I understand: Their chief has died, and his only son has not yet reached the age of manhood. … So they offer him up to the heat and light, believing that, if he is worthy to succeed his father, he will not die on the pyre.
Shikamaru sighed and glanced back at Tayuya. "What was that?" He asked, his voice drawling lazily. It was just like her to invade the small time he had set aside to relax in a small park in his town. For some inexplicable reason it seemed she was starting to enjoy her assignment here, at least when she didn't have to deal with him. He suspected it was because what they provided her with would probably be a great improvement over whatever Orochimaru provided for his troops, and while he was tempted to ask, he could notice the girl was already getting angry at him for not paying attention.
With a glance he reassured himself that there were indeed guards around, Tayuya seemed to almost be always angry when having to deal with him, and it wouldn't do to be killed just because Orochimaru's servant was on a rampage.
Clouds…in the past just imagining them would do enough to help calm his mind, right now he tried to use them but it helped little. He knew that looking at the sky would just anger the girl even more, but combining the visual image with a mental one might be able to ease his mind a bit. Too many things were happening, and having a spy sent to try to look at everything you were doing, not being able to do anything to her because of Orochimaru , and the spy in question being a nuisance by herself was not helping things one bit. Sighing he turned his head upwards, enjoying what he could knowing that soon his ears would be barraged with foul language.
In reality Tayuya wasn't truly a spy; the girl had no subtlety for it anyway, always shouting out her anger. If he had to try to find an apt comparison it would be with the ambassadors between nations. While officially they were meant to be people that would handle relations between governments, it was common knowledge they were at least partly there to report whatever they saw back to their leaders.
He just wanted a little quiet. He sighed again, if only there was a way he could occupy the ninja.
Making little kids cry seems like something she would enjoy.
"Hey! Asshole! I said that Orochimaru has decided that we should meet with the Kazekage now. He'll probably get there soon himself, so get moving." The girl growled out.
Damn it, the main reason he was in this bad a state was because the Suna army had entered the vicinity, which meant soon he would have to join them, everything had been prepared on his end and so he hoped that would be the end of it.
Of course now Orochimaru wanted him to meet the Kazekage for whatever reason, which only made him feel even more worried. Was it some sort of joke? Something to make him squirm, or was he just parading his newest toy in front of the Kazekage? Orochimaru's mind was so twisted and unpredictable he couldn't even completely disregard that this might just be for his own amusement.
He decided to look down and saw Tayuya staring at him in an annoyed manner. "That sounds troublesome." Those were three words that he always meant when he uttered them.
She narrowed her eyes and spat back. "You think everything is troublesome. Don't you dare think of putting this off you sloth!" He wondered for a moment if she would get angrier if she knew how much he approved of the animal and quickly decided to keep that to himself.
Deciding to get as far away as he could from her he turned around and left to arrange a small mostly ceremonial guard for his departure, but with a frown on his face noticed the annoying girl was still following him.
No matter, there were more important things to think about, like Suna. There was no reason for Suna to start something since at this point in their plan they would only be hurting themselves, and Shikamaru doubted his clan would be able to do much even if they were attacked, it would be an entire army against them. Still, it would probably be best if he didn't go alone, one never knew what a couple of extra pairs of eyes could uncover.
Once he had returned to the building that he had been using as a makeshift headquarters he sent Ensui to arrange his escort.
The man had been his right hand ever since Shikamaru had become the clan head. While not the strongest in the clan by any means he was still formidable by his own right. Still, what Shikamaru was more interested in was his experience. Theory could only account for so much and Ensui helped provide the rest, while in the massacre Shikamaru had fought, he had been protected by many people and compared to Ensui he still had a lot to learn about warfare. Ensui was diligent, intelligent and was able to deal with the matters that Shikamaru could not directly deal with.
Soon enough Ensui returned with several members of what had become a type of bodyguard unit ever since things had gotten complicated. The leader of the unit was Daen; the man that had protected him in the past was seemingly destined to protect him in the future as well. With a quick nod toward him Shikamaru observed the three others that accompanied him, remembering what he knew from the people who were supposed to protect him from the likes of the Kazekage and Orochimaru.
Nobutake was another survivor from the massacre, a silent man but one who had proven himself well in the previous war under Shikaku and had shown his skills had only improved in a couple of small skirmishes against missing-nin. At times he would play shogi against the man upon discovering he knew how to, and although Shikamaru had been on a winning streak for a long time the games were always enjoyable, with the older man telling old tales or stories of the past during the game.
Kasuga was a considerably young man compared to most, only being several years older than Shikamaru himself. Before the massacre Kasuga had planned to become a civilian, but now every able-bodied Nara had been called into service to shore up their numbers. While having planned to live a civilian life he had shown exceptional skill during training and had recently joined the group after regularly dealing with bandits handily.
Kei was probably the most unique among them because she was not a biological Nara. While recruiting from the local population had been nothing new, only those who had shown both skill and loyalty out of the recruits from the local population were allowed to call themselves Nara and learn shadow manipulation. Still, even though there were increasing numbers joining this way the fact that both Ensui and Daen agreed with tasking her with guarding him spoke volumes of her, being the only of her background trusted with this.
After examining his men he beckoned them to follow him, no point in delaying any longer in what he was forced to do, although it seemed at least one person was happy with his situation if that smirk on Tayuya's face was any indication.
This was a terrible situation.
No, this was the mother of all terrible situations. This was the one of the worst protective positions Shikamaru had ever been in, and yet somehow they were supposed to be guarding Shikamaru from the Kazekage and Orochimaru, knowing full well there was also an entire army to go through surrounding the meeting if things went awry.
Kasuga took a deep breath, fingers tightening slightly as he tried to calm himself down. Not that it was working. Because this was a terrible situation to be in.
Hadn't Daen, just days ago, told them that they couldn't afford putting Shikamaru in unnecessary danger? That was why they all went through such lengths everyday just to ensure that Shikamau was protected at all times. And now Shikamaru was rushing off to meet Orochimaru like a dog running to its master.
…Well, perhaps that was an unfair description. To be fair, Shikamaru was considerably less happy than a dog would be, and in the end they knew there was practically no way around this. Still, it was stupid. It was dangerous. And nothing they would be able to say would able to talk Shikamaru out of it.
