A/N: I watched Gladiator last weekend and…inspiration hit me! So I thought about writing a fic, and tada! The end product. This is going to be a multi-chapter fic, probably medium-long length. I've already written the first 4 chapters, so I'm DETERMINED to FINISH THIS. Anyway, after spending hours (no joke) of research so this thing is halfway historically correct, I hope you guys will like it.
Tell me what you think, and have fun reading it!
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Shikamaru Nara strode through the palace corridor, two of his men trailing respectfully behind him. He was a commanding presence, clad in mud-spattered amour and carrying a helmet under his arm with the crest of the Imperial Japanese Army imprinted onto the forehead.
Shikamaru grimaced slightly as the wound in his leg flared up again. The Emperor had requested for him as soon as he and his men had returned to the palace. Needless to say, he had not had the time to attend to his wounds before he went to the meeting.
They had just returned from a battle in the south, against a group of rioting samurai, led by Saigo Takamori. Lately the politics of the palace had been causing a lot of trouble for the army, as they fought samurai who were fuming over the most recent law that all men were allowed to carry a weapon, an honour previously only bestowed to the samurai class.
Turning the corner, he and his men ran into a group of officials, who quickly made way for the three fearsome looking men.
Striding on, he reached the gold-gilded doors belonging to the Emperor quickly. Shikamaru silently prayed that this meeting would be a brief one, as he wanted to tend to his wounds. Although his face depicted no trace of it, both he and his men knew that he held politics in low esteem, preferring to stay out of it if at all possible.
Knocking quietly, he waited for a servant to open the doors for him. Sure enough, a small balding man opened the door, saw the Lieutenant Colonel, and quickly ushered him in. Leading him though the complex set of hallways and archways, he brought them to the Emperor's office. Bowing, he motioned for them to enter.
The Emperor sat behind his desk, writing with an ornate mother-of-pearl pen. At the arrival of his guests, he looked up, and smiled.
"Welcome back Shikamaru. I trust that you are well?"
"As well as I could be, your majesty."
Bowing low, he gestured for his men to exit the room. Nodding, they dutifully followed his orders without argument.
"Please, sit."
As he sat down on the fine tatami mat, he noticed that the Emperor was looking tired and worn. Tactfully, he decided not to comment on it.
"So Shikamaru, what happened out there?"
Closing his eyes, Shikamaru prepared his speech.
"The samurai were furious at your decree, highness. They were adamant that it is a disgrace for commoners to wield a kunai, much less a katana."
The Emperor sighed, before urging him to continue.
"My men and I tried our best to preserve as many lives as possible, however the samurai were fierce opponents, and it was mostly a fight to the death."
Pausing, he felt a pang of remorse. The samurai had not needed to die. They were all exemplary servants to the Emperor, and quietly he agreed with their protest.
Allowing every man to carry a weapon was only encouraging more brawls, probably with many innocent dying. He and all his comrades had worked long and hard to train with their weapons, and had to pass many strenuous tests before being accepted into the Imperial Army.
The samurai also had their own system of grading, and although the army and the samurai operated differently, they were all united under the same social class and their honour to serve the Imperial family. Many of the army and samurai intermixed, encouraging a diverse fighting style, which usually was unstoppable.
"All the remaining samurai are under control of my men, and are awaiting your commands." Shikamaru knew exactly what commands they were going to receive. As part of the bushido, the rules that all samurai lived by, any form of treason to the Imperial family was punished with seppuku. He grimaced at the thought of all the noble men who would commit suicide today, and for what cause? They had done nothing wrong, in his opinion, but had simply defended a privilege, which they had all rightfully earned.
The Emperor nodded briefly, and Shikamaru felt a brief stab of anger towards the man. With his sheltered environment and many luxuries, he did not know the pain of losing friends to what sometimes felt like a pointless never-ending battle, just to help one man gain more power. He did not know what it was like out in the battlefields, the stench of blood and death everywhere, overwhelming your senses as you ended yet another life, as carelessly as if cutting down a tree or plant.
"Shikamaru."
Looking up, he saw that the older man had gotten to his feet, and was looking down at him calmly.
"Shikamaru, I know that a friend of yours was one of the many samurai killed today."
Setting his teeth on edge, Shikamaru nodded.
Shino Aburame was a very quiet man, who came from a small but proud clan. He had always been very calm and collected, which suited his profession of samurai perfectly. Only last week, he and Shikamaru had met and talked about the current political situation.
