A/N: Japanese, maths and chemistry exams all in the next few days, and I'm here writing this instead of doing my revision. God I'm a loser. Sorry if this chapter is painfully short compared to my other ones :(

Disclaimer: Cool.

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Ino's plan was coming along nicely.

She was running General Nara off his feet with petty errands, while she lay in bed recovering. It was a very satisfying feeling, knowing that she could make him do anything she wanted without argument.
'Much more fun than ordering servants around.' She thought happily, as she listened to her maids gossip quietly as they worked.

Her father had been supporting her schemes unconsciously, by keeping three divisions of the Imperial Army in the palace grounds for basically, bodyguard duties. This allowed Ino to cause trouble for the surly soldier, who unwillingly followed her every beck and call. It had certainly made the princess's days more interesting.

After nine days of relaxing, Ino grudgingly admitted that she was bored stiff, staying in her room all day long. So, she got up and bathed, before slipping on her new yukata that Nara-san had so kindly provided.
'Speaking of which,' she thought as she tied her hair back in a simple ponytail, 'I'd better check that he's been taking care of my flowers properly.'

Ino quietly crept out of her room, not wanting to draw any attention from the servants. She preferred that the news of her recovery didn't spread around, lest her newest servant find out and refuse to do her bidding. Slipping on a pair of straw sandals, she quickly ducked into her private gardens, smiling blissfully as the scent of exotic flowers floated through the air. How she had missed the sensation! Strolling leisurely through the flora, she noted with pleasant surprise that all of the plants were still in good condition, if in need of a quick trim. Turning around to get a pair of shears, she nearly ran straight into General Nara.

"Ah! What are you doing here?!"

He looked at her blankly, before stating, "About to water your precious plants."

'Great…he caught me red-handed! That means I can't ask him to do chores for me anymore. Unless…'

"Well, off you go then, get started!" Ino responded cheerily, trying to pass him on the narrow pathway. To her annoyance, she found a large hand wrapped around her forearm, stopping any attempt to escape.

"Not so fast, princess. Seeing as you've returned to full health, I suggest you take care of your own hobbies." He said, pushing the watering can towards her.

Narrowing her eyes dangerously, she replied coolly "You know, I could get you into so much trouble for laying your hands on me."

He shrugged one shoulder, but didn't loosen his grip on her. "Then go ahead. I hope you realize that really, I didn't attack you. It was," he said with a smirk, "purely self-defense. I trust you remember who stabbed who."

Ino's face flushed with anger, and she wrenched her arm away. "Oh yeah?" she hissed, "well I don't think that matters, since you jumped out of the bushes at me! My actions were the self-defensive, not yours!"

"Mendokuse…whatever. Believe what you want, your majesty, but I am not going to do your bidding anymore. No matter what argument you use." And with that, he pushed the watering can into her arms, soaking her front in the process, and strode off, leaving Ino standing there, absolutely livid.

Shikamaru rolled his shoulders with relief, glad that he was far away from the glowering princess. He was all too aware what kinds of pain she could bring him, and despite his unhappiness with his current job, he didn't want his whole career come crashing down his ears.
"Thank the Gods that that's over."

"That what's over?"

Shikamaru grimaced as he heard the familiar voice practically shout in his ear.
"Hey Naruto."
He sighed, reaching a nice piece of grass and dropping down on it.
"I thought you were supposed to be teaching your men the defensive plan?"

He saw a pair of feet stop beside him, before it was followed with a body.
"Don't change the topic Shikamaru. What's up with you? Everyone's noticed your constant disappearances, and believe me, it's no fun when the guy you share a tent with wakes you up every morning at 1am."

Shikamaru focused on the clouds above, but there was no deterring Naruto when he got started on something. After a few minutes of one-sided conversation, Naruto paused to think.
"Ano sa, you're not sneaking off with some maid are you? Because I'd be hurt if are and haven't introduced me to her friend yet."

Shikamaru choked, spluttering from the incredulity of the idea. Looking across, he saw Naruto's face creased into a large grin, and couldn't help but smirk in return. "Sure Naruto, if you honestly think that."

"Hey, who knows? You could get lucky someday. I'm sure all the ladies dig the fact that you're practically running the army."

Shikamaru's head twisted across so fast that he was surprised he didn't get a crick. "How did you know that?" he asked in a low voice.

"Hey, just because I'm blonde doesn't mean I'm dumb! I know about your special meetings with the uppers."

"Mendokuse…"

Naruto let out a bark of laughter. "Don't worry, I'm not telling anyone. But that's exactly why I'm so curious to know where you're vanishing to everyday. I would have thought you were way too busy."

Shikamaru closed his eyes, feeling his lack of sleep catching up with him.
"I am way too busy, but I'm not exactly getting any say in it. But it doesn't matter; I'm off the hook now. So if you'll kindly shut up," he said jokingly, "I'd like to get some rest and relaxation in."

Naruto punched him on the arm and stood up.
"Alright, alright. But don't forget your meeting with the Emperor at one o'clock, ne?"

Shikamaru responded with a particularly colourful word, and rolled over obstinately. Naruto chuckled, before bouncing away.

Shikamaru stretched languidly and relaxed into the soft grass.
'Finally…a break from work.' He lost track of time as he dozed, enjoying the peace and quiet. Suddenly a shadow was cast over him, and he cracked open an eyelid to see who had come to visit him. Unsurprisingly, it was one of the royal servants, a pale man with a receding hairline. "Yes?"

"Excuse me, General Nara. The Emperor sent me to escort you to your meeting, as he is currently out of the office."

"Yes, of course." Stretching his back, he followed the servant sluggishly. He was led to a small courtyard with a wooden fountain, and some marble benches.

There he spotted Emperor Yamanaka, along with the usual entourage of handmaidens, bodyguards and servants laden with assorted delicacies. Shikamaru was motioned over to a bench opposite the Emperor, and after the bowing and formalities, the servants were dismissed with the exception of the three bodyguards. There was a lengthy pause, setting Shikamaru's teeth on edge. If there was anything he hated, it was long uncomfortable silences.

"So, tell me General. How are you these days? I hope that your workload is not too excessive?"

Shikamaru panicked, clenching his hands by his sides. Keeping his head bowed, he tried to mask the panic on his face.

'This is it,' he mentally screamed. 'The princess has told her father the truth, you idiot, why did you let your anger take advantage this morning? It's all over, say hello to prison and capital punishment, dumbass.'
"Everything is fine, your majesty. My work is under control."
'Not that that answers your question.' He added silently.

"Good, good. I began to think too many responsibilities had been placed on you, Nara-san."

"And why would that be?" Shikamaru answered with forced calmness.

"Well, there have been reports of your frequent disappearances, as well as concerns being voiced by your colleagues over your exhausted appearance."

"Oh no," he replied quickly, hoping against hope that the Emperor didn't know anything more. "I've been perfectly on top of things. Understandably, I have been more fatigued than usual, as is only expected. After all," he chuckled painfully, the sound feeling fake to his ears, "I have been working more than usual."

"Very well. If your sure…?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Good. Now, let's talk about these new plans you've drawn up…"

Shikamaru released a breath he didn't even realize he had been holding. He silently thanked Kami-sama at his fortune. As he pretended to be engaged in conversation, he was really making determined resolutions.
'Princess Ino must be avoided at all costs…otherwise I'll lost my temper and push my luck too far. Damn it all! This is so troublesome!'

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A/N: Ugh, this chapter was a real brain drain. So…sorry if it was unbelievably short, boring and badly written, but I was really trying to finish it before I gave up completely. Anyway…I'll next chapter will hopefully be more inspiring!