Chapter 40

Siata's living room was mainly for meals and had a long veranda bordering it from the outside. If the sliding doors opened it overlooked a small training area. The food they'd bought was simple but filling- ramen and some left over salted fish she'd kept. They sat on the wooden veranda, using the small table to place their dishes on and ate.

The ramen and the juices sloshed as Siata wrapped them around her chopsticks. She blew on it then brought the lump to her lips, opening wide and then slurped the entire thing. Bursts of sweet and sourness filled her mouth; there was just enough spice for it to bring the right amount of tears and Shikamaru chuckled while gulping down some of his ramen soup with fish.

There was something else that was distracting her. A sweet smell coming off of Shikamaru. While she ate she slightly observed him and felt confused when their eyes met, feeling a shock run through her. She jerked her gaze away, busying herself with her ramen. She kept her head down after he caught her before she could feign indifference.

"What is it?"

"… I thought something was on your face" she couldn't think of a better excuse. Her cheeks hot from the steam of ramen, skin prickling. When he turned to clear the dishes his gaze flickered to hers steadily regarding her when she looked up again.

Absently, she shuffled over a few of her hair slipping forward to hang over her eyes as they both washed the dishes. Shikamaru scrubbed the oil off the fish container a small smile lifted the corner of his mouth.

Without meaning to she found herself leaning in and they ceased their scrubbing motions which strangely made her chest hollow. It took a while to come back to herself to notice he was waiting for her.

"What did you say?" Siata asked him to repeat himself quickly meeting his eyes again and feeling an impossible flush. What was wrong with her today? Her hands felt heavy and awkward as they finished putting the last dish on the drying rack. It was like she was aware of every swallow and pulse in her veins. The dinner had been very good and maybe she'd just eaten too well. Shikamaru seemed unconcerned by her being close so maybe it wasn't the food.

"Can I shower?" he said scratching some of the dry dirt on his arm that was starting to itch. Today she was acting so weird around him- It had to be that smell. Maybe he'd rolled on some flowers in the Nara forest. A shower would solve the problem then.

"Sure go ahead, oh and I moved the towel box- it's in that small cupboard next to my room and it's on the bottom shelf" She waved her hand upstairs and he nodded.

"Found it." he shouted back.

She got a peak of him without his shirt and she could see his shoulders were broader than they had been before.

"You look older," she said.

Shikamaru stopped after throwing his shirt in the laundry bucket to turn to her. "Really?"

"Yeah," she nodded, "man time flies" she handed him his spare clothes which they usually kept on the third draw in her room.

She didn't keep any photos here, the furniture simple with a bed, study area and a closet. But the view from her wide window provided a scenic overview of the quiet Uchiha compound.

"You've grown up too." He said.

"You think so?" Siata beamed.

He looked away. "You have."

She measured their height difference and was shocked to find he was slightly taller. He just shrugged happy and went for his shower first. She loved that about him. He wasn't egoistic or prideful about his growth or strengths and it made it easier to not having to constantly clap her hands and say well done like a mother hen like she had to do for Sunshine and Duckling and well- for most of the boys she knew.

She was easy like a kid to the people close to her and a hard-head to others, so it helped if the people close to her took it easy on her, knowing she'd let them win in the end. So it made it that much more nice being close with Shikamaru, not having to deal with him throwing around his ego all the time like some other guys.

After his shower Siata had her turn and when she finished he dried her hair for her with the towel.

"So what are you doing tomorrow?" she asked through the ruffling

"Hmm well it's not urgent but Hokage-sama asked me to give a tour around Konoha for the Sand siblings, for building back the relations. I don't have to do it tomorrow but if I do I'd probably give them a tour around lunch then afterwards we can train again."

"sweet" she nodded.

The mention of the Sand siblings made her keep thinking about what Yugao-san had said.

"you need to reciprocate everything your best friend gives you or they'll start hating you, you know. Next thing- I don't know maybe that Temari girl will be his best friend"

She told him what Yugao-san had said and Shikamaru huffed continuing to scrub the towel into her hair. "I wouldn't stop being your best friend." His voice was warm, and she felt an answering tingle in her chest.

"But what if.. what about Temari? What if she wants to be your best friend?" she said almost desperately.

That was what had been worrying her now. She knew from canon Temari had been fascinated with Shikamaru and that had escalated really fast into a strong friendship to… to being together and maybe it was only a matter of time before they started falling for eachother. Then she'd probably have to distance herself for Temari's sake, Siata blinked. She could already tell the world was pushing them towards eachother.

