Chronicles of the Lazy-ass Ninja!
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Chapter 1: A new friend, part one
Summary: a little fanfic about Shikamaru. How his carefree life affects most people around him.
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Disclaimer: I'm not Kishimoto, so… yeah that's about it.
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It was a beautiful day in Konoha. The birds were chirping, the sun was beaming, And Iruka was already past regretting being with kids while other chunning were happily risking there lives on some B-rank missions; obviously, a perfectly normal day. Ninja class had just finished leaving scarce pens and chalks in most rooms.
Iruka was gazing at the four students that gave him the most trouble since... ever actually. Kiba was just an annoying class clown with poor notes. Only he had poorer notes than most clowns he had laid eyes upon. Number 3 of the most problematic was choji. All he was doing in class consisted of eating, stuffing his face and failing the class. However it seemed he was influenced by number two: Shikamaru. That kid never did anything in class. Heck, the chuunin asked himself if the young Nara ever even wrote a word in is class, let alone held a pencil. And then there was the king. Nobody could act as foolishly as him... nobody could fail as miserably either. Uzumaki Naruto, the blond menace, had already failed the entrance exams and he was on the road to becoming the worst failure the academy had ever seen. Actually, he was tied with Shikamaru for that place. These four were what kept Iruka up at night. Not that they were monsters, but more that they seemed to waste their potential here, especially the first two.
So there he was after class stuck with what he dubbed: "The drop out 4". Once again, he tried to teach them the importance of today's lesson which consisted in concentration.
- Oi! Are you even listening to what I'm saying!?
- Of course I'm not! said the laziest of the group. That speech was boring.
Kiba chuckled approvingly.
- Yeah!! I won't need that stuff when I'll kick the enemy's ass, replied the energetic blond.
The last one just kept on eating his chips.
Iruka sighed, that was his fourth in less than two minutes. It seemed these kids had the particular talent squeezing every ounce of patience he had, and then some. Shikamaru knew that, and he knew that he had his sensei right where he wanted him. All that he needed was one more little push, which was brought by Akamaru's owner.
- Hey, Iruka-sensei, haven't you finished your preaching yet? I want to go home already!
- You guys aren't going anywhere! Detention for all of you!
- May I ask you what would happen if we don't show up? The lazy Nara had asked that question with a bored expression on his face.
- I'd fail of all you, that's what!!
- Oh, you mean besides the fact that we'd already fail classes due to insufficient grades?
- Well... Um...
Checkmate, the net wearing kid thought The future genins split and left, like this was all part of a well thought plan, leaving a surprised teacher looking right and left and letting go an incredibly weak "Hey, wait!" before giving up.
That said, a kind of sad smile appeared on his face as he sighed yet again.
Shikamaru has a sharp mind. He's always the one who comes up with the way for them to leave. If only he was motivated... And then, there's Naruto... Somehow, he makes me think of myself at his age...
It may sound like the drop out 4 had good chemistry. But they were all very independent. In fact, after the split, none of them bothered to look for the others. Kiba was strolling down the streets of Konoha, Naruto was somewhere in the city figuring out his next plan, and Shikamaru was walking along with Choji towards his favorite cloud watching spot. He just laid there gazing at the sky, a serious look on his face contemplating some mystery the only he could figure out. His friend went from watching the skies, to his friend, then looked around, and back again at the sky, all while snacking. Shikamaru didn't mind though, hearing his friend munching all sorts of snacks was becoming a habit to him.
- Shikamaru, I'm going to leave for awhile.
Though Shika didn't answer, Choji knew he had his attention
- I'm almost out of chips... I'll bring you some if you want."
- M'k.
With that said, he got up and left. Shikamaru listened to the muffled steps of his comrade for a while, and then went back to looking at clouds. Soon after, he heard footsteps. It didn't sound like Choji though. Those steps were too energetic for that. He didn't mind though, it's not like it was his spot alone: sometimes you could see someone taking a walk around this place. The scenery was beautiful, mind you. It's just that the genius preferred the ever changing shapes of clouds. However, today was particular: the sounds of footsteps stopped near him, very close to him in fact. Shikamaru sighed, for all he knew, it had to be Iruka-sensei, feeling the urge of lecturing him again. All he could figure out was the murmur of the wind.
