with an anxious expression on his face. Normally. Sai could transform his handwriting into an ink beast and send it to far away locations. Hokage-“ “How many times have I told you that just Kakashi-san is fine?” Kakashi said. when a person was faced with this kind of a situation. He spread out Sai’s scroll on his desk.” “Oh. He had learned to always keep his body moving from his years as a capable Shinobi who saw so much shocking.’ huh…” .” “Even now. Kakashi was purposely making such seemingly carefree movement to stop his thoughts from freezing up. he was still staring up at the ceiling. finally turning to look at Shikamaru. so Shikamaru was faced with the back of his chair. “Yes. Kakashi began to slowly spin around in his chair.” “Yes…” Saying so.” Kakashi gave a nod to Shikamaru’s immediate reply. I don’t think any of them could have made a foolish move that would expose themselves to the enemy.” “Naruto’s Naruto. there’s only one course of action he could have picked. Kakashi was the kind of man who kept his shoulders slouched in even the most serious of circumstances. where the ink beast would turn into handwriting again when it come into contact with a blank scroll. right?” Kakashi said. Naruto still acts ‘like a kid’. So it seems that the enemy is very skilled as well. Although he should have been directing his face to look at Shikamaru. But that wasn’t how Shikamaru saw the matter. Faced with the power of abominations outside the category of people. Even one victim was one victim too many. Shikamaru didn’t think the pain of Neji’s loss was the only case out of ten thousand. are all in that country. The Five Great Shinobi Countries had lost roughly 10. A similar pain to losing Hyuuga Neji must have been felt for every other one of those victims. it was considered a stroke of luck. It was for that reason… It was for that reason that war couldn’t ever be allowed to break out again.000 shinobi were the victims of the Fourth Shinobi World War. Finally. Their enemies in the war could have wiped out the whole world. . there were emotions you couldn’t separate yourself from by simply by saying they were “just one sacrifice”.“It sounds like it’d be reasonable to say that the shinobi who went missing in action during the war. the person manipulating Madara. The war had been a fierce battle that even ripped apart the continent’s terrain. In the last war. In the death of only one person. he had his lost his friend Hyuuga Neji. Compared to the number of shinobi that were concluded to have died in battle. the number of shinobi that were unaccounted for was far larger. as well as those who’ve been disappearing lately.” “That does seem to be what Sai’s confirmed. the shinobi of the Five Great Countries had gathered all their power and stood together. the details of figuring out who had been killed in battle and who was missing in action had turned into an urgent matter. As every village entered into a period of peaceful recovery from the war. Many said it was a great stroke of fortune for them to have ended the war with ‘only this many lost’. Ootsutsuki Kaguya. had been defeated and the war ended.000 shinobi… 10. “I wonder just how many of those missing shinobi could’ve gone to the Country of Silence…” Kakashi muttered the same thoughts that were going through Shikamaru’s mind. If someone’s corpse could be found.” “The Country of Silence…” The whole matter had been snowballing since two years ago. Many lives had been claimed during the Fourth Shinobi World War started by Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Obito. Abandoning your village was a grave crime. Shikamaru had heard of this matter relatively quickly. However. Furthermore. Thus. “I probably did the wrong thing asking Sai to continue the investigation when he asked for back-up. as well as one other problem that had popped up since the end of the war. and closed the matter. That man was Kakashi. The requests for Shinobi dispatches had sharply decreased. “I should’ve pulled him out of the situation and gotten him mentally prepared before sending him to the Country of Silence. they were all young. But it wasn’t like there was something they could do to solve the sudden decrease of missions. The other problem Kakashi was intent on solving: the cases of missing nin within the Five Great Shinobi Countries that had been going on for a year.” . the Daimyo had had remarkably less fighting in the outer lands they ruled as well. it was a very natural thing for dangerous A-rank or B-rank mission requests to decrease. male Shinobi. Of course. That made 12 missing-nin for every village up to now.” Kakashi said. every village had been losing one Shinobi per month. each village had sent people in pursuit of the deserters. the matter didn’t end there. there was a man who said he could put an end to the problem of the declining missions. However. they were the first to notice any patterns. single. Even the relatively easy C-rank and D-rank mission requests had decreased in exactly the same way. not a single one had been found. Since the Five Great Shinobi Coutries had decided to from a union.It was exactly as Kakashi said. Since about a year ago. The Shinobi Union’s Headquarters had been the first one to notice that. Since it was Headquarters who handled all forms of requests for help and such. One such pattern had started to emerge about a year ago. there must have been a small amount who had survived but stayed out of reach. but somehow.” “Regretting it now isn’t going to change anything. Within all the shinobi who had been lost during the last war. The Union had said it was a brief change brought along by the times. since he had a place at the Shinobi Union’s Headquarters as well.” “That’s true. The Five Hidden Villages had had 60 shinobi disappear in total. The lead Sai had found was the Country of Silence. Kakashi. The Country of Silence could be found in the far west of a continent that rivalled the Five Great Shinobi Countries as well as the countries surrounding them. after all…” “If Sai’s alive. Shikamaru could tell precisely what he was going to say without needing to hear it out loud. who believed the increased missing-nin and the decrease of mission dispatches were related.” The bottom of Kakashi’s mask moved as if he was smiling.Sai. “What do you think happened to Sai?” Kakashi asked. who had been sent to investigate the cases of the missing-nin. However. It was a country that had never made contact with any of the Shinobi Villages – or any other foreign country.” “Sai’s so pure. Seeing what he was thinking. Shikamaru kept speaking. anything further than that was a complete mystery. delicate handwriting on Sai’s message. There was also the matter of the Konoha Shinobi who had gone missing in action during the war. had sent them notice of finding a lead about a month ago. we can’t just not save him. It was thus called ‘the Country of Silence’ by outsiders.” “That’s true…” Kakashi’s left scarred eye seemed to darken with despair. “He’s alive. And those weren’t the least of their concerns. . The Country of Silence was collecting shinobi who had gone missing in action as well as shinobi who had deserted the village… For what reason? Kakashi could see the reason as clearly as he could see the answer to the decrease of dispatches coming into the Shinobi Union. for that matter. The only details known about it was that it was a country with samurai who kept its citizens in line. had told Sai to continue the investigation with the anbu as back up. it seemed that somehow Konoha’s missingnin had run towards this country. “When you look at his obsessive sounding praise of this ‘Gengo’ he mentions in his letter…” Kakashi touched the fine. “It’s not something I want to believe.” “Well. I agree with that. and a Daimyou who ruled over the samurai. According to what Sai had relayed. but we can’t discount the possibility that Sai’s been taken in by this man called Gengo. All the villages have finally regained their stability.” Shikamaru didn’t stop talking. I understand your feelings more than enough.” “We couldn’t possibly withstand another war.” Kakashi said. “Hokage-sama. “If the internal affairs of the Country of Silence are really as Sai’s reported. Kakashi stood up from his chair. He stood out amongst the anbu.” “I know that. “It’s been two years since the war. then we have to take action immediately.” Letting out another huge sigh. do you know that?” Shikamaru simply gave Kakashi a long stare as an answer. Shikamaru himself forced out the words. the leading force behind that country is this man called Gengo. He stepped around his desk covered with scrolls and books and came to stand next to Shikamaru. Kakashi continued speaking in the face of Shikamaru’s silence. don’t you?” Kakashi had a lot of experience from his youth spent in the anbu. going on what Sai said. but the status of the country as a whole is still less than half as strong as it used to be. whose specialty were shady missions.” “Then do you understand what I think of it?” “You want to go and do it yourself. as a very capable soldier. “Yes.” “Exactly. if the goings-on within are as you’ve guessed. “It seems like you’ve come to the same conclusion that I have. and let out a sigh.” “Heh.” .This situation had a greater and more important matter than that of saving a comrade. “Anyway. Your thoughts flash through your mind almost at the same speed as Minato-sensei’s jutsu.” “Yes. but you must already know that what you want isn’t going to happen. Shikamaru could see those thoughts on his face. If the Shinobi Union and the Country of Silence went to war. Kakashi said. . “You’re Konoha’s representative. The thought that had been going through both of their heads was now out in the open. There’s no need for you to go on an assassination mission at this time. there was no real need for Shikamaru to go. Each nation was still exhausted despite all their recovery so far – there wasn’t a single person who wished for a war. then assassinating this ‘Gengo’ would be quickest and most effective way of stopping the Country of Silence from disrupting the world’s hard-attained peace. As Kakashi said. It would’ve been more proper to find another capable person and entrust the matter to them.” “Well then…” Putting his hand at the middle of his back and giving a great stretch like an old man.” Shikamaru said.“As long as we do something about him. then there won’t be any further problems.” “Huh?” Kakashi’s eyes widened. Please allow me to go.” Assassination… Kakashi had finally put it into words. You have a lot of duties to the Union as well. But he just couldn’t stay still. then the Union they’d spent so long maintaining would be disrupted. And yet.” “That’s what I’m thinking as well. “Who do you think should be sent?” “I’ll go. and possibly even rupture.” Kakashi stopped talking when he saw Shikamaru’s determination. If Sai’s letter was to be trusted. Shikamaru himself volunteered. He himself didn’t understand why he did it. “But I’m telling you. for you to go is…” “One of my comrades has been taken. “We have to keep the circle of people who know about this matter as small as possible. Obviously. It was a place where the future of Shinobi was discussed. Shinobi sent to this meeting were the most capable ones in their villages. This was the result of everyone recommending him for the job. who was chairing the meeting. this month’s meeting is over. Shikamaru had been charged with being the leader of this gathering of shinobi.the Kages of the Five Great Hidden Villages would comfortably hold meetings inthe Country of Iron. Shikamaru knew him from the war as one of the Mizukage’s bodyguards. and Omoi of Kumogakure as well. he hadn’t volunteered. Ten shinobi were seated around thecircular table. not one single shinobi was needed. continue their hard work for the sake of the expansion of the Shinobi World overall. The country had a multitude ofstrong samurai. Shikamaru-san…” Chojiuro spoke with an imploring tone from where he was seated next to him. This meeting was full of people who would bear the burden of the next era’s world of shinobi. All the leading villages of theFive Great Nations had some of their shinobi gather at the Union’s Headquarters and. there was Temari of Sunagakure. Of them. both men and women could be found.the Shinobi Union’s Headquarters.then. . Shikamaru opened his right eye toglance at Chojuro. Does anybody have any questions?” Shikamaru closed his eyes as he listened to the dispassionate voice addressing the gathering.Chapter Three “And with that. Shikamaru and Chojuro were the youngest. Besides Shikamaru. They were in the Country of Iron. and now it was the Headquarters for the Shinobi Unionfounded by those Five Powers. Before the war. The bespectacled man speaking was Chojuro. a shinobi from Kirigakure. The roots of the Union’s headquarters had beenset in the same Country of Iron where the alliance had initially begun. and Chojuro. considered as candidates for kage as well as other positions. whether night or day. “If nobody has anything to ask. then slowly opened both. all generally aroundShikamaru’s age. and thus. “Hold it. “What is it?” Shikamaru turned his head to look over his shoulder at the woman behind him. . “I believe we don’t have any new topics of discussion for this meeting. Even though so many shinobi were restlessly walking down the hallways. I hope for more meetings at a comfortable pace like this. Her face looked a little bit more like an adult’s. after all. Shikamaru anxiously clicked his tongue. “What’s wrong with you?” She asked. They were shinobi.” As he said that. Confused by their leader’s cold attitude. Shikamaru!” The voice that hit his back felt like a flying kick. it was more like she had already grown into a splendid adult. opened his mouth to speak. Shikamaru cleared his throat. not a single echo of their footsteps was heard. Her hair had gotten shorter since two years ago.” Temari’s hands reached out to Shikamaru’s shoulders.” A voice called out to him from behind. he turned to leave. With that. turning him to face her. “Oi. Shikamaru rose to his feet and gathered all the scrolls and documents that had been spread across the table. the other members got ready to leave at haphazard paces. the owner of that voice was the person he didn’t want to talk to the most. Right now. Temari of Suna. and looking at all the members. Other people’s footfalls could be heard. back at the Academy. Everyone milled out into the two hallways leading left and right out of the room.” “You’ve been acting strange lately. “I don’t know what you mean. Troublesome… The word rose up to his throat. She was older than Shikamaru. and her eyes were even calmer than they’d been in the old days. Folding them under his arm. and was now tied into two bunches on either sides. only for him to frantically swallow it down.“Shikamaru-san?” Chojuro sounded like he’d become worried by Shikamaru’s long silence. That had been one of the basics of the basics. He stepped forward as if he hadn’t heard. Rather than say she looked like an adult. but not a shinobi’s. see you next month. Shikamaru still had no intention of telling Temari the truth. He’d firmly resolved that Konoha would handle it by themselves… “You’re saying there’s nothing going on that you can depend on me for?” “Nothing. that easily made the bond between Suna and Konoha the strongest amongst all the villages united under the Union. When you added that to the strong bond between Naruto. Since the war had concluded. did that happen?” “You didn’t even notice that…?” Temari’s eyes widened slightly. it was natural that Shikamaru and Temari had reached a stage of existence where both was the other’s biggest support within the Union. something bad must be happening in Konoha.” “Oh.” Shikamaru’s firm tone made Temari close her eyes. half-wrong. he’d been working with Temari at the Union for two years now. it was that anything which passed the borders of your own village had to be jointly carried out with other villages. good partner.” Temari had made a very good discernment. and Gaara. This was a basic principle of the Union. With such external forces at work as well. as well as the intention to work together and make the Union as good as it could be.“Like your cold attitude at the meeting. The situation wasn’t in Konoha. “Is that so…” . And yet.” she said. she’d missed the mark a little. “You’ve been making decisions without saying a word or giving an explanation. Suna’s present Kazekage. They both shared the sentiment of not wanting all the shinobi who had been gathered together during the war to separate again. The course of action that Shikamaru and Kakashi were taking was a blatant violation. If there was one thing that never changed about the life of shinobi. “What’s happened?” “Nothing…” “It’s something you’re not going to tell anyone about? Not even me?” Temari’s gaze was pained. “Since you’re like this. She was an understanding. who intended to become Konoha’s Hokage. However. It wouldn’t be a wise move to get the whole of the Union involved with the business of the Country of Silence. Temari’s theory was half-right. though the situation did affect all of Konoha’s shinobi. and it’s made everyone nervous. The atmosphere was so strained. Chouji was still as chubby as ever. “Did you eat something before you came here?” Chouji opened his mouth wide to drop in even more meat. . but there was a masculine look in his eyes now. “I had no idea I’d misjudged you this much!” She shouted. Before him. There had been no time to avoid it. his two friends had become quite the adults. They were at Yakiniku Q.” “Hey!” Chouji’s eyes widened in indignation. and get yelled at in the house’s entryway by his mother. “I. Chouji. Ino was sitting next to him. so we’re not eating ridiculously the way you do. and disappeared over his shoulder. In the two years since the war. large steps. abandoning her ponytail for leaving it loose. “Shikamaru and I’ve stopped growing a long time ago. chewing and swallowing it down. He rolled onto the hallway’s floor before coming up into a sitting position. He silently raised a hand to touch his stinging cheek. Temari was glaring at him with an outraged expression on her face. her words turning to wind that slammed against his face. Before Shikamaru even knew what was happening. Shikamaru had found himself suffering that same scolding from Temari.I’m sorry…” The apology came without conscious thought. and he now had a goatee. Somehow.” The voice came from Chouji who sat in front of him. already red. It had been one split second where the hurt look on Temari’s face had morphed into righteous fury. both of his cheeks puffed up with food. Ino had been growing out her hair more and more. A calming breeze was blowing through his heart. She strode past him with swift. His father would come home as late as sunrise on some days. Shikamaru laughed without thinking. It’d been a while. and looked more like an adult compared to before as well. his body was already flying.The punch came in the next moment. Those eyes of hers had looked slightly wet… * “You’ve stopped eating. Another pair of chopsticks intercepted him. so how could I have eaten something beforehand?” So saying. his two friends had just as little free time as he did.” Ino didn’t ask whether there was anything more to it.” “I understand that. While there was a part of Shikamaru that was happy they’d noticed his absence. simply because he said he wanted to see them. Shikamaru extended his chopsticks towards a piece of beef that looked like it was about to burn. and turned his gaze on the piece next to it. who gave a nod of permission.” She said. Things weren’t the same as those days when he could while away time playing with his friends till dusk. not moving. Ino and Chouji had struggled through the last war and become fine. “Alright. like a new distance had come with their separation. And yet. “It’s nothing. alright. “It’s been a while since you invited us out. Shikamaru. They were his oldest. The same way Shikamaru was swamped with work from both the Union and his responsibilities in Konoha. Chouji. closest friends. “Hey. then he had to stop thinking like a child. If he wanted to be an adult. reliable chuunin. his cheeks puffing out as he pouted. . While they said it was because Shikamaru was so busy. “Ah. he can’t always hang out with us anymore. “Lately.” They’d gone through this many times before. but…” Chouji laid his arms on the table. “What’s up?” Ino asked when she saw how Shikamaru’s chopsticks hovered in the air.” Chouji chimed in. Shikamaru let go of the beef. I’ve just wanted to see you guys for a while. another part of him also felt lonely. that’s the meat that I put on the grill!” Chouji protested. kay. They were long out of the Academy. “Yeah. they’d come to meet up with him without a word of complaint. He’s super busy.” “Shikamaru’s got his job at the Union and well as being the Hokage’s Support.” Shikamaru put a tiny pit of meat into his mouth. Chouji continued happily stuffing his mouth with meat. He glanced at Ino.“I came specifically to eat lunch with you two. I haven’t been able to see you unless we set a time to meet like this. Then. It wasn’t a victory that could be gained from playing fair. it’s the Anbu after all…” Shikamaru looked up at the night sky. . He’d invited them out to eat with that purpose in mind. And so. For Konoha’s sake. It was a light-hearted. He didn’t have the heart to drag Chouji and Ino into the darkness too. he hadn’t been able to tell them. Assassinated. the memories about Asuma… Shikamaru could feel the distance between him and his friends shrinking. the three started to talk. Chouji’s eternal love of food. he had to be killed in secret. It wasn’t like assassination was anything new to shinobi. Ino’s usual talk about her love life. then he’d go with the two of them. He’d thought that if he’d go to the Country of Silence. silly conversation. you realised sooner or later that things like that were necessary in this world. he’d been full of complaints about how things were ‘troublesome’… Looking at how Chouji and Ino had grown up. for the sake of every single shinobi. That time. It was almost like he’d gone back to that moment when Asuma had first brought them here. for the Union’s sake. At the end of the day. Shikamaru went home alone. one man had to be killed. But. still… It was still good to have as few people as possible get their hands dirty. And then. Shikamaru could feel his heart grumbling about how they’d never be able to return to those old days. But seeing their smiling faces had somehow made him unable to say anything. The road he was taking was a dark one. “So. Growing up. and couldn’t see a single star. all wrapped up in a gentle. The city seemed to glow under thesunshine of the bright morning.” Kakashi said as he straightened out a sheaf of papers on his desk. so he’d left it alone. “Everything’s the same as ever at the Union. It’s made up of a collection of capable people.” “You’re one of those capable people too.” “Ah. there’s nothing to worry about. “What business do you have with me today?” “The Country of Silence. “Yes. peaceful atmosphere.The Sixth Hokage was surrounded by mountains of documents as always.” Kakashi let out a great sigh at his answer. and youcould see the streets of Konoha outside. There wasn’t anything particularly special to report. The window across the room had been thrown open. “I’ve made you wait.Chapter Four Shikamaru was in Kakashi’s office. . that…” Shikamaru still hadn’t finished his report about the Union’s meeting the other day.” Was he really? Was he really someone who was fit to represent Konoha? “Do you really intend to go?” Kakashi asked. his handhurriedly signing papers as if it was just waiting for the time it could goslack with exhaustion. Kakashi closed his eyes and shook his head. . “The one who deals the killing blow won’t be you.“Is it really necessary for you to go?” “Sai’s been captured.” “I’ll make the arrangements. right?” “Could you spare me two people from Anbu?” “Huh…” Kakashi was cradling his chin in one hand. both those who went missing during the war and those who ended up disappearing after.” “Hmm…” Kakashi closed his eyes and thought. He understood what Shikamaru was thinking. There was a serious look in his eyes.” “Because it’s assassination.” “You don’t have anything to tell me about my other duties?” Shikamaru asked. and conceal their presence. infiltration is a great part of this mission. Whether they really left the village of their own free will. I won’t say anything more. He was taking Shikamaru’s proposal and comparing it to all the other options inside his head. Our village has lost a large number of shinobi. right?” “Furthermore. “Wouldn’t Ino and Chouji do?” “The InoShikaChou combination can be used for sneak attacks. “I have suitable people. however I don’t think it fits the requirements for this mission.” Kakashi said. He looked at Shikamaru again. Who are you thinking of taking? You’re not planning on going all by yourself. “Thank you. huh. Another that held a jutsu which could deliver the killing blow.” Kakashi concluded ahead of any explanation. Two Anbu… One that could manipulate chakra. right?” “I intend to use my jutsu to bind the target.” “You’re really determined. I want people who can hide chakra. his elbow resting against his desk.” “Then you’ll need someone for the killing blow.” Shikamaru silently nodded. or ended up being captured by Gengo is something that we have to verify. “I get it. Burdening himself… Perhaps he was.