Naruto Vs Shikamaru by Lupine Horror
The audience looked at the two genin down in the arena and compared the two.
On one side, you have Shikamaru Nara, a genin from a clan well-known for their incredible intelligence and strategic ability.
This was countered by their also well known laziness and lack of drive.
Being from that clan, in addition to the Academy Three, it was expected that he'd know the shadow bind technique.
He was also expected to have average taijutsu, and no particular affinity for genjutsu either.
On the other side, was Naruto Uzumaki, a genin with no clan to support or teach him.
However, to those from Konoha, he was known to be a bit strange and distant, but with techniques of his own to fall back on.
His most well known and used technique was some sort of fuinjutsu that created creatures that fight for him like solid clones do.
He was the favorite to win this fight, having graduated the academy two years earlier than his opponent, and having a greater individual reputation.
The proctor called the start of the bout.
Immediately, Shikamaru prepared himself for his opponent's assault, and rapidly calculated how he would respond.
It took him several moments to notice that he wasn't being attacked.
Looking at his opponent, Shikamaru saw that Naruto had pulled his legs up to sit cross-legged . . . in mid-air.
Underneath him, somehow floating as well, was a small ball that was shining brightly and lighting him up.
"What are you doing?" Shikamaru asked, not exactly sure what to make of his opponent.
Naruto shrugged.
"You're a Nara, and from what I've learned over the last month, one who fits the mold of the rest of your clan. You're a strategist, yeah, but you can't beat someone unless you have something you can actually use. With the light below me, I have no shadow, so you can't use any Nara clan techniques you might now. I'm also mobile enough to dodge any kunai or shuriken you throw at me. I'm out of range of taijutsu, and genjutsu is pretty useless against me too."
"True, but you can't win this round just sitting there, and you'll get tired eventually." Shikamaru commented.
"Yeah, but without you being able to retaliate, I'm free to do what I want, and I could keep this up for days if I really wanted to." Naruto shrugged.
"As for being useless at this range . . ."
Naruto extended his hand and fired several fire darts at his opponent's feet.
"I've got a few tricks up my sleeves." He grinned.
Shikamaru looked at his opponent, noting the lack of sweat or strain on his face, and then down to where that odd fire technique had struck the ground.
Shrugging his shoulders, he turned to Genma Shiranui.
"Proctor, I forfeit, there's no way for me to overcome my opponent here, so continuing is pointless." He said.
"Very well. Winner, Naruto Uzumaki!" He called out, though the reaction he got from the crowd wasn't very enthusiastic.
Settling down on the ground again, Naruto walked beside Shikamaru as they returned to the competitors' area.
"Interesting techniques you used out there, I don't recognize them at all." Shikamaru commented.
"I had some very unusual teachers." Naruto replied with an enigmatic smile.
Shikamaru briefly considered trying to find out more, but then decided to be a typical Nara and shrug it off.
It was too troublesome to think about after all.
(P.S. The omake shows us what may happen in the future - roughstar333)