"It's necessary." was the only answer they usually got, if any out of the boy.
"You're up, Kasuga." Daen said, currently being seen standing next to Shikamaru. Well, standing to the right of Shikamaru. The other side was occupied by Tayuya's prescence.
That was another thing that didn't make sense. Why the hell did they need to bring that pain in the neck with them? Shikamaru was walking into a stupidly dangerous situation with only a small part of his guard and Orochimaru's spy for company. Just what did he expect the woman to be able to do for him? Was it something Orochimaru had forced upon him? If they were attacked, they'd be at an even more disastrous disadvantage.
"Yes, sir." He said through grit teeth as he walked forward, his hand already aching to have a weapon in its grasp.
He entered the tent where the meeting was to be held as carefully as he could make himself be as he faced off against a full dozen Suna ninja. He'd never personally encountered their ninja before, but his current mission required him to be prepared to tear through them all, no matter how impossible that order was.
For now, he held himself back from such a course of action, standing defensively with his hands at his sides, itching to make the sign that would activate his shadow possession, waiting to see for any signs of attack.
A few of the Suna ninja bristled and shifted nervously, the tension so thick it could have been cut with a knife, but they didn't attack.
"Well?" Daen whispered. "How does it look to you?"
"It's an uncomfortable position with Shikamaru coming down here." He answered. "If they suddenly attack -"
"We don't have much of a choice, Kasuga." Shikamaru said darkly, announcing his entrance. "Being inside or outside of a tent makes little difference."
Shikamaru was right of course, though it was still difficult for them to just give up guarding Shikamaru just because it was useless. The boy was trained rigorously by many instructors and had experienced combat at least once in the past. And should the worst come to pass, there was still a small chance of hope.
Should Suna break this temporary alliance, Ensui would send everything they had at Suna in hopes of being able to rescue Shikamaru. Of course, Shikamaru had no idea of this, technically Ensui would be acting against orders as Shikamaru had decided that the rest of the clan should run and try to go into hiding should such a thing ever happen, but still, it seemed Ensui took the job of protecting Shikamaru as seriously as Daen did.
Ending that train of thought, Kasuga's entire body was at attention as he felt Shikamaru move and risked a glance to ensure that the clan head was still fine.
Right now he practically oozed authority as he stepped up to his side to survey the assembled ninja in front of them, no doubt he had been practicing that look for some time, probably only those who really knew him saw he was at least slightly nervous.
"So these are the Suna ninja sent to watch over this." Shikamaru mused.
"Intimidated?" Tayuya asked mockingly.
"Not even slightly." Shikamaru drawled. "I'm afraid that if you want us to have a civil conversation with you, it would be best to recall your ninja, Kazekage."
For a few minutes, no one moved. Shikamaru waited patiently while his guards watched their surroundings like a hawk. The slightest of movements from the other ninja had them tensing and readying to pounce. Then, as one, most of the Suna ninja turned and left, falling back well past the large, white canvas tent that had been set up in the center of the Suna encampment, but remaining close at hand, leaving only four behind, that appeared to be a Jonin and his genin team. Since Shikamaru really doubted there was any hidden insult aimed at that action, he could only assume that those left behind were indeed at least somewhat powerful.
Well, they were indeed a weird type of group. The jonin was tall with a turban-like head gear and had a sheet hanging from it on the left side of his face and wore what seemed to be the standard uniform of a Suna ninja.
The oldest genin seemed to be the female, with her green eyes and blonde hair, which was gathered into four ponytails and wore a seemingly light purple outfit with fishnet around her legs and arm. The older male genin wore a black, baggy, full body suit with a red and yellow circle on the front. It seemed Suna had a habit of covering their faces, perhaps because of their sand, since he also wore a black hood which covered his head completely, and perplexingly had cat-like ears and purple facepaint.
Perhaps the most interesting of the group was the youngest among them. The boy had black eye rings and the kanji love carved on the left side of his forehead, while wearing a black full body suit with t-shirt-like sleeves. With a bit of interest he remembered the description of the boy before him from one of the rare instances of helpfulness Tayuya had when she informed them of who the Jinchuriki of the one tail was.
"At ease, men." Shikamaru ordered, his tone still calm and unaffected.
Kasuga was conflicted by the order. On the one hand, he'd be at an even greater disadvantage to be able to defend Shikamaru against those Suna ninja if they decided to attack if he had his hands held at his back. On the other, if he didn't assume the position, they would probably be starting this meeting at an already even sourer note.
Sighing, he obeyed the order, before proceeding to stand at Shikamaru's side. Tayuya glanced at him, for once actually frowning seriously instead of the typical angry face she usually wore. She probably didn't like this situation much either, it seemed Oto and Suna weren't good pals yet.
Shikamaru squared his shoulders, raising his chin slightly before calling out for the Kazekage to join them.
This was stupid. This was so stupid. His mind was screaming at him about what a big and easy target Shikamaru was right now. He could see a dozen different deaths for the boy and it was impossible for them to guard against them all at the same time, and now the kid was calling for the Kazekage to join them.
Seemingly refusing to be shown up by Shikamaru's daring, the Kazekage emerged from the other side of the tent a moment later. Clad in the typical Kage robe and adding a mask, with his posture all but shouting regality, he made an imposing figure before Shikamaru.
Kasuga had to wonder just what was wrong with them both. This was a stupid situation. They were in name allies, but right now everyone half expected this to turn into a bloodbath. They were supposed to be trying to help each other and instead they were here, facing each other and posturing like a pair or territorial peacocks. Of course he didn't want them to try to kill each other, but it was all so crazy that he would probably laugh if he didn't believe that would start an all-out brawl.
In any case, it didn't change the face that he was a guard right now. It was his job to protect Shikamaru from anything and everything, even if that meant nothing more than taking a kunai meant for the boy. He stepped forward automatically, stepping between Shikamaru and the Kazekage before noticing Daen send a silent signal to the rest of the guard to watch their backs. If they were flanked, they were dead.
