I am returning to all of you which another new chapter to my edited version of RCTS. I have said this one more than one occasion, this version will be totally different from the other one. In this one, we are going to get a deeper look into the lives of our favorite deer handler family. Naruto's capture and confrontation in the village will be different. Although, our blond haired protagonist will have his own little tricks up his sleeve. Believe it. The new year is now upon us. Time will tell what it will bring. I have to say, this chapter was a pain in the ass to write. No kidding, it was hard to decide what to do with it and where to make changes. At least, it's done.
God bless Misashi Kishimoto for bringing us over ten years of a wonderful classic. Even if he is messing it all up by bringing a sequel to the midst. SasuNaru forever and more.
Warning: slight language, rich bashing, Shikamaru being an ass.
*Japanese words:
Mendousuke: troublesome
Dattebayo: Believe it
Teme: Bastard
Chapter 8: The Nara's
Settled near the outskirts of Konoha, laid several small farming establishment that lay located among the thicket of trees. This place was different from other farms who opposed to their neighbors who dealt in crops and livestock, this family dealt its livelihood with raising deer. The name of the family was the Nara's. It was rare they ever ventured from their duties at the farm to go into the village save to gather food and supplies or to pay homage to the royal family. The family consisted of only three members; a couple named Shikaku and Yoshino and their only son, Shikamaru.
The boy was a young man of 16 years of age with a medium build but not muscular. He had pale skin, dark hair done up into a strange pineapple style, bored slanted dark eyes. The man grumbled in protest as he was shaken awake from what he dubbed "best damn sleep of his life" by his overbearing mother to grab some breakfast before sending him out once again for yet another harrowing day of chores. Not to say he didn't love the woman but god, there were days Shikamaru wished his mom would let off him for one day and let him enjoy his most favorite activity; cloud watching. That was the ideal life for him; just care about nothing and watch the clouds roll by all day. Of course, then his parents would get on him about 'being lazy' and not filling his work quota for the day. His parents helped to tend to the deer as well but for the most part, they also worked daily gathering crops for the harvest. (1) The first on the young man's to-do list was to bring sod to the barn.
He panted heavily as he lifted the heavy bag to the barn across his family's house. Just before he could open the latch, his ears picked up slight shuffling inside. He put the bag down and straightened his back. He opened the latch and leered inside. The inside was slightly dark lit only by lanterns. He stepped very quietly so as to not alert the intruder inside and have him/her escape. He grabbed a nearby pitchfork and continued walking toward the suspected spot of the noise. He passed by the stables and reached the hay storage. He peered at the piles of golden straw searching for anything particularly different. His hearing picked up a sharp gasp and shuffling of straw. He then noticed that one of the piles of straw was slightly more golden than the others. He picked up the pitchfork to stab at the mound. Suddenly, the mound exploded sending a shower of straw in the air.
"GAH! What the hell?!" the raven screeched as he knocked on to the ground.
"D-d-d-don't hit me with the pitchfork. I'm really sorry for intruding but this was the only place I could think of!" The hay shower dissipated to reveal a man with long blond hair tied up with a gray cloak. He had his hand out in a defensive gesture. Shikamaru got up and glared at him. "I don't know who you are but you better leave before I have you arrested for trespassing!" he yelled pointing out the door.
"I wasn't out trying to steal anything. I was just looking for a place to hide for the night!" the boy replied trying to reason with the other. Shikamaru at first did not relent his glare. He checked the blue orbs for any sign of deceit but found none. Finally, he relented and laid down his pitchfork. "Mendousuke" he muttered. He faced the blond seriously. "Say I believe your story kid, who are you and what are you doing here in my family's barn?" he inquired. The lad sighed and crossed his arms keeping his eyes to the ground.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto and I am here for reason I care not to explain" he said. Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "That is not really much to go on and…wait did you say Uzumaki?"he asked suddenly. Naruto raised a brow. "Uh yeah. And why is that so important?" he said hesitantly. "You wouldn't happen to be Genjiko-san's little apprentice would you?" Naruto face dropped and he shifted his left foot. "I was but not anymore. It's…it's a long story" he replied sadly. The young deer handler glanced at the blond but did not question further. It would be after all too troublesome.
"Well, now that I know your name, I think it best to let you know mine. I am Shikamaru Nara, son of Shikaku and Yoshino Nara. I am next in line to inherit the Nara Deer Farm. Nothing special really" he replied in a bored tone. "You don't sound like you enjoy it too much" he stated rather than asked. "Your right. I would rather spend all day watching the clouds and sleeping beneath the birch trees" he said wistfully donning a daydreaming look. He shook his head getting back to reality. He walked away from Naruto and to the door before stopping. "Listen, can you wait here for a minute while I go talk to my parents? He asked.