Oh well, he thought, As long as I'm not bothered... wishful thinking.
- Hey, Shikamaru! said a voice that surprisingly belonged to the blonde drop out.
- Hey, he responded nonchalantly.
- I... um... see that you're alone... Where's Choji? He's always with you...
- Went out to buy food...
- Ha! That's so like him. He must eat like a dozen every day.
The blonde went on when he noticed Shikamaru's lack of response
- ...Yeah. Oh! We sure did get Iruka-sensei good this time.
- I guess.
- Ha! I guess he'll never learn...
- I guess we'll never be ninja too...
- ...Oh.
Naruto was running out of subjects. His mind was racing, trying to find something else to say. If he didn't have something to say, Shikamaru would problably send him on his way. And he would be alone again... He was sick of it. The way no one seemed to acknowledge his existence. At least he was willing to talk, but for how long? He feared the worst.
- Naruto...
Here it comes, thought Naruto... now he'll say that I'm annoying and that I should go away... or maybe he'll just ignore me...
- ...If you don't have anything to say, sit down and shut up.
- ...Yeah that's what I... Huh?
Naruto, didn't know what to say, so he sat down and shut up. He didn't think it would be so simple to be near Shikamaru. He guessed that most people were right when they said this kid was pretty laid back. Still he didn't understand. Everybody was avoiding him for a God forsaken reason, yet that guy talked to him casually, in his own way of course. From what he saw in school even talking was too troublesome for him. He wanted to ask him about that, but he was afraid of what would happen if he somehow gave him a reason to push him away. Finally, curiosity got the best of him:
- Ne… Shikamaru…?
- …
- Shikamaru!
- Yeah, Yeah! I hear you… Man, how troublesome.
- Oh! Sorry… Um… w-why are letting me hang out with you?
- Naruto can't be that stupid, can he?
- …That's what you wanted, right?
- Yeah, I know that. What I mean is; why don't you, you know… look at me like the others do…
- Oh yeah… I should, shouldn't I?
- Naruto couldn't believe it himself, but he nodded.
- Meh… too troublesome.
Naruto couldn't understand this guy, but he was truly grateful. How he had long for someone, anybody, to talk to him like was a human being. He kept silent for a long moment, finally sighing.
- Thanks Shikamaru.
- …
- I don't think I could've taken much more of being despised by everybody without a damn reason!
Shikamaru pitied him for a moment. That guy had it rough since the moment he was born. I don't know why, but I think it's time SOMEONE cut him some slack. It's damn troublesome I'm the one who's got to do it though.
- My mom warned me about you. She said you were a monster…
- What!? Do I look like a monster to you!?
- No. But I just told you what I heard. Maybe that's why people don't like you.
- But I don't look like a monster, do I?
- How should I know? You must admit though, those marks on your cheeks aren't really normal.
- …I don't think I'm a monster… he mumbled, and then looked at Shikamaru. You know that, but you still stick with me?
You are sticking with me, he corrected. But I don't care. As long as you don't try to kill me, I'm fine.
- …Thanks.
- Yeah, Whatever.
- I just wished that everybody could do the same.
- What good could that bring?
- I don't know... I guess I just want the whole town to acknowledge me…
- Well… for that I guess you have to become popular.
- …Oh! I know, I'll just make more pranks! That way they'll surely notice me.
- Huh, Naruto? I don't think that's a good idea…
- Why not?
- You want them to like you… not try to lynch you.
- Oh right, he said with a goofy smile scratching his head.
Shikamaru sighed, and they both kept silent for a moment. Suddenly, Naruto's eyes lit up.
- … I'll be the best, dattebayo.
