Chapter 5: Determination

(Alternatively, I Will Never Give In and You Will Break Before You Can Make Me Bend)

Prepare yourselves! The theme song for this chapter is Sakura Nagashi. You should look up the English lyrics.

(Yoshino's POV)

Yoshino looks at her son and then at the dirty little blond boy trying to hide behind Shikamaru's right shoulder. The blond is ducked down and he is peeking up shyly at her through his bangs. His eyes are scared but hopeful and she can't help but think that it is a shame that she didn't find him sooner. This is Kushina's son and his face is telling her everything she needs to know about what his life has been like. She looks back at her son and she sees what her husband meant when he had spoken to her before leading the boys in.

Shikamaru's eyes are alight with an intense determination. A steadfastness that she hasn't seen in even the most battle-hardened of shinobi. It is the kind of conviction that speaks silently(nothing about her son is loud or in your face) of an unbending will, an unyielding resolution that no one can dominate or break. It is that quiet certitude that makes her believe that her husband is correct. He has chosen his path and will follow no other. Her son has a core of steel and a razor-sharp intellect hidden behind that lazy Nara facade. The same as his ancestors had had on both sides of his family tree.

Yoshino, unable to help herself, coos adoringly down at the boys and her son relaxes marginally. She gently guides the blond out from behind Shikamaru with a sweet smile. "Poor baby! You've been alone for a long time, haven't you? What's your name, sweetie?"

The boy smiles a tiny, nervous smile, and says, "Naru'o. Shika-nii says I can s'ay?"

Yoshino kneels down, with her hands on Naruto's thin shoulders, and croons, "Of course! I've always wanted a big family but I was hurt badly on a mission when I was younger. I was told that I'd never be able to carry a child but, then, I got the surprise of my life."

Naruto's eyes go big with the suspense. "Wha' su'pr'se?"

"I found out that I'd be having your Shika-nii," Yoshino says honestly with a bittersweet smile. "The medics kept telling me that I shouldn't get my hopes up and that I could lose him at any moment. But your Shika-nii has always been a stubborn person and he wasn't about to go quietly into the night like the medics thought he would. He held on and I could so no less for my little miracle. It was hard on both of us and we nearly didn't make it but, in the end, here we are. My Shikaku made sure of that. He wouldn't let the medics give up on us."

Naruto's eyes were wide and wet with unshed tears. "You an' Shika-nii are reawy s'rong!"

She smiles softly at the boy, "I suppose we are."

A quiet, strangled noise from behind Naruto has Yoshino lifting her eyes to look at her son. Then she remembers, he has never heard this story. She has never told it to him. His jaw is tightly clenched, a muscle in his tiny jawline is ticking from the strain, and his eyes are wet as he looks resolutely into her own. "I won't forget," he says softly but firmly. He continues, "I won't ever forget what it nearly cost both of you to have me. If there's one thing I never want you to doubt, it's that, even if I've never said it before,I have always loved you and otou-san and I always will. And I love you even more now because you could have given up on me, on us, but you didn't. And that...that means more to me than you will ever know."

A sharp, wet breath from her husband tells her that he is no less affected by their child's words than she is and she opens her arms to her, now larger, family with teary laughter. "Come here, all of you! Group hug!"

Shikamaru is in her arms before she can register the fact that he's moving and Naruto is right behind him. Shikaku ambles over slowly and sinks to his knees behind the children. His strong arms wrap around all three of them tightly and his voice rasps out hoarsely, "We have never doubted that Shikamaru, and we will never give up on you. That goes for you too, Naruto. You're part of this family now and family doesn't give up on one another. Do you understand?"

Naruto nods and, from where his little head is tucked on Yoshino's right shoulder, says "Hai! Fami'y don' gi'e up, e'er! Fami'y s'ick 'ge'er, righ'?"

"Always," Shikamaru's voice grits out between them, hard and resolved. "Family always sticks together, no matter what."

(Shikaku's POV)

Shikaku enters the Hokage's office with a quiet sigh. "So...I guess you already heard, hmm? It's the only reason I can think of that would have you summoning me to your office today out of all days."

"That your son unofficially adopted Uzumaki Naruto without so much as a 'By your leave'? A little Dove told me," Sarutobi Hiruzen says with a fond chuckle, his smile quick and easy. "Children have always found ways to surprise adults without much effort. Your boy is no exception to that rule."

"I think he'd surprise you more than most children, Hokage-sama. I know he surprised the hell out of Yoshino and myself today. And that's including his sudden adoption of Naruto as his little brother," Shikaku says with a soft voice, his eyes drifting over the older man's shoulder to look out the window with a faraway gaze.

The Hokage leans forward and props himself up, arms folding over one another as one eyebrow rises in interest. He gestures to a chair and says, "Would you care to share the story with this old man, Shikaku?"

The Nara Clan head drags the chair in front of the desk and sits. He tilts his head back to stare at the ceiling. He is quiet for several long moments before, finally, "I had already guessed that my son is a genius, so that isn't much of a surprise to me. His IQ may be even higher than I thought, though. But..I think my son may be an old soul, Sarutobi-sama..."

