Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
"They're coming back," Yukan whispered. He nudged Shikamaru gently on the shoulder. "We need to move. If they find us here, they'll kill us. No questions asked."
Shikamaru stared at him.
"What are you doing?" Yukan hissed. "They'll be back any-"
"Who are you talking about?" Shikamaru's countenance was one of extreme confusion. "What are we doing here?" He rubbed the back of his head, which was throbbing painfully. Did he have a concussion? "Who are you?"
"The bandits are coming! That's all you need to know." Yukan urgently whispered. He didn't want Shikamaru to figure out that he himself was one. Now he grabbed Shikamaru's upper arm, making the latter wince in pain. Yukan yanked the injured shinobi off the ground and made for the door.
A rumbling sound filled the room. Yukan swore.
"What was that?" Shikamaru asked, before being shoved the ground. He began to protest, but Yukan's hand covered his mouth. Shikamaru was getting more bewildered than ever.
Yukan leaned close to his ear. "When the door opens, lie absolutely still. If you understand, blink twice."
Shikamaru blinked twice.
Yukan nodded back and then turned away. Shikamaru propped himself up on his elbows to see what he was doing. He saw the flash of a knife as Yukan raised it.
"What are you-" He threw himself backwards.
The knife plunged into Yukan's own hand.
"Ow..." Yukan grimaced
There was a voice coming from above.
"Oi! Yukan! Is that you?"
"Yeah!" Yukan shouted.
Someone was descending a flight of stairs. Yukan started toward Shikamaru, who by now was wondering if he was having some sort of nightmare or hallucination.
The door creaked open. It was the bandit leader's second-in-command. His face was covered by a mask. He looked exhausted.
"What's wrong?" Yukan asked.
The bandit's shoulders slumped. "It's Leader. We can't find him."
Yukan laughed. "Oh, that's him. He probably went overboard again." He turned to Shikamaru. Lie still, he mouthed.
The bandit stepped into the room and saw a body lying on the bloodstained ground. Lying next to it was a sharp knife. "What's this?" He bent down to inspect the knife. His face broke into a smile.
Yukan subtly hid his hand behind his back.
"Great job!" the bandit laughed. "You finally did it." He walked back to the doorway. "Need any help disposing of it?"
Yukan grinned back at him. "No, I'm fine."