That's an interesting development, though the lazy student.
- I'll be the best ninja ever! The strongest one, dattebayo! Shikamaru, who's the strongest ninja? He then let Shikamaru think about it for a moment.
- I guess that would be the hokage, he finally said.
- Then I'll be the next hokage! Not only that, I'll be the best this village ever known, dattebayo! I'll be the one to protect them, and… He paused. They'll have to acknowledge me.
- … I guess that means you won't be able to fail class anymore.
- Yeah, I guess. He grinned. But you won't either.
- Huh? That statement finally made Shikamaru open an eye.
- I know you're a genius, Shikamaru, dattebayo.
- Naruto, he said with a sigh everybody could be considered a genius compared to you.
- Hey!! But seriously, you're like the smartest kid in class. I think you're even smarter than Iruka-sensei.
- W-when did you figure that out?
- About a month ago. Remember those girls? That weird game?
Shikamaru gasped. He never thought someone would have been spying on him at that time.
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Shikamaru was taking a walk out in Konoha. Not that he wanted to; his mother had forced him to catch some fresh air. As he was walking, looking everywhere except in front of him, he bumped into a girl. She fell on her knees and started to cry. Fearing this could get troublesome, he helped her get on her feet.
- You okay now?
- Um… I think so, thanks.
He walked away pretty quickly after that. But he soon noticed that the girl was following him. He sighed.
- Hey, what do you want now?
- Um… I'm sorry… I-I…
- Oi, take it easy now… calm down. There. Now, what is it you want from me?
- C-could you… solve this puzzle for me? She then handed him a Rubik cube.
- What's that? Isn't that some kind of toy? …Those things are hard to do no? Shouldn't you ask for an adult to help you out?
- B-but, I'm too scared to ask an adult, and I have to do it… or else… nee-san… Her eyes started to water.
- Ugh! Fine. How troublesome…
- T-thanks", she said, her face lighting up.
- Yeah, yeah…
Shikamaru concentrated on the puzzle at hand. He toyed with it for a couple of minutes, trying to figure out how he could put the cube back to its original picture. He finally grinned, the puzzle completed in his hands.
- That was fun. Here you go then… huh? Are you… OK?
Something that vaguely sounded like concern was coming from the young genius as the young girl was turning bright red. He didn't want linger here longer than he needed. He sighed.
- Here, he said, putting the cube in the girl's hands
- huh? Ah… Thank you very much. The girl seemed to have finally snapped out of it.
- Yeah, Whatever.
With that said, he got back to his aimless wandering. That didn't last long though; he could still hear the footsteps of that shy kid behind him. He stopped.
- What? Clearly, he was getting annoyed.
- Hum, sorry… m-may I ask your name? She hung her head low while playing with her fingers.
- Wha…? Oh? My name's Nara Shikamaru… And you are?
- My name's… Izumi Naoko… sorry…
- Sorry!? About what?
He didn't have to wait long to find out. He heard a "click", quickly looked down and saw to his horror that he was handcuffed to said apologizing girl.
- What. The. Heck!? Why did you do that for?
- Ah… I'm very sorry, Shikamaru-san. You see… I have to find a smart boy and bring him to nee-san… that's what she asked.
- You didn't have to handcuff me…
Why me? This too troublesome… The young boy was now really annoyed.
- I'm sorry. I… I have to. I really don't want to. But nee-san is so mean! she said, almost crying.
- Yeah, yeah… you don't have to cry about it. You're not the clueless guy being dragged there against his will for god knows what reason… how troublesome
- I'm sorry! I-I… was she could mutter before she started to burst into tears.
- Oi! Stop crying please… you're going to get me in even more trouble.
Indeed she was. The people standing by were starting to give the young Nara pretty expressive glares. Great, now they're starting to think I'm the bad guy... I'd better end this quick or I'll really be in trouble.
- Naoko-san, if you don't stop crying, I might not make it by your sister's in one piece. Sikamaru was slightly upset.
- Huh?