This tour that hadn't even been canon was proof. Any other ninja could have been chosen to do the tour but no. She remembered what Shikamaru had told her about fated pairs in his clan… maybe Temari was his and she knew it was inevitable, so she was feeling miserable.

Shikamaru finished drying her hair and removed the towel. "Why? Do you want me to be her best friend?"

"No no, never mind. It's getting late so I'm just spouting nonsense- you should really go now." she shook her head and pulled at the loose thread on her panama pants.

Maybe Yugao-san was really right. If she didn't start doing something she really would lose Shikamaru's friendship and companionship to someone else.

Reciprocate… reciprocate. All she could think of was that peck on the lip he'd given her. That had been a joke and all, but she should try reciprocating as well. Ma-maybe not on the lips but she could give him a goodnight kiss on the cheek? Yeah! Her head was spinning as she worked herself up for this.

Come on Siata! You can manage this. Her fingers were twitching with nerves and Shikamaru stared at her with a confused look seeing she was getting worked up about something.

"Uh… Siata what-"

Siata managed a trembling peck on his- on his neck. How did hell did you miss that?! And you call yourself a ninja? Then she fully combusted into redness.

"Um, so then goodnight." She laughed trying to cover her mistake and waved him goodbye for today.

Shikamaru froze, then suddenly pushed her down on the bed and stared at her still combusting and unable to look up at him and meet his eyes.

Siata's mind was going haywire. Her thoughts jumbling up in overdrive when she imagined Shikamaru leaning down and giving her another peck-

Why the hell are you thinking of that Uchiha Siata! Stop it! What if he starts disliking us or something if he finds out what you're thinking!

She wanted to hide her face so bad. Her Uchiha genes cringing in pain from too much.. feels. Abort. Abort. But her face-flaming only got worse. She was close enough now that she could smell that nice scent of his again. She barely managed to stop herself from smiling like a goof.

Freaking what was wrong with me?!

Shikamaru could see her growing more and more confused, even as she unconsciously started tugging at his arms making him lean forward.

Shikamaru parted his mouth but didn't say anything, struggling with something then sagged.

He patted her hair to calm her down and made a sort of dying sound that managed to make her laugh.

She managed to relax even though a small part of her felt a tinge of pain knowing he didn't want to do more like she did. The aching helped her focus and come back to her normal self. She grinned a bit shyly at him.

She was surprised when Shikamaru pulled up the blankets and went in.

"Your sleeping over today?" Siata asked.

He huffed down on the pillow and she did too.

"Yeah. I don't think... It's possible to leave today." He sighed and pulled her closer. He must have been more tired today than she thought.

She grinned and tried her hardest to ignore her slight shaking as Shikamaru placed a hand on her stomach.

"Goodnight." she said to in a proud voice, and relaxed fully into her pillow snuggling in and grinning content. Soon afterwards her skin felt too warm, and she couldn't think as she nuzzled into Shikamaru. He took his time and then kissed her forehead making her mind white.

"Goodnight."

More heat rose up her neck as his hair fell around her, and she could smell nothing but him now. This was so… nice. Her mind was melting. She didn't even realise she'd reached out to touch some of his hair and he closed his eyes while she absently traced his face.

Siata eventually slept. Her chest rose and fell, and her expression softened. Shikamaru felt a bit stunned breathing in so close to her. She smelt sweet- like a baby. His heart just wouldn't calm down. And he found himself waking up several times in the night because of his dreams- a flicker of a smile, running together, the curve of her neck. The taste of her mouth – hot and sweet. The dreams were so vivid it shocked him awake. He took some moments to check he hadn't disturbed her then fixed his eyes on the ceiling, laying there and waiting long minutes until he could fall asleep again.

In the morning Siata woke up light-headed, body woozy with a slight fever. Watching Shikamaru stir beside her, his hand rested on her stomach, making her feel a slight panic again. Today she really didn't have the energy to do anything. Shikamaru woke up after a while with a groggy greeting, pulling her closer and napping away. Even though she was wide awake she didn't mind laying there until the sunlight hit her room and it was time to do things.

Or that was the plan. They mostly ate in silence, washed- she liked being able to stick with him and watch him do things like rubbing his towel over his face. She felt so giddy and savored the time she'd have with him today before he had to go for his tour job. Shikamaru murmured he wasn't going to do anything today and simply asked if she wanted to hang out at his place and she followed him. But when they got there all they could manage was to just lounge around on the couch and play some shoji.

