Chapter 6
Shikamaru stopped outside the classroom door, listening as Iruka finished his lesson. She rested her forehead against the wooden wall, breathing in slowly and deeply. She held her breath for 5 seconds before slowly exhaling. Shikamaru repeated the process a few more times to settle her nerves. Steeling herself (why was she so nervous?!), she backed away from the wall, and turned towards the door, an involuntary yelp escaping her as she saw Iruka leaning against the door watching her. He grinned in light hearted amusement, patting her on the shoulder, before straightening. His grin softening to a reassuring smile.
"You'll be fine Shikamaru, just don't panic. Just deal with everything then and there, keep calm and don't let them get to you. Make sure you are fair, and deal with everyone equally. Teaching is less about your knowledge, and more about building a relationship with the kids themselves. I've seen your lesson plan, you've packed a whole lot of detail in it, just be prepared to go off plan, or not finish it. Lessons aren't static things, they evolve and change with the class." With a quick movement, Iruka brought Shikamaru in close, and gave her a fleeting hug. He knew Shikamaru didn't like to be touched much, though she seemed to be more receptive to it, the longer she hung around with someone. Pep talk done, he stepped in to the room and headed up to a spare seat in the back. He hadn't told her, that he had moved the trouble makers to the back of the class next to him, so he could help keep an eye on them. He really didn't want to overwhelm her during her first lesson. He absentmindedly ruffled a few of the lads' hair on the way up and patted a few of the girls on the shoulder as he headed up.
Shikamaru watched with fond remembrance of the times as a child, when he did the same thing. She also remembered the way everyone leaned into him subconsciously, just as the kids in front of her did. She shook herself out of memory lane and looked around the classroom slowly. It was a drag, but she made eye contact with every student. It was a trick her father said he often used at strategy meetings with the jounin and the council. It built suspense, so everyone waited on his word. It also made everyone believe that he was speaking to them; that they were included, and important. He said that creating an atmosphere in the room was a way to command the room. If you were the epicenter of the storm, people gravitated to you; and more importantly, they listened. From the silence in the room, it was working. The children were completely focused on her, their eyes wide and filled with anticipation. It was strange really, she mused, how ninja children even in their first year, were distinguishable from the civilian children. Some of them (*coughcoughHyugacoughcough*) were already being taught chakra control, and taijutsu stances, but the main difference was their body language. She hadn't thought about it before, maybe it was passed through genetics, but they tensed and then relaxed. Their body's relaxing in the imitation of experienced ninjas. Loose limbed but sprawled in a way that screamed predator. Well it would when they were older and trained, she smirked. Whilst the civilian kids were tense, practically panting in suspense. They would learn, or they would drop out over the years here. Shikamarus smirk widened, feeling the tension in the room rocketed up.
"Good afternoon. My name is Shikamaru, and this course will be about the force that keeps us alive, and keeps us…" Shikamarus voice was soft, almost hypnotic. Keeping all the attention on her. "...dangerous" Her voice dropped to a purr for the last word. She gave a half grin as she heard a breathed "cool" Hook.
"This force surrounds us all day. It flows through our veins, follows our blood around our bodies. It flows within me, within you. Ninja…Civilian...Animal…Plant. We all have it. It's in the very air we breathe. The water we drink. Without it, life would seem darker…" Shikamarus shadows crept around the room, slinking from the corners, darkening the air. The creeping darkness cast a chill over the room. Shikamaru watched deadpanned, as the kids started to shiver, and glanced around in terror. Shika reigned in her shadows, allowing light to stream back into the room. Line.
"Every person has an element that the work the best with. For me, my domain is shadows. The darkness dogs my every step. It's icy embrace a constant reminder of the power we, as ninja, can tap into." Shikamaru paused and looked around the room. The boys of the class were enthralled by her display. They leant forward, eyes fixed on her. The girls were a bit more cautious, fear tinged their eyes. Sinker.