“None of your other duties are more urgent than this matter.” Kakashi smiled under his mask and stood up. unable to compare to him.” Kakashi said. he couldn’t throw any of them away. He didn’t have any thoughts like ‘I want to be Hokage’. then wasn’t it highly possible that he wouldn’t ever pick them back up? And when that happened. and you could feel in that moment that he really was the Hokage. He calmly assessed the relative importance of various matters. and it felt frustrating. Shikamaru was still young and inexperienced. “Right now. letting tiny bolts of lightning crackle in and out of existence. it would’ve been a lie to say he didn’t feel the slightest bit motivated to grow.” Kakashi murmured. If he put down all his responsibilities and burdens for just one moment. He turned his back to Shikamaru to gaze out the open window. You can wait a little longer. and made quick. and losing himself in the process. many burdens. Shikamaru didn’t answer. It was because he was capable like this that shinobi could work under him without worry.” “I get it. firm decisions on which were to be carried out. and carrying so many things. Shikamaru thought they wouldn’t be able to function without him. I really want to abandon all my duties as the Hokage and go to the Country of Silence. he’d somehow ended up behaving unlike himself. and give their all for the village. Even though all these burdens were getting far too heavy for him to bear. Shikamaru had somehow ended up carrying many. you know. Even though he found things bothersome. then wouldn’t it be the case that nobody would need him anymore? The thought alone was unbearably frightening. But. He’d started out as someone who found everything bothersome. In front of a man like Kakashi. In a way even he himself couldn’t understand.” Kakashi lifted his left hand into the air. “You don’t have to burden yourself so much. right?” “Please do it as quickly as possible. He got the feeling that he could end up throwing everything away. either. “I’ll tell the two I have in mind to return quickly. “I’m going to tell you what I really think now. Shikamaru was scared to.” . we’ve already all attained positions with burdens and responsibilities.” “Please don’t look to me for the answer to that. After the Five Kage had gone to the frontline of the battle due to the severity of the fight. But the responsibilities of a Hokage’s position couldn’t be abandoned so easily. In the Fourth Shinobi World War.Shikamaru could clearly hear the screaming frustration of Kakashi’s heart: how the man wanted to abandon everything to go and kill Gengo with his own two hands. “ Shikamaru sighed. Naturally. sometimes. Although the only one who knew that was Shikamaru. Ino’s father and Shikamaru’s father had taken charge of giving directions to the whole army. if anywhere. Turning away. What was it to be an adult? Shikamaru thought about that for a while. What did it mean to be an adult? It felt like he could find the answer to Kakashi’s question here.” “Naruto and me. “I wonder what it means to be an adult.” Kakashi said. his father had been with the Five Kage at the alliance’s headquarters. As the killing blow had approached. “Honestly. Then. he’d wanted to visit his father’s grave after his meeting with Kakashi ended. Shikaku had been a father. “I’ll come back again.” Shikamaru said to the gravestone. his eyes caught on the name engraved into the stone: Nara Shikaku. and every other one of our peers. Shikaku’s last moments were spent thinking and conveying further strategies for the army. “Shikamaru.” “Is that so…” The lightning in Kakashi’s left hand melted away into nothing. as his son.” Kakashi looked over his shoulder at the Nara. Obito had resurrected the Ten Tails and made it send its explosive Tailed Beast Balls in order to cause chaos amidst the Union’s army. There’s no need for you to carry them all by yourself. He had been a Shinobi to the very end. . No… The truth was that in his very last moments. “I think it’s inexcusable of me to burden you with this. After Shikamaru graduated from the Academy. Along with Ino and his best friend Chouji. Of course. But it felt like those feelings were different from the extent of fierce protection that his father and Asuma had displayed. the Third Hokage Hiruzen. He wasn’t sure about anything anymore… . Shikamaru’s feet took him to the next person he wanted to visit. and instead constantly stayed on the frontlines. it was under Asuma’s care that he’d been raised into the shinobi he was today.’ Those were the words of Asuma’s father. he’d become an adult. who’d gone through any crisis with a cigarette in his mouth and his same easy going attitude. the people of his village and all his comrades were extremely precious to him. Perhaps that meant that Shikamaru still hadn’t become an adult. In that case. Maybe when Kakashi chose to become Hokage. And yet. Asuma. had been everything Shikamaru aspired to be. the three of them had constantly been chasing Asuma’s back. ‘For a Hokage. that Asuma could no longer be found in this world. every person in the village is his child. He thought that in the first place that ambiguous word ‘adult’ referred to a child who’d at some point simply become trapped in their own body. His teacher’s grave. Sarutobi Asuma… He was a man who had turned down the path of an elite that he’d been entitled to as the Third Hokage’s flesh and blood. in a battle against the ‘Akatsuki’ group who had been making schemes to take over the Earth. He. had spent his last moments thinking of others. Shikamaru had yet to find anything he would sacrifice himself to protect. struggling through missions. too. He’d died for the sake of letting Shikamaru live… Asuma had understood they had no chance of winning against the inhuman abilities of the Akatsuki member they had been faced against. and died while risking his life to protect Shikamaru and his other comrades. even Kakashi was a child at heart.Saying goodbye to his father’s grave. But Kakashi already had something he’d trade his life to protect. He’d died. and Shikamaru could feel his frozen over heart thawing with its warmth.” Listening to their conversation and still clinging onto Shikamaru’s leg. Shikamaru. huh?” Shikamaru crouched down so he could speak to her eye to eye.” Shikamaru greeted the dark haired woman that was Mirai’s mother. Looking down at Mirai. “It’s been a while.” “Kurenai-sensei. The toddler’s smile felt like the sun. she was a jounin leader along with Kakashi and Asuma. “You came to visit Asuma’s grave?” She asked. and his mouth moved to turn into a smile. her tiny face splitting into a wide grin. “Yeah. so you can stop calling me that. . she made her way towards him step by step.” She said. “Mirai. Mirai smiled and lifted her head. His tense features softened. Swaying left and right with clumsy little feet. “Shika niichan!” The toddler looked up at him with dazzling bright eyes. laughing. “I’m not a sensei anymore. A plump toddler was tottering towards him. his voice naturally turning fond and cheerful. But now she was a mother who had devoted all her time to parenting.” Shikamaru called her name. “Gyaa!” Mirai finally came to where he stood. in charge of a team made of Shikamaru’s other classmates. “I see. and clung onto his legs with her short little arms. “Shika niichan! Met Papa!” Although the toddler could only manage halting sentences. you came to see your Papa. she was bursting with the need to convey everything she could. Sarutobi Kurenai… Originally.“Shika niichan!” Shikamaru was roused out of his pensive thoughts by the sound of that carefree voice reaching his ears. To become this child’s teacher… It was a promise he’d made to both Asuma and Kurenai.” “And your father’s grave?” “I’ve just come from visiting him. Shikamaru’s heart warmed up. The soft feel of the toddler’s still downy hair seemed to travel along his arm and all the way to his heart. “Wow. The old flak jackets used to have pockets on both sidesof the chest for shinobi to keep scrolls or ninja tools. gently patting her head. it almost felt like she’d read right into his heart. “Grow up soon. thanks for liking me. Theywore jet black uniforms that clung to their skin. and from the neck down the two Anbu were completely human. As the two year old shrieked with delighted laughter. the animal faces wereonly masks.” Shikamaru picked up Mirai and lifted her into the air.Mirai gave a delighted nod at being understood. white faces: a cat and a monkey. holes had been pierced like deep. he really couldn’t go and die just yet… “Right!” Mirai babbled the word with such timing. much stronger than before: I absolutely cannot die. Where there would have been eyes painted on the two Anbu’s masks. and Shikamaru reached out to catch her with both hands. Both the Anbu had their hands linked behind their . Both the maskshad thin mouths painted on. Mirai nodded so hard she almost pitched herself forwards. For the sake of this child. dark caves. but the new design haddone away with those and kept itself relatively simple. turning into a calming breeze that soothed his insides. The cat’s mask hadthin red markings under its eyes. how great of you. “Well. curving from cheek to cheek. Chapter Five Standing in front of Shikamaru weretwo new. It was a side-effect ofthe peaceful era that had come into being after the end of the war. Of course. huh Mirai?” Kurenai said. The monkey’s mask had thickly drawn red eyebrows that made it look like it was scowling in temper.” “You really love your Shikamaru niichan. as well as the recently redesignedflak jackets of Konoha. okay?” “Mm. Mirai. Shikamaru thought to himself one more time.” Shikamaru said. ” Kakashi agreed with Soku. Despite only being 14 years old.” Kakashi instructed.’ There were lots of rumours and speculations like that. She had slightly red cheeks. competency is everything. and must’ve only just come out of the Academy. Something about her made Shikamaru feel like this was what Temari had looked like as a child. and her eyes shined with self-confidence. The two Anbu had a very large height difference. “But in the world of Shinobi. Her thin eyebrows were arched. Shikamaru couldn’t deny that he was surprised. “To have such a young girl in Anbu…“ “It’s unthinkable. She was at least 5 or 6 years younger than Shikamaru. and the monkey-masked was on the left. ‘People who come and go from the village without eating anything are Anbu. Since they mainly dealt in shady missions such as assassination or causing disturbances in foreign countries. their body structure made that much evident.” Kakashi said from where he was seated behind his desk. and I entered the Anbu by proving the worth of my abilities. “Both of you. and the eye slits of their masks gave off such a feeling that Shikamaru felt like he was being sized up. “The man is Rou. monkey-mask was male. “Hinoko was recognised for her abilities and scouted into Anbu the minute she graduated from the Academy. and the girl is Soku. The Anbu’s hands both lifted to reach for their masks at Kakashi’s command. Even most of Konoha’s own citizens didn’t know who was and wasn’t in Anbu.” The two Anbu bowed their greetings to Shikamaru in time with Kakashi’s introduction. It was an Anbu custom to wear the masks with animal faces. Soku was extremely young. slowly lowering them to reveal the human faces below. they loathed to let anyone know of their identities. y’know. The Monkey was 176 cm.backs. and cat-mask was female… Even without the height difference.” “She’s right. “If it’s these two. plump with baby fat. right?” Soku cut into Shikamaru’s murmuring. take off your masks. I think they can do everything you’ve been hoping for. the cat-masked Anbu was on the right. but also a thin mouth set in a grim frown that radiated determination. while the Cat barely came up to Shikamaru’s shoulders. slightly taller than Shikamaru. So. From where Shikamaru was standing. she’s . “Does that mean you can increase chakra as well?” Shikamaru asked. Soku turned her gaze away from Rou and back to Shikamaru.accomplished a great number of missions. It felt like an incredibly small version of Kakashi’s raikiri.” Kakashi said.” Kakashi said. “She’s very relied upon in the Anbu.” “Hinoko… It’s a very nice nam-” In a blink. “To explain. “Rou can freely manipulate the quality and quantity of chakra.” Shikamaru could feel a sort of frizzing static from the edge of Soku’s index finger.” “My bad. if I increased your chakra. my jutsu cannot be . both his own. a strong jaw and stubborn. He had thick eyebrows. “As long as you understand. y’know. There was no need to aggravate the situation any further. “The chakra which I can change is only that which is perceived by others. “And.” Soku said. Hokage-sama. y’know. I keep telling you not to call me by my real name.” She turned her back on him and stomped back to where she had originally stood. I’ll be careful in the future.” Shikamaru gave a simple apology.” Kakashi commented. puffing out her cheeks a bit. “A smart question. Your chakra would only seem larger in the perception of other persons.” “It’s not good to judge someone’s abilities based solely upon their appearances. “I hate being called by my real name. Be careful not to do it. Chakra was bursting from the edge of Soku’s fingertips… “Stop that at once. and Rou gave a small nod.” The one who spoke was the man who’d carried the monkey mask.” Rou said. as well as that of anyone he targets and recognises. onelidded eyes that were glaring at Soku in disapproval. a finger glowing orange with barely restrained chakra was pressed against his forehead. y’know. In other words. y’know. Lord Shikamaru. and he didn’t have the time to deal with the young girl’s temper. “I have to make this clear from the start. taking on the same position with her hands behind her back. y’know. I would not be able to change the actual fighting potential in the least.” Soku retorted. y’know. “I won’t allow being looked down on for being a kid. Soku had disappeared from Shikamaru’s line of view and before he knew what was happening. Kakashi had introduced him as Rou. Soku. In line with the direction she was pointing. “My jutsu is all about Chakra needles. The child didn’t seem to be aware that she was a child. the swallow which had been startled by the loud sound had quickly swooped to hide behind a pillar outside the window. .” Rou had a very old-fashioned speech pattern. “When you say you can change the quantity of perceived chakra. Lord Shikamaru. But… There wasn’t a single scratch on the pillar. I can make the chakra of any target disappear in the manner you’ve described. he seemed more like a samurai than a ninja. and then opened his mouth to speak again.efficient in the practice of deceit if the subject of my chakra manipulation does not participate in the deception. “That is certainly possible. “I thought his jutsu would be the best suited for this job.” With the man’s old fashioned way of speaking. Shikamaru could see a single swallow flying outside. Shikamaru had half-expected the word ‘track’ instead of trace. Shikamaru gave the man a nod to show him he understood his explanation. and an orange flash of chakra burst out of her index finger. sharp cry. She stretched out her left arm so it was facing the open window across Kakashi’s office. “It’ll work. If Soku had fired her chakra with this timing. At that moment. and coupled with his round. The girl nodded and turned around. there was no way she could hit her target. turning to look at Soku. does that mean that you can completely erase it as well?” No matter how you looked at it. And the little one?” Shikamaru asked. wouldn’t it?” Kakashi said to Soku. y’know…” Soku murmured. He was at least twenty years older than Shikamaru. Shikamaru wasn’t sure yet if that was a good or bad thing for how useful she’d be on the mission. and from outside. The girl’s eyebrow twitched at being called ‘little one’. Her chakra would hit the pillar and just leave a scratch on its surface instead. but what do you think?” Kakashi asked. the swallow gave a shrill. Rou was definitely in his forties. while also allowing you to trace them. and felt a little fazed at the random modern word. boulder-like appearance. “A demonstration would be good. y’know. Rou’s jutsu would erase their chakra’s presence. wait… . sticking out her tongue in childish mockery. As she spoke. waddling to its feet and getting up. My needle won’t ever stop in its path until it hits its target. his eyes searched the ground around where swallow had been flying. No. They could really do it… “Can I just ask you one thing?” “You can. “Once I’ve aimed at my target.” “How did you get it past the pillar?” Shikamaru asked. When they came within reach of Gengo.” Soku spoke from behind him.Shikamaru hurried to the window. y’know. taking his hand off the window sill and turning to face Soku.” So. Shikamaru would use his kagemane to bind him. and found the bird on the ground. It did indeed look dead. It was alright. so that swallow probably feels much more energetic than it did a while ago. And then the killing blow would come with the foolproof aim of Soku’s chakra needle. The enemy. “I don’t want you to misunderstand. and let them infiltrate the enemy’s ranks undetected. it doesn’t matter if they go out of my sight or not. Shikamaru stared as the swallow slowly came back to its senses. flying even higher than before.” Soku gave a smile brimming with confidence. “I made my chakra revitalising when it pierced through the target this time. y’know. Leaning out and twisting his neck around. “Can you stop tacking ‘y’know’ onto the end of your sentences?” * They were coming. it’d taken off again. my chakra needle will follow it anywhere. y’know. Soon. The little girl let out a delighted laugh that sounded her age for once. I’m against a meaningless waste of life. Orochimaru’s underlings. Oto-nin. Uchiha Sasuke. everyone.Since when was I being chased? I was the one who was supposed to be chasing someone. I won’t fail again. as a leader. He’d been dreaming… It had been his first mission after making chuunin: to retrieve the missing-nin Uchiha Sasuke who’d left the village under Orochimaru’s guidance. And then Naruto… We were surrounded by sneering oto-nin. A classmate who could do anything perfectly. . I’m sorry… I’m sorry. Chouji. one by one. I was leading a team for the first time. Shikamaru had made the decision to entrust everything to Naruto and take on a sound-nin in a fight. Neji. and all his comrades sustaining serious injuries.please don’t die“PLEASE!” Shikamaru woke up to the sound of his own desperate shouting. twisting out of his covers in a panic. one after another. …But he was a comrade. and Neji. He absolutely had to be saved. as they chased after Sasuke. Someone who had to be saved. So please. They’d lessened. Kiba. Next time. His comrades had been several classmates. with a nasty personality. His whole body was drenched with sweat. As a chuunin. his first mission had ended in despairing failure. Failure wasn’t an option. And the result of that decision had been Sasuke leaving the village. My comrades… My comrades were being felled down. Chapter Six . do I feel like I’m being cornered right now? “It’s alright…it’s alright. Although. he’d never seen those events in a dream. the words slipped out of Shikamaru’s mouth before he could stop them. Why did he see a dream like that? Until now. Shikamaru saw the Sasuke Retrieval mission as his biggest disgrace. and never failed to think of it whenever he was judging himself. They were going to set out at sunrise. and slowly took in a deep breath. Shikamaru…” Although it was unlike him to try and soothe himself. His heart was still hammering. blood roaring against his ear drums like a steady warning bell. He’d never again been cornered like he had been on that day… Dreams were a manifestation of your subconscious. Then. it was a fact that scars from that incident were still left in his heart.Shikamaru placed a palm to his sweat soaked forehead. It didn’t look like he’d be able to fall sleep again tonight. he noticed a blonde haired man in his field of vision. Usually. but it was somewhat of a tradition. They dealt with many top secret missions. its storefrontsurrounded with housewives gossiping with animated gestures. The street ended behind the residence. while the man was likely going to work. In the distancebehind them. at the Hokage Monument where all the past generations of Hokage were carved into the mountain. they left Konoha through the main gates. they’d be told Shikamaru had Union business outside the village bounds. Shikamaru was striding along the main street that started from Konoha’s wide open front gates and continued straight to the Hokage Residence. when shinobi received missions outside the village. The only ones who knew were Kakashi. That back gate was Shikamaru’s destination. On this peaceful morning. if it isn’t Shikamaru! What’re you hurrying for?” You wouldn’t have believed the two were the same age. He’d left the business of covering up his absence from the village to Kakashi. it had been arranged for them to leave through the back gates found in the mountain behind the Hokage Residence. There wasn’t any particular regulation that said they had to. of course. It was a usual morning’s usual scenery. by the childish grin that lit up the man’s features as he hurried to his friend. “Yoo. and come back before anyone was bothered by his absence. His cheeks had three . “Hm?” As Shikamaru quickly made his way to the back gate. The ideal scenario was to sneak out of the village without anyone noticing his departure. The blonde noticed him as well. The Anbu were the only exception. and. a grim-faced man in his thirties was hurrying somewhere. so in order to keep their departures unknown to Konoha’s citizens. If anyone asked where he was. Shikamaru himself as well as the accompanying Rou and Soku. On the side of the street. therewas a store that sold side-dishes in the early mornings. Shikamaru’s destination was the latter.A bunch of ten year old boyscrossed the street. This time’s mission was being kept a secret from everyone in the village. The children were probably headingto the Academy. He had some business there. laughing with seemingly endless cheer. a handful of senior shinobi. he was a strong candidate to become the next Hokage after Kakashi. who had been seen as the bane of the village. you’re eating ramen so early in the morning…” “I’m always good to eat ramen.” “Half of my body’s probably made of ramen.whisker-like lines across each side.” Naruto said.” Naruto laughed. whether morning or noon or night!” “Hey. “I couldn’t really sleep last night. they’ve been open for business 24/7. and yet he’d never once wavered in his goal to become Hokage. Right now.” “You went to that shop this early?” “Lately. That behaviour of his hadn’t changed a bit since the Academy. Naruto. straight-forward outlook. and his blue eyes were free of any doubt or hesitation.” Naruto looked incredibly happy about the fact. and now I’m heading back home. the son of the Fourth Hokage. puffing out his chest with pride. Try and look after your body more. Naruto?” Uzumaki Naruto. . sheepishly rubbing a finger across the bridge of his nose. The Nine Tails had been sealed into him as soon as he was born.” “Hahaha. and kept on walking down his path. Naruto always lived his life with a very pure. had kept his pure heart and slowly made more and more comrades that stood by his side. That was the kind of man Naruto was. and he grew up facing prejudice from his surroundings. and ramen is ramen!” “…That reasoning makes no sense.” “Heroes are heroes. “You’re now known as the hero who ended the war. that’s not something to be boasting about. He was the hero who had shown everyone the way to ending the last great war. It was that outlook of his that had changed his surroundings. “That’s what I should be asking you. What’re you doing up this early.” Naruto seriously said. Shikamaru let out a sigh.even changed Shikamaru. I mean. “So when I woke up this morning I went to eat some ramen at Ichiraku’s straight away. “No. Naruto would be Hokage. He had a brilliant flame within him that never so much as flickered. and then keep shining. Naruto had even managed to save his friend Uchiha Sasuke who had fallen to the depths of darkness. gain even more of the village’s trust. Up until now. Thinking you could save everyone was an impossible ideal. Naruto was the sun. The dream Naruto had been holding close to his chest ever since he was a child was only one: to become Hokage. but still he kept insisting that he would one day become Hokage. many times. it was something that no one other than Naruto could have done. full of resentment towards the whole world. and the only way he could get attention from others was by his repeated pranks. In the beginning. nobody had believed Naruto could ever do it.’ Naruto fought because he truly believed that. There would always be darkness in the hearts of human beings. ‘No matter how far someone sinks into darkness. Until now. and till the end of time. brighter and brighter still. there wasn’t a single person in the village who thought anyonebut Naruto would be the next Hokage. He had had no relatives to give him a kind word. something like the sun couldn’t know about the darkness in the world. For the sake of that brightness. It was because of how brightly he shined that he was the sun. Everyone who saw that passion of his opened their hearts to him. But now.In the end. And that was the way it should be. That’s why Naruto didn’t really know the true meaning of ‘darkness’. Someday. Shikamaru had seen him change the hearts of his enemies with that same ideal many. . Naruto had waged war against countless people who’s hearts had swayed towards darkness. No matter how much darkness surrounded him. but he himself had never gone crooked. constantly burning. Shikamaru felt like Naruto would continue moving forwards without that flame of his ever wavering. and became his comrade. No… Rather. Saving him wasn’t an easy feat. a part of their heart will long for the light. Naruto never lost his light. breaking into Shikamaru’s reverie. That was the kind of man Naruto was. “So. But Naruto didn’t think like that. of course. It was the way of the world. If the Country of Silence continued to grow more powerful. But as long as there was someone to take on the burden of those shadows. that’s true. That included dealing with future obstacles as well. continuing down the path of darkness. Shikamaru thought that it was his duty to be that ‘someone’.” . then Naruto would eventually end up suffering. That’s why Shikamaru was going to go and nip it in the bud. The Country of Silence would be a huge obstacle for him. The more the light shines. there would always be those few who slipped through your fingers. the darker the shadows grow.” “Well.” “This early in the morning?” “Naruto. The moment that thought passed through Shikamaru’s head. he would never give up on saving everyone from that sort of fate. “I’m taking a walk. “Me taking a walk is nowhere near as weird as you eating ramen at this hour. Naruto was someone who was supposed to stay pure and straightforward.” Shikamaru deadpanned. he suddenly understood himself. it would be fine. what’re you doing out?” Naruto asked. No matter how hopeless the situation. Wasn’t it only natural for a shadow jutsu user to take on the burden of darkness? Naruto would become Hokage. after all. He had decided to bear all of the shadows that would try to interfere with Naruto’s light. a shining sun. and Shikamaru would support him as his right hand man. And Shikamaru didn’t want him to change.No matter how frantically you reached out to save people and lead them towards light. Why had he been so stubborn about volunteering to go to the Country of Silence? It had been for Naruto’s sake. That was Shikamaru’s dream: to stay by Naruto’s side and sort out any shadows that could interfere with his light. ” Shikamaru paused. and started walking back.” Shikamaru had long decided he wasn’t ever going to go back on those words. so people can think ‘ahh. It’s already been two years since the war ended.” “I never go back on my word. “I’m definitely going to make you Hokage. Because a certain someone keeps giving me pain in the neck missions. you can’t naively think everyone’s approval will be guaranteed with your actions from that time. “Do you have the day off?” Shikamaru asked.” That ‘certain someone’ was. I haven’t had a day off in half a year. “No way. like one would scold a child. “That’s my ninja way. Naruto.” “Alright. “Everyone in the village approves of you.” “Yeah.” Naruto promised. Naruto.” “You’re being eyed as a candidate to be the next Hokage. Be more self-aware. - . so stop your complaining.” Naruto raised his right hand in a great wave. After watching his back for a while. “You’re the man who’ll become Hokage. “Don’t oversleep. you know. of course. and then turned to go on his way. “My stomach’s full. “Oi. what would we do if Naruto wasn’t here’. “They’re missions I’m picking out for your sake.” Naruto laughed at the serious look on his face. so I’ll think I’ll go home and sneak in a nap.” Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at him.They both laughed. alright…” Naruto pouted just a bit before giving a great stretch.” Shikamaru said.” “I get that… But just one-” “No buts. “It’s my ninja way too. But it’s exactly because they approve that you need to take on even more missions.” “I won’t.” Shikamaru called over his shoulder. Shikamaru. Shikamaru turned around to go on his own path as well.” “But I still want to take a break for just a biiit. I’m going on another mission at noon. Don’t forget that. It’s too important a time for breaks.” “Never going back on your word. “What?” Naruto turned around. since it’s secret…Basically. But the highest priority goes to assassinating the man named Gengo. “Your joke totally fell flat. Shikamaru stared at him. The man looked flustered. an embarrassed sweat drop clinging to his forehead. This time’s mission involved infiltrating the country as well as assassinating the target.” Soku told Rou. the gates looked wet and gloomy. let’s go. “We have several mission objectives. he made that joke about our assassination not being observed. this old man tends to make bad jokes like that every now and then. It was hidden within a cluster of trees at the base of the mountain. and cleared his throat. we start running. huh. who’d turned somewhat red-faced with embarrassment. The three shinobi were the only people near the closed back gates. since we will be carrying out assassination. y’know. . the three of them finally heaved open the back gates. “Ah well. “Surveying the situation in the country of silence. trying to reclaim the serious atmosphere. Kakashi hadn’t come to see them off. y’know. It wasn’t something that could be done completely under the radar.” And with that. Rou.” Shikamaru was directing the words towards Rou and Soku. That’s why the two weren’t wearing their masks. Searching for Sai and the 10 Anbu who we lost contact with. so it’d be a good idea to watch out.” Shikmaru said.“I made you wait.” Shikamaru swallowed down the urge to make a witty retort. and since surveying has a similar meaning to observing.” Soku explained to Shikamaru with an ‘I’m so sorry about this’ look on her face. Despite it being a bright morning. “When we go past the gate. also gave a nod. y’know.” The pair silently nodded. ‘know. bewildered at what he could mean. “You were talking about us surveying the situation. then we must make sure there’s no observation…” Rou’s nostril’s flared as he emphasised ‘observation’. “Alright then. “He was trying to make a joke.” Soku cheerfully answered. alright?” “We’re aware. all throughout his childhood. gazing down at the brilliant view of Suna from above. not letting anyone near. all year round. He used to believe in “loving only oneself” and had accepted the rest of the world to be his enemy. Even if he didn’t say it out loud. The peoplein their village called this hill “the wind’s reading spot” because the windnever stopped blowing up here. But look at her little brother now. “Do you need anything. if anyone in the village had heard the name “Gaara” they would shudder in fear. his actions of losing . Temari knew very well that Gaara was the only one who came up here despite the strong wind to enjoy the view of the village.watching his crimson hair swaying in the wind. and a vital authority in the alliance holding all shinobi together. They were standing on top of ahill. Gaara had become an existence the Shinobi World couldn’t do without. He tilted his head back to look at her. she thought toherself that her little brother had really grown splendidly. The old Gaara hadn’t even let his elder sister Temari or older brother Kankurou anywhere near entering his heart. and Temari could see the lone kanji for ‘love’ that was tattooed onto his forehead. his whole body. He was the leader of Suna. Several years ago.Chapter Seven Temari stood behind Gaara’s back. nee-san?” Gaara asked. Gaara had a bijuu inside him ever since he was born. It was all thanks to Naruto. Looking at him. “I got a little sand in my eye. His feelings towards the people in their village changed.himself in the throes of bloodlust.that’s true…” Those born in Suna were accustomed to the relationship between its sand and wind. “Is something wrong. and Temari was caught so off guard she couldn’t stop herself from stiffening.” “That’s rare. Gaara was recognised by everyone. Their villagers held a strong pride as shinobi. And in the end. Temari was eternally grateful to Naruto for that. His cold demeanour disappeared. His attitude towards the village changed. it never rained. The way he treated and spoke to Temari and Kankurou changed. that’s all. worry transparent in his eyes. “Shikamaru…” Gaara suddenly said that guy’s name.” “Th. Naruto simply couldn’t abandon Gaara. and many of them were logical people. Naruto was the only one who had managed to reach Gaara. She thought that the village of Konoha overall was likeable. Gaara had recognised him as a ‘friend’. “That doesn’t usually happen to you. and looked away from his gaze. Suddenly. The village of Suna was always parched for water. Temari could feel his concern so keenly that it hurt. Being right in the middle of the desert.” Gaara mildly said. no suna-nin’s eyes would ever sting because of sand. that guy’s face flashed across her mind. . Gaara had been changing ever since he met Naruto. There was a stinging pain inside Temari’s chest all of a sudden. Naruto had pumped as much of his own chakra into him as he could. all the things he did transmitted those words loud and clear. the two slowly came to understand each other. neesan?” “Eh? No…” Gaara was looking at her. and she irritably clicked her tongue. not holding back in the slightest. used to handling it. Even in a dust storm. not when he was a fellow jinchuuriki who’d lived the same life he had. After exchanging blows in a fierce battle that surpassed the limits of normal humans. Temari’s line about ‘sand getting in her eyes’ was a blatant lie and excuse. And sand always got mixed in with the wind as well. neesan. When Gaara’s bijuu was removed from his body by the Akatsuki and he was on the brink of death. he put his all into diligently carrying it out. huh. Temari was the one who worked with Shikamaru the most within the entire Union. Maybe that’s why I’m sensitive to the movement of other’s hearts. “I feel like he’s been behaving strangely lately.” . “Do you have any idea what he could be holding back. Gaara didn’t say anything about her sudden guarded posture. and the recent cases of missing-nin in the villages. neesan?” “I wonder if I do. “He’d been seriously investigating the shinobi who went missing in action during the war.Although his sister had stiffened up as if in response to an enemy attack.” Of course. I got the feeling he was working himself too hard. and simply went on speaking indifferently.” Gaara said.” Gaara nodded.” Temari said. “He’s hiding something.” It was natural that Gaara would ask her. “I’m just not sure if I’m right. “It’s not that I don’t have an idea what it is…” Temari said. silently listening. when he was so careful about reading others in general. a very serious person. “I used to not care about other people.” “Mm…” Temari let out a sound of agreement. He was also referencing the fact that both he and Temari had noticed Shikamaru was holding back reporting some situation happening in Konoha. but now I’m extremely careful to take notice of others’ behaviour and appearances. “He’s someone who thinks about the future of the Union and shinobi over all more seriously than anyone else. It was because of that he was able to open his heart to everyone so completely. It wasn’t a surprise that her brother should notice the subtle changes in Shikamaru’s behaviour. her brother was. Any problem that made him act like that was very likely a problem that affected all the shinobi villages. it seemed like his heart wasn’t in his actions. Once he believed he should do something. at the root.” Gaara was referencing the fact that each hidden village participating in the Union had the duty to report any problems inside or outside their jurisdiction. Gaara nodded. “I don’t think he would do anything that could threaten the Union.” “You think so too. The last time I saw him at the Union’s Headquarters. Impatiently wiping it away. she looked at her little brother with a wide grin.” * “Hey Sakura-chan.” “This isn’t something you need to thank me for. “Somehow. head home and sleep!” . a familiar pain. then we must do nothing less than try to save him with our full strength. don’t you think he’s hiding something from me?” “I don’t!” Sakura’s exasperated voice made Naruto wince. He’s a man who’s necessary to the Union.” Gaara said. you know?” “We’re long past the era where we care about things like ‘Suna shinobi’ or ‘Konoha shinobi’. “What happened to your mission?” “It ended today.” Temari was startled by how eager her voice sounded. so ask Naruto about Shikamaru first. “If it turns out that Shikamaru’s confronting a grave situation. “Will you go. Bits of sand scraped across their foreheads. but he’ll definitely find a way to avoid answering. “Let’s ask Naruto. eat some ramen. and Shikamaru’s suddenly turned incredibly cold and stiff around me. “Ya know. He was thinking. neesan?” “Yes. the sand keeps getting in my eyes today. take as many with you as you need.At Temari’s reply.” “Then quickly go to Ichiraku’s.” One small tear had slipped its way down Temari’s cheek. Sai hasn’t been around for over a month now. The wind suddenly picked up. neesan.” “…Shikamaru’s a shinobi of Konoha. are you listening?” Naruto irritably asked. leaning his elbows against a pile of books that came all the way up to his chest.” Gaara murmured. It’s natural that we would support him. A furrow came between his brows.” “…Thank you. “Of course. If you feel like shinobi from Suna are needed. Hey. Gaara took his eyes off her and gazed down at the village again. He was speaking to Sakura’s back as she was rushing along the length of the bookshelf that covered the wall. you should ask Kakashi too. who’d taken the bijuu into him as well. And if they can’t. You’ve finally shown your face…You’re acting so cold as an original member of team 7. “Right now.” “Is the Nine Tails making a fuss?” The Nine Tails was still living inside Naruto. In that way.” . Even if they end up in a situation where need your help. Naruto. paid a little more attention to what he was saying. Both Sai and Shikamaru are brilliant shinobi.” “Ehhh. I’ve got to go through documents left over from Tsunadesama’s time as Hokage! I don’t have any free time! I can’t listen to your gossiping! Understand?” Huffing. “But lately. I can’t trust Kakashi-sensei to know when to do that. and Sakura knew it too. had some of the Sage’s power even now. “It’s because if you are rightly worried. haven’t you been hanging out with Hinata lately? Wouldn’t it be a better idea to go and have her listen to you properly instead of bothering me?” “What? Are you jealous?” Sakura turned around with a furious expression. I’m already overwhelmed with working with Tsunade-sama on developing a system for medicinal jutsu. “Obviously not! I decided to wait for Sasuke-kun. I’ve just had this really bad feeling. then the Hokage will tell you to go save them. there’s nothing you can do. she turned back to face the shelves. you know!” “Y-yes ma’am…” Naruto answered. but it’s been so long since you stopped by the Hokage Residence.“Whaaaaat. His ‘bad feelings’ were different from a normal human’s.” Sakura furiously turned around to face her pouting friend. you could say he was a human pillar for the power of the Ten Tails. “Don’t you think you’re misunderstanding something?” “You’re cruel. There were also remnants of the other 8 bijuu inside him as well. In the last war. “Besides. flopping onto the floor in a sulk. ya know. then they’ll ask for it. noticing. her fist slamming against Naruto’s head. and Sakura. as well as working on the structure of the Union’s system. Obito had become a human pillar for the Ten Tails and gained chakra rivalling that of the Sage of the Six Paths. Suddenly his eyes changed to look a bit more serious. giving my judgement zero trust…” Naruto muttered. They’re comrades who’ve believed in you all this time. wearily keeping a distance. for goodness sake! I say one thing you get upset.“You’re much worse than he is!” Sakura exploded.” “Don’t talk so ominously about death!” “Oh. He’s been working himself to the bone in the Union and the village so you can become Hokage! You can’t let all that be in vain. ya know!” Sakura used Naruto’s own phrase against him. ya know. “Get a hold of yourself. The Country of Silence . Especially Shikamaru. and concentrate on your missions.” Sakura let out a sigh. “Go home and sleep!” Sakura threw Naruto out of the room. “Stop talking about things you can’t help. they’re not gonna die meaningless deaths. Naruto shot back to his feet. I say another you still get upset. That’s what Sai and Shikamaru would both want you to do. giving him a kick in the shin. You’re being a real pain.” “I know he’s working for me…but that’s exactly why I’m worried. From the waist down. Shikamaru and his team had to constantly run through hills and valleys. even the smallest home in the capital had a tiled roof. there were wide hakama**. Rou and Soku had advised that they should procure their clothing locally so as not to stand out during their infiltration. they had all long changed out of their Konoha flak jackets. expanding in radials from the centre of the city. Just as the customs of every country are different. with their cuffs stuffed into laced up boots which came up to the shin. wrapped around the chest and tied with a cloth belt. the capital still had all the splendour of a metropolis. Although it was a poor country. Roads spread out around the city in the same shape as a spider’s web. before they finally reachedthe Country of Silence. The country’s capital. If one were to look at the city from a distance. it had been about four days since they’d left Konoha. this must be the country’s castle which we seek. and on the left and right edge of the roof were two gold-coloured lion statues. One very large building out in the middle of the city. andthe remaining land was dotted with fields. Along the way to the capital. “Ahh. In the little sections separated by those roads. Curtain Village*. The Country of Silence was a relatively small country. and half listened to Rou and Soku’s conversation as they walked down the main street. The clothing worn by the people in the Country of Silence was very simple.Chapter Eight Shikamaru’s team ran for three days regardless of whether it was day or night. It was around 10 storeys high. houses and apartments were lined up side by side. Most of it was surrounded by mountains and forests. and Shikamaru had bowed to their experience as Anbu. While rest of the country’s villages had had houses with straw thatched roofs. By the time they reached Curtain Village. None of the towns in those fieldswere anywhere near the size of a village in Fire Country. was located almost in the very centre of the country. this building would be the only one to stand out from amongst the others. they’d stopped at the richest looking mansion they could find and gathered clothes for the three of them. Since they were sneaking in from the country’s borders. The top was an uwagi** robe. Of course. and the streets were clean and well landscaped. with a crimson tiled roof. y’know. without any patterns to speak of.” “There’s no need to sound so smug about stating the obvious.” Shikamaru half kept an eye on the castle. located towards theWest of the continent. The Country of Silence would have felt like a rustic and rural countryside even to the three original founders of Konoha. . so is the clothing. There were many buildings made with reinforced concrete. going around on errands for him. Unions within the Shinobi World were all very well. It is extremely strange to not have seen a single attendant. Lord Shikamaru?” Rou asked from his position in front. . Rou was their front guard. As the two conversed. Shikamaru was very sure of that.” Soku murmured. They were always rushing about the capital where their Damyou lived. they hadn’t seen a single one of those attendants. y’know.” Rou’s observation was right on the mark. “All the people we have seen on the street so far have been the country’s citizens. but shinobi never. The man’s question was very vague. so there was no way of replying to him. ever took the front stage of politics. And yet.” Rou specified. their advertisements dull and sombre. Shikamaru had absolutely no intention of rushing or rashly leaping into the middle of things and risking the mission going south.The clothes’ colours were as droll as the design. “It’s possible there isn’t a Daimyou. Even the stores on the streets didn’t have any bright lights or neon signs. Small countries did sometimes have cases where citizens of the country made it appear like they had a Daimyou in charge while handling matters themselves. But this country was different. He wasn’t specifying what it was that Shikamaru was supposed to have noticed. Those attendants differentiated themselves from the country’s citizens with great pride. but simply from the habit people had of walking towards the largest building in the vicinity. “That’s true. from their colourful clothing to their overbearing and arrogant attitudes. without exception.” Shikamaru agreed. It wasn’t with any intention to start the operation now. they were heading towards the direction of the castle. with their places of residence brimming over with the attendants who served them. The rulers of countries within their continent were always. “We have yet to see a single one of the Daimyou’s attendants. Shikamaru was stuck between the two Anbu on their insistence. That could be the case. And Daimyou’s always lived in the capital city of their country. Daimyou. There wasn’t a single bright thing to be found in the entire city. “Have you noticed. Everyone who walked in the Curtain Village wore either black or brown or grey. “It…It can’t be…” “Eh? What’s going on? I don’t understand what you two’re so worked up about. he inclined his head slightly towards a tea house on the busy street. what about that man over by the side of the street? He doesn’t look familiar to you at all?” As Shikamaru spoke. There was no seam or fastener down the middle either. “Rou. “See that man in front of us? We saw some others dressed like him too.” He and Rou were looking towards a man seated at one of the benches in front of the tea house.” “Wouldn’t a person normally wait a bit instead of immediately agreeing…?” Soku asked. “We all want you to shut up. black cloak. Lord Shikamaru. “I kept getting the feeling he was a familiar face. “I say. silver buttons.” Rou made another one of his bad jokes. “Those clothes…the clothes make the target. He. although this man’s clothing didn’t have those red clouds.” Shikamaru grimly said. He was wearing a long.He turned around in Soku’s direction.” “You have a point. or the high collar to cover his mouth. his eye fell on a man who was walking in front of the group.” Soku groaned. only five large. Shikamaru continued speaking.” “But it’s possible he’s not a Daimyou. and had a sharp.” As Shikamaru said that. . his eyes glancing towards the castle they’d now left behind them. The design reminded Shikamaru of the Akatsuki’s cloaks. Rou looked over his shoulder to follow the line of sight Shikamaru was indicating. His clothing stood out amidst the hamakas and uwagis worn by the other citizens. I noticed that as well. Ignoring their bantering. was wearing a long coat that stood out. after all. Don’t you feel like you’re reminded of something when you see them?” Shikamaru asked. cutting look in his eyes. y’know…” “So I was right. and drinking tea. “Sai’s message clearly said that this country is being controlled by a man named Gengo. too. y’know. y’know. Shikamaru had specifically chosen this place because it wasn’t a hotspot. finishing Shikamaru’s sentence for him. staying completely motionless and concentrating fully on the task at hand. all the way up and around the body of the man in front of him. “You won’t be able to move anymore. stunned. the Nara Clan. bowing his head several times and gushing praise and excuses towards the man. An old shopkeeper immediately rushed out from the tea house’s interior. Their jutsu didn’t stop at just binding with their shadows. The Kagemane Neck Binding Jutsu… Shikamaru’s family. They were in an alley between two of the concrete buildings.” Shikamaru dryly said. The shadow tendrils turned into dark hands around curled snugly around his captive’s neck. It had crawled along the alleyway like a jet black snake.they could inflict physical harm with them as well. Fireworks were going off inside Shikamaru’s heart. “I can very easily crush your neck with my shadow.” . Rou and Soku were keeping watch at where the alley opened up to the main street. That style of buttering someone up was exactly how citizens usually behaved to the Daimyou’s attendants. practically abandoned even in the middle of the day. “It’d be fastest to get the answers to this incident firsthand. The Kagemane Neck Binding jutsu let you use your own shadow to stop your opponent’s movements.” Rou said. careful not to let their observation of Minoichi be noticed. The Nara shadows were physical embodiments. They’d blended into the shadows as expected of their experience in Anbu. “His name is Minoichi. The three of them kept walking past the tea house. right?” Soku guessed.” Shikamaru drawled to the frantically twitching man in front of him. His mouth twitched up in a smile.As they watched. the man called out for the owner of the tea house. “He used to be in the Anbu. had been shadow jutsu users for generations. A shadow even darker and deeper than the shade of the alley was extended from Shikamaru’s feet. “Just letting you know.” “That man…” “Was supposed to have gone missing in action during the war. wouldn’t it?” Shikamaru said. I said I don’t know it. “I-I…understand…” . “So why’re you. I asked you who these ‘enlightened ones’ are.” Shikamaru’s shadow moved along the man’s throat. weren’t you?” “I. right? And what it can do…” If you keep this up. You were originally a shinobi from Konoha.“H-How…Wh-why’re you…bastard…” “You don’t know me?” Shikamaru asked of the Anbu. His heart was getting covered in darkness… “There’s no way you could understa.” Shikamaru said. “I am…an enlightened one.” “Don’t play dumb. “I’m fine with strangling you if you keep this up.” Minoichi hoarsely said. “Geugh…” Minoichi groaned. Minoichi-san. “You were born in Konoha.” Even Shikamaru himself felt sick at the words coming out of his mouth. dark hands tightening around Minoichi’s adam’s apple. I’m going to strangle you to death.” “I. That was the threat Shikamaru was making. “Ugh…” He let out an anguished groan.” Shikamaru’s pupils had dilated to leave his eyes almost as dark as his shadows. in a place like this.” “Enlightened one? What do you mean by that?” “P-people like you who sluggishly live in the…never changing world of Shinobi… could never understand our noble will. a Konoha shinobi.neugh!” Shikamaru had tightened his shadow’s hold firmly around Minoichi’s bobbing Adam’s apple.” “Look at you babbling.I don’t know that name.” Shikamaru willed a little more strength into the fingertips of his shadow around the man’s neck. anymore. “If you keep up that idle talk. wearing clothes like that?” “I-I’m not a shinobi. I’m really going to kill you. “You must’ve heard about the Nara clan’s jutsu at some point. “I know you. *** This is a little tricky. glaring down at the knocked out Minoichi.” It was Soku who spoke. Basically.