Naruto laughed half-heartedly. "You gonna go have me arrested?" he asked sarcastically. However, deep down if Shikamaru were to report him to the authorities, he would have to face Sasuke's wrath and that was the last thing he wanted. Shikamaru snorted. "No dummy. I mean to say I am going to talk with my parents and see what they can have you do around the place. You can stay as long as you like" he said. Naruto's eyes lit up with new hope. "Really. Your parents won't mind at all?" he asked excitedly. Shikamaru nodded not looking back at Naruto. The deer handler said something that destroyed the happy mood Naruto was feeling. "I am not so sure what it is in the village you are running from or why you are running from. I am willing to bet it has something to do with the prince" he said ominously. "Rest assured I hate that spoiled brat as much as you and will do anything I can to help you out of his clutches. Even kill if possible".
Shikamaru left leaving Naruto feeling like something had punched a hole in his stomach.
Surprisingly, Naruto had been welcomed by Shikamaru's parents with open arms. Shikamaru first came to his mother explaining that there was something in the barn he needed to address to her which Yoshino asked in disgust if it was a rat. To the woman's relief the "rat" was actually a young man approximately Shikamaru's age with stunning features and was the complete opposite of her son. Shikaku although at first apprehensive about allowing a complete strangers to take root in their abode, eventually accepted the boy granted he help take up chores. Naruto agreed and found he liked helping the Nara's out. He got to even feed and pet some of the deer. The stags he stayed far away from cause who would want to approach something that could easily gore you with its antlers (2)? Two days Naruto stayed with the family. He had plenty to eat. Eventually Naruto got curious. Yoshino and Shikaku were so welcoming to him. But why was Shikamaru so cold and distant? And why did he hate Sasuke? He would soon find all that out tonight.
Yoshino was at the stove cooking up a pot of stew. Once it was finished, she summoned her family and guest to the table. "Supper is ready. Oh by the way Naruto, could you set out the plates and silverware for me?" she asked. "Sure thing madam" he said and set out the desired dinner ware and utilities. Yoshino smiled fondly. Shikaku and Shikamaru came in rubbing their eyes and yawning. Apparently, the two had either been sleeping or lounging in the living room.
"About time you got here. At least Naruto helped me with setting up for dinner" she chided. Shikamaru grumbled. "Yeah yeah, I hear ya woman. Quit yer yapping" he snapped out rudely earning him a sharp smack in the back of his head. He glared at his father who glared back. "Watch it boy unless you want a beating" he hissed in warning. Naruto sweat-dropped. Whether Yoshino heard it or not, the banter was ignored in favor of preparing the dinner. Once the soup was finished cooking, the woman poured the helping into individual bowls. They all sat down and said a quick prayer of thanks before dining in.
"Ne, it is quite nice to have guest over. Especially one that doesn't eat us out of house and home isn't it?" she remarked. Her husband and son snorted while Naruto shook his head in agreement. The Nara matriarch suddenly tilted her head as she stared at Naruto. Naruto gulped at the gesture. Oh no, had he been caught already? Naruto gulped nervously before the woman replied.
"Ah now I remember where I have seen you before. You are the apprentice of the former tailor/fabric shop owner!" Naruto sighed in relief. "Last I heard, he retired and made for Kumogakure am I right?" she asked. Naruto smiled crookedly. "I was but not anymore. For a short while though I was working at one of the vendor's shop before getting fed up with it. So now I am jobless once again" he stated sadly.
"Who did you work for?" Shikaku asked. Naruto rolled his eyes. "Kazuko-san".
Shikamaru's eyes widened. "You actually worked for that obnoxious bastard?!
"Shikamaru?!" Shikamaru ignored it and proceeded to eat his soup. The blond shrugged his shoudlers. "Yeah I gave the man a good earful of what I and the rest of the village thought of him and left. So now I have to go find new work elsewhere. Perhaps maybe Suna" he mused. Shikamaru blinked slowly at Naruto. Surely, getting frustrated at someone was no reason to want to leave the village. There had to be something else.
"Not my business per say' Shikaku began 'but wouldn't it be easier to find work at the palace. I am pretty sure you could find something to do there". Shikamaru grimaced and squeezed the handle of his spoon. Yoshino placed a finger to her lips while glaring at her husband. Shikamaru broke the silence. "Surely you are not suggesting that Naruto debase himself to asking to be some pompous rich bastard's proposal to be some page boy?!" he shrieked. Yoshino winced. Shikamaru sighed and rubbed his face. Shikaku spoke up hoping to dissuade the situation.
