Shikamaru's POV
The forest was silent. Inside the storage cabin, two young ninjas were exchanging glances without saying words. Shikamaru thought that now one person knew about the problem with his father. And that person was Neji. Now the Hyuga was aware of something about him that no one else knew. That made him feel somewhat pressured, and it provoked a sense of nakedness and of extreme exposure on him. It was uncomfortable and strange, but at the same time, intimate. He remembered the night of that unfortunate branch member's death in Hisao's hands. The moment when he covered Neji's mouth with his hand and tried to calm the boy's crying. The Hyuga had stuck its huge, terrified eyes on Shikamaru's, as if they were the only thing he could hold on to for not screaming. Although there were other people present, there had been intimacy at that time, too. That look had touched the Nara somewhere deep. He had connected with the other ninja's pain. And the current situation reminded him a bit of that moment. Had Neji connected with his pain? That thought made a nice warmth spread across his chest.
"What the hell I am thinking? May the fall had messed up my brain, please", he told himself. Neji must had consider that they had look at each other for to long, because he averted his eyes.
-Maybe we should check that your father has arrived home okay. -he said.
-Nah. -Shikamaru answered. -The deer will check on him. If he passes out on the way they'll let me know.
-Strange behavior for deer. -Neji commented.
The Nara shrugged.
-They're pretty special deer.- he retorted.
-That reminds me, I wanted to ask you: -the Hyuga started interroguin. -my Byakugan doesn't work in this forest. Why does that happens?
-Right. -the Nara said. Of course, Neji didn't know anything about that place, and he had obviously tried to activated his unique vision. -The Nara forest is not a common forest. It has a big connection with the Naras, and it sort of protect us, in return for taking care of the deer. It knows we don't appreciate being watch, so no ocular jutsu works here.
Neji frowned slightly in disbelief.
-"It knows"? -he repeated.
Shikamaru could understand that it sounded completely crazy.
-Yes. It's weird. But it kind of has a mind of its own. -he explained. -Like a collective consciousness among all the creatures that inhabit it. Trees, shrubs, animals. It's very particular. I bet you can't feel chakras like you usually do neither.
-No. -Neji agreed. -They come to me diluted and diffused.
The Nara nodded.
-Same reason. -he said. -Actually, if someone unwanted enters the Nara forest, the creatures and the vegetation will take care of kicking them out. It's a hell of a show.
-I did not know places like that existed. -the Hyuga confessed.
-Oh, yeah. There're many of them. If you're interested, I have a book about that somewhere here. It's call "Silent minds of nature". Page 263 it's about magic woods or sort.
Neji smiled surprised.
-How can you remember the exact page? -he asked.
Shikamaru shrugged again.
-My memory is pretty detailed. -he said, not giving it much importance.
After a few moments, the Hyuga stood up and began to accommodate the piles of blankets he had been using as a bed.
-You should sleep here. -he stated while he smoothed the surface with his hands. -Your body will recover better from the hits.
-No, you take it. I'm okay here. -the Nara answered.
Neji looked at him like silently saying "Right, I'm sure you do".
-Really. -Shikamaru insisted. -I've sleep in this floor many times, and besides I don't even want to move all the way over there. -He let himself slide slowly along the wall, until he reached the floor. There he settled on his back and closed his eyes. As soon as he did, he realized how exhausted he was. -I'll pass out before you notice.
-If you say so. -the Hyuga accepted.
He got to heard the older ninja finish settling the bed and lay down, but short seconds later he had already sunk in his dreams.
He woke up at morning with a throbbing pain in his spine. It helped him to remember right away that he had slept on the floor, and why. He opened his eyes slowly so as not to be dazzled by the sun's clearness, and inspected the room.
Apparently Neji was already gone. He sat down leaning on one of his hands and took the other to his head. He still felt a little bother due to the fall. With his peripheral vision he caught the presence of a strange object: it was Neji's pot of medicinal balm. He had left it in a visible place, probably for him to use it. Shikamaru remembered the smell of the medicine, along with the Hyuga's fingers touching his lips, and then his small pale hand caressing his cheek. He shook his head at the memory. No matter how good the intention to leave it there for him was, he decided that it would be best not to even get close to the jar.