“Shouldn’t that be. Anything you hear from me won’t let you understand the truth of this country…!” Minoichi began to laugh. something had flown and pierced the side of Minoichi’s neck… “I used a paralysing chakra needle for him. “Stop!” For a moment. The ex-shinobi’s face looked disturbingly peaceful in his paralysed sleep. She had come to stand at his side without Shikamaru even noticing. I couldn’t believe it either. Adding ‘sir’ was the closest I could get to that sentiment. Who exactly are you ‘enlightened ones’? What’re people who were originally shinobi doing gathered around here?” Seeing the ruthless expression on Shikamaru’s face. There aren’t any low born Daimyous around anymore. But then.” Soku said. Our goal is to create a true revolution in this world together with Gengo-sama. lol. Curtain Village is really the name. but Shikamaru demanded he use polite inflections. ‘I understand. slumped to the side from biting his tongue. tears in his eyes. y’know. you’re going to answer me. ‘enlightened ones’…that sounds both arrogant and annoying. The title ‘enlightened one’ is earned when you are a shinobi who has opened their eyes to the noble ideals of Gengo-sama. “Now. Anything you scum plot or scheme is powerless before him. opening his jaws to bite down on his tongue in a suicide attempt. and Minoichi immediately began coughing and spluttering. and started talking. Minoichi said ‘I understand’ with casual language. ** The clothing described is easier explained seen than read. Footnotes: * Yes. Shikamaru was sure Minoichi was dead. y’know. In an instant. “We ‘enlightened ones’ rule this country. Minoichi took in a deep breath. so he won’t be able to move for three days or so. his eyes caught up with his brain. I spent 20 minutes looking for a kanji that didn’t exist. “Feh. sir’?” * “I…understand…sir…” Shikamaru weakened his shadow’s hold. . Rou and Soku were sitting in acircle in a completely grey room.” Shikamaru had to agree with Rou about the charisma. that made three EO’s that had been interrogated over all. knocked out by one of Soku’s paralysing Chakra Needles. . unshakable faith in Gengo. Counting Minoichi. they hadn’t forgotten to do their interrogations in the midst of their thievery. “It seems that Lord Shikamaru was correct in his initial conclusion. and yet the one thing that didn’t change in every single scenario was their obsessive. Of course. of course.Chapter Nine Shikamaru didn’t even try to hide the shivers running up his spine from sitting on the cold. Three enlightened ones. “This country does indeed look like it’s being ruled by this Gengo character and his frighteningly strong charisma. The walls. the ceiling. All stolen. There was no window to speak of. Even the room theywere currently residing in didn’t belong to them. The result of all their cross-questionings was quite a bounty of information. and the one female EO for Soku’s cloak. All three of them were wearing thelong cloaks of the enlightened ones. or Naruto. everything was concrete. concrete floor. The faith the EO’s had towards Gengo was clearly different from the trust that Konoha’s shinobi put in the Hokage. The real owner was an enlightened one stuffed in a closet in the room next door. He. They’d had to lure another male EO [shortened term for Enlightened One/s] to get a long cloak for Rou.” Rou started speaking first. the bond between Konoha’s shinobi and their leaders. regaining control of himself. “That’s why the old man and I came along in the first place. Though I’d have liked it if that haven’t been the case. “A cool name like Gourai [roaring lightning] or Shippu [swift gale] or Kimidare [summer rain] would have been so much better!” It turned out that no matter how capable a shinobi she was. y’know.” Rou said. Gengo’s existence was something else entirely. she didn’t even add “y’know” to the end of her sentence.] “That’s why I don’t like it!” Soku’s chakra blared brighter with her temper.Humans feeling love and respect for another human. because the chakra buzzing at the tip of her finger suddenly went out.” Shikamaru said. As if they believed that while they were humans. I’ll be careful not to use it.” Soku bluntly said. it’s been said from the start that this whole thing’ll end if we end Gengo. Shikamaru was desperately trying not to laugh. That was. in Shikamaru’s opinion. her index finger pointing at Shikamaru’s face. the tip of it crackling with orange chakra. Soku was still a fourteen year old child on the inside. “I think so too. “I didn’t know you hated your name to that extent. Soku’s input was pertinent to the conversation.” . People respecting other people. Hinoko?” “Shikamaru-san! I told you not to call me by name!” Soku sat up in a fit of temper. “If you call me by name again. y’know.” Soku nodded. he himself felt curious about the answer. What kind of a man could make people adore him to that extent? Shikamaru noticed with mild alarm that deep down inside. we wouldn’t be needed. “Something has to be up for them to be so fervently attached to him. Her line up of ‘cool’ names were all so unbelievably cheesy.” “What do you mean by something. But the way the EO’s treated Gengo was different.” Although her last comment was a little rude. “Why don’t you like it? It’s an adorable name…” * [Translator’s Note: Hinoko means sparks of fire. y’know. If that hadn’t been the case. “Well. disturbing faith. It was an unshakeable. “It seems that their thoughts towards Gengo have already turned into a religious fervour. I’m seriously gonna pound you!” She was so worked up. They spoke of him with the same fear and reverence that one would use for a living god. She must have mistaken the strained expression on his face for an apologetic look. “Sorry. Soku.” Shikamaru commented.” Rou explained with his old-fashioned knowledge. “That’s definitely what it is.“A-as long as you understand…” Soku looked somewhat embarrassed at her outburst now. pessimistic guys are trying to overturn the world of shinobi? Ridiculous. “It is a derogatory term. the shape of this city is truly like a spider’s web. “It’s probably by insulting themselves that they find the ferocity to bare their fangs and fight the rest of the world. “I say. Shikamaru realised. Shikamaru looked down to study the map as well. or savages living near the borders of a metropolis. “Why give your own castle an insulting name like that…” “It comes to this sort of meaning.” . was genuinely angry at the people of this country for giving themselves such a self-deprecating name. does it not? ‘As the Five Great Nations and other smaller countries claimed their land on the continent. “Used for prisoners of war. crossing his arms in thought.” She forgot to add ‘y’know’ again. His eyes fell on the picture of the large castle at the centre of the city. declaring yourself to be scum. listening to them talk. The text next to it declared it as ‘Floating Prisoner Castle’. huh…” Shikamaru’s mind was whirring as he murmured out loud. y’know.” Rou said. She’d kept quiet until now. deep in thought. so he didn’t say anything about it. what kind of a crazy cruelty is that? And these twisted.” Soku scornfully interjected.” Rou said.’ They are insulting themselves. It was just a vague sort of intuition though. “Did Gengo give it that name? Or was the castle called that long before he became its master?” “The Country of Silence has always avoided contact with other countries. “Floating prisoner…” Shikamaru muttered to himself. Spread out on the floor in front of the three was a map of Curtain Village. “That’s stupid. looking down at the floor.” “Derogatory. “Insulting yourself. we were savages forced to live on the outskirts. but looked so worked up she couldn’t stop herself from talking. This had also been procured from the owner of the room.” Shikamaru somehow had a feeling Gengo had given the castle that name. and as a consequence even we Anbu of Konoha do not have any information on this castle. They’d learnt that this country had once had a Daimyou as well. It was through that kind of thinking that members of the Akatsuki or Enlightened Ones were born. still steaming. and the Enlightened Ones feel dissatisfaction towards the current state of shinobi…” Rou glanced at Shikamaru. Lord Shikamaru. but the structure of your country. and dark feelings would begin to stew. .” Shikamaru carefully said. the ‘Akatsuki’ were mostly made up of missing-nin. “There are shinobi like that too. if this is true…” Rou spoke. That can’t be right.” “Then. The one who had driven the Daimyou out. He continued speaking. aren’t they?” Soku was right. “All the EO’s who run this country are former shinobi from other countries. of course.” You’d find yourself trapped in a bad situation. “But. It wasn’t surprising if all that resentment and anger made you lash out at your own country. none other than Gengo. You’d blame your village for your misfortunes and suffering. The fact had come to light during their interrogation of the three EO’s.” Soku cut in. It would be a fitting summary to say that the current Country of Silence was being run completely by shinobi. They were a group with exceptional abilities who hated the world of shinobi. who nodded for him to go on. I say. “Then that means they hate their own villages as well. explaining in a calm tone. “If they hate other countries. say that it wasn’t your fault. and Soku and Shikamaru both fell quiet. “The group that was the cause of the last great war.” Soku continued. “Revenge is born out of hatred for your opponent. And hatred is never something that can exist in someone without them starting a fight or provoking the other side. Part of them were shinobi who’d gone missing in action during the war. “If this is true. are you saying that the people of this country resent the other countries in this continent?” “That’s a ridiculous idea. the very structure of the world that was to blame.” The concept seemed alien to her.Soku’s reply to Shikamaru’s explanation was to look away in disgust. Every single EO who was involved with governing this country had originally been a shinobi from another country. while the rest were those who’d become missing-nin during the past year. y’know. raised up the Enlightened Ones and changed the country from the root up was.no. but they were all governing authorities who answered to Gengo. The Country of Silence had opened a unique messenger route for business. “It’s what Minoichi said. and looked at Shikamaru with mirth. is it not?” Rou laughed. either way…that Gengo fellow is a threat that must be eliminated.only for them to keep taking on mission requests as only shinobi would. It was a truly ridiculous scenario. . “Well.” They both nodded at his orders with those same disturbing smiles. y’know. “A ‘true revolution’…” Soku thoughtfully murmured. The moment you see Gengo stiffen. What’s more. “To summarise what we discussed before: Rou. it was a relief for smaller countries around the continent who had less gold to spare. Shikamaru felt like he was just now realising. that Rou really was a part of Anbu. It was no wonder the mission requests made to the Union had significantly decreased. pointing at the plaza in front of Floating Prisoner Castle. Shinobi who felt resentful towards the shinobi world ran away to the country of silence. as if they were looking forward to the thrill. you have to send your Chakra Needle flying immediately. deep in his bones. It was exactly as Rou had said. you’ll be placed at a nearby rooftop with a bird’s eye view. The man who was always so simple and sincere was now talking about coldblooded murder with a smile on his face. you’ll use your jutsu to help us blend into the crowd at the plaza.’ and all…” “You think they’re taking on mission requests for the sake of reaching that goal?” Shikamaru asked. When Rou and Shikamaru both turned to look at her. Soku. the girl looked embarrassed. is it?” Rou was referring to how the Enlightened earned a livelihood. “The town square reserved for speeches…It’s a fitting stage for an assassination. While large and powerful countries like the Five Great Nations didn’t care much about lowered prices over credibility. “We’ve been blessed with a good chance.” Soku said. well.“And they came to this country with those feelings of dissatisfaction…But. ‘Our goal is to create a true revolution in this world together with Gengo-sama. their standard prices were cheaper than the Union’s.” Rou muttered. Soku nodded. what they’re doing here isn’t any different from what’s done in the shinobi world. and was taking on mission requests from all around the continent. I’ll extend my shadow to reach and restrain Gengo. quickly hid behind Shikamaru for safety.” Rou meekly said. “It’ll be fine. her mouth twisting down in temper. at that! What happened to the ‘ka’. murmuring in . their eyes fiercely blazing with devotion. then?!” Rou hurriedly got to his feet and –despite being 40 years old. muddled crowd. Shikamaru let out another sigh. he could’ve been playing his reaction up for laughs. Of course. “And bad ones. significantly larger than his short-tempered junoir. cowering from the fourteen year old’s rage. but that didn’t stop Shikamaru from feeling more than a little embarrassed on the two’s behalf. Both Anbu straightened at once. “Again with the puns!” She strode forward.” “How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?!” Soku got to her feet. Their voices mixed together. black cloaks. It wasn’t just the EnlightenedOnes with their long. feverish expressions on their faces. steaming with indignation. “Is everything really going to be alright tomorrow…?” He sighed. Chapter Ten They were so many people gatheredat the plaza in front of the castle that Shikamaru wouldn’t have been surprisedif it was the city’s whole population. Men and women. Lord!” Looking at them. “Huh?” Soku glared at her senior. All of them wore the sameenthused. “…Forty times. and an Anbu. so…forty. Hinoko. Soku was furious. people ofall ages and classes had all gathered in one large.” Rou whispered. boys and girls. reassurances spilling out of their mouths.“We’ll be depending on you. y’know!” “There is absolutely nothing to concern yourself over. “Lord Shikamaru’s name has ‘shi’ for ‘4’ and ‘maru’ for ‘0’. waiting fortheir leader to appear. Rou had of course. From the quality to the quantity. Rou’s jutsu had disguised Shikamaru’s chakra to look like the chakra of the cloak’s original owner. and in a cloak on top of that. There was nothing on the platform. they’d disguised their faces too. they’d be discovered in an instant. The crowd was jostling forward close enough for them to touch the wood. Rou was next to him. Shikamaru found them loud and annoying. Stuck in the middle of the crazed crowd. I wonder if Gengo will really appear?” Rou doubtfully murmured. Everything had been arranged so the enemy would have no possible way of spotting them out. He barely moved his mouth as he spoke.praise and exaltation as they waited. Shikamaru could feel his skin getting slick with sweat. Rou’s skills had ensured they were hidden more than enough. eyes never moving from the platform placed in front of the crowd. then Soku’s Chakra Needle would do the rest. “For now. He was right to feel unsure. No matter how well they hid their chakra.” They just had to get within a distance that Shikamaru’s kagemane could reach the man on the platform. then we’ll just silently draw back for now. And on top of that. If Gengo doesn’t appear. All in all. Naturally. everything was an exact copy of the EO. If Shikamaru could stop Gengo’s movement. That had been Rou’s skills at work again. it’d be almost impossible to tell the difference between them and the original EO’s. done the same for his own chakra and the EO who had worn his cloak. For the leader of a country to stand on such a completely defenceless platform was beyond dangerous. let’s head towards that place. with its own wooden staircase to the side.” “Understood. not a single microphone or bodyguard. Soku was lurking around the roof of a concrete building across the castle. it would be the same as saying that he didn’t have the feel the slightest suspicion that anyone could aim for his life. Even if their faces were examined. if the enemy ranks held someone with sharp eyes and a good memory for faces. It was raised quite a bit off the ground. both on a chakra and visible level. If Gengo did appear.” Rou murmured in a low voice. let’s just get closer and wait. “I say. “For now. Shikamaru and Rou were hidden in the midst of a large crowd. “If he would just make an appeara-” . It had a mysterious quality to it that made you feel like you weren’t listening to him with just your ears. He took in one deep breath. There were slight traces of stubble around his jaw. subtle and silent. keeping their movements slow. “That man is most likely Gengo.” His voice was deep and heavy. However. Gengo closed his eyes as if he felt satisfied by that reaction. but your whole body. not a single one of our desires have been realised. We have gained many who share our ways of thinking. soothing to listen to. Slowly.” Everyone had been listening in utter silence. He felt a firm conviction that the man in front of their eyes was definitely Gengo. He looked about 30 years old. Instantly. He wore a long. Rou’s eyes met Shikamaru’s as they silently moved closer to the platform. and his features were clear and well-defined. I would like to express my thanks to all of you who have gathered here.Rou’s murmuring was cut off by a sudden roar of joy from the front of the crowd closest to the platform. Gengo gave a small bow towards the crowd to convey his gratitude. all the people around him were screaming so loud he felt like his eardrums were going to burst. A single man had appeared on the platform. and then started to speak again. As Shikamaru tried to push his way to the front. As the man’s words stopped. a strange atmosphere sifted into the quiet of the crowd. He calmly looked down at the cheering crowd with clear and intelligent eyes. itchy feeling inside his chest. Shikamaru felt a bothersome. . a masculine physique. all the wild cheers fell silent. isn’t he?” Rou murmured. “First of all. as if every inch of the plaza was under the man’s control. a small smile pulling at his mouth. the man raised his right arm into the air. The elated shouting rose and spread like a tidal wave across the plaza. his sleeves were embroidered with silver snakes running down his forearms. “It has been ten years since I came to stand at this podium. but his was covered in countless colourful ornaments as well as the large silver buckles. His hair was a dark indigo blue. and our country has begun to prosper. Shikamaru kept walking without giving an answer. and stopped walking for just a moment. It was clear that he seemed to feel that same. The two shinobi’s steps became in sync. He had a strong jaw. On top of that. black coat similar to the design the Enlightened Ones wore. as if the man’s voice was brushing against his heart. then opened his eyes and began to speak. uncomfortable sensation. “The country that was ruled by a Daimyou.” Rou murmured. that man is Gengo. The whole mission would be decided in one moment… Gengo raised his right hand. His shouted words seemed to come from his very soul. No matter how he turned over the words in his head. “There is definitely no mistake. It has been 10 years . several meters left to the distance which would allow his kagemane to reach and bind the target. we stayed weak. you may now find peace of mind. It is because of shinobi’s struggles that the citizens are protected. with our power and our lives. They were almost there. It was to protect our own. who live selfishly. Our history is that of foreigners. he did acknowledge the fact that Gengo’s voice had a mysterious power to it. “I have received your answer. Shikamaru silently nodded to him. The days we were ruled by Daimyou who saw power. turning to the platform.” Everyone around them seemed to get drunk on those words. and this country now…Which world do you think is better? Who is that better world ruled by?” “GENGO-SAMA!” The citizens shouted their approval as one. but we who carry the power of shinobi! That is true justice. and the crowd quietened again. oppressed and downtrodden.” Gengo’s voice increased. And yet. Some were even crying. Shikamaru honestly didn’t think Gengo had said anything all that important. “The ones who rule this world should not be the Daimyou. All you need to worry about is comfortably living your lives. They were strangely overwhelmed with emotion. Our ancestors did not cut off contact with the outside to sever our exchanges with others. while crushing shinobi and citizen alike beneath their feet! Look at this country. The man possessed a power that made you listen to his voice no matter what he was saying. incensed. But now. that is over. wisdom and us. we were ruled by Daimyou. We enlightened ones shall forever protect you. Because that is all that we enlightened wish for. their voice roaring across the plaza like a tidal wave. as unimportant.“I have a question for the citizens of our country of silence!” Gengo’s voice which had been so calm and composed now rang out with a tempestuous fury. it didn’t even seem like a relatively good speech. the shinobi. As long as we stayed out of contact with the outside. However. “Our country of silence is at the very outskirts of the continent.those dark days are long past! Citizens. only for themselves. The existence of shinobi who carry powers beyond a normal human’s have always been found throughout the world. since I exterminated the daimyou. Look at the prosperity this country has gained!” Gengo’s chest expanded with pride. “Almost there.” Shikamaru murmured. Only a few steps more, and Gengo would be within range of his kagemane. “I will exterminate the Daimyou from this world, and create a new world for us. Why aren’t shinobi recognised and distinguished? We hold a greater power than any daimyou. We hold a greater power than any human! Why are we who transcend others constantly downtrodden? Aren’t our merits far greater than other peoples? It is because the daimyou fear the age of shinobi that they discriminate against us, isolate us, and keep us under their influence! Citizens and shinobi alike, we are all victims to the selfishness of the daimyous!” They were getting closer to Gengo. From this distance, it almost looked like blue sparks were coming out of the man’s fiercely glaring eyes. “Revolution…” Just a little more until they were in range. Just a little more. The man standing in front of their eyes was almost certainly Gengo, and yet they’d been able to easily approach him unnoticed- so easily that Shikamaru felt weary. He thought about the possibility of this being a trap. But there was no way the enemy could have noticed them, and they couldn’t just let this chance pass them by. “The Akatsuki had once stood with the intention of changing this world. But they were destroyed. They were destroyed by the world of shinobi that remains unchanged with time, no better today than it was yesterday, with shinobi still overruled and discriminated against. But the Akatsuki lived up to their name… they were the dawn. They were the sign of a dazzling morning to come. Listen, you people who hold the morning sun that will rise from the Silence’s darkness.” Gengo slowly raised both his arms, as if he was welcoming a god from heaven. “The first rays of sunlight to dawn in this new age, they will shine from our Country of Silence!” The citizens cheered, the noise of their yells covering everything else. This was their chance. Shikamaru let his shadow free. A tendril crawled smoothly through the crowd like a black snake, creeping up the platform and stopping at Gengo’s feet. As soon as that shadowy snake caught hold of hold of Gengo, his movements would be stopped, and Soku’s chakra needle would end the business. It would’ve been fine if everything had turned out the way he’d planned it. Only the kagemane… Couldn’t seize Gengo. “Wha-!” He should’ve been in range. He was in range! Why couldn’t his shadow reach“The mouse creeping over there.” Gengo’s gaze slowly turned to look Shikamaru right in the eyes. “He’s sensing us, Lord-!” Rou shrieked. Several shadows leaped out from behind Gengo and came flying towards Rou, restraining him. Shikamaru frantically tried to reach Gengo with his shadow one more time. “It’s useless.” Gengo callously called. Shikamaru’s shadow, once as familiar to him as his own hands and feet, suddenly turned into a kite with cut strings. Its tendril missed the target completely, turning round and round in circles, writing uselessly on the ground. Fine then… Shikamaru leaped onto the platform, slipping out a kunai from his cloak. If the plan had been ripped apart, then he would fight and do the deed himself. Gengo didn’t move to run from Shikamaru. There was a faint smile on his face. Shikamaru ran towards him, swinging his kunai towards the man’s throat with expert precision. Someone came at Shikamaru from the side of the platform, kicking him sharply in the stomach. He rolled to the side of the wooden construct from the impact, and quickly sat up on one knee, his kunai at the ready. He stared. “You- what’re you…?” A single man stood between Gengo and Shikamaru. He had an ashen grey complexion. Vague eyes, with depths of unreadable emotion. A straight, honest mouth. “What’re you doing…?” There was no mistake as to who it was. Shikamaru called the man by his name. “…Sai.” Chapter Eleven Sai held a paintbrush in one hand, and a scroll in the other, drawing furiously. Every time he lifted his paintbrush from the scroll, an ink tiger would manifest and attack Shikamaru Shikamaru efforts to fend them off ended with him rolling off the platform and falling right into the crowd. He didn’t have the time to beconcerned only about Sai. Shikamaru’s mind was in utter chaos. Why hadn’t his jutsu worked? Why had their disguises been seenthrough? Was Soku alright? Shikamaru dodged attack afterattack from the crowd. In the corner of his eye, he could see severalEnlightened Ones holding down Rou. The old man was frantically struggling against their hold, but it was impossible for him to shake off that many men at once. Shikamaru’s cheek was stinging from where Sai’s ink beast had gotten in a swipe. The resin mask Rou had put on Shikamaru to disguise his face was starting to peel off. “Soon, that mask will be torn off completely, so I imagine you’ll feel more comfortable.” Sai said with a simple smile. His paintbrush hadn’t stopped moving. Inky tiger after tiger materialised, surrounding Shikamaru. “Why are you doing this…” “For a while now,” Sai noted, “You’ve been saying things that give the impression you know me.” The tendrils raised their heads slowly from the ground. Shikamaru took aim at the tigers and Enlightened ones surrounding him. and drew back into his normal shadow. There was so many EO’s blocking his way. Countless tendrils of darkness slowly started to extend from his shadow in every direction. If he could just manage to get to him one more time… Shikamaru leapt on top of one of the inky tigers surrounding him. forming the seal for a jutsu with his hands. You never spoke your name out loud if there was a risk of you being captured and your name being traced back to your village. In the corner of his eye. He’d now come to stand in front of Shikamaru. Shikamaru’s shadow tendrils woozily sank back into the ground. used tendrils of his shadow to attack and bind his opponents like a needle with thread. to begin with. it was a good jutsu to use against several opponents. It was an ironclad rule of Shinobi. The needle-like tendrils of his shadow stretched out without any problems. All he’d need was one strong force of will for them to shoot up and off the ground.” Gengo called from the platform above. He kept his arms crossed as he calmly watched Shikmaru’s struggles. His kagenui. blocking his way. he caught a glimpse of the tiger dissipating into a spray of black ink. He ran as soon as he hit the ground. “Will it work?” Shikamaru grumbled to himself.WHAT DID YOU DO?” Shikamaru roared at Gengo in outrage. He couldn’t. stabbing it with his kunai and leaping off in one seamless movement. free of the circle of beasts. Shikamaru could see Gengo still standing serenely on the platform. the shadow sewing technique. Never. . The moment his voice rang out. rearing back and getting ready to strike“Stop your pointless actions.Shikamaru didn’t tell Sai who he was underneath the mask. “Work!” Shikamaru yelled the word like a battle cry. Behind the Enlightened Ones swarming towards him. Why was his voice affecting his shadows? What in the world was he? “Hm? I do believe I know that jutsu…” It was Sai who made that comment. “Wh. Since Shikamaru could create a multitude of shadow needles. he could barely even count them. far larger than any of the others.and far.” Sai commented. Gengo’s gaze didn’t leave his for a moment. “You shithead…” Shikamaru muttered. and understand.” Gengo’s confident words were followed by a sharp pain in Shikamaru’s neck. “Take off the mask. “If you don’t get rid of me now. The giant black and white tiger took that as a signal. taking out a kunai and staring up at the tiger. Shikamaru’s impeded field of vision picked up the shadow of a man approaching from behind Sai. Shikamaru craned his head to look up into a pair of suspiciously glowing blue eyes. “Just so you know. it is Shikamaru-san after all. and peeled off Shikamaru’s mask in one go. it was too late. * . Suddenly. he felt something slam against his right leg.” Sai said.” “I have no fears. A single finger slipped into the crack caused by the tiger’s claw. The tiger that materialised from his scroll this time was black and white. Shikamaru cracked a smile. You’ll be living right along with me. He hit the ground face first. something else slammed against his left leg. and he lost consciousness.” Sai calmly said. readying himself for battle. looking down at Shikamaru desperately trying to breath under all the bodies crushing him. soon enough. several of the Enlightened piling on top of him and holding him down. The second he realised that. “To think that someone as sharp as you didn’t notice that the tiger was merely a distraction…your mind must really be in chaos.