Whining, Shikamaru rolled over and hit his alarm to turn its' shrill sound off. Too early! Way too early, Shikamaru groaned. He could hear his parents softly talking in the kitchen. They were always up early. His dad said anything more than 5 hours was a luxury, and that he would understand when he was older. Shikamaru snorted at the thought, no chance, sleep was his favourite thing to do. Shikamaru snuggled back into his blankets and laid there staring up at his ceiling. Letting his eyes trace over the different constellations his mum had painted as he mused on the reoccurring nightmares. They had been coming and going in the past year; some left him screaming, others just had him waking in tears. Mostly they went unremembered, but the last few… Shikamaru whined gently. The last few he remembered parts of it, and they were full of hatred and pain. He remembered watching people that he is close to die. Normally in painful ways.
Sighing, Shikamaru pushed himself out of bed, stumbling to his personal bathroom. A perk of being part of the head family, and the heir, was that he had the heir wing to himself. Well he does now. Before he tested out of the academy, he had had to stay in his parent's corridor. Now he got some type of privacy, and he didn't need to wander down the hall for the bathroom. Shikamaru yawned and turns his shower on, still half asleep. Catching a view of himself in the mirror, as he threw his pajamas into the hamper, Shika snorted in amusement. Staring back at him was a wild looking boy. His hair, which he had left tied up last night, was stuck up in different directions. Half of it was falling out of his ponytail and knotted at his nape. Across his face was a red mark, from where he had slept pressed against the pillow. Huffing, Shikamaru pulled his band out of his hair, and runs his fingers through the knots. Tugging on the silky raven strands, Shikamaru untangled his hair before hopping into the hot shower, with groan of contentment. Grabbing his scent neutralizing shower things, Shikamaru went about his shower, humming to himself.
30 minutes later, Shikamaru sauntered into the kitchen, yawning and attempting to slip past his dad and into his chair. A strong arm wrapped around his waist, hauling him backwards, shattering his dreams of being able to eat in peace; pulling a yelp from him as he fell into a lap. Warmth was radiating from the solid body behind him, a soft vibration drawing Shikamaru's attention to a quiet chuckle. Sighing, Shikamaru pouted at his dad, before curling up in Shikaku's lap properly. Snuggling into his chest and relaxing in happiness at the protective embrace of those sturdy arms around him. Nuzzling his nose into junction of Shikaku's neck and shoulder, Shikamaru practically purred his contentment at the scent of his dad surrounding him. That smokey woodsy scent, was a staple in his life so far. Sometimes the smoke was stronger because at night, when herding the deer, the Nara clansfolk would light bonfires and relax around them. In fact, it was how his dad taught Shikamaru how to use the shadows. He used the flickering flames to send dancing shadows across the ground, dragging Shikamaru into flexing his will over those inky slicks. Shikamaru smiled happily at the reminder of the hours spent shaping detailed animals from the shadows. A flick to the tip of his nose, startled Shikamaru.
"Good morning little deer. You're up early today." Shikaku's deep rumbling voice filled the room, his eyes, so similar to his child's, glancing down at the boy in his lap. Reaching for his cup, Shikaku sipped at his tea, eyes closing in delight at the burst of mint across his tongue. Nodding his thanks at his lovely wife, Shikaku turned his attention back to his son. "The genin test from your jounin sensei today, right? How do you like your team so far?"
Shikamaru nodded his head slowly. "Yes at 7am, on training ground 9. He said not to eat breakfast though, but he is going to be late, so maybe I should?" Shikamaru trailed off, looking between his parents for their guidance. Whilst he didn't want to start out by breaking his team leaders' orders, not eating would be troublesome later. Stealing his father's cup, Shikamaru hummed happily, as the tea flooded his taste buds. His mother's tea garden gave the best flavours! An amused tut was followed by the cup being rescued and replaced with a cold glass of milk. Pouting at his mother's stern look, he reluctantly picked up the glass. Urgh, he hated milk! Yet he had to drink at least a glass a day, according to his mother. With a grimace, Shikamaru tilted his head back and gulped down the glass, ignoring the chuckles from both older Nara as he swapped his now empty glass for his father's cup again. A thoughtful hum dragged his attention back to his mother.
