Shikamaru Hiden, Chapter One

Konoha
Since when did I stopsaying things were troublesome?
That was the thought passing through Shikamarus head as hegazed up at the blue sky. Even
though the wind wasnt that strong, thin cloudswere hurrying along one after another, passing in
and out of his line of sight.Their flustered state seemed similar to Shikamarus own. He laughed
derisivelyat himself for the thought.
At any rate, he was busy.
Two years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, the world wasfinally starting to regain its
stability. The Kage Alliance that had come intoexistence when the war broke out had continued
to this day, and the world of Shinobi was drastically different than it used to be.
The alliance might have started between the five hidden villages, but after the war, small
neighbouring countries started to declare their participation in the alliance as well. It had come to
the point the organisation that had started out as an alliance was developing into a Shinobi
Union, one that involved every shinobi in each participating nation.
Contracts that had been undertaken individually by villages prior to the unions existence were
now being brought towards the Shinobi Union collectively. Each village who participated in the
union had shinobi representatives assigned to every other village for discussing negotiations over
contracts. In this way equilibrium of labour between villages was guaranteed, the disparity
between villages was revised and the Shinobi World could finally greet the era of peace with
open arms.
Haa
Shikamarus sigh disappeared up into the sky. His back was absolutely freezing thanks to lying
down on the cold stone floor beneath him, and if he stayed like this, then he was probably going
to end up catching a cold. But he had his reasons for not getting up.
Work was waiting for him.
So much work it wasnt even funny.
It was only because Shikamaru was intending on a short break that he was allowing himself to
laze around in the afternoon like this to begin with. But he also knew that the moment he so

much as sat up, his mind would slip back into work mode. And when that happened, Shikamaru
was perfectly aware that he wouldnt get another chance to rest like this again.
And so, he refused to move despite the cold, stubbornly intent on resting as long as he could.
Until somebody found him out, Shikamaru didnt intend to move an inch from this spot.
This spot was the roof of the Hokage Residence.
You could see generations of Hokages faces carved into the mountain parallel to the round roof
Shikamaru was sprawled out on. In order from the left, there was the first generations
Hashirama, then his brother Tobirama. There was the Third who had died during Orochimaruis
Konoha Crush plot, Hiruzen, and then the Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato. The Fifth was a
legend along with Jiraiya and Orochimaru, one of the three Sannin, Tsunade.
There were all past Hokage.
Now, the face of the man who was the current Hokage could be found carved next to Tsunades.
A pair of sleepy looking eyes peeking out from underneath wire-like hair could be seen, as well
as the bridge of his nose, while the rest of his well-defined features were hidden under a mask.
The Hokage was a symbol of Konoha. It was a position that couldnt be obtained unless you
were acknowledged by every single shinobi in the village. Even though that symbols face was
supposed to be carved into the mountain as a commemoration, to still keep the bottom half
hidden under a mask
Hatake Kakashi.
That was the name of the current Hokage.
The teacher of the two who had lead the way to victory during the war, there wasnt a single
person in the Shinobi World who didnt know his name. Shikamaru on the other hand, knowing
both the man and his students personally, was far from star-struck. There were fans who adored
and fawned over the three, saying they were heroes of legend but in reality none of the three
were really types to fit the term legend.
Kakashi, while certainly a man who got things done during a crisis, turned back to his usual role
when it came to everyday life: a no-good adult who didnt feel like doing much of anything.
The other two heroes had similar problems as well. One was an abysmal idiot. The other,
abysmally stubborn. It was because the rest of the world didnt know about the hopeless sides of
those three that they were being hailed as living legends.

What am I even doing?

The words left Shikamarus mouth without him really thinking about it.
He himself was the type of person who would never become anything close to a hero. He never
wanted to be one in the first place.
If you said he wanted to be one of those ninja who practiced vigorously to improve their
ninjutsu, youd be wrong. He certainly never thought about studying medical ninjutsu and
becoming a specialist in the vanguard back-up, either. If you said he wanted to be someone with
a high rank in encryption or in medical surgery, youd be wrong too.
He justwanted everything to be average.
That was Shikamarus dream.
He wanted to be an average ranked ninja whod have an average job, marry an average wife and
have an average child, and then, after an average elderly prime
Well, everything came to an end one day.
Was there any greater happiness to be found than in a life plan like that?
He didnt think so.
On days with good weather, lying down like this and watching the sky, seeing the clouds floating
past and taking your thoughts with them. On rainy days, having shougi pieces as your company
would be more than enough. There would be no pressure from peoples expectations. No stress,
either.
Wasnt that a wonderful sort of life?
Haaa
It was a deep sigh, issued right from the bottom of his stomach.
The bastard called reality was a really tough opponent.
If the thing you were fighting was a human being, then at least thered come a day where you
would win against them. Even if they were a god-like person, they had to have a weakness
somewhere. The enemies in the war had been abominations, and yet all the shinobi had focused
their powers together and won against them, hadnt they?

You can win against an opponent in front of you.

However
Reality is an opponent without substance that you can never, ever defeat.
No matter how Shikamaru kept wishing and wanting otherwise, reality callously kept sending
him towards the exact sort of fate he did not want. Shikamaru, who had wished so badly to be
average, was now someone the Shinobi Union couldnt do without.
He had so much work. All the jobs taken on by each nations Daimyo and citizens had to be
classified from A to D rank, and then each villages characteristics had to be carefully taken into
account to figure out which one was most suitable for the allotment of labour and then there
were the Chiefs of the Union, the Five Kages consultations. They used him for everything, to the
point where he even ended up being a shougi partner for the old Tsuchikage.
The Shinobi Unions Shikamaru of Konoha.
There were people who even went around calling him that now.
Even though Shikamaru didnt want to stand out, even though he didnt want to succeed at
anything, even though he fought and fought against it, his surroundings kept pushing him until
he rose above others.
His first mistake had been at the Chuunin Promotion Exams.
The Chuunin Exams, started by the villages of the Five Kage and including even the genin of
other small countries. In the midst of the chaos of Orochimarus plotting and the Thirds death,
for some reason Shikamaru was promoted to the rank of chuunin.
Amongst all the applicants, he was the only one to get that promotion.
It was the kind of situation where Shikamaru felt that yelling what have you done?! would have
been more than appropriate.
His fatal mistake had been in the part of the exam where genin were paired off to fight against
each other. His kagemane jutsus success had greatly shocked his opponent, a sassy kunoichi
carrying an absurdly large fan that created giant gusts of wind, but at the end of their stalemate, it
was Shikamaru himself who threw in the towel.
It was this forfeit of Shikamarus that was so highly valued.

Being a Chuunin included leading subordinates. That was why the ability to precisely analyse
ones situation was the one most highly valued. The examiners approved of Shikamaru accepting
that he was cleanly defeated, and gave him the highest evaluation.
It was a really unwelcome evaluation.
It was an examination he hadnt wanted any part in, one that hed been forced into entering by
his teachers, Sarutobi Asumas, insistence. He hadnt intended on such on evaluation, hadnt felt
the slightest desire for one either. But reality had still lead Shikamaru to becoming a chuunin, as
well as to everyone in the village looking at him differently.
And ever since then, Shikamarus life plan had started to slip out of his grasp.
When Sasuke left the village, Shikamaru was assigned as a Team Leader working together with
his classmates to try to bring him back, and after that as well, he was given the most missions out
of all his classmates. He resisted and protested, but reality just kept bringing Shikamaru higher
and higher up in rank.
Since the Fourth Shinobi World Waritd been two years.
Shikamaru had become 19 years old. It was an age where he could no longer be called a child.
He wondered just how grateful you should be for people expecting great things from you. Was
being someone who others depended on really such a wonderful achievement? The answer went
without being said. There was a plain example in Shikamarus friend, Naruto, and how his desire
to be relied on by everyone had turned him into the whole villages no, rather, the whole
Shinobi Worlds hero.
Shikamaru knew very well that people were living things who would end up depending on one
person or another. Thats why despite his misgivings, he didnt feel any hateful feelings such as
if only you didnt exist towards the people who relied on him. And no matter how much he was
against the idea of being depended on, he had never once cut corners on missions.
It had been 19 years since hed been born into this world, and yet he already had so many
obligations and entanglements hed gotten himself involved in.
The group who had intended to take over the world, the Akatsuki, had killed his teacher
Asuma. Asumas girlfriend Kurenai had been pregnant with Asumas child. That child was now
two years old. Her name was Mirai.
To become Mirais teacherit was a promise that he absolutely had to keep.

Shikamarus father, Shikaku, had been tasked with being the Alliances main strategist at the
time of the Fourth Shinobi World War. When Obito used the destructive power of the resurrected
Ten Tailed Beast to aim for the Alliances Headquarters, his father had died alongside Inos
father, Inoichi.
Even now, his fathers and Inoichis last words were still ringing clearly in Shikamarus ears.
[We are always within you. Never forget that!]
To become as great a man as his fatherit was a promise hed made to the man who had helped
to bring him into this world.
And then, there was
Naruto.
Honest to a fault, the hero of Shinobi who believed wholeheartedly that hed become Hokage,
who never doubted the fact for even a moment
During the fight with the Ten Tails, Shikamaru had been on the brink of death. While he was
being healed by Sakura, Shikamaru had this thought:
Nobody is more suited to being his advisor than me!
If Naruto became the Hokage, then Shikamaru would be his right hand man. It was his dream.
He had so many obligations already, he didnt even want to count them. There was no mistake
that it was all because of that same force that kept pushing him forwards. It was a good thing to
be needed, and he should be grateful for everyones opinion of him allowing him to live as he
was.
He should be grateful, but
He got tired sometimes.
Shikamarus real self wasnt the man everyone thought he was. His real self was a man who
thought everything was troublesome, who wished for an average life. The kind of man that could
be found anywhere. And the greater peoples expectations of him became, the more he wanted to
run away. That was the truth behind the man that was Nara Shikamaru.
In the old days, all his comrades had fully understood how full of complaints he was, how much
he didnt feel like accomplishing anything.

Since when had they started to misunderstand him?

Since when had he stopped calling things troublesome?
Logically, both of those things must have started around the same time.
When did it start?
As he gazed up at the clouds, deep furrows came into Shikamarus brow. His eyes narrowed as
he thought hard on the subject, until he could only see a little bit of the sky.
A single hawk came into his line of sight
The hawk was flying West, where parts of the sky were already beginning to be dyed a light pink
from the setting sun. It spread out its wings and slowly started to circle. Shikamaru happened to
be right in the middle of the hawks arc. No the correct thing to say was that the hawk was
circling around the Hokage Residence.
Shikamaru didnt just sit up. He leapt right to his feet.
His mind that had been dwelling in depths as deep as the sea was sharpening again, and his eyes
locked onto the hawk, not glancing away for a moment.
Jet black
The hawk was so pitch black, it couldve been painted with ink.
No it really was a hawk painted with ink.
Super Beast Imitating Drawing
Sais jutsu.
Sai was the man who had joined Naruto and Sakura on team 7 as a replacement for the missing
Sasuke. His specialty was the Super Beast Imitating Drawing Jutsu, painting ink animals and
giving them life and movement.
The hawk flying overhead Shikamaru was definitely from Sai.
Its finally come

In Shikamarus field of vision, he could see the hawk stop going around in circles and start to
descend.
Shikamaru ran towards the stairs that went down from the roof. As soon as he reached the bottom
of those, hed be at the Hokages office. The hawk would definitely end up going there.
The moment Shikamaru had reached the stairs, the hawk also disappeared behind the side of the
Hokage Residence, as a shadow would flit over ones face. Shikamaru leapt down the stairs,
running down the hall to the Hokage Office.
He opened the door without even bothering to knock.
Oh, Shikamaru.
It was Kakashi who spoke. He was standing behind a desk cluttered with piles of books and
documents, reading an open scroll.
Did Sais hawk just?
Thats right.
Kakashi turned the scroll over to Shikamaru so he could see. The messily written sentences on
the white paper of the scroll flitted in and out of Shikamarus sight. It looked like a very hastily
written message.
The situation seems to be even graver than wed thought.
Kakashis gaze met Shikamarus as he spoke, the look in his eyes even more solemn than
Shikamaru had dreaded it would be. Even the usual vague way of speaking the Hokage had was
now entirely replaced by a sombre tone. Kakashis whole attitude was giving him an awful sense
of foreboding.
Shikamarus eyes followed the handwriting on the scroll. While most of Sais message was
written with very small, delicate writing from a fine brush, the last sentence alone stood out,
thick and violently written:
I dont know who I am anymore.
Shikamaru Hiden, Chapter Two
Addressed to the Sixth Hokage,

There is not muchtime, so I must write briefly.

Our investigation intothe matter of your concern has been completed up to the degree you
specified.However none of my 10 comrades have returned, and I have been left on my own.
I do not know if theyare dead or alive. However, I think that theres no mistake the enemy
hassensed us.
I will get straight to the point.
The internal affairs of this country are far, far worse than you had feared them to be. If we leave
it be, then the Shinobi Union is going to end up in a predicament. No, in fact, I believe that the
very framework of the world could end up changing.
There is a man who is shaping this country.
His name is Gengo.
This country is here because Gengo is, and Gengo is here because of the country.
It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say this entire country only exists for the sake of Gengo.
Enchantment. That is the word that describes Gengo the most suitably.
Gengo may end up becoming an existence that will change the world.
Im not sure if I dont want it to change.
The living things called Shinobi dont really have a saving grace to them, do they?
Because we endure, we are shinobi.
But is that really a good thing?
Hokage-sama.
No, Kakashi-san.
I dont know who I am anymore
Lifting his head from reading Sais letter, Shikamaru let out one small exhale

Kakashi was seated at his desk in front of him, his elbows leaning against the surface. He was
wearing the hat that all Hokages must wear during official business or otherwise. It weighed
down on his hair that had grown out in the last few years. Every part of his face that lay below
his nose was hidden behind a mask as always.
Cradling his jaw with both hands, he was quietly watching Shikamarus reaction.
What are you thinking? He asked, with a very clear voice.
There was no one other than them inside the Hokages Office.
Im thinkingwhy would Sai send back a Beast Imitation, instead of returning himself?
That is indeed a thing to wonder.
Letting go of his chin, Kakashi leaned back thoughtfully. Tilting his jaw to look up at the ceiling,
he let out a louder and bigger sigh than Shikamaru had.
And Im thinking that, looking at the letter, it seems that all except Sai have fallen into the
enemys hands and been killed, doesnt it?
It does look like that.
Sai was leading a team made up of ten of Anbus most skilled members. I dont think any of
them could have made a foolish move that would expose themselves to the enemy. So it seems
that the enemy is very skilled as well.
Yes Saying so, Kakashi began to slowly spin around in his chair. He spun around once, so
Shikamaru was faced with the back of his chair, before slowly turning around again. Kakashi
was the kind of man who kept his shoulders slouched in even the most serious of circumstances.
Normally, when a person was faced with this kind of a situation, their body would freeze up
along with their thoughts. Kakashi was purposely making such seemingly carefree movement to
stop his thoughts from freezing up. He had learned to always keep his body moving from his
years as a capable Shinobi who saw so much shocking, bloody carnage.
Shikamaru was looking at Kakashi with an anxious expression on his face. He opened his mouth
to speak.
At the moment Sai realised he had lost all of his comrades, theres only one course of action he
could have picked.

Escape, right? Kakashi said, still watching the ceiling.

Yes.
Kakashi gave a nod to Shikamarus immediate reply. Although he should have been directing his
face to look at Shikamaru, he was still staring up at the ceiling.
And yet he sent this kind of letter, instead of coming back to the village and reporting directly to
you, Hokage-
How many times have I told you that just Kakashi-san is fine? Kakashi said, finally turning to
look at Shikamaru. Since when have you gotten so stiff? It was nice when you used to have
your shoulders slouched all the time.
I wasnt going to stay a kid forever.
Even now, Naruto still acts like a kid.
Narutos Naruto.
Oh, I see
Somewhat of a sad look entered Kakashis eyes. He spread out Sais scroll on his desk, eyes
going over it again.
Sai could transform his handwriting into an ink beast and send it to far away locations, where the
ink beast would turn into handwriting again when it come into contact with a blank scroll. The
hawk that Shikamaru had seen on the roof was the ink beast form of Sais handwriting he saw
now.
The situation is far worse than Id thought, huh
It sounds like itd be reasonable to say that the shinobi who went missing in action during the
war, as well as those whove been disappearing lately, are all in that country.
That does seem to be what Sais confirmed.
The Country of Silence
The whole matter had been snowballing since two years ago.

Many lives had been claimed during the Fourth Shinobi World War started by Uchiha Madara
and Uchiha Obito. Faced with the power of abominations outside the category of people, the
shinobi of the Five Great Countries had gathered all their power and stood together. Finally, the
person manipulating Madara, Ootsutsuki Kaguya, had been defeated and the war ended.
As every village entered into a period of peaceful recovery from the war, the details of figuring
out who had been killed in battle and who was missing in action had turned into an urgent matter.
The war had been a fierce battle that even ripped apart the continents terrain. If someones
corpse could be found, it was considered a stroke of luck.
Compared to the number of shinobi that were concluded to have died in battle, the number of
shinobi that were unaccounted for was far larger.
The Five Great Shinobi Countries had lost roughly 10,000 shinobi
10,000 shinobi were the victims of the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Their enemies in the war could have wiped out the whole world. Many said it was a great stroke
of fortune for them to have ended the war with only this many lost.
But that wasnt how Shikamaru saw the matter.
Even one victim was one victim too many.
In the last war, he had his lost his friend Hyuuga Neji. Shikamaru didnt think the pain of Nejis
loss was the only case out of ten thousand. A similar pain to losing Hyuuga Neji must have been
felt for every other one of those victims.
In the death of only one person, there were emotions you couldnt separate yourself from by
simply by saying they were just one sacrifice.
It was for that reason
It was for that reason that war couldnt ever be allowed to break out again.
I wonder just how many of those missing shinobi couldve gone to the Country of Silence
Kakashi muttered the same thoughts that were going through Shikamarus mind.
It was exactly as Kakashi said. Within all the shinobi who had been lost during the last war, there
must have been a small amount who had survived but stayed out of reach.
The Shinobi Unions Headquarters had been the first one to notice that.