If worse comes to worst, he wondered if he had the skill to give his life to stop whatever attack the Kazekage had in return for Shikamaru's safety? Shikamaru probably wouldn't be pleased with the act, but again, they were all his guards. It was their job to do whatever they possibly could to keep Shikamaru safe, but would they actually be enough for that?
Shikamaru nudged against his back with an elbow, urging him to continue moving forward. He did so with reluctance, steadily closing the distance between themselves and the Kazekage until only a few feet remained, it was indeed a big tent they were in.
Then Shikamaru was walking past him, ignoring the half-formed protest that fell from his lips as he stood face to face with one of the most powerful men in the world.
"Kazekage." Shikamaru said smoothly, extending his hand to shake. "It's a pleasure finally meeting you."
The Kazekage glanced down to Shikamaru's hand for a moment, then at Shikamaru's face, almost like looking for any signs of foul play, before going ahead and shaking Shikamaru's hand. "Shikamaru Nara. I'm surprised you're truly still alive."
To Kasuga's knowledge, the Nara clan was not at all famous. For world renown the Uchiha would easily be the most popular at the moment. Still, the Nara had a respectable history and had been one of the founding clans of Konoha. He supposed if you were planning an invasion of Konoha it would be natural to at least read up on what you could of the village's clans.
Shikamaru forced a small smile. "I imagine that will be repeated a number of times in the future."
"Of course." The Kazekage said before turning his attention on Tayuya. She met the man's gaze fearlessly, though annoyingly enough with a lot more respect than she showed to Shikamaru.
"I would have expected you to arrive with Orochimaru, if at all." The Kazekage noted.
"Does it bother you? I should think arriving with a representative of our ally Orochimaru would make you more comfortable." Shikamaru said calmly.
"No. It just makes me wonder why you allowed her to join you, that snake seems to have his hands in many plots." The Kazekage said suspiciously.
"She's just here in hopes of making this whole thing go along smoother." Shikamaru lied effortlessly. If the Kazekage didn't know that Tayuya had forced her way into this, it was best not to let him know how much power Orochimaru regrettably had over the clan right now.
"I see." The Kazekage said with a frown before stepping back and gesturing toward an opening in the tent. "Come, let's get this over with."
Shikamaru followed the man towards the opening, but before he could follow the Kazekage inside, Kasuga stepped firmly in front of him and entered first.
After entering himself Shikamaru could see that this section of the tent was wide and elaborate. The three apparent genin began to kneel on the mats that had been laid out across the ground behind the Kazekage who was likewise seating himself in front of a table, while the jonin remained standing to the side and behind the Kazekage.
Soon, his gaze was drawn to the other occupants of the place, where he observed the three familiar armed guards of Orochimaru standing in the furthest corners of the tent from the entrance. He also noted the presence of Orochimaru himself in their midst, likewise sitting with a predatory smile on his face. He tried to refrain from frowning at them suspiciously; so they were here all this time.
"Please come in, Shikamaru, and relax, were all friends here yes?" Orochimaru smiled as he knelt down across the genin.
"People like you, even your actions lie." He replied as he sat himself down on a mat.
"Enough of this, let us stop playing games and deal with why we are here." The Kazekage said with a frown. "The more time we dawdle, the chance of being discovered is heightened."
"Kazekage, please be more respectful of your guests, after all, the only reason you are alive is because this little Nara here distracted me from eliminating you when I had planned to." Orochimaru said from his position, his tone playful and yet dark at the same time.
'What. The. Hell?'
Shikamaru closed his eyes for half a second, hating the situation that he knew was developing before him, before letting out a slow breath and opening them again. All of the ninja were now reaching for their weapons, eyeing each other and ready at the drop of a feather to gut each other. Did Orochimaru get his kicks out of making bad situations worse?
There was no possible logical reason for having said one of the most idiotic things possible. What did Orochimaru hope to do by announcing to the man that he had planned to kill him? Anyone else and Shikamaru would have thought it was an attempt at humor, but Orochimaru had the type of mind that would have actually planned to do it.
While the Kazekage was masked, it was obvious from the fire in his eyes that he was indeed furious. "I suggest you watch your tongue Orochimaru, or I'll kill everyone in this room without hesitation!"
And he meant it.
This was indeed idiotic, how it was that these two powerful men who were renowned and feared in equal measure were fighting like little boys over their ego escaped his mind. Now he was caught in the middle of what could become a very bloody situation, and he hadn't even really said anything yet.
Currently his guards shifted nervously, but they didn't make any sudden movements. This was good, because right now that would probably just be the spark to blow this whole meeting up.
He wasn't exactly getting a very good impression from his so called allies, but he didn't really care about that. This might have indeed been a stupid idea to begin with. Half of his mind was currently screaming at him that they should just take their leave and go before things got worse.
Orochimaru ignored the way the Kazekage threatened him and looked at Shiikamaru instead. He saw the Kazekage stare at Orochimaru a little bit longer, but eventually he too was glancing at Shikamaru instead.
What the hell was this, did Orochimaru expect him to patch this messed up thing that he himself had started?
This was getting extremely ridiculous.
Clearing his throat he tried to sound as confident as he could. "As bad in taste as that 'joke' was, I would like to propose to continue with what you suggested originally Kazekage, and get on with this meeting, the sooner we finish that, the sooner we can all leave and be calm."
"Excellent idea Shikamaru, I for one second that proposal." Orochimaru responded jovially, as if he hadn't been the one to start this whole mess.
"Before we begin," The Kazekage said turning his gaze towards to Orochimaru, "I would like an explanation as to why you decided to utter that nonsense."
Orochimaru jerked in fake surprise and opened his mouth to protest the accusation, but closed it again with a smile when Shikamaru turned to glare at him, probably finding more entertainment than any real pressure from that glare.
"It is just as our little friend here said, it was a bad joke made in bad taste." Orochimaru said smoothly. "I do hope you will pardon my thoughtless actions."
"Fine." The Kazekage scoffed. "Let us go on, this is an idiotic waste of time, but I do expect to know why you want me to trust a clan from Konoha so much, especially considering we are attacking their own village." He said firmly.
"I'll answer that, I suppose I am able to offer the best explanation anyway." Shikamaru said, expression never changing. "The reason is simple, Konoha tried to kill us all, and now that we survived we plot our revenge."
