"Grandma Tsunade wants to see you." A blonde hyperactive ninja called out to the lazy shinobi. It had been a few months since they parted ways with their sensei at the gates.

"Why does she need me?" Shikamaru groaned.

"I dunno, she said it was important." He shrugged and ran off. Shikamaru sighed, and started walking toward the Hokage tower. Once he got there, he noticed that Ino and Chouji were also there, just as confused as he was. Tsunade sat at the desk, quietly thinking. A stern expression on her face frightened the three.

"Team 10-" She started.

"Its Asuma isn't it." Shikamaru interrupted, teeth clenched. Ino and Chouji's head snapped up and Tsunade's face furrowed. Ino and Chouji both looked quite troubled.

"Troublesome... he's gone isn't he..." Shikamaru muttered, as if in pain. Ino gasped and Chouji dropped his bag of chips.

"The Akatsuki took his life." Tsunade said looking at the hurt trio. Ino collapsed onto the floor and sobbed. Chouji dropped down to comfort her while crying a great deal as well. Shikamaru stared at the bare floor. His shaky hand came up and covered his face, as tears slipped through his fingers. His shoulders shook violently. His cries rang throughout the building.