Since it was Headquarters who handled all forms of requests for help and such, they were the
first to notice any patterns. One such pattern had started to emerge about a year ago.
The requests for Shinobi dispatches had sharply decreased.
Since the Five Great Shinobi Coutries had decided to from a union, the Daimyo had had
remarkably less fighting in the outer lands they ruled as well. Thus, it was a very natural thing
for dangerous A-rank or B-rank mission requests to decrease.
However, the matter didnt end there.
Even the relatively easy C-rank and D-rank mission requests had decreased in exactly the same
way.
Shikamaru had heard of this matter relatively quickly, since he had a place at the Shinobi
Unions Headquarters as well. But it wasnt like there was something they could do to solve the
sudden decrease of missions. The Union had said it was a brief change brought along by the
times, and closed the matter.
However, there was a man who said he could put an end to the problem of the declining
missions, as well as one other problem that had popped up since the end of the war.
That man was Kakashi.
The other problem Kakashi was intent on solving: the cases of missing nin within the Five Great
Shinobi Countries that had been going on for a year.
Since about a year ago, every village had been losing one Shinobi per month. That made 12
missing-nin for every village up to now. The Five Hidden Villages had had 60 shinobi disappear
in total. Furthermore, they were all young, single, male Shinobi.
Abandoning your village was a grave crime. Of course, each village had sent people in pursuit of
the deserters, but somehow, not a single one had been found.
I probably did the wrong thing asking Sai to continue the investigation when he asked for backup. Kakashi said. I shouldve pulled him out of the situation and gotten him mentally prepared
before sending him to the Country of Silence.
Regretting it now isnt going to change anything.
Thats true.

Sai, who had been sent to investigate the cases of the missing-nin, had sent them notice of
finding a lead about a month ago. Kakashi, who believed the increased missing-nin and the
decrease of mission dispatches were related, had told Sai to continue the investigation with the
anbu as back up.
The lead Sai had found was the Country of Silence.
The Country of Silence could be found in the far west of a continent that rivalled the Five Great
Shinobi Countries as well as the countries surrounding them.
It was a country that had never made contact with any of the Shinobi Villages or any other
foreign country, for that matter. It was thus called the Country of Silence by outsiders. The only
details known about it was that it was a country with samurai who kept its citizens in line, and a
Daimyou who ruled over the samurai. However, anything further than that was a complete
mystery.
According to what Sai had relayed, it seemed that somehow Konohas missing-nin had run
towards this country.
And those werent the least of their concerns. There was also the matter of the Konoha Shinobi
who had gone missing in action during the war.
The Country of Silence was collecting shinobi who had gone missing in action as well as shinobi
who had deserted the village
For what reason?
Kakashi could see the reason as clearly as he could see the answer to the decrease of dispatches
coming into the Shinobi Union.
What do you think happened to Sai? Kakashi asked.
Hes alive.
Well, I agree with that. The bottom of Kakashis mask moved as if he was smiling. When you
look at his obsessive sounding praise of this Gengo he mentions in his letter Kakashi
touched the fine, delicate handwriting on Sais message.
Seeing what he was thinking, Shikamaru kept speaking.
Its not something I want to believe, but we cant discount the possibility that Sais been taken
in by this man called Gengo.

Sais so pure, after all

If Sais alive, we cant just not save him.
Thats true Kakashis left scarred eye seemed to darken with despair.
Shikamaru could tell precisely what he was going to say without needing to hear it out loud.
This situation had a greater and more important matter than that of saving a comrade.
Shikamaru himself forced out the words.
If the internal affairs of the Country of Silence are really as Sais reported, if the goings-on
within are as youve guessed, then we have to take action immediately.
I know that.
Shikamaru didnt stop talking.
Its been two years since the war. All the villages have finally regained their stability, but the
status of the country as a whole is still less than half as strong as it used to be.
We couldnt possibly withstand another war.
Exactly.
Letting out another huge sigh, Kakashi stood up from his chair. He stepped around his desk
covered with scrolls and books and came to stand next to Shikamaru.
It seems like youve come to the same conclusion that I have. Kakashi said.
Yes.
Then do you understand what I think of it?
You want to go and do it yourself, dont you?
Kakashi had a lot of experience from his youth spent in the anbu. He stood out amongst the anbu,
whose specialty were shady missions, as a very capable soldier.
Shikamaru could see those thoughts on his face, and let out a sigh.

Hokage-sama. I understand your feelings more than enough, but you must already know that
what you want isnt going to happen.
Heh. Your thoughts flash through your mind almost at the same speed as Minato-senseis jutsu,
do you know that?
Shikamaru simply gave Kakashi a long stare as an answer. Kakashi continued speaking in the
face of Shikamarus silence.
Anyway, going on what Sai said, the leading force behind that country is this man called
Gengo.
Yes.
As long as we do something about him, then there wont be any further problems.
Thats what Im thinking as well.
Well then
Putting his hand at the middle of his back and giving a great stretch like an old man, Kakashi
said, Who do you think should be sent?
Ill go.
Huh? Kakashis eyes widened. Youre Konohas representative. You have a lot of duties to the
Union as well. Theres no need for you to go on an assassination mission at this time.
Assassination
Kakashi had finally put it into words. The thought that had been going through both of their
heads was now out in the open.
If the Shinobi Union and the Country of Silence went to war, then the Union theyd spent so long
maintaining would be disrupted, and possibly even rupture. Each nation was still exhausted
despite all their recovery so far there wasnt a single person who wished for a war.
If Sais letter was to be trusted, then assassinating this Gengo would be quickest and most
effective way of stopping the Country of Silence from disrupting the worlds hard-attained peace.
We have to keep the circle of people who know about this matter as small as possible.
Shikamaru said.

But Im telling you, for you to go is

One of my comrades has been taken. Please allow me to go.
Kakashi stopped talking when he saw Shikamarus determination.
As Kakashi said, there was no real need for Shikamaru to go. It wouldve been more proper to
find another capable person and entrust the matter to them.
And yet, Shikamaru himself volunteered.
He himself didnt understand why he did it.
But he just couldnt stay still.
Shikamaru Hiden, Chapter Three

And with that, this months meeting is over. Does anybody have any questions?
Shikamaru closed his eyes as he listened to the dispassionate voice addressing the gathering. The
bespectacled man speaking was Chojuro, a shinobi from Kirigakure. Shikamaru knew him from
the war as one of the Mizukages bodyguards.
If nobody has anything to ask,then, Shikamaru-san Chojiuro spoke with an imploring tone
from where he was seated next to him.
Shikamaru opened his right eye toglance at Chojuro, then slowly opened both.
Ten shinobi were seated around thecircular table; both men and women could be found, all
generally aroundShikamarus age.
They were in the Country of Iron;the Shinobi Unions Headquarters.
The country had a multitude ofstrong samurai, and thus, not one single shinobi was needed.
Before the war,the Kages of the Five Great Hidden Villages would comfortably hold meetings
inthe Country of Iron, and now it was the Headquarters for the Shinobi Unionfounded by those
Five Powers. The roots of the Unions headquarters had beenset in the same Country of Iron
where the alliance had initially begun.
All the leading villages of theFive Great Nations had some of their shinobi gather at the Unions
Headquarters and, whether night or day, continue their hard work for the sake of the expansion of
the Shinobi World overall.

This meeting was full of people who would bear the burden of the next eras world of shinobi. It
was a place where the future of Shinobi was discussed. Shinobi sent to this meeting were the
most capable ones in their villages, considered as candidates for kage as well as other positions.
Of them, Shikamaru and Chojuro were the youngest.
Besides Shikamaru, and Chojuro, who was chairing the meeting, there was Temari of
Sunagakure, and Omoi of Kumogakure as well.
Shikamaru had been charged with being the leader of this gathering of shinobi. Obviously, he
hadnt volunteered. This was the result of everyone recommending him for the job.
Shikamaru-san? Chojuro sounded like hed become worried by Shikamarus long silence.
Shikamaru cleared his throat, and looking at all the members, opened his mouth to speak.
I believe we dont have any new topics of discussion for this meeting. I hope for more meetings
at a comfortable pace like this. With that, see you next month.
As he said that, Shikamaru rose to his feet and gathered all the scrolls and documents that had
been spread across the table. Folding them under his arm, he turned to leave.
Confused by their leaders cold attitude, the other members got ready to leave at haphazard
paces. Everyone milled out into the two hallways leading left and right out of the room.
Even though so many shinobi were restlessly walking down the hallways, not a single echo of
their footsteps was heard. They were shinobi, after all. Other peoples footfalls could be heard,
but not a shinobis. That had been one of the basics of the basics, back at the Academy.
Oi. A voice called out to him from behind.
Shikamaru anxiously clicked his tongue. Right now, the owner of that voice was the person he
didnt want to talk to the most.
He stepped forward as if he hadnt heard.
Hold it, Shikamaru!
The voice that hit his back felt like a flying kick.
What is it? Shikamaru turned his head to look over his shoulder at the woman behind him.

Temari of Suna. Her hair had gotten shorter since two years ago, and was now tied into two
bunches on either sides. Her face looked a little bit more like an adults, and her eyes were even
calmer than theyd been in the old days.
She was older than Shikamaru. Rather than say she looked like an adult, it was more like she had
already grown into a splendid adult.
Whats wrong with you? She asked.
I dont know what you mean.
Youve been acting strange lately. Temaris hands reached out to Shikamarus shoulders,
turning him to face her.
Troublesome
The word rose up to his throat, only for him to frantically swallow it down.
Like your cold attitude at the meeting. she said, Youve been making decisions without saying
a word or giving an explanation, and its made everyone nervous. The atmosphere was so
strained.
Oh, did that happen?
You didnt even notice that? Temaris eyes widened slightly. Whats happened?
Nothing
Its something youre not going to tell anyone about? Not even me?
Temaris gaze was pained.
Since the war had concluded, hed been working with Temari at the Union for two years now.
She was an understanding, good partner. They both shared the sentiment of not wanting all the
shinobi who had been gathered together during the war to separate again, as well as the intention
to work together and make the Union as good as it could be.
When you added that to the strong bond between Naruto, who intended to become Konohas
Hokage, and Gaara, Sunas present Kazekage, that easily made the bond between Suna and
Konoha the strongest amongst all the villages united under the Union. With such external forces
at work as well, it was natural that Shikamaru and Temari had reached a stage of existence where
both was the others biggest support within the Union.

Since youre like this, something bad must be happening in Konoha.

Temari had made a very good discernment. However, shed missed the mark a little. The
situation wasnt in Konoha, though the situation did affect all of Konohas shinobi. Temaris
theory was half-right, half-wrong.
If there was one thing that never changed about the life of shinobi, it was that anything which
passed the borders of your own village had to be jointly carried out with other villages. This was
a basic principle of the Union. The course of action that Shikamaru and Kakashi were taking was
a blatant violation.
And yet, Shikamaru still had no intention of telling Temari the truth. It wouldnt be a wise move
to get the whole of the Union involved with the business of the Country of Silence.
Hed firmly resolved that Konoha would handle it by themselves
Youre saying theres nothing going on that you can depend on me for?
Nothing.
Shikamarus firm tone made Temari close her eyes.
Is that so
The punch came in the next moment.
It had been one split second where the hurt look on Temaris face had morphed into righteous
fury. There had been no time to avoid it. Before Shikamaru even knew what was happening, his
body was already flying.
He rolled onto the hallways floor before coming up into a sitting position. He silently raised a
hand to touch his stinging cheek, already red.
Before him, Temari was glaring at him with an outraged expression on her face.
I had no idea Id misjudged you this much! She shouted, her words turning to wind that
slammed against his face.
I- Im sorry
The apology came without conscious thought.

His father would come home as late as sunrise on some days, and get yelled at in the houses
entryway by his mother. Somehow, Shikamaru had found himself suffering that same scolding
from Temari.
She strode past him with swift, large steps, and disappeared over his shoulder.
Those eyes of hers had looked slightly wet
*
Youve stopped eating.
The voice came from Chouji who sat in front of him, both of his cheeks puffed up with food. Ino
was sitting next to him.
They were at Yakiniku Q.
In the two years since the war, his two friends had become quite the adults. Chouji was still as
chubby as ever, but there was a masculine look in his eyes now, and he now had a goatee. Ino
had been growing out her hair more and more, abandoning her ponytail for leaving it loose, and
looked more like an adult compared to before as well.
Did you eat something before you came here? Chouji opened his mouth wide to drop in even
more meat, chewing and swallowing it down.
Shikamaru and Ive stopped growing a long time ago, so were not eating ridiculously the way
you do, Chouji.
Hey! Choujis eyes widened in indignation.
Shikamaru laughed without thinking. A calming breeze was blowing through his heart. Itd been
a while.
I came specifically to eat lunch with you two, so how could I have eaten something
beforehand? So saying, Shikamaru extended his chopsticks towards a piece of beef that looked
like it was about to burn.
Another pair of chopsticks intercepted him.
Hey, thats the meat that I put on the grill! Chouji protested.
Alright, alright.

Theyd gone through this many times before. Shikamaru let go of the beef, and turned his gaze
on the piece next to it. He glanced at Ino, who gave a nod of permission.
Its been a while since you invited us out, Shikamaru. She said.
Yeah, Chouji chimed in, Lately, I havent been able to see you unless we set a time to meet
like this.
Shikamarus got his job at the Union and well as being the Hokages Support. Hes super busy,
Chouji, he cant always hang out with us anymore.
I understand that, but Chouji laid his arms on the table, his cheeks puffing out as he pouted.
While there was a part of Shikamaru that was happy theyd noticed his absence, another part of
him also felt lonely, like a new distance had come with their separation.
If he wanted to be an adult, then he had to stop thinking like a child. They were long out of the
Academy. Things werent the same as those days when he could while away time playing with
his friends till dusk.
The same way Shikamaru was swamped with work from both the Union and his responsibilities
in Konoha, Ino and Chouji had struggled through the last war and become fine, reliable chuunin.
While they said it was because Shikamaru was so busy, his two friends had just as little free time
as he did.
And yet, theyd come to meet up with him without a word of complaint, simply because he said
he wanted to see them.
They were his oldest, closest friends.
Whats up? Ino asked when she saw how Shikamarus chopsticks hovered in the air, not
moving.
Its nothing. Ive just wanted to see you guys for a while. Shikamaru put a tiny pit of meat into
his mouth.
Ah, kay.
Ino didnt ask whether there was anything more to it. Chouji continued happily stuffing his
mouth with meat.
Then, the three started to talk. It was a light-hearted, silly conversation.

Choujis eternal love of food.

Inos usual talk about her love life.
And then, the memories about Asuma
Shikamaru could feel the distance between him and his friends shrinking. It was almost like hed
gone back to that moment when Asuma had first brought them here.
That time, hed been full of complaints about how things were troublesome
Looking at how Chouji and Ino had grown up, Shikamaru could feel his heart grumbling about
how theyd never be able to return to those old days.
Shikamaru went home alone.
At the end of the day, he hadnt been able to tell them.
Hed thought that if hed go to the Country of Silence, then hed go with the two of them. Hed
invited them out to eat with that purpose in mind. But seeing their smiling faces had somehow
made him unable to say anything.
The road he was taking was a dark one.
For Konohas sake, for the Unions sake, for the sake of every single shinobi, one man had to be
killed.
It wasnt a victory that could be gained from playing fair. And so, he had to be killed in secret.
Assassinated.
It wasnt like assassination was anything new to shinobi. Growing up, you realised sooner or
later that things like that were necessary in this world.
But, still
It was still good to have as few people as possible get their hands dirty. He didnt have the heart
to drag Chouji and Ino into the darkness too.
So, its the Anbu after all

Shikamaru looked up at the night sky, and couldnt see a single star.
Shikamaru Hiden, Chapter Four

Shikamaru was in Kakashis office.The Sixth Hokage was surrounded by mountains of

documents as always, his handhurriedly signing papers as if it was just waiting for the time it
could goslack with exhaustion.
The window across the room had been thrown open, and youcould see the streets of Konoha
outside. The city seemed to glow under thesunshine of the bright morning, all wrapped up in a
gentle, peaceful atmosphere.
Ive made you wait. Kakashi said as he straightened out a sheaf of papers on his desk. What
business do you have with me today?
The Country of Silence.
Ah, that
Shikamaru still hadnt finished his report about the Unions meeting the other day. There wasnt
anything particularly special to report, so hed left it alone.
Everythings the same as ever at the Union. Its made up of a collection of capable people,
theres nothing to worry about.
Youre one of those capable people too.
Was he really? Was he really someone who was fit to represent Konoha?
Do you really intend to go? Kakashi asked.
Yes.
Kakashi let out a great sigh at his answer.
Is it really necessary for you to go?
Sais been captured. Our village has lost a large number of shinobi, both those who went
missing during the war and those who ended up disappearing after. Whether they really left the
village of their own free will, or ended up being captured by Gengo is something that we have to
verify.
Youre really determined, huh.