"The Emperor Yamanaka is stirring up trouble within the samurai ranks." He said quietly, head bowed over his steaming cup of tea. "With the dissolution of the Shogun's power, many of the samurai were already bitter at the Imperial family. Now, after years of loyal service, he is considering giving away our honour to the commoners? No," he said solemnly, "I think that Emperor Yamanaka will be making a colossal mistake if he insults us one more time. This time I do not think that many samurai will stay by his side. Perhaps we will follow suit to our previous masters, and be dissolved. But most likely I think that we will have to fight back, and this event may trigger many battles around the country."
'How ironic, that Shino had predicted his own demise.' Shikamaru thought bitterly.
"I must offer my most humble condolences to you. Despite what the samurai think, I did not want to lessen their prestige at all. I know that the samurai and his sword are incredibly closely linked. But now we are in the Meiji era, and this is the time of change. We have a new capital city, a new form of government, and I am currently trying to bring the social classes closer together. I know," he said, holding up hand to stop Shikamaru interrupting, "that this will cause many disputes. Believe me, I already am suffering from many of my advisors arguments."
'So that's why he looks so tired.' Shikamaru thought, not without a small twinge of satisfaction.
"I know what I am trying to achieve is seemingly radical, but I believe that we should be a united population, and together we can raise Japan's flag ever higher. Do you understand know, why I am introducing these new laws? It is not because I am a doddering fool with no idea of the consequences of my actions, but because I am following my vision of a united Japan. Tell me Shikamaru, it that really such a terrible idea?"
Shikamaru dropped his head. He realized that he had been too quick in judging his Emperor.
"No your majesty, it is not. I…I am sorry for the situation you are in, but I must tell you," he rushed his speech, wondering if he was about to make a grave mistake.
"Many of the men feel that by letting all classes wield weapons, you are letting the army and samurai class's respect slide, which could possibly end in commoners becoming more brazen and them spoiling for a fight with us."
"I did not say that by all commoners carry a weapon, they would be the same as the samurai class. I am not stupid Shikamaru; I know that any change will have to be gradual. The samurai class will still be held higher on the social scale."
"I understand sir." Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, he was worried that the Emperor would take his statement the wrong way. Luckily for him, the man seemed wiser than first appearances would suggest. Standing up, he grimaced as his injuries stabbed at him again. Swaying slightly on his feet, he suffered a brief moment of dizziness.
"Shikamaru? Are you alright?" Emperor Yamanaka asked concernedly.
"I'm fine your majesty." Standing up straight, he bowed his head respectfully to the older man. "If I may be so forward your majesty, may I please be excused? I must attend to my men and other important matters."
'Like this damn knee.' He added silently.
"Certainly Major. You have done a marvelous job at organizing this battle, and I grant you my congratulations for your victory. Please pass on my message to your men."
"Of course your highness." Bowing low, he turned and exited back into the maze of lavish hallways, which formed the Emperor's quarters. He met up with his men at the next junction, and wordlessly they fell behind him and continued their journey.
"So, what was that all about?"
Shikamaru turned to his blonde companion, while rolling up his bloodstained pants.
"Nothing much, just talking with Emperor Yamanaka about the current situation and the recent battle."
Examining the cut in his leg with a critical eye, he was glad to find it was not too deep. He quickly started cleaning it out and bandaging it up.
His friend cocked his head to the side, before looking at him with a cynical expression. "You? Willingly talking about politics with the man who caused all this trouble for us?"
Shikamaru finished fixing up his injury, before answering the question.
"The Emperor is not a stupid man Naruto. He knows what he is doing, despite what it looks like."
Naruto scoffed, before returning to cleaning his armour.
Shikamaru shook his head at his comrade's reaction, not wanting to push the matter any further tonight. He was dead tired, and was ready to fall asleep in a dry bed, a welcome change to the damp mat he had been sleeping on for the last few nights.
Uzumaki Naruto was another Lieutenant Colonel, but he had reached his position for a different reason than Shikamaru. While Shikamaru was a widely acclaimed tactician and strategist, Naruto was a fearsome fighter, his pure power and strength becoming his form of military brilliance. While he and Shikamaru had very different personalities and work ethics, they both retained a strong sense of duty and grit.
Although Naruto was often irresponsible, he was a great leader in battles, and never failed to lead his men to victory. His raw power was rivaled by his extroversion, constantly telling jokes and pulling pranks. At first Shikamaru disliked his flippant attitude, but soon realized that his happy disposition did not affect his performance on the battlefield. He still remembered the first time they fought together, as lowly soldiers. While Shikamaru was brooding and planning in his head, Naruto had been entertaining everyone.
"…Then the next thing you know, the guy was upside down hanging from a tree!"
He proclaimed, rewarded with raucous laughter and cheering. The young blonde soldier was standing in the middle of a bedraggled bunch of young men, all riveted to his presence. Standing by himself, a solitary soldier was scowling, growing more and more irritated at each story the other soldier told. Finally his patience wore out, and he rose from his habitual slouch, hands clenched by his sides.
