A/N: Chapter Two, the plot thickens.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or The Chain.


The Chain

Running the Shadows

Damn your Love, Damn your Lies

Chapter 2

The Hokage tower was a symbol of freedom, an expression of hope to those who gazed upon its edifice. It's distinctly round shape set it apart from the monotonously boring, box-shaped buildings that surrounded it. Rising ten meters higher than the next tallest building, it cast an imposing presence that was unmistakable. The tall stone spires that encircled the roof carried the archetypal image of a crown, stamping the seal of authority on the building. The emblazoned red sign bearing the symbol of fire left little doubt to whom the building belonged. The building had come to represent the character of Konoha. That was, until it was destroyed.

The Rokudaime did not see the importance of architecture outside of functionality. His facilities were so bland and unobtrusive that they blended into the surrounding buildings and got lost. If not for a few well-placed signs, one could have never known it was building that housed the Hokage. The corridors were sparsely lit by a few candles giving them an eerie orange glow that toyed with the imagination. A distinct lack of windows gave the building the feel of a dungeon. While it cast the illusion of isolation, the building itself was surrounded by people actively rebuilding the city.

As he waited for the Guard to confer his presence to the Hokage, Shikamaru wondered why the man, who had done so much to incorporate himself into the new society, would isolate himself from it. In a way, he thought, being the leader of the isolationist state he was creating, the Hokage was becoming a symbol of that state. Breaking up his thoughts, the guard returned. "The Rokudaime will see you now."

The Hokage's office wasn't much brighter than the corridor leading to it. Four strategically placed candles lit the austere room, maintaining the illusion of isolation. While it only appeared to be the two of them in the room, Shikamaru could sense the two Sentries hidden in the shadows. The shadow was his realm and few knew it as good as he did. The Rokudaime sat behind a rugged desk looking through a folder of which the contents were unknown to Shikamaru.

Setting the folder down, the Rokudaime looked up at him with a smile. If the smile was meant to put him at ease, it only managed to do the opposite. To Shikamaru, it made him feel even more uncomfortable. "Nara Shikamaru," The Rokudaime said and there was a hint of malevolence in the way he said his family name. "I appreciate your timely arrival. We have much to discuss." He gestured to a chair in front of the desk. "Take a seat."

Doing as he was told, Shikamaru kept a mindful awareness of the two Sentries hidden in the shadows. The Hokage reach over and picked up another folder, flipping it open and laying it out on his desk. He briefly mused over the first page before returning his attention to the shinobi in the chair. "As I'm sure you're aware, the village is recovering from a crisis. It is my duty as the Hokage to see that the village is protected against another attack. While some of the other villages are openly at odds with us, it's the one's that appear friendly that concern me the most, namely Suna." At the mention of Suna, knots began twisting in Shikamaru's stomach.

"Word has reached me that there is dissention among its council members," the Rokudaime said. "Dissention that could inevitably be unfavorable to Konoha." Shikamaru couldn't help but think that the dissention was created by the man in front of him. "As the situation grows, it puts the alliance with Suna at odds against the safety and security of my own village." The Hokage stood up, grabbed his cane and moved around to the front of the desk. "The current ambassador to Suna is retiring due to an illness. That is where you come in." Shikamaru sat up straight. This was all news to him.

"You're going to be the new ambassador to Suna. Representing Konoha, you will be the voice of our village in a foreign land." The Hokage paused for a moment. "You will also look out for our interests, as well. I don't need to explain to you how the wrong actions could jeopardize the safety of the village. As an ambassador who represents Konoha, remember that you are Konoha." Shikamaru was surprised by this but he held together well. Nothing but questions circled his mind but one held his foremost thought.

"Pardon me, Hokage-sama but I don't understand," he said. "Why me?" The issue had not escaped him. He had no political experience. Being far from qualified for the job, he thought he would be the least likely candidate for it. The Rokudaime's sinister smile returned, giving him an even more uncomfortable feeling. The Hokage turned and walked back behind the desk, stopping to view a painting depicting a battle scene from one of the Great Ninja wars. He held a deep sense of smug satisfaction. Turning back to his desk, he picked up a small hand written note and read over it.