For the next few hours it was the same thing they always did: Siata would come over and they would chat, play, nap and laugh as always. It was exactly the same. But every time the other smiled or just sat closer something inside them would brighten up and make them feel ten times happier.

And the naps felt really nice and warm but sometimes their skin would brush, and the fever would skyrocket making her eyes hurt. She couldn't understand why she was reacting like this. When he nuzzled her she couldn't even meet his eyes or kept having to pull back and rest on his shoulder instead. And she felt like crying a bit for no reason when he hugged her and asked if she was alright. She didn't understand what was going on but couldn't think very well and at least it felt nice to rest.

Siata didn't know how much time passed after that but the pounding of her heart in her head was so intense. She felt really sluggish and hot while they still sat together on the living room couch, not even talking anymore. Shikamaru would sometimes lean in a bit more and press his skin onto her cheek or neck and she would get hit by a wave of heat over again and have to slump a bit into him.

Everything felt too much, but she couldn't help but feel this rush of happiness inside because he was close, even though she was so happy that it started to hurt somehow. That had to be it. Her chest pain was getting worse and her breathing was shaky. Shikamaru wouldn't say anything but also smiled lazy, his skin felt a bit feverish too.

Yoshino and Shikaku were amusedly glancing at the two with sidelong glances. But after a while they realised Shikamaru and Siata were acting different than normal. Trying not to disturb them they discreetly came over to check on how they were doing with smirks on the faces.

But when they came over their eyes catalogued everything and took in all of the signs. It was familiar. They'd seen it before. There was no mistaking it.

They snapped up with wide eyes, meeting each other's, realising they were both right.

"But how is this possible Shikaku?! They're just 13 years old!"

"I don't know. But first let's help them out," said Shikaku.

They had a fever. Siata's far worse than Shikamaru's. Siata slumped a bit while Yoshino hushed her and patted her back as Yoshino carried her off upstairs. Siata reached a hand out for Shikamaru and he suddenly felt this was unbearable somehow and stood to go. But his dad stopped him.

"What is it dad? Is Siata sick?" He said worried not able to look away from the stairs she'd disappeared to.

"No. It's not that Shikamaru. I don't know how it happened but.. You two are showing signs of being recently bonded."

"...Huh? You mean like.. fated-pair bonded...? The thing you said about people sometimes becoming when they get married? But we can't be married? How?!"

"Yes. Now I know it's a lot to take in. But it's important to think Shikamaru. Can you recall of anytime you shared anything like vows with Siata in front of the deer?"

Shikamaru's mouth opened and closed. "But that.. That was a joke! It wasn't even proper vows, with daisy chains.." He remembered that huge gust of wind that had passed them when they finished talking. Was it really possible?

"If you regret it, although its unheard of I can try removing the bond-"

"No!" he felt angry with his father just mentioning it and spoke louder than he should have. "Don't. I don't regret it, It's just..." He put his head in his hands and blushed dark.

Shikaku stared at his son and then grinned wide, patting his back.

"Well what do you know, your mother and I knew all along you guys would become one someday, it's just happened faster than we thought it would but hey. Ninja life is short Shikamaru. I think, this is a gift more than anything... How do you feel about it?"

"I'm... Happy."

"Good. Then don't worry, you can figure out the rest slowly."

Shikamaru scrunched his hair. "Is this why I've been having those dreams about her lately? And her smell.."

"Yes. It's your heat. It happens when the bond is just formed. And because you guys still aren't used to it yet your much more sensitive to eachother. Smell is one of them. You'll feel like you want to stay close together, it's just a natural instinct in wanting to familiarise with eachother. And Shikamaru, you'll get slightly more aggressive if it's about her for now...did you notice that happened even towards me just then when I suggested to cut off the bond? It's like that- nothing crazy but just be aware of it."

Even when his father mentioned about breaking the bond again, the topic spiked something inside him which was really troublesome. He was never the angry type and normally did pretty well controlling his emotions or anger. Now it felt like another layer of restraint had been ripped off somehow.

"I do feel a bit more.. Exaggerated than normal." Said Shikamaru.

"Well the fever is part of it. As well as the urges. Shikamaru I know both you and Siata are mature but your both too young to handle a heat. I want you to stay away from her for at least a month until your heat dies down."

Something jerked inside him in refusal. He tried to calm it down and reason with it. If his father was suggesting this then he'd have good reasons. It almost sounded like he was protecting her from him in some way. But he'd never hurt her so maybe it wouldn't be so bad just to check up on her.