"Oh? And why is that?" The aged Kage prompts when Shikaku is quiet for a long period of time.

Shikaku looks down from the ceiling to look the other man directly in the eyes. "Because no child I've ever seen has the weight my son has. I've never seen anyone with the same strong will that Shikamaru carries within himself. He's never gone through any of the trials and tribulations that come with being a shinobi. And yet, here I am, swearing on my life, Sarutobi-sama, that my son is a warrior of unfathomable spirit. He...he's like the living, breathing personification of the Will of Fire. He..."

The Nara breaks off and shakes his head slowly in admiration, "My own son is like no one I have ever met, and that's including Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato." Softer, he says, "He has so much determination, Hokage-sama, so much..."

"He sounds like an amazing child, Shikaku."

"He is. I don't know what Yoshino and I ever did to deserve such an incredible boy. But we must have done something because we do have him and he's ours and we are...we are so lucky to have him." Shikaku watches as the Hokage leans back in his chair with a hum.

The Kage reaches for his pipe and lights it with a thoughtful look. He puffs on it for several long minutes as he visibly turns Shikaku's words over in his head. Finally, "I think that I'd very much like to meet your boy, Shikaku."

Shikaku breathes in sharply, his eyes narrowing on his leader. "With all due respect, Hokage-sama-"

"I don't mean to make him a shinobi now, my friend. Rather, I would simply like to sit down and speak with him. Preferably in an informal setting, if you don't mind."

"I… Of course, Hokage-sama. I will speak to Yoshino about arranging a day for you to come over to meet him. Is there anything else you would like to speak of before I leave?" Shikaku said deferentially, his eyes downcast. He doesn't see it but he can hear the frown in the Hokage's voice.

"Shikaku, that was not, under any circumstance, a reprimand. I understand your concerns and I will not dismiss those so lightly. Your son seems to be an extraordinary child and I merely wish to speak to him as I would speak to any of our future shinobi in the Academy. If he is as intelligent as you say then I have no doubt that we will have an enlightening discussion." Shikaku looks up to see a small, understanding smile on the old man's face. "You are an intelligent man yourself, Shikaku, but sometimes even intelligent men can assume and 'make asses of themselves' so to speak."

Shikaku chuckles tiredly, "Aa, I guess you're right. Apologies, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi Hiruzen waves the apology away nonchalantly, "There is nothing to apologize for, my friend. You were being the good and concerned father that you are and I would be quite upset with you if you had simply agreed to my request without any concern what so ever."

"Mendokuse..."

The Hokage laughs, "Quite right, Shikaku!"

(Shikamaru's POV)

The house is in an uproar. It's been three days since he'd essentially adopted Naruto and his father was summoned by the Hokage. Shikamaru had been shocked when he had brought back news of the Hokage wanting to speak with him. He still doesn't know what to make of this request. All he knows is that, apparently, it is a very big deal and he isn't certain he wants anything to do with this. Regardless, his parents had agreed to this meeting and he is the one that must now make good on that agreement

"Shika-nii?"

Shikamaru turns to look at his brother and smiles softly to reassure the little boy(he is so little. Not even Marlene had ever seemed as tiny as Naruto does now). "It's okay, Naru. Everything will be fine. You'll see."

Naruto latches onto his right hand with his hand and nods, "m'kay. Shika-nii?"

"Yeah?"

"You goin' away?"

"No." The word is spoken quietly but vehemently. "I'm not going anywhere. After all, I did promise to be your Aniki and to take care of you. I won't break that promise. I will never break that promise. I swear it."

Naruto sighs and leans into him. "'m happy. Reawy happy, Shika-nii."

Shikamaru softens and smiles. He dislodges Naruto's hand to wrap his arm around the smaller boy and hugs him as they watch the Koi swimming in the little pond. "So am I, Naru. I'm really glad I found you."

Unbeknownst to him, the Hokage is already here and has been listening to their conversation. He looks Shikaku in the eye with a raised eyebrow and an amused expression before turning to speak to Shikamaru. "That is a very serious promise, young man."

Shikamaru startles and turns sharply, shifting his body automatically to cover his vulnerable little brother. His eyes sweep over the old man, cool and assessing. His chin ticks down to protect his throat even as he looks the man directly in the eyes. "Then it's a good thing I have no intention of breaking my promise, now isn't it?"

The words are a gauntlet thrown down, a challenge for the other man to try to make him a liar(and when it comes to family Shikamaru(Hyo) has never lied and he never will. He will die to protect them if it ever comes down to it). The Hokage stares down at him, just as assessing, and he must see something that he likes. Or perhaps he is reading the truth of Shikamaru's character is in his eyes and feels validation for the decision he is obviously making. Regardless, whatever it is that he sees soon has him smiling in something like approval. "You are Nara Shikamaru, yes?"

"I'm sure you already know the answer to your own question but, yes, I am. And you are?" Shikamaru's voice is calm, not even a hint of trepidation making his voice waver.