"Would you mind shutting up for ONE moment? I am TRYING to think of a way for all of us not to be killed, while all you do is stand there and tell idiotic jokes!"
The blonde boy looked affronted.
"Hey, what is your problem? In case you haven't noticed, we are all sitting under one measly tree in the middle of the rain, waiting for those bastards," he motioned to the large gang sitting a little way off, "to fall asleep or something, so we can miraculously escape. I think that a little comic relief won't do anyone any harm."
Eye twitching, the soldier skulked away and sat down as far away as possible from the group of 16 year olds. For seemingly ages he sat there, formulating a new plan, while the blonde continued his charade of stories. Suddenly he felt someone beside him, and he looked up warily. Seeing the figure of the blonde towering over him, he scowled and resolutely turning his back on him, hoping he would get the message. Unfortunately for him, his comrade seemingly was dense, and squatted down beside him.
"Okay, what's the matter?"
Shikamaru looked at him incredulously. Was he seriously asking him that question? As if the problem here wasn't blatantly obvious.
"Look, I know that this isn't exactly the best situation we've been in, but you need to relax a bit. Worrying about it won't make it go away. Why don't you join us and have something to eat? Perhaps that," he said with a silly grin, "will help you come up with a brand new plan which will save us all."
At first Shikamaru was inclined to tell him to get lost, but then he reconsidered. He was hungry, and he still wasn't getting anywhere with his ideas.
"Fine." He grunted, dropping down beside the other boys and grabbing his bento box from his pack. Smiling triumphantly, the blonde joined him and started telling him about himself as he ate. Shikamaru didn't pay attention at first, but soon found that he was interested in the boy's history. Growing up in an orphanage, before running away to join the army. It sounded like something from a book. Before long, the two boys were exchanging stories, finding an unlikely friendship.
Studying his companion's profile, he gave a small smile. Even though they had started out badly, he had grown to respect the man sitting beside him. Not only had he reached the same position as him, but he had proven himself a thousand times over to be a loyal friend and comrade.
"Oi, Naruto."
Naruto looked at him with a puzzled gaze. "What?"
Shikamaru stretched and grinned at the sky. "Nothing really, just remembering the first time we worked together."
Naruto let out a short laugh, before leaning against his pile of dirty armour. "Yeah, that was fun. Can't believe those idiots just fell asleep. What a bunch of losers." Grinning at Shikamaru cockily, he added, "Didn't exactly need your 'brilliant' escape plan after all, eh? All that talk about not being able to focus," he snorted. "I wouldn't call it the most daring escape of all time, that's for sure."
Shikamaru simply chuckled, before returning to his other injuries. "Well, it was about time someone told you to shut up, anyway."
Naruto shrugged. "Ah, whatever. You're just a lazy old scrooge, that's all." He said teasingly, before getting up.
"I've gotta talk to one of my guys. Complete waste of my breath, but he tries so hard to prove himself to me that I can't help but forgive his weaknesses." Winking at Shikamaru, he walked away, calling for Konohamaru.
Shikamaru scoffed. The man was hopeless, he concluded. Halfway during the battle, Konohamaru had run up to Naruto with a message, claiming that it was of utmost importance. In the end, it was really only some simple thing, something like all the polish had run out.
'Thank God I don't have him as one of my soldiers.' Shikamaru thought gratefully, 'I don't think I would be as forgiving as Naruto.'
Packing up his first aid kit, he walked to his tent. Along the way, many of the men called out to him, praising for his work during the battle. Nodding to each of them, he reached his tent, and was just about to go inside when a messenger ran up to him breathlessly.
"Excuse me Lieutenant Colonel Nara, but the Ground Chief of Staff seeks your presence."
Shikamaru unconsciously frowned. Would he ever be allowed to sleep tonight? He unwillingly followed the man towards a large tent with the four stars of the Ground Chief of Staff. Entering the tent, he was surprised to see not only the Ground Chief of Staff but both of the Lieutenant Generals sitting there as well. Bowing respectfully, he placed himself near the door, facing them.
"Welcome Major Nara. I trust that you are well?"
"Yes Ground Chief Sarutobi."
"We have called you here to discuss your role in the most recent battle in Kumamoto." Lieutenant General Kakashi stated calmly.
Shikamaru looked at the silver haired Lieutenant General, trying to imagine what was underneath his mask. Perhaps an old war scar?
"We have been considering a promotion for you to the rank of Major General."
Shikamaru's eyes widened in disbelief. Another promotion?
