So this chapter is mostly to see if anyone would read this story or not. If so, I will continue writing it. Though I will likely post a few more chapters before actually deciding if it will be continued or not.
It's another one of those Naruto goes back in time to save the world and is in his younger body stories.
The pairing will eventually be Naruto/Shikamaru. As much as I adore SasuNaru, there's not enough NaruShika in the world. Kind of a slow burn I guess, they have feelings now but they don't actually start showing right off the bat.
Let me know what you think! Also, I have no beta reader.
Naruto groaned in pain, his entire body on fire as he blindly scrambled to touch the seal on his stomach. As he did so, he could feel the fire running through each symbol - both from his fathers seal and the one he recognized Orochimaru's chakra flowing from. Naruto mentally spewed curses, until new symbols formed in place of the old ones. These ones he knew more intimately, having drawn this seal himself several years prior. This was a good sign though - it meant his Kurama followed them. Naruto began cursing once more, he needed to get to Shikamaru. His body still refused to respond properly for another handful of minutes, and Naruto hoped the other male had less pain to go through. Shikamaru didn't have to burn through two seals afterall. A soft groan sounded from beside Naruto, making him jerk his head to see who made it. He immediately saw Sasuke's pained face, the male unconscious.
Naruto felt Kurama begin healing him, and he was grateful to be able to move a little easier. Shifting to his side and sitting up as much as he could, Naruto's gaze snapped to the angry looking seal on his friend's neck. Ice cold dread settled into Naruto's veins, immediately searching his pockets for a piece of paper to use. By some sort of miracle he finds one, swiftly putting it on a mostly even piece of ground, Naruto bit the tip of his finger and began drawing out a seal with his blood. It's the same seal Naruto used not too long ago on Sasuke to remove the same exact seal. Naruto finished ten minutes later, the sounds of fighting still going in the background as he places the seal over Sasuke's curse mark.
Gathering what little chakra he has lef right now, Naruto activates the seal, watching as symbols crawl along Sasuke's skin. The curse seal attempts to fight back, making Naruto click his tongue, putting more force into his seal. He's glad when the symbols on Sasuke's limbs and face finally begin to sizzle away, making sweat form on Sasuke's skin. The seal burns slowly, until the three tomoe are left, only to flake off and leave pale skin behind. Naruto doesn't let go of his seal until the paper also burns. As soon as both seals are gone, Naruto crawls his way back to where he woke up, immediately passing back out once his head touches the makeshift pillow, Sasue breathing a little easier beside him.
As soon as Shikamaru was able to squint his eyes open through the pain, he saw Sakura through the bushes, her body bloody and bruised. He immediately understands they're in the middle of the chunin exams - more specifically the forest of death. Naruto and Sasuke were not far behind Sakura, but Shikamaru could faintly see Naruto moving around. Thankfully everyone was so absorbed in the fight, they didn't take notice.
Shikamaru knew Sasuke would have the curse mark now, and Naruto was likely working on removing it before the seal could damage his friend. Shikamaru focused his senses on Sasuke, feeling the cloud of Orochimaru's cloying chakra around him shrinking, being replaced with Naruto's familiar chakra. He smiled faintly, opening his eyes all the way, unsure when he closed them again. Choji was looking at him in concern, Ino still watching Sakura. Shikamaru smiled at his friend with as much reassurance as he could. Sakura sliced her hair off a moment later, and Shikamaru knew it was about time to jump in and help. He waited until Sakura was punched off of the other nin's arm, wincing in sympathy, then grabbed his teammates to interrupt. He was mindful of Lee's prone form on the ground, making sure Choji landed safely beside Ino.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Shikamaru muttered, adding 'again' in his head.
"Ino!" Sakura focused on the other kunoichi, relief in her expression.
"Hey Sakura, looks like you could use some help." Ino says, though her voice shakes the whole time. Shikamaru feels Naruto's chakra levels sink down to where he almost can't sense it, wincing in sympathy.
The time jump couldn't have been easy for Naruto, especially if Kurama was right about having to burn through the old seals to place the new one. Shikamaru shocked away those thoughts, for now he needs to make sure everyone gets through this. Preferably less injured than the first time around. At least this will be a good way to test how much of his abilities and chakra he retained through the jump.
"Hey, guys. Can we keep whatever happens in this clearing a secret? At least for a little while?" Shikamaru asks, expression serious as he looks at his three friends. They nod, though uncertain why he's asking that.
Relieved he can trust them, he lets his shadows expand to each of the three Oto-nin, then crawl up their bodies in a tight bind. Once the shadows reach their necks, Shikamaru tightens his hold until they pass out, letting them fall to the ground.
"Shikamaru, you - you didn't use any hand signs." Ino stuttered, staring at his hands still shoved into his pockets. Shikamaru sighs,
"Tsk. Troublesome."
Sakura shakes herself out of her shock, stumbling to where Naruto and Sasuke are hidden. Shikamaru knew they only escaped the Oto-nin last time because of Sasuke using the curse he's sure Neji and Tenten would have been able to handle it themselves if Sasuke hadn't. Speaking of, the two genin are quickly approaching them now.
Shikamaru is just glad he still has his speed and abilities with his shadows. He'll have to check later to see if he can do all the fire and earth jutsu he knows as well. He enters the small area beneath the tree Sakura went to, eyes landing on Naruto. Sakura is crying next to Sasuke, Choji and Ino awkwardly standing behind her, unsure what to do. Shikamaru sighs again, walking towards Naruto to lean over him, waiting a moment for any sign of movement before gently slapping his cheek, frowning.
"Shikamaru!" Ino and Sakura gasp, Choji stopping mid bite to stare at his friend in surprise. It takes a few more slaps for Naruto's hand to snap up and grab Shikamaru's wrist in a gentle hold, bright blue eyes staring at him. A grin stretches across Naruto's face, the only warning before Shikamaru has his arms full of blonde, and an exclamation of "Shika!" ringing in his ears.
"Naruto," Shikamary waits for him to pull away before continuing,
We're not alone." Naruto lets go the rest of the way, turning around the shocked group, his face bright red.
"Heh, sorry." Naruto rubs the back of his head nervously, just as Neji and Tenten enter the clearing where they're gathered.