The Kazekage's gaze cut to him, sharp and unforgiving. He stared into Shikamaru's face, but his face was a guarded mask, literally. He wouldn't give him any information freely. "That is the simple explanation, it is a straightforward reason, there is not much more to explain without going into further unnecessary detail. Surely the Nara incident is common knowledge these days?" Shikamaru stated confidently.
The explanation was met with silence and he suddenly felt like he'd just said something very bad. Was the explanation truly not enough, did that not earn the Kazekage's trust? If so, he'd just ruined everything.
Shikamaru sighed quietly. "When those who you trust the most betray you, the devastation can be incalculable."
While still none of the Suna ninja spoke, they seemed to be slightly stunned at the last thing he had said. The Kazekage confusingly enough showed perhaps the most emotion, glancing at the smallest of the genin with a small expression of guilt. Perhaps that was just his imagination… the man was wearing a mask after all.
"Why would you risk yourself like that?" The Kazekage asked. Shikamaru sometimes found himself asking the same thing. He knew that once they had shown themselves to be invaders of Konoha, there would be no mercy for them should they fail, it could be the end of their clan.
Still, Shikamaru chuckled softly. "It seems my clan has decided to cast the die and leave the rest to fate, there is no other option for us now."
"Why is your revenge so important, more important than your lives?" The Kazekage demanded, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Shikamaru let out a small frown. "I already told you why, their debt from killing us must be repaid in full."
"For this you are willing to join the likes of me and Orochimaru?" The Kazekage said with a definite frown and visible disdain.
Shikamaru stared at the man like he'd grown a second head. What was the Kazekage talking about? Was he trying to convince him not to participate in this? As far as he could tell there was no reason for that.
"Well, assuming we succeed, we would go our separate ways, we do this only because our interests intersect, and we are not actually joining you, but are temporarily working together."
"Well Kazekage, does this assuage your suspicions, or are you trying to rob me of one of my play things?"
Orochimaru… after all those questions from the Kazekage the man had been uncharacteristically silent, it seemed he wanted Shikamaru to earn the Kazekage's trust by himself, but his words always managed to irk him.
The leader of the Suna forces reluctantly nodded, and Shikamaru now knew he was considered one of them.
He wasn't really sure how to feel about that…
He probably shouldn't have spoken. In fact, he'd told himself that he wouldn't, but that resolve hadn't lasted long. He hated the action of speaking amongst these men, but it was the only way he could put across his points. Orochimaru was a smart man in his own right, but with the Kazekage he made an awful diplomat. Plus, Shikamaru had to express the interests of his clan, which did not necessarily represent the interests of the other two factions present at the meeting.
Shikamaru sighed quietly to himself. He couldn't even discuss this development with Ensui to seek guidance because he was put in charge of the clan while Shikamaru was away.
The Kazekage was staring right at him. He couldn't see his face because of the mask of course, but it didn't change that fact that he'd obviously garnered his interest. Still, he had to put forth his own advice, he couldn't hold back just because the two men before him were ridiculously powerful. Not with so much on the line.
If they failed this invasion the clan would have to immediately go into hiding. A large number probably wouldn't survive for more than a year, and that would be if they were lucky.
He watched with his hands curled into tense fists as the Kazekeage turned his gaze away to look at Orochimaru instead. It was obvious just from watching the Kazekage's reaction that he'd surprised the man with his suggestion.
Shikamaru's gaze cut back to Orochimaru for a moment before returning to the Kazekage, trying his hardest to keep his face composed and impossible to crack.
"Why shouldn't we seek to eliminate the ability of the enemy to gather their forces effectively against us? If we truly intend to send troops in before the main attack under the guise of the chunin exams, then it's best to use them in an effective way." Shikamaru tried his best to make his voice sound convincing, surely the Kazekage would listen to reason?
"Trying to eliminate civilians would pose no military benefit, while disabling early warning systems, message relay posts, and even establishing safe avenues of entrance to the village itself would help our attack immensely" Shikamaru proposed.
The Kazekage let out a half-amused snort. "We would never be able to sneak in the amount of soldiers needed for that, we're risking much as it is with the numbers we have right now. As for the civilians, Konoha's economy cannot exist without them, and the amount of troops sent to protect them is an amount our army will not have to worry about. I thought your purpose was one of revenge; there is no point in being skittish about casualties."
Shikamaru bit back his retort for the Kazekage to shut the hell up. If they were just going to deny his plans out of hand then there was no point in this meeting. But of course, in the end it was obvious that there would be no easy way in any agreement they would ever came to.
"Believe what you will." Shikamaru scoffed. "I'm only here for the single purpose of establishing who was behind the massacre and why. I have no reason to go after innocent civilians, just as the two of you have no reason to. We each have our own reasons for doing this and we have decided that the best way to achieve each of our goals is by war, but the more quickly and less bloody it is, the stronger we will all come out of it. I don't see a reason for chasing civilians, so whether we increase the amount of ninja we send beforehand or not, the ones we do send can be used in a more effective manner."
Clapping his hands Orochimaru deigned to speak. "Well spoken. But, of course, what else could I expect from you Shikamaru?" That damn smile, it was really creeping Shikamaru out.
Still, with Orochimaru's 'support' he believed the Kazekage could be swayed, Shikamaru knew that no matter what, war always led to civilian casualties, but he hoped he could minimize them by convincing the men before him of the needlessness of targeting them.
That hope of saving as many as he could, the same hope that had led to him to keep the mantle of leadership that had been thrust upon him, the hope that his clan would be able to live in peace one day was why he tried to avoid the targeting of civilians. Shikamaru wasn't a monster like those that had ordered the massacre of his family, not yet anyway.
"You said we should concentrate on these other targets. I see no way to accomplish that without being able to hide the increase of our numbers in the chunin exams from Konoha." The Kazekage said firmly, unwilling to give ground.
"Obviously it will be a risky business, but sometimes the rewards can outweigh the risks." Shikamaru nodded. "As kage of Otogakure, Orochimaru will attend the chunin exams."
Everyone was surprised by the declaration. So, evidently, was Orochimaru, whose eyes widened slightly in surprise and actually turned and faced Shikamaru, expression demanding an answer.