She stopped sobbing and looked around. She let out an "Oh! Sorry!" and then dried her tears.
He sighed.
- Can we just go already? Let's get it over with.
After a few more minutes of walking they ended up in a back alley of one of the higher class districts of Konoha. There they found a girl sitting by a table. On that table was some sort of board games with many pieces. She looked older than him, Maybe 12, he thought.
- What's that?
The new girl and Shikamaru both asked the question at the same time. It was for different reasons though; Shikamaru was intrigued by the board game. As for the other kid:
- Naoko, you baka! What did I ask you!?
- Y-you asked me t-to bring a smart boy…
- Smart and cute Naoko! And what you did bring me? That stupid brat!
- Oi!...
- B-but, Hanori nee-san, he figured out the Rubik cube in less than five minutes.
- What!? Don't be ridiculous! No one could figure it out that fast. It must've been dumb luck.
- B-but Hanori nee-san…
Jeez! What a troublesome girl! Shikamaru really wished he wasn't here. But he still was curious: Why was he dragged here? What did that girl want with a smart and cute boy? What was that board game for? What kind of game was it? By the looks of it, that game looked like it was made with strategy in mind. He'd have to learn to play that game someday. He was quickly brought back to reality.
- Besides, he's too young! He's useless Naoko! U-s-e-l-e-s-s!!
- Oi! Shikamaru thought that could be his chance to leave.
- What!? girl suddenly turned her attention to him, with one of those typical, girlish glares.
- Since I'm so useless, I can leave, right? You can take that thing off me, right?
He raised his hand, showing the handcuffs. By doing this, he dragged Naoko, who was beginning, to blush again. Suddenly, Hanori smirked.
- You know what, Naoko? He's yours if you want.
- W-what? N-no! Don't talk like that!
She was furiously blushing. This only contributed to raise Shikamaru's eyebrow interrogatively. Hanori's grin became wider. That's what I thought.
- Oh! He's yours alright! And you will challenge him. Do I get myself clear?
- Please Hanori nee-san! Don't make me do this.
- Naoko, we don't have all day… hurry up!
- I… I can't! Please! I beg you" She was crying.
- I'm not listening…
Sheesh! What that's supoose to mean? Odds were that he would soon find out… and that he wouldn't like it one bit. Naoko wept silently for another moment, she then walked towards the table. Shikamaru naturally followed. She set up the table along with the pieces, giving a piece of paper the one in front of her. Shikamaru started to read and quickly realized it was the rules for the said game.
- …Shogi?
- Yes, I'll let you five minutes to assimilate the rules.
- …And then?
- You'd better… you'd better win this game. Her voice was trembling. Big time.
- And what happens if I don't win"
She tried to hide a sob, but failed miserably. She tried to voice an answer: All she could do was open her mouth, close it and cry some more. Finally, Hanori broke the tension.
- Ugh! I don't have time for this! Hurry up with this so you can look for another one!
- Since you can't seem to shut up, could you answer the question?
- Hmph! How rude! Well…
- What? I won't get free until I win this, right? How troublesome…
However the boy noticed that his question still wasn't answered.
- So? Are you going to answer or not.
- Fine, fine. Weither you win or lose, you'll be free to go. Should you lose though…
Shikamaru simply eyed her.
- You'll have to sign this.
- A contract?
Tthe lazy boy snatched the document and began to read... then furioulsy glared at Hanori.
- You're not expecting me to sign this are you!?
- Well... if you lose, I won't give you this key until you sign it.
- I'm sorry, Shikamaru-san. Please don't hate me.
The girl was mortified, and Shikamaru couldn't believe it. Yet he had no choice; the only thing he could do was trying to memorize the rules and he only had…
- …3 minutes left Shika-kun!
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A/N: First fanfic… Actually I'm writing this because my sister wants me to… Anyways, if you liked it, a word would be nice; and if you don't well… leave something as well.
BTW: So… what the heck is that contract about? What do you guys think?