Shikamaru silently nodded.

Kakashi closed his eyes and shook his head. He looked at Shikamaru again.
I get it. I wont say anything more. Who are you thinking of taking? Youre not planning on
going all by yourself, right?
Could you spare me two people from Anbu?
Huh Kakashi was cradling his chin in one hand, his elbow resting against his desk. There
was a serious look in his eyes. Wouldnt Ino and Chouji do?
The InoShikaChou combination can be used for sneak attacks, however I dont think it fits the
requirements for this mission.
Because its assassination, right?
Furthermore, infiltration is a great part of this mission. I want people who can hide chakra.
Hmm
Kakashi closed his eyes and thought. He was taking Shikamarus proposal and comparing it to all
the other options inside his head.
The one who deals the killing blow wont be you, right?
I intend to use my jutsu to bind the target.
Then youll need someone for the killing blow. Kakashi concluded ahead of any explanation.
He understood what Shikamaru was thinking.
Two Anbu
One that could manipulate chakra, and conceal their presence. Another that held a jutsu which
could deliver the killing blow.
I have suitable people. Kakashi said.
Thank you.
Ill make the arrangements.
You dont have anything to tell me about my other duties? Shikamaru asked.

None of your other duties are more urgent than this matter. Kakashi said, and you could feel in
that moment that he really was the Hokage.
He calmly assessed the relative importance of various matters, and made quick, firm decisions on
which were to be carried out. It was because he was capable like this that shinobi could work
under him without worry, and give their all for the village. Shikamaru thought they wouldnt be
able to function without him.
He didnt have any thoughts like I want to be Hokage. But, it wouldve been a lie to say he
didnt feel the slightest bit motivated to grow. In front of a man like Kakashi, Shikamaru was still
young and inexperienced, unable to compare to him, and it felt frustrating.
Ill tell the two I have in mind to return quickly. You can wait a little longer, right?
Please do it as quickly as possible.
I get it. Kakashi smiled under his mask and stood up. He turned his back to Shikamaru to gaze
out the open window.
You dont have to burden yourself so much, you know. Kakashi murmured.
Shikamaru didnt answer.
Burdening himself
Perhaps he was.
In a way even he himself couldnt understand, Shikamaru had somehow ended up carrying many,
many burdens.
Even though he found things bothersome, hed somehow ended up behaving unlike himself, and
carrying so many things. Even though all these burdens were getting far too heavy for him to
bear, he couldnt throw any of them away, either.
Shikamaru was scared to.
He got the feeling that he could end up throwing everything away, and losing himself in the
process. Hed started out as someone who found everything bothersome. If he put down all his
responsibilities and burdens for just one moment, then wasnt it highly possible that he wouldnt
ever pick them back up?
And when that happened, then wouldnt it be the case that nobody would need him anymore?

The thought alone was unbearably frightening.

Im going to tell you what I really think now. Kakashi lifted his left hand into the air, letting
tiny bolts of lightning crackle in and out of existence. Right now, I really want to abandon all
my duties as the Hokage and go to the Country of Silence.
Shikamaru could clearly hear the screaming frustration of Kakashis heart: how the man wanted
to abandon everything to go and kill Gengo with his own two hands.
But the responsibilities of a Hokages position couldnt be abandoned so easily.
Honestly, Kakashi said, I think its inexcusable of me to burden you with this.
Naruto and me, and every other one of our peers, weve already all attained positions with
burdens and responsibilities. Theres no need for you to carry them all by yourself.
Is that so
The lightning in Kakashis left hand melted away into nothing.
Shikamaru. Kakashi looked over his shoulder at the Nara. I wonder what it means to be an
adult, sometimes.
Please dont look to me for the answer to that. Shikamaru sighed.
Ill come back again. Shikamaru said to the gravestone. Turning away, his eyes caught on the
name engraved into the stone: Nara Shikaku.
Naturally, hed wanted to visit his fathers grave after his meeting with Kakashi ended.
What did it mean to be an adult? It felt like he could find the answer to Kakashis question here,
if anywhere.
In the Fourth Shinobi World War, his father had been with the Five Kage at the alliances
headquarters. After the Five Kage had gone to the frontline of the battle due to the severity of the
fight, Inos father and Shikamarus father had taken charge of giving directions to the whole
army.

Then, Obito had resurrected the Ten Tails and made it send its explosive Tailed Beast Balls in
order to cause chaos amidst the Unions army. As the killing blow had approached, Shikakus last
moments were spent thinking and conveying further strategies for the army.
He had been a Shinobi to the very end.
No
The truth was that in his very last moments, Shikaku had been a father. Although the only one
who knew that was Shikamaru, as his son.
What was it to be an adult?
Shikamaru thought about that for a while.
Saying goodbye to his fathers grave, Shikamarus feet took him to the next person he wanted to
visit.
His teachers grave.
Sarutobi Asuma
He was a man who had turned down the path of an elite that hed been entitled to as the Third
Hokages flesh and blood, and instead constantly stayed on the frontlines.
After Shikamaru graduated from the Academy, it was under Asumas care that hed been raised
into the shinobi he was today. Along with Ino and his best friend Chouji, the three of them had
constantly been chasing Asumas back, struggling through missions.
Asuma, whod gone through any crisis with a cigarette in his mouth and his same easy going
attitude, had been everything Shikamaru aspired to be.
And yet, that Asuma could no longer be found in this world.
Hed died, in a battle against the Akatsuki group who had been making schemes to take over
the Earth.
Hed died for the sake of letting Shikamaru live
Asuma had understood they had no chance of winning against the inhuman abilities of the
Akatsuki member they had been faced against, and died while risking his life to protect
Shikamaru and his other comrades.

He, too, had spent his last moments thinking of others.

Shikamaru had yet to find anything he would sacrifice himself to protect.
Of course, the people of his village and all his comrades were extremely precious to him. But it
felt like those feelings were different from the extent of fierce protection that his father and
Asuma had displayed.
Perhaps that meant that Shikamaru still hadnt become an adult.
He thought that in the first place that ambiguous word adult referred to a child whod at some
point simply become trapped in their own body.
In that case, even Kakashi was a child at heart.
But Kakashi already had something hed trade his life to protect.
For a Hokage, every person in the village is his child. Those were the words of Asumas father,
the Third Hokage Hiruzen.
Maybe when Kakashi chose to become Hokage, hed become an adult.
He wasnt sure about anything anymore
Shika niichan!
Shikamaru was roused out of his pensive thoughts by the sound of that carefree voice reaching
his ears.
A plump toddler was tottering towards him. Swaying left and right with clumsy little feet, she
made her way towards him step by step.
Mirai. Shikamaru called her name, his voice naturally turning fond and cheerful. His tense
features softened, and his mouth moved to turn into a smile.
Gyaa! Mirai finally came to where he stood, and clung onto his legs with her short little arms.
Shika niichan!
The toddler looked up at him with dazzling bright eyes, her tiny face splitting into a wide grin.
The toddlers smile felt like the sun, and Shikamaru could feel his frozen over heart thawing with
its warmth.

Its been a while, Shikamaru.

Kurenai-sensei. Shikamaru greeted the dark haired woman that was Mirais mother.
Im not a sensei anymore, so you can stop calling me that. She said, laughing.
Sarutobi Kurenai
Originally, she was a jounin leader along with Kakashi and Asuma, in charge of a team made of
Shikamarus other classmates. But now she was a mother who had devoted all her time to
parenting.
You came to visit Asumas grave? She asked.
Yeah.
And your fathers grave?
Ive just come from visiting him.
Listening to their conversation and still clinging onto Shikamarus leg, Mirai smiled and lifted
her head.
Shika niichan! Met Papa!
Although the toddler could only manage halting sentences, she was bursting with the need to
convey everything she could. Looking down at Mirai, Shikamarus heart warmed up.
To become this childs teacher
It was a promise hed made to both Asuma and Kurenai.
I see, you came to see your Papa, huh? Shikamaru crouched down so he could speak to her eye
to eye.
Mirai gave a delighted nod at being understood.
Wow, how great of you, Mirai. Shikamaru said, gently patting her head. The soft feel of the
toddlers still downy hair seemed to travel along his arm and all the way to his heart, turning into
a calming breeze that soothed his insides.
Grow up soon, okay?

Mm.
You really love your Shikamaru niichan, huh Mirai? Kurenai said.
Mirai nodded so hard she almost pitched herself forwards, and Shikamaru reached out to catch
her with both hands.
For the sake of this child, he really couldnt go and die just yet
Right!
Mirai babbled the word with such timing, it almost felt like shed read right into his heart.
Well, thanks for liking me.
Shikamaru picked up Mirai and lifted her into the air. As the two year old shrieked with delighted
laughter, Shikamaru thought to himself one more time, much stronger than before:
I absolutely cannot die.
Shikamaru Hiden, Chapter Five

Standing in front of Shikamaru weretwo new, white faces: a cat and a monkey.
Of course, the animal faces wereonly masks, and from the neck down the two Anbu were
completely human. Theywore jet black uniforms that clung to their skin, as well as the recently
redesignedflak jackets of Konoha.
The old flak jackets used to have pockets on both sidesof the chest for shinobi to keep scrolls or
ninja tools, but the new design haddone away with those and kept itself relatively simple. It was
a side-effect ofthe peaceful era that had come into being after the end of the war.
Where there would have been eyes painted on the two Anbus masks, holes had been pierced like
deep, dark caves. Both the maskshad thin mouths painted on, curving from cheek to cheek. The
cats mask hadthin red markings under its eyes. The monkeys mask had thickly drawn red
eyebrows that made it look like it was scowling in temper. Both the Anbu had their hands linked
behind their backs, and the eye slits of their masks gave off such a feeling that Shikamaru felt
like he was being sized up.
If its these two, I think they can do everything youve been hoping for. Kakashi said from
where he was seated behind his desk.

From where Shikamaru was standing, the cat-masked Anbu was on the right, and the monkeymasked was on the left. The two Anbu had a very large height difference. The Monkey was 176
cm, slightly taller than Shikamaru, while the Cat barely came up to Shikamarus shoulders.
So, monkey-mask was male, and cat-mask was female
Even without the height difference, their body structure made that much evident.
Both of you, take off your masks. Kakashi instructed.
The Anbus hands both lifted to reach for their masks at Kakashis command, slowly lowering
them to reveal the human faces below.
It was an Anbu custom to wear the masks with animal faces. Since they mainly dealt in shady
missions such as assassination or causing disturbances in foreign countries, they loathed to let
anyone know of their identities. Even most of Konohas own citizens didnt know who was and
wasnt in Anbu.
People who come and go from the village without eating anything are Anbu. There were lots of
rumours and speculations like that.
The man is Rou, and the girl is Soku.
The two Anbu bowed their greetings to Shikamaru in time with Kakashis introduction.
To have such a young girl in Anbu
Its unthinkable, right? Soku cut into Shikamarus murmuring. But in the world of Shinobi,
competency is everything, and I entered the Anbu by proving the worth of my abilities, yknow.
Shes right. Kakashi agreed with Soku.
Shikamaru couldnt deny that he was surprised. Soku was extremely young. She was at least 5 or
6 years younger than Shikamaru, and mustve only just come out of the Academy. She had
slightly red cheeks, plump with baby fat, but also a thin mouth set in a grim frown that radiated
determination. Her thin eyebrows were arched, and her eyes shined with self-confidence.
Something about her made Shikamaru feel like this was what Temari had looked like as a child.
Hinoko was recognised for her abilities and scouted into Anbu the minute she graduated from
the Academy. Despite only being 14 years old, shes accomplished a great number of missions.
Kakashi said. Shes very relied upon in the Anbu.

Its not good to judge someones abilities based solely upon their appearances, yknow. Soku
said, puffing out her cheeks a bit. And, Hokage-sama, I keep telling you not to call me by my
real name, yknow.
Hinoko Its a very nice nam-
In a blink, Soku had disappeared from Shikamarus line of view and before he knew what was
happening, a finger glowing orange with barely restrained chakra was pressed against his
forehead.
I hate being called by my real name, yknow. Be careful not to do it.
Shikamaru could feel a sort of frizzing static from the edge of Sokus index finger. It felt like an
incredibly small version of Kakashis raikiri.
Chakra was bursting from the edge of Sokus fingertips
Stop that at once, Soku.
The one who spoke was the man whod carried the monkey mask. Kakashi had introduced him
as Rou. He had thick eyebrows, a strong jaw and stubborn, one-lidded eyes that were glaring at
Soku in disapproval.
I have to make this clear from the start, yknow. Soku retorted. I wont allow being looked
down on for being a kid, yknow.
My bad. Ill be careful in the future. Shikamaru gave a simple apology. There was no need to
aggravate the situation any further, and he didnt have the time to deal with the young girls
temper.
Soku turned her gaze away from Rou and back to Shikamaru.
As long as you understand, yknow. She turned her back on him and stomped back to where
she had originally stood, taking on the same position with her hands behind her back.
Rou can freely manipulate the quality and quantity of chakra; both his own, as well as that of
anyone he targets and recognises. Kakashi said, and Rou gave a small nod.
Does that mean you can increase chakra as well? Shikamaru asked.
A smart question. Kakashi commented.

The chakra which I can change is only that which is perceived by others. Rou said. To
explain, if I increased your chakra, Lord Shikamaru, I would not be able to change the actual
fighting potential in the least. Your chakra would only seem larger in the perception of other
persons. In other words, my jutsu cannot be efficient in the practice of deceit if the subject of my
chakra manipulation does not participate in the deception.
Rou had a very old-fashioned speech pattern, and coupled with his round, boulder-like
appearance, he seemed more like a samurai than a ninja.
Shikamaru gave the man a nod to show him he understood his explanation, and then opened his
mouth to speak again.
When you say you can change the quantity of perceived chakra, does that mean that you can
completely erase it as well?
No matter how you looked at it, Rou was definitely in his forties. He was at least twenty years
older than Shikamaru.
That is certainly possible. I can make the chakra of any target disappear in the manner youve
described, while also allowing you to trace them, Lord Shikamaru.
With the mans old fashioned way of speaking, Shikamaru had half-expected the word track
instead of trace, and felt a little fazed at the random modern word.
I thought his jutsu would be the best suited for this job, but what do you think? Kakashi asked.
Itll work. And the little one? Shikamaru asked, turning to look at Soku.
The girls eyebrow twitched at being called little one. The child didnt seem to be aware that
she was a child. Shikamaru wasnt sure yet if that was a good or bad thing for how useful shed
be on the mission.
A demonstration would be good, wouldnt it? Kakashi said to Soku.
The girl nodded and turned around. She stretched out her left arm so it was facing the open
window across Kakashis office. In line with the direction she was pointing, Shikamaru could see
a single swallow flying outside.
My jutsu is all about Chakra needles, yknow Soku murmured, and an orange flash of
chakra burst out of her index finger.

At that moment, the swallow which had been startled by the loud sound had quickly swooped to
hide behind a pillar outside the window.
If Soku had fired her chakra with this timing, there was no way she could hit her target. Her
chakra would hit the pillar and just leave a scratch on its surface instead.
But
There wasnt a single scratch on the pillar, and from outside, the swallow gave a shrill, sharp cry.
Shikamaru hurried to the window. Leaning out and twisting his neck around, his eyes searched
the ground around where swallow had been flying, and found the bird on the ground. It did
indeed look dead.
I dont want you to misunderstand, yknow. Im against a meaningless waste of life. Soku
spoke from behind him.
As she spoke, Shikamaru stared as the swallow slowly came back to its senses, waddling to its
feet and getting up. Soon, itd taken off again, flying even higher than before.
I made my chakra revitalising when it pierced through the target this time, so that swallow
probably feels much more energetic than it did a while ago, yknow.
How did you get it past the pillar? Shikamaru asked, taking his hand off the window sill and
turning to face Soku.
The little girl let out a delighted laugh that sounded her age for once, sticking out her tongue in
childish mockery.
Once Ive aimed at my target, it doesnt matter if they go out of my sight or not, my chakra
needle will follow it anywhere, yknow. My needle wont ever stop in its path until it hits its
target.
So.
Rous jutsu would erase their chakras presence, and let them infiltrate the enemys ranks
undetected. When they came within reach of Gengo, Shikamaru would use his kagemane to bind
him. And then the killing blow would come with the foolproof aim of Sokus chakra needle.
It was alright.
They could really do it

Can I just ask you one thing?

You can, yknow. Soku gave a smile brimming with confidence.
Can you stop tacking yknow onto the end of your sentences?
*
They were coming.
The enemy.
Oto-nin.
Orochimarus underlings.
No, wait
Since when was I being chased?
I was the one who was supposed to be chasing someone.
Someone who had to be saved.
Uchiha Sasuke.
A classmate who could do anything perfectly, with a nasty personality.
But he was a comrade. He absolutely had to be saved.
I was leading a team for the first time. Failure wasnt an option.
My comrades
My comrades were being felled down, one after another.
Chouji.
Kiba.
Neji.
And then Naruto

We were surrounded by sneering oto-nin.

