Naruto vs Shikamaru
The final day of the festival has arrived. Many students were excited for the upcoming card match. There was chatter everywhere in the school. Naruto just recently heard about it and felt terrified at first with a hint of piss seeing how he was given a nickname that doesn't suit him.
It was about that time for him to go out. He was standing in front of the doors staring at the flyer. He was nervous to go out since, he's going to be meeting with everyone after along time. He wasn't sure how to act around them. Part of him was regretting to take Shikamaru's challenge. From what he can take in, this match was going to either make it or break it for the club. Naruto didn't think he would get this much responsibility when he wasn't a member.
"What are you waiting for?"
Naruto jolted after feeling a hand tapping his back. He turned his head to see Ino. She was looking forward at the doors.
"It's about to start...your not going to pull yourself out of this" Ino states.
"I wasn't planning too" Naruto replies.
"Good...you need to bring your A game on" Ino said stepping out the door. "Shikamaru isn't someone you should underestimate.
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked following her out.
"Well his game is more Shogi than cards...but he's a quick learner" Ino states. "I played Shogi a few times with him and no matter how much I try...he finds a way to win!"
"And what should I be scared for?" Naruto asked raising an eyebrow.
"That he's a fast learner! If he knows how you plan than he will take advantage and counter that-" Ino exclaims then saw a long line up of students.
Naruto stood their shocked to see so much gathered around the card clubs booth. From what Ino could tell, there spot extended taking the other clubs space.
"Finally your here!" Sara said running to Ino. "We have a small issue"
"What is small to you?" Ino asked raising her eyebrows.
"Oh the crowd isn't the problem" Sara said smiling. "it's our box...it's overfilled with tickets and we don't know where to put the rest.
"Overfilled!?" Ino said surprised.
"Yup...and from what I heard...all other clubs have been cancelled because the members from them are coming to watch the match" Sara states.
"You have to be joking?" Naruto said in disbelief.
"Well your reputation grew from the first festival...along with that incident with Kabuto" Sara said looking at him. "Your name is being spread….your becoming pop-"
"Stop!" Naruto said unafraid of hearing the rest of that sentence. "Let's just do this"
"Right...is Shikamaru here?" Ino asked.
"Yes...and we have Neji, Sasuke and Sai being the security guards trying to keep things calm" Sara replies.
"What are Sakura and Choji doing?"
"There doing the preparations" Sara answers.
"Well….that leaves you" Ino said turning to Naruto who felt a chill go down his spine. "This crowd is here for you...you better not disappoint them...or me- I mean the club...meaning, no cheating"
Naruto could feel the intense glare she was giving him. He felt disappointed at himself for sinking so low. Though, now it's time to show them the new him. The time of being alone is over, time to start a new chapter.
Naruto starts walking forward, passing by the students who started making a path for him. He could see the table set up with a red cloth over the table. Shikamaru was waiting for him with his arms crossed. Naruto could see the black cards set up for speed. He reaches his end of the table.
"Finally you showed up" Shikamaru states with a slight smirk.
"Ya" Naruto replies picking up the twenty cards then doing his signature move and quickly brought five cards in his hands.
"Uh, that's cool" Shikamaru said picking up his cards normally. "Do you know what game were playing?"
"Speed right?" Naruto said confused with his question.
"yes... but a different version of it"
Naruto eyes widen understanding what he means. There is only one other version he knows and he played. "Infinite speed" Naruto thought remembering how hard it was trying to get out of that loop Kabuto put him in.
"I suggest it since...a normal game of speed might not be too interesting to the people who came here just for this card match" Shikamaru exclaims.
"I agree..so lets start then" Naruto said placing his hand on the right card in the middle while Shikamaru placed his hand on the other.
Their eyes were locked on each other. Ino started getting nervous seeing the two looking serious. The feeling of anxious was spread throughout the crowd waiting patiently for the match to start. Naruto let out a small breath trying to calm his nervous. It seems like his body remembered the pain he went through in playing this kind of speed.
"3" Shikamaru said.
"2" Naruto said.
"1"
They both flipped the cards and Naruto quickly dropped two cards on the his pile while Shikamaru put one card down. Naruto reloaded his hand and scan for possible cards he can put down. He dropped a few more down. Shikamaru also did the same.
It was a calm game among the two. No one didn't look frustrated or worried. It was a steady game even a little boring. Ino could hear chatter that wasn't positive. Then it reached the last card for each player. Once they flipped the side cards and place their final cards down. Shikamaru quickly slapped his hand to the smallest pile while Naruto the largest.
