Jashin's Curse
Chapter 1 The Cloud Watcher
)( Represent Shikamaru's thoughts. Did some revising on my story to root out any grammer/spelling errors.
(You know, life isn't as complicated as people like to make it. Sure you have to find a job, raise a family, and make a future for yourself. Honestly, they make it all seem so troublesome. All one needs is a straightforward plan. Making a living as a shinobi really isn't a half bad way to make a living in this world. Do about 3 or 4 missions a week, most of them involving patrol or guard duty, and you can make a living equal to that of about any other occupation. There are risks, but during this time of peace, I really don't have to worry to much about that.)
Shikamaru yawns as he watches the clouds. He is laying in the grass supposedly on "guard duty."
(Once, I had it all planned out. I'd marry an average girl who isn't too ugly, but not to pretty. Have 2 children, first a girl, then a boy. Retire after my daughter is married and my son is a successful shinobi, and spend the rest of my life playing Shogi or Go. Finally, die of old age before my wife.)
He smiled at the thought of his old life's plan. Ever since Asuma died, he realized there was more to life then simply going with the wind. Even clouds have to suffer the storm.
(I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do now.)
His smile faded as another cloud roamed overhead. He yawned.
(Oh well, no sense in worrying about such troublesome things... I have responsibilities... Wait... Shit! I'm supposed to be escorting the Sand ambassador today!)
Shikamaru jumped to his feet and started walking to the village gates.
(Temari is gonna kill me...)
Temari had paid frequent visits to the village after she became the Sand Village ambassador. She had become the source of all trade agreements, the consultant for territorial issues, and a large provider of stress for Shikamaru. Shikamaru had always been received the menial task of being her escort throughout the village.
"Where the hell were you? I've been standing here for half an hour!"
(Right on cue.)
Shikamaru sighed.
"Calm down, I'm here aren't I?"
Temari's scowl deepened, "You are such a lazy $$hole, just for this, I'm gonna make you show me the entire village today."
Shikamaru moaned and his expression changed to his casual "bored" face.
"I know you can find your way around the village on your own, you aren't stupid after all"
Temari calmed down a bit, her scowl changing to a frown, "Yes, I could easily find my way around. The only problem is that I need you so that I can get into the village in the first place genius!"
Shikamaru yawned, then proceeded to clean his ear with his pinky finger.
Temari sighed, "What am I supposed to do with you..."
Temari visited Kahona a few times every month and usually stuck around a few days to force Shikamaru to show her around. Eventually, he had grown used to her visits, he had even began to look forward to them. After he got past her attitude, her need for control, and constant taunting, she wasn't such a drag. She was pleasant when the occasion presented itself, and great for making conversation. However, she was straight forward and easily irritated. This, in turn, made her intimidating...
The day continued as it normally would when Shikamaru gives her a tour. He gets her to the trade center, waits an hour, they get something to eat at a place she has never eaten before. He shows her one of the clan areas if they allow it. Today, the Aburame clan gave them a complete tour. This only made Shikamaru think they were that much creepier, while Temari analyzed and asked questions. They ate at a noodle restaurant, after Shikamaru was forced to pay the bill, despite his complaining, they walked outside to the fence that granted the best view of the 5 Hokage. There was a silence between the two as they watched the sunset. Temari breaks the silence with a question.
"Shikamaru,"
Temari's face was aimed towards the ground, making it impossible to read her expression.
"Yea?"
"I'm going to try a test to improve village relations, and I need your help."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.
Temari used his silence to continue, "Though our villages made be allied, the people have a completely different mindset. They have different customs, different lifestyles, and they have almost nothing in common. This is because the people of each of our villages isn't accustomed to one another."
Shikamaru pondered her statement, "So as ambassador its your job to solve this issue?"
Temari spoke almost mechanically, "Exactly."
"So how do you intend to resolve this?"
Another hint of machine was detected within her voice, "Its simple, the best way to create a diversity within our villages is to start a chain of relations. We simply need one person from each village to create a working relationship, then if it ends successfully, others will see the benefit and maybe begin their own. A village is only as strong as the support of its people, and an alliance will only work if the people from our villages are willing to work together."
(Geez, this girl takes her job way to seriously...)
Shikamaru nodded, "I see what you're saying. You want our people to have a feeling of unity. It sounds like an easy enough plan. So where do I come in?"
Temari hesitated a bit, "Well, I want you to help me create the chain."