"It has come to my attention that the current ambassador from Suna…" He looked up from the note to Shikamaru before finishing his sentence. "… has taken quite a fondness to you."

"Temari." The name slipped from his mouth before he realized the implications of it. A mixed confusion of feelings hit him all at once: hope, disappointment and fear. Hope that he would be able to see her again. Disappointment in himself for not realizing it sooner and keeping his mouth shut. Fear because even with this new found hope there were still so many unanswered questions about the future. If it were possible, the Hokage's smile grew even more sinister and that lead Shikamaru to believe that he wouldn't like some of the answers.

"You see," the Rokudaime said. "This alone gives you an advantage that none of the other shinobi in this village has." He paused and picked-up a folder from his desk. The dramatic effect was not lost on Shikamaru. "It is well known that the ambassador from Suna is the sister of the Kazekage. With her favor, you can gain the favor of the Kazekage through association. No other Konoha shinobi sits in a better position than you." Shikamaru would beg to differ. Naruto was probably closer to the Kazekage than anyone in Suna but Shikamaru felt it wise to keep his mouth shut about it.

"I understand that I'm in the best position to serve the village as ambassador," Shikamaru said. "But there has to be a list of more qualified individuals who would be better for the job. I have no political experience. I find the whole idea of arguing idealistic concepts with pampered politicians troublesome. Hell, I'm a chuunin and not even ranked high enough for the job."

"I understand your frustration," the Hokage said easing into the chair again. "Likewise, I loathe the idealistic politicians and their inability to take action but the time is coming when we won't have to deal with that anymore." Shikamaru was amazed at how his words were twisted into something completely different. The Rokudaime set down the folder and picked up another one, flipping threw a few pages scanning each briefly before settling on one. "As for your other concern, it seems to me that you are more than qualified to become a Jounin. I can't understand why the previous Hokage withheld your promotion. You are more than deserving." The Hokage brought his eye up to meet the young man's gaze.

"I sure that had to do more with me than Tsunade-sama," Shikamaru admitted. "I believe she didn't want to pressure me into the position, rather she wanted to let me grow into it." The point was lost on the Hokage and he knew it.

"None the less," said the Hokage pushing the folder away from him. "We're going to rectify the mistakes made in the past." He motioned for one of the Sentries to step forward out of the shadows. "You will act as our witness."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." The Sentry bowed before standing at attention.

"Nara Shikamaru," ordered the Hokage.

Shikamaru rose and stood at attention himself. "Sir."

"From this day forth, you will serve the village of Konoha and the country of Fire as a Jounin and its official representative to the village of Suna and the country of Wind. Do so with honor and pride. And…" There was something else they had yet to discuss. The Hokage closed the folder and returned to the other he had laid aside earlier. "As your first assignment, I'm giving you an S-rank mission. You are to use your position to assess the threat Suna opposes to our village and give a daily report which will be routed to me via messenger." There was no question. The Hokage was working under the assumption that Suna was planning to betray us again.

"Espionage?" Shikamaru asked. "You would have me spy on our only allied nation?"

"A written treaty is a veil to mask their true intentions. Your assignment is to discover those intentions before they prove detrimental to the health of your country, your village and your friends." The last part stung. He loved his friends with all of his heart and he would do anything for them. The Rokudaime knew exactly which buttons to press.

"Do you have any more questions?" asked the Hokage. Of course, Shikamaru had more questions and a list of objections a few meters long but the Hokage wasn't asking him to voice them. It was to signify that he was through with him so Shikamaru just remained silent, lest he should garner any more disfavor with the new Hokage. "You'll leave for Suna at sunrise. You have until then to get yourself organized." With a dignified wave of the hand, he was dismissed.