Im sorry
Im sorry, everyone.
Next time, I wont fail again.
So please- please dont diePLEASE!
Shikamaru woke up to the sound of his own desperate shouting, twisting out of his covers in a
panic. His whole body was drenched with sweat.
Hed been dreaming
It had been his first mission after making chuunin: to retrieve the missing-nin Uchiha Sasuke
whod left the village under Orochimarus guidance.
His comrades had been several classmates, and Neji. Theyd lessened, one by one, as they chased
after Sasuke. Shikamaru had made the decision to entrust everything to Naruto and take on a
sound-nin in a fight.
And the result of that decision had been Sasuke leaving the village, and all his comrades
sustaining serious injuries.
As a chuunin, as a leader, his first mission had ended in despairing failure.
Shikamaru placed a palm to his sweat soaked forehead, and slowly took in a deep breath.
Why did he see a dream like that?
Until now, hed never seen those events in a dream.
Although, it was a fact that scars from that incident were still left in his heart. Shikamaru saw the
Sasuke Retrieval mission as his biggest disgrace, and never failed to think of it whenever he was
judging himself.
Hed never again been cornered like he had been on that day
Dreams were a manifestation of your subconscious.

Then, do I feel like Im being cornered right now?

Its alrightits alright, Shikamaru
Although it was unlike him to try and soothe himself, the words slipped out of Shikamarus
mouth before he could stop them. His heart was still hammering, blood roaring against his ear
drums like a steady warning bell.
It didnt look like hed be able to fall sleep again tonight.
They were going to set out at sunrise.
Shikamaru Hiden, Chapter Six

A bunch of ten year old boyscrossed the street, laughing with seemingly endless cheer. In the
distancebehind them, a grim-faced man in his thirties was hurrying somewhere.
The children were probably headingto the Academy, while the man was likely going to work.
On the side of the street, therewas a store that sold side-dishes in the early mornings, its
storefrontsurrounded with housewives gossiping with animated gestures.
It was a usual mornings usual scenery.
On this peaceful morning, Shikamaru was striding along the main street that started from
Konohas wide open front gates and continued straight to the Hokage Residence. The street
ended behind the residence, at the Hokage Monument where all the past generations of Hokage
were carved into the mountain.
Shikamarus destination was the latter. He had some business there.
Usually, when shinobi received missions outside the village, they left Konoha through the main
gates. There wasnt any particular regulation that said they had to, but it was somewhat of a
tradition.
The Anbu were the only exception. They dealt with many top secret missions, so in order to keep
their departures unknown to Konohas citizens, it had been arranged for them to leave through
the back gates found in the mountain behind the Hokage Residence.

That back gate was Shikamarus destination. This times mission was being kept a secret from
everyone in the village. The only ones who knew were Kakashi, a handful of senior shinobi, and,
of course, Shikamaru himself as well as the accompanying Rou and Soku.
Hed left the business of covering up his absence from the village to Kakashi. If anyone asked
where he was, theyd be told Shikamaru had Union business outside the village bounds.
The ideal scenario was to sneak out of the village without anyone noticing his departure, and
come back before anyone was bothered by his absence.
Hm? As Shikamaru quickly made his way to the back gate, he noticed a blonde haired man in
his field of vision.
The blonde noticed him as well.
Yoo, if it isnt Shikamaru! Whatre you hurrying for?
You wouldnt have believed the two were the same age, by the childish grin that lit up the mans
features as he hurried to his friend. His cheeks had three whisker-like lines across each side, and
his blue eyes were free of any doubt or hesitation.
Thats what I should be asking you. Whatre you doing up this early, Naruto?
Uzumaki Naruto.
He was the hero who had shown everyone the way to ending the last great war, the son of the
Fourth Hokage. The Nine Tails had been sealed into him as soon as he was born, and he grew up
facing prejudice from his surroundings, and yet hed never once wavered in his goal to become
Hokage, and kept on walking down his path. That was the kind of man Naruto was.
Right now, he was a strong candidate to become the next Hokage after Kakashi.
I couldnt really sleep last night, Naruto said, So when I woke up this morning I went to eat
some ramen at Ichirakus straight away, and now Im heading back home.
You went to that shop this early?
Lately, theyve been open for business 24/7. Naruto looked incredibly happy about the fact.
No, I mean, youre eating ramen so early in the morning
Im always good to eat ramen, whether morning or noon or night!

Hey, thats not something to be boasting about.

Half of my bodys probably made of ramen. Naruto seriously said, puffing out his chest with
pride.
Shikamaru let out a sigh.
Youre now known as the hero who ended the war. Try and look after your body more.
Heroes are heroes, and ramen is ramen!
That reasoning makes no sense.
Hahaha. Naruto laughed, sheepishly rubbing a finger across the bridge of his nose.
That behaviour of his hadnt changed a bit since the Academy. Naruto always lived his life with a
very pure, straight-forward outlook. It was that outlook of his that had changed his surroundingseven changed Shikamaru.
Naruto, who had been seen as the bane of the village, had kept his pure heart and slowly made
more and more comrades that stood by his side.
In the end, Naruto had even managed to save his friend Uchiha Sasuke who had fallen to the
depths of darkness, full of resentment towards the whole world.
Saving him wasnt an easy feat.
No
Rather, it was something that no one other than Naruto could have done.
The dream Naruto had been holding close to his chest ever since he was a child was only one: to
become Hokage.
He had had no relatives to give him a kind word, and the only way he could get attention from
others was by his repeated pranks, but still he kept insisting that he would one day become
Hokage.
In the beginning, nobody had believed Naruto could ever do it. But now, there wasnt a single
person in the village who thought anyone but Naruto would be the next Hokage.
Naruto was the sun.

He had a brilliant flame within him that never so much as flickered, constantly burning. It was
because of how brightly he shined that he was the sun. Everyone who saw that passion of his
opened their hearts to him, and became his comrade.
Up until now, and till the end of time, Shikamaru felt like Naruto would continue moving
forwards without that flame of his ever wavering.
And that was the way it should be. Someday, Naruto would be Hokage, gain even more of the
villages trust, and then keep shining, brighter and brighter still.
For the sake of that brightness, something like the sun couldnt know about the darkness in the
world.
Until now, Naruto had waged war against countless people whos hearts had swayed towards
darkness, but he himself had never gone crooked.
No matter how far someone sinks into darkness, a part of their heart will long for the light.
Naruto fought because he truly believed that. Shikamaru had seen him change the hearts of his
enemies with that same ideal many, many times.
No matter how much darkness surrounded him, Naruto never lost his light.
Thats why Naruto didnt really know the true meaning of darkness.
There would always be darkness in the hearts of human beings. Thinking you could save
everyone was an impossible ideal.
No matter how frantically you reached out to save people and lead them towards light, there
would always be those few who slipped through your fingers, continuing down the path of
darkness. It was the way of the world.
But Naruto didnt think like that. No matter how hopeless the situation, he would never give up
on saving everyone from that sort of fate.
That was the kind of man Naruto was.
And Shikamaru didnt want him to change.
Naruto was someone who was supposed to stay pure and straightforward, a shining sun.
The more the light shines, the darker the shadows grow.

But as long as there was someone to take on the burden of those shadows, it would be fine.
Shikamaru thought that it was his duty to be that someone.
Wasnt it only natural for a shadow jutsu user to take on the burden of darkness?
Naruto would become Hokage, and Shikamaru would support him as his right hand man. That
was Shikamarus dream: to stay by Narutos side and sort out any shadows that could interfere
with his light.
The moment that thought passed through Shikamarus head, he suddenly understood himself.
Why had he been so stubborn about volunteering to go to the Country of Silence?
It had been for Narutos sake, of course.
If the Country of Silence continued to grow more powerful, then Naruto would eventually end up
suffering. The Country of Silence would be a huge obstacle for him.
Thats why Shikamaru was going to go and nip it in the bud.
He had decided to bear all of the shadows that would try to interfere with Narutos light, after all.
That included dealing with future obstacles as well.
So, whatre you doing out? Naruto asked, breaking into Shikamarus reverie.
Im taking a walk.
This early in the morning?
Naruto, Shikamaru deadpanned. Me taking a walk is nowhere near as weird as you eating
ramen at this hour.
Well, thats true.
They both laughed.
Do you have the day off? Shikamaru asked.
No way. Because a certain someone keeps giving me pain in the neck missions, I havent had a
day off in half a year, you know. Im going on another mission at noon.
That certain someone was, of course, Shikamaru.

Theyre missions Im picking out for your sake, so stop your complaining.
But I still want to take a break for just a biiit.
Youre being eyed as a candidate to be the next Hokage. Its too important a time for breaks. Be
more self-aware, Naruto.
I get that But just one-
No buts. Shikamaru said, like one would scold a child. Everyone in the village approves of
you. But its exactly because they approve that you need to take on even more missions, so
people can think ahh, what would we do if Naruto wasnt here. Its already been two years
since the war ended, you cant naively think everyones approval will be guaranteed with your
actions from that time.
Alright, alright Naruto pouted just a bit before giving a great stretch. My stomachs full, so
Ill think Ill go home and sneak in a nap.
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at him. Dont oversleep.
I wont. Naruto laughed at the serious look on his face, and started walking back.
Oi, Naruto. Shikamaru called over his shoulder.
What? Naruto turned around.
Youre the man wholl become Hokage. Dont forget that.
I never go back on my word, Naruto promised. Thats my ninja way.
Never going back on your word. Shikamaru paused. Its my ninja way too.
Yeah. Naruto raised his right hand in a great wave, and then turned to go on his way.
After watching his back for a while, Shikamaru turned around to go on his own path as well.
Im definitely going to make you Hokage.
Shikamaru had long decided he wasnt ever going to go back on those words.
I made you wait, huh.

Shikamaru was directing the words towards Rou and Soku.

This times mission involved infiltrating the country as well as assassinating the target. It wasnt
something that could be done completely under the radar. Thats why the two werent wearing
their masks.
We have several mission objectives. Shikmaru said. Surveying the situation in the country of
silence. Searching for Sai and the 10 Anbu who we lost contact with. But the highest priority
goes to assassinating the man named Gengo.
The pair silently nodded.
Kakashi hadnt come to see them off. The three shinobi were the only people near the closed
back gates. It was hidden within a cluster of trees at the base of the mountain. Despite it being a
bright morning, the gates looked wet and gloomy.
Ah well, since we will be carrying out assassination, then we must make sure theres no
observation Rous nostrils flared as he emphasised observation.
Shikamaru stared at him, bewildered at what he could mean.
Your joke totally fell flat, yknow. Soku told Rou.
The man looked flustered, an embarrassed sweat drop clinging to his forehead.
He was trying to make a joke, know. Soku explained to Shikamaru with an Im so sorry
about this look on her face. You were talking about us surveying the situation, and since
surveying has a similar meaning to observing, he made that joke about our assassination not
being observed, since its secretBasically, this old man tends to make bad jokes like that every
now and then, so itd be a good idea to watch out, yknow.
Shikamaru swallowed down the urge to make a witty retort, and cleared his throat, trying to
reclaim the serious atmosphere.
When we go past the gate, we start running, alright?
Were aware, yknow. Soku cheerfully answered.
Rou, whod turned somewhat red-faced with embarrassment, also gave a nod.
Alright then, lets go.

And with that, the three of them finally heaved open the back gates.
Shikamaru Hiden, Chapter Seven

Temari stood behind Gaaras back,watching his crimson hair swaying in the wind. Looking at
him, she thought toherself that her little brother had really grown splendidly.
They were standing on top of ahill, gazing down at the brilliant view of Suna from above. The
peoplein their village called this hill the winds reading spot because the windnever stopped
blowing up here, all year round. Temari knew very well that Gaara was the only one who came
up here despite the strong wind to enjoy the view of the village.
Do you need anything, nee-san? Gaara asked. He tilted his head back to look at her, and
Temari could see the lone kanji for love that was tattooed onto his forehead.
Several years ago, if anyone in the village had heard the name Gaara they would shudder in
fear. But look at her little brother now. He was the leader of Suna, and a vital authority in the
alliance holding all shinobi together. Gaara had become an existence the Shinobi World couldnt
do without.
It was all thanks to Naruto.
Gaara had a bijuu inside him ever since he was born, all throughout his childhood. He used to
believe in loving only oneself and had accepted the rest of the world to be his enemy, not
letting anyone near. The old Gaara hadnt even let his elder sister Temari or older brother
Kankurou anywhere near entering his heart. Even if he didnt say it out loud, his whole body, his
actions of losing himself in the throes of bloodlust, all the things he did transmitted those words
loud and clear.
Naruto was the only one who had managed to reach Gaara.
Naruto simply couldnt abandon Gaara, not when he was a fellow jinchuuriki whod lived the
same life he had. After exchanging blows in a fierce battle that surpassed the limits of normal
humans, the two slowly came to understand each other. When Gaaras bijuu was removed from
his body by the Akatsuki and he was on the brink of death, Naruto had pumped as much of his
own chakra into him as he could, not holding back in the slightest. Gaara had recognised him as
a friend.
Gaara had been changing ever since he met Naruto. His cold demeanour disappeared. The way
he treated and spoke to Temari and Kankurou changed. His attitude towards the village changed.
His feelings towards the people in their village changed.

And in the end, Gaara was recognised by everyone.

Temari was eternally grateful to Naruto for that. She thought that the village of Konoha overall
was likeable. Their villagers held a strong pride as shinobi, and many of them were logical
people.
Suddenly, that guys face flashed across her mind. There was a stinging pain inside Temaris
chest all of a sudden, and she irritably clicked her tongue.
Is something wrong, neesan?
Eh? No
Gaara was looking at her, worry transparent in his eyes. Temari could feel his concern so keenly
that it hurt, and looked away from his gaze.
The village of Suna was always parched for water. Being right in the middle of the desert, it
never rained. And sand always got mixed in with the wind as well.
I got a little sand in my eye, thats all.
Thats rare. Gaara mildly said. That doesnt usually happen to you, neesan.
Th- thats true
Those born in Suna were accustomed to the relationship between its sand and wind, used to
handling it. Even in a dust storm, no suna-nins eyes would ever sting because of sand.
Temaris line about sand getting in her eyes was a blatant lie and excuse.
Shikamaru Gaara suddenly said that guys name, and Temari was caught so off guard she
couldnt stop herself from stiffening.
Although his sister had stiffened up as if in response to an enemy attack, Gaara didnt say
anything about her sudden guarded posture, and simply went on speaking indifferently.
I feel like hes been behaving strangely lately. The last time I saw him at the Unions
Headquarters, it seemed like his heart wasnt in his actions. I got the feeling he was working
himself too hard.
You think so too, huh. Temari said.

Gaara nodded. I used to not care about other people, but now Im extremely careful to take
notice of others behaviour and appearances. Maybe thats why Im sensitive to the movement of
others hearts.
Of course, her brother was, at the root, a very serious person. Once he believed he should do
something, he put his all into diligently carrying it out. It was because of that he was able to open
his heart to everyone so completely.
It wasnt a surprise that her brother should notice the subtle changes in Shikamarus behaviour,
when he was so careful about reading others in general.
Hes hiding something.
Mm Temari let out a sound of agreement.
Hes someone who thinks about the future of the Union and shinobi over all more seriously than
anyone else. Gaara said. I dont think he would do anything that could threaten the Union.
Gaara was referencing the fact that each hidden village participating in the Union had the duty to
report any problems inside or outside their jurisdiction. He was also referencing the fact that both
he and Temari had noticed Shikamaru was holding back reporting some situation happening in
Konoha. Any problem that made him act like that was very likely a problem that affected all the
shinobi villages.
Do you have any idea what he could be holding back, neesan?
I wonder if I do.
It was natural that Gaara would ask her. Temari was the one who worked with Shikamaru the
most within the entire Union.
Its not that I dont have an idea what it is Temari said. Im just not sure if Im right.
Gaara nodded, silently listening.
Hed been seriously investigating the shinobi who went missing in action during the war, and
the recent cases of missing-nin in the villages.
At Temaris reply, Gaara took his eyes off her and gazed down at the village again. A furrow
came between his brows.
He was thinking.

The wind suddenly picked up. Bits of sand scraped across their foreheads, a familiar pain.
Lets ask Naruto. Gaara murmured. Will you go, neesan?
Yes. Temari was startled by how eager her voice sounded.
Of course, you should ask Kakashi too, but hell definitely find a way to avoid answering, so
ask Naruto about Shikamaru first. Gaara said, If it turns out that Shikamarus confronting a
grave situation, then we must do nothing less than try to save him with our full strength. If you
feel like shinobi from Suna are needed, take as many with you as you need.
Shikamarus a shinobi of Konoha, you know?
Were long past the era where we care about things like Suna shinobi or Konoha shinobi.
Hes a man whos necessary to the Union. Its natural that we would support him.
Thank you.
This isnt something you need to thank me for, neesan.
One small tear had slipped its way down Temaris cheek. Impatiently wiping it away, she looked
at her little brother with a wide grin.
Somehow, the sand keeps getting in my eyes today.
*
Hey Sakura-chan, are you listening? Naruto irritably asked, leaning his elbows against a pile of
books that came all the way up to his chest. He was speaking to Sakuras back as she was rushing
along the length of the bookshelf that covered the wall.
Ya know, Sai hasnt been around for over a month now, and Shikamarus suddenly turned
incredibly cold and stiff around me. Hey, dont you think hes hiding something from me?
I dont!
Sakuras exasperated voice made Naruto wince.
What happened to your mission?
It ended today.