"...yeah. Troublesome. And her? Is she going to be ok?" Shikamaru asked.

Shikaku became very serious and explained clearly.

"Thats also another thing we need to talk about. Siata will get affected a lot if you are with her, to the point that she might pass out like she almost did just now. But don't worry it will only be like this for a month then things will be back to normal again."

"Why would she pass out?"

"Although I don't know myself... But from what I've heard. How can I explain this, troublesome. So during the heat the dominant person becomes more possessive and the submissive person becomes more perceptible, so they become more vulnerable like she is right now.. To the point that if they don't feel like they're pleasing their partner that the fever starts to build until it causes them pain, if the fever doesn't stay controlled she can die from it. But don't worry." Shikaku pulled Shikamaru down as he tried to rush to Siata instinctively, "your mother will sooth her and help her rest. Take it slow, what you guys have is something very rare in our clan... It's a precious thing to have found eachother so treasure her Shikamaru, you've done well with her so far." Shikaku ruffled his head, "oh and congratulations."

Shikamaru slowly nodded and smiled, "yeah.. Thanks dad. I'm... Going to go train or something at Choji's place."

"Hmmm. Ok, see you later then." Shikaku leaned back in his sofa and opened his newspaper and waited for his son to leave.

As soon as he did he dashed upstairs to see Siata-chan, the sweet girl was his daughter now. He felt slightly giddy. He and Yoshino had always wanted more children but hadn't been able to. Yoshino was already so taken with Siata it felt sort of right. A daughter. Shikaku ever so gently opened the door upstairs where Shikamaru's room was.

Yoshino was smiling softly at Siata, talking to her while Siata sat up against the wall on Shikamaru's bed with his blankets wrapped around her and unconsciously working herself up more because of Shikamaru's scent. Yoshino-san was calmly asking her to give his blanket back to Yoshino-san and she reluctantly unclenched it.

Yoshino made a pleased sound at the back of her throat beaming at Siata and praising her calmly, then gave her a fresh blanket and made her lie down comfortably on the bed, and patted her stomach. "Good girl." She patted her. "You did so well."

"I can't believe we're... Shikamaru and I are..." Siata mumbled,

"Yes dear, everything is fine, it's a lot to take in accepting each other's feelin-"

"..bonded friends." Siata finished her sentence.

Yoshino blinked at Siata then laughed.

"ah... Yes, you are now both very close friends." Yoshino tucked Siata's hair behind her ear looking at her adoringly. It calmed Siata down a bit more and she spoke honestly.

" I.. I feel confused Yoshino-san because I keep thinking of him too much and it muddles my mind... What if he'll dislike me for thinking this way? He might want to break our friendship Yoshino-san..."

Yoshino's eyes widened and she chuckled, wiping away some of the girls tears. She knew emotions got heightened in the beginning of the bond and helping her calm down would make this as painless as it possibly could get.

"Shh...sh...sh. Have a rest for now. I know that Shikamaru won't feel that way. You.. And him.. Treasured eachother a lot even before the bonding so don't think this will change how your... Friendship, will become."

"He's.. Happy? He won't think I'm being so weird?" She perked up and Yoshino covered Siata's eyes to help her sleep again.

"Silly girl, he'll be happy. More than you could have ever imagined. In a way you're not ready for just yet my dear. But thats perfectly alright. Your both still young and have your whole lives in front of you. Just remember this. To take your bond and friendship with him one day at a time and I know both of you will do just fine. Alright darling?"

"Okay." Siata slowly smiled relief showing on her face. When she finally got Siata off to sleep Yoshino silently slipped out.

When she closed the door she excitedly gushed to Shikaku whipping her head around to face to him from the door with a huge grin.

"Where is Shikamaru? Did you explain things to him?"

"Yes. He's taking it well, and he's gone to Choji's place for a while." Said Shikaku

"Oh we have to call over Inoichi and Choza's families and tell them today. I have to share this with the ladies. A bonded pair, in OUR family. Tell everyone to come over for dinner today at our house."

"I will dear. And how is she doing?"

"Shes responding well to praise and light petting. I've managed to sooth her enough that she's not feverish now.. Isn't she just so adorable." Yoshino hugged Shikaku and Shikaku laughed and hugged her back.

"Did you know she's still a bit confused about her feelings still? She called them.. Bonded friends." she covered her mouth and whispered amused, "oh my son is going to have a tough time with this one."

Shikaku barked out a laugh. "I heard what she said too. She is precious isn't she. I feel lucky to have her as a daughter."