"That would be ridiculous; you would practically have us shout our intentions of attack!" The Kazekage protested.
"Calm yourself, Kazekage, let him explain himself."
Shikamaru could understand the man's adversity to his own plans. Even he himself would admit that the idea sounded ridiculous, but he knew that if his plan worked out it would end with a good deal of forces already in the village before the fighting even started.
He watched their reactions, taking careful note of the dynamic between them. Orochimaru had once again tried to calm the Kazekage in favor of him. Honestly he expected Orochimaru to be more vocal against him, perhaps he had already thought of something similar?
Well, so far this had gone better than expected, while it was obvious he had little true power among these men, he still wasn't completely without a voice in this so called alliance.
"If I remember correctly your father was a great strategist, I hope you are not inventing these crazy ideas just to seem worthy of that title." The Kazekage said with a frown. "Konoha has no doubt not forgotten Orochimaru as a traitor, they will suspect him the moment he shows his face." In fact, Shikamaru half expected that if Orochimaru showed his face the whole village would be after him.
"Sometimes, the only difference between insanity and genius is success…" Shikamaru conceded, reaching towards his head with one hand to pass his fingers through his hair.
He felt the other bodyguards shift anxiously and because of that his own guards also did the same. Honestly, did they expect him to hide a weapon in his hair? This entire atmosphere was quickly getting annoying.
"Oto is a new village, but a shinobi village none the less; the chunin exam is a neutral event open to all villages who wish to participate. Oto can therefore attend, and as long as Konoha doesn't know that Orochimaru is the kage of Oto, they will allow the kage to witness the exam. I trust you have not allowed Konoha to discover you?" With a nod from Orochimaru, he continued.
"With the kage attending, it would not be unusual for Oto to travel with a large retinue, and it is from this retinue, along with your own retinue Kazekage, where we will get the troops needed for my plan." Shikamaru said casually, pulling a sheaf of papers from the pocket within his jacket. He unfolded them carefully before handing them to the Kazekage and Orochimaru, and afterward placing a map of Konoha on the village.
They both took the papers, reading them over as silence fell over this little gathering of mismatched negotiators. He forced himself to be patient, no point in starting to discuss the next part while they were still reading.
"Y-you..." The Kazekage said in surprise, flipping to the next page as he rapidly scanned through the document.
"Of course, if you still want to order your troops to go after civilians let me know." Shikamaru said, trying to suppress the mocking tone he knew he had right now out of his voice.
He doubted that he managed to completely suppress it.
Shikamaru definitely knew that it was checkmate now. He pondered for a moment if he should just forgo this pretense and ask the Kazekage if he still thought his ideas were outlandish, but decided against it. No point in antagonizing already antagonized people.
The papers were a draft of what was to be a preliminary attack before their main forces started to move onto the walls of Konoha. The Kazekage had been right, of course. The number of troops in the original plan would never be able to do what he had planned, even with Orochimaru being able to bring along more it was still a very risky move, but the original plan they had was a band-aid that had never solved the problem, which was how to completely disorganize their enemy and try to have them communicate as little as possible. But this strategy, this plan that Shikamaru had drafted to win the war, he knew it was the real cure.
In the place of having a few shinobi to just cause a distraction and go after civilians Shikamaru would use them to eliminate the very ability of Konoha to marshal its forces. Shukaku would be enough of a destructive and distracting force by itself, whether it succeeded against the nine-tails or not, although now that he had seen its jinchuriki he had to admit to feel slightly guilty over using him in such a way. Once their troops reached the walls their troops inside the village would have already taken control of key parts of the wall, letting the main force enter the village without harassment and overwhelming the Konoha ninja who would not have the advantage of fighting from the walls. Any plans that were already in place would be dwarfed with the advent of this plan that Shikamaru was dangling in front of them.
They couldn't refuse.
Not if they wanted to win this war as fast and efficiently as possible. Such an opportunity wouldn't come to pass again, a chance to finish this in one massive attack. Perhaps most importantly, at least to Shikamaru, they could literally change the lives of millions. This would save so many civilians who would struggle just to survive day to day from a protracted war.
And all it would cost them was to swallow their pride… and follow the plan of a twelve year old boy.
Shikamaru bit back the fiercely victorious smirk that wanted to creep across his face. He couldn't afford to offend them now, and he knew that it would probably be unseemly to taunt them at their faces. So he kept his face politely neutral as they read the rest of the draft, looking over the more minute details of the plan.
He had them. He knew he would, even if he was revealing that his mind worked like that of his father earlier than he'd anticipated. There would probably be more than enough blood on his hand once this was over, but no point in just slaughtering civilians to make it worse.
His two sides would probably be called hypocrisy. Trying to save the innocent while likewise attacking an entire nation for petty vengeance, but there was nothing petty when it happened to you.
The Kazekage was staring at him with an expression like he'd just swallowed something bitter. In a way, he had, being out planned by a mere boy. Having troops inside the village ready to target civilians before an attack had been an arguably good idea on his part to begin with, it would have obviously allowed them to confuse the enemy and force them to use up forces to protect and evacuate the civilians. But the plan had been perfected by Shikamaru, and when he was offering such a good deal, their only option was to agree.
It was now less a meeting with his supposed allies than it was him nearly ordering them on how to use their forces.
"Well?" Shikamaru finally asked when it was clear that everyone was on the same page and knew what he had been able to offer. "Does such a plan get your support?"
"It doesn't"
Shikamaru froze, composure actually cracking for a second, before getting his surprise under control. He'd thought he'd had them. He'd definitely thought he'd had them.
It took him another second to realize that it hadn't been the Kazekage that had spoken. It had been the other significant occupant of the tent, Orochimaru. He glanced at the man, but his eyes couldn't detect any sort of explanation from his face.
"Ah, that's too bad. I'm afraid that's the only thing I brought with me to talk about." He said dryly, unable to hold in his scorn.
Perhaps he'd been overconfident. Perhaps he'd underestimated the value of knowing what Orochimaru really wanted from the village? Or perhaps he was just being an annoying snake like always? Well, he should have expected that.
"But it is enough to bring us to the table." Orochimaru said, a glint in his eyes.