“Sai.” Sai said. Gengo. “Now see. terribly frightening things will happen later. Nara Shikamaru. huh…” Gengo’s voice sounded like he was a collector who’d found an item he’d been seeking for quite a while. “So this is Konohagakure’s genius. and right when Shikamaru realised the Enlightened Ones were bodily launching themselves at him.” Gengo commanded of the Enlightened Ones. don’t you dare…” “Your pointless actions are unsightly. pointing his paint brush at Shikamaru. and took one great step towards Shikamaru. “You will experience it first hand.” he said. his paintbrush furiously dancing along the scroll in his hand. He’d called them ‘mice’. losing sight of the target. and the state of his stomach. All this despite them perfectly disguising their chakra. When he’d tried to use the kagenui against Sai’s monstrous tiger. He hadn’t had rhe chance to investigate anything. even a little. Shikamaru’s own chakra signature had likely leaked outside the disguise. he couldn’t find a complete answer. . He’d extended his shadow all the way to the platform Gengo had been standing on.This was true darkness. Then. He wasn’t sure how many days had passed. Jutsu didn’t work against Gengo… But why? Shikamaru hadn’t had the time to gather enough information to figure out the truth behind the phenomenon. Could Gengo really disable jutsu? Shikamaru couldn’t tell. It was as if there’d been a barrier around the man that rendered all their jutsu useless when they got within a certain distance of him. There was no light whatsoever. there was a high possibility that Rou’s jutsu had experienced the same effect and been watered down. Judging by how frequently they’d fed him. But there was no mistake that something had interfered with both Shikamaru and Rou’s jutsu. allowing Gengo to notice their presence. That was the theory he had been going on for now. as well. Following that train of thought. It was in this kind of dark that he sat. How did things turn out like this? No matter how many times Shikamaru turned over the events in his head. The most appropriate conclusion was that either Gengo or an influence in Gengo’s surroundings. But his shadow hadn’t been able to ensnare his legs. it had been at least five days. so of course there was nothing for him to work with. had weakened the potency of his kagemane. It wasn’t just the problem of Sai. and sunk deep into his thoughts. to the point that Shikamaru couldn’t even see his own hands held an inch from his face. Shikamaru’s shadow couldn’t reach Gengo. And Gengo had been aware of the presence of Shikamaru and the others. his shadow had suddenly faltered and lost power. “Or are you dead?” His captor’s voice took on a tone as if he worried about there being no answer. stone floor beneath him. Soku’s cries came from somewhere in the darkness as well too. Asking questions he already knew the answer to was nothing more than sarcasm. Rou’s groans of pain reached Shikamaru’s ears.Not having anything more to go on. it irritated him. He was losing his presence of mind… “Geugh! Urghh!” Somewhere in the darkness. He only ever heard their voices in moans and whimpers. It sounded like they were undergoing severe torture. To continue to survive no matter what. Being able to taste the presence of a variety of poisons with just one lick was another of the basic foundation for shinobi. He struck again. to keep carrying out your duties no matter what. Shikamaru was eating because he hadn’t given up. there was bound to be some chance of escape. but he wasn’t dead. not being able to think about the reason.” Shikamaru ate everything they gave him. “I’m sorry…” He murmured. then he would die. and he knew Gengo was perfectly aware of that fact. although it was doubtful the man had heard. This was the result of Shikamaru’s own hasty actions. Wouldn’t it have turned out so much better if he’d just investigated Gengo a little more before acting? There had been so many other plans he could have followed… Shikamaru struck out with his fists blindly in the dark. No shinobi gave up the hope to live. If his body couldn’t move as he willed it to when that chance came. As long as he was alive. looking towards the direction of Rou’s pained voice. that was a true shinobi. Of course. and again… “Are you alive?” Gengo’s voice came to Shikamaru in the darkness. hitting the cold. only after checking if it was poisoned. Shikamaru wasn’t tortured at all. “I see you’ve been eating all your meals. . For some reason. They both sounded like they were being held somewhere close to him. Shikamaru’s chakra was depleted. Shikamaru was crouched down in themiddle of a deep crimson carpet rolled out from the extravagant double doors atthe entrance towards the interior of the room. after so many days spent in the dark like this?” Gengo asked. . “The dark is a very close friend of mine. Both of his hands were in manacles behind his back.” Gengo laughed.” The man’s presence disappeared as soon as it had come. had their hands in manacles behind their backs. “I’ll come again. clear evidence of the torture they’d been suffering. “Have you calmed down a little. The only difference was that both their faces were covered in dark bruises and gashes. “ARRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Rou had started screaming again. Well. They. and guards by their sides. Chapter Twelve The Hokage’s office back home couldn’t even be compared to the enormous size of this hall. “Do you feel like listening to my words now?” “Unfortunately for you. too. so they’d notice the moment Shikamaru did anythingsuspicious. Two of the Enlightened Ones stood by his sidesso he wouldn’t get any ideas about standing up and causing trouble. Rou and Soku were behind him.” “You’re an interesting one. That’s why Shikamaru had to believe that Rou and Soku hadn’t given up either. theywere originally shinobi.We are shinobi because we endure.” Shikamaru said. “Please. Sai’s eyes had never been very expressive to begin with. until he was at the bottom of the great staircase. Shikamaru hadn’t been tortured even once. “Sorry but. “Someone as intelligent and well-known as yourself…” Gengo said. and slammed his forehead onto the carpet. “These are important guests.” Shikamaru said. You mustn’t handle them roughly. and then leaving. “My subordinate has been rude. Gengo let out a small laugh at the immediate and resolute reply. staying a bit to make some meaningless small talk.” . it had already been 10 days since they were captured. there was a wide floor with a long. straightening up as if deeply embarrassed at being scolded. All of them were looking down at Shikamaru with the kind of haughty eyes that made him suppose they were Gengo’s advisors or close aides. “I think you’ve long figured out what I want from you. He would always say things like ‘should I make a speech today I wonder’ or ‘what should be eaten for lunch?’ useless. Shikamaru saw Sai’s figure among their ranks. Gengo sat there. They hurried him across the carpet. There were several EO’s lined up along each side of his throne. Although they were supposed to be comrades.” Gengo’s voice came from some distance ahead of Shikamaru. extravagant statue of a dragon with a throne carved into it. In all that time. “Have you gotten a little bit curious about my words now?” Gengo asked. but they’d never looked as blank and empty as they did now.” Gengo said.” Gengo commanded. and he casually cradled his cheek in his left palm. The moment he said that. “Lower your head. dragging him to his feet. A marble staircase started where the crimson carpet ended ahead of him. The cool. Sai’s eyes looked down at Shikamaru without any uneasiness or hesitation. raise your head. Gengo had visited him countless times. stupid stuff like that.Going by the number of meals and the state of his stomach. already adorned with the black cloak that all Enlightened Ones wore. Rou and Soku were dragged along in the same manner. composed gaze with which he looked down at Shikamaru was exactly that of the ruler of a country. His left elbow was leaning on the armrest. I have no idea what you’re trying to say. the EO let go of Shikamaru’s head in a hurry.” Shikamaru had already been lifting his face even before he was given permission. “Bring them closer. one leg thrown over the other.” the Enlightened on Shikamaru’s right side ordered. At the very top of the staircase. The EO’s at Shikamaru’s sides put their arms through his. then you will be able to bring a new world into existence alongside me. Shikamaru. But the country’s ruler didn’t seem the least bit affected.” Gengo said. He calmly met Shikamaru’s bloodthirsty gaze as if it was nothing more than a passing wind. “It’s impossible for one person to completely understand another. That was all that it was. His eyes seethed with murderous rage as he glared up at Gengo. If it’s you. the reality was that if Gengo had continued the conversation with its current atmosphere. “Someone who reacted to my sudden proposition with immediate joy and acceptance would not have been someone I would want. He was just acting like he was itching for a fight because he wanted to see his opponent’s reaction. Gengo had deliberately created a lull in conversation to avoid that outcome. . but it was a ridiculous notion. I’ve simply lived a little longer than you have. “Become my right hand man. Shikamaru.” Shikamaru immediately spat out his reply.” “I’ll pass.” “It’s exactly that kind of tone that pisses me off. then I apologise. If that somehow seemed to manifest into an arrogant tone. He’d sensed it ages ago. then Shikamaru’s ‘anger’ would have continued to brim over until he was so incensed he would obstinately refuse to listen to anything. you’d think Gengo was simply pausing to gather his own thoughts and prepare for another conversation. Gengo’s gaze wondered around the room as if he was thinking.” “I see…” Gengo closed his eyes and laughed in a self-deprecating way. I can see that you are a man capable of that. He had deliberately created a chance for Shikamaru’s ‘anger’ to cool down… If you looked at the situation from afar. What could you possibly understand about me?” Shikamaru wasn’t actually pissed off.” “You’ve been pissing me off more and more with that all-knowing tone of yours. So he kept his mouth shut. It wasn’t ever going to happen. He wasn’t the sort of person who let things like this anger him enough to make him lose his cool.Of course Shikamaru had noticed what Gengo wanted. acting like you can see through everyone. However. there was silence. You’re doing very well. and didn’t even waste his breath on it. “Isn’t that why I’m holding a conversation with you? I’m not seeing through you. For a while. so I can perceive your emotions a little. Gengo was pushing the conversation down the path that he wanted it to go. The daimyous. described as ‘hidden villages’. he wasn’t wrong. This man had a lot of practice with negotiating… Finally. That didn’t make shinobi oppressed. Why are shinobi oppressed by the daimyous?” “When have shinobi ever been oppressed by the Daimyous?” . and the citizens who lived within the countries that they ruled. Why must shinobi stay hidden? In all the countries in this continent. with the absence of Gengo’s reply it would’ve been nothing more than empty howling that would release more anger than increase it. Shikamaru. Shikamaru held a job in the very backbone of the Shinobi Union. Shinobi villages did have the title of a ‘hidden village’ added to their name. Even if Shikamaru had insisted on spitting out vitriol. So what? So the Daimyous governed the countries. how much land do shinobi really get to call their own? You’ll find that it’s a very small portion.Creating a pause for both parties to breathe and calm down would effectively change the strained atmosphere between them. The majority of the continent was indeed governed by Daimyous. reinforcing his question with more talk. but would you be willing to give me an answer?” “What?” Shikamaru regretted the word the moment he let it pass his mouth. Gengo’s eyes returned to look at Shikamaru. And why is that? Because there are others who rule the majority of this continent. mutually beneficial relationship. “Think about it. His silence encouraged Gengo to continue speaking. after a long pause. they all co-existed alongside shinobi in a satisfactory. so the shinobi stayed in villages that were called ‘hidden villlages’. without exception. But it was too late to take it back. so he knew a little bit more about the state of the world than others. The Daimyous.” Well. “The villages that shinobi live in are always. “Why are shinobi so oppressed and downtrodden?” Oppressed? Shinobi? Shikamaru didn’t understand what the man was getting at. “There’s just one thing question I have for you. you couldn’t deny that they were abilities that clearly separated shinobi from normal people. who had planned to drag every human on earth into a giant genjutsu’s dreams. “Why must shinobi who surpass the limits of human beings be forced to live in ‘hidden’ villages? Why must we endure living that kind of life? Why must we be forced to work for our daily income as the daimyous’ errand boys? In the Great War two years ago. and continued speaking.” Gengo’s eyes looked like they were spitting flames as he looked at Shikamaru. shinobi had broken away from the path of ‘humanity’ all together. then neither Shikamaru nor Gengo would be here talking now. “Wasn’t it we shinobi who saved this world?” What was this power…? It was making his heart thump erratically in his chest. Gengo seemed satisfied by that. The Great War that took place two years ago had been a battle that would decide the fight of the whole world. If the shinobi alliance back then had been defeated.” Again. pushing down on Shikamaru from every direction.” Gengo sharply cut him off. both were prime examples of living beings that simply couldn’t be called ‘human’ anymore. Do you agree?” Chakra and ninjutsu… Well. who had taken all the tailed beasts into his body so he could end the battle. Shikamaru silently nodded. We’re oppressed by every single person who isn’t a shinobi. Whether it was Uchiha Madara. It wasn’t the citizens. It was possible that with the developments of the last era. Shikamaru nodded.” Gengo’s voice increased in power.” “You said you were just going to ask one…” “I’m asking another. “I will ask you one more question.“It’s not just the daimyous. who was it that saved this world from destruction? It wasn’t the daimyou. or Naruto Uzumaki. Why did he feel like that? . Shikamaru felt something he hadn’t felt at all until this moment: exaltation. “And the power that shinobi hold is one that far surpasses the limits of a human’s abilities. “Shinobi hold a power different from all other humans in this world. but just how many citizens actually know about that fact? The name of Uzumaki Naruto. “Why are we shinobi who hold the greater power forced to live in ‘hidden villages’. all of them. They simply didn’t speak of it. Uchiha Sasuke. We became living barriers for the daimyou and citizens. The result had been that in the height of that fierce battle.” Gengo reached the bottom of the stairs. Hatake Kakashi. holding Shikamaru’s gaze as he kept speaking. and yet the daimyou come and sit atop it without a moment of hesitation. “Countless shinobi fought and sacrificed their lives to protect this world. someone adored all across the shinobi world for being the hero that ended the war– it isn’t even known to a handful of citizens! Uchiha Madara. “This era of peace was built upon piles of shinobi corpses. Uchiha Madara and Ootsutsuki Kaguya. isn’t it a fact that nobody outside of the shinobi world ever talks about them?” It was exactly as Gengo said. The antagonists against the shinobi alliance during the war. Uchiha Obito.…Maybe because Gengo had taken the same dangerous feelings that lurked in some repressed corner of Shikamaru’s heart. constantly lurking in the shadows as we go about our daily lives?” Gengo stood up from his throne. Well. and clearly put them into words. walking forwards so he stood right in front of Shikamaru’s eyes. none of the citizens living within society would ever hear about it. But still… The fact remained that it wasn’t as if no one knew what happened during the Great War. No matter how much shinobi put their lives on the line to protect the world. It’s for the sakes of those bastards that we shinobi went out into the battlefield at the time of the Great War. had intended to pull all the people in the continent into a genjutsu so they could use their chakra as a living battery. He slowly descended. Then another. . “Is it really for the best?” Gengo took one step down the stairs. shinobi had saved the world. comfortably continuing to rule the citizens without a single thought for us. Shikamaru thought that wasn’t an unreasonable outcome. “Shikamaru. the Five Kage. all the citizens and daimyou had fallen into a deep sleep. And yet. He was right… Two years ago. the Akatsuki. The next question is what I really want to ask you. in return?” Nothing had changed. “Wouldn’t it be for the best if shinobi governed this world instead?” ‘You’re wrong.’ Shikamaru couldn’t say those words. No, he couldn’t answer the question at all. He didn’t know what was right anymore. ‘We are shinobi because we endure.’ No matter how great the powers you held were, you served the people unseen and from the shadows. That was what shinobi were defined by. However. Endless possibilities stemmed from the chakra and ninjutsu used by shinobi. If shinobi really took control from the daimyous the way Gengo said, and if they governed all the countries, then wouldn’t the world make even more remarkable progress than it has up to now? What was really the best choice for the people? He couldn’t give an answer. “With the power of shinobi, I am slowly going to elevate this country.” Gengo said. “I am going to put a clean end to this this unrelenting era of war lords. With the power of shinobi, it’s possible!” Killing the man called Gengo…was it really for the best? Shikamaru wasn’t so sure anymore. Chapter Thirteen He couldn’t refute what Gengo hadsaid… Shikamaru was bewildered by theshaken state of his own heart. He had come all the way here tokill Gengo. He’d firmly believed that he was ahindrance to the road to peace for shinobi. It was because he believed that that Shikamaru started out on this pathwithout telling a single one of his comrades the truth. But now that Gengo was standing in front of his eyes, now that he was listening to what he was saying, Shikamaru wasn’t sure if his way of thinking was really the right one. “Have you ever thought about why wars keep endlessly repeating in this world?” Gengo asked. The truth was that Shikamaru had never once thought about it. From the moment this continent had come into existence, there had been a great number of countries who went kept repeating the same skirmishes with each other, again and again, going through their own ups and downs as they did. And in the space between the relationships of those countries, shinobi existed and offered their skill sets for a price, thus gaining provision. That was just the way things had always been, so the word ‘war’ didn’t even seem to apply. Shikamaru had always been concerned with the affairs of the world of shinobi alone. Unlike Gengo, he had never considered the rest of the world. Shikamaru’s thoughts had always been about how to secure the future of shinobi. How to preserve the reconciled bonds between villages. How effective the union would be for that. How to make Naruto hokage. How to build a strong foundation for his generation. Shikamaru’s concerns seemed impossibly small in the face of what Gengo was considering. His focus wasn’t the world of shinobi, but the whole earth. “Don’t you think the reason all the fighting hasn’t stopped is because the daimyou are governing everything, instead of shinobi? Because these people who hold neither chakra nor jutsu keep meeting together, every time they pass by each other, these wars never end. Because they have no extraordinary people among them, there is no country which is stronger than all the others, and thus no one to keep them in check. So the countries keep fighting and reconciling, again and again, and this world of war continues. I am telling you about a method that will put an end to all that. With the power of shinobi, I and my Enlightened Ones will achieve what no one else has before: the unification of the continent.” “Unification of the continent…” Shikamaru murmured. Gengo gave a satisfied nod at him echoing the words. “From the start, this world has always been about ‘survival of the fittest’. This way of life doesn’t only extend to beasts. Even the beasts called humans haven’t been able to rid themselves of it. In that case, isn’t it only fitting that the holders of true strength, shinobi, reign as the strongest, at the top of this hierarchy? The revolution I’m speaking of carrying out is exactly that: to turn this atypical world into the best that it can be.” Thinking that shinobi are the ones who should be controlling the world… …might not be wrong. “Lord Shikamaru.” Rou’s voice came from behind him. Shikamaru turned his head and looked over his shoulder at the man. “Is it not exactly as Lord Gengo has said?” Rou asked. “Why must shinobi always be used by the daimyou? I am a member of Anbu. I have seen the foul side of the daimyous many, many times. They think of us shinobi as nothing more than convenient tools. My best friend was a man used as a tool in the wars between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. The moment both countries declared a ceasefire, he was gotten rid of.” A single tear overflowed from Rou’s wet eyes. “A hindrance.” “…I think so too, y’know.” This time, the subdued whisper came from Soku’s mouth. As Shikamaru turned to look at her, he could see dark purple bruises colouring her young face. Even though she was a child, Gengo had mercilessly given his subordinates the order to torture her along with Rou. “I think that what Gengo’s saying is right, too, y’know.” “Hinoko…” “It’s not just the daimyou, it’s those people living in the countries they govern, y’know.” Soku didn’t even care that Shikamaru had called her by her real name, continuing to speak with a heated anger. “No matter how nice you are to normal people, the minute that they hear that you’re a shinobi, they start watching you from the corner of their eyes. The look in those eyes…horrified…suspicious… marking us as ‘different’. Why do we have to spill our blood, sweat and tears for bastards like that? I- I don’t understand why, y’know!” Even though Gengo was the one to order all those bruises onto her skin, Soku was looking up at the man with admiration, as if she’d forgotten that fact completely. There were no well-reasoned words or explanations. Together.” Gengo prodded.” Gengo’s words pressed against Shikamaru’s spine. that included the world of shinobi. “W. there was still something inside him that didn’t believe Gengo. Just some part of him that couldn’t stomach this.” Something wasn’t right. and still refuse to understand. “I…” Shikamaru wanted to take that hand. thorny lump. Ino. “Very well then. “Shikamaru. he wouldn’t be able to go back home. then surely Naruto. come with me. Somewhere deep in Shikamaru’s heart. Every other part of him was utterly convinced that Gengo had the right idea.