Shikamaru scratched his head, "Ok... How?"
Temari looked up to Shikamaru, emotionless, "We can create the first inter-village relationship."
Shikamaru frowned, then started walking off, "Sorry Temari, I try not to get involved in politics, that entire subject is such a drag."
Temari looked at the ground again as Shikamaru continued, "I really don't want to be apart of some inter-village experiment, I got enough problems as it is. Anyway, I'll just..."
He was cut off by a blunt object crashing into the back his head, which he soon deduced was Temari's fist, "What the hell are you doing? That hurt damn it!"
Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head and looked behind him only to see a red-faced, teary eyed Temari.
"Shikamaru! You oblivious dumbass! You're supposed to see through my bullshit!"
Shikamaru sat on the ground, stunned, as he watched Temari wipe the tears from her eyes.
After Temari had calmed down a bit, Shikamaru stood up and stared at Temari. She avoided his gaze. He finally spoke, "You know, if you wanted to ask me out, you could've just done it the normal way..."
She raised her eyes to meet his, "Well maybe I'm not a normal girl."
Shikamaru smiled, "Well I can't argue that. I guess my answer is yes."
"Huh?"
"Its troublesome, but I think I can fit some time into my schedule for a date or two."
Temari's eyes lit for a second, but she quickly regained her composure, "Well, you pissed me off, so you better walk me home."
She grinned and grabbed his hand, then began to pull him along to the Inn she was staying at. Eventually, he sped up to her pace and they talked about their families, their culture, and their recent missions. Finally, they reached the Inn.
"Guess this is where you get off," said Shikamaru in a low voice.
Temari responded in an equal tone, "Yea..."
They both frowned at the thought, Shikamaru let go of Temari's hand.
Shikamaru closed his eyes and smiled, "Well, I'll cya tom..."
Once again, he was cut off, but luckily not by a blunt object to the back of the head. Instead, Temari pressed her lips on his. He tried to pull away at first, not realizing what was happening. It didn't take him long to realize that he was in the middle of receiving that first kiss Asuma had told him so much about.
After the kiss, Temari walked away without another word, leaving Shikamaru stunned under the night sky.
(So this is what it feels like. Its not everything Asuma made it out to be. I have no idea why Temari would have any interest in a guy like me. I'm lazy, I look average compared to guys like Negi. I don't really think my personality is the most charming thing in the world, then the distance between our villages makes it even less likely, I mean there's plenty of guys in the Sand Village... I guess Asuma was right about one thing... You really can't predict what women will do...)
FlashBack
Asuma and Shikamaru are sitting at a table playing Shogi and drinking tea. Asuma lights his cigarette and moves his piece forward. He takes a sip of his tea, "You know Shikamaru, I noticed that I have never seen you with a girlfriend."
Shikamaru looked up from the board and at Asuma, "If your trying to throw me off, it wont work."
Asuma laughed and shook his head, "No, no, I'm serious. I just think its about time you found a girlfriend."
Shikamaru frowned and captured Asuma's knight. Asuma puffed his cigarette and sipped his tea, "You're at that age where having a girlfriend is common. So, is there anyone you're interested in?"
Asuma moved his rook into a defensive position in a futile attempt to counter Shikamaru's strategy.
Shikamaru released a loud sigh, "Women are just a pain, they are impossible to figure out, and the slightest thing you say can put you on their bad side. They toy with you just so they can get what they want, it seems like too much work for me."
Asuma laughed again, "You know that even the most abusive of women can provide excellent company, they even help us learn things about ourselves that we wouldn't find out any other way."
Shikamaru grew a sarcastic smile, "You sound just like my Dad."
"How about I put it this way," Asuma picked up his king, "if women played Shogi like they treated men then they would be some of the most challenging opponents. Just like any player, you can manipulate where they may move with a proper strategy, but when you least expect it, they'll make a move that'll throw off your entire strategy. However, If you can beat a women at her own game, then you can have them do almost anything you want, your laundry, cook your food, all sorts of tasks you might consider troublesome."
Shikamaru liked the idea of someone else doing everything for him.
Asuma continued, "Just remember, if you want a true challenge to that brain of yours, then I think a relationship will put your skills to the test."
End FlashBack
Shikamaru got into bed and contemplated today's events.
(I guess the game begins, maybe I can find a way to enjoy this... Rest in peace Sensei.)