"For now, though, let us focus on what this force is, and where it came from." Shikamaru smiled at the class and leant against the teachers' desk. "First of all, what is this force?" A few of the more adventurous kids slowly raised their hand. Quite clearly, she analysed, they weren't sure how to react to her after her display. Good. If they were off balance, they would be easier to manage. Honestly, Shikamaru didn't particularly like kids, they were too much effort, and way too troublesome; but they were predictable. Give them something they consider 'magic' and they are hooked. Make something seem exciting and dangerous, they want to do it. A drag, but easy enough. Now to actually do the lesson. With a sigh, Shikamaru asked one of the kids with their hands down for the answer. Once she had confirmed it was chakra she had been describing, Shikamaru split the kids into their bench seat groups. Each group had a question "What is chakra?", "Where does chakra come from?", "How do we create chakra?", "Why can't everyone use it, like ninjas?", and "Does chakra have a nature?". The five groups were to talk about it together, as Shikamaru wandered between groups, listening and occasionally pointing them in a new direction.
For 10 minutes the discussions went on, and Shikamaru was quite surprised by the different reasonings the kids were coming up with. Some of them were quite impressive really, for first year students. Calling their attention back to her, Shikamaru discussed their answers, nudging some of them on track so everyone could understand correctly. Taking a deep breath, Shika summoned her chakra to the surface, so she was standing there with her chakra cloak coating her. Its flickering blue flames crackled and snapped around her. The children's eyes were wide with amazement, some of the bolder ones reaching out to touch. What interested Shikamaru, was the swirls of black in her cloak. Apparently, her shadows converted some of her chakra to match their nature. Unfortunately, at that point, her lesson went a bit off plan. One of the little girls quietly asked if they could learn how to mould their own chakra. Shikamaru hesitated, and glanced at Iruka, knowing that they had a lesson on this further in the future. To her surprise, Iruka smiled and nodded his head, giving permission for her to start the process.
"Okay then. Everyone put your stuff away and follow me." Shikamaru lead the class outside, to part of the academy's training grounds. One near the forest, with sounds of birds, and water running in the distance. The class following her like eager puppies. When she was happy with the area, Shika turned and fell to the ground lazily, gesturing to the class to sit.
"Everyone get comfortable. We are going to be here a while." When she was certain, everyone was comfortable and more importantly, still; Shikamaru walked the kids through the exercises her dad did with her when she was little.
"Take long, slow deep breaths. Keep your eyes closed and feel as the air floods into your lungs. Feel it sweep into every part of your body. Start to empty your mind of thought. Focus internally. Ignore everything else." Shikamarus voice was low and calm. She spoke softly, and kept her tone even, aiming to lull the kids into the beginning of meditation. This was different to the normal, academy, exercises. This method was normally used by some of the clans, it took longer to do, but helped more in the long run. The exercise was designed to submerge the seeker in their own chakra, so they could take control of their own power. It made for better chakra control later on. She kept her own eyes on the kids in front of her. Sometimes, the seeker struggled to pull themselves out of their chakra pool and needed help to come too again. The branch clan kids were nearly ready from the looks of it, for the next step. One or two of the civilian kids as well. The rest were still struggling to reach their calm.
"You will know when you are ready to move on. Your mind will be dark, but you should see a faint blue glow. Follow it. If you can't see it yet, keep clearing your mind. Focus on the sound of your heartbeat, and the blood rushing through your veins." Shikamaru watched with her head resting on her knee, the other curled around her.
"…is this… is this chakra?" One of the little civilian girls stuttered. Excitement and nervousness filling her soft voice. "It's like a rock pool. Glowing, and throwing shadows around me. It looks like water reflections on the walls?"
Shikamaru stood in one movement, and crossed the space between her and the child, noting the others stopping to watch.
"You've found it." She confirmed "Now. Jump in. Take a deep breath, and swim down. You should see a plug, and a chain?" When the little girl nodded, Shikamaru continued. "Pull the chain, Chia-chan. Pull hard. It's time to release your chakra."
Shikamaru stood back as the wind picked up around Chia, her long purple hair flapping in the breeze. Her eyes squeezed shut in stress, as she mentally forced herself to open her chakra. The rest of the class were watching with open mouths, and wide eyes, as their classmate floated off the ground, in the middle of a storm. The wind dragging leaves into the whirlwind, and sparks of blue appeared on Chia's skin. Just as Shikamaru was readying herself to pull Chia out of her task, the storm stopped. Shika caught Chia before she hit the ground, and found herself with an armful of child, glowing with blue flames. She waited until Chia had opened her eyes, before smiling and settling the girl on her feet.
"Well done Chia-chan! You've released your chakra." At Shika's sentence the little girl found herself surrounded by peers asking for hints and tips. A huge proud grin spread across Chia's face as she let go of her hold over the cloak, answering questions on what she saw, and how she felt. Shikamaru backed off next to Iruka and watched as the shyest girl of the class found something, she could do better than the rest. A bell sounding from the buildings, pulled the kids out of conversation and running for their bags to go home. Following the kids at a sedate pace, Shikamaru and Iruka discussed the lesson, before she waved and headed off in to town.
Shikamaru wandered down the streets towards market square. Her lesson had gone fairly well she thinks. Maybe they had skipped ahead a little too far once they had got into a debate over chakra itself, but overall Shikamaru was pretty certain it wasn't a bad attempt at her first ever lesson. Iruka had seemed happy with her performance. He had even admitted he was worried she would just throw a book at them, so she could nap in peace. To be honest, a nap sounds amazing. She hadn't realized how hard this teaching thing was! You didn't just have to teach new, and sometimes boring, material; you also become an entertainer, keeping the brats entertained and focused was a full-time job on its own! Iruka, she decided, needed a goddamn medal! He dealt with her class, which had the orange ball of energy in it! Her class this afternoon was a first-year class, so the kids were 6 years old this academic year. They should have been the easiest class, they had no hormones yet, and they didn't talk back. Instead they bounced off the walls after their break. There were no main house clan children this class, though there were a few clan children, which put a little bit less pressure on her. Poor Iruka-sensei, he really had a hard time with the number of heirs in her graduating class. Sighing, Shikamaru shook her head, before continuing to look at stalls in the market. Iruka had said that training would be later today, so they could get changed and go out after, being a Friday night. Maybe one day they would let her come with? She didn't see the enjoyment in drinking. Her dad and uncles went out regularly and seemed fairly unwell the next day. Drinking seemed to be a bit of a drag really.
With a huff, Shikamaru looked around, actively paying attention to her surroundings. It was strange people seemed to be staring at her, some more obvious than others. Shrugging to herself, she continued to browse the stalls, hoping something would jump out at her for lunch. A light snack before training would do nicely. Maybe dango? Oohhh BBQ skewers! That's what she was going to get. With a slight smirk, she sidled up to the booth, and waited patiently to catch the woman's eye. Her team… old team?... used to be regulars at the booth in training breaks, so she wasn't surprised when the little woman squeaked in delight at seeing her.
"Oh Shikamaru-chan! It's been too long! How are you, girl? Quick quick, let me look at you!" The woman hugged her tight before holding her at arm's length, her tired but sharp eyes running over Shikamaru. For such a frail looking lady, Mrs. Watanabe was remarkably strong. Her battleship grey hair was to her waist, and tightly plaited. Quite often she wove silver strands through the braid; to add sparkle she said. Shikamaru was certain it was more about the old man who used to work the stall with her. Mrs. Watanabes' husband was hunched, walked with a stick, gave a good game of shoji, and was a walking ball of sarcastic humour. Mirin Watanabe had been a highlight of this market for as long as Shika remembered. He had been around in some of her earliest memories of the market, often watching over Shika, when her dad got called to deal with an emergency.
"I'm fine thanks Yuma-san. Just looking for some of your skewers, if you have any left." Shikamaru asked, a hopeful tone weaved through the boredom. This stall truly made the best street food skewers in Konoha. Best of all, they weren't particular expensive either. The miso mackerel was the best, though Chouji swore by the BBQ beef, and Ino would argue for the pesto chicken one. It was troublesome to decide on a favourite normally, but for these, Shikamaru would make an exception.
"Humph. For you, I always have some. You come sit this side with me, while I cook. You can tell me about what you've been up too. I hear you got promoted, the other merchants told me. Congratulations! You will make us proud." Yuma waved Shikamaru around to sit by her, as hands gnarled with age, deftly made a set of skewers. Extra mackerel chunks were added, along with some onion and peppers, before they were placed over the fire pit. Mirin had always insisted an open fire pit made the food taste better; so, after he passed, Yuma kept the tradition going, in honour of her husband. The skewers slowly roasted on one side before being coated in another layer of marinade and being turned to roast the other side.
"Yup, it's a drag, but I got promoted after the sand invasion. I work at the academy too now. I had my first troublesome lesson today, but it isn't too bad of a job. Though, for some reason people have been staring at me today." Shikamaru frowned in confusion, before falling back into apathy. "Business is going well, I see?" She was referring to the newly built and painted stand, with two firepits rather than the one. Not to mention the seating area had grown. She was glad. Yuma was a lovely lady, with a large serving of witty comments. She deserved to be recognised for the hard work her and her late husband did. The two were not native to Fire Country, though they never advertised where exactly they were from, Shikamaru suspected they were westerners, but she kept that quiet.
"Oh yes, very well. If only my darling Mirin could be here to see it grow. It was his baby, you know. He always wanted a child, but I have an illness that meant we couldn't. So, this stand was created between us. A blend of both of us went into the creation, making this our baby." Yuma smiled at Shikamaru. The laughter lines on her face deepening showing the world the happy life, she had led. The older woman turned away from Shika, leaning to tend to the fish. The fire light glinted off the unshed tears in her eyes, as she fussed with the fish.
Giving her friend a moment, Shikamarus eyes roamed the heaving market square. Taking in the merchants calling out to potential customers, and then haggling with them. The fishermen's wives loudly arguing with buyers about the price for their fish, their catch displayed proudly in a covered showcase. The housewives out for the best prices, their kids running underfoot. The odd shinobi browsing wares, most of the ninja came at less busy times. When they could be sure they wouldn't stab any civilian by reflex. All in all, the market was a vibrant place. A bit loud for Shikamarus taste, but still somewhere that she enjoyed watching from the rooftops. The bright colours mixed with children's laughter, music and the conversations to create a harmonious background of sound for her to cloud watch to. A flash of bandages caught her eye, before a figure she knew emerged from the bustle. A grin spread across the bandaged face, and his eyes light up in mischief.
"Fancy seeing you here little Nara-chan." Kotetsu held up a hand in greeting. His body vibrating with energy. He was troublesome, like the orange menace, he seemed high on life. It was practically visible, flowing in waves of tangible energy. Shikamaru was saved from answering by Yuma pushing her skewers into her hand and shooing her away. The older lady gave Shika a dirty look, when she was offered money in return.
"Girl, you grew up playing at my feet, there is no charge for you. Begone with you. Maybe this handsome gentleman will make an honest woman out of you. My heart longs for grandchildren." With a smirk Yuma sent a teasing wink at Kotetsu and Shikamaru, hurrying them on their way. Shikamarus face was bright red currently, and Kotetsu grinned and sent Yuma a thumbs up.
"Don't you worry Ma'am, I'll happily keep Shikamaru-chan company." With a laugh he rested one hand on the small of her back, ignoring the flinch, and guided her into the crowd towards the seating area.
Sighing Shika looked at Ko' with bored face. "Where is 'Zumo? I didn't realise you were allowed outside on your own?" Her tone was flat, with no inflection.
"I escaped! He'll never take me aliveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" With a dramatic cry, Ko' slumped on to Shikamaru, his hand on his forehead imitating a lot of the noble women they saw. His faked distress caused her to snort, a half smirk twisted her lips, growing bigger at the responding voice.
"You better keel over then, cos I've found you." A monotoned voice fell from a third persons mouth.
With a gasp, Ko' straightened and twisted, pulling Shika to stand between them. "Shikamaru, save me! The foul Beast has found me! He'll eat me!" Ko's loud voice and dramatic antics had gathered a crowd. Shika shifted uncomfortably at being the center of attention. She swore she could see her father and his team watching, before Izumo captured her attention.
"Yes yes, I know. I'm a mean flat mate who makes you clean and do washing. Oh, and feeds you… How can I be so mean?" Izumos honeyed voice was completely deadpan, drawing giggles from the crowd. Shikamaru just munched on her fish; Ko's grip on her too tight for her to slip away, so why bother trying?
"Do you see Shika-chan? What I have to put up with on a daily basis." Kotetsu exclaimed, shaking Shikamaru gently. Shikamaru smirked, and rolled her eyes, considering about responding, before a heavy choking feeling filled the square. She would have fallen to her knees if it wasn't for Ko's hands tightening around her shoulders, holding her up. She faintly could feel his hands tense, but her mind was busy in a panic. She couldn't breathe! Shikamaru clawed at her throat, not noticing Izumos hands gripping hers and holding them down. Considering they were outside, all of a sudden, the world seemed to close in on her. Shikamaru had never been claustrophobic, but the world was now too small. It closed in on her, and she was certain she was going to die. Someone was ripping the oxygen from her lungs, as they hunted her down. She was a ninja, but she felt like prey. The world was greying out around her, her focus zooming to a point, everything else was irrelevant. She needed to run, fast and far. She needed to leave before the predator got to her, but she couldn't move. What if the hunter saw her? Maybe staying still was the best. As quickly as it came, the sensation vanished, and Shikamaru came back to her senses. Glancing around, she noticed most of the civilians were looking terrified. The shinobi in the square were gently guiding their charges to sit down, two of them were going around providing hot drinks to everyone. Her eyes flickered over to were she thought she had seen her old man, to see it empty.
"Shikamaru-chan, are you back with us?" A soft voice pulled her attention back to Izumo. She flinched at how close he was, having not noticed him get that close.
"What, what was that?" She noticed distantly that she was shivering, and her voice was quite disjointed, almost not recognizable.
Izumo smirked darkly. "You just encountered your first killing intent. You handled it fairly well. Most first times end in genin or chunnin passing out, vomiting, or pissing themselves. It's not a pretty sight." His normally sweet tones now dripped with sadistic glee. Shikamaru could now picture him working in T&I, alongside Morino. "Shall we head to the training grounds? No time like the present to get started. We'll add some killing intent today, so you get used to it."
"Wait!" Shikamaru blurted out as Izumo started to walk away. She waited until he had stopped before asking the most important question she had. "Who was it? It felt familiar. Almost like a voice underwater. Distorted, but I knew it."
Izumo glanced at her, before looking over her shoulder at his partner. He nodded at Ko before continuing on to the training ground. Shikamaru tilted her head in confusion at the actions, before shuddering as Kotetsu sighed by her ear. His breath was warm and caressed her ear as he breathed out, ending a shiver down her spine. Shika swallowed thickly, as her mouth dried out. She shook her head minutely, it was probably a reaction due to the killing intent earlier. Kotetsus soft laugh drew her out of her thoughts, as he turned her to face him. His eyes were a mix of amusement, friendship, and something else. This something else was heavy, almost hot in feel. It made her feel small, vulnerable, and fragile, in a good way. A way that sent shockwaves through her nervous system, a ball of fire ignited in her stomach, tightening in a pleasurable way as his eyes darkened, and the something was the all that was left in his eyes.
A rough sounding cough broke through the tunnel focus, causing Shika to jump away from Ko, spinning to face the new person. Standing in front of her was Raido and Iruka. Both looking at her and Ko in amusement.
"Sorry to interrupt your…. staring…competition, but since 'Zumo has already gone, shall we head off?" Irukas amused voice asked. Despite the lighthearted tone, his eyes were firmly on Ko, with a warning in them. A warning about what, she didn't know.
"Let's go! Oh, and Shikamaru, you do know the killing intent. You recognise the chakra releasing the intent. It's someone close to you." With that said, the three guys sauntered off to the training grounds, an expectation that she would follow them hung silently in the air. With a muttered troublesome, Shikamaru slunk after them, for another painful training session.