That brought back interest in the audience. Naruto started sweating. They continued again but this time, Naruto had difficulty in placing cards down fast enough. There was so many doubles that he couldn't get rid of his hand while Shikamaru quickly got rid of his hand until he had no cards left but Naruto kept blocking his chances in putting his last cards down. The benefit in having most of the deck is that the multiple combos you can put down.
"Interesting...you really are good" Shikamaru said with a smirk. "This might just get fun for me"
"Uh?" Naruto said confused.
The two quickly got rid of their cards. Naruto was slow again but Shikamaru's pile was close to the amount he grabbed. It was like a fresh restart. Naruto felt a shift in Shikamaru's eyes. They both flip their cards and started putting them down but Naruto was shock seeing Shikamaru put four cards down at the same time.
"What?" he said in shock.
Shikamaru kept one in his hand and collected four more from his pile. Naruto quickly put his cards down. A few other rounds later, another four cards fell from Shikamaru's deck. Naruto couldn't explain how he could have those cards in order already. Though there was more. When Naruto tried putting his cards down, Shikamaru blocks it by putting two cards down. Combo after combo.
"Whats going on?" Naruto said getting anxious and confused.
"have you heard about the king?" Shikamaru ask.
"The king?" Naruto mutters under his breath thinking of Kabuto.
Ino and Sasuke heard that question and though the same thing. However, Shikamaru isn't talking about what there thinking.
"Yusei is a prime example of the role" Shikamaru said placing two cards down.
"Why do you think that?" Naruto asked placing his card down.
"imagine...or more like remember how Yusei acts when he's about to enter battle"
Naruto invision himself standing on the hill top staring down at Shikamaru who was looking up from below.
"The king….it's not just one person" Shikamaru states.
"Uh? Your not making any sense" Naruto replies so confused
Shikamaru quicky slammed all five cards down to the left pile that was growing bigger than the right. That gave Naruto goosebumps.
"How troublesome" Shikamaru said softly picking up his next five cards. "the King in the rogue hero….Yusei's king are those who he would give his life to protect"
"Oooh" Naruto said understanding him.
"and the king in this game…is all of the cards" Shikamaru said giving an intense glare. "The combos weren't a mistake"
Naruto eyes widen in shock. He couldn't believe him. For any of them to drop a combo of cards, they need to the right cards in order. Naruto usually have two combos but not three or five as much as Shikamaru was throwing them down. But, if Shikamaru found a way to get those combos, he's in trouble.
"There was a way...it's just picking the card you want and not dropping it and waiting for the others to follow...it's difficult to do...you need to be patient and hope for the card you need comes...though sometimes, the combo appears itself" Shikamaru thought having a six, five, four, Ace and a two in his hand. He needed a three to complete this combo but even without one, he has a four combo.
Naruto started getting frustrated unable to decide what to do next. Each combo was a direct attack to him. He could feel the power coming from them, piercing him. Though, Shikamaru was also doing something else. The left pile was much bigger than the other. He was going to do what Kabuto did to him. The memory and pain from that match caused his hands to shake. Shikamaru notice. He could tell Naruto was losing confidence in winning this match.
"I guess...we're reaching the end of this game" Shikamaru states placing five cards down.
He had six left but picked up the last five and had one on his side of the table. Sasuke could tell Naruto was losing his edge again. He couldn't blame him. He's having a hard time trying to figure out a way to counter Shikamaru's tactic. The only thing he can think of is the speed in which he places his cards. If Naruto was fast enough, he could stop the combos.
Ino was also thinking of a way to beat Shikamaru but no good. On one side, things were going great. Everyone felt the excitement and frustration coming off the two. The way Shikamaru turned the tables on Naruto made it twice as enjoyable to watch. It wasn't on sided either. People were cheering for both of them. Though, from Naruto and Shikamaru's expression, she doesn't think they could hear them. However, she couldn't help but want Naruto to win deep down. She wanted to scream in his ear. She just wanted to help him. At this rate, he was going to lose.
"He's different" Sara spoke snapping Ino out of her thoughts.
"Uh? Who?" Ino asked.
"Naruto...there's life in his expression...its easy to read him" Sara states.
"Hmm...ya, andhis face is telling me he's going to lose-" Ino said in an uncaring tone.
