A white rabbit danced across the sky with a dog right behind, plowing through the serene blue. Shikamaru smiled peacefully. Watching clouds drift by was one of his favorite pastimes. I wish I were a cloud, he thought. Far away from my troubles, I'd have not a care in the world. I want to live my life like that cloud… taking it one day at a time.
A shadow loomed across Shikamaru's field of vision, blocking the clouds' dance.
"Hey, Shikamaru," said the shadow. "What's up?"
Of course, the shadow was Choji Akimichi, Shikamaru's best friend.
"Nothing of importance."
Shikamaru sat up with a sigh. "Did you hear about Hokage-sama? Apparently, she's really annoyed because of the vast number of missions coming in. all of the Jonin are gone on missions already and can't be spared."
"Hmmm…I wonder which Genin she'll choose," Choji pondered. "Neji's team and Naruto's team are off on missions."
Shikamaru nodded in reply, watching the clouds once again. Choji fished a bag of potato chips from his pocket and sat down next to Shikamaru under the shady tree.
"Oy!! What're you two up to?!" shouted a voice.
"Iruka-sensei!" Shikamaru and Choji jumped up, Choji hastily crunching the last of his chips.
"I've been looking for you all over the place, Shikamaru! Naruto and his team just arrived, and Tsunade-sama has summoned you. You'd better hurry up and leave at once before she gets really ticked!"
"Yes, sensei!" Shikamaru shouted as he leapt up and flew through the forest. He would have to hurry in order to calm Hokage-sama's temper.
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