He got up and put on his pants and sandals, but his green vest was stained with blood. He was going to have to invent some excuse for his mother to wash it. Luckily he had some blouses in the cabin, along with other clothes he had been leaving there. He rummaged in a pile that was over a desk and took a black shirt with long sleeves and low neck that wasn't very tight. He put on it above his Nara clan network shirt. Then he adjusted his ponytail, and left the room.
It was around eight thirty in the morning. He walked slowly towards the Hokage Mansion, thinking that he could stop for a few moments to eat something.
He was about to get decide for that option, when a voice called him from behind.
-Nara, Shikamaru? -it said.
He turned around and saw a senior jounin.
-The Godaime Hokage requests to see you.
Shikamaru made a lazy face.
-This early? -the comment didn't seem funny to the guy. The Nara simply thanked the information and started walking towards Tsunade's office.
When he arrived, he announced himself and waited patiently behind the door to be received. After a few moments, Shizune's voice told him to pass. He slided the tatami door and entered the room.
The Hokage was sitting behind her desk, holding a folder. The first thing she did was notice the wounds on his face.
-What happened to you? -she asked seriously.
Shikamaru put his hands in his pockets.
-I got my ass kik on training. -he lied calmly.
Tsunade looked at him reprovingly.
-Language. -she warned, and added: -You should practice harder, Shikamaru. Now, I have a mission for you. -she handed him the document.
The boy stepped forward and took it. He opened it and quickly read the details while Tsunade explained them to him.
-We have detected there is someone trading prohibited seals in Saoritoshi. Do you know where it is? -Shikamaru nodded. It was a very important commercial city just a few hours away from Konoha. People made purchases and exchanges of all kinds there. It wasn't strange that the black market also proliferated. -It's a very delicate situation, due to the nature of the seals.
-Gisei Seals. -Shikamaru commented, while reading the mission request. -They're made to extract people's chakra, but they require a sacrifice. The spell absorbs the victim's life and prevents the chakra from dissipating, allowing it to be stored and used. -the Nara clicked his tongue. -Pretty twisted.
-Exactly. -the Hokage said. -Making these types of stamps is forbidden. For years the controls didn't show records of them. But if there is someone selling them, it means...
-There may be someone performing sacrifices. -Shikamaru concluded.
-Yes. -Tsunade agreed with him. -I need you to go there and find out more about the subject: the names of those who sell them, where they learned the scriptures to make them, and in what places they trade. Try to discover also who is buying them. You'll have to go undercover.
-All right. -the Nara said with little energy. -A regular information gathering mission.
The Godaime nodded.
-Saoritoshi is not close, so it would take you a couple of days. Take all the time you need to get as much data as possible. -she stated. -Take your teammates with you, but also teams five, seven and eight.
-Twelve ninjas for an espionage mission? -Shikamaru asked. -Sounds like a lot.
-I know. -the woman answered. -But since there have not been many missions lately, most of them pass the days lazing around in the village. A little activity will be good for them.
In his mind, the Nara understood that basically she wanted to use him as a nanny so the unoccupied shinobis wouldn't interfere with the daily work.
With a resigned breath, he retired to begin gathering the team.
He walked through Konoha's streets thinking about the shortest route to find all his companions, when a familiar voice caught his attention.
-Nara Shikamaru awake this early? -it said. -I must be having visions.
He turned his head towards the sound, to see a young blonde girl who watched him with an ironic smile.
-Temari. -he greeted, and approached the kunoichi. -What are you doing here?
-Exchanging routine reports about border records. -she answered. -How have you been?
-There hasn't been much work lately, so fine. -he said.
-Classic Shikamaru. -she commented smiling. But then she noticed the cut on the boy's lip, and the bruising on one side of his nose. -What happened to your face?
-Training incident. -he lied automatically. -Sometimes Ino takes it very seriously.
She giggled.
-You keep losing with little girls? Some capitan you are. -she mocked.
-Yeah, well. What about you? How're things going?
