Shikamaru

2 years have passed since The War ended. 5 years and 10 months after Asuma's death. Everything was back to normal and peaceful. But far from cheerful, like long gone days of childhood and Ninja Academy. One single best thing was good foreign relations with other nations, causing a lot of visitors and tourists. That and warm, sunny autumn days. Konoha was at it's best now. Everything was renovated and rebuilt new and fresh; multiple park areas and tidy environment; some new restaurants and night clubs in the place where the old-town used to be before Konoha was completely destroyed by Pain.

I am living on my own now for the last 2 years. I guess I got tired of my parents quarrels and my mom constantly pushing me around and forcing to do something useful, yet now I start feeling lonely sometimes. My flat is on the 3rd floor, living room's windows facing west. I get to enjoy nice sunsets over a view of my favorite hill. I used to spend time there playing Shogi with Asuma or chatting with Choji. I still go there sometimes to relax and forget about some things that have been bugging me.

Choji moved in with Ino half a year ago, which was a bit of a surprise for everyone. I think Ino isn't worth him. At least Ino I knew definitely isn't. But I can only hope he managed to change her for the better. She ruined my opinion about her after an incident more than two years ago. We started dating, mainly due to her initiative. I didn't manage to fall for her and I never felt motivated even to try. We had sex several times but something was lacking, so I decided to break up with her after a while. She didn't take that too well and ended up insulting me and everyone I love. Including Asuma, Choji, my parents, all our friends. She even went up to my parents to tell them I used her, even though everything what happened between us was initiated by her. Thankfully, my parents understood the real situation. And since my dad and I are quite similar in many ways, he said that Ino wasn't the girl for me. My mother thought the same. They even said they're glad we're done. I did not expect that from them, but I was relieved they didn't start hating me as Ino had planned. I never told anyone what she did so everyone thinks I am being childish ignoring her until this day.

I don't meet up with Choji that much, but we still go for a beer sometimes. Once in a while our bunch meets up at a bar or a club to party. They remind me of careless days way before, so I like spending time with them. Even though usually I end up drunk dancing with some equally drunk girl and making out. But after what happened between me Ino I can't really feel good around her. When she's not there I'm having the best time with my friends.

Naruto and Hinata are finally dating. What they do all the time is train to become stronger, therefore Hinata's father really appreciates Naruto now as he helps his daughter improve. He hated him in the beginning though. Something is happening between Neji and Ten Ten, but they are trying to hide it. Kiba got a girlfriend who's a cat lover so they keep arguing and complaining about each other all the time, but it's easy to see their sincere feelings for each other. I've never felt anything remotely close to that for Ino or any other girl. Shino and Lee are off to some other village for training, while Sai keeps practicing his painting skills. Sakura is still under training to become a medical ninja and as far as I've heard she'll soon be at the same level as Tsunade, which is pretty impressive for a girl her age. I don't know how Ino is doing in all that but I couldn't care less.

A year ago the Academy was resumed and started functioning again. It was closed during and after a war for some time and now it's overflowing with new students. I was asked to become one of the trainers in the Academy. I don't get my own students for now (luckily) but I lecture them on strategy. This and several missions per month gives more than enough money for a guy like myself living alone to spend. I keep stashing like some old hag. I tutor pupils Monday to Wednesday until the afternoon, after that I usually spend my time preparing tasks for another week or doing missions if some come up. Every day in the evening I go for a long run and a workout afterwards. The rest of the week is pretty bad since I have too much free time on my hands. I learnt how to cook but that doesn't excite me anymore. I overtook my family's tradition of making various medicines from herbs, not without some wearisome orders from Sakura, started creating new ones with her help. Sakura is very willing to get the best medicine for her patients so I have no choice but to obey.

Saturdays I'm usually visiting Kurenai and her daughter Asa which I swore to Asuma I will protect and train personally. She's probably one of happiest children I have ever met, spreading love and warmth to everyone she's around. My love for her could not be overstated.

Seeing everyone training or seeking some career, or moving in and planning babies makes me feel like I'm the only one standing in one place like a tree, my nose deep inside herbal books. Oh, the irony – I've always envied clouds for being free and careless and right now I'm the exact opposite – standing mounted in one place, too afraid to move. I don't feel like I have a goal in life and I feel pathetic about it. Or maybe I'm just overthinking things too much.

Reviews would be very much appreciated! At least tell me if I should continue the story..:)

-CdF.