"Oh? Is there something else you want from me on top of a way of winning your war?" He asked, unimpressed. "I don't see what else you can ask from me."
"I would appreciate it immensely if I could borrow your talents in the invasion on a little...side project I'll be working on." Orochimaru smiled yet again.
He frowned. "I'm afraid you don't have a good track record for side projects." He answered, though his mind was already turning over what his side project could possibly be, doing such a thing in the midst of a soon to be war was ridiculous. "I doubt any help I give you would be good. In fact I'd suspect it would only harm me."
"What if I give you something you have been searching for all this time, the one person who I think you want to see most in this world?"
"Orochimaru..." He began slowly, watching with slight hesitation as the man's face showed that he believed he had already won this little discussion. "What are you talking about?"
"It's simple Shikamaru-kun, I'll tell you who was behind your little massacre."
That answer was met with silence. Even his own guards were shocked, although perhaps Kei less so, but that was understandable, she wasn't a part of the clan in those days. Orochimaru was bargaining with what they needed most, and it couldn't be avoided.
Surprisingly, the Kazekage looked grim rather than annoyed at being left out.
"What would you do if he told you who this person was?" The Kazekage asked, eyes narrowed with a frown evident on his lips.
"Do you need to ask?" He said, a slight tone of anger in his voice. "As the clan head of the Nara, shouldn't I be willing to eliminate the life of this person for the sake of my people?"
The question was met with silence. He let it linger for a moment before continuing on. "Or is there a reason you are so hesitant that I get my answer Kazekage?"
The Kazekage shifted, barely a twitch though it was filled with menace, and Daen took a threatening step toward the man. Shikamaru held out his hand towards his guard, breaking the tension and silently reprimanding Daen. To hell with pride, why were they being secretive with the person's identity?
"And you Orochimaru, why are you willing to do this?" The Kazekage said with a frown.
"Simple, the man in question will soon outlive his usefulness; do you really think that he would accede to a completely destroyed Konoha? The only reason he helps us is because he seeks to put himself in power after the aftermath, and then seek to eliminate us."
With a chuckle Orochimaru added. "Regardless, I never thought you would be so altruistic as to not stab someone in the back."
With a scowl the Kazekage responded. "I care not for your games, as long as it doesn't interfere with what the rest of us came here to do."
"Well then, all that remains is the question of whether you will accept, Shikamaru."
"That's not enough information." He replied immediately. "Tell me what you expect me to do, and then I will see if I accept, too many people have been bitten by your poisonous fangs, I won't agree to anything blindly."
Orochimaru focused his eyes on Shikamaru, reluctant to meet the demand. "Fine, it's a simple errand really, with myself having to act as kage of Otogakure, I will not have as much disposable time as before. I will be testing a particular Uchiha, if he proves himself; I will then request you to take care of his extraction."
Shikamaru had to admit, it seemed pretty simple, but no doubt there was some dark reason behind Orochimaru wanting this particular Uchiha that made him hesitate.
Orochimaru glared at him. "You are willing to sacrifice the lives of many to exact revenge, but you're not willing to take one person to know who to target with your vengeance?" He asked.
Shikamaru closed his eyes briefly and let out a defeated sigh. "Fine, I'll agree to it. Now give us our side of the deal."
"Yes, of course. That was the agreement." He nodded. "And in return for my cooperation, you'll understand if I reveal it to you once it is clear we have won this little fight."
"No, I plan on doing your dirty work, so do your side of the agreement and tell me who it is!" Shikamaru said sharply, tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Orochimaru frowned. "As soon as our troops pass the walls you will know who he is." He bargained. "It would be foolish to trust you completely. Before that there is still a chance you could expose our plans by chasing after your target."
There was another long moment of consideration before Shikamaru spoke again, his voice heavy. "Fine, as soon as the troops pass the walls."
Orochimaru smirked and offered his hand to shake, while Shikamaru just glared at the man until he withdrew his hand. All in all, the demand Orochimaru had made hadn't cost him too much, if he wanted he could just send a couple of his own clan members to do the job, but he doubted it would be that easy. It was nothing he had planned for in the future, and because of that it made him nervous.
"Now then," He said as he pushed himself to his feet and stepped back, letting Daen and Kasuga take the foreground. "I'd like to say it's been a pleasure doing business with you, but that would obviously be a lie. I'll leave the decision of my clan's position in regards to your army up to you until we reach Konoha, Kazekage, as long as it is sensible."
With a dismissive wave of his hand the Kazekage answered. "Very well, I'll send you the details at a later time. More importantly I would also like to remind you all it is up to us to avoid being detected before the attack, it is of the utmost importance we avoid any patrols and not be caught before due time." The Kazekage said darkly, facing Orochimaru, who only smirked in response.
He couldn't help but let out a small smirk of his own. Even if they were all suspicious of the others intentions, they now all relied on each other too much for them to back out. "Good day, gentlemen."
Damn it all to hell, her body was tired.
For the past several days, Tayuya had been forced to exercise alongside the guards of that annoying brat. Her back and arms were aching, though it took a backseat when she compared it to the state of her legs. Her muscles were trembling, and she really wasn't sure how much longer she'd be able to hold out.
That stupid pineapple headed pipsqueak had ordered all of his forces to increase their training, including her. Usually the thought of following any demand that kid had uttered would make her laugh, but for some reason Orochimaru had told her to obey his orders and actually protect the bastard, and as much as she disliked the Nara, she feared Orochimaru more.
It made her wonder what in the hell the kid had done to gain Orochimaru's approval, everyone tried to stay away as far as possible from the man, and the only reason that she protected the snake sanin was the increase in the style of life she got compared to the rank and file Oto ninja, well, that and you just don't say no to a man like Orochimaru if you wanted to live.
She wasn't a close combat ninja, this type of training was almost useless compared to other types she could be doing right now. The activity had been made even less enjoyable by the totally idiotic pastime the Nara had of demanding information out of her as the minutes had dragged on – military tactics, weapon capabilities, they had even thrown in a fucking philosophical question. She didn't know most of it because she didn't care about the crazy interest the clan had and its shitty traditions.