"I think you should eat breakfast; your body is too young to be skipping out on meals. Besides, without breakfast, your energy levels will be too low to put up a fight. I'll just make you something light for now. After the test, why don't you bring your teammates back for dinner? They can stay here tonight if they wish." Yoshino murmured to her child, a hand stroking the top of his little head. She ignored Shikaku's raised eyebrow at her offer; he wasn't really upset or surprised by her offer, just the timing of it. Afterall, the two of them had been close friends with Minato and Kushina, seeing their child run around lonely, starving and abused by the village enraged both of them. They had been trying for years to adopt the little ball of sunshine into their household, or at least give him somewhere safe to run too, but each time the old coot had interfered. So, they had restricted themselves to dropping off food, water, and supplies to the boy's home… If you could call that disgusting excuse of a flat a home. Shikaku had also taken Inoichi and Chouza to have a word with the landlord of the building when they had realized he deliberately demanded more rent from the boy and turned off all the hot water to the flat. Now her Shika-chan was on the same team as the boy, and the Uchiha boy, maybe the clan could help look after both orphans without the Hokage's interference. Even if it meant telling the little Uchiha her own bloodline.
Shaking herself back to the present, Yoshino smiled gently down at the big amber eyes staring up at her, before she hurried over to make something light but filling for Shikamaru. Whistling to herself, Yoshino pulled out a new tin of tea made with ginseng, peppermint, and a bit of ginger. It was a newer blend of hers, that she was hoping would help boost the energy level of her son. Due to the unbalanced nature of their chakra, the Nara clan spent their energy controlling the yin aspect which exhausted them, even as they slept. It was why most Nara's only slept for a few hours each night, and then napped frequently throughout the day. Yoshino was hoping that the new tea might, just might, help her clansfolk get through the day without needing as many catnaps. Whilst the tea brewed, she went about making a bowl of miso, a bowl of rice with an egg, and a plate of sliced fruit. Dropping a kiss on her husband's head, Yoshino placed the plate and the bowls in front of their fawn, before pouring him a cup of the new tea.
Thanking his mother, Shikamaru wiggled off of his father's lap to sit in his own chair. Mixing the goopy egg into his delicious white rice, Shikamaru looked up at his dad. Now would probably be his best chance at getting information about his new sensei.
"Dad, are you mad that I'm not with Chouji and Ino? We were all expecting to be together." Shikamaru asked hesitantly. He hated the idea that he may have disappointed his role model.
"No son, I'm not mad or disappointed in you. A little sad that you won't be in an Ino-Shika-Cho team, but on the other hand, Hatake is one of our best shinobi." Shikaku smiled gently at his son. His hand reaching out to light grip the back of Shikamaru's neck in reassurance. "You can learn a lot from him, Shika-chan. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, son."
"Is Kakashi as strong as Asuma?"
"Stronger."
"Stronger than you?"
"Without a doubt." Shikaku laughed. It truly had been a while since he had had a chance to let go and go wild in a fight. Maybe he could sneak out to the ANBU training fields today, though he did miss Minato to spar with. "Now, finish your breakfast and head over to the training grounds. Remember, your team is your family. There is no point trying to unbalance the team by showing off."
Shikamaru nodded his head at his father's words, stuffing his food into his mouth, pointedly ignoring his mother's giggles about him looking like a chipmunk. Really, part of him was excited! First day of being a ninja… well nearly a ninja. He hoped the test wasn't too bad, but he was a little worried, especially since Asuma had already failed his team. Sasuke was stupidly strong for genin; and Naruto, whilst being appallingly bad at academics, didn't seem to run out of stamina and chakra. Really, what was he, Shikamaru, going to bring to the team? Who needs a connoisseur on clouds? He wasn't stupid, he could see exactly the kind of monster team he was on; but he wasn't a monster. His clan didn't pour out legends. His branch gave reasonably strong shinobi. His dad had a reputation; apparently, he used to tie with the fourth Hokage when he was in his prime, but Shikamaru had never seen it. Mentally sighing, Shika dropped his dishes into the sink and kissed his mother on the cheek before slipping out the room with a wave to his old man. Well, time to face whatever creative torture Kakashi-sensei has thought of for today.
