Plot: Even in the gloomiest days, Shikamaru remains a genius.
From Shikamaru's POV. back when Shikatema is not yet an official shipping.
I once thought that losing Asuma on a mission was the most painful part of my life.
I was wrong.
"It's decided." the Fifth Hokage announced. "I'm going to send you,Ino, and Chouji as an added security team for the upcoming wedding of Temari.
It didn't register at first.
And then, it did.
I noticed the worried look on Chouji's face. Ino looks more pissed off than concerned. I swallowed a lump in my throat and tried to act as if everything's normal.
"When are we going to leave?" I asked lazily.
"Early morning tomorrow."
I almost smirked. Even Hokage-sama looks uncomfortable.
"Early morning it is." I repeated.
"The Council of Suna requested for your presence. I could not do anyting but to give in to their request."
"You don't have to explain, Hokage-sama. I prefectly understand."
"If you have anyu question, coordinate with Shitzune. You may now leave the office." Tsunade got up and stared outside the window. She felt bad for giving the mission to Shikamaru, but she has to. She shook her head and sighed in frustration.
"Are you insane?" Ino hissed. "You should have declined that stuid mission!"
I scratched the back of my head."Mendokusei."
"Troublesome indeed."Chouji agreed. "The Council of Suna is really heartless."
I gave him a warning look. He shrugged his shoulders and sighed.
"I still don't get it." Ino complained. "Why on earth would they want Shikamaru to attend? It's not as if they are not aware of his feelings for Temari! "
"Precisely." I said.
"Huh?"
"You said it yourself."They know how much I care for Temari. They are confident that I will protect her no matter what."
I took a deep breath and half-smiled. "See you two at the gate tomorrow."
I did not bother to wait for their response. I turned my back and walked away.
That troublesome woman is finally settling down. Not with me, but with another man.