Only three months ago he had been promoted from Colonel to Lieutenant Colonel. Another promotion so soon was practically unheard of. Not to mention that he would be completely bypassing the rank of Major, skipping straight up to the third highest ranking in the entire Imperial Army! This was unheard of!
"I'm not sure I understand sirs. What brought about this promotion?"
Lieutenant General Jiraiya spoke up.
"After considering your recent victory against Saigo Takamori's samurai, we feel that you are ready for the job. Your strategic genius is well known Nara-san. While you are already doing an amazing job as a Major, we feel that your area of expertise is sorely needed. While there are many great fighters, we do not have many great thinkers in the Imperial Army. In this time of war, your knowledge is greatly sought after." He paused briefly, making eye contact with the other men in the tent before continuing.
"As you are well aware, Emperor Yamanaka is trying to bring the social classes closer together. You will also be aware that this is sure to erupt into many battles between upper and lower classes. Should you choose to accept your new position, you will be in charge of most of the battle strategies for the entire army."
Shikamaru tried his best not to show his shock on his face. They wanted to give him the responsibility of the entire army?!
For once, he was unsure of whether he really wanted this position of responsibility. He knew that there was going to be many battles in the near future, and to be told that he and he alone would decided the outcome of most of them was truly a daunting idea. He was suddenly swept with a wave of self-doubt, and was on the verge of declining the offer when he rethought his decision.
Sure, he was good at leading his men, but wouldn't it be better for him to use his talents where they were needed the most? If what his superiors were saying was true, he was the only person who had the capabilities to strategize and lead an entire army into the imminent war.
But still, what would happen if he failed their expectations? Thousands of men's lives would be the cost he would have to pay. He would hold more power than both the Lieutenant Generals and quite possibly the Ground Chief of Staff, even though he would only be a Major General.
'Great', he though to himself grouchily, 'there goes my spare time. Forget about ever glancing at a cloud ever again.'
"I'm sorry sirs, but I don't quite know what you want me to do exactly. Even if I accepted your generous offer of a promotion to Major General, I won't have the authority to order the whole army around. That is…" he trailed off at the look on the older men's faces. He frowned, beginning to suspect something unpleasant.
"What's going on here? Shouldn't your head strategist be doing all of this, Sarutobi-sama?"
The grizzled man lit up his pipe, taking a long draw on it while considering how to answer Shikamaru's question.
"Major Nara, there is no easy way to say this. At the moment, there isn't a head strategist for the Imperial Army. He was assassinated only two days ago. This is partly why we have called you here tonight. In the light of the forthcoming dangers, we think that it is absolutely essential that we do not rely on our brainpower alone, eminent as it is."
He said with a sardonic smile.
"We need you Nara-san, to lead the Imperial Army into the forthcoming war. Jiraiya is correct. We desperately need your brainpower. Saigo Takamori is a great leader, and he was in fact the very man who set up the Imperial Japanese Army. Ironic, don't you think?"
Shikamaru was surprised by this new piece of information. Although he knew that the protesting samurai's leader had been a highly ranked government official, and had led the army in the Boshin war, he had not known that the man had in fact founded the army.
'I wonder what caused him to turn against the Emperor, after such exemplary service.' Shikamaru pondered.
Hatake Kakashi continued.
"Although you will only hold the position of a Major General, you will wield more power than all of your fellow colleagues. Should you choose to accept our proposition, it is important that you do not tell anyone about your additional responsibilities. During this time of unrest, it is vital that the Army remains seemingly undefeatable. If word gets out about you surreptitiously running all the battle plans, many would see it as corruption of power, and could threaten the stability of our military ranks."
Shikamaru nodded blindly. He knew that he couldn't refuse the promotion now, not with the whole situation laid out. If he did not take up the job, then it would take valuable time for them to seek out another person to do it. It was time that they could not afford to waste.
As much as he disliked his situation, he saw that, consciously or unconsciously, they had backed him into a corner created by his logical mind and sense of duty. There was no way he could refuse the position. Squaring his shoulders, he looked up at them resolutely.
"Very well. I see that there is no other way about it. I accept your offer."
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A/N: Well, how was that for a first chapter? Not bad? Before you guys ask, yes, I did research all about the Meiji era, the Imperial Japanese Army, the Japanese military ranks, and the samurai riots (more detail on them later). All the historical references should be true. Also, if Shikamaru seems a little OOC, then don't worry about it. I'm trying to show the different facets of his personality (well, that I can see anyway), that even though he's a lazy bum, he can still get things done if he has to. Plus this is an AU, so maybe I twiddled his characteristics a bit to fit in. But fear not! In the next few chapters you will get your dosage of typical Shikamaru Nara :D
Until then,
Tan-chan