Disclaimer:
I do not own Naruto and all of its characters.
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Chapter 2.
The plan
For the first time in his life, he was doing something by himself, without the need of having his servants or his mother to yell at him. Shikamaru was going to rig this "Looking for a Bride" competition so that no one would win, which also means that he would not have to marry any girl. But how was he going to do that?
He needed a plan, fast. The next round would be held soon. Those that have passed this round would be able to stay with him for the next three months so that they would be able to know one another better. After the three months, he would be forced to make the decision and that would also mean the end of his bachelor life.
Putting on his "most serious" look, he approached one of the examiners. "May I know what is the next round?"
"Shogi."
Shogi? Shikamaru could almost shed tears of joy. If he was the examiner, he was pretty sure that no one would be able to pass his round. But how could he be an examiner? According to the examiner, he was only allowed to sit and watch. Time to think of a reason that will entitle him to be an examiner.
"Adviser Tako, can I have a word with you? Regarding that round later, I was wondering if I could be the judge instead. For someone to be my wife I really hope that she will be able to share my love for Shogi as well as be a skilled player so that whenever we are free, we could spend time together…"
Shikamaru didn't know what he was blurting out, but he really hoped that the adviser would buy it. After all, what he just said was quite true. He would really love to have a wife that loves Shogi as much as he does.
"Very well young prince, we shall have it your way. Get ready in approximately 15 minutes. The test will be starting."
HOORAY! Plan SUCEEDED. Shikamaru thought happily to himself. Before he went, he grabbed a cookie on his way out, all the while complementing on his fantastic luck.
"Gather round ladies! The next round is going to start shortly. For this round, you would be expected to play a round of Shogi with Prince Shikamaru. The winner would be able to stay at this manor for the next three months so that you and Prince Shikamaru would have more time to get to know one another. Are all of you ready?"
"Ho-hum. Big deal." Thought Temari. Three months living under the same roof as that idiot? Although it might sound terrible, but it certainly is a good time to get back at him. And after humiliating him all she wants, she would feign illness so that she would be sent back to her home in case her sickness was contagious. With that in mind, Temari was determined to win this round. Knowing that Shikamaru was a renowned Shogi expert, she prayed hard that she would be able to win him.
After a long wait, it was finally Temari's turn. So far, no one had won Shikamaru. What are the chances of her winning? Its probably nil, but she decided she must give it her best shot. After sitting down comfortably, the match started.
All the while, Shikamaru could feel his stomach churning like a giant mixer. To cause so much discomfort, it must have been something he ate wrongly. He could not concentrate on this last match with Temari at all. Thinking back, it must have been the almond cookie he ate earlier on. Darn, he thought to himself. I need the toilet!
Clutching his stomach, Shikamaru made his way to the toilet without saying a single word. Temari looked with much amusement, wondering what this clown was up to.
"Prince Shikamaru! Is anything the matter?" anxious cries could be heard all around. The adviser apologised to Temari and offered to continue the game with her, while Prince Shikamaru was occupied. By the time Shikamaru came out, it was too late. The adviser had lost the match and she was allowed to stay with Shikamaru for the next three months. After hearing the announcement, Temari wondered if she had really made the right decision. What if I really fall in love with that idiot within the three months?
Meanwhile, Shikamaru could almost cry. Temari was the only lady chosen to stay, which also means that she would eventually be his wife. Even though the other ladies were displeased with such an arrangement, the decision was final and no changes or exceptions would be made.
"Oh well… three months isn't such a long period of time. My father always said that every female have a gentler side. Maybe… that boorish woman has a gentler side too." Shikamaru tried comforting himself, but it didn't work. Now, he was pretty sure that she was a witch who has cast an evil spell on everyone. Everyone seemed happy about the result, except for himself.
"If this is a competition for me to look for a bride, how come those old geezers are the ones making the final decisions and not me? I don't even have a say in it. Sigh… as they say, life is unfair. Brave yourself Shikamaru. You can survive pass this three months of torture." he muttered under his breath. Just then, Temari approached him.
"I'll make you suffer for the next three
months. Just you wait. AHAHAHAHA!" was what Shikamaru had expected
Temari to say. However, those words did not come out from her mouth.
Instead, she was actually talking in quite a pleasant tone!
"Hey
lousy. Stop mopping in a corner. Those old geezers say I have to
bring you around this city to have a look. While we're at it, want
to visit my house?"
"Sure… I think." All the while, Shikamaru was praying that this would be a correct decision.
Author's Note: What will happen to Shikamaru when
he pays a visit to Temari's house? Find out in the next chapter!
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Also, I'll be updating on every
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