Hidden strengths
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or its characters
"Honestly," the man said, looking down at the boys forehead protector, which was located on his arm. "How could a kid like this turn out to be a ninja?"
Shikamaru opened one eye to see the man insulting him.
"Through sheer fluke I guess, old man."
"Shouldn't you be training over there? Just like that girl with her fan?"
"That requires effort."
The man shook his head. "They'll let anyone become chunin these days. Even lazy idiots like you."
"Gee, thanks."
With a roll of his eyes, the man disappeared from his view.
A figure walked up to the boy who was lying down in the field.
"You're going to just let him say that?"
"I don't really care about what he says, Temari."
She sat down beside him, watching the ripples forming in a nearby lake.
"You're a genius, Shikamaru. One of the few I know whose intelligence outsmarts my own. Why do you not let others know of your strength?"
"Because it would be too much of a drag."
"Shikamaru..."
"What? It's true."
He got up. "If too many people knew about my so called 'gift', I'd have to do more than I'd want to. Plus, It would be troublesome. Only a few people know about it and already I end up doing such annoying things, like extra work and leading teams."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I'd rather get in trouble for all the negatives and lies, than be praised for all the gifts and truths."
Temari smiled. "So does that make you humble, or lazy?"
Shikamaru smirked.
"Both. "
End.