ShikaChou

Many of the views in the story are influenced by American western culture, rather than traditional Japanese.


Growing up is a strange thing. Getting older, getting stronger. Maturing and with any luck, learning. Societal structures play such a huge role in defining us as individuals. Putting ideas and concepts into our heads about what is right and wrong, good and bad, acceptable and otherwise disgraceful. As a whole, we follow and obey these structures, because it's all we've come to know and understand. To change would be like asking us to stop breathing.

Like for instance... in some countries, female genital cutting is a natural part of the growing process. It is accepted by both the male and female population, and preformed ceremonially as the transition into womanhood. Is it a world-wide accepted practice? No way. Is it dangerous to the point of being deadly? Yes. Does their reasoning for as to why it's preformed justified? Well...that's varies.

Is it right to tell them that a practice they grew up for centuries knowing as the proper way of growing up is wrong? No. We just can't walk into a society, and tell them that everything they believe, everything that they know to be right and true is wrong, no matter what repercussions it may bring.

What we can do is provide...

...Sorry, I'm straying from my point. That's a conversation for another time.

But, say one of your personal beliefs isn't a part of your social structure? What if there is something you think, or do or ...feel that isn't culturally accepted? Even if everything else that makes you who you are - based on the society you grew up in - makes you an acceptable member of your society. There's one thing; just one thought, one aspect, one factor that would make you, otherwise ... unacceptable?

What then?

I am Shikamaru Nara. I am an exceptional member of my society. I contribute to my culture in a significant way; in a way that very few can: as a ninja. A protector, a defender and a provider.

I am an exceptional ninja. Renowned for intelligence; my ability to think of what others cannot, and to do it quickly and cleanly. They say my brain is our greatest weapon. Wiser say it's our greatest defense.

I am a member of the Nara clan, a family bloodline that dates back to the first days of our village's existence. My family is one of the few at the top of the village's hierarchy. In some ways, my blood is part of the foundation of our society.

I am Shikamaru Nara. I grew up reading the rights books, eating the right foods, went to school, became a ninja, became a great ninja. I am an exceptional part of my society, even beyond that of my peers.

I am Shikamaru Nara. Somewhat recently, my sensei, a man I highly admired, died serving his societal duty. For the record, I avenged him. Less recently, a beautiful young woman from the sand village advised me to stop being lazy and become a jounin. I'm still considering that.

Very recently...very recently I was looking at my best friend, and saw him. I saw a man that's been by my side, through thick and thin for as long as I can remember, a man that knows more about me than anyone on this earth and still accepts me for who I am, a man that, I really don't think I could live in this world without...

I am Shikamaru Nara. Over the past 16 years, I've seen by best friend Chouji at least a million times, but...more recently...I've seen him in a way I've never seen him before.

I am Shikamaru Nara and I am in love with Chouji Akimichi.