"If Naruto does decide to do so, it is his choice. It is a sign that he is someone who is willing to work hard and earn a good living. Not like the rest of these nobles who spoil their children rotten. Is it any real wonder why we have so many of them turn out to be wretched, spoiled, good for nothing ne'er do wells' he added. "That is not to say all of them are like that. The Uchiha's have done this country and the world a great service providing everyone with prosperity and peace to thrive and grow. The youngest Uchiha especially has done a bang up job filling the shoes of his long lost elder brother. Poor kid, having to juggle the responsibilities of being an heir at such a young age. I'm sure you all heard the story" he concluded. Naruto clasped his hands and stared sadly at them. He recalled hearing a few details from his former teacher but none so in depth as what Shikaku told.
Yoshino merely collected the empty bowls from the table and took them to the sink. Naruto folded his arms and got up before Shikamaru said something. "By the way, Naruto; what are you doing so far away from the village that you had to seek shelter in our barn?" he inquired. Naruto stiffened. He composed himself before facing the raven. He scratched the back of his head. "Oh no real reason, I uh was just you know looking for a change of scenery before I was chased by a group of thugs" he said quickly. Shikamaru was not convinced and narrowed his black eyes harder. "Do you normally get chased by thugs and seek shelter in random people's homes?" he inquired. Naruto stared at the man calmly though deep down he was a nervous wreck. Shikamaru snorted before dismissing himself to do some last minute work before bed.
Naruto brimmed angrily. "What a jerk" he whispered beneath his breath. He was startled by a hand on his shoulder. Yoshino smiled sympathetically at the boy. "I am rather sorry for my son's disgraceful behavior. Must get it from his father" she said disdainfully. Naruto smiled assuredly at the woman. "That is fine Mrs. Nara. I have dealt with people like him on more than one occasion. Including those from the noble caste" he turned away glaring at nothing in particular. Yoshino pursed her lips sadly. "It is still no excuse. Rich or poor, good manners are something everyone can afford but don't always put them to good use. Now enough of this talk. How about helping me with some dishes?" she asked hopefully. Naruto nodded with a smile.
The amount of dishes was thankfully small. Naruto did not mind helping out saying it was the least he could do in return for the dinner and letting him stay the night. It was still a while before it was time for bed. Naruto decided to go and see the rest of the farm. He inhaled the crisp night air. He leaned against the wall of the house and smiled. The Nara family was…interesting to say the least. It was plain to see who wore the pants in the family. At least they were nice. It only made Naruto wonder why he never met them earlier. Perhaps he had been that oblivious or that he was usually in the back whenever his surrogate uncle met customers. He heard shuffling and grunting in the forest somewhere. He remembered Shikamaru saying he was to going out to finish up some work in the fields. Maybe, he would be a little more open to conversation.
Naruto ventured into the forest while keeping in mind to be cautious. He spotted Shikamaru raking some grass and leaves in one of the pens. The blonde stepped up and cleared his throat to alert Shikamaru of his presence. The raven set aside the rake and stretched his arms over his head. "Mendosuke*" he strained. He spotted Naruto gazing at him. The deer handler sighed heavily and stepped from the cage and locked it behind him.
"Well what do you want?" he breathed out. Naruto rubbed his left arm. "I just wanted to you know, say I'm sorry if I offended you somewhat" he began. "I don't quite know what you have against people of noble caste or why you have a problem with me working at the palace in particular. Uh, not to say I ever would want to work in the palace. Not when there is some prick ruling the place" he spat. Shikamaru closed his eyes and turned from the blonde.
"You just don't know what these nobles are like. The Uchiha's all play the part of the honest, well to do, good hearted heroes to their fellow noblemen and naïve rabble they encounter. Oh, if only they could see the truth. They are rude, selfish, contemptuous, greedy, spoiled, arrogant, pompous, manipulative, two-timing assholes". Shikamaru panted slowly after finishing his long rant.
Naruto twirled his ponytail. "I'm pretty sure not all of them are like that. Just some" he said. His eyes became cloudy as a brief memory replayed itself in his mind. He also felt like a hypocrite for defending people he himself held disdain for. Shikamaru gaped at Naruto. "You're only saying that because you never had the misfortune of dealing with them" he demanded. Unless' he raised an eyebrow and put a finger to his chin 'you'd like to tell the true reason you ended up in my family's farm". Naruto gulped as a light dusting of pink rested itself on his cheeks. Shikamaru smirked triumphantly. Naruto panicked but quickly recovered.