“You see? Even your comrades are agreeing with me. But… There was also a part of Shikamaru that was desperately trying to stop himself from doing so. Shikamaru. That part of him said that it wasn’t a good idea to submit to this man. and finally spat out the words: “Why do I have to become the subordinate of someone like you?” “Oh? To think you’ve listened to my words up to this point. we’ll do this…” Gengo nodded at the guards beside Shikamaru. he would be able to meet them all again. couldn’t we stop this age of war?” Gengo held out his hand. everyone. in fact he could extend an invitation to them himself. Become my right hand man. What I want to do is the most meaningful action for all shinobi. You seem to be a very stubborn one as well. wasn’t it strange to think of going back? If Gengo really united all the countries. If Shikamaru took hold of that hand. No. If that happened. Chouji. and they could all come together to build the world of shinobi. No. . “Come now. A bad feeling. and then turned to walk back to where the stairs began. Shikamaru struggled to push his voice past the foreign.wh…” Something was firmly clogging up Shikamaru’s throat. “If you truly can’t trust me. Shikamaru barely stopped himself from crashing to the floor. dark tendril that headed in a straight line for Gengo. something was wrong… . his eyes burning brightly.The Enlightened Ones that had been guarding Shikamaru up until now undid the manacles that had been holding his hands behind his back. He had thrown out both of his arms. There was something he was missing. he wasn’t thinking properly. Gengo was standing at the bottom of the stairs. Let’s see you kill me. and then shaking violently as it tried to shake off its original form. holding out his chest. He sounded like he was enjoying this. “Why aren’t you using your shadow?” Why wasn’t his shadow moving? Something was strange. something was off. He looked up at Gengo. “There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to strangle me to death with that shadow manipulating jutsu of yours. just several metres away. there was something he overlooked… Shikamaru placed a shaky hand onto the floor. Go on. “Now. No matter how much Shikamaru willed it. The pitch black shadow began to quiver slightly. The sudden disappearance of the constraints that had been forcing him into a crouch made his body go limp with relief. The rippling shadow changed into a long. His shadow… Stopped.” Why was he so confident as he told Shikamaru to kill him? The uneasy feeling in Shikamaru’s gut was slowly growing. His voice brimming with confidence pressed down on Shikamaru from all sides. his shadow rippling. The brightly glowing light fell easily on Shikamaru’s arm and torso. It stopped right at the edge of Gengo’s toes. Sunshine was shining through a large window at the side of the hall. The trembling was slowly increasing.” “K-kill you?” Shikamaru’s voice was shaking. Shikamaru!” Gengo’s called out. somewhere. clearly making a shadow. it wouldn’t go any further. somehow holding himself up with his right arm. “What’s wrong?” Gengo asked. “Go…” Shikamaru ordered his shadow in a weak voice. then just kill me here. don’t stop. genjutsu was a doujutsu. But. Rou and Soku… The feeling in his gut was because of them. why weren’t there any feelings of hostility? For their feelings to change to adoration so quickly and easily– it wasn’t possible. Rou and Soku looked like they were under a genjutsu. They were both dedicated members of Anbu that specialised in remaining loyal even under duress… so why were they both accepting Gengo’s words so quickly and so easily? After undergoing such severe torture under his orders. But both his comrades were already well under Gengo’s grasp. you always needed someone else to help you escape it. Eye contact with your opponent was an absolute requirement for doujutsu. think. In that case. and their special sharingan eyes. That something couldn’t have possibly been doujutsu. There had been no way he could make eye contact with them at that time. something had weakened Rou’s jutsu and exposed their presence to Gengo. The incident at the plaza. neither of the men had looked Gengo in the eye. a bloodline limit that let them plunge their opponents into a genjutsu. then was Shikamaru under the genjutsu too? That was probably the case. His thoughts were sluggish. what was casting the genjutsu on Shikamaru and the others? He couldn’t think. . When you were caught in a genjutsu. because until Gengo spoke out and called them ‘mice’. Shikamaru! What aren’t you noticing? His head felt like it was going to burst into flames. think… Think. a technique rooted in the eyes. think. A prime example of that was Konoha’s Uchiha clan. Genjutsu… It was a ninjutsu that manipulated your thoughts and plunged you into delusions. At that time. Rou and Soku.Think. A trick. There had to be a trick. Then. One word clearly rose to the forefront of Shikamaru’s mind. Gengo was looking at him with victorious eyes. he was going to fall completely under Gengo’s control. Even now. he knew his head was going to go down under as well. but before it could manifest clearly. slowly sinking in deeper and deeper. he erased it of his own free will. In the end. Soon. . Shikamaru’s shadow quivered mere inches away from the man’s feet. The remaining slivers of his conscious were slipping away… The true nature of Gengo’s genjutsu… A vague answer had been materialising in the depths of Shikamaru’s mind. He didn’t care anymore.Shikamaru felt like he was walking through a thick and murky swamp. Shikamaru could feel his whole body melting against the warmth of it. “Wouldn’t you like to just give in now?” His voice was gentle and soothing. “I really can’t stand this…” Shikamaru’s thoughts helplessly fell out of his mouth. the only one rising into the air was Shikamaru. soaring up and towards the ceiling. Shikamaru slowly lifted his right hand. His bird’s eye view let him see Gengo where he’d left him.everything would be easy again. As long as he took that hand. then he’d be comfortable.Chapter Fourteen “Come now.” Gengo’s voice felt like it was pressing down on Shikamaru’s spine. Their fingertips were just about to brushBut there was something noisy happening behind him… The same moment he thought that. He wouldn’t have to be confusedanymore… “Let’s go together. However. Shikamaru. . Shinobi would govern the world…that was how things were supposedto be.” Gengo held out his hand. Even the Enlightened Ones at the top of the stairs were struggling against it. As long as Shikamaru grabbed hold of that hand. after all. He wouldn’t have to think about troublesome things anymore. Shikamaru’s body was suddenly being lifted up into mid-air. reaching out to the wide palm offered and waiting to engulf him. bracing himself against a staggeringly great wind. and a sharp look in her eyes. is it? You’re the man that I marked out from all the rest! Get a hold of yourself. “Behaving diffferently just because someone told you to. his whole body felt sore from the impact. you idiot! That guy’s troublesome lecture should be nothing more than hot air to you! Am I wrong? Say something! Shikamaru!” Gengo’s heavy voice was nothing compared to the piercing roar that was resounding in Shikamaru’s ears.. One scolding had let him escape the genjutsu… . spilling out of his chest. All the foreign ideas that had been crammed into his heart were leaking away. For a moment. She held a giant tessen in both her hands. and he was falling back down. “Gah!” Although he’d attained a relatively safe landing. and then the next thing Shikamaru knew the wind had stopped. A woman’s voice… A very familiar voice. no doubt the source of the wind that had blown Shikamaru up into the air. Temari…. and then slowly let it out. her blonde hair tied into two bunches on each side. “What are you spacing out for?!” She demanded. Shikamaru’s back hit the ground so hard that his breath caught in his throat. It was an incredibly relieving feeling. His eyes were prickling. “What are you doing in a place like this…?” Shikamaru leaned up to look towards the voice’s owner.He rose so high. He couldn’t help but break into a smile. Shikamaru took in a deep breath. “Ah…” The fog that had been clouding Shikamaru’s mind vanished without a trace. that’s not like you. He’d been flung away from Gengo. A woman was standing at the hall’s entrance. he ended up crashing into the ceiling. all the way to the other side of the room. “SHIKAMARU!” Someone called his name in an angry bellow that echoed across the hall. When there was one step between him and Gengo. Shikamaru came to a stop. getting up to his feet and rubbing a hand behind his neck. Shikamaru felt incredibly calm. Shikamaru kept walking.” Shikamaru turned to look at the villain in question.” She grinned at him. the EO’s started spilling down the stairs. Some way ahead of him. When he passed Rou and Soku. They all had the mark of Sunagakure carved into their hitai-ate. As soon as they saw his signal. Even though the EO’S feet had refused to move from the floor in the face of the sudden enemy attack. The sounds of metal clashing against metal rang out as the battle began. Several shinobi were lined up in ranks behind her. Inside his mind. “I couldn’t just let you die. folding up her fan and staking it into the ground. so you better thank me instead of grumbling. She leaned against it. he could see Gengo’s squaring his shoulders and raising his guard. Shikamaru briefly put his hands on their shoulders. Temari’s smile was like the blazing desert sun. All the Sunagakure shinobi moved to stand between the enemy and Shikamaru. one signal from Gengo had them heading out to face the enemy. Strangely enough.” He said to them. That was the kind of capable man that ruled this castle and country. I came to save you. after all. and walked on. It cleared up the darkness in Shikamaru’s heart. He took one composed step forwards. “Hey. suddenly showing up and saying all those things?” He said to Temari. “Ahhhhh…” . “It’s alright now. He levelled his gaze at the man. her chest puffed out in pride.“What’s with you. At that moment…Shikamaru yawned. Calmly. Gengo was turning to give signals to the Enlightened Ones who had stiffened in the face of danger at the top of the stairs. ‘that guy’s troublesome lecture’ “Troublesome…huh. he recalled one phrase in particular that Temari had just used. quietly.” Temari said. He must’ve hit his nose when her wind had blown him all the way up to the ceiling. Blood. I’ll look forward to seeing that.” Gengo said. “Hm?” Shikamaru put up a hand to feel around his mouth. amused. I don’t think I will. Without even noticing it.” Shikamaru said to Gengo. so…” Gengo was staring at Shikamaru with more and more bewilderment. “Oh. he’d gotten a nosebleed. “They won’t be defeated by shinobi of this level. rolling his neck. he could feel his eyes tearing up. you’ve got it wrong. “Nah. They’re not reinforcements. A vein was starting to throb in Gengo’s forehead.” Gengo was pointing at something on Shikamaru’s face. .” Shikamaru laughed without thinking.” Shikamaru bluntly said. “While we may have received a surprise attack from these opponents. I’ll end up falling under your genjutsu. listen. and his vision blurring. “Are you sure? When your castle is in a state like this?” “Don’t underestimate my followers.” He said. “Won’t waver?” Shikamaru asked.” “Now. do you have anything to say?” “I see your reinforcements have been called in. holding out a palm. “That Temari…” He murmured. sure. “Whatever you call them. my country will not so much as waver-” “Pff. Shikamaru-” “Nope. “I know that if I blankly listen to your words. “Reinforcements? Where?” Gengo stared at him with wide eyes.” “Yeah. surprised voice.It was such a big yawn.” “…” Gengo’s right eyebrow gave a very faint twitch.” Gengo said. They just came here of their own accord. “Now. “Sorry about that. you’re talking about the people behind me. and felt something wet leaking out of his left nostril. Shikamaru realised how crazy his words must have sounded.” “…Then what would you call them?” “I dunno. “Oi. but-” “Huh?” Shikamaru cut off Gengo’s words with a loud. He seemed stunned at the sudden change in Shikamaru’s behaviour. ” “Naïve…You’re naïve. huh?” Shikamaru let out another yawn. and plunge your opponent into a genjutsu as they listen to it. You are the one who is naïve. No. He was just being his true self. He was just a guy who found everything troublesome. inspiring. The reason my shadow weakened that day at the plaza was because I was already being affected by your speech’s genjutsu. That is the grave reality. Thinking about how his actions could change the world.” Shikamaru said.” Shikamaru said. And every word of it was true. right? It’s a really fitting jutsu for a revolution-crazed guy like you. wasn’t that incredibly troublesome? He didn’t have to burden himself with such thoughts…. Shikamaru. huh?” “Genjutsu? Foolish talk. Gengo could go ahead and change the world however he liked. Shikamaru’s heart that had been as disruptive as a stormy sea.” “You fill your voice up with chakra while making those long speeches of yours. it was more like… “Somehow. was now strangely calm. but he didn’t so much as clamp his hands over his ears to try and defend himself. He didn’t care. My speeches are stimulating. he couldn’t say another word.” Gengo’s words were so packed with chakra that they were making Shikamaru’s earlobes tremble. He was so thrown off. Shinobi are the ones who should be governing this world. and wanted an average life. for not understanding that fact. . “I wonder why people’s eyes tear up when the yawn?” Gengo didn’t answer. “I thought about it long and hard. He was completely unconcerned. Shikamaru hadn’t really intended to confuse him into silence.“Thanks to that woman. I’ve finally woken up. everything’s just really troublesome. Every word I’ve told you up to now was sincere. “I’m not going to go under a second time. He wasn’t carrying out a strategy. Shikamaru had never been someone who thought about the fate of the whole world. No matter what happened. Temari’s scolding came to mind… ‘That guy’s troublesome lecture should be nothing more than hot air to you!’ She was right. he wasn’t afraid anymore. –No. Shikamaru! Open your eyes!” “What’re you babbling about?” Shikamaru asked. “It’s only now that I’ve finally woken up. “You were thinking about changing the world. “Then are you saying you don’t care about the oppression of shinobi?!” Gengo shrieked. then what would happen to Naruto and everyone? What would happen to Temari? “At the end of the day. a smile pulling at his mouth. . Shikamaru Chapter Fifteen A fierce battle was taking placearound Shikamaru. Amidst the sound of clashing blades and roaring battle cries. Was it because Shikamaru had broken out of the genjutsu? No.” “Wh-where did your ambition go?” Gengo asked. wait a second. that couldn’t be the reason.” The time had come for Shikamaru to fight.” Shikamaru took one more step towards Gengo. Gengo was so frantic. all-knowing man from mere moments ago was nowhere to be seen.” Shikamaru sighed. The solemn. “This is my original self. “It turns out that I can’t let you do as you please. a vein throbbing in his temple. or it’ll become a problem later on. If Gengo did as he liked.he levelled his gaze at Gengo. there wasn’t a single atom of calm left in his body. Gengo was already leaping towards him. “Shinobi have finally gathered together as one alliance. Gengo started muttering indecipherably to himself.” Gengo’s hand had moved behind his back. He’d lost all his weapons when confined in Gengo’s jail. As soon as it came within his arm’s reach.” “Wh. He looked so ridiculous that the corner of Shikamaru’s mouth twitched into a smile. then soon.“What’s made you lose your presence of mind?” Shikamaru asked.” “Who is…” Gengo’s faded into frenzied muttering. He kept his eyes on Gengo. “As long as the union carries on like this. you look so desperate it’s pathetic.what’re you saying?!” “What’s with that reaction? Hadn’t you already given up being a shinobi?” “…” Again. He turned in the direction of her voice. At this rate. “You know.” “D-don’t talk as if it’s so simple…” “You never know until you try. Kunai… He heard the sound of Temari laughing. Shikamaru reached out and caught it with his right hand. This all happened in the time it took him to blink. He didn’t have anything to defend himself with“Shikamaru!” Temari called out. “Wh-what?” “Well. cracking his neck. but now he tensed up. all of shinobi will slowly see more and more suffering. . “I think it’d be good if the concept of ‘shinobi’ just ceased to exist. He saw something flying through the air and heading his way.. I…” Shikamaru tiled his head to the left.” Shikamaru continued. happy he’d caught it. all the fighting will settle down too. His voice came out as a pained groan through grit teeth. When Shikamaru had turned around from catching the kunai to face his opponent. it is fate that we are feared by normal people. “Listen. Fear turns into discrimination which gives birth to oppression. as if he was grasping something… A kunai. we shinobi carry inhuman powers. Shikamaru had been relaxed till this moment. “I’m telling you ahead of time. and grabbed Gengo’s right wrist –the one tht carried his kunai. The look on his face was too wicked to be called a smile.” “This world isn’t easy enough for ideals to be put into practice. His eyes registered a bloody cut across Gengo’s cheek as well. wearily glaring at each other. “Things called ‘ideals’ are only of value if the possibility of carrying them out in reality is high. or in my grandchild’s lifetime…one day. “Aren’t your plans an ideal too?” The corners of Gengo’s mouth lifted in a strange. shinobi will cease to exist. “You impudent youngster…” Gengo’s voice had turned violent. both opponents jumped back to put some space between them.” Gengo said. mechanical curve upwards. “Isn’t it because there’s fighting in the world that people like us become shinobi?” Shikamaru commented. “Shinobi have to unite first.with an iron grip. But.” Gengo said. The ideal you are . saw his blood spraying out in a burst of crimson. They landed at a distance similar to how they’d started. In the same instant. As long as our worlds’ unite. It would’ve been a better situation if Gengo hadn’t done the same. The two were locked. Shikamaru’s left arm shot out. Then our ring of bonds will expand to wrap around the Daimyou and the citizens as well. then in my child’s lifetime. Shikamaru’s feet kicked against the ground as he moved to lunge at his opponent again. “The first step to ending that fighting…is the Shinobi Union. then people won’t need to become shinobi anymore.Shikamaru lunged as well. Even if it’s not in my lifetime. listen either way. Shikamaru jerked his head out of the way. Gengo’s kunai was flying towards his face as well. Both was straining their wrist and trying to overcome the other. He swung his kunai with bloodthirsty intent towards Gengo’s head.” “Well.” Shikmaru said. Their two kunai clashed in mid-air. keeping a firm hold on their kunai and a ready stance in their bodies. their intent was the same.” Shikamaru grit out. sparks flying from the impact. Shikamaru. “You won’t be able to put me in a genjutsu. both using their weapon-less hand to hold onto the other’s weapon-ready wrist. but he still felt the kunai cut a clear straight line across his cheek. ” “Yeah.speaking of is as impossible as catching clouds. . and the Naruto’s Uzumaki Naruto Rendan. Shikamaru brought down his leg to give a vicious kick to the crown of Gengo’s head. It didn’t end there. then Shikamaru intended to kill him without hesitation. swinging his other leg around and kicking Gengo squarely in the side. swept Gengo’s feet from under him. pinning him down as he held a kunai against his throat.” A barely repressed smile quivered at the corners of Gengo’s mouth. Shikamaru was on him in seconds. viciously twisting Shikamaru’s right wrist around the joint. Suddenly. Shikamaru still didn’t stop. if he did say so himself Gengo had fallen down onto the ground. Shikamaru twisted his body in the same direction Gengo was twisting his wrist. “The true fools are those who don’t recognise their own stupidity.” “Stupid. Shikamaru landed on the ground and pressed his advantage. Gengo moved his left arm. Shikamaru brought down another fierce kick onto his arm this time. Gengo’s hand let go of Shikamaru’s wrist so he could cover his head with his arms. Shikmru’s attack had been imitating those moves. Gengo’s armed right arm twisted counterclockwise with his jump. He thought he did a pretty good job. and heard a cracking sound from the bone inside. The difference between your ideal and mine is like the distance between heaven and earth. “Wh-why aren’t my words affecting your mind?” Gengo choked out. and kicked off the ground with his feet. aren’t you?” Shikamaru noted. and his grip on Gengo’s armed hand weakened. and that’s why I’m calling you stupid. Shikamaru was caught in the wrist lock. Uchiha Sasuke’s Shishirendan. Gengo staggered back one step. dragging it closer and closer. His wrist ached with a grinding pain. He didn’t have enough time to avoid it. If Gengo moved even the slightest bit. He brought out his left leg and in one smooth kick. Gengo angled his kunai towards Shikamaru’s neck. and he managed to avoid the kunai. In midair. so I have no choice but to do these things. and become half-hearted and unsatisfied with everything. he had found a new dream… “I’m going to spend my life building a world so that people can live their lives. you know that Genjutsu only works if there’s a weak spot in someone’s heart. “It turns out that I’m not someone who can live that sort of life. hasn’t it?!” “You’re really an idiot.” Shikamaru said. Because the one to start packing away his dream…was no one other than Shikamaru himself.” ‘People need me. with the current situation like this.’ Shikamaru had fallen into his current state because throughout the years. After all. it wasn’t going to be realised. “Honestly. “I’ll stop the wars. But he was alright with that. But…” There had always been feelings of regret about his life smouldering in some corner of Shikamaru’s heart… But in this moment.“Hey now. “Your sudden change of behaviour has shown your heart to be full of weak spots. That dream of his. “My heart is full of weak spots. He’d held onto the attitude of blaming others for how he was living his life. He’d made his decision.” “Ever since that woman appeared. He’d made a serious mistake. and I’ll unite the countries. It’s precisely because I have all those weak spots. they cleanly disappeared.” “S-such a thing…can’t be…” “You’ll have to accept it. to live a normal life. Things had started to go wrong inside his heart. I don’t want to do this sort of stuff. talking to himself more than Gengo. . So the people who say they only want to live comfortably can do so to the fullest possible extent.” Shikamaru said. A closeminded person like you probably won’t understand what I mean. before smiling. that there isn’t one for you to sneak in through. No…there’s nothing but weak spots. that feeling of having no choice had kept growing larger and larger. huh…” Shikamaru sighed. “I would’ve liked to just live a normal life.” Gengo spluttered. Your words just don’t affect me anymore. though.” Cold sweat was breaking out across Gengo’s forehead. It was a dream that suited him. An ink tiger… “I won’t let you kill Gengo-sama for such a lazy dream. and barely missed the tiger’s claw that had swung for his head. Your own dream was supposed to reach out and connect to the world. then he’d be happy with that. Up until now.” Gengo nodded.” Sai said. Shikamaru had had his priorities back to front. living his life with the constant thought to not become an embarrassment. Killing intent. “Sai…” “Gengo-sama! Quickly. “And so what if you did?” A soft voice coming from behind him asked.And I’ll make a place in the world for those ordinary people who have no dreams other than living a simple. impose your will onto those foolish Sunagakure shinobi!” “Very well. That was why he’d worked himself so hard. . “I will not allow you to interfere with Gengo-sama’s cause!” Sai’s paintbrush moved across his scroll with lightning speed. normal life. For the sake of realising his dream. He threw up both his hands. He’d felt pressured from the outside world. “Listen. quickly running up the stairs and to the throne on top. they both lunged at him in attack. But the world wasn’t supposed to tell you what your dream should be. and another ink tiger materialised. standing in front of Shikamaru with paintbrush and scroll in hand. “I’ve finally gotten rid of my doubts. Shikamaru leapt off Gengo. and if the result of working for his dream was that he became a good shinobi that wouldn’t embarrass his dad or Asuma.” An normal guy was going to protect the happiness that people found in living a normal life. “Go!” The new tiger as well as the one that had swiped for Shikamaru’s head a while ago. he would make Naruto Hokage. worn himself out thin.” Said Shikamaru. and set limits for himself. but Sai leapt in his way. and Shikamaru was satisfied with it. and he would become Mirai’s teacher. everyone!” He was readying another one of his chakra-laden speeches. “As if I’d let you!” Shikamaru made to run for the stairs. Suddenly. Sai was completely stuck in the clutches of Gengo’s genjutsu. Gengo’s words were swallowed up completely by Temari’s violent wind. In the midst of dodging the attacks from Sai’s ink tigers.” “You can thank me later. “Your opponent is me. gale after vicious gale bloomed into existence. “Listen. Temari had leapt in between Shikamaru and Sai. one of the many strong gales that had been causing chaos around the room swept in from behind Shikamaru. Gengo had obviously realised his words would have no effect if they went unheard. “Oh no you don’t.” Temari said. Shikamaru glanced at the throne on the top of the stairs.. enough already! Wake up!” “The ones who should ‘wake up’ are you and the others. violent wind currents flying freely around the hall. he called out for her anyway. Temari!” Although he wasn’t sure of her exact location in the battlefield. “Temari….Gengo was speaking in a loud voice on the platform. Shikamaru!” Sai yelled. “Stop right there. hurry and go!” “Got it.” “Sai. “Shit…” Shikamaru tried to head up the stairs. and Sai’s ink tigers dematerialised into mists of black ink. then he would plunge all Sunagakure’s shinobi into a genjutsu and freeze them in place.” Shikamaru said. and began to run up the stairs. Shikamaru had an idea. “I absolutely cannot let you go pass. but Sai’s ink tiger leapt in his way. “That guy plunges people into genjutsu with his words! Drown out his voice with your wind!” “Understood!” Temari’s fierce reply sounded from surprisingly nearby. and was now trying to escape.” It was no use. . before pulling his focus back to running up the stairs. If Shikamaru didn’t stop him. “Leave this to me. The next moment.” Shikamaru only allowed himself to glance back at the two of them once. and opened her war fan. and follow that bastard!” She ordered. Suddenly. Temari had made prior arrangements with her village so that her back-up could start heading out immediately if necessary. she met up with the group of Sunagakure shinobi that Gaara was leading. Ino andChouji were consulted as well. As soon as she knew that. Shikamaru was not the kind of man who would be swayed by that sort of crap! . and her interrogations turned more severe. She’d reached Shikamaru in time. The moment they entered the country. and when those vague feelings of wrongness strengthened into certainty. They infiltrated the castle with a sand shield made by Gaara.Chapter Sixteen For a split second in time. one man who called himself an ‘Enlightened One’ blurted out that the shinobi from Konohagakure had been taken prisoner inside the country’s castle. Temari sent out a message to her village. Soon enough. En route. too. just like Temari. Under the promise that they weren’t to aggravate the situation. it had already been 10 days since Shikamaru had set out for the Country of Silence. and then started running towards the Country of Silence. stealthily making their way to the great hall. Temari had led her small armada down the corridors. The blonde ninjadidn’t have any answers for her. At this point. Naruto had brought Temari with him to go and press Kakashi for answers. the rest was easy. Naruto had been havinga weird feeling that something about Shikamaru just wasn’t right lately. And. After that conversation withGaara. they started picking out handy people for questioning. taking out guards before they could call out an alarm. and slowly. right when Shikamaru was almost about to give his allegiance to Gengo. Temari was losing her presence of mind in her hurry. Sunagakure’s shinobi were given the consent to move out. It had been good timing. The moment that Temari saw Shikamaru looking like he was being affected by Gengo’s talk of shinobi ruling the world. while Temari requested she bring in reinforcements from Suna on the other. Temari allowed herself to feel relieved. eventually. Naruto’s bloodcurdlingly blunt speeches bothered Kakashi on one side. he caved in. But. Temari had headed to Konoha and questioned Naruto. As soon as she got Kakashi’s consent. she had lost all self-control. and where to? She hadn’t even had the time to follow his movements with her eyes… “A shinobi who can see through the Ink Body Flicker Jutsu…does not exist. She was fuelled by pure.” Sai had teleported right behind her. Out of all the ink animals he’d summoned. the guy’s name was Sai… Naruto and Sakura’s teammate. At this moment. her whole body twisting into the movement. Temari turned to look at where his voice had come from. Hearing it was a genjutsu had made her feel relieved… After waking up. “You shouldn’t be so absentminded right now. He’d faced on Gengo with a bloody nose and his usual lazy eyes.” Temari muttered under her breath. Sai’s tiger melted back into lifeless ink. She wasn’t going to be able to turn around in time. Left or right? . her body wasn’t being commanded by her. with a mechanical smile on his face. Shikamaru had turned back into the man she knew. “Absentminded? I’m not the one repeating the same attack over and over again. The paintbrush clutched in his hand had been giving life to countless tigers and wolves for a while now. this one looked the most vicious. He was definitely going to go in for a stab.When Temari summoned her win to blow off the doors to that hall and lunge inside. Gone! When had he disappeared. he’d summoned a wickedly snarling white tiger. Her tessen’s wind transformed into a sickle-wielding weasel: Kamatari. collapsing in on itself into the ground. and swung her tessen. unadulterated fury.” It was the Konoha shinobi who said that. He twisted and spung his body along with the wind’s current. If she remembered right. lunging towards the tiger and slashing at its throat with his sickle. “It’s admirable how you lack even the slightest bit of hesitation. and just the sight of him had been enough to make Temari feel like everything up to now had been worth it.” Sai commented. “No matter how hard you fight.” Sai grit out. “The manipulation of chakra…It’s my specialty.” Sai said. In the depths of his heart. The kunai he was holding had pierced straight through Temari’s war fan and into her stomach. preparing for one final lunge. But… “Guh!” Temari collapsed where she had stood.” Sai let a smile break across his face. he was at conflict. innocent voice. She was completely protected against weapons such as kunai. Her fan had been custom made so that its weaving was strong enough to deflect iron blades.” Sai’s voice was cold enough for chills to go up a person’s spine. Chakra. we enlightened ones will end up controlling the world. A tiger’s claw swung in her direction. There was something faintly coiling around the weapon. He’d wrapped the kunai in chakra so thick you could actually see it. Unshakable faith in Gengo was written all over Sai’s face. “Why’re you crying?” The tear that had leaked out of Sai’s right eye hadn’t escaped Temari’s notice. He didn’t look like someone under a genjutsu. in a blank.” “Is that…really what you want?” “Yes. The blade’s strength and sharpness must’ve increased by ten folds…. none of you are a match for Gengo-sama. screw it!” She’d have to make a gamble. grazing her left eyebrow. When had he teleported in front of her? “Dammit!” Temari swung her tessen alongside her body as a make-due shield. “I am not crying. a sharp pain piercing through her abdomen. Silently hoping a blade wouldn’t follow. “Too naïve.