Then quickly go to Ichirakus, eat some ramen, head home and sleep!
Whaaaaat, but its been so long since you stopped by the Hokage Residence. Youve finally
shown your faceYoure acting so cold as an original member of team 7.
Sakura furiously turned around to face her pouting friend.
Right now, Im already overwhelmed with working with Tsunade-sama on developing a system
for medicinal jutsu, as well as working on the structure of the Unions system. Ive got to go
through documents left over from Tsunade-samas time as Hokage! I dont have any free time! I
cant listen to your gossiping! Understand?
Huffing, she turned back to face the shelves.
Besides, havent you been hanging out with Hinata lately? Wouldnt it be a better idea to go and
have her listen to you properly instead of bothering me?
What? Are you jealous?
Sakura turned around with a furious expression, her fist slamming against Narutos head.
Obviously not! I decided to wait for Sasuke-kun, you know!
Y-yes maam Naruto answered. Suddenly his eyes changed to look a bit more serious, and
Sakura, noticing, paid a little more attention to what he was saying.
But lately, ya know, Ive just had this really bad feeling.
Is the Nine Tails making a fuss?
The Nine Tails was still living inside Naruto. There were also remnants of the other 8 bijuu
inside him as well. In that way, you could say he was a human pillar for the power of the Ten
Tails. In the last war, Obito had become a human pillar for the Ten Tails and gained chakra
rivalling that of the Sage of the Six Paths. Naruto, whod taken the bijuu into him as well, had
some of the Sages power even now. His bad feelings were different from a normal humans,
and Sakura knew it too.
Dont you think youre misunderstanding something?
Youre cruel, giving my judgement zero trust Naruto muttered, flopping onto the floor in a
sulk.

Its because if you are rightly worried, theres nothing you can do. Both Sai and Shikamaru are
brilliant shinobi. Even if they end up in a situation where need your help, then theyll ask for it.
And if they cant, then the Hokage will tell you to go save them.
Ehhh, I cant trust Kakashi-sensei to know when to do that.
Youre much worse than he is! Sakura exploded, giving him a kick in the shin. Naruto shot
back to his feet, wearily keeping a distance.
Stop talking about things you cant help, and concentrate on your missions. Thats what Sai and
Shikamaru would both want you to do. Especially Shikamaru. Hes been working himself to the
bone in the Union and the village so you can become Hokage! You cant let all that be in vain.
I know hes working for mebut thats exactly why Im worried, ya know.
Sakura let out a sigh.
Get a hold of yourself. Theyre comrades whove believed in you all this time, theyre not
gonna die meaningless deaths.
Dont talk so ominously about death!
Oh, for goodness sake! I say one thing you get upset, I say another you still get upset. Youre
being a real pain, ya know! Sakura used Narutos own phrase against him. Go home and
sleep!
Sakura threw Naruto out of the room.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter eight

The Country of Silence

Shikamarus team ran for three days regardless of whether it was day or night, before they finally
reachedthe Country of Silence.
The Country of Silence was a relatively small country, located towards theWest of the continent.
Most of it was surrounded by mountains and forests, andthe remaining land was dotted with
fields. None of the towns in those fieldswere anywhere near the size of a village in Fire Country.
The Country of Silence would have felt like a rustic and rural countryside even to the three
original founders of Konoha.

The countrys capital, Curtain Village*, was located almost in the very centre of the country.
Since they were sneaking in from the countrys borders, Shikamaru and his team had to
constantly run through hills and valleys. By the time they reached Curtain Village, it had been
about four days since theyd left Konoha.
Although it was a poor country, the capital still had all the splendour of a metropolis. While rest
of the countrys villages had had houses with straw thatched roofs, even the smallest home in the
capital had a tiled roof. There were many buildings made with reinforced concrete, and the
streets were clean and well landscaped. Roads spread out around the city in the same shape as a
spiders web, expanding in radials from the centre of the city. In the little sections separated by
those roads, houses and apartments were lined up side by side.
One very large building out in the middle of the city. If one were to look at the city from a
distance, this building would be the only one to stand out from amongst the others. It was around
10 storeys high, with a crimson tiled roof, and on the left and right edge of the roof were two
gold-coloured lion statues.
Ahh, this must be the countrys castle which we seek.
Theres no need to sound so smug about stating the obvious, yknow.
Shikamaru half kept an eye on the castle, and half listened to Rou and Sokus conversation as
they walked down the main street.
Of course, they had all long changed out of their Konoha flak jackets.
Just as the customs of every country are different, so is the clothing. Rou and Soku had advised
that they should procure their clothing locally so as not to stand out during their infiltration, and
Shikamaru had bowed to their experience as Anbu. Along the way to the capital, theyd stopped
at the richest looking mansion they could find and gathered clothes for the three of them.
The clothing worn by the people in the Country of Silence was very simple, without any patterns
to speak of. The top was an uwagi** robe, wrapped around the chest and tied with a cloth belt.
From the waist down, there were wide hakama**, with their cuffs stuffed into laced up boots
which came up to the shin.
The clothes colours were as droll as the design. Everyone who walked in the Curtain Village
wore either black or brown or grey. Even the stores on the streets didnt have any bright lights or
neon signs, their advertisements dull and sombre.
There wasnt a single bright thing to be found in the entire city.

Have you noticed, Lord Shikamaru? Rou asked from his position in front.
Shikamaru was stuck between the two Anbu on their insistence. Rou was their front guard.
The mans question was very vague. He wasnt specifying what it was that Shikamaru was
supposed to have noticed, so there was no way of replying to him.
We have yet to see a single one of the Daimyous attendants. Rou specified.
Thats true. Shikamaru agreed.
As the two conversed, they were heading towards the direction of the castle. It wasnt with any
intention to start the operation now, but simply from the habit people had of walking towards the
largest building in the vicinity. Shikamaru had absolutely no intention of rushing or rashly
leaping into the middle of things and risking the mission going south.
All the people we have seen on the street so far have been the countrys citizens. It is extremely
strange to not have seen a single attendant.
Rous observation was right on the mark.
The rulers of countries within their continent were always, without exception, Daimyou. Unions
within the Shinobi World were all very well, but shinobi never, ever took the front stage of
politics. And Daimyous always lived in the capital city of their country, with their places of
residence brimming over with the attendants who served them.
Those attendants differentiated themselves from the countrys citizens with great pride, from
their colourful clothing to their overbearing and arrogant attitudes. They were always rushing
about the capital where their Damyou lived, going around on errands for him.
And yet, they hadnt seen a single one of those attendants.
Its possible there isnt a Daimyou, yknow. Soku murmured.
That could be the case. Small countries did sometimes have cases where citizens of the country
made it appear like they had a Daimyou in charge while handling matters themselves.
But this country was different. Shikamaru was very sure of that.
He turned around in Sokus direction, his eyes glancing towards the castle theyd now left behind
them.

Sais message clearly said that this country is being controlled by a man named Gengo.
But its possible hes not a Daimyou, yknow.
You have a point. As Shikamaru said that, his eye fell on a man who was walking in front of
the group.
He was wearing a long, black cloak, and had a sharp, cutting look in his eyes. His clothing stood
out amidst the hamakas and uwagis worn by the other citizens.
The design reminded Shikamaru of the Akatsukis cloaks, although this mans clothing didnt
have those red clouds, or the high collar to cover his mouth. There was no seam or fastener down
the middle either, only five large, silver buttons.
See that man in front of us? We saw some others dressed like him too. Dont you feel like
youre reminded of something when you see them? Shikamaru asked.
I say, I noticed that as well, Lord Shikamaru.
Wouldnt a person normally wait a bit instead of immediately agreeing? Soku asked.
Those clothesthe clothes make the target, after all. Rou made another one of his bad jokes.
We all want you to shut up, yknow. Soku groaned.
Ignoring their bantering, Shikamaru continued speaking.
Rou, what about that man over by the side of the street? He doesnt look familiar to you at all?
As Shikamaru spoke, he inclined his head slightly towards a tea house on the busy street.
Rou looked over his shoulder to follow the line of sight Shikamaru was indicating.
ItIt cant be
Eh? Whats going on? I dont understand what you twore so worked up about, yknow
So I was right. Shikamaru grimly said. I kept getting the feeling he was a familiar face.
He and Rou were looking towards a man seated at one of the benches in front of the tea house,
and drinking tea. He, too, was wearing a long coat that stood out.

As they watched, the man called out for the owner of the tea house. An old shopkeeper
immediately rushed out from the tea houses interior, bowing his head several times and gushing
praise and excuses towards the man.
That style of buttering someone up was exactly how citizens usually behaved to the Daimyous
attendants.
He used to be in the Anbu, Rou said, stunned. His name is Minoichi.
That man
Was supposed to have gone missing in action during the war, right? Soku guessed, finishing
Shikamarus sentence for him.
The three of them kept walking past the tea house, careful not to let their observation of Minoichi
be noticed.
Itd be fastest to get the answers to this incident firsthand, wouldnt it? Shikamaru said.
Fireworks were going off inside Shikamarus heart. His mouth twitched up in a smile.
You wont be able to move anymore. Shikamaru drawled to the frantically twitching man in
front of him.
They were in an alley between two of the concrete buildings. Shikamaru had specifically chosen
this place because it wasnt a hotspot, practically abandoned even in the middle of the day.
Rou and Soku were keeping watch at where the alley opened up to the main street. Theyd
blended into the shadows as expected of their experience in Anbu, staying completely motionless
and concentrating fully on the task at hand.
A shadow even darker and deeper than the shade of the alley was extended from Shikamarus
feet. It had crawled along the alleyway like a jet black snake, all the way up and around the body
of the man in front of him. The shadow tendrils turned into dark hands around curled snugly
around his captives neck.
The Kagemane Neck Binding Jutsu
Shikamarus family, the Nara Clan, had been shadow jutsu users for generations. The Kagemane
Neck Binding jutsu let you use your own shadow to stop your opponents movements. The Nara

shadows were physical embodiments. Their jutsu didnt stop at just binding with their shadowsthey could inflict physical harm with them as well.
Just letting you know. Shikamaru dryly said. I can very easily crush your neck with my
shadow.
H-HowWh-whyre youbastard
You dont know me? Shikamaru asked of the Anbu. I know you, Minoichi-san.
I- I dont know that name.
Dont play dumb. You were originally a shinobi from Konoha, werent you?
I- I said I dont know it.
Shikamarus shadow moved along the mans throat, dark hands tightening around Minoichis
adams apple.
Ugh He let out an anguished groan.
You were born in Konoha. Shikamaru said. You mustve heard about the Nara clans jutsu at
some point, right? And what it can do
If you keep this up, Im going to strangle you to death.
That was the threat Shikamaru was making.
So whyre you, a Konoha shinobi, in a place like this, wearing clothes like that?
I-Im not a shinobi, anymore. Minoichi hoarsely said. I aman enlightened one.
Enlightened one? What do you mean by that?
P-people like you who sluggishly live in thenever changing world of Shinobicould never
understand our noble will.
Look at you babbling. I asked you who these enlightened ones are. Shikamaru willed a little
more strength into the fingertips of his shadow around the mans neck.
Geugh Minoichi groaned.

Im fine with strangling you if you keep this up. Even Shikamaru himself felt sick at the words
coming out of his mouth.
His heart was getting covered in darkness
Theres no way you could understa- neugh!
Shikamaru had tightened his shadows hold firmly around Minoichis bobbing Adams apple.
If you keep up that idle talk, Im really going to kill you.
Shikamarus pupils had dilated to leave his eyes almost as dark as his shadows.
I-Iunderstand
Shouldnt that be, I understand, sir? *
Iunderstandsir
Shikamaru weakened his shadows hold, and Minoichi immediately began coughing and
spluttering, tears in his eyes.
Now, youre going to answer me. Who exactly are you enlightened ones? Whatre people who
were originally shinobi doing gathered around here?
Seeing the ruthless expression on Shikamarus face, Minoichi took in a deep breath, and started
talking.
We enlightened ones rule this country. There arent any low born Daimyous around anymore.
The title enlightened one is earned when you are a shinobi who has opened their eyes to the
noble ideals of Gengo-sama. Our goal is to create a true revolution in this world together with
Gengo-sama. Anything you scum plot or scheme is powerless before him. Anything you hear
from me wont let you understand the truth of this country! Minoichi began to laugh, opening
his jaws to bite down on his tongue in a suicide attempt.
Stop!
For a moment, Shikamaru was sure Minoichi was dead, slumped to the side from biting his
tongue. But then, his eyes caught up with his brain.
In an instant, something had flown and pierced the side of Minoichis neck

I used a paralysing chakra needle for him, so he wont be able to move for three days or so,
yknow.
It was Soku who spoke. She had come to stand at his side without Shikamaru even noticing.
Feh, enlightened onesthat sounds both arrogant and annoying, yknow. Soku said, glaring
down at the knocked out Minoichi.
The ex-shinobis face looked disturbingly peaceful in his paralysed sleep.
Footnotes:
* Yes, Curtain Village is really the name. I couldnt believe it either. I spent 20 minutes looking
for a kanji that didnt exist, lol.
** The clothing described is easier explained seen than read.
*** This is a little tricky. Basically, Minoichi said I understand with casual language, but
Shikamaru demanded he use polite inflections. Adding sir was the closest I could get to that
sentiment.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter nine

Shikamaru didnt even try to hide the shivers running up his spine from sitting on the cold,
concrete floor.
There was no window to speak of. The walls, the ceiling, everything was concrete. He, Rou and
Soku were sitting in acircle in a completely grey room.
All three of them were wearing thelong cloaks of the enlightened ones. All stolen, of course.
Even the room theywere currently residing in didnt belong to them. The real owner was an
enlightened one stuffed in a closet in the room next door, knocked out by one of Sokus
paralysing Chakra Needles.
Of course, they hadnt forgotten to do their interrogations in the midst of their thievery. The
result of all their cross-questionings was quite a bounty of information.
It seems that Lord Shikamaru was correct in his initial conclusion. Rou started speaking first.
This country does indeed look like its being ruled by this Gengo character and his frighteningly
strong charisma.

Shikamaru had to agree with Rou about the charisma. Theyd had to lure another male EO
[shortened term for Enlightened One/s] to get a long cloak for Rou, and the one female EO for
Sokus cloak. Counting Minoichi, that made three EOs that had been interrogated over all.
Three enlightened ones, and yet the one thing that didnt change in every single scenario was
their obsessive, unshakable faith in Gengo.
The faith the EOs had towards Gengo was clearly different from the trust that Konohas shinobi
put in the Hokage, or Naruto.
Humans feeling love and respect for another human. That was, in Shikamarus opinion, the bond
between Konohas shinobi and their leaders. People respecting other people.
But the way the EOs treated Gengo was different. They spoke of him with the same fear and
reverence that one would use for a living god. As if they believed that while they were humans,
Gengos existence was something else entirely. It was an unshakeable, disturbing faith.
What kind of a man could make people adore him to that extent?
Shikamaru noticed with mild alarm that deep down inside, he himself felt curious about the
answer.
Well, its been said from the start that this whole thingll end if we end Gengo, yknow. Soku
bluntly said. Thats why the old man and I came along in the first place. If that hadnt been the
case, we wouldnt be needed. Though Id have liked it if that havent been the case, yknow.
Although her last comment was a little rude, Sokus input was pertinent to the conversation.
It seems that their thoughts towards Gengo have already turned into a religious fervour. Rou
said.
I think so too, yknow. Soku nodded. Something has to be up for them to be so fervently
attached to him.
What do you mean by something, Hinoko?
Shikamaru-san! I told you not to call me by name! Soku sat up in a fit of temper, her index
finger pointing at Shikamarus face, the tip of it crackling with orange chakra. If you call me by
name again, Im seriously gonna pound you!
She was so worked up, she didnt even add yknow to the end of her sentence.

Why dont you like it? Its an adorable name * [Translators Note: Hinoko means sparks of
fire.]
Thats why I dont like it! Sokus chakra blared brighter with her temper. A cool name like
Gourai [roaring lightning] or Shippu [swift gale] or Kimidare [summer rain] would have been so
much better!
It turned out that no matter how capable a shinobi she was, Soku was still a fourteen year old
child on the inside. Her line up of cool names were all so unbelievably cheesy, Shikamaru was
desperately trying not to laugh.
She must have mistaken the strained expression on his face for an apologetic look, because the
chakra buzzing at the tip of her finger suddenly went out.
Sorry, Shikamaru said, regaining control of himself. I didnt know you hated your name to
that extent. Ill be careful not to use it.
A-as long as you understand Soku looked somewhat embarrassed at her outburst now,
looking down at the floor.
Spread out on the floor in front of the three was a map of Curtain Village. This had also been
procured from the owner of the room.
I say, the shape of this city is truly like a spiders web. Rou said, crossing his arms in thought.
Shikamaru looked down to study the map as well. His eyes fell on the picture of the large castle
at the centre of the city. The text next to it declared it as Floating Prisoner Castle.
Floating prisoner Shikamaru muttered to himself.
It is a derogatory term. Rou explained with his old-fashioned knowledge. Used for prisoners
of war, or savages living near the borders of a metropolis.
Derogatory, huh Shikamarus mind was whirring as he murmured out loud. Did Gengo
give it that name? Or was the castle called that long before he became its master?
The Country of Silence has always avoided contact with other countries, and as a consequence
even we Anbu of Konoha do not have any information on this castle.
Shikamaru somehow had a feeling Gengo had given the castle that name. It was just a vague sort
of intuition though, so he didnt say anything about it.

