"Mendokuse." The dark haired boy muttered. He stared at the man who smiled at the gates of Konoha. Asuma Sarutobi was his name, a respected shinobi of the hidden village Konohagakure.
"...maru." The boy looked up. The boy tilted his head towards the man.
"Shikamaru." Asuma smiled at the boy.
"Hm?" Shikamaru stared blankly at his sensei.
"I'll be going now." He said.
"Come back safe, old man." Shikamaru pleaded with his eyes. He didn't express it often, but Asuma was a second father to him. Asuma chuckled and nodded.
"Sure thing." He said and waved as he walked off.
"We'll see you soon, Asuma sensei!" A platinum blonde yelled after the man. The chubby boy waved... while munching on his chips.
"Ino, Chouji... how does BBQ sound?" Shikamaru turned to the two. They both smiled and they all walked off.