"Mnn, who would have thought that lazy son of mine would manage to snag a girl this adorable as my daughter. My wishes in this life are all resolved now." Yoshino sighed happy.

"Come on, let's let her rest. And you need to get ready to get ambushed by every question and detail at the party. I'll break the news to the elders. They'll be delighted and want them officially holding the marriage ceremony right away or some nonsense for the clan but I'll put some sense into them, they'll see reason." Shikaku nodded

"They better. No one is going to force them into anything. Shikamaru and her can decide together when they're ready for that. And they can get married when they're in their 40's for all I care." Yoshino-san crossed her arms and agreed to Shikaku.

"Troublesome woman." Shikaku chuckled proudly, "don't you want to see the grand-kids faster? Although technically according to our clan law's they already are..." and he kissed her then was off to explain this to the clan elders.

Shikamaru had a thorough chewing out from Sasuke who wanted to ban him from seeing her for life. Kakashi held him back and they came to visit Siata. Naruto was so excited to see her and congratulate her, but they all had to leave shortly since she was still quite feverish and unwell.

Shikamaru's house was exploding with people. Yoshino-san's party ended up with almost the entire clan coming over to listen and discuss the news along with Inoichi, Choza's family and some important members of their clan as well.

Shikamaru was blushing a bit and avoiding the attention at all costs, but failed to escape from aunt Choza's bone shattering embrace as they chattered away at advice and congratulations to him.

Ino was ecstatic and Choji smiled wide and gave two whole chip packets for the occasion. They congratulated him and they went upstairs to see if they could have a peek at Siata but found Ensui-san guarding her door at the entrance

"Oh the Romeo is here to see his bond? Sorry but no one's allowed inside, especially you lucky squirt. Yoshino-san's orders."

Ino stomped her feet. "But thats not fair, why do you get entrusted with the job Ensui-san! I could do it for you." her eyes gleamed.

Ensui-san stared and chuckled shaking his head. "Yoshino-san knows to trust me because she knows I take bonded pairs seriously, and with my experience with having lost mine years ago she knows I don't mess around about this kind of stuff."

All three of them, especially Shikamaru jolted at the news. Even he hadn't known much about his uncle to begin with, after all he traveled a lot for missions and was sought after a lot by high end clients, so he wasn't there a lot. Ensui did tend to keep to himself more compared to the other clan members.

"Unlike green kids like you, I'm quite reliable." Ensui smirked and placed his sword casually against the door as if daring them to try and enter.

"Come on guys, let's go downstairs." Choji said munching on his chips. They complied,

"Congratulations Shikamaru," Ensui-san added.

"Thanks Ensui-jisan" Shikamaru nodded back before they went back down stairs again.

When they were gone Ensui noticed the shift in the room, and opened the door, going inside. Siata was feverish again and expressionless, but tears were squeezing out from her eyes as she clutched her heart.

"Siata, I'm Nara Ensui, Yoshino-san sent me to look after you while you're going through your fever at the moment."

"Ensui-san.. I thought I heard Shikamaru outside and woke up. Why doesn't he come in? Is he angry about something?" She curled her fingers. She had Shikamaru's pillow hugged in her arms, leaning the side of her face on it adorably. Her eyes slightly dazed and cheeks flushed. Ensui chuckled.

"Well now, aren't you precious. Shikamaru's a lucky mate to have you as his pair" his eyes were soft as he looked at her and he silently came closer to her and made her lye back down again.

"Maybe he's not happy because he got bonded to the wrong person by accident.. Temari is the one… I've messed up everything…" she started mumbling as more tears trickled down.

"Come on now, you're catastrophising things, it's all irrational trust me, I've seen it all before. Just focus on the facts and how you know he cares for you.. The squirt has let you know hasn't he?" Ensui checked,

"Mnn... We're best.. Best friends." she gushed and smiled wide in happiness and flushed when she said it.

Ensui blinked and his form started shaking as he tried to hold back his laughter.

"Ah... So this is what Yoshino-san was telling me about. Well aren't you a treasure.." he couldn't stop himself from bursting out laughing. Siata stared confused and winced when Ensui wiped her tears with his finger.

"Sorry about that precious. I'm just glad to have someone like you to be blessed by the deer and become part of our clan. I'm sure Shikamaru is enjoying helping you along at your own pace."

"...thank you, I'm glad to be a part of your family too Ensui-san."

Ensui blinked at her then smirked, fluffing her hair.