-Everything normal. -Temari narrowed her eyes and looked at him mischievously. -What are your plans for today? We could meet later at night to... catch up. -she winked.
-Sounds okay, -the Nara started answering. -but I'm leaving for a mission now. I won't be back for some days. Too bad. -he realized he didn't feel bad about it at all.
She waved her hand to dismiss his words.
-I'm staying for a week. -she said. -We will meet when you get back.
Shikamaru traveled quickly in his mind to that moment in the future, and thought that he would have to invent some good excuse to get away. He didn't want to stop to think why now the idea of being alone with Temari didn't appeal to him in the least.
-Sure, we'll see. -he mumbled. -Well, duty calls. Got to go summon my team. I'll see you around, okay?
They said goodbye and left in opposite directions.
The young Nara decided the shortest way of gathering all his friends was recurring to Shino. He looked for the boy in his house, and explained the situation to him. Then Shikamaru wrote in several papers a note with a meeting place and his name underneath, and asked Shino to make his insects take them to all member of the 4 teams. No doubt Ino wouldn't be happy with the method he had chosen, but that didn't worry him.
The two ninjas sat on a bench on the main road waiting for the others to arrive. Shino didn't ask any questions about the marks on his face, and the Nara silently thanked him. He was a discreet and silent guy, and he liked that about him. He never snooped or asked for explanations, so it wasn't necessary to lie to him.
A few minutes later everyone arrived. Shikamaru stood up and put his hands in his pockets.
-We have a mission. Prepare to spend a few days away. -he said talking to all the presents. -It's and undercover mission, so we won't' use our uniforms nor our badges. Leave your Hitai-ate and get some civilian clothes.
-Wait a second! -Ino shouted, and pointed her finger at him with an alarmed face. -You are wounded! What happened?
Damn troublesome woman. Luckily the Nara had foreseen her reaction and had already planned a good answer strategy.
-I`m not. -he said looking at her boredly. -You must be confuse. Like I was saying, -he continued as if nothing. -leave everything that identifies you as ninjas. I don't want weapons in sight...
-What? Are you kidding me? -Ino replied, approaching to him and pointing at his face. -Your nose is bruised and you have a deep cut in your mouth.
-No, I don't. -he answered, intentionally evading her eyes.
His teammate gave him a look of exasperation.
-I can see them, Shikamaru.
-Maybe you have spots on your corneas. You should get that checked out. -he retorted evasively.
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Neji following his words carefully. He probably sensed that everything that would come next would be pure acting. It wasn't going to help much to the impression the Hyuga had of him. But he had no other way out. Neji was about to see his lying skills in action.
-Shikamaru! Stop playing dumb and tell me what happened to you! -Ino demanded.
The boy looked up grumbling and muttered:
-I don't wanna tell you.
-Why not? -she questioned, putting her hands in her hips.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes a little.
-Cause you'll make fun of me. -he said.
Ino narrowed her eyes at this, and seemed to think about what might have happened to his friend that he didn't want to confess to her. After a few seconds, the realization appeared on her face, and she looked at him jeeringly.
-I know... -she started with evident amusement. -You fell asleep standing up and hit your face to the ground, didn't you?!
The Nara didn't respond. He just huffed and grimaced, pretending annoyance.
-HA! -the kunoichi exclaimed leaning her head back. She looked delighted. -I told you a million times that someday it would happen!
Done. He hadn't prounince the words, so theoricaly he hadn't lie. He had just not corrected Ino's supposition. That was one of his favorite technics: give only some clues, and let the interrogator draw its own answers.
-Yeah, yeah, whatever. -Shikamaru finally said to end the conversation. -Anyway, you have an hour to go home and put on regular, discrete clothes. Don't take large backpacks that attract attention. Carry only the indispensable things. We'll meet at Konoha's entrance to leave.
He spoke these words without looking at Neji at any time, but he could feel the boy's eyes nailed to him. He only moved when he sensed the Hyuga retiring with his cousin, and started walking towards his own place to change.