“Oh. But… “Well then…” Temari said with difficulty. and his grip tightened on the kunai. . “At the end of the day. like mist. Temari shifted her body towards the right.” Sai said. That giant man was definitely Shikamaru’s best friend. Temari gritted her teeth against the pain of her wound. One was a middle aged man with a fearsome face. .” Sakura assured her. “Are you okay?” The kunoichi asked as she supported Temari’s collapsed form. “Alright! Everything’s prepared!” The long-haired kunoichi yelled at Chouji.Temari held her breath.” “Eh?” Temari shifted to look in the direction Sai had been sent flying. “You keep restraining him like that!” “Shikamaru was in danger. He was thrown out of Temari’s field of vision entirely. Giant… No mistake. Sai was knocked off his feet by a barrelling kunoichi. so…” There were two shinobi standing behind Sakura. Warm waves of chakra gently enwrapped her stomach.” Sakura said.” Chakra surrounded the kunoichi’s hand as she gentle pressed against the opening of Temari’s wound. but the shinobi of Konoha didn’t mobilise to help him. “GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF AND WAKE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!” Suddenly. “We already heard from these two. “He’s under…a genjutsu…” “It’s okay. the kunai he’d stabbed her with clattering to the floor. and turned to speak to Sakura again. “I’ll be sealing up the wound in your stomach.” Sakura imitated a citizen’s comment as she healed Temari’s stomach. “Wait…Sai?” “It’s alright. “It’d be really irritating if the case turned out like that. “Chouji!” A long-hired kunoichi yelled from behind him. “Sa…Sakura?” “Hold on. our comrades are handling it. holding out her palms. The other was a girl many years younger than Temari.” The two shinobi standing behind her nodded in affirmation of her words. both covered in wounds. Someone was pinning Sai down to where he’s been thrown by Sakura. don’t talk right now. This was Sai. No matter how much she dived and dived. During the chuunin exams. Back in Konoha. Ino had clearly realised this when she and Sakura had fought for control of the latter’s heart. * Ino was diving inside darkness.” Sakura slowly removed her hand. then her coming here would be meaningless. “As long as that jutsu of Ino’s works. “Ahh. Ino had felt Sai’s suffering so keenly that it hurt.Sai was struggling furiously under Chouji’s giant body. Ino’s body had stiffened as well. At that moment. But she was going to save him no matter what… Because if Ino couldn’t save Sai. Of course. Chouji released Sai. and he stopped moving. He was snarling through grit teeth. It’s all good now. He wasn’t going to be found easily. . In that moment. after all. backing away. “Ninja art – Shintenshin no Jutsu!” The long-haired kunoichi yelled. Deeper and deeper still. Across him in perfect symmetry.” Sakura murmured. she wanted to save Shikamaru as well. she had read Sai’s letter. but the trigger for Ino to start moving was Sai’s distressed letter. Ino hadn’t yet known about Gengo or the genjutsu or anything else. his face full of bloodlust. it should be fine. He wasn’t fully aware of who his true self was on a daily basis. She still hadn’t found Sai. seen his handwriting turned messy and chaotic with a grief she couldn’t hope to grasp. It was one instant. light shining on his canines. Sai got to his feet. inky blackness. all that surrounded Ino was a deep. there we go. She desperately continued floundering through the layers of Sai’s heart. The shintenshin no jutsu could make you move someone else’s body according to your own will. a shudder went through Sai’s body. As if struck by lightning. but she had clearly thought to herself that she hadto go. The pain in Temari’s stomach had completely disappeared. and the method to it was exerting your influence from the insides of those peoples’ hearts. ” “You’re…” . the first thing that would happen was your own existence starting to blur at the edges. Once that happened. Both his eyes were red and swollen from crying. When you dived too deep into other people’s hearts. …She wanted to talk to him more. “Let’s get out of here together. was suffering more than anyone else under Gengo’s genjutsu. “Over here!” Sai looked up at the sound of her voice. All of Konoha’s shinobi were there. The last thing that would happen was your consciousness disappearing completely in those depths.” Ino said.Sai. Ino dived a little. There he was… Cocooned in the middle of everyone’s warmth was Sai. There was no way she could leave him in a dark place like this. And that was why she was determined to keep diving. It was like a lone fire burning in the middle of a blizzard. Sai who always gave such lonely smiles. she wanted to get to know him more and more. eyes peering into the giant tangle. Yamato. There was no one who could save Sai from that other than Ino. no matter how deep she had to go. who was constantly worried about the blankness of his own heart. Soon. searching amidst everyone’s chakra. “Sai!” Ino desperately reached out for him. A mix of people’s chakra… Naruto. Ino started to feel some faint warmth coming from the darkness. Kakashi. “Come on. There was a reason Ino was taking such a big risk to save Sai. there was no turning back. A faint light… She’d come across a large gathering of chakra. Sakura. Ino reached out, her hand finally landing on Sai’s shoulder, firm and reassuring. “Let’s go, alright?” She said. In that moment, Sai smiled. Ino had never seen him smile so naturally before. * Ino was breathing deeply and heavily, as if she’d just broken through the surface of a very deep ocean. She took in great lungfuls of air, her body desperate for oxygen. The darkness had been left behind, and now the background was brimming with light. Sakura and Chouji were standing guard over them. Ino was sitting across the sleeping Sai. “How’d it go, Ino?” Although she heard Chouji’s question, Ino was too drained to answer. Sai’s head was close to Ino’s knee. Slowly, his eyes opened. Before she noticed who had reached out first, they had clasped their hands together. “Sai.” “You…” Sai dazedly murmured, tightening his hold. “You were…” “You can stop worrying already.” Tears had started leaking out of Ino’s eyes. “Thank you, miss beautiful.” “Idiot…” The two gently smiled at each other. Chapter Seventeen Shikamaru was running up the long, long spiralling stairs. His eyes were fixed on the figure running in front of him: Gengo. All his Enlightened Ones were still fighting down in the hall, and the man they revered like a god was making an escape all on his own. The spiralling stairs had a strangely oppressive feel to them, with the walls of stone that were covering its sides. You kept running up and up and up, and soon enough you started feeling dizzy. “How about you just end this and give up now?” Shikamaru asked Gengo’s back. Not that he expected an answer. Some ways ahead of Gengo, there was an iron door. It was a misshapen and crude looking door, without any adornments or decorations. Gengo, running ahead, reached it first and pulled opened the heavy looking door without any hesitation. Shikamaru only caught a glimpse of darkness from within the room before Gengo disappeared inside. The door closed. Shikamaru put his hand against the closed door, and it creaked open beneath his touch. There had to be a mechanism of some sort. Shikamaru swung open the door. It had nothing to do with any plan or strategy. He simply had no choice but to go forward. What lay on the other side of that iron door was true darkness. There was only one presence in the silent blackness. One person. Suddenly, the door swung shut behind Shikamaru. Since Gengo was here in the room with him, it had to be someone else who closed it- that, or the door closing was a mechanism too, and this was a trick being orchestrated by him. “So you came in by yourself without any hesitation. Please tell me it wasn’t an act of valour.” Gengo’s voice came through the dark.. “You realise, you won’t be able to see or capture me in this kind of darkness.” “Hey, the Nara clan have been manipulating our own shadows for generations.” Shikamaru told him. “The dark is what gives birth to shadow, right? In a way, you could say that the dark is its mother. For someone like me who lives side by side with their shadow, the darkness in this room isn’t any different from my mother’s embrace. Since the moment you entered here, you were already caught.” Shikamaru was half lying. It was true that he was well-accustomed to the dark. But just because you were comfortable in the dark, that didn’t mean you had night vision. Shikamaru was only slightly more sensitive to the strength of a presence in the darkness than other shinobi were. That was all. “Amusing…” Gengo returned, his voice brimming with self-confidence. “You’re really an interesting man. It’s a shame I have to kill you here.” Silence… Shikamaru and Gengo had both gone quiet, each trying to concentrate their senses on pinpointing the exact location of the other. “I was originally a shinobi from Kirigakure.” It was Gengo who had broken the silence. He continued speaking. “Do you know of a man called Momochi Zabuza?” Shikamaru recognised the name. Back when they were genin, Naruto had frequently mentioned his name. Momochi Zabuza was a skilled ninja Naruto’s team had fought against in a mission. Almost ten years have passed since then. . and he could feel the long sword swinging somewhere above his head. A scythe? No. but many turned their backs on him. for a just cause. huh… “A betrayer tipped the village off. Something like a halberd or a longsword. Shikamaru had rolled to a crouch. Gengo’s presence had gotten alarmingly close. And that whirlpool will only widen. “Zabuza left the path! He was in too much of a hurry to realise his ideals. “You dodged well. sitting with one knee up. Zabuza said we were dirtying our hands for our ideals. ducking the blow. who needed gold to realise his ideals. I finally mastered my jutsu! I created a whirlpool that stirs up passion in people. and took on disgraceful mission requests. It sounded like Gengo was drawing something out of a metal holder. I’ve finally obtained this country. “When Zabuza started rousing a coup d’état in Kirigakure. thinner than that. and the gust of wind changed direction again. Shikamaru could feel that blade cutting through the emptiness and heading towards his neck-! He lunged down to the floor. But then Zabuza. and the coup was exposed. and dirtied his hands! But I am different! After a long road full of hardships. a sham of a mafia. Shikamaru felt a sharp gust of wind cut along the path of Gengo’s sword.Gengo continued. engulfing the whole continent. his wish was to bring about my ideal world.” A world governed by shinobi. and took control of this country. you son of a bitch…!” Shikamaru’s ears registered the sound of something kicking at the ground. a blade or a kunai. A carving sound. cutting through the emptiness… Definitely a blade. At that time. And it is only now…” Gengo’s voice was shaking with emotion. at that. There was another noise beyond Gengo’s yelling. He couldn’t see with his eyes. And a very large one. every single nation!” Gengo shouted. “It is only now that my ambitions are starting to be realised! And yet to have this happen because of you. my younger self had been among those who followed him into exile. I was among those who left his side. But Shikamaru couldn’t pick up much more information other than the fact that Gengo was heading towards him. Zabuza became a missing-nin. joined hands with a wealthy merchant. He had to rely on his senses. But don’t think I’ll let you go!” Gengo yelled. cutting across the air above him. He’d done well. . He grumbled to himself that if things were going to turn out like this. it would’ve been better if he’d taken some taijutsu lessons from Lee. and he didn’t have any weapons left. But if you faced the possibilities of death. there was Gengo. Shikamaru heard Gengo’s longsword cut into the floor behind him. Long swords lost their advantage when you got in too close. Shikamaru rolled towards the direction he calculated Gengo to be in. even though Gengo had received such a severe blow. and kneed him in the face. mentally measuring its length from tip to handle. Shikamaru was poor at taijutsu. He had nothing to use but his own body. The swing of Gengo’s long sword brushed the top of Shikamaru’s ponytail. it was far more effective to get in close to their chest. and now he pushed his legs to spring up. Shikamaru couldn’t use his shadow in this deep darkness. than rather than running around. right in front of where he calculated Gengo to be. It would be impossible to bind Gengo with his ninjutsu. Shikamaru stepped on Gengo’s bent knee with his right foot for momentum. “Got you!” Shikamaru grunted as he felt his head collide with Gengo’s body. satisfied to see his usual way of complaining had returned to him.He tried to picture Gengo in the darkness. Behind the axis of that swing. launching himself in a headbutt. Gengo let out a surprised yell and stumbled into a crouch. If you ran away while trying to hold onto your life. “!” Using all his concentration. If you wanted to disarm your opponent. “Heh…” Shikamaru let out a single laugh. “Gah-” But. He pictured the length of the sword based on the sound it made as it cut across thin air. then you’d die. using only his sound and strength of presence as a guide to his movements. he hadn’t collapsed. then you’d live… It was the very basics of war strategy. He had stopped rolling into a crouch. He’d successfully been able to calculate right where Gengo would be. “Well. But he didn’t have any other means of escaping the blow. The sound was most likely Gengo picking up his sword again.” Gengo stammered. His target was Shikamaru. Shikamaru’s palms had firmly caught Gengo’s sword between them. He blinked several times. as it turned out. trying to force it down. like iron being scraped against the stone floor. . every single villager strives to master the techniques of the sword from their childhood onwards. All of Shikamaru’s limbs felt numb. screw it!” Shikamaru groaned and raised both his arms. flying through mid-air and then landing with a sharp pain piercing down his spine. Shikamaru was viciously thrown back. waiting to try and catch the longsword’s blade as it swung down. At the end of the day. …he had actually caught the blade. His palms slid out into thin air.” “Is there no end to your mockery?” Gengo’s voice was bristling with outrage. he sensed Gengo’s presence already getting back to his feet. Not that impossible. It was a stunt Shikamaru would never have dreamed of trying to pull off. Shikamaru felt cold steel slide between his palms. swinging his longsword down.Gengo had used all his strength to stop his upper body from falling to the ground. “In Kirigakure. He had let go of his sword. “Oh.” Gengo said. “Impossible.” Shikamaru commented. There was a clattering sound. still lying dazed on the floor. “L-looks like I somehow pulled that off…” Shikamaru said to himself. By the time Shikamaru took stock of his pitch black surroundings. Gengo’s sword quivered between Shikamaru’s palms as Gengo’s increased his force. Shikamaru only had one way to defend himself. “I guess you could call this the ninpou of ‘Seriously Trying to Catch a Sword with Your Bare Hands’. pulling himself forward. and grabbed onto Shikamaru’s sides with hands. dumbfounded. but couldn’t move his body as quickly he wanted to. And it was an absolutely ridiculous idea. due to the tradition of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen of the Mist. “I am going to kill you here. who was standing with a swordsman’s perfect stance above him. He’d been cornered. “Who was it that kept asking this fool to be their right hand man?” “Senseless quibbling. were terribly different. now is there?” “Look at the situation you’re in and watch what you’re saying. because as long as there’s wind.” Gengo said. are things that can never be caught by anyone.At this rate. “Well. empty of any substance.” “Y’see clouds. I wonder. “In a very short time.” The blade was inching closer to Shikamaru’s forehead. You’re a fool who couldn’t hope to comprehend the potential of others.” Gengo’s force on the sword increased. And yet. “But even those empty. Warm sweat was gathering on his forehead.” “Now. Shikamaru kept smiling. And I will continue on the path to my ambitions.” Shikamaru felt the blade’s cold edge touch his forehead.” “Oi. sneaky things have their uses. I really like watching clouds.” “I have no intention of continuing this idle talk.” Gengo grit out. you son of a bitch. “There are things that’re strong because they’re empty. oi.” he said to Gengo. The longsword’s blade was slowly being pushed down. “And then I’m going to make those scum in the hall share my ideals. Still. The limits of strength between Shikamaru. Gengo had the advantage. there’s no way they could possibly rule the world. They can water the earth with rain. “Sometimes.” “Be silent. you ignorant bastard. They can strike things down with lightning. you are going to die. it was a question of muscle power. he continued speaking. He was nearing his limit. and Gengo. You have nothing but empty words.” Shikamaru mused. clouds will be blown away before you can catch them. Shikamaru’s arms were shaking from trying to hold back the blade. who was down on the floor with both his arms up. “Someone who doesn’t even notice when their mask of politeness has slipped away. since when were you so foul mouthed?” Shikamaru asked. They’re sneaky things.” . listen anyway. Gengo was distracted by a human’s natural curiosity. “Getting a taste of the genjutsu of my words?” “Don’t look down on me. you brat…” “Oi. I’m telling you that it’s wrong to keep thinking you have to be full of substance to be worth something. Shikamaru rolled out from under Gengo’s legs. you wouldn’t understand what I mean even if you died. most likely Gengo’s nose. like metal being drawn against metal. he swept his leg fiercely towards where Gengo’s. That was the opportunity Shikamaru had been waiting for. how does it feel?” Shikamaru asked. Gengo staggered back. and as he concentrated on Shikamaru’s words. “So. Shikamaru?!” Chouji’s voice. He was out of that corner. Shikamaru felt his kick land against something thick and soft. hitting the floor. he could hear a grating sound behind him. Lying down on the floor as he was. “Are you okay. putting distance between himself and the longsword. Shikamaru allowed himself a small exhale. would you?” The blade had cut into the skin of Shikamaru’s forehead by now. Even if your insides feel empty… Even if you don’t have an unshakable core. oi. then you’ll be fine. getting to his feet. The room was suddenly full of glaring light. An idiotic bastard like you who honestly thinks everyone else has to become the way you want them to be.“So what?” Gengo asked. It was precisely because he was still talking despite being in such a grave situation that Shikamaru’s words had caught Gengo’s attention. As long as you hold a resolve not to become twisted as a person. and the sword lurched forward. I’ve gone from ‘bastard’ to ‘brat’ now?” As Shikamaru spoke. he jumped back one more time. and warm blood was leaking out. Gengo stumbled. “So. But you don’t even know that. Shikamaru turned his head along with the direction of the sword’s momentum. As soon as Shikamaru landed from his mid-air kick. and the blade skimmed past his forehead without cutting any deeper than the surface of his skin. sticking out his right foot to where he calculated the man’s face to be. before he turned and leapt towards Gengo. his grip on the sword loosened. . and Roku and Sou. turning black.” Shikamaru said. His shadow started extending from his feet. “Aren’t you acting so composed?” Gengo snarled. In his field of vision. He wasn’t really worried about how effective it’d be in stopping the bleeding though. Behind his back. Shikamaru made a signal with his hands that he knew Ino would understand. leaping away before Shikamaru’s shadow could reach his feet. “Prepare your jutsu. his sword flashing out to slash at him. He tied it firmly around his forehead.” Gengo snarled. he could see his comrades standing in the doorway of the room. There was Chouji and Ino and Sakura. who seemed to have broken out of the genjutsu as well. nobody should make any move to get involved.Shikamaru looked over his shoulder. But then his flesh lost its colour. “Until I give my signal. Shikamaru was sliced in two from his forehead down. Team 10 had worked together for many years. heading towards Gengo. Their communication was flawless. Behind him. . And. Ino!” He shouted. and then disappearing. swinging his longsword overhead with bloodshot eyes. “Just a kage bunshin. and then reached inside his vest to retrieve his Konoha hitaiate that had been safely stitched on the inside of his clothing. Shikamaru was approaching with a kunai in his hand. He brought up his palm to wipe it away. of course. “Got it!” Ino replied. Shikamaru turned to look at Gengo one more time.” Gengo said. While wondering what had happened with Sai. there was Temari. “Shikamaru!” Shikamaru’s fingers moved in a quick handseal. “I’m not such a fool as to be caught in your petty tricks. Gengo landed and lunged at Shikamaru without pause. The kunai slashed towards the back of Gengo’s neck. The blood dripping from his forehead was obscuring his vision. the jutsu had already broken. Seeing him evade her. The plan that he’d carefully laid out in his head had been transmitted to Ino. “Let’s go!” Shikamaru called out the two. It’d all gone according to plan… The shintenshin jutsu that could enter people’s hearts was also capable of doing one more thing: sharing knowledge. too. and she was looking directly at Gengo. just slightly. “Preparations complete!” Ino called out. and maybe let another out. . “You impudent little…” Gengo snarled. Shikamaru had decided that he was going to bring down this scumbag with Rou and Soku.” Ino called out to the two the instant she broke the jutsu. And she had transmitted it to Rou and Soku. escaping Ino’s trajectory. Shikamaru’s abdomen was pierced. “Alright. He knew that Ino had entered his mind. Another kage bunshin. a fine example of Kirigakure’s brilliant upbringing in sword techniques. The three of them would do it together. Ino smiled to herself. palms spread out. to head for her real target: Shikamaru.” Shikamaru’s plan was complete. But this Shikamaru also lost his colour. “Rou. The jutsu lasted for only an instant. In the time where one could take one breath in. shintenshin no jutsu. As Gengo dodged. Shikamaru’s body stiffened. Soku. Shikamaru had taken advantage of that fact. Rou and Soku nodded. A large part of it hinged on the successful application of Ino’s jutsu.Gengo dodged the blow brilliantly.” Gengo instantly leapt to the side. And she shifted her palms. he shifted his body. She stood quite a distance away from Gengo. Her thumb and index fingers were brought together to make a triangle-like formation. bending his knees and swinging his sword horizontally. “Ninpou. both her arms up. another. Shikamaru had first made countless kage bunshin and then. It was another bunshin. Shikamaru attacked Gengo from above. given them all the appearance of having a very thick and dense chakra.” Gengo said. Gengo snapped his head to stare over his shoulder. And another. “Oh come on now. spittle flying from his mouth. another. the colour draining from his face. while Rou and Soku ran to opposite ends of the room. And another. . The plan had been executed well. But no matter how he sliced and swung and raged. “Where are you hiding. “Checkmate. Gengo swung at him with his sword. another. Not that Gengo noticed. in factm standing right behind him. Either way. Shikamaru was pushed back from the force of Gengo’s longsword. aiming at his head. another… Gengo’s sword had sliced Shikamaru in half countless times. slashing across his chest. There was a large difference between the mass of both of their weapons.Shikamaru ran towards Gengo. it’s useless. “How long do you intend to keep playing games?!” Gengo snarled. using Rou’s jutsu.” Shikamaru said.” Kunai and longsword clashed in mid-air. But it was just another kage bunshin. tumbling to the floor. stopping then they faced each other from their parallel places. Might as well enjoy it. another. He was. “Whatever you do. every single time Shikamaru was just another kage bunshin. disappearing from sight as soon as he was injured. Shikamaru?!” The real Shikamaru had long disappeared from the front of Gengo’s field of vision. he was too late… Shikamaru’s shadow had already slithered out of his feet and linked itself with Gengo’s body. “This is the last fight we’ll have. Gengo’s sword came after him.” Shikamaru murmured in Gengo’s ear. huh. “I keep telling not to call me by my name y’knowwwwwwwww!” Shikamaru’s eyes clearly saw the orange glow of Soku’s lightning chakra fly towards Gengo and pass straight through his tongue. The man was well restrained. YOU BASTAAAAAAAAAAARD!” Gengo screamed. his tongue flashed a deep crimson inside his mouth. Until Shikamaru had locked him in his shadow. who had stayed strong after suffering both torture and genjutsu.” Rou nodded. “Hinoko. breathy sound. blocking out other senses in favour of that specific chakra signature. Shikamaru pulled his shadow away from Gengo.” “Understood. you’re stuck in a body that won’t let you breathe another word. Gengo had been attacked from a complete and utter blind spot. after fighting bunshin after bunshin. came running immediately. “Put him in restraints.” Tears were leaking out Gengo’s eyes.gaaah?” Gengo made a dry. Shikamaru suddenly noticed that Soku had come to stand behind Rou as well. sir. and accompany him to the Union. turning his head to spew out vitriol at him.Gengo’s mind had naturally started recognising the bunshins chakra. “Aghhhh!” As she gathered her chakra on her index finger. “SHIKAMARU.” Shikamaru said. and signalled for Rou. he’d unconsciously started seeking that chakra out. As he seethed and shrieked. the real Shikamaru had his chakra’s traces erased by Rou’s jutsu. “It might not have gone very smoothly. Rou. but…” . the girl let out a shriek that almost burst Shikamaru’s ear drums. Finally. “She just severed the chakra flow to your tongue.” Shikamaru calmly called. “The mission’s complete. so you’ll have to forgive me for snatching away yours. And then. trying to gloss over his embarrassment. “Ga.” Shikamaru told him. Rou wrapped Gengo’s arms in countless layers of metal rings and seals – the specialised handcuffs used by the Anbu. Shikamaru rubbed his index finger against the bridge of his nose. the man hadn’t had a single clue as to what was going on. “From now on.” Shikamaru said. and quietly snuck up on Gengo in the background. “I’m definitely going to make a world without war. eyes shining with admiration. When Shikamaru and the others had arrived at the hall. Chapter Eighteen After restraining Gengo. receiving medical aid from another shinobi.”