"My pleasure precious. Now come on, I know a trick that works to sooth you mates".

Then he started softly purring a bit for her while petting her hair and she visibly relaxed and her discomfort and fever started receding.

When he saw she was breathing softly asleep, he stopped his purrs and stood frozen in the room, then silently backed up and shut the door.

He jolted when he turned to see Shikaku and Yoshino staring expectantly at him.

"Was that you purring for her?" Yoshino slowly grinned, "my my Ensui, I didn't think you'd be this fast in taking to her. Although we know her charms all get to you in the end."

"It's a burr not a purr as I've mentioned countless times before…" he shook his head knowing there was no point correcting them, Ensui pulled on the back of his neck and chuckled

"well.. She's something alright. That level of unawareness for romance I must say is quiet refreshing. She's adorable."

"Isn't she? She's my daughter you know so don't get any ideas about hogging her." Shikaku told him

"I'm her uncle. And I know better than you what she's going through. I have hogging rights." Said Ensui.

"She's not allowed to like you more than me. If you show up too much I'll make them send you on a snow country mission."
"Pulling rank on me brother? You wouldn't dare."

"Oh I would, and I have every power to do so now that I'm also included in the approval and allocation process for missions now."

"Now stop you two, and Ensui hurry up and tell me how she's doing." Yoshino interrupted.

Ensui nodded, "she's doing well Yoshino-san. She's a lot more feverish because she's a child, with a child's body trying to adjust to a bond, so she's feeling a bit more pain. But she's recovering and adjusting really well. No vomiting or rejection reactions, Shikamaru and you both reacted fast to her and didn't rush things so thats why. I think.. give her a couple of weeks more and she'll have fully adapted herself to the bond by then."

Yoshino smiled and sighed in relief and Shikaku chuckled.

"How's the little squirt handling his? I noticed him trying to come up stairs and see her for a moment- thats what set her fever off- she's fine now. He backed off quite well when I warned them." Ensui asked them.

Shikaku leaned on the wall and smirked. "I've never seen my son walk around that much around the house. He's been circling the rooms and outside a bit restless but he's doing fine, and Choji and Ino have him on a leash. He's still too excited to safely say he's calmed down yet but I've told him everything he needs to know, and he's accepted that."

"Did you tell him about how important this time is for her? He knows the consequences if he gets too close to her right now that it's dangerous?" Ensui leaned back against the door.

An image of his bonded thrashing in pain in his arms as he didn't know what to do, what was wrong as they took cover in that cramped ditch in the front lines of the war, waiting for reinforcements to arrive. He'd tried everything while he fought off the enemy and nursed her, but she only lasted for a week before the fever took her. The loss had felt excruciating like being ripped in half, something cold stabbing through his heart.

He clutched the case of his sword and gripped his knuckles tighter.

"I did" Shikaku gently clasped him on the shoulder twice.

"Ensui she'll be fine. It's not... the same.." Yoshino started.

Ensui didn't hide the flicker of pain in his eyes fast enough, and her voice faded a bit .

"What I ment is, you can take a break. Shikaku will guard her for a bit." she added gently.

Ensui flexed his legs into a more comfortable position and slid his black fingernails down his sword length, leaning it on his thigh,

"I heard she's one of the last Uchiha's? And her father was Uchiha Shiki no less. That family's just like a nest of misfortunes and you know it. And I heard ANBU was talking about Oruchimaru being after her cousin and got close enough to succeeding in who knows what to her genin team during the exams. I'll stay here for my own peace of mind, so let me do this for the squirts. I'm fine."

He waved his hand at them. Shikaku and Yoshino shared a look at eachother then Shikaku sighed, "Mendokuse... I get it... Just... agree to rotate with me every 3 hours, okay?"

"That's right Ensui, you don't have to push yourself too much. And If you tell me you're going to sit here rehashing through your old memories and remembering stuff that you don't need to go through... if you do that I'm banning you from guarding duty." Yoshino put her foot down.

Ensui hung his head slightly but grinned wide.

"I'll be fine Yoshino-san."

"Hm. I know, how old you do think you are? Right then, come on Shikaku, you stop acting like a child to. You've stalled long enough from letting the elders sit and gossip with you this time. Ino's mother's holding them off and I've had my turn with them already. You better go down now." She crossed her arms and Shikaku groaned troublesome and they both went down into the excited jumble of people celebrating.

Authors Note:

Thank you all for the responses, comments and reads! I've been really looking forward to writing this chapter so I hope you enjoy :D