Shikamaru yawned as he flopped down under a tree, ignoring the brooding presence lounging against one of the training logs. He could already feel the headache building. This team was going to be troublesome, Shikamaru could feel it. The Uchiha with his superiority complex mixed with Naruto, and his never-ending energy and need for attention. Explosive that's what that combination was! Hopefully they could learn to work together until they got promoted. A flash of orange preceded a yelled greeting as Shikamaru watched Naruto race into the field. What is like to have that much energy to waste, Shikamaru briefly mused, before sighing as he watched Naruto verbally poke Sasuke. Maybe if he just ignored them, they'd leave him alone as they got into their spat… There was only another 2 hours or so before Hatake turned up, Shikamaru just had to last out til then. With that in mind, Shika rolled over in his patch of shade and sighed, relaxing himself to doze until the worst possible thing that could happen, did happen.
"Oi, Shikamaru. You can't be asleep again this early! Come tell Sasuke that I'm right!" The loud, still high-pitched voice of his orange teammate echoed across the clearing, its' tone demanding. Shikamaru stayed as still as he could, hoping Naruto would assume he was asleep. The thudding steps moving rapidly in his direction, implied that Naruto wasn't going to be deterred that easily. Shika whined silently, as the ground vibrated next to him as the orange menace landed on its knees and started shaking him.
"Oi Oi Oi! Sssssshiiiiiiiiikamaruuuuuu! Wake up, dattebayo! It's the first day of being ninja, ya don't want to miss it, do ya?" With a huff, Shikamaru rolled over and glared into the ocean blue eyes staring at him. The actual concern that he might sleep through the day, mixed with excitement, shone through Naruto's eyes and Shikamaru sighed heavily, before losing his glare.
"Okay, you troublesome blonde, I'm awake. Also, you were both wrong. Hatake won't be on time and we most certainly be rescuing any princesses," Here Shikamaru paused to roll his eyes. "on the first day." Ignoring the whining coming from next to him, Shikamaru threw his arm over his eyes and got comfy. He had an hour and a half left before Kakashi was due to arrive. That was enough time for a nap.
The sun shone over the rooftops. Faint silhouettes of shinobi raced above the streets below, getting on with their tasks of the day. Shikamaru smiled faintly. Early mornings, standing on the roof of the Hokage's tower always brought him a sense of peace and serenity. It was strange to think that, despite the peace internally, they were a few days from the outbreak of the fourth shinobi war. There seemed to be no hint of it at this moment. No uncomfortable, tense air that hung over the whole village like Damocles sword. A flicker out of the corner of his eye, dragged his attention to four of the shinobi he had been waiting for. Shikamaru exchanged a quick smile with his old man, before nodding a greeting to Inoichi, Chouza, and Ibiki. The tension and caution were mounting. It occurred to Shikamaru, that this was it. As of today, the village would be switched to an active war state; all it needed was the rest of clan heads, and some of the elite jounins to receive orders from Tsunade. As if his thought had summoned her, the only female Hokage in the village's history swung open the entrance to the roof and stepped out. Followed by her faithful former apprentice and the rest of the shinobi.
"Before anyone asks; we are out here because I want us all to be reminded of what we are fighting for." Her voice echoed around the gathered shinobi. A faint thread of wariness weaved through her dulcet tones. "We are waiting for three more: Yamato, Naruto, and Kakashi. The alliance talks have succeeded thanks to some quick talking from Shikaku, with an added blessing in the form of the Kazekage's blessing and support. New uniforms and forehead protectors will be issued until the end of this war." Here she paused and glanced around "I know some of us have issues with certain villages, hell, so do I; but for now, put them aside."
The rustling of clothing, and the faint scent of the forest and ozone, preluded the entrance of two of the missing shinobi. The younger of the two was taller than the last time Shikamaru had seen him. Calmer too. He had also switched his orange jumpsuit, for something a little less eye grabbing. Silently exhaling heavily, Shikamaru had to admit to himself that he was glad Naruto was back. Just having him nearby, made Shika feel much more grounded. Of course, it helped that, at sixteen, Naruto had grown into a good-looking guy. Shikamaru smirked and shook his head, if he wasn't careful, he would start acting like Hinata, which was an amusing thought. A Nara shyly stalking the most troublesome guy in the village. Yeah, that wasn't going to happen. Shikamaru shook his head minutely at his old mans raised eyebrow. This was not the time for feelings.
A poof of displaced air and a lazy two fingered wave followed by a "Yo", announced the arrival of the final member of the group. Shikamaru watched, amused, as Tsunade turned to Kakashi; her eyes twitching. However, before she could get a word in, Naruto had pointed at the new arrival and screamed.
