Chapter Two
Kagome couldn't help but feel a little flustered as she left the tea shop. She hadn't expected to spend her afternoon playing shogi with a complete stranger, but it had been surprisingly enjoyable. The tie game had been unexpected, though. She had always considered herself a decent shogi player, but this mysterious man had proven to be a formidable opponent.
As she walked down the bustling streets of the village, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Glancing around, she couldn't identify anyone who seemed particularly interested in her. Maybe it was just her imagination playing tricks on her.
However, the feeling persisted, and it made her uneasy. She quickened her pace, deciding to head back to her apartment for some much-needed rest. Little did she know that her encounter at the tea shop had set off a chain of events that would change her life.
Meanwhile, back at the tea shop, Shikamaru sat there, contemplating the game he had just played. He was known for his analytical mind and strategic thinking, and he rarely found himself in a position where he couldn't secure victory in a shogi match. Yet, this Kagome Higurashi had managed to achieve a draw against him. It intrigued him.
"What's got you so worked up, Shikamaru?" Choji asked, sensing his friend's unusual level of interest in the game.
Shikamaru sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's just... that woman, Kagome Higurashi. She tied with me in shogi. Tied, Choji. That doesn't happen. It's not like I'm the best player ever, but I usually win."
Choji raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying this Kagome is really good at shogi?"
Shikamaru nodded. "Yeah, but it's more than that. She had this... something about her. When she played, it was like she saw every move coming. It's strange."
Choji scratched his head, deep in thought. "Well, maybe she's just a talented shogi player."
Shikamaru shook his head. "It's more than that, Choji. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about her that's different. I want to find out more."
Choji chuckled. "You're not going to become some kind of stalker, are you, Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru smirked. "No, nothing like that. I just want to know more about her. It's a mystery, and you know how I feel about mysteries."
Choji chuckled again. "Alright, Shikamaru. I'm with you. Let's see what we can find out about this Kagome Higurashi."
Unbeknownst to Kagome, a shadow had fallen upon her, and Shikamaru Nara, the genius of the Nara Clan, had taken an interest in unraveling the mystery that was Kagome. Little did she know that her life was about to become a lot more complicated, with a certain possessive strategist determined to keep her in his sights until he figured her out.
x-X-x
Days turned into weeks, and Shikamaru's interest in Kagome Higurashi only grew stronger. He had made it a habit to visit the tea shop regularly, always sitting at the same table, hoping to catch another glimpse of the intriguing woman who had tied with him in shogi. Choji, his loyal friend, often accompanied him, though he couldn't quite share Shikamaru's enthusiasm for the mystery.
One cloudy afternoon, as Shikamaru sipped his tea and contemplated his shogi board, Kagome walked into the tea shop once more. Her presence seemed to brighten the room, even on such a dreary day. Shikamaru couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as she took her usual seat.
This time, he decided to make the first move. He carefully rearranged the shogi pieces on the board, creating a setup that had stumped many opponents in the past. It was a challenge, an invitation to a rematch.
Kagome, seemingly unaware of Shikamaru's intent, ordered her tea and dango before her eyes met his. Recognition flickered in her gaze as she recalled their last encounter. She smiled warmly and approached his table.
"Hello again," Kagome greeted him with a friendly tone. "Would you like to play another game of shogi?"
Shikamaru nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips. "I was hoping you'd ask."
They set up the shogi board once more, and the game began. Shikamaru was determined to understand the enigma that was Kagome Higurashi. He observed her every move, analyzing her strategies and trying to decipher her thought process.
As they played, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Kagome shared stories of her missions and her experiences as a Jounin, while Shikamaru revealed little about himself, as was his nature. Yet, he found himself opening up more than he usually did.
"I've always found shogi to be a game of strategy and patience," Kagome remarked as she contemplated her next move. "Much like being a ninja."
Shikamaru nodded in agreement. "You're right. It's all about anticipating your opponent's moves and staying one step ahead."
Hours passed, and this time, it was Shikamaru who made the final move, claiming victory in their match. Kagome looked at the board, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"You're really good at this," she admitted, her admiration for his skills evident.
Shikamaru shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a game."
Kagome chuckled, and for a moment, their eyes locked in a meaningful gaze. It was as if a silent understanding had passed between them, a connection that neither could deny.
"Would you like to play again sometime?" Kagome asked, breaking the silence.
Shikamaru's lips curled into a rare smile. "I'd like that."
They exchanged contact information, and as Kagome left the tea shop that day, Shikamaru couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He had made progress in unraveling the mystery that was Kagome Higurashi, and he looked forward to the next game, eager to learn more about the woman who had captured his interest.
x-X-x
To be continued...