"-but his eyes tells otherwise" Sakura said walking to Ino's side. "Those sky blue eyes"
Ino blinked a few times realizing the two didn't look worried or stress. She look back at Naruto and she was surprise to see a smirk on his face. "What the?...what are you up to?" she thought.
OOO
Shikamaru had the same reaction. That smirk was puzzling and unsettling for Shikamaru. It was a complete 180. Naruto didn't look hopeless, just the opposite.
"You really found a new way of playing the game...even changing the role of the king" Naruto said softly with a small smile. "You know...I'm caught up"
"Caught up?..what are you talking about?" Shikamaru asked confused.
Naruto placed five cards down on the small pile and picked up five more from his pile. Shikamaru stood their stunned by the move. He looked down and notice the top cards were the same. Which means, he couldn't make his move since he didn't have a card either higher or lower than the cards in the middle.
"Don't worry...that was just luck that I had that combo" Naruto said organizing his hand. "Still...the game isn't over yet until the one-"
OOO
"-Falls" Yusei said standing tall on his mystical beast that was materialized from his energy.
He was all patched up with one eye open, looking ahead with a serious expression. Kira was right next to him. They were in the air, above the city which was burning. Zane could be seen not looking shocked but excited and happy. He was on a clock tower and raised one arm that had markings glowing.
Suddenly, growls can be heard from the sky and the ground. More beasts arose from hiding revealing their fearful features. Each dragon roared loudly causing the ground to shake. However, Yusei didn't show any fear.
OOO
"You watched it" Ino mutters to herself.
"So thats what you meant...you caught up" Shikamaru said letting out a chuckle.
"When your sick all day and can't leave your home...there is only one thing to do...and that's bench watch your favourite anime...and I learned a few things from these new episodes" Naruto states with a smile. "Even when the situation looks bad and there isn't any hope of finding a way out of it….you don't give up until it's over since...the bonds you made aren't going to give up the fight"
OOO
"Time for round two" Yusei said and raised his fist.
He breathes in and opened his mouth.
"EVERYONE DON'T GIVE UP...THIS FIGHT ISN'T OVER YET...WE ALL ARE HERE FOR A REASON AND THAT'S TO END THIS...LOOK DEEP WITHIN YOURSELFS AND FIND THE STRENGTH TO FIGHT...REMEMBER...YOUR NOT ALONE!"
Everyone who were on their knees started rising. Who were exhausted, felt their energy returning. They all had their heads held high at the beast terrorizing the city.
"..isn't that right..Kira" Yusei said softly to her.
"Hmhm...your not alone anymore" Kira stated walking to his side. "We are all in this fight together...because-"
OOO
"The power of friendship" Naruto said softly looking back at what Ino did for him then at the time he spent with everyone in the card club including the new member Sakura.
He also heard from his mother that they came all to visit when he was sick. That was truly a surprise for him to hear. Though, in this game, the power of friendship wasn't going to work against Shikamaru but he knew of a way. Naruto smirked and brought his game face back. He started placing down cards again. Shikamaru watches closely and tries sliding his cards in but Naruto quickly blocks it with his.
"He's starting to get faster" Shikamaru thought noticing Naruto's pile shrinking. Everytime Shikamaru tries doing a move, Naruto was one step ahead and placed his card without even looking in the direction. This started flustering Shikamaru who quickly placed his two combo cards down. Naruto used those cards to put his final three then Shikamaru did the same. They both slammed their hands on the pile of cards.
Everyone gasp to see Naruto take the large pile. Including Shikamaru who felt uneasy. Naruto just continued to smile. "Whats' he plotting...I don't get him" he thought shuffling his deck and picked up five cards.
Once they flipped the side cards. Naruto went in and slammed a five combo right off the bat. Shikamaru was stunned. Naruto quickly started placing cards down on both piles. There was a change in Naruto's expression. He couldn't stop his smile from growing wider. Shikamaru gathered his thoughts and started getting back into the game. He had a three combo in his hand. He was about to place it down but then Naruto intersects his combo by sliding one card inbetween causing Shikamaru to take back his second card.
Shikamaru looks at Naruto who was looking back showing no sign of stopping. His eyes were determined. Shikamaru didn't know how this shift came to be. He started getting nervous, already feeling the sweat drip down his forehead.
Naruto stares intensley at Shikamaru with the thought of the latest episode he watched. That brought up this tactic.
Flashback
"What's wrong" Yusei said coldly with a grin.
There was no smirk on Zane. There was just an upside down smirk with his teeth grinding together. His eyes looked pissed with no enjoyment in them like they had before. Yusei was the only one filled with excitement.