"That is not important! What is important about why you hate nobles so much?!" he countered. Shikamaru and Naruto stood apart with challenge in their eyes. Sweat gathered on the pineapple head's brow though the glare remained. The deer handler tch'd and walked away from the confused blond. "I don't have to explain anything to you!"
Naruto watched Shikamaru stomp away. That made the blond angry. "Go ahead. Be an ass then! Not like there is anything to talk about with you. That is if there ever was anything worth talking about!" Naruto simmered quietly for a while. After what seemed like hours, Naruto relaxed. He heard shuffling behind him. He swerved around and relaxed upon seeing it was only the elder Nara. The man was carrying a heavy bag of deer feed over his shoulder and set it down onto the other pile of sod and hay. "I have to say that was quite an argument you had with my son" he commented rearranging the pile so it stacked nicely. Naruto twiddled his fingers. While he was a bit put off that Shikamaru brushed him off so rudely, he did not want to get the other teen in trouble.
"Listen sir, I really am sorry about that. You see-'
"No need to apologize. Not the first time he has snapped like he did. It happens each time it is brought up". Shikaku's eyes darkened. Naruto blinked confusedly. Shikaku folded his arms. "See Naruto, things such as status and caste have a way of either making or breaking an individual. See some time ago when he was young Shikamaru developed a friendship with a wealthy duke's daughter who shall remain unanimous for the time being. Despite social differences, they were the best of friends along with another young man who happens to be the son of a close companion of mine. Sadly, good things never do last. About two years ago, the girl all of a sudden decided that she was destined for a better life than what Shikamaru could provide for her. Like other females in the country, she was head over heels for the prince. Well, it doesn't matter as she and her family had long since left for their summer home in France. Good riddance, if you ask me. However, Shikamaru was rather devastated and heartbroken.
Naruto hung his head in sympathy. He felt anger toward the girl whoever she was for callously breaking off their friendship. And for some rich prick of all things. "Shikamaru has never quite recovered from that betrayal. Then a year later, he and Choji had that huge fight. I'm not too sure about the details since I was not there to witness it but whatever it was; there was a lot of blood and bruises to add to it. And just like that a good friendship destroyed. Choza and I remained friends. But for Choji and Shikamaru, reconciliation is still up in the air" Shikaku concluded the tale sadly. Naruto lowered his lids saddened by the tale. A gust of wind blew right over the two making the younger shiver heavily. The elder man chuckled.
"Enough talk, now let us get you inside and into a warm bed. My wife would have my head probably if you caught a cold on my account of keeping you out here and regaling you with my, as she calls them 'boring stories'. Naruto rubbed both of his arms and nodded in agreement. He hurried inside the house. As Naruto laid down in bed in the guest bedroom that the Nara's kindly gave him, his head kept replaying Shikaku's story. He felt rather angry at Shikamaru for being such an ass to him. Yet he felt empathy toward him for being betrayed so callously by some spoiled wench. By the way, who was this woman who mad Shikamaru into such a distrustful asshole? And how exactly was he going to tell him about Choji? The blond knew it would end two ways; one Shikamaru would likely snap at him angrily again or he would just brush it off and be on his way. Then there was the issue of what to do afterwards.
If he tried to leave the village, Sasuke would still trail after him. There was no way he was going to let his pretty little prize slip from his fingers. Yes that is what he was to the prince. Just a pretty little possession. Not even a real person. Tears welled up in the blond fugitive's eye. It was just like back then. He then thought about the servants and guardsmen. He did not want them to suffer because of them. Iruka, Choji, Kakashi, and the other guardsmen were the few people who treated him decently, like he was a real human being. If he did end up leaving Konoha, he would have travel hundreds of miles to where his former guardian lived. That was a risk in itself. He would likely get caught by human traffickers and end up someone's slave or worse. The continuous pro's and con's wore him down little by little. Soon, he fell into a deep, fitful sleep.
What did I tell you? A tad different from the original. Shikamaru is quite the saucy brat ain't he? Yoshino truly does wear the pants in the family. That is likely why Shikamaru ends up with Temari in the anime. It is so ironic that he would end up with a woman so much like his mother. The Nara's are a plus in my book because they are one of the few people who treat Naruto like a real human being and don't discriminate against him for having a demon in him. Also, that they have a sense of right and wrong and working hard. Yoshino acts the part of a bitch, but she means well and she knows where to cross the line.
The next chapter will come up hopefully soon. After all, this is my lovechild and I would hate to give it up.
Chapter Footnotes
(1) grass that holds part of the soil holding turf together. Can also be sawdust for the deer to walk on.
(2) Deer are not adorable forest critters you can walk up to and pet all day. Those guys can get pretty mean and will kill if necessary.
