*Bonus*
KAKASHI
"Shikamaru, please sit down," Kakashi welcomed the young shinobi into his office.
"G'morning. How are you today, Lord Sixth?"
Kakashi hesitated to sit down. The perkiness in Shikamaru's voice was startling. Having returned from his mission just this morning, Shikamaru was unexpectedly energised.
"I am fair. And yourself?"
"Fantastic."
As Kakashi sat down, he took a good look at the young Nara in front of him. He was smiling ear to ear. Clearing his throat, Kakashi went straight into it.
"I read over your mission report," Kakashi flipped open the file on his desk. Typed onto the paper was just one word: Inconclusive.
"Care to elaborate?"
"We were unable to make any findings on the mission. The environment and weather made it impossible for us to carry out the task required," he summarised neatly.
"Hmm," Kakashi leaned his elbows onto the table.
"What do you suggest is the next course of action?"
Kakashi watched as Shikamaru feigned a look of deep thought, with fingers on his chin and scrunched brow. It was fortunate Shikamaru had his eyes shut or he'd have seen Kakashi roll his eyes back. He really wasn't as sly as he thought he was. The way Shikamaru was using missions to spend time with his girlfriend was juvenile and hugely problematic if the Alliance caught on. But Kakashi thought Shikamaru had done more than his fair share for the Shinobi world, so Kakashi had closed an eye at this and the other few missions Shikamaru planned out. You could say Kakashi was now a sucker for young love. It was thanks to him that Shikamaru and Temari were officially dating now. When he walked into his office to catch them, he was glad to see they were just innocently kissing... he realised the risk of seeing too much only much later.
Shikamaru finally opened his eyes and provided an answer, "I think it would be best to send us back into the forest for another attempt."
"Hmmm..." Kakashi leaned back in his chair to ponder for a moment. First a blank mission report, and now a request for a do-over... Kakashi needed to remind Shikamaru to take his work seriously.
"I think that's an excellent idea Shikamaru..." Kakashi noted the relief that washed over Shikamaru's face. He really thought he had gotten away with it.
"Great! I'll tell Temari and we can plan another trip at the end of the month-"
"Take Chouji and Naruto with you as well."
"I don't think a larger team will be necessary."
"Oh right. I'll send word to Gaara that Temari won't be needed for this mission. I'm sure she has more important things to do."
Under his mask, Kakashi grinned at the sight of Shikamaru breaking out into a sweat."
"I take it back. I think the four of us will be able to carry out the mission."
"Fantastic," Kakashi said, slapping his hands onto the table. He got up from his seat and ushered Shikamaru to the exit. "I look forward to reading a nice lengthy report on your team's findings." He pat Shikamaru on the back as they stood by the Hokage's office door.
"And Shikamaru-"
The young Shinobi looked back at him with his usual grimace.
"You should wear a scarf or something. Those marks on your neck are really unprofessional."