His mother wasn't at home. He knew she had already left for her morning tasks. His father slept deeply in his bed, stinking of alcohol. Shikamaru didn't even stop to look at him. He went straight to his room and pick up a light blue jean only a little ragged and a black t-shirt with short sleeves. He put them on and looked for a discrete bag. He found one, and placed a bunch of protective and camouflage seals on it, just in case.
Finally he took a couple of maps, a lighter and a pack of cigarettes from the top of a shelf, and walked towards the kitchen. He grabbed a few leftovers from the previous night from the refrigerator and left eating and walking slowly.
Everybody returned to the meeting place with regular clothes. Shikamaru tried not to stare much at Neji, who wore a light blue blouse and traditional black pants. Just by looking at him from the corner of his eye, he could conclude that that sky color contrasted deliciously with the Hyuga's dark thick hair. But what caught his attention most was that, although he wasn't wearing his Hitai-ate, he had a black ribbon covering his forehead. The Nara realized he had never seen Neji's cursed seal.
As soon as the whole team was reunited in Konoha's entrance, they set out.
It would take them approximately 5 hours to reach their destination. That meant that on that day they would have few hours of light to make inquiries. The best thing would be to let the first night pass, and start early the next morning. While he considered this and reviewed everything he knew about the city they would visit, his companions chatted nonchalantly.
-Saoritoshi has a great clothes market. -Ino commented illusionate. -They have the most beautiful fabrics.
-I heard there are street artist who make you a rock sculpture of your face at the moment. -Tenten added. -Sounds fun, right, Neji? -she asked his friend.
-Yeah. Maybe they can sculpt a smile on Hyuga's real face. -Kiba said with malice.
Neji just frowned lightly, but ignored him. Shikamaru thought it had been an unnecessary provocation, but it was usual that Kiba messed with everyone, although he had something special against the Hyuga. He felt a certain rivalry towards him because he had always mastered training exercises much faster than him, and in his frustration he usually attacked him with incisive comments. But Neji always responded with a look of indifference, which irritated the Inuzuka even more.
-Shut up you. -Tenten told him.
-I'm just saying, -Kiba continued. -the rock face won't be as hard as his own.
-At least he doesn't smell like a wet rag like you. -the kunoichi spat back.
-Very tough, Hyuga, let a girl defend you. -Kiba pressed.
Akamaru cried and lowered his ears next to him. Apparently he didn't like what his owner was transmitting. Neji didn't flinch.
Tenten was about to retort once more, but the Hyuga stopped her.
-Just ignore him. -he told his friend, and hearing that made Kiba evidently angry.
-Oh, don't I even deserve a direct answer from you, your highness?
"What the hell is wrong with him?", Shikamaru thought, now listening with attention. He knew Kiba was a hot head, but this was too sudden and come from nowhere.
-That is right. -Neji said with a firm voice. -You are not worth it.
That made the younger ninja went red of fury.
-Fuck you, Hyuga! -he started saying, clenching his fists. -I...!
-Cut it off, you two! -Shikamaru interrupted firmly. -I don't want troubles in this trip. Behave.
The rest of the way was quite calm. They talked about what they could find in the city, and about the questions they should ask to gather information. Kiba didn't attack Neji again, but the Nara noticed that from time to time he gave the older boy resentful glances. He wondered what might be going through the Inuzuka's mind.
They stopped shortly before reaching Saoritoshi. Shikamaru ordered that they enter alone or in groups of two, and that they do it at different times. That would make it seem like they didn't know each other. Many people went in and out of the city at all hours, so it wouldn't be difficult to pass unnoticed. Soon it would be dark, so it would be best to find where they would spend the night first. The better strategy was that all them stay in different guest houses, so he commanded that each group or people look for their own room.
Shikamaru entered alone. He decided to take a walk to inspect the city before looking for a place. He still had the last afternoon lights to snoop around a little.
Indeed, Saoritoshi was a commercial city. In addition to the countless stores, there were huge amounts of people selling things on the streets. Men and women of all ages walked from one side to the other screaming to each other. It didn't seem like a place where he would like to live.