Admittedly this was an immense improvement compared to the Oto barracks, the mentally over there was basically fight for your survival. Over here it was just be incredibly lazy unless you absolutely had to do something, although with everyone preparing for a fight it had become a livelier place, and more tiresome. Still, she had to admit she enjoyed her time here more than she did in Oto, it almost felt like a vacation if not for the little brat she had to keep an eye out for.
It was already getting close to night fall and she'd been up since daybreak that morning, not to mention that she'd spent the entire day training with her Doki, followed by a spar with Kei, the guard having shown an interest in her for some reason. It wouldn't surprise her if she was just sizing her up to test her skills and know how to eliminate her. Although perhaps she was clouding her judgment from her experiences in Oto, but still, it was always better to be prepared.
"Listen up people." The one who called himself Daen and self-appointed drill instructor shouted across the training room.
Oh hell, what now?
"Time's up, relax, rest up and hit the beds, we'll be doing the same thing tomorrow"
"Hell yes." She said stiffly to herself. She'd been hoping once it was night it'd be over, but it had seemed like everyone around her suddenly had an intense desire to train themselves.
Daen then nodded at them before slowly turning on his heel and leaving them alone. He was probably going to bed, which meant they'd be left without someone ordering them around. At least she hoped that was it as she stifled a yawn and debated sleeping right there and then.
"It's still hard to believe we got stuck in the same room as Orochimaru and the Kazekage and no one died." Kasuga mentioned, putting his hands at the back of his head. "Hey Tayuya, what do you know about Oto? How was your life there?"
"Don't even start." She growled in response. "I'm going to sleep-"
"Come on, just tell us something to pass the time, no point in putting up a fight, we know you too well to be scared of you." Kei drawled lazily.
She turned her head to snarl that she should annoy someone else before something bad happened to them.
"Sometimes it's best to leave people to their own devices." Nobutake said quietly. "Our past is our own, and no one is obligated to share it."
"Exactly, at least someone has some sense!" She answered, for once grateful that one of them was around.
Kasuga turned his head slightly to stare at her for a moment before facing the ceiling. "We'll be heading out soon, if you're going to act like this the whole way it's bound to be a long trip."
Kei nodded. "It'll be hard to work with each other if we don't feel we know you, camaraderie and all that."
Tayuya grit her teeth. She hadn't joined Oto to become some gossip machine. Why the hell did they want to know more about her? Still, if it shut them up and let her go to sleep…
"My family was killed by Oto ninja, after that I joined Otogakure to be able to feed myself, got good enough to be recognized by Orochimaru, and then he sent me here, end of story." She said, practically snarling the history she'd usually never tell anyone, but she was desperately in need of sleep.
It finally shut them up and they stood in silence for a few seconds before Kasuga finally huffed. "That makes no sense. Your family was killed by Oto and yet you joined them?"
"I joined Oto because I was starving." She snarled. "Once I became strong enough I killed those responsible, and that's the end of that."
Nobutake slightly bowed his head slightly in appreciation. "Thank you for sharing your history with us."
Tayuya could only nod back.
"But why are you staying with them, I don't get why would anyone willingly submit themselves to serving under people like Orochimaru for a country that isn't even their own?"
Damn it Kasuga, when the hell did they get so relaxed around her to ask all these questions, it was getting ridiculous.
Tayuya kept her head down, a frown evident on her lips. "Oto pays steadily, regardless of your past. As long as you prove your strength, you are rewarded."
"For money? You work for a guy like Orochimaru for money?" He asked, audibly appalled.
Tayuya glared at him. "You've obviously never had to live a hard life, with your entire clan providing everything for you."
It was true; they had all probably spent their lives in the safe confines of their clans while they grew up, even with their massacre they still had the older survivors like Nobutake to look after them. For her entire life Tayuya could only rely on herself and her strength. They didn't know what it was like to starve, or to sleep out on the street without a roof over her head. There was no reason for the idiot to judge her like that.
"Do me a favor and shut up." Tayuya said as she left, deciding that she should have separated herself from them a long time ago.
Shikamaru had been evaluating the clan's organization and status when he heard a cough at the entrance of his tent. With a glance quick glance upwards he told the person to enter.
Ensui marched in, a troubled look on his face. "Shikamaru, I believe we should talk."
Shikamaru tensed at that, but Ensui would not be here just to talk about nonsense, no doubt it was something he believed to be important. "Go on."
"I will follow you no matter what, you know that, but what I'm not sure you fully understand what is about to happen, what we plan to do… will bring destruction of the kind you have never seen."
Shikamaru grimaced painfully, as if Ensui had physically struck him. "The clan massacre is still fresh in my mind Ensui, I know what war brings, and I experienced it firsthand."
"I know that was a horrible time, many of us still cannot completely stop thinking about that day, but war brings misery and destruction on a completely different scale." Ensui sounded almost sympathetic. "No one should ever truly want a war. You've seen violence, you've suffered loss. But you have seen nothing of war."
As Ensui continued to talk, the look in his eyes told him that he was remembering the past. "War is not just the business of death. It is the opposite of life. Hope tortured, reason dismembered. Decency raped to death."
The boy's face was blank for a moment before he rose from his seat and turned his back on him to walk out of the tent, with Ensui following him as he looked at the sun setting outside. "What do you want of me? Stop all of this, go back to our village and wait until Konoha's Anbu discover us?"
At this Ensui bowed his head. "I only wish to warn you, there will be consequences, and our actions could easily haunt all of us for the rest of our lives."
Damn it all, he knew! He knew what would happen, he knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself, but he had no choice! Fate had determined to make his path full of fire, and though he could see the flames he had no choice but to move forward!
"I know there's no glory in this. I haven't asked for this crap!" As Shikamaru spoke his emotions made way into his voice, becoming louder and louder. "This trouble came to me; ever since I was born it's been that tragedy that has dictated my life!"
Shikamaru was practically shouting at this point. "To hell with Orochimaru, to hell with the Kazekage, and to hell with Konoha!"
While breathing heavily and trying to catch his breath, he heard himself whisper "I have no choice."
He felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up to find Ensui staring at him, trying to comfort him. "It's true Shikamaru, perhaps this is all just fate, but now that we find ourselves in this position, all we can hope to do is to minimize the damage we cause, it will never take away our sins, but we owe it to those who have done nothing to us."