. the other Konohagakure and Sunagakure shinobi were handling the Enlightened Ones well. the genjutsu clouding the Enlightened One’s minds had cleared up as well. almost everyone had walked away fight with relatively light injuries. all of their shoulders slumped and the will to fight seemed to leave them entirely. “Sai!” Shikamaru called out when he spotted the shinobi sitting amidst the crowd of people. and now turned terribly despondent. They had awakened from their feverish dream. Other than several heavily wounded people. You would think it a miracle that no one had been killed. there hadn’t been as much harm done as one would think. restraining some and giving medical aid to others.Shikamaru smiled at the two. and that’d been a really big help to ending the battle. . but it was mostly because the Sunagakure shinobi had faithfully followed Gaara’s orders -”Do not kill unless necessary. Despite the battle between Enlightened Ones and shinobi being so fierce.when they stormed the hall. It turned out that the moment Soku severed the chakra flow to Gengo’s tongue. and Rou and Soku’s faces crumpled like they were about to cry as they nodded back. Shikamaru and his comrades went down the spiralling stairs to find the battle between the Enlightened Ones and other shinobi had already finished. When Gengo’s advisors found out that he had been defeated and restrained. getting up to his feet. instead.” “Thank you. falling down his cheek. squatting down next to him and putting a hand on his shoulder. Shikamaru turned his head to look at the voice’s owner.” Shikamaru kindly said. was a fist headed directly for his face. “You were in a trance brought on by that guy’s words. Shikamaru could feel the shinobi’s shoulders shaking slightly. a man’s voice rang out. rolling across the ground. His field of vision changed from the floor to the ceiling to the floor to the ceiling. “I’m so sorry.” A single tear slipped out of Sai’s right eye. her eyes looking down at Sai. Shikamaru. “I’m pathetic. take some time off.” “But…” “Don’t let it bother you too much. “Take care of him. Managing to carry on with a light heart no matter what happens has always been one of your best qualities.” Shikamaru said. looking at him with a blank face. There weren’t any tears dripping down his face. Perhaps it was because Sai had been dragged out of the genjutsu with such strong. “When we get back to Konoha.” “Thank you…” As Sai said that. She kneeled down next to him the minute Shikamaru had gotten out of the way. Ino gave a deep nod. Ino appeared to stand by Sai’s side. Just as Shikamaru had let out a small sigh of relief to see everything settled. he’d totally forgotten about that guy… Rubbing the back of his head.” Shikamaru said to Ino.“Shikamaru…” Sai sat upright. desperate measures that the shinobi’s eyes still looked a little dazed. “It’s all behind us. “SHI! KA! MA! RUUUUUUUUUUUUU!” Oh yeah. What he saw.” Underneath the black material of Sai’s uniform. “Even I’d gotten dragged into it. Shikamaru’s body was thrown backwards.” Sai muttered.” Sai murmured. You have nothing to feel ashamed about. But Sai was still crying on the inside. “Don’t worry about it. like some part of him was drifting at sea. . bursting with righteous with fury. I’ll talk to Kakashi-san. Ino had told Shikamaru about what happened with Sai on the group’s way down the stairs. his feelings spewing out his mouth without structure. “Hey. things will settle down soon enough. Konoha. “Come on. “Didn’t you say you were gonna be my advisor.” “Aa. “Nobody will kick up a fuss over these events once they see that Naruto’s here. Naruto’s bellowed words had been disjointed and choppy in his worked up state. the man had jumped on top of his back like a man would a horse. huh?” Naruto muttered. The blonde seemed to have calmed down somewhat after Shikamaru’s apology had registered.” Naruto’s influence over the world of shinobi was immeasurably strong. Shikamaru has gotten onto his hands and knees to get up.Six times… His brain calmly counted every single roll that had been caused by the terribly powerful punch. “If anything happens. “This country’ll be fine from now on. Shikamaru’s body finally rolled to a stop when he was on his back. Naruto let go of the back of Shikamaru’s collar and stood up.” Shikamaru spoke to the man on his back. Naruto.” Naruto sternly said. but the next thing he knew.” Naruto held out his hand. eyes catching sight of the furious blond man who was now rushing towards him. but Shikamaru had clearly understood all of Naruto’s concern for him packed into his rant. from now on. It was because Naruto had such a fire inside him that he was suited to be the leader of the Country of Fire’s hidden village. Sakura had come to stand next to them at some point Shikamaru hadn’t noticed. “You’re really a fucking idiot!!” Naruto furiously repeated.” Shikamaru closed his eyes and nodded. He sat up on the floor. And since Gengo’s genjutsu has been broken.” Naruto firmly. . Nobody would oppose the hero who had saved the world.” Sakura said. Shikamaru’s neck was jerked up and down and an incoherently furious scolding blasting into his ears. tell me first. grabbing the back of his collar. “Since the Enlightened Ones ruling this country were all shinobi. there isn’t a single citizen who doesn’t know that Naruto’s the hero from the last shinobi world war. It was just like Sakura had said. “YOU – WHY – TELL ME – EVERYTHING BY YOURSELF – ALWAYS LIKE THIS – MADE EVERYONE – WORRIED SICK – EVEN I – GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH – YOU FUCKING IDIOT!” “I’m really sorry. and he’d verified that Shikamaru was indeed alright. It was small things like that which let you feel the world of shinobi was really beginning to merge into one. “This is the last time I’ll keep secrets and act like a kid. Sunagakure’s returning shinobi stood lined up behind Gaara. it was decided that their first order of business was returning to Konoha. as they stood at the gates of Curtain Village. poking Naruto in the chest. With Gengo out of the picture. he had to try and be more honest too. “This time around. he was sure things would work out fine.” “After all.” “Aa. now and in the future. “Hey. who’re you calling a kid?” “Who do you think?” The two looked at each other. And he thought that for Naruto’s sake. strong motion. Every single one of them were looking at Shikamaru with a smile.” Shikamaru said. “Don’t worry about it. Naruto. leaving part of their troop behind while the rest headed back to Suna.” Shikamaru said to Gaara. All the shinobi who had been brought up in the desolate desert of Suna had the same strong. For the sake of Roku. Konohagakure and Sunagakure’s forces would both head their separate ways home. and burst into grins. I’m really in your debt.” Gaara replied. I’m gonna spend all my time after this babysitting a kid. “This is the last time…” “Huh?” Naruto tilted his head at Shikamaru. Shikamaru wasn’t worried about leaving Naruto behind. Naruto pulled him up with one smooth. There’s no need for you to use such formal words like ‘debt’ for an operation like this. “You’re someone whose existence is essential to the Union. and Shikamaru was immediately back on his feet. Sunagakure’s shinobi intended on doing the same. Sakura and others were going to stay behind in the Country of Silence and clean up matters there. Shikamaru envied how Naruto could be so honest and straightforward. formidable countenance. Isn’t it natural for someone to go and save their comrade?” . Sou and Sai receiving immediate medical treatment.Shikamaru silently took it. but she didn’t have to be so unaffectionate about it. we’ll meet again at the Union. He gave a firm.” Gaara let go of the handhold. “Don’t worry about Gengo. He never used to be this talkative. But now. Sunagakure’s shinobi looked at Gaara with affectionate smiles. turning his gaze to look at his comrades. The rest of Sunagakure’s shinobi looked like they were going to stop too.” Gaara looked almost as surprised as Shikamaru himself felt.” He said. attentively listening to Gaara and Shikamaru’s conversation. Temari came to a halt mid-step. casting one look over his shoulder at Shikamaru before disappearing. a dangerous guy. “If my sister hadn’t been so troubled. Gaara followed. Behind Shikamaru.” Gaara said. and Shikamaru’s voice suddenly called out to her.” Gaara said. Chouji and Ino. “Let’s go home.Gaara crossed his arms as he spoke. Temari turned her back to leave. Gaara used to be someone with an unreadable face.” “We keep receiving your help on every little thing…” “I keep telling you not to speak so formally. Rou and Soku. but Gaara made a gesture for them to go ahead and Sunagakure’s shinobi obeyed.” Shikamaru said.” “Aa. constantly bloodthirsty. Years ago. and Sunagakure’s shinobi unanimously answered in a cheer. “See you later. Shikamaru supposed it was because she was trying to hide her embarrassment. her gaze fixed on some spot above their heads. spilling out of the village’s gates and into the main street.” Temari was standing next to Gaara. we all would’ve ended up losing a very valuable person. All of them were quiet too. “Well then. and grasped Gaara’s hand. there was Sai. She had taken on the attitude of completely ignoring the exchange. “We’ll drop him off at the Union’s headquarters on our way home. blank of any emotion. too. As well as another group of Konohagakure’s shinobi. Gaara returned the handhold with the same strength. “But I really am very relieved…” Gaara murmured seriously to Shikamaru. “Oi. strong squeeze. The Kazekage that held such love and devotion in his village then stuck out his hand for Shikamaru. . yeah. for today. starting to think seriously about the matter. “Thank you. “What?” Temari asked irritably. Her eyes always had such a staggering power… Shikamaru felt like he was about to lose his nerve. and took a deep breath to try and calm himself down. it is that sort of thing. Shikamaru ignored her. and drew closer to Temari.Only Temari was left. huh…” It was almost as if she was seated in a war council. There wasn’t even the slightest bit of embarrassment in her attitude. “Today…” It was no use.” “Hmph. No…he’d called out to her and made her stop because he wanted to ask her.” His reply came from somewhere in Shikamaru’s subconscious. Shikamaru felt bewildered as to how to deal with these emotions that he himself didn’t understand. “A date. he could faintly hear Soku let out a ‘kyaa!’. The look in her eyes was serious now. He tried to get his thoughts past his mouth. and Shikamaru continued talking. Temari put a hand to her chin. “I see. urging him to hurry up. Why am I asking this sort of a woman out for a meal? Shikamaru questioned himself. “You don’t want to?” Shikamaru involuntarily blurted out. Somewhere behind Shikamaru. talking about preparations for how to deal with a formidable enemy. The words weren’t coming out. He couldn’t help but ask her out. “Well. “What is it?” She sourly asked. “Next time. nothing she tried to endear herself with. how about eating a meal together?” “Are you asking me on a date?” Temari plainly asked.” Temari gave a snort.” Temari thoughtfully said. . her body was slightly tilted towards the gates to follow the direction her younger brother had gone. Even now. ” Temari’s radiant grin after she said that felt incredibly precious to Shikamaru. The End Chapter Nineteen It had been one week since Shikamaru left the Country of Silence. Kakashi had ordered him to take a break and heal up from the fatigue caused by being held captive as well as the final fight with Gengo. Then she let go of her chin.Temari gazed closely at the look on his face for a while. and put her hands on her hips. . “How troublesome. he had sat himself down in front of shougi board. even if he wasn’t there. He could now think of that and be at ease. Some days. Of course. He didn’t really need a vacation. Other days. and support them to the fullest extent. then he wouldn’t have been able to stand a week of no missions or work for the Union. and played against himself for hours. nobody had bothered him. and so he complied. If ever a situation arose where he really was needed. then he’d switch his mind set into that of a sharp genius. so Shikamaru didn’t really have any injuries that he had to rest up for. But now. or the missions piling up. Shikamaru had lived quietly and calmly. He would’ve lost his presence of mind completely. He didn’t have to do anything. For the first time in a long while. He would’ve kept thinking ‘what if some serious incident happens while I’m gone’ or ‘what if someone’s made a mistake in their work and nobody’s noticed’. And if that time came. nonsensical thoughts. All his time was alone time. Shikamaru could relax to the fullest possible extent. he set out at sunrise and climbed a mountain. All kinds of ridiculous. If it had been the Shikamaru before the went to the Country of Silence. . He wouldn’t have been able to completely relax for even one full day before he went back to work. Chouji and Ino had gone out on other separate missions soon after they returned to Konoha. but it sufficed to stay there for just a few hours. but Kakashi had insisted. He’d just finally allowed himself to have some breathing space and calm down. There was no need for him to frantically think about when he’d go back to work every single second. he’d barely given a thought about the work waiting for him at the Union. Shikamaru had enjoyed that time immensely. Shikamaru went to visit Mirai at Kurenai sensei’s house. day after day. This whole week. The state of his heart was also much lighter compared to how it had been before his trip to the Country of Silence. His comrades would be able to handle everything just fine. his mind only ever wandering to them right before he went to sleep. If he had faith in his comrades’ ability. He reflected on how much he had changed. then he could comfortably switch between working and relaxing. then Kakashi or Temari would definitely call for him. lying down at the top and watching clouds until the sky was dyed red from the setting sun. Naruto and Sakura were still working things out in the Country of Silence. It wasn’t that he’d abandoned his sense of responsibility.The wound on his forehead had been given medical aid by Sakura straight away. All week. He saw how he had kept insisting on taking on every single burden and responsibility. hard look at why he was so different after his trip to the Country of Silence. What was wrong with thinking you wanted to live a normal life? The definition of a ‘dream’ wasn’t limited to just the ambitious ones that aimed high with their goals. Nobody was smart or skilled enough to handle every single thing by themselves. that he could bring himself to accomplish things. Living in a world that was constantly at war with itself. The thought ‘I’ll shoulder everything by myself’ was wrong at the very root. to the point that it made himself uncomfortable. And honestly. Honestly. A person couldn’t live their life all on their own. It was fine to live as a fool. wasn’t that fine? It was because he had accepted the root of his nature. After all. When he had been in Floating Prisoner Castle and entranced by Gengo.Shikamaru had cornered himself to the extent that he had forgotten completely about that fact. he wouldn’t want to do anything at all. He’d taken a long. . and completely mistaken pride that they couldn’t handle things without him. and he’d be happy to live his days as a coward without a care in the world. with its devil-may-care and irresponsible attitude. That’s why you had friends. all because of a small-minded. That was Shikamaru’s nature. and only wished to lead peaceful. In his week of relaxing. comrades. He found pretty much everything troublesome. And that was why there was significance to Shikamaru’s existence. Shikamaru was originally an irresponsible man. and if it was up to him. Temari had stormed in and given Shikamaru a wake-up call that broke him out of the genjutsu as well as every other doubt that had been holding him down. haughty. a normal life was possibly the hardest dream to achieve. In the middle of her gale. it was none other than people like him who could understand the feelings of normal citizens who had no dreams or ambitions to speak of. ordinary lives. And he also realised that he had ignored their existence completely. It had been worth Shikamaru going to the Country of Silence if only so he could realise that. He realised how many comrades he had. he had been able to realise exactly who he was. Shikamaru had also examined himself. looking at the pile of documents in his hand. as well as Ino and the others ending reports for the mission gave me a basic idea of what went on. Temari had come to his rescue and he’d finally been able to wake up. A world where anyone could live comfortably… So if the person who wanted to build that sort of world took everything on his own shoulders and worked incessantly. “I’ve also heard the talks of all your hard work from Rou and Soku in the hospital. There hadn’t been a single thing that he’d accomplished by himself. but even after that he’d received the help of his comrades right until the very end. Writing reports . It was the report Shikamaru had written. if it could become a place where anyone could live comfortably. He’d been unable to see the truth of Gengo’s genjutsu and then gotten himself caught up in it. Unfortunately.” “Hard work…well…” Shikamaru felt the corner of his eyebrow twitch in embarrassment. one average day at a time. Shikamaru absolutely had to end the fighting in the world. So for the sake of those who would be born after this. It wasn’t a dream with lofty and sublime feelings like Gengo’s was. “Sakura’s report on the present condition in the Country of Silence.If the world could become peaceful. There were about 50 pages in all. * “You really worked hard. That kind of attitude was best. He didn’t have any particular noble motivations behind it either. That was why he had to live his life in a hurry. as well as give him greetings for his return to work. too. then surely the people who wanted to live normal lives could do so.” Kakashi said as he straightened out a pile of documents on his desk. wouldn’t that be missing the point? He’d word hard in a comfortable way. the Country of Silence was a different matter. While he had refused to think about his missions or work at the Union to the very end of his vacation. Shikamaru had come to his office to give him his full report on what had happened in the Country of Silence. Shikamaru had been born into a world full of war.” Kakashi said. “It would’ve been fine even if you didn’t write this on your vacation…” Kakashi said. “It’s startling to hear it now. rolling it around.” “Kakashi said. Shinobi were only assigned as an extra precaution for unexpected events. Besides. but…” “Kakashi-san. “Please look over it.” Kakashi cheerfully said.” Shikamaru said. “Yeah. He presented them to Shikamaru. In reality. Kakashi looked at the expression on Shikamaru’s face for a while. with its details clearly written out. basically. and after wearily eyeing it for a while. delivering a sovereign message to the Daimyou of the Land of Lightning. The one to work on the mission didn’t necessarily have to be Shikamaru. the security of the general public was rapidly strengthening. and then he laughed. “It’s been such a long time since you called me Kakashi-san. vacation or not. it was light work that didn’t take up more than an hour of a day. It was stamped with a red seal that indicated a B-rank mission. A bodyguard assignment. Kakashi then turned his gaze on Shikamaru. “So try and take care of yourself a little more…” An existence they couldn’t do without. Kakashi let out a sigh and moved the bundle of documents over to the side of the desk. huh… “That’s really troublesome.” . Going between two countries wasn’t really as remarkable as it had been in the past.” Shikamaru naturally smiled. Thanks to the Union and general co-operation between the shinobi of today. opening it and pulling out a sheaf of documents. Shikamaru looked down at the file. mind if I stop you there?” Shikamaru cut in.” Kakashi said.” The words leaked out of Shikamaru’s mouth naturally. placing it on top of the mountain of paperwork he already had. It was a job that any shinobi above chuunin level could accomplish. without any conscious effort. “I see that you’re alright now. His other hand went to a drawer in his desk. “It’s far too simple of a mission for you. “Now then…” Kakashi put one hand behind his neck. It was a given that he’d do that much. staring at Shikamaru with a surprised look on his face. The pile swayed a little bit. He was to accompany the attendant of the Daimyou of the Land of Fire. “You’re an existence that this village and the Union couldn’t do without.after missions was one of the basics of being a shinobi. holding up his right hand. the Daimyou’s attendant would’ve been fine with their own bodyguards. ” “Thank you. you have my permission! Go on your date. huh?” Kakashi echoed. crossing his arms and closing his eyes.” Kakashi nodded. “Giving up on one thing.” Shikamaru swiftly turned his back to Kakashi. “So. Shikamaru. . “I feel like if I ask the current you. His cheeks were turning a deep crimson. about that mission. waiting for the rest. gathering his thoughts. “But sure. An answer appeared in his mind. yup. Do you mind if I ask you one more time? What do you think it means to be an adult?” Shikamaru looked up at the ceiling for a while. stepping forward to head towards the exit. more valuable…” Shikamaru said.” He said.” “Pfff!” Kakashi snorted in sudden laughter.” Kakashi called out to make him stop.” “Giving something up. “Yup. then you’ll understand more than you did last time. isn’t it? Though I might not understand it all that well. and he opened his mouth to share it with full honesty. watching the way I talk. “To think that you’d turn down a mission to go on a date is surprising. and always twisting around my behaviour to be ideal…” Shikamaru shrugged. because the day after tomorrow is…” Shikamaru looked away.” Kakashi leaned back.” Fine. “Shikamaru. “It’s that kind of feeling. But for goodness sake.” Kakashi chuckled. and finding something else that’s even better. I gave up on my dream to have an average life. “…I have a date. “Then. at least let me enjoy this comforting part of my life in peace. and finding something more valuable. Shikamaru glared at him. I’ll be going.“Keeping my shoulders straight. He had stood to get on his feet now. Kakashi curiously tilted his head at him. “I’ve already stopped doing that sort of thing. nodding repeatedly.” “That’s good to hear. “Spring has come for you. can you leave it to some other guy?” “Why?” “W-well. turning around and heading out. that’s what I think. ”One day. it’s okay. and time passed slowly and steadily. Those eyes of his looked just like his mother’s. Shikamaru. He was just shutting the door behind him. you’re going to realise you don’t know everything as well as you think. but he was crying like he’d already seen through everything the world had to offer. “I really can’t say anything’s troublesome from now on. “But they keep living on.” Everyone kept living their lives.” Shikamaru said. “Well then. and. then I’ll intervene and send you flying back to your senses again.” Although he knew Kakashi wouldn’t hear him. when Kakashi’s cheerful voice rang out one more time. they find something that’s even more valuable. while there are people like Naruto who never give up on their life-goals and always work towards them from their childhood onwards.” The baby couldn’t have understood a word. So.“Well. And when that time comes. doesn’t he? Our son had only just been born. “If it ever looks like you’re getting so bad that you’ll stop functioning.” “Aa. but he still stared up at me with wide eyes. He was too embarrassed to stay there any longer. “You can say it a little.” Temari told me.” . “It’s alright. Then…” What are we going to name him? “How troublesome. huh…” I said. most guys usually give up on a goal because it turns out it can’t be done. and live working towards that goal instead. “I hope you enjoy yourself. I’ll be off. “Thank you very much. all long slit and almond shaped. you’ll have definitely made comrades who will walk side by side with you.” I told him.” Shikamaru said. crossing his arms. Or at least. you’re right. like a stream… He looks a lot like me. Shikamaru replied anyway. in the end.” “I see…” Kakashi closed his eyes again.