When it got dark, the only thing that changed was that the store lights went on. The activity didn't go down at any time. If Shikamaru had known that, he would have ordered start with the investigation that night. Especially when lots of bars began to open. He knew that alcoholics tend to have a loose tongue. He had learned that from Jiraiya: taverns are a juicy source of information. He wished his teammates would realize that too. But immediately after, he wished they wouldn't. He didn't even want to imagine Naruto and Kiba fighting drunk in front of everyone.
Acting distracted, he walked calmly with his hands in his pockets, observing. He studied the different groups of people, and their attitude. If he paid attention, there were many who spoke in a low voice and checked if they were being watched.
There sure was a lot of illegal market running in that place. It wouldn't be so easy to find his bandits. Although an issue involving sacrifices supposed that they would be cautious. Maybe that busy place was not the best place to look.
He went into a bar and tried to listen to some conversations. Most of them were from people telling what they had managed to buy in the city. And some items were bizarre: spiritual relics, sexual objects, magical talismans, narcotics, weapons, stamps for all kinds of things. A lady had bought an extract of salamander glands to attract men.
Shikamaru was sure that more than half of all that stuff was illegal. How could they sell it quietly on the streets between regular stores? He knew the answer: corruption in controls, for sure.
So in addition to the problem of the guys selling Gisei Seal, he would have to report this situation too. But in the meantime, he surely could find some interesting things to take home with him.
He was observing some curious statuettes carved in wood when a familiar sound caught his attention. It seemed like Kiba's loud laugh. He raised his head to see at the Inuzuka with a glass in his hand trying to get Lee to take a sip, while Neji and Shino told him to stop.
Shikamaru approached walking slowly until he could hear the conservation.
-Lee, don't do it. -Neji was saying, apparently with little patience already.
-C'mon! Just a sip! -Kiba insisted laughing. -It doesn't have alcohol.
-Yes it does. I saw you buying it. -Shino intervened.
-Shut up, Shino! I swear it has nothing, Lee.
-Don't believe him. -Neji stated firmly.
-Do you never let anyone have fun, Hyuga? -the Inuzuka nailed his eyes in the older ninja.
-It is not going to be fun if he drinks. -Neji answered frowning deeply. -Like I told you, he gets out of control. And we are on an undercover mission. Stop behaving like an infant.
That made Kiba burn with anger and he released Lee to come face to face with the Hyuga.
-Oh, because you're much more mature, right? -he asked.
-Than you? Yes, evidently. -Neji replied without backing up one inch.
When it seemed that the Inuzuka was about to go into physical violence, Shikamaru caught up with them.
-What the hell are you doing?! -he rebuked them as low as he could. -Do you want us to get caught?
-Shikamaru! -Lee slimed at him. -Kiba kindly wanted to invite me with drink, but Neji-kun and Shino-kun say it can have alcohol. -he arched his huge eyebrows.
-It can't. -the Hyuga stated. -It has. Don't be naive, Lee.
-Lee can't have alcohol, man. We've been warned about that millions of times. -the Nara said frowning at Kiba. -C'mon, dude, stop fooling around.
Kiba only grumbled and finally left offended, followed by Shino.
-I don't know what's going on with him. -Shikamaru said scratching his head.
-We met them a few moments ago and he started saying that Neji-kun was too stiff and that it made him a too structured ninja. -Lee explained. - So I asked him what was the secret to not being a stiff ninja and he offered me the drink. But Neji-kun believes that it might not be an official technique.
Neji rolled his eyes at Lee's innocence, but didn't say a thing.
-He messed with you again, hum? - Shikamaru asked.
The Hyuga shrugged.
-Yes, but he has always done it. Since the Academy. -he answered.
-Yeah. I don't know why he has it with you. -the Nara said.
Neji made a face showing that he didn't know and didn't care. But Shikamaru told himself he should delve into the matter latter.
Lee spotted a very extravagant shop that sold training suits, and marveled at a pair of spandex-tights. He offered to buy one for Neji, but the boy rejected it politely. They watched him as he ran excitedly to the store.
-No one seems to be taking this job very seriously. -Shikamaru commented.
-It is an exciting city, I guess. -Neji replied. Then he looked at the Nara's face. -How are you?