With this Ensui started to walk away. "If you ever need me, you only need to call for me and I'll be at your side." Then with a nod the man left Shikamaru, knowing that the child would prefer to be with himself for the moment.
Shikamaru could only lie down on the ground and look at the red tinted sky, trying to calm his mind. The boy tried his hardest never to have an outburst like that in front of others, it would make him seem not in control and as a child it would give a horrible image. Shikamaru was a clan head, a person meant to lead armed ninja did not act like he had just acted.
Shikamaru was relieved it had only been Ensui who heard his outburst, he trusted the man, and knew that it would be kept between themselves. He was also thankful, the man had seemingly known Shikamaru was under pressure, and allowed him to release it with him, instead of doing it in front of others.
Now Shikamaru had been able to clear his mind, and although what he was doing could definitely not be called good, he had to do his best, for his clan.
Tayuya followed in the boy's entourage in an agitated state. Shikamaru's mood had taken a turn for the worst after receiving news that they would be part of the initial infiltration group and she couldn't help but notice the suspicious, sideways glances the boy kept sending her way. Shikamaru's gaze was quickly becoming annoying; she felt it on her every time the kid looked her way.
"And? What do they expect me to do now?" The clan head asked of Ensui as they trailed in his wake while he stretched his legs from all of the planning he had done. They were close to Konoha, as evidenced by the forest they were now in. It was as suitable a time to take a break as possible.
"The two Kage have decided that it is best for you to disguise yourself with the Suna delegation." Ensui replied easily, as though used to discussing these topics. "They plan for you to personally help with specific placements of the infiltration troops, since they deem our knowledge with Konoha valuable now that Orochimaru will be busy with keeping up appearances."
Shikamaru sighed and leaned back against a nearby tree. "I feel it more likely they just want to keep me close and under control" He muttered, shooting Tayuya another suspicious glance. "Or is it that they suspect something?" Unlike on previous occasions that afternoon, this time she strove to meet the kid's gaze.
'What the hell was his problem?'
"Are you suggesting that I had something to do with all of this?" She asked.
"Are you suggesting that you didn't? The fact that you constantly see all that we do freely has always annoyed me. I can't help but wonder what you might be planning." The clan head countered.
Tayuya completely hated the fact that he expected her to actually try to convince him of her innocence, she honestly didn't care what the worm suspected of her, but for some reason Orochimaru seemed to like the kid if her orders to obey the brat was any indication. Which of course meant she had no choice in the matter, because if Orochimaru ever found out she disobeyed him...
She looked at him in the eyes without hesitation, gritting her teeth at what she would have to say. She had hoped he would never find out Orochimaru had commanded her to listen to him, but she reluctantly admitted that the kid was smart, and would probably figure it out eventually. "I don't know anything about this, my job isn't to play spy anyways. I'm just here to make sure you don't kick the bucket before everything is finished."
'Damn whatever had possessed Orochimaru to think favorably upon the kid!'
"Then how do you explain their sudden caution towards me?" Shikamaru asked, arching an eyebrow in confusion as his eyes turned to wonder at her change of demeanor.
"Whatever their reasons, I had no hand in their decision." Tayuya answered.
"Dispelling suspicion with the careless use of 'I don't know' is a good way to get yourself killed, Tayuya." The brat replied casually, now testing her new found compliance.
She didn't move from her place in front of the clan head. "All I can do is tell you that I don't know anything about it, brat."
Shikamaru snorted and looked away, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared out at the forest around them. "Whatever you say, Tayuya. But do not make the mistake of thinking that I believe you."
She bit back her immediate retort and decided to try to calm herself. There was no point in fighting him anymore. Especially not now that she'd been put in this dumb position. She wasn't an idiot. She knew what it meant. She would be a fool to keep being so aggressive now that Orochimaru had given him so much power over her, whether he knew it or not.
"Whatever you say, princess."
"So obedient." The boy sighed without even looking her way. "Though perhaps not so respecting, and yet so different from the cocky girl who cursed at me the first time we met. Why is that?"
Tayuya grimaced at the reminder of what was likely to remain the worst moment of her entire career, babysitting an annoying worm, but answered the questions anyway. "Because Orochimaru has made his intention clear towards you."
"And what intention is that?" Shikamaru asked and, though neither of them moved, both Ensui and Daen tensed as though ready to attack.
"That apparently you impressed him enough for you to interest him." She answered.
Shikamaru's gaze snapped around to her with a dark glint. "Did he say that?" He demanded, tone bewildered.
"Not in so many words, but he rarely sends his own forces to protect others." She said.
The prince gave her a hard look for a moment before lowering his head as a smirk appeared on his face. "You're a fool, Tayuya. Orochimaru would never be so stupid as to want you to openly tell me this. I know that whenever something interests that snake, the subject in question usually goes through many horrible things. That man is many things, but stupid isn't one of them."
"There's no reason for him to want you, it's only a passing interest." She insisted.
The brat gave her an ugly smile that was half sad and half snide. "I'm sure that if you think very hard, there's something else that he intends for you to do here." Shikamaru said before heading out, his group following in his wake.
Tayuya watched him go with a frown on her lips. What if it was true that she had disclosed something Orochimaru had never wanted Shikamaru to have known? What Shikamaru had said about Orochimaru made sense, but so did her own convictions that he had simply been interested in what would happen to the kid. After all, what reason would the snake sanin have to seriously consider Shikamaru as an interest above all of his other 'experiments'?
She sighed and with a shudder hurried after the group to catch up. Whatever happened from now on, he knew the truth about her orders, and perhaps inadvertently about Orochimaru. Tayuya sincerely hoped the sanin wasn't planning something else for Shikamaru, because if she had just accidentally warned the clan head of that possibility, and if Orochimaru found out she had ruined his plans, her end would be a painful and drawn out affair.
A/N
After so long I'm back! Hopefully this chapter helps to start making up for the long absence.
Rewrote what I've done, hopefully finding all the mistakes, also replaced some OC Nara names with canon, though things won't change much since in canon they weren't given much character.
Well, can't think of much else I need to say, suggestions and criticisms are always welcome, until next time!