"YOU'RE LATE, …"
"…TE, KAKASHI-SENSEI!" the yell jolted Shikamaru from his dream. He shot up, disorientated, as the memory of an older Naruto was superimposed over the younger. That was the first actual dream he could remember after he had awoken! Panting slightly as he composed himself, Shikamaru studiously ignored the dark grey eye that had narrowed in his direction with curiosity. With a quick mental shake, Shikamaru slunk over to join the three shinobi at the poles. Glancing at the level of the sun, Shika was glad his parents had told him to eat. It was shaping up to be a long day.
"Well then, my adorable baby genin-chans! Let us get this unpleasantness out of the way first. You can see that I have two teeny tiny bells tied to my belt. You have until the alarm goes off to get one. The person without a bell… well, let's just say you won't be a happy bunny." Kakashi giggled at his words, his single visible eye curving up in amusement. Shikamaru groaned and covered his face with his hands. Insane jounins should not be allowed to have genin teams! "Oh, and one more thing my cute little students… Come at me with intent to kill." Kakashi's voice lost his amusement, and darkened to a serious tone, one that sent shivers down all of team seven's spines.
"Question!" Shikamaru shot a hand into the air quickly. He could feel Naruto trembling with barely restrained energy, and Shikamaru wanted to clarify something before the guy exploded. "If I have a bell, and you see me with the bell, but I then give the bell to someone else to hold, do we both pass?"
"Nope, only the people holding a bell at the alarm will pass. Now on your marks, get set…wait for it…" Kakashi crossed his arms and slouched as he dragged out the countdown. Shikamaru exchanged looks quickly with Sasuke, before readying himself to move. He had the feeling that Kakashi was dragging it out just to be irritating. Shika took a few steadying breaths, calming his emotions before they got the better of him and he panicked. The pause lengthened, and the anticipation on the air increased, Shikamaru could see his vision narrow slightly as he focused on Kakashi; which is why he jumped when Naruto launched himself at Kakashi, only to be stopped with one hand.
"Maaa, I haven't said go yet." Kakashi tutted before throwing Naruto back to the rest of the team. His single eye glinting in amusement, as he looked towards the sun. "Hmm, go!"
Shikamaru and Sasuke moved as a unit as soon as they heard the start. Both jumping back and sprinting for cover. Shikamaru drew the shadows of the trees over and around him, using the lessons his dad had shown him to help hide from Kakashi. He still had a decent view of Kakashi and Naruto… wait, Shikamaru's brain ground to a halt. Naruto shouldn't still be there! Why hasn't he moved? Shikamaru dropped his head to the cool ground and whined in resignation. Of course, Naruto is standing there challenging someone vastly superior to hand to hand combat. Swearing grumpily, Shikamaru acknowledged the fact that this was his life now. He was with a stuck-up brat and an idiot with no survival instincts. Fantastic. Shikamaru glanced up at the clouds slowly moving their way across the sky. It wasn't too late to switch career, maybe he could be an artist? Just paint and draw the clouds all day. That sounds like bliss.
A wail followed by a splash, dragged his attention back to the field. Looks like Naruto didn't win, no surprise there. Right, his time to do some work. First question, why would Kakashi have two bells? What advantage would that give him? There was no chance that any of them could go head to head with one of the elites. Their best bet was to work together, to try and get the bells of him. Shikamaru could give the bells to the other two, since he had had breakfast, and be the person tied to the log. Again, that brings him back to the same question. Why two bells? Shikamaru growled slightly under his breath, watching Naruto summon clones (wait… shadow clones?) and try again. It doesn't make sense. Konoha is known for its teamwork; hell, InoShikaCho is one of the best teams out there. So why have only two genin pass the exam? Oh, Shikamaru froze before grinning, of course! It's so simple, how did he miss it? The test is teamwork. We know we can't take Kakashi individually, so he introduces the two bells. Trying to make us split up and compete instead of work together. Shikamaru slips out from his spot and races through the forest to find Sasuke and Naruto, who had now entered the trees, missing the dark eye staring after him in approval.
Kakashi watched the little Nara sprint off to find the other two. It didn't surprise him, that the Nara would figure out the test first, after all he was brought up in the arms of InoShikaCho. The trinity clans practically fed the mantra "Your team is your family. No one gets left behind." to their children. The question was now how hard the Nara would work to convince the two stubborn boys who didn't have that upbringing. Kakashi redirected his attention back to his book and giggled at the page. Oh, this was the best part of this volume! He'd finish this page, then head in to find his team and shake them up.