Why give your own castle an insulting name like that

It comes to this sort of meaning, does it not? As the Five Great Nations and other smaller
countries claimed their land on the continent, we were savages forced to live on the outskirts.
They are insulting themselves. Rou said.
Thats definitely what it is. Shikamaru commented, deep in thought.
Thats stupid, yknow. Soku scornfully interjected. Shed kept quiet until now, listening to
them talk, but looked so worked up she couldnt stop herself from talking. Insulting yourself,
declaring yourself to be scum, what kind of a crazy cruelty is that? And these twisted, pessimistic
guys are trying to overturn the world of shinobi? Ridiculous.
She forgot to add yknow again.
Soku, Shikamaru realised, was genuinely angry at the people of this country for giving
themselves such a self-deprecating name.
Its probably by insulting themselves that they find the ferocity to bare their fangs and fight the
rest of the world.
Sokus reply to Shikamarus explanation was to look away in disgust. He continued speaking.
Revenge is born out of hatred for your opponent. And hatred is never something that can exist
in someone without them starting a fight or provoking the other side.
Then, Lord Shikamaru, are you saying that the people of this country resent the other countries
in this continent?
Thats a ridiculous idea, yknow. Soku cut in, still steaming. All the EOs who run this
country are former shinobi from other countries, arent they?
Soku was right. The fact had come to light during their interrogation of the three EOs. Every
single EO who was involved with governing this country had originally been a shinobi from
another country. Part of them were shinobi whod gone missing in action during the war, while
the rest were those whod become missing-nin during the past year, but they were all governing
authorities who answered to Gengo.
Theyd learnt that this country had once had a Daimyou as well. The one who had driven the
Daimyou out, raised up the Enlightened Ones and changed the country from the root up was, of
course, none other than Gengo.

It would be a fitting summary to say that the current Country of Silence was being run
completely by shinobi.
If they hate other countries, Soku continued, Then that means they hate their own villages as
well. That cant be right.
The concept seemed alien to her.
There are shinobi like that too. Shikamaru carefully said, explaining in a calm tone. The
group that was the cause of the last great war, the Akatsuki were mostly made up of missingnin. They were a group with exceptional abilities who hated the world of shinobi.
Youd find yourself trapped in a bad situation, and dark feelings would begin to stew. It wasnt
surprising if all that resentment and anger made you lash out at your own country. Youd blame
your village for your misfortunes and suffering, say that it wasnt your fault, but the structure of
your country- no, the very structure of the world that was to blame.
It was through that kind of thinking that members of the Akatsuki or Enlightened Ones were
born.
But, I say, if this is true Rou spoke, and Soku and Shikamaru both fell quiet. If this is true,
and the Enlightened Ones feel dissatisfaction towards the current state of shinobi
Rou glanced at Shikamaru, who nodded for him to go on.
And they came to this country with those feelings of dissatisfactionBut, well, what theyre
doing here isnt any different from whats done in the shinobi world, is it?
Rou was referring to how the Enlightened earned a livelihood. The Country of Silence had
opened a unique messenger route for business, and was taking on mission requests from all
around the continent. Whats more, their standard prices were cheaper than the Unions. While
large and powerful countries like the Five Great Nations didnt care much about lowered prices
over credibility, it was a relief for smaller countries around the continent who had less gold to
spare.
It was no wonder the mission requests made to the Union had significantly decreased.
It was exactly as Rou had said. Shinobi who felt resentful towards the shinobi world ran away to
the country of silence- only for them to keep taking on mission requests as only shinobi would. It
was a truly ridiculous scenario.
A true revolution Soku thoughtfully murmured.

When Rou and Shikamaru both turned to look at her, the girl looked embarrassed.
Its what Minoichi said. Our goal is to create a true revolution in this world together with
Gengo-sama, and all
You think theyre taking on mission requests for the sake of reaching that goal? Shikamaru
asked.
Soku nodded.
Well, either waythat Gengo fellow is a threat that must be eliminated. Rou muttered.
Weve been blessed with a good chance, yknow. Soku said, pointing at the plaza in front of
Floating Prisoner Castle.
The town square reserved for speechesIts a fitting stage for an assassination, is it not? Rou
laughed, and looked at Shikamaru with mirth.
The man who was always so simple and sincere was now talking about cold-blooded murder
with a smile on his face. Shikamaru felt like he was just now realising, deep in his bones, that
Rou really was a part of Anbu.
To summarise what we discussed before: Rou, youll use your jutsu to help us blend into the
crowd at the plaza. Ill extend my shadow to reach and restrain Gengo. Soku, youll be placed at
a nearby rooftop with a birds eye view. The moment you see Gengo stiffen, you have to send
your Chakra Needle flying immediately.
They both nodded at his orders with those same disturbing smiles, as if they were looking
forward to the thrill.
Well be depending on you, Hinoko.
How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?! Soku got to her feet, steaming with
indignation.
Forty times. Rou whispered.
Huh? Soku glared at her senior, her mouth twisting down in temper.
Lord Shikamarus name has shi for 4 and maru for 0, soforty. Rou meekly said.
Soku was furious.

Again with the puns! She strode forward, And bad ones, at that! What happened to the ka,
then?!
Rou hurriedly got to his feet and despite being 40 years old, significantly larger than his shorttempered junoir, and an Anbu- quickly hid behind Shikamaru for safety, cowering from the
fourteen year olds rage.
Of course, he couldve been playing his reaction up for laughs, but that didnt stop Shikamaru
from feeling more than a little embarrassed on the twos behalf.
Is everything really going to be alright tomorrow? He sighed.
Both Anbu straightened at once, reassurances spilling out of their mouths.
Itll be fine, yknow!
There is absolutely nothing to concern yourself over, Lord!
Looking at them, Shikamaru let out another sigh.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter ten

They were so many people gatheredat the plaza in front of the castle that Shikamaru wouldnt
have been surprisedif it was the citys whole population.
It wasnt just the EnlightenedOnes with their long, black cloaks. Men and women, boys and girls,
people ofall ages and classes had all gathered in one large, muddled crowd, waiting fortheir
leader to appear.
All of them wore the sameenthused, feverish expressions on their faces, their eyes fiercely
blazing with devotion. Their voices mixed together, murmuring in praise and exaltation as they
waited. All in all, Shikamaru found them loud and annoying.
Stuck in the middle of the crazed crowd, and in a cloak on top of that, Shikamaru could feel his
skin getting slick with sweat.
Rou was next to him. Soku was lurking around the roof of a concrete building across the castle.
Rous jutsu had disguised Shikamarus chakra to look like the chakra of the cloaks original
owner. From the quality to the quantity, everything was an exact copy of the EO. Rou had of
course, done the same for his own chakra and the EO who had worn his cloak.

Naturally, theyd disguised their faces too. That had been Rous skills at work again. No matter
how well they hid their chakra, if the enemy ranks held someone with sharp eyes and a good
memory for faces, theyd be discovered in an instant. Rous skills had ensured they were hidden
more than enough, both on a chakra and visible level. Even if their faces were examined, itd be
almost impossible to tell the difference between them and the original EOs.
And on top of that, Shikamaru and Rou were hidden in the midst of a large crowd.
Everything had been arranged so the enemy would have no possible way of spotting them out.
For now, lets head towards that place. Rou murmured in a low voice. He barely moved his
mouth as he spoke, eyes never moving from the platform placed in front of the crowd. It was
raised quite a bit off the ground, with its own wooden staircase to the side. There was nothing on
the platform, not a single microphone or bodyguard. The crowd was jostling forward close
enough for them to touch the wood.
I say, I wonder if Gengo will really appear? Rou doubtfully murmured.
He was right to feel unsure. For the leader of a country to stand on such a completely defenceless
platform was beyond dangerous. If Gengo did appear, it would be the same as saying that he
didnt have the feel the slightest suspicion that anyone could aim for his life.
For now, lets just get closer and wait. If Gengo doesnt appear, then well just silently draw
back for now.
Understood.
They just had to get within a distance that Shikamarus kagemane could reach the man on the
platform. If Shikamaru could stop Gengos movement, then Sokus Chakra Needle would do the
rest.
If he would just make an appeara-
Rous murmuring was cut off by a sudden roar of joy from the front of the crowd closest to the
platform. The elated shouting rose and spread like a tidal wave across the plaza. As Shikamaru
tried to push his way to the front, all the people around him were screaming so loud he felt like
his eardrums were going to burst.
A single man had appeared on the platform.

He wore a long, black coat similar to the design the Enlightened Ones wore, but his was covered
in countless colourful ornaments as well as the large silver buckles. On top of that, his sleeves
were embroidered with silver snakes running down his forearms.
His hair was a dark indigo blue. He had a strong jaw, a masculine physique, and his features
were clear and well-defined. He calmly looked down at the cheering crowd with clear and
intelligent eyes. There were slight traces of stubble around his jaw. He looked about 30 years old.
That man is most likely Gengo, isnt he? Rou murmured, and stopped walking for just a
moment.
Shikamaru kept walking without giving an answer. He felt a firm conviction that the man in front
of their eyes was definitely Gengo.
Slowly, the man raised his right arm into the air. Instantly, all the wild cheers fell silent. Gengo
closed his eyes as if he felt satisfied by that reaction, a small smile pulling at his mouth. He took
in one deep breath, then opened his eyes and began to speak.
First of all, I would like to express my thanks to all of you who have gathered here.
His voice was deep and heavy, soothing to listen to. It had a mysterious quality to it that made
you feel like you werent listening to him with just your ears, but your whole body. Shikamaru
felt a bothersome, itchy feeling inside his chest, as if the mans voice was brushing against his
heart.
Rous eyes met Shikamarus as they silently moved closer to the platform. It was clear that he
seemed to feel that same, uncomfortable sensation. The two shinobis steps became in sync,
keeping their movements slow, subtle and silent.
Gengo gave a small bow towards the crowd to convey his gratitude, and then started to speak
again.
It has been ten years since I came to stand at this podium. We have gained many who share our
ways of thinking, and our country has begun to prosper. However, not a single one of our desires
have been realised.
Everyone had been listening in utter silence. As the mans words stopped, a strange atmosphere
sifted into the quiet of the crowd, as if every inch of the plaza was under the mans control.
I have a question for the citizens of our country of silence!

Gengos voice which had been so calm and composed now rang out with a tempestuous fury. His
shouted words seemed to come from his very soul.
The country that was ruled by a Daimyou, and this country nowWhich world do you think is
better? Who is that better world ruled by?
GENGO-SAMA!
The citizens shouted their approval as one, their voice roaring across the plaza like a tidal wave.
There is definitely no mistake, that man is Gengo. Rou murmured.
Shikamaru silently nodded to him, turning to the platform. They were almost there, several
meters left to the distance which would allow his kagemane to reach and bind the target.
The whole mission would be decided in one moment
Gengo raised his right hand, and the crowd quietened again.
I have received your answer. The days we were ruled by Daimyou who saw power, wisdom and
us, the shinobi, as unimportant- those dark days are long past! Citizens, you may now find peace
of mind. We enlightened ones shall forever protect you, with our power and our lives. All you
need to worry about is comfortably living your lives. Because that is all that we enlightened wish
for.
Everyone around them seemed to get drunk on those words. They were strangely overwhelmed
with emotion. Some were even crying.
Shikamaru honestly didnt think Gengo had said anything all that important. No matter how he
turned over the words in his head, it didnt even seem like a relatively good speech. However, he
did acknowledge the fact that Gengos voice had a mysterious power to it. The man possessed a
power that made you listen to his voice no matter what he was saying.
Our country of silence is at the very outskirts of the continent. Our history is that of foreigners,
oppressed and downtrodden. Our ancestors did not cut off contact with the outside to sever our
exchanges with others. It was to protect our own. As long as we stayed out of contact with the
outside, we stayed weak. But now, that is over.
Gengos voice increased, incensed.
The ones who rule this world should not be the Daimyou, but we who carry the power of
shinobi! That is true justice. It is because of shinobis struggles that the citizens are protected.

The existence of shinobi who carry powers beyond a normal humans have always been found
throughout the world. And yet, we were ruled by Daimyou, who live selfishly, only for
themselves, while crushing shinobi and citizen alike beneath their feet! Look at this country. It
has been 10 years since I exterminated the daimyou. Look at the prosperity this country has
gained! Gengos chest expanded with pride.
Almost there. Shikamaru murmured.
Only a few steps more, and Gengo would be within range of his kagemane.
I will exterminate the Daimyou from this world, and create a new world for us. Why arent
shinobi recognised and distinguished? We hold a greater power than any daimyou. We hold a
greater power than any human! Why are we who transcend others constantly downtrodden?
Arent our merits far greater than other peoples? It is because the daimyou fear the age of shinobi
that they discriminate against us, isolate us, and keep us under their influence! Citizens and
shinobi alike, we are all victims to the selfishness of the daimyous!
They were getting closer to Gengo. From this distance, it almost looked like blue sparks were
coming out of the mans fiercely glaring eyes.
Revolution
Just a little more until they were in range. Just a little more.
The man standing in front of their eyes was almost certainly Gengo, and yet theyd been able to
easily approach him unnoticed- so easily that Shikamaru felt weary.
He thought about the possibility of this being a trap.
But there was no way the enemy could have noticed them, and they couldnt just let this chance
pass them by.
The Akatsuki had once stood with the intention of changing this world. But they were
destroyed. They were destroyed by the world of shinobi that remains unchanged with time, no
better today than it was yesterday, with shinobi still overruled and discriminated against. But the
Akatsuki lived up to their namethey were the dawn. They were the sign of a dazzling morning
to come. Listen, you people who hold the morning sun that will rise from the Silences
darkness.
Gengo slowly raised both his arms, as if he was welcoming a god from heaven.
The first rays of sunlight to dawn in this new age, they will shine from our Country of Silence!

The citizens cheered, the noise of their yells covering everything else.
This was their chance.
Shikamaru let his shadow free. A tendril crawled smoothly through the crowd like a black snake,
creeping up the platform and stopping at Gengos feet.
As soon as that shadowy snake caught hold of hold of Gengo, his movements would be stopped,
and Sokus chakra needle would end the business.
It wouldve been fine if everything had turned out the way hed planned it.
Only the kagemane
Couldnt seize Gengo.
Wha-!
He shouldve been in range. He was in range! Why couldnt his shadow reachThe mouse creeping over there. Gengos gaze slowly turned to look Shikamaru right in the
eyes.
Hes sensing us, Lord-! Rou shrieked.
Several shadows leaped out from behind Gengo and came flying towards Rou, restraining him.
Shikamaru frantically tried to reach Gengo with his shadow one more time.
Its useless. Gengo callously called.
Shikamarus shadow, once as familiar to him as his own hands and feet, suddenly turned into a
kite with cut strings. Its tendril missed the target completely, turning round and round in circles,
writing uselessly on the ground.
Fine then
Shikamaru leaped onto the platform, slipping out a kunai from his cloak. If the plan had been
ripped apart, then he would fight and do the deed himself.
Gengo didnt move to run from Shikamaru. There was a faint smile on his face.
Shikamaru ran towards him, swinging his kunai towards the mans throat with expert precision.

Someone came at Shikamaru from the side of the platform, kicking him sharply in the stomach.
He rolled to the side of the wooden construct from the impact, and quickly sat up on one knee,
his kunai at the ready.
He stared.
You- whatre you?
A single man stood between Gengo and Shikamaru. He had an ashen grey complexion. Vague
eyes, with depths of unreadable emotion. A straight, honest mouth.
Whatre you doing?
There was no mistake as to who it was.
Shikamaru called the man by his name.
Sai.
Shikamaru Hide, chapter eleven

Sai held a paintbrush in one hand, and a scroll in the other, drawing furiously. Every time he
lifted his paintbrush from the scroll, an ink tiger would manifest and attack Shikamaru
Shikamaru efforts to fend them off ended with him rolling off the platform and falling right into
the crowd.
He didnt have the time to beconcerned only about Sai. Shikamarus mind was in utter chaos.
Why hadnt his jutsu worked?
Why had their disguises been seenthrough?
Was Soku alright?
Shikamaru dodged attack afterattack from the crowd. In the corner of his eye, he could see
severalEnlightened Ones holding down Rou. The old man was frantically struggling against their
hold, but it was impossible for him to shake off that many men at once.
Shikamarus cheek was stinging from where Sais ink beast had gotten in a swipe.
The resin mask Rou had put on Shikamaru to disguise his face was starting to peel off.