The Hokage's smile widens at his response. He bows his head slightly as he introduces himself, "I am Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage. Do you mind if I sit down? After all, I am an old man?"

Shikamaru doesn't bat an eyelash. "You are more than welcome to sit and rest, elder, but, somehow, I get the feeling that even an old man such as yourself has more than one trick up his sleeve. After all, a person doesn't get to be where you are and stay there for as long as you have without having the ability to back up his or her claim."

Naruto's little head is twisting towards his brother then back towards the Hokage as if he is watching a ping pong match as they talk. Then, "Shika-nii, wha' ah' dose words mean?"

"I'll explain it later when we have more time. Okay?" Shikamaru responds.

"'m'kay. Kaa-chan, can I ha'e 'nack pease?"

"Of course, Naruto. Why don't you and I go make a bunch of snacks so your Aniki and everyone else can have one too?" Yoshino held her hand out for him to take as he came over to her.

"Hai!"

Shikamaru relaxed a little as soon as Naruto and his mother went inside. While he doesn't think the Hokage means any harm to his family it doesn't mean he should let his guard down. He turns and opens one of the shogi doors and respectfully gestures inside. "After you, Hokage-sama."

"Arigato." The Sarutobi walks in calmly and settles down on one of the zabutons on the left side of the room. Shikamaru kneels down across from him and waits. The elderly man watches him with a speculative gleam in his eyes for a short time before saying, "I've heard some very good things about you, young man."

"Oh?"

"Mm," the Kage hums affirmatively. "Yes and I can see why your father speaks of you the way he does. You really do have the most remarkable eyes. It's very rare for such an indomitable spirit to be so clear in a person's eyes. Rarer still for such a strong will to be found in a child. Your father calls you an old soul. I must say I agree with him."

"That's why you wanted to talk to me? My strong will?" Shikamaru frowns, confusion clear on his face. "But...aren't there others who have strong wills?"

"Oh, most certainly but not quite like yours, Nara-kun. I look at you and I see something very special in you. At the same time, however, I also see something very sad in you," the Sarutobi says in a soft voice. With a strange sort of reverence the man continues, "I see a great grief in you. The kind of grief that comes that comes from losing everything. I've seen it so many times that it is easy to recognize. It isn't a kind of grief a child should have. And yet, here you, a child, are with such a weight in your eyes that it makes this old heart ache."

Shikamaru's frown deepens and his eyes fall to his folded hands as he states, "You're curious as to what made me as I am today."

"Undoubtedly so but I won't pry."

Shikamaru looks up sharply, searching for a lie but the Hokage meets his eyes levelly. "Why?"

"Because I see what your father does. I see a determination like no other in you, a Will of Fire that burns so strong and hot that no one will ever be able to douse it or tame it. Because a Will like yours is one that protects this village without hesitation. You are a fighter, a protector, and not even I can deny that after meeting you," the old man says solemnly.

Shikamaru grits his teeth and spits out, "What if I can't? What if I can't do what you think I'm capable of? What if these hands aren't enough to protect this place like you think I can?"

The Hokage laughs suddenly, softly, and says, before Shikamaru can take offense, "My dear boy, that is when you rely on others to help you. After all, I never said you'd be alone in the protecting of this Great Tree. There are many people already protecting our home. I hope that one day, though not anytime soon, you will join the ranks of those who do so now."

"But...I couldn't even protect my family..." The words are almost a whisper and drag like razors along the inside of his throat and Shikamaru closes his eyes against the burning in them, against the pain in his chest. "I...I couldn't do anything to keep them safe."

"I know," Sarutobi Hiruzen says not unkindly. "I felt the same way when my eldest son disappeared. Again, when my wife was taken from me. And yet again when my daughter-in-law passed away after giving birth to my only grandchild. Sometimes there is no way to protect the ones we love. Sometimes, all we can do is keep living. I think our lost loved ones would be most displeased if we dishonored them by not making the most of the lives we have now. Don't you agree?"

(Shikamaru suddenly remembers a night sky studded with so many stars shining down that they are impossible to count. Shikamaru(Hyo) remembers the scents of flowers and kindness that surrounds a young woman with the heart and soul of an angel. He remembers hope and faith and light and a wholehearted, undying love given without expecting anything in return. Remembers a gentle hand in his hair and a sweet voice in his ear. 'You're a living person, Kitten. Just like me. Just like Zack and Cloud and all the others. You don't have to live this life as if you're all alone because you aren't. Not anymore. I'm here for you, Hyo, and I'll remind you as many times as I need to. This life you have...it's a life worth living. And that's what I want you to do. I want you to live. I want you to find the happiness I know is out there waiting for you. So, please...won't you try? For me?')

Hyo(Shikamaru) doesn't try to stop the tears that pour down his face. His eyes, however, stay closed as he slowly, shakily, breathes in. Then he breathes out a nearly silent word to the still air, to the Hokage(to his fallen sister, his angel in disguise), "Yes."

Author's Notes: Are you as emotionally wrung out as I am? I came close to crying quite a few time while writing this.