Shikamaru looked back at him bewildered and discovered that he was staring at his wounds. It was the first time they were alone since the scene with his father.
-All right. -he answered. -Thanks for the balm. -He observed vaguely the people who were still circulating. -Have you found out something?
-Not yet. -Neji replied. -You?
-Nah. Except that this place is the realm of black market. Maybe we should call it a night.
They decided to wait for Lee and go find a guest house. But the boy didn't show up. They went to the store to look for him, but he wasn't there anymore.
-I hope he doesn't get into trouble. -Neji said.
-We'll have to trust his judgment. -the Nara commented.
-Then do not make yourself many illusions. -Neji concluded as they started walking.
They stopped at the first hostel they found, but Shikamaru hesitated before entering.
-I can stay in a different place, if you want. -he said, weighing that perhaps the Hyuga would want to be as far as possible from him, having in mind previous nights they had spent together.
-It is okay. -Neji answered. -We will just ask for two rooms.
But inside, the grumpy and disheveled old man who ruined the guesthouse told them he had only one left.
-Does it have two futons? -Neji asked him.
-Just once, but can make my son put one more. -the man said.
-We will take it, then. -the Hyuga closed the deal.
When a few moments later they were told that the room was ready, both ninjas headed there.
In effect, there were two very modest futons on the floor with a candle in the middle, and a tiny bathroom. That was all. Shikamaru bent down and lit the candle with his lighter, and then did the same with a cigarette. He went to the window and leaned on the frame, smoking and looking out.
-What a busy place. -he said, feeling tired by just looking at all that accelerated people. Being alone with the Hyuga again made him somewhat tense. He felt he had to make conversation until they fell asleep so the situation wouldn't turn uncomfortable. -This is where official kingdom coins were issued originally. Maybe that's why it's still a central point of the trade.
-Why here? -Neji asked.
-There was an azurite mine near this location. First coins were made from that. Then they overexploited it until it ran out, and change to copper.
Neji laughed lightly.
-Do you also know the history of coins? -he teased him.
Shikamaru told himself he should stop throwing stupid data like a snob.
-Yeah. -he said smiling ashamed. -But thanks to that I know that first coins on history were made with children teeth. -and he had just did it again.
-Gross. -Neji exclaimed with a grimace.
-Dead children, relax. -when he realized this last comment had not sounded as expected, he corrected himself: -I mean, children dead of natural causes. I think so, at least.
-Thank you, that is more than I need to know. -Neji stopped him. -Kami, where do you get those things from?
Shikamaru shrugged, as he always did when asked that.
-I don't know, I've just read it somewhere. -he answered.
Neji's POV
When the Nara finished his cigarette, he blew out the candle and they both laid on their futons to sleep. Neji turned his back on the other ninja and set on his side, but didn't closed his eyes. He waited for about fifteen minutes for the dream to reach him, but it didn't happen. He was distracted by Shikamaru's slow breathing over the tumult that came from outside. He wondered if he, too, was having trouble sleeping, and decided to activate his Byakugan. To his surprise, the Nara had his eyes wide open and his gaze fixed on the ceiling. His expression was indecipherable, and Neji wondered what could he be thinking.
He watched him for a long time, during which the younger ninja continued the same. He came to think that maybe he had fallen asleep with his eyes open, but he could see him blinking from time to time, so it couldn't be.
Neji studied his sharp face and piercing black eyes. He noticed that he had not untied his hair, and realized he had never seen him without his ponytail.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Shikamaru started to slowly turn his face to look at the Hyuga's back. His expression remained cryptic, but slowly it began to show other things, although Neji didn't know how to call them or describe them.
Long minutes passed. Without moving a muscle, the Nara began to gaze down Neji's body, from his head to his feet, with such intensity that the Hyuga could almost feel it in his skin.
The boy continued watching him until certain sadness seemed to appear in his eyes. He frowned and quickly looked back at the ceiling.
What had that been?, the older ninja asked himself. Shikamaru remained with his gaze fixed for a another long moment. So long that when Neji fell asleep, he still hadn't closed his eyes.
Chapter ten posted! I never imagined I would write this many.
Hope you're still enjoying the story. : )