That night, Shikamaru found himself leaning against the wall of his house. Unwilling to step inside and face his parents, he posted up outside lost in his own thoughts of misery, bordering on sulking. Everything was happening so fast that he couldn't see the bigger picture for what it was worth and that frustrated him. There had to be some motive, something for Danzou to gain, by forcing this upon him but Shikamaru failed to see it. His mission would only end badly and be more harmful than helpful to the village. Why would he want to ruin the trust and favor that they had worked so hard to establish? Unless, he wanted to lose the favor and pit the whole world against us.

Shikamaru shook his head. That thought was ludicrous. Only a mad man would forfeit his allies during a time of crisis and Danzou wasn't crazy. The man had seemed perfectly sane when he spoke this afternoon but he had some hidden card up his sleeve that he wasn't showing. He would find out what Danzou's goal was before he did something irreversible, to his village or to himself.

"You do know," a gruff voice called from aside him. "You could conceal your presence a lot better if you weren't brooding." Shikamaru hadn't realized it but he was standing in the shadow of the building. If anyone would have walked by, they probably wouldn't have even noticed he was there. He turned and looked at his father who held that signature Nara smirk. "It's so noticeable that I could sense it inside the house. Your mother was getting worried. "

"I'm not brooding. I thinking." Shikamaru defended himself, pushing off the building so he could stand and face his father. Shikaku stepped into the shadow and let his eyes adjust so he could see his son. Shikamaru looked away from his father's gaze. "And I know mom is just going to make a big deal about it."

"About what?" asked Shikaku following his son's gaze. Finding nothing of interest, he turned back and looked at his son quizzically. "What could be so bad that you would want to hide it from your mother?"

Shikamaru looked at his father who held a mild curiosity in his son's affairs. He sighed knowing that the whole situation was too troublesome. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he assumed a position more comfortable to him. "I've been promoted and given a new position: the ambassador to Suna."

"I see," said Shikaku stroking the growth on his chin. He took a moment to think it over. No one has ever accused the Nara men of being rash or jumping to conclusions. Rather, they would take their time to assess the situation first, often a product of their lethargic nature. Shikaku looked at his son as he seemed to read between the lines. "Your mother would definitely get excited," he muttered as if imaging his wife's reaction. "But that not all, is it?"

Shikamaru knew his father would discern that there was another problem without being fed all the information. His father was a smart man to whom he owed a lot of his talent and experience. He only wished he could have given him more information but there are eyes and ears everywhere. "You, of all people, should know that I can not discuss the details of my mission. There could be spies who seek information on the village and looking for a reason to attack. I cannot discuss my mission at all."

If Shikaku had picked up on the subtle hint, it did not show outwardly but the look of understanding in his eyes told his son that he understood. It brought relief to his son to know that someone other than himself was aware of his predicament. It was Shikaku's turn to look over towards nothing in particular, lost in thought as the gears of his mind began to turn. Returning to his son, he couldn't help but feel guilty about the whole situation. "It feels like I have brought all of this upon you, my son. If I wouldn't have stood up against him so quickly, you probably wouldn't be in this troublesome situation. I'm sorry that my decisions have brought this upon you."

"It's not your fault, Oyaji(1)." Shikamaru looked into his father's eyes. "There is no fate but the one we make. Looking to the past is futile. It can't be changed." Shikamaru stepped out of the shadows and into the glow of the moon. Turning his head so he could see his father, he gave him a confident smirk that signified he knew what he was doing. "Besides, we have the future to worry about and that can always be changed."

Shikaku joined his son with a smirk of his own. They say that great minds think alike but it would have been better to say that lazy one's do. Then almost as if a revelation had struck him, his posture changed into a slumped over, submissive form. "We'd better get inside and tell your mother the good…" Shikaku pause to think his words over carefully. "Well, regardless of how your mother takes the news, if we don't get inside soon, she is going to be very upset with me. Let's go, Shikamaru."

