(Note: I do not own Naruto, its characters or anything of the sort. This is just a Fanfiction)
Resting under his favorite tree, Shikamaru peacefully sat in the nice cool shade on the hot summer's day. Arms stretched behind his head, and legs spread out, he was thoroughly enjoying his break. No worries about border disputes, no people nagging him about trivial things, and best of all, he was out of the house while his mother was in one of her "rare" moods again.
"How troublesome…", the lazy teen added.
The wind softly rustled against the tree's branches, a nice relief on a day like this. Shikamaru looked up and stared at the clouds passing over the landscape.
(To himself as he stretched) "Yep…It's almost a perfect day."
However, he could tell from the position of the sun that it was almost time for him to report to the 5th for his daily report.
"What a drag… And I was actually starting to enjoy the day. Oh well, I guess it can't be helped."
Shikamaru slowly got to his feet, all the time massaging the crank in his neck; a quick crack of the neck and he disappeared in a puff of smoke. A split second later, he was standing outside the Hokage's office. Shikamaru went to knock on her door, when he heard:
"Shikamaru! You're late for today's report!"
(To himself) "Man, what a drag…"
Shikamaru opened the door and stepped inside the Hokage's office to see Tsunade leaning upon her desk with both arms meeting at her mouth. If there was one thing about Tsunade-sama, it was her hatred for people being late. But it couldn't be helped, he couldn't change the fact so the only thing to do was to go in and get out. Maybe then he'd be able to catch up on some well deserved rest.
"Konichiwa (Good Afternoon / Hello) Hokage-sama. Here is today's report…There was a recent border dispute between the Land of Earth's Hidden Village, The Village Hidden Among the Stones and the Village Hidden in the Grass; however, emissaries from the Hidden Village in the Sand were sent as third party negotiators and the dispute was settled. Also, recent reports of a group believed to be Akatsuki have been spotted near the Land of Lightning's border, no other updates as of yet on the situation. End of report."
"Thank you Shikamaru. I'll have Shizune alert the tasks force and our contacts in the region immediately to be on high alert for Akatsuki.
"Thank you Hokage-sama."
Suddenly a mysterious voice called out mockingly:
"Thank you Hokage-sama."
Shikamaru turned to see who the voice belonged to, and saw leaning in the far corner of the Hokage's office, Temari of the Hidden Sand.
"Aren't you the serious one today Shikamaru?"
"Temari? What are doing back in Konoha?"
"I've sent for her by personal invitation. Lately the Land of Earth has been trying to expand its borders again, and Temari here was the emissary in your report that handled the dispute between the villages."
"You could say I've had my work cut out for me lately."
"Indeed.", replied Tsunade. "Now, Shikamaru…"
"Hai."
"Before this issue spreads to the other surrounding countries, the other 4 main nations have decided to send emissaries to try and seek a peaceful resolution before another dispute arises again. You will be Konohagakure's representative and will help escort Temari, Sunagakure's representative", stated Tsunade.
(To himself)"Ah man, how troublesome…"
"Don't look so depressed there Mr. Serious. Don't worry Hokage-sama, I'll make sure nothing happens to him."
(To himself)"Great…Oh all people to go with, I get stuck with her."
"Well? Are you going to stand there like a statue all day? Come on, lets get going!"
Before Shikamaru could react, Temari grabbed Shikamaru by the back of his Chunnin vest, and dragged him out the door.
Tsunade barely managed to get out a parting message before the door was slammed shut quickly behind the pair.
"Well then, you're dismissed…"
The Hokage sat behind her desk both confused and smiling, fingers pressed to her lips.
"Hmm…This mission may be good for Shikamaru afterall."
END OF CHAPTER 1