Their situation hasn't changed. Zane has the upper hand but, the reaction Yusei was giving him, is pissing him off.
Flashback ended
Shikamaru poker face broke the moment Naruto started looking like he was going to win. That's what's causing Shikamaru to hesitate when putting a card down. Naruto got under his skin. This tactic not only could work for Shikamaru. Even towards Kabuto. The king of cards.
However, even that's not enough to win. Naruto was going to have to pull every trick in his pocket except one that he will never use again. Naruto slam the last of his cards while Shikamaru still had seven cards.
Naruto quickly takes the shorter pile. Though, the larger pile and his are close in height. Shikamaru finishes and takes the pile. A new match has been set and this will be the last. Naruto will make sure of that.
His confidence in winning this is at the height no one can measure. It was like he could see the ending.
A chill breeze went down Shikamaru's spine. He had goosebumps appear on his arms. He didn't think he would feel like this playing a game of cards. "it must be him" he thought seeing Naruto's expression. He smiles and starts throwing some cards down.
This match was decided once the joker card appeared in Naruto's hand. After the card was placed, a wave of cheering could be heard loudly. Right after the winning word was said.
"Speed"
OOO
It's been hours since the festival came to and end. The card club had their stuff put back into their club room. Neji and Sai helped them put the tables back in the storage room. It's only the official members in the classroom.
There was silence between everyone. They were waiting for the results to come in. All the club's that participated in this festival gave their boxes to Anko. The anticipation was almost irritating. The club room door soon opened causing everyone to turn their heads.
Though we're surprised to see Naruto come in with a displeased expression. He looks up at them but quickly looks away then got pushed to the side by Anko.
"Alright! The votes are in!" Anko states loud and proud.
"Why did I have come for this?" Naruto asked crossing his arms.
"You may not be part of this club but you played a big part in it...so it's only right for you to hear the results" Anko said with a smile. "You might actually like it"
"What is it?...Who got the most votes?" Ino asked begging for the answer.
"The winner who won in a landslide was...The card club-" Anko said until getting interrupted by the cheering and screaming until coughing loudly causing them to shut their mouths. "Though you wouldn't have if that stunt didn't happen in the last day...that day was the winner"
Anko turns her head to Naruto who had a shock expression unable to expressive what he was feeling.
"Your match practically closed every club in order to see you play against Shikamaru...and congrats on winning that" Anko stated. "And because of what you did...Tsu- the principal will allow you back into the club"
"What?" Naruto said slowly feeling himself about to fall down.
"Really, he can come back?" Sara asked feeling excitement grow within her.
Ino was stunned for a few seconds but smiled right after. It hasn't been the same ever since he left and everyone here wanted him back.
"Yes, now moving onto the next thing I have to say" Anko said in a serious tone. "Since your club won...you will be entering the third festival along with the top two...this festival will prepare you for the final festival which is the city festival….though this specific festival is different since...you only have one day"
"One day!?" Ino said shocked.
"Yes...since three clubs are participating...a day will decide it all" Anko replies.
"But that isn't enough time" Ino states.
"Your thinking of it being the same as the other festival" Anko said crossing her arms. "Let me clarify...in this festival, the goal isn't to get people in...but its to entertain people"
Naruto's ear twitch and looked at Anko with a surprised expression. "Wait a second…" he thought until Ino interrupted him.
"Isn't that what we have been doing!...i see no difference from the other times-" Ino said but saw a smirk in Anko.
"Exactly….have you all visited the other clubs" Anko exclaims. "Most have something for anyone to see or experience...like books to read or looking at art pieces...food is a popular one...they all offer something tangible...but for your club-"
"We've been entertaining them with the matches Naruto did" Sara states.
"You club is well known now...including all the members because of the way Naruto plays the game" Anko said shifting one eye to Naruto. "He puts his spirit in it causing his opponent to do the same making everyone feel it"
Naruto started to blush lightly getting embarrassed and heard giggles from the girls. He just wanted to leave right this moment.
"So there is no doubt...we will make it to the city festival" Ino said confidently with a grin.
"I can't be bias but you all have a higher chance...just remember right after this festival...the last will be...unforgettable"
Anko left the room, leaving everyone in their thoughts with the upcoming festivals. Including Naruto who was facing the floor looking deep in thought. Ino couldn't help but feel grateful for him. Without knowing about the third festival, they were already preparing themselves for it. She owes Naruto but the question is what.