The two men walked into the house to face what was arguably the scariest part of the whole evening. Yoshino's reaction was mixed and it came in waves of emotion that boggled the mind. At first, she appeared to be ignorant of what they said, berating them for staying outside as their dinner got cold. Then elation over her son's promotion followed by tears of realization that her baby would leaving. Finally, the anger returned as she stated that she would never let him leave and she would forcibly restrain her son to prevent him from doing so. It took much consoling and cajoling from his father to calm his mother down. She had taken them on her emotional rollercoaster and they had survived with only minor injuries.


While his mother's emotions had calmed down, Shikamaru's mind had continued to gain momentum, a fact which, in spite of having in his bed again, made sleeping an impossibility. Pouring over the facts and details of his mission, he began predicting the various outcomes and in each one the future appeared grim. The most haunting thing was the reoccurring image of a particular woman from Suna who had worked her way into his heart. He wasn't quiet sure what she meant to him but she definitely held some meaning. A fact that made him feel guilty about this mission. He would have to lie to her, use her feelings against her and abuse her trust in him. The very thought was sickening.

The dawn found a very tired and worried Shikamaru standing at the western gate. There was very little fanfare for the Konoha ambassadors departure. His parents had stayed home to prevent his mother from reneging on her decision to let him go. He didn't even tell his friends he was leaving because he felt guilty about his mission and didn't have the courage to look them in the eye. The only people there were the lonely watchman and two AnBU Ne who were there to make sure he left.

"Your contact will find you once you've reached Suna," said one of the masked men, handing him a map. "Your ambassador reports will come through the normal channels but you mission reports will be given directly to your contact." Shikamaru nodded and without as much as a farewell, turned to begin his three day journey. The masked man called out to him as he walked away. "Be vigilant. You never know who's lurking in the shadows."

But Shikamaru had the distinct feeling that he was going to be the one lurking in the shadows.

The trip to Suna was long but not arduous. The map lead him along well traveled main roads that offered a sense of order while being easy on the body. No extraneous effort was needed until he passed through the flora associated with the River country which gave way to the barren desert landscape of the Wind Country. He found out quickly why it was called the country of Wind as random gusts from any direction could push you off your path.

There was no well worn path to follow either as the winds moved the sands to cover an tracks that had been previously laid. He was forced to rely on landmarks and a helpful nomadic clan to reach his destination. While his home village was easily discernable from a distance, the village hidden in the sands appeared to be nothing more than another outcropping at first glance. As he approached, he could make out the high carved stone walls which surrounded the village.

The two guards at the entrance laughed as he coughed up a days worth of sand before handing them his papers. The read over his papers and then summoned a what he assumed was a Chuunin to be his guide. The guy wasn't much older than him but it made him feel even more out of place. This wasn't were he fit in. This wasn't his position but at the same time, he been given this roll and this mission. He was here and there was no turning back.

The Chuunin lead him between the walls and through the city and while the walls seemed unorthodox when compared to his village, they did serve to protect the village against the wind and sand storms. Through the warm glow of the setting sun, he could see shop owners packing up their shops in preparation to head homing. It seemed like the entire village was shutting down and he couldn't help but wonder why. When they reached the building where he would be staying, the Chuunin bid him farewell with the promise of introductions in the morning.

As Shikamaru settled into the spacious room they had provided him, he pondered over his mission. If there were any truth to the rumor he would find it but he hoped against everything that he would find nothing of the sort. Even though sleep had been a commodity as of late, he opted to begin his search tonight. Walking over to his window, he threw open the shutters and quickly realized why the city had shut down at dusk. The bitter cold of the desert evening was a sharp contrast to the scorching sun of the daytime.

Grabbing an extra layer of clothing, he leapt through the window and into the darkness. He wasn't sure if he would find anything tonight but he could familiarize himself with the village at night. Hiding in a vile of darkness, he began a search for something he hoped he would never find.


A/N: 1.) Oyaji is a familiar Japanese term for a father figure. Often translated as "pops" or "old man", it can be used as a term of endearment for someone other than one's father.