Soon, that mask will be torn off completely, so I imagine youll feel more comfortable. Sai
said with a simple smile.
His paintbrush hadnt stopped moving. Inky tiger after tiger materialised, surrounding
Shikamaru.
Why are you doing this
For a while now, Sai noted, Youve been saying things that give the impression you know
me.
Shikamaru didnt tell Sai who he was underneath the mask. He couldnt, to begin with.
You never spoke your name out loud if there was a risk of you being captured and your name
being traced back to your village. Never. It was an ironclad rule of Shinobi.
Behind the Enlightened Ones swarming towards him, Shikamaru could see Gengo still standing
serenely on the platform. He kept his arms crossed as he calmly watched Shikmarus struggles.
If he could just manage to get to him one more time
Shikamaru leapt on top of one of the inky tigers surrounding him, stabbing it with his kunai and
leaping off in one seamless movement. He ran as soon as he hit the ground, free of the circle of
beasts. In the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the tiger dissipating into a spray of black
ink.
There was so many EOs blocking his way, he could barely even count them.
Will it work? Shikamaru grumbled to himself, forming the seal for a jutsu with his hands.
Countless tendrils of darkness slowly started to extend from his shadow in every direction.
His kagenui, the shadow sewing technique, used tendrils of his shadow to attack and bind his
opponents like a needle with thread. Since Shikamaru could create a multitude of shadow
needles, it was a good jutsu to use against several opponents.
Shikamaru took aim at the tigers and Enlightened ones surrounding him. The needle-like tendrils
of his shadow stretched out without any problems. All hed need was one strong force of will for
them to shoot up and off the ground.
Work! Shikamaru yelled the word like a battle cry. The tendrils raised their heads slowly from
the ground, rearing back and getting ready to strike-

Stop your pointless actions. Gengo called from the platform above. The moment his voice rang
out, Shikamarus shadow tendrils woozily sank back into the ground, and drew back into his
normal shadow.
Wh- WHAT DID YOU DO? Shikamaru roared at Gengo in outrage.
Why was his voice affecting his shadows?
What in the world was he?
Hm? I do believe I know that jutsu
It was Sai who made that comment. Hed now come to stand in front of Shikamaru, blocking his
way.
Sai, dont you dare
Your pointless actions are unsightly. Sai calmly said, his paintbrush furiously dancing along
the scroll in his hand. The tiger that materialised from his scroll this time was black and whiteand far, far larger than any of the others.
You will experience it first hand, and understand, soon enough. Sai said, pointing his paint
brush at Shikamaru. The giant black and white tiger took that as a signal, and took one great step
towards Shikamaru.
You shithead Shikamaru muttered, taking out a kunai and staring up at the tiger, readying
himself for battle.
Suddenly, he felt something slam against his right leg. The second he realised that, something
else slammed against his left leg, and right when Shikamaru realised the Enlightened Ones were
bodily launching themselves at him, it was too late.
He hit the ground face first, several of the Enlightened piling on top of him and holding him
down.
To think that someone as sharp as you didnt notice that the tiger was merely a distraction
your mind must really be in chaos. Sai commented, looking down at Shikamaru desperately
trying to breath under all the bodies crushing him.
Shikamarus impeded field of vision picked up the shadow of a man approaching from behind
Sai.

Gengo.
Take off the mask. Gengo commanded of the Enlightened Ones.
A single finger slipped into the crack caused by the tigers claw, and peeled off Shikamarus
mask in one go.
Now see, it is Shikamaru-san after all. Sai said.
So this is Konohagakures genius, Nara Shikamaru, huh Gengos voice sounded like he was
a collector whod found an item hed been seeking for quite a while.
Shikamaru craned his head to look up into a pair of suspiciously glowing blue eyes. Gengos
gaze didnt leave his for a moment.
Shikamaru cracked a smile. Just so you know, he said, If you dont get rid of me now, terribly
frightening things will happen later.
I have no fears. Youll be living right along with me.
Gengos confident words were followed by a sharp pain in Shikamarus neck, and he lost
consciousness.
*
This was true darkness.
There was no light whatsoever, to the point that Shikamaru couldnt even see his own hands held
an inch from his face.
It was in this kind of dark that he sat, and sunk deep into his thoughts.
He wasnt sure how many days had passed. Judging by how frequently theyd fed him, and the
state of his stomach, it had been at least five days.
How did things turn out like this?
No matter how many times Shikamaru turned over the events in his head, he couldnt find a
complete answer.
It wasnt just the problem of Sai.

Hed extended his shadow all the way to the platform Gengo had been standing on. But his
shadow hadnt been able to ensnare his legs, losing sight of the target.
And Gengo had been aware of the presence of Shikamaru and the others. Hed called them
mice. All this despite them perfectly disguising their chakra.
It was as if thered been a barrier around the man that rendered all their jutsu useless when they
got within a certain distance of him.
Could Gengo really disable jutsu?
Shikamaru couldnt tell. But there was no mistake that something had interfered with both
Shikamaru and Rous jutsu.
Shikamarus shadow couldnt reach Gengo. When hed tried to use the kagenui against Sais
monstrous tiger, as well, his shadow had suddenly faltered and lost power.
The most appropriate conclusion was that either Gengo or an influence in Gengos surroundings,
had weakened the potency of his kagemane.
Following that train of thought, there was a high possibility that Rous jutsu had experienced the
same effect and been watered down. Then, Shikamarus own chakra signature had likely leaked
outside the disguise, allowing Gengo to notice their presence.
That was the theory he had been going on for now.
Jutsu didnt work against Gengo
But why?
Shikamaru hadnt had the time to gather enough information to figure out the truth behind the
phenomenon. He hadnt had rhe chance to investigate anything, even a little, so of course there
was nothing for him to work with.
Not having anything more to go on, not being able to think about the reason, it irritated him.
He was losing his presence of mind
Geugh! Urghh!
Somewhere in the darkness, Rous groans of pain reached Shikamarus ears. Sokus cries came
from somewhere in the darkness as well too. They both sounded like they were being held

somewhere close to him. It sounded like they were undergoing severe torture. He only ever heard
their voices in moans and whimpers.
For some reason, Shikamaru wasnt tortured at all.
Im sorry He murmured, looking towards the direction of Rous pained voice, although it
was doubtful the man had heard.
This was the result of Shikamarus own hasty actions.
Wouldnt it have turned out so much better if hed just investigated Gengo a little more before
acting?
There had been so many other plans he could have followed
Shikamaru struck out with his fists blindly in the dark, hitting the cold, stone floor beneath him.
He struck again, and again
Are you alive?
Gengos voice came to Shikamaru in the darkness.
Or are you dead? His captors voice took on a tone as if he worried about there being no
answer.
Shikamarus chakra was depleted, but he wasnt dead, and he knew Gengo was perfectly aware
of that fact. Asking questions he already knew the answer to was nothing more than sarcasm.
I see youve been eating all your meals.
Shikamaru ate everything they gave him. Of course, only after checking if it was poisoned.
Being able to taste the presence of a variety of poisons with just one lick was another of the basic
foundation for shinobi.
Shikamaru was eating because he hadnt given up.
As long as he was alive, there was bound to be some chance of escape. If his body couldnt move
as he willed it to when that chance came, then he would die.
No shinobi gave up the hope to live. To continue to survive no matter what, to keep carrying out
your duties no matter what, that was a true shinobi.

We are shinobi because we endure.

Thats why Shikamaru had to believe that Rou and Soku hadnt given up either.
Have you calmed down a little, after so many days spent in the dark like this? Gengo asked.
Do you feel like listening to my words now?
Unfortunately for you, Shikamaru said, The dark is a very close friend of mine.
Youre an interesting one. Gengo laughed. Ill come again.
The mans presence disappeared as soon as it had come.
ARRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Rou had started screaming again.
Shikamaru hiden, chapter twelve

The Hokages office back home couldnt even be compared to the enormous size of this hall.
Shikamaru was crouched down in themiddle of a deep crimson carpet rolled out from the
extravagant double doors atthe entrance towards the interior of the room.
Both of his hands were in manacles behind his back. Two of the Enlightened Ones stood by his
sidesso he wouldnt get any ideas about standing up and causing trouble. Well, theywere
originally shinobi, so theyd notice the moment Shikamaru did anythingsuspicious.
Rou and Soku were behind him. They, too, had their hands in manacles behind their backs, and
guards by their sides. The only difference was that both their faces were covered in dark bruises
and gashes, clear evidence of the torture theyd been suffering.
Going by the number of meals and the state of his stomach, it had already been 10 days since
they were captured.
In all that time, Shikamaru hadnt been tortured even once. Gengo had visited him countless
times, staying a bit to make some meaningless small talk, and then leaving. He would always say
things like should I make a speech today I wonder or what should be eaten for lunch? useless,
stupid stuff like that.
Lower your head. the Enlightened on Shikamarus right side ordered, and slammed his
forehead onto the carpet.

These are important guests. You mustnt handle them roughly. Gengos voice came from some
distance ahead of Shikamaru.
The moment he said that, the EO let go of Shikamarus head in a hurry, straightening up as if
deeply embarrassed at being scolded.
My subordinate has been rude. Gengo said. Please, raise your head.
Shikamaru had already been lifting his face even before he was given permission. A marble
staircase started where the crimson carpet ended ahead of him. At the very top of the staircase,
there was a wide floor with a long, extravagant statue of a dragon with a throne carved into it.
Gengo sat there, one leg thrown over the other. His left elbow was leaning on the armrest, and he
casually cradled his cheek in his left palm. The cool, composed gaze with which he looked down
at Shikamaru was exactly that of the ruler of a country.
Bring them closer. Gengo commanded.
The EOs at Shikamarus sides put their arms through his, dragging him to his feet. They hurried
him across the carpet, until he was at the bottom of the great staircase. Rou and Soku were
dragged along in the same manner.
Have you gotten a little bit curious about my words now? Gengo asked.
Sorry but, I have no idea what youre trying to say. Shikamaru said.
Gengo let out a small laugh at the immediate and resolute reply.
There were several EOs lined up along each side of his throne. All of them were looking down
at Shikamaru with the kind of haughty eyes that made him suppose they were Gengos advisors
or close aides. Shikamaru saw Sais figure among their ranks, already adorned with the black
cloak that all Enlightened Ones wore. Although they were supposed to be comrades, Sais eyes
looked down at Shikamaru without any uneasiness or hesitation. Sais eyes had never been very
expressive to begin with, but theyd never looked as blank and empty as they did now.
Someone as intelligent and well-known as yourself Gengo said, I think youve long figured
out what I want from you.
Of course Shikamaru had noticed what Gengo wanted. Hed sensed it ages ago, but it was a
ridiculous notion. It wasnt ever going to happen. So he kept his mouth shut, and didnt even
waste his breath on it.

Become my right hand man, Shikamaru. If its you, then you will be able to bring a new world
into existence alongside me. I can see that you are a man capable of that.
Ill pass.
Shikamaru immediately spat out his reply. His eyes seethed with murderous rage as he glared up
at Gengo.
But the countrys ruler didnt seem the least bit affected. He calmly met Shikamarus bloodthirsty
gaze as if it was nothing more than a passing wind.
Someone who reacted to my sudden proposition with immediate joy and acceptance would not
have been someone I would want. Youre doing very well, Shikamaru.
Youve been pissing me off more and more with that all-knowing tone of yours, acting like you
can see through everyone. What could you possibly understand about me?
Shikamaru wasnt actually pissed off. He wasnt the sort of person who let things like this anger
him enough to make him lose his cool. He was just acting like he was itching for a fight because
he wanted to see his opponents reaction. That was all that it was.
Its impossible for one person to completely understand another. Gengo said, Isnt that why
Im holding a conversation with you? Im not seeing through you. Ive simply lived a little
longer than you have, so I can perceive your emotions a little. If that somehow seemed to
manifest into an arrogant tone, then I apologise.
Its exactly that kind of tone that pisses me off.
I see Gengo closed his eyes and laughed in a self-deprecating way.
For a while, there was silence. Gengos gaze wondered around the room as if he was thinking.
He had deliberately created a chance for Shikamarus anger to cool down
If you looked at the situation from afar, youd think Gengo was simply pausing to gather his own
thoughts and prepare for another conversation.
However, the reality was that if Gengo had continued the conversation with its current
atmosphere, then Shikamarus anger would have continued to brim over until he was so
incensed he would obstinately refuse to listen to anything. Gengo had deliberately created a lull
in conversation to avoid that outcome.

Creating a pause for both parties to breathe and calm down would effectively change the strained
atmosphere between them. Even if Shikamaru had insisted on spitting out vitriol, with the
absence of Gengos reply it wouldve been nothing more than empty howling that would release
more anger than increase it.
Gengo was pushing the conversation down the path that he wanted it to go.
This man had a lot of practice with negotiating
Finally, after a long pause, Gengos eyes returned to look at Shikamaru.
Theres just one thing question I have for you, but would you be willing to give me an answer?
What?
Shikamaru regretted the word the moment he let it pass his mouth. But it was too late to take it
back.
Why are shinobi so oppressed and downtrodden?
Oppressed? Shinobi?
Shikamaru didnt understand what the man was getting at.
His silence encouraged Gengo to continue speaking, reinforcing his question with more talk.
The villages that shinobi live in are always, without exception, described as hidden villages.
Why must shinobi stay hidden? In all the countries in this continent, how much land do shinobi
really get to call their own? Youll find that its a very small portion. And why is that? Because
there are others who rule the majority of this continent. The daimyous.
Well, he wasnt wrong. Shinobi villages did have the title of a hidden village added to their
name. The majority of the continent was indeed governed by Daimyous.
So what?
So the Daimyous governed the countries, so the shinobi stayed in villages that were called
hidden villlages. That didnt make shinobi oppressed.
Shikamaru held a job in the very backbone of the Shinobi Union, so he knew a little bit more
about the state of the world than others. The Daimyous, and the citizens who lived within the

countries that they ruled, they all co-existed alongside shinobi in a satisfactory, mutually
beneficial relationship.
Think about it, Shikamaru. Why are shinobi oppressed by the daimyous?
When have shinobi ever been oppressed by the Daimyous?
Its not just the daimyous. Were oppressed by every single person who isnt a shinobi.
Gengos eyes looked like they were spitting flames as he looked at Shikamaru. I will ask you
one more question.
You said you were just going to ask one
Im asking another. Gengo sharply cut him off. Shinobi hold a power different from all other
humans in this world. Do you agree?
Chakra and ninjutsu
Well, you couldnt deny that they were abilities that clearly separated shinobi from normal
people.
Shikamaru silently nodded.
Gengo seemed satisfied by that, and continued speaking.
And the power that shinobi hold is one that far surpasses the limits of a humans abilities.
Again, Shikamaru nodded.
The Great War that took place two years ago had been a battle that would decide the fight of the
whole world. If the shinobi alliance back then had been defeated, then neither Shikamaru nor
Gengo would be here talking now.
Whether it was Uchiha Madara, who had planned to drag every human on earth into a giant
genjutsus dreams, or Naruto Uzumaki, who had taken all the tailed beasts into his body so he
could end the battle, both were prime examples of living beings that simply couldnt be called
human anymore. It was possible that with the developments of the last era, shinobi had broken
away from the path of humanity all together.
Why must shinobi who surpass the limits of human beings be forced to live in hidden
villages? Why must we endure living that kind of life? Why must we be forced to work for our

daily income as the daimyous errand boys? In the Great War two years ago, who was it that
saved this world from destruction? It wasnt the daimyou. It wasnt the citizens.
Gengos voice increased in power, pushing down on Shikamaru from every direction.
Wasnt it we shinobi who saved this world?
What was this power?
It was making his heart thump erratically in his chest.
Shikamaru felt something he hadnt felt at all until this moment: exaltation.
Why did he feel like that?
Maybe because Gengo had taken the same dangerous feelings that lurked in some repressed
corner of Shikamarus heart, and clearly put them into words.
He was right
Two years ago, shinobi had saved the world.
Countless shinobi fought and sacrificed their lives to protect this world, but just how many
citizens actually know about that fact? The name of Uzumaki Naruto, someone adored all across
the shinobi world for being the hero that ended the war it isnt even known to a handful of
citizens! Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Sasuke, Hatake Kakashi, the Five Kage, the
Akatsuki, all of them, isnt it a fact that nobody outside of the shinobi world ever talks about
them?
It was exactly as Gengo said. No matter how much shinobi put their lives on the line to protect
the world, none of the citizens living within society would ever hear about it.
This era of peace was built upon piles of shinobi corpses, and yet the daimyou come and sit
atop it without a moment of hesitation, comfortably continuing to rule the citizens without a
single thought for us. Its for the sakes of those bastards that we shinobi went out into the
battlefield at the time of the Great War. We became living barriers for the daimyou and citizens.
And yet, in return?
Nothing had changed.
Well, Shikamaru thought that wasnt an unreasonable outcome.

The antagonists against the shinobi alliance during the war, Uchiha Madara and Ootsutsuki
Kaguya, had intended to pull all the people in the continent into a genjutsu so they could use
their chakra as a living battery.
The result had been that in the height of that fierce battle, all the citizens and daimyou had fallen
into a deep sleep.
But still
The fact remained that it wasnt as if no one knew what happened during the Great War. They
simply didnt speak of it.
Why are we shinobi who hold the greater power forced to live in hidden villages, constantly
lurking in the shadows as we go about our daily lives? Gengo stood up from his throne. Is it
really for the best?
Gengo took one step down the stairs. Then another. He slowly descended, holding Shikamarus
gaze as he kept speaking.
Shikamaru. The next question is what I really want to ask you.
Gengo reached the bottom of the stairs, walking forwards so he stood right in front of
Shikamarus eyes.
Wouldnt it be for the best if shinobi governed this world instead?
Youre wrong.
Shikamaru couldnt say those words. No, he couldnt answer the question at all.
He didnt know what was right anymore.
We are shinobi because we endure.
No matter how great the powers you held were, you served the people unseen and from the
shadows. That was what shinobi were defined by.
However.
Endless possibilities stemmed from the chakra and ninjutsu used by shinobi. If shinobi really
took control from the daimyous the way Gengo said, and if they governed all the countries, then
wouldnt the world make even more remarkable progress than it has up to now?

What was really the best choice for the people?

