Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Marvel or Naruto
Shikamaru Sorcerer Supreme
Invitation
Shikamaru sat in a hospital with a letter crumbled in his hand. The letter was from Ino claiming she had no reason to stay after failing to save Choji. Shikamaru didn't get the story but from what he could deduce Ino's group ran into someone powerful. By a miracle Ino had survived. When the shadow ninja went to comfort her he found the room empty with a note on the bed.
Shikamaru,
For awhile I have noticed how I've been holding the team back. I've always been a burden when it counted. After failing Choji I decided to no longer fail another life. Don't look for me. If anyone asks I'm dead. It's better that way.
Ino
Shikamaru threw the letter away feeling completely alone. He had a run in with two Atkatsuki members. Like Ino he was the only survivor. Asuma his sensei was killed by some kind of immortal with a scythe...Hidan as he recalled. Izumo and Kotetsu attempted to intervene but were stopped and strangled by the other known as Kakuzu who used a thread jutsu. Hidan was about to kill him when their leader appeared calling them back immediately. With a sneer Hidan said 'it was Shikamaru's lucky day', before the duo left with Asuma's body.
Shikamaru walked towards the door getting ready to head back to the village. He had no idea what he was going to tell Tsunade. Six ninja's dead...or was it seven? He was still conflicted by what Ino asked him to do.
"Excuse me Shikamaru Nara?" A soft voice called. The shadow ninja looked up and saw a bald monk in a green robe standing before him. "Are you Shikamaru Nara?"
"Yeah." The ninja reluctantly answered.
"My master has invited you to his mansion. He wishes to take you in as his successor and pass his knowledge to you." The monk explained.
"And why should I care?"
"Because his knowledge can help to defeat those who killed your friends." The monk replied catching the young mans attention. "If you decide to come here is the address." The Monk said producing an envelop.
Shikamaru carefully took the envelope and read that the location was in the center of the five villages. "Are you kidding me?" The ninja asked looking up only to see the monk had disappeared.
Knowing the information was too valuable Shikamaru ordered a carrier pigeon and sent a detailed message to the Hokage while he left in the other direction.
Authors note: Sorry for the short beginning. If you want to know what happened to Ino please read Ino Assassin.