"You three have to make it."
"Sensei!"
Their gazes looked on in fear and anger at their fallen teacher as the root members surrounded them.
"We have to make an opening" Asuma wheezed out.
Shikamaru nodded but it was already too late. They were surrounded by at least 25 root members and they were out of power and energy. Shikamaru could see the outcome and he knew there was only one way to avoid it...with the least amount of casualties.
Mustering up his chakra he glanced at both Ino and Choji embedding their faces in his memory one last time.
"Ino! Choji! I need both you guys to run as soon as I give this signal. And when you do don't stop for anything, Asuma and I will catch up to you guys later."
"What are you talking about Shikamaru!? We're are not going to leave you two with them!"
Shikamaru gritted his teeth in frustration. He knew the last part of what he said was a lie but now wasn't the time to act emotional, now was the time to act like a ninja.
"Dammit, you guys go and make sure Naruto and the others are safe on their way out! Now go! I'll catch up, I promise." He gave them his signature smirk as he moved his hands for his famed shadow possession jutsu. Putting every ounce of his chakra into it, he shouted at his teammates to leave as his shadow grabbed hold of the root members.
Choji obeyed his teammate's order and took hold of Ino as they made their escape. Ino kicked and screamed for Choji to let go as she wanted Asuma and Shikamaru with her and away from the Root.
Shikamaru's vision clouded as chakra exhaustion finally kicked in. His shadows slowly receded as he collapsed, faintly watching his sensei breath his last breath as darkness took him.