He couldnt give an answer.
With the power of shinobi, I am slowly going to elevate this country. Gengo said. I am going
to put a clean end to this this unrelenting era of war lords. With the power of shinobi, its
possible!
Killing the man called Gengowas it really for the best?
Shikamaru wasnt so sure anymore.
Shikamaru hiden, chapter thirteen

He couldnt refute what Gengo hadsaid

Shikamaru was bewildered by theshaken state of his own heart.
He had come all the way here tokill Gengo.
Hed firmly believed that he was ahindrance to the road to peace for shinobi.
It was because he believed that that Shikamaru started out on this pathwithout telling a single one
of his comrades the truth.
But now that Gengo was standing in front of his eyes, now that he was listening to what he was
saying, Shikamaru wasnt sure if his way of thinking was really the right one.
Have you ever thought about why wars keep endlessly repeating in this world? Gengo asked.
The truth was that Shikamaru had never once thought about it.
From the moment this continent had come into existence, there had been a great number of
countries who went kept repeating the same skirmishes with each other, again and again, going
through their own ups and downs as they did.
And in the space between the relationships of those countries, shinobi existed and offered their
skill sets for a price, thus gaining provision. That was just the way things had always been, so the
word war didnt even seem to apply.

Shikamaru had always been concerned with the affairs of the world of shinobi alone. Unlike
Gengo, he had never considered the rest of the world.
Shikamarus thoughts had always been about how to secure the future of shinobi. How to
preserve the reconciled bonds between villages. How effective the union would be for that. How
to make Naruto hokage. How to build a strong foundation for his generation.
Shikamarus concerns seemed impossibly small in the face of what Gengo was considering. His
focus wasnt the world of shinobi, but the whole earth.
Dont you think the reason all the fighting hasnt stopped is because the daimyou are governing
everything, instead of shinobi? Because these people who hold neither chakra nor jutsu keep
meeting together, every time they pass by each other, these wars never end. Because they have
no extraordinary people among them, there is no country which is stronger than all the others,
and thus no one to keep them in check. So the countries keep fighting and reconciling, again and
again, and this world of war continues. I am telling you about a method that will put an end to all
that. With the power of shinobi, I and my Enlightened Ones will achieve what no one else has
before: the unification of the continent.
Unification of the continent Shikamaru murmured.
Gengo gave a satisfied nod at him echoing the words.
From the start, this world has always been about survival of the fittest. This way of life
doesnt only extend to beasts. Even the beasts called humans havent been able to rid themselves
of it. In that case, isnt it only fitting that the holders of true strength, shinobi, reign as the
strongest, at the top of this hierarchy? The revolution Im speaking of carrying out is exactly that:
to turn this atypical world into the best that it can be.
Thinking that shinobi are the ones who should be controlling the world
might not be wrong.
Lord Shikamaru.
Rous voice came from behind him. Shikamaru turned his head and looked over his shoulder at
the man.
Is it not exactly as Lord Gengo has said? Rou asked. Why must shinobi always be used by the
daimyou? I am a member of Anbu. I have seen the foul side of the daimyous many, many times.
They think of us shinobi as nothing more than convenient tools. My best friend was a man used
as a tool in the wars between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. The moment both countries

declared a ceasefire, he was gotten rid of. A single tear overflowed from Rous wet eyes. A
hindrance.
I think so too, yknow.
This time, the subdued whisper came from Sokus mouth. As Shikamaru turned to look at her, he
could see dark purple bruises colouring her young face. Even though she was a child, Gengo had
mercilessly given his subordinates the order to torture her along with Rou.
I think that what Gengos saying is right, too, yknow.
Hinoko
Its not just the daimyou, its those people living in the countries they govern, yknow. Soku
didnt even care that Shikamaru had called her by her real name, continuing to speak with a
heated anger. No matter how nice you are to normal people, the minute that they hear that
youre a shinobi, they start watching you from the corner of their eyes. The look in those eyes
horrifiedsuspiciousmarking us as different. Why do we have to spill our blood, sweat and
tears for bastards like that? I- I dont understand why, yknow!
Even though Gengo was the one to order all those bruises onto her skin, Soku was looking up at
the man with admiration, as if shed forgotten that fact completely.
You see? Even your comrades are agreeing with me. What I want to do is the most meaningful
action for all shinobi. Shikamaru, come with me. Together, couldnt we stop this age of war?
Gengo held out his hand.
If Shikamaru took hold of that hand, he wouldnt be able to go back home.
No, wasnt it strange to think of going back?
If Gengo really united all the countries, that included the world of shinobi. If that happened, then
surely Naruto, Chouji, Ino, everyone, he would be able to meet them all again.
No, in fact he could extend an invitation to them himself, and they could all come together to
build the world of shinobi.
Shikamaru. Become my right hand man.
Gengos words pressed against Shikamarus spine.

I
Shikamaru wanted to take that hand.
But
There was also a part of Shikamaru that was desperately trying to stop himself from doing so.
Come now, Gengo prodded.
W- wh
Something was firmly clogging up Shikamarus throat. Shikamaru struggled to push his voice
past the foreign, thorny lump, and finally spat out the words:
Why do I have to become the subordinate of someone like you?
Oh? To think youve listened to my words up to this point, and still refuse to understand. You
seem to be a very stubborn one as well.
Something wasnt right.
Somewhere deep in Shikamarus heart, there was still something inside him that didnt believe
Gengo. That part of him said that it wasnt a good idea to submit to this man. There were no
well-reasoned words or explanations. Just some part of him that couldnt stomach this. A bad
feeling.
Every other part of him was utterly convinced that Gengo had the right idea.
Very well then, well do this Gengo nodded at the guards beside Shikamaru, and then turned
to walk back to where the stairs began.
The Enlightened Ones that had been guarding Shikamaru up until now undid the manacles that
had been holding his hands behind his back. The sudden disappearance of the constraints that
had been forcing him into a crouch made his body go limp with relief. Shikamaru barely stopped
himself from crashing to the floor, somehow holding himself up with his right arm. He looked up
at Gengo.
Gengo was standing at the bottom of the stairs, just several metres away. He had thrown out both
of his arms, holding out his chest.
If you truly cant trust me, then just kill me here.

K-kill you? Shikamarus voice was shaking.

Theres no reason why you shouldnt be able to strangle me to death with that shadow
manipulating jutsu of yours. Go on. Lets see you kill me.
Why was he so confident as he told Shikamaru to kill him?
The uneasy feeling in Shikamarus gut was slowly growing.
There was something he was missing, somewhere, he wasnt thinking properly, there was
something he overlooked
Shikamaru placed a shaky hand onto the floor.
Sunshine was shining through a large window at the side of the hall. The brightly glowing light
fell easily on Shikamarus arm and torso, clearly making a shadow. The pitch black shadow
began to quiver slightly. The trembling was slowly increasing, his shadow rippling, and then
shaking violently as it tried to shake off its original form.
Go Shikamaru ordered his shadow in a weak voice. The rippling shadow changed into a
long, dark tendril that headed in a straight line for Gengo.
Now, dont stop, Shikamaru!
Gengos called out, his eyes burning brightly. He sounded like he was enjoying this.
His voice brimming with confidence pressed down on Shikamaru from all sides.
His shadow
Stopped.
It stopped right at the edge of Gengos toes. No matter how much Shikamaru willed it, it
wouldnt go any further.
Whats wrong? Gengo asked. Why arent you using your shadow?
Why wasnt his shadow moving?
Something was strange, something was off, something was wrong
Think, think, think, think

Think, Shikamaru!
What arent you noticing?
His head felt like it was going to burst into flames.
Rou and Soku
The feeling in his gut was because of them.
Rou and Soku. They were both dedicated members of Anbu that specialised in remaining loyal
even under duress so why were they both accepting Gengos words so quickly and so easily?
After undergoing such severe torture under his orders, why werent there any feelings of
hostility?
For their feelings to change to adoration so quickly and easily it wasnt possible.
There had to be a trick. A trick.
One word clearly rose to the forefront of Shikamarus mind.
Genjutsu
It was a ninjutsu that manipulated your thoughts and plunged you into delusions. Rou and Soku
looked like they were under a genjutsu.
In that case, then was Shikamaru under the genjutsu too?
That was probably the case.
But, genjutsu was a doujutsu, a technique rooted in the eyes. A prime example of that was
Konohas Uchiha clan, and their special sharingan eyes, a bloodline limit that let them plunge
their opponents into a genjutsu.
The incident at the plaza. At that time, something had weakened Rous jutsu and exposed their
presence to Gengo. That something couldnt have possibly been doujutsu, because until Gengo
spoke out and called them mice, neither of the men had looked Gengo in the eye. Eye contact
with your opponent was an absolute requirement for doujutsu. There had been no way he could
make eye contact with them at that time.
Then, what was casting the genjutsu on Shikamaru and the others?

He couldnt think. His thoughts were sluggish.

When you were caught in a genjutsu, you always needed someone else to help you escape it. But
both his comrades were already well under Gengos grasp.
Shikamaru felt like he was walking through a thick and murky swamp, slowly sinking in deeper
and deeper. In the end, he knew his head was going to go down under as well.
Soon, he was going to fall completely under Gengos control.
I really cant stand this Shikamarus thoughts helplessly fell out of his mouth.
Gengo was looking at him with victorious eyes. Even now, Shikamarus shadow quivered mere
inches away from the mans feet.
Wouldnt you like to just give in now?
His voice was gentle and soothing. Shikamaru could feel his whole body melting against the
warmth of it. The remaining slivers of his conscious were slipping away
The true nature of Gengos genjutsu
A vague answer had been materialising in the depths of Shikamarus mind, but before it could
manifest clearly, he erased it of his own free will.
He didnt care anymore.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter fourteen

Come now, Shikamaru.

Gengo held out his hand.
As long as Shikamaru grabbed hold of that hand, then hed be comfortable.
He wouldnt have to think about troublesome things anymore.
Shinobi would govern the worldthat was how things were supposedto be, after all.
As long as he took that hand,everything would be easy again.
He wouldnt have to be confusedanymore

Lets go together. Gengos voice felt like it was pressing down on Shikamarus spine.
Shikamaru slowly lifted his right hand, reaching out to the wide palm offered and waiting to
engulf him.
Their fingertips were just about to brushBut there was something noisy happening behind him
The same moment he thought that, Shikamarus body was suddenly being lifted up into mid-air,
soaring up and towards the ceiling. His birds eye view let him see Gengo where hed left him,
bracing himself against a staggeringly great wind. Even the Enlightened Ones at the top of the
stairs were struggling against it.
However, the only one rising into the air was Shikamaru.
He rose so high, he ended up crashing into the ceiling. For a moment, his whole body felt sore
from the impact, and then the next thing Shikamaru knew the wind had stopped, and he was
falling back down.
Gah!
Although hed attained a relatively safe landing, Shikamarus back hit the ground so hard that his
breath caught in his throat.
Hed been flung away from Gengo, all the way to the other side of the room.
SHIKAMARU!
Someone called his name in an angry bellow that echoed across the hall.
A womans voice
A very familiar voice.
What are you doing in a place like this? Shikamaru leaned up to look towards the voices
owner.
A woman was standing at the halls entrance, her blonde hair tied into two bunches on each side,
and a sharp look in her eyes. She held a giant tessen in both her hands, no doubt the source of the
wind that had blown Shikamaru up into the air.

Temari..
What are you spacing out for?! She demanded, Behaving diffferently just because someone
told you to, thats not like you, is it? Youre the man that I marked out from all the rest! Get a
hold of yourself, you idiot! That guys troublesome lecture should be nothing more than hot air
to you! Am I wrong? Say something! Shikamaru!
Gengos heavy voice was nothing compared to the piercing roar that was resounding in
Shikamarus ears. His eyes were prickling.
Ah
The fog that had been clouding Shikamarus mind vanished without a trace. All the foreign ideas
that had been crammed into his heart were leaking away, spilling out of his chest.
It was an incredibly relieving feeling.
Shikamaru took in a deep breath, and then slowly let it out.
He couldnt help but break into a smile.
One scolding had let him escape the genjutsu
Whats with you, suddenly showing up and saying all those things? He said to Temari, getting
up to his feet and rubbing a hand behind his neck.
Hey, I came to save you, so you better thank me instead of grumbling. Temari said, folding up
her fan and staking it into the ground. She leaned against it, her chest puffed out in pride.
Several shinobi were lined up in ranks behind her. They all had the mark of Sunagakure carved
into their hitai-ate.
I couldnt just let you die, after all. She grinned at him.
Temaris smile was like the blazing desert sun. It cleared up the darkness in Shikamarus heart.
Inside his mind, he recalled one phrase in particular that Temari had just used.
that guys troublesome lecture
Troublesomehuh. Shikamaru turned to look at the villain in question.

Gengo was turning to give signals to the Enlightened Ones who had stiffened in the face of
danger at the top of the stairs. As soon as they saw his signal, the EOs started spilling down the
stairs.
All the Sunagakure shinobi moved to stand between the enemy and Shikamaru.
Even though the EOS feet had refused to move from the floor in the face of the sudden enemy
attack, one signal from Gengo had them heading out to face the enemy. That was the kind of
capable man that ruled this castle and country.
The sounds of metal clashing against metal rang out as the battle began.
Strangely enough, Shikamaru felt incredibly calm.
He took one composed step forwards.
Some way ahead of him, he could see Gengos squaring his shoulders and raising his guard.
Calmly, quietly, Shikamaru kept walking.
When he passed Rou and Soku, Shikamaru briefly put his hands on their shoulders.
Its alright now. He said to them, and walked on.
When there was one step between him and Gengo, Shikamaru came to a stop. He levelled his
gaze at the man.
At that momentShikamaru yawned.
Ahhhhh
It was such a big yawn, he could feel his eyes tearing up, and his vision blurring.
Oi. Gengo was pointing at something on Shikamarus face.
Hm? Shikamaru put up a hand to feel around his mouth, and felt something wet leaking out of
his left nostril. Blood.
Without even noticing it, hed gotten a nosebleed.
That Temari He murmured. He mustve hit his nose when her wind had blown him all the
way up to the ceiling.

Sorry about that. Shikamaru said to Gengo, rolling his neck. Now, do you have anything to
say?
I see your reinforcements have been called in, but-
Huh? Shikamaru cut off Gengos words with a loud, surprised voice. Reinforcements?
Where?
Gengo stared at him with wide eyes. Shikamaru realised how crazy his words must have
sounded.
Oh, youre talking about the people behind me. He said. Nah, youve got it wrong. Theyre
not reinforcements.
Then what would you call them?
I dunno. They just came here of their own accord, so
Gengo was staring at Shikamaru with more and more bewilderment. He seemed stunned at the
sudden change in Shikamarus behaviour.
Whatever you call them. Gengo said. While we may have received a surprise attack from
these opponents, my country will not so much as waver-
Pff. Shikamaru laughed without thinking.
A vein was starting to throb in Gengos forehead.
Wont waver? Shikamaru asked, amused. Are you sure? When your castle is in a state like
this?
Dont underestimate my followers. Gengo said. They wont be defeated by shinobi of this
level.
Yeah, sure, Ill look forward to seeing that.
Now, listen, Shikamaru-
Nope, I dont think I will. Shikamaru bluntly said, holding out a palm. I know that if I blankly
listen to your words, Ill end up falling under your genjutsu.
Gengos right eyebrow gave a very faint twitch.

Thanks to that woman, Ive finally woken up. Shikamaru said. Im not going to go under a
second time.
NaveYoure nave, Shikamaru.
You fill your voice up with chakra while making those long speeches of yours, and plunge your
opponent into a genjutsu as they listen to it, right? Its a really fitting jutsu for a revolutioncrazed guy like you. Shikamaru said. I thought about it long and hard. The reason my shadow
weakened that day at the plaza was because I was already being affected by your speechs
genjutsu, huh?
Genjutsu? Foolish talk. My speeches are stimulating, inspiring. Every word Ive told you up to
now was sincere. And every word of it was true. Shinobi are the ones who should be governing
this world. That is the grave reality. You are the one who is nave, for not understanding that
fact.
Gengos words were so packed with chakra that they were making Shikamarus earlobes tremble,
but he didnt so much as clamp his hands over his ears to try and defend himself.
He was completely unconcerned.
Shikamarus heart that had been as disruptive as a stormy sea, was now strangely calm.
No matter what happened, he wasnt afraid anymore.
No, it was more like
Somehow, everythings just really troublesome, huh? Shikamaru let out another yawn. I
wonder why peoples eyes tear up when the yawn?
Gengo didnt answer. He was so thrown off, he couldnt say another word.
Shikamaru hadnt really intended to confuse him into silence.
He wasnt carrying out a strategy.
He was just being his true self.
Temaris scolding came to mind
That guys troublesome lecture should be nothing more than hot air to you!

She was right. Shikamaru had never been someone who thought about the fate of the whole
world. He was just a guy who found everything troublesome, and wanted an average life.
Thinking about how his actions could change the world, wasnt that incredibly troublesome? He
didnt have to burden himself with such thoughts.
He didnt care. Gengo could go ahead and change the world however he liked.
No, wait a second.
If Gengo did as he liked, then what would happen to Naruto and everyone?
What would happen to Temari?
At the end of the day, Shikamaru sighed, It turns out that I cant let you do as you please, or
itll become a problem later on.
Wh-where did your ambition go? Gengo asked. You were thinking about changing the world,
Shikamaru! Open your eyes!
Whatre you babbling about? Shikamaru asked. Its only now that Ive finally woken up.
Shikamaru took one more step towards Gengo, a smile pulling at his mouth.
This is my original self.
The time had come for Shikamaru to fight.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter fifteen

A fierce battle was taking placearound Shikamaru. Amidst the sound of clashing blades and
roaring battle cries,he levelled his gaