HEY GUYS AND GIRLS. THIS CHAPTER IS BACK TO MY ORIGINAL LENGTH WHICH ODDLY TOOK LONGER TO TYPE FOR SOME REASON. ANYWAY, I APPRECIATE THE FEEDBACK SO THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED, FAVOURITED AND IS FOLLOWING THIS STORY. I HOPE I AM NOT LETTING YOU GUYS AND GIRLS DOWN TOO MUCH. I WILL TRY TO DO BETTER.
HAPPY READING:)
"Tsuchikage-sama; Shikamaru is here to see you." Akatsuchi announced then allowed the Nara to enter the elegant office of the Tsuchikage. He confidently strode up to the old man's desk like he would've done in Konoha then gave a deep bow.
"Greetings Tsuchikage-sama." A Kage was one person you didn't want as an enemy so Shikamaru didn't want to disrespect Onoki.
"No need to be so formal Shikamaru. This façade you put on with Baki doesn't suit you or any member of your clan really." He wasn't really surprised that the Tsuchikage knew the workings of his clan. Shikaku often accompanied Hiruzen to meet the other Kage. It was no surprise since his father was the Jounin Commander and often led the Konohan Military. Every one of the Kage knew his father so obviously they would want as much information on him and the entire clan.
"My apologies then." Shikamaru immediately put his hands in his pockets and rested his body. If the Tsuchikage wanted him to act normally then he would do just that.
"I heard you nearly dragged us into a war." Kurotsuchi probably informed her grandfather about the events of his mission that occurred while she was there. He didn't see her after she led them into the village. She and Akatsuchi came straight to Onoki while they were led to apartments where they could rest. Shikamaru led Ino to a room so that they could communicate with Kakashi privately on what their next steps would be given the information he just received.
"It was a calculated risk. Gaara recently overcame an uprising in his nation so there was no way he would permit Baki to start a war with one of their biggest allies."
"From what my granddaughter told me, you and your Yamanaka friend have classified information which is the reason for the war. Want to share some information with one of your allies?" Onoki was cunning, more so than Shikamaru was. Granted the Tsuchikage had way more experience than Shikamaru had but for someone who was often associated with the phrase 'sitting on the fence', he definitely spearheaded the drive for enhancing their pool of information about other villages.
"Kakashi ordered me not to say anything and out of respect for Gaara, I will not divulge the information as well." His tone was serious as he spoke hoping that the Tsuchikage won't push the issue any further.
"I didn't expect you to say anything. I will find out sooner or later though." He didn't doubt that. "Kakashi sent you a letter."
"How did he know I would come here after the mission?" That was a good question. He didn't tell Kakashi that he would be coming here. Maybe he just assumed that the lazy ninja would make his way to the main village.
"I guess your Hokage knows you better than you think." Onoki handed the unopened scroll to the Nara. Shikamaru immediately opened the scroll and recognised Shizune's perfect handwriting rather than Kakashi's. He immediately sighed as his mood turned sour while reading the scroll.
"Not good news I take it." Onoki said as Shikamaru rolled up the scroll.
"I was supposed to join the meeting with the Daimyo today but I couldn't because of this mission so he requested that I attend the Daimyo's Ball next week." Shikamaru informed HIM.
"Is he at least letting you bring a partner?" He could tell that the Tsuchikage was being sarcastic with his question. He felt relieved knowing that the older ninja had a sense of humour and a playful side. He was definitely a peculiar Kage. Hell, all of the Kage were peculiar in their own way.
"Is that not a requirement when being asked to a ball?" Shikamaru was definitely going to engage in this battle of words. It was friendly and a way to build a relationship with the Tsuchikage even if it was a small step in the right direction.
"That's true. Being invited to the Daimyo's Ball is no small thing though."
"What can I expect from it?"
"A lot of nosy, irritating but important people."
"I'm guessing you feel right at home there." Shikamaru didn't know if that comment was going to offend the Tsuchikage or not but he felt comfortable enough to test his limits.
"Where else do you expect me to get information?" Onoki clearly enjoyed Shikamaru's jab as he chuckled. "I will introduce you to a few people that might interest you. They were friends of your father so I suggest you continue that relationship."
"More work. Is it too late for me to back out yet?"
"Only if you want to end up in a jail cell for treason."
"Is attendance that compulsory?"
"Seeing as you blew him off to go on a mission once already, I suggest you don't push him. When he threatens someone with war, he actually goes through with it. That's the difference between a Daimyo and a Kage." He knew the difference between those two positions all too well but he just chose to ignore it. As long as the Daimyo didn't bother him then he wouldn't bother the Daimyo, as simple as that.
"Any suggestions on how to deal with a Daimyo?" Any advice Onoki could give him would be appreciated. He wouldn't turn it down anyway.
"The Daimyo has a negative impression of you already but he never really had a positive impression about your father. If I am being honest, I think your father scared him a little so maybe you could follow your father's lead and make the Daimyo afraid of you. Obviously don't threaten him like you did with Baki because then you will be locked up." Onoki laughed at his last statement while Shikamaru sighed.
"Troublesome." He muttered under his breath.
"You're a smart boy Shikamaru, you will figure it out." Onoki gave him a nod of approval.
"Thank you for giving us permission to carry out our mission in your nation." Shikamaru gave the older shinobi a bow.
"You know full well what we were planning to do." Onoki confirmed Shikamaru's suspicions. He really was setting them up to fail.
"Sorry to ruin your plans then."
"If I knew that you were leading the mission then I wouldn't have bothered."
"You give me too much credit."
"I don't give you enough. Your father at your age was half the man you are right now."
"He will always be twice the man I could hope to achieve."
"That's only because you are looking to compete with him. Piece of advice Shikamaru; no one can compete with the Nara Clan when it comes to your intelligence and strategic abilities so stop comparing yourself to your father and start growing your own legacy. Leave the comparisons to other people." Onoki's words were stern and strong and Shikamaru took it to heart. He knew the older man had more experience so he should accept the sage wisdom that the Tsuchikage could give.
"I will. Thank you Tsuchikage-sama."
"What is your next step?"
"We will be staying the night here then make our way to Sunagakure. Kakashi wants me to try and rebuild our relationship so that there is no tension between our two nations."
"That's probably a good idea. Gaara and Kakashi will be at the Daimyo's Ball so it will be best if they can sort this out before it reaches the Daimyos."
"I agree. We don't need a war disrupting this false idea of peace right now."
"A pretty negative view point you have there."
"If there are groups of ninja's abandoning their village's and going rogue and lowlife thieves grouping together to kill innocent people and destroy villages, how can we call it peace?"
"If you think of it like that, peace can only be attained when there is no longer a need for shinobi then."
"There would be no need for Kages then as well."
"On the contrary; people would need a pillar of strength to hold onto so that they know their village's can prosper. Big villages such as Iwa and Konoha need to have a leader."
"That's why there are Daimyos."
"Daimyos never preside in their major villages. That's why they appoint Kage to rule for them."
"What's stopping the Kage from overthrowing the Daimyo then? If the Kage are really the strongest shinobi in their villages then they should be able to overthrow the Daimyo easily." The Tsuchikage was at a loss for words. He was clearly defeated in their verbal bout and Shikamaru knew it.
"Touché." Onoki put his hand to his mouth and cleared his throat again before speaking. "You have a knack for starting conflict it seems."
"My apologies Tsuchikage-sama." Shikamaru gave another bow.
"Grandpa, you have a message from the Hokage." Kurotsuchi announced as she entered the room. "You're still here Shikamaru. Thought you wanted to go sleep."
"I was just wrapping things up with your grandfather." Shikamaru explained as she handed the scroll over to him then leaned against his desk as she faced the Nara.
"Get off my desk Kurotsuchi." Onoki didn't look up from the scroll as he said that. This must've been a habit of Kurotsuchi.
"It's not going to be your desk for much longer. Hurry up and retire already old man." That was nothing new from Kurotsuchi. Shikamaru knew that she wanted her grandfather to retire but he didn't believe that she wanted him to retire solely because she thought he was too old. He didn't bother asking her as well. He didn't see her or the Tsuchikage frequently so that information wasn't going to be of any use to him anyway.
"So Shikamaru, I haven't heard a lot about you since the war. You took over as head of your clan then seemed to just disappear. What have you been up to?" She definitely was inquisitive. Her tone was playful as usual but he could tell that her mind was as sharp as Ino's so she would hang onto every word her says.
"I was in the village. Trying to understand what being the head of a clan actually meant." That wasn't a complete lie but it wasn't the whole truth either. They fought together once so they were comrades but that didn't mean that they were friends so he didn't need to explain himself in detail.
"For a whole month though. I'm sure you had other things to do." She was definitely as persistent as Ino. Was every girl as troublesome as this?
"Kurotsuchi." The way Onoki said her name was a clear warning to the kunoichi. Their eyes locked in a non-verbal battle between the two before Kurotsuchi backed down.
"Sorry about that Shikamaru. I know the months after the war have been difficult for you." At least Onoki had more sense than his granddaughter.
"I got through it. I'm moving forward so what's in the past can stay there."
"It seems like you're doing more than just moving forward." Onoki rolled up the scroll again and turned his attention to the Konoha-nin.
"Kakashi says that you're going to be addressing the Kage at the Daimyo's ball; what do you want to discuss?"
"I honestly don't know what I will be discussing exactly. I have to talk to Kakashi-sensei about it first."
"Come on Shikamaru. You have to have some idea." It was scary how much Kurotsuchi was acting like Ino right now.
"If it is about what I think it is then the information I received earlier changes everything. I need to discuss it with the Hokage first before I can attempt to discuss it with anyone else." He wasn't going to budge and it didn't look like Kurotsuchi was either.
"Whatever it is, I look forward to meeting with the Kage. Do you know if Lady Tsunade will be there Shikamaru?" Onoki had a devilish grin on his face as he said that last part.
"Stop being a pervert old man." For some reason this reminded him of Naruto's relationship with Jiraiya-sensei. Naruto always complained about the Sannin's perverse nature yet their bond was unrivalled. He remembered how hard Jiraiya's death hit Naruto. It was the same with him with his father and Asuma. Jiraiya was like a father and mentor all in one for Naruto yet the blond ninja was able to move on and get stronger. If the Uzumaki could get through it and become stronger then so can he.
"Uhm... as I was saying, I would like to thank Lady Tsunade for healing me during the war. If it wasn't for her then I probably wouldn't be here today." Onoki explained.
"Yeah right."
"What are you still doing here? And get off my desk!"
"Yeah yeah, I'm going grandpa." Kurotsuchi said as she pushed herself off the desk. "Let's go Shikamaru. I will show you around while the old man gets some rest."
"Excuse me then Tsuchikage-sama." Shikamaru gave the man a bow before following his granddaughter out of the elegant office. They began making their way out of the building that fit in perfectly with the surroundings. The whole village was basically built inside natural structures.
"You've probably been asked this question a lot but have you taken over your father's positions?" She was still looking to get information out of him but this time her tone was serious. She was looking to gossip or use the information for any personal gain; this was purely for shinobi purposes.
"I haven't. I'm one of the Hokage's advisers."
"Still a high ranking position. Planning on becoming hokage?" Did everyone think that was the natural step for him? Did he give off that vibe?
"That's Naruto's position. When he finishes his studies then he'll naturally be next in line for the Hokage position."
"That's not a 'no'." Did she have to focus on that?
"I am basically in the position right now that if Kakashi-sensei and Lady Tsunade are unable to be in the village for some reason then I will act the Hokage until they return. It will be the same when Naruto becomes Hokage and allows me to stay in this position." That was true. He was basically given permission to hand out missions and now he was going to address all five Kage at the Daimyo's Ball so he was definitely taking on roles that a Kage would take on. He would be a fit candidate to be an acting Hokage.
"Unlike you, I have a choice if I want to become the Hokage. You don't have a choice when it comes to the Tsuchikage position."
"I've never protested about becoming the Tsuchikage." That was true. Unlike Naruto, Kurotsuchi never openly declared that she was going to be the Tsuchikage. Maybe everyone just accepted that she would be.
"You never exactly showed any enthusiasm towards becoming the Tsuchikage either."
"I don't need to. I think being the descendant of the first Tsuchikage and the granddaughter of the Third Tsuchikage is enough enthusiasm I need."
"Sounds troublesome."
"You couldn't avoid your destiny of becoming the head of your clan so I can't avoid my destiny of becoming the Tsuchikage. We just have to accept it."
"True." Despite her childish and easy-going nature, Kurotsuchi was an intelligent and witty ninja. He liked that about her.
"Kurotsuchi-sensei." A young girl ran up to the jounin then stopped and tried to catch her breath. "Sato tried his stupid rock bullet technique and got hurt."
"I swear I am going to kill him one day." Kurotsuchi's frustration was evident. "I have to go Shikamaru. I will see you tonight or before you leave tomorrow."
"Good luck." Shikamaru replied then watched the two kunoichi run to their comrades aid. Shikamaru sighed then stretched his arms before putting it behind his head and looked up at the peaceful sky. It was the perfect day to lay around on a hill under a tree but he didn't see any grassy patches in or around the village where he could lay and get lost in the sky. He decided to make his way to his room that Kurotsuchi had shown him to earlier. He hoped that no one from his team was causing any trouble around the village; especially Naruto and Kiba. He didn't need them destroying anything.
He reached the dull apartment he was sharing with Naruto and Hinata (no one else wanted to share an apartment with the couple but he didn't care in the least) a few minutes later and went straight to the shower. It had been a long time since he washed him so he definitely needed a deep cleansing. He tossed his clothes on the floor of the bathroom then stepped into the shower and turned the water on to its hottest. He loved the feeling of the hot water burning its way down his body hopefully cleansing his skin of the initial dirt before he properly cleaned himself. After he finished, he wrapped a towel around his dripping body then sauntered over to the kitchen area. He opened the refrigerator then grabbed a bottle of water and drained it before he heard the door open. He looked up and saw Hinata standing in the lounge with a shocked looked on her face and a creeping blush invading her cheeks.
"Sorry about this Hinata. I just stepped out of the shower." He didn't want to make this more awkward than it already was. Hinata was the purest person he knew so seeing him like that was probably 'immoral' in her books. Maybe she was only surprised to see him with his hair down. It was irritating him that it was dripping down his back as well. He didn't know what was going on in her head and he didn't want to even try to guess so he allowed her to make the next move.
"It's o-okay. I just c-c-came to fetch something." She nervously made her way to the room she was sharing with her blonde boyfriend. He picked up an apple then took a bite into it before making his way into his bedroom. He made his way to the rather large window and looked out at the peaceful nature of the villagers passing by. He always imagined the villagers to be stern and aggressive in the Earth Nation yet all the villagers he encountered were nothing but friendly and helpful. Guess you can't really judge a book by it's cover.
He finished his apple then heard Hinata leave the apartment and saw her walking away from the building so he stood up and tossed the core of the apple in the trash can before drying his warm body. He wanted to go sleep and hopefully replenish his energy after the morning he had so he left his hair down. His body was still burning hot so he only put on his underwear and fell onto the bed. He closed his eyes but it didn't take long for his fatigue to finally consume his body and cause his sharp mind to shut down.
A slight shift next to him woke the lazy ninja up. He probably turned in his sleep since he found himself positioned on his left side. A sense of irritation immediately took over but was quickly replaced with curiosity when he felt his arms wrapped around something. He registered the feeling in his head; soft, smooth, warm. He was pretty sure that he fell asleep alone and Hinata had left the apartment so there shouldn't be anyone next to him. He opened his eyes then saw a pair of soft emerald eyes staring back at him. A smile crept across his lips as he could see the amusement on her face.
"What are you doing?" He wrapped his arms tighter around her as her body warmth heated his cooled body. He noticed that she was wearing a grey sleeveless top that ran all the way down to her mid-thigh region. He could see her pink sports bra that was peeking out from her sleeveless top.
"I was sleeping but then I woke up a couple of minutes ago so I watched you sleep." Her answer was casual as she ran her delicate hands over his toned stomach then across his chest.
"That's a little creepy."
"Do you have a problem with it?" Her stare was playful yet challenging as she looked up the Nara and moved her arms around his neck.
"No. People generally find it creepy though." He found it difficult to concentrate while she seduced his body with her touch. He knew she was purposefully doing it but he was damn sure not going to stop her. She moved her head closer to his as he breath mixed with his. He moved his left hand across her back then snaked his right hand down her back, over her soft butt then stopped by her bare thighs. Two can play this game.
"As long as you don't find it creepy then I don't care what anyone else thinks." Her lips brushed over his as she spoke. A silenced followed her words as both of them teased each other with none of them wanting to make the first move. Their hunger finally became insatiable as their lips finally met each other in a passionate battle. Their desire for each other took over and drove their need for each other's lips and body. Their tongues finally found their way to each other as he gave her smooth thigh a gentle squeeze while she began grinding her body against his. He allowed her to take control and immediately found her on top of him when she rolled him on his back.
She lowered her head and smiled at him as he returned her smile. She was clearly enjoying it just as much as he was. She was perfect, all he ever dreamed she would be and now he was able to show her how much she meant to him. Her lips collided with his once again as they indulged in their kiss once again. Both his hands began making their way up her things under her top. He reached her underwear and fiddled with her straps before pushing his hands under them. His hands then snaked around to her butt and gave each cheek a squeeze causing her to moan while her lips were still pressed firmly against his.
"You're such a tease you know." She battled to say while not breaking their kiss.
"As long as I'm not creepy." His jab at her caused her to gently pull his hair then bury her hands in his soft hair before resuming her kiss. He took his hands out of her underwear then began lifting her top up. She knew what he wanted so she broke their kiss and sat up as she removed the piece of clothing covering most of her body. He took control back and gently picked her up and turned them around so that she was under him this time.
"Taking the initiative; this is not like you Shikamaru." She was enjoying teasing him for a change and he could see it.
"That's because you haven't seen me in this situation." He replied then lowered his head but put his mouth to her ear. "There's a reason why I rest so much." He gently bit her ear before placing a trail of kisses along her jaw to her lips. She hungrily attacked his lips again as he grabbed her legs and wrapped them around him. He removed his lips from hers then moved them down to her subtle neck and began nipping and sucking her flesh there. His hands began moving over her firm stomach then found their way to her soft breasts covered by her sports bra. He slipped his hands under the fabric and moved them around her fleshy mounds while he placed kisses around her neck. Her moans urged him on as she massaged her breasts then teased her hardened nipples with his thumbs. Her hands found their way to his hair again and pulled his head down lower to where his hands were working.
Both of them got lost in the pleasure of each other. They were absorbed in the act of romance they were engaging in. They didn't care about anything other than making their partner enjoy this. An air of satisfaction surrounded their blissful minds.
"Seriously!" Why, just why? It could only be her to ruin this perfect moment. It could only be her to snatch his happiness away from him. It could only be Ino.
Both Shikamaru and Sakura reluctantly stopped then turned to Ino who had a frustrated expression on her face.
"You leave me alone with everyone to hump his brains out?" He felt relieved that Ino's anger was directed at Sakura rather than at him for once.
"And you, Mr Leader, how can you be doing this when we are still on a mission? You are supposed to set an example. Couldn't you guys wait until we were back in Konoha?" There it was. His relief was cut short with that. He should've expected that. Ino always found something to criticise him about. At least this time her criticism was justified.
"Urgh, I'm not talking to both of you. Get up and get dressed, we're going to have dinner with the rest of the team." Ino stormed out of the room but he could hear her take a seat in the lounge area. He rolled off Sakura and laid on his back next to her.
"She says she's not talking to us but she's waiting for us to get dressed so that she can take us to dinner with the rest of our friends." Sakura stated.
"I've learnt my lesson not to question Ino's logic when she's angry." Both of them laughed, lightening the mood. He turned his head and looked at the beautiful girl next to him. She looked at him as well and smiled then moved closer to him and gave him a brief but passionate kiss.
"She's not going to leave so unless you want her to come dress you, I suggest you do what she wants." Sakura instructed him as she stood up. He groaned then stood up as well. His clothes were in the bathroom so he made his way out of the room and dragged himself to the bathroom and dressed him there. He tied his hair up in the usual Nara fashion for the guys then exited the bathroom.
"Why did you tie it up again?" Sakura asked him as she stopped him before he entered his room. "I liked it down."
"I feel weird going out and not having it like this." He replied as he saw her fully dressed as well. "I like you better in your underwear as well." He moved closer to her then lowered his head and gave her a kiss.
"We can't always get what we want." She replied as she gently pushed him away.
"I want you and I will make sure that I get you." He gave her a sly smile before she grabbed him and brought him closer for a kiss.
"You guys are seriously testing me right now." He forgot about Ino in the apartment.
"Like I said, we can't always get what we want." She ran her thumb over his lips then sneaked past him. He couldn't help but smile. She was definitely more experienced in this game that they were playing but he had a few tricks up his sleeve as well. He put on his shoes then made his way to the lounge where both girls were sitting. Ino silently stood up and began exiting the apartment.
"Are we supposed to follow you Ino?" He knew that he was irritating her with that question but he wasn't a fan of hers right now and she wasn't a fan of his either so it was even.
"Do whatever you guys want." Ino replied as he and Sakura exited the building behind her.
"Really Ino?" Sakura was clearly on his side right now as they looked at each other with an amused expression.
"Fuck you guys." Ino angrily marched over to them then hooked her arm around Sakura's and began walking ahead of Shikamaru. He had to let out a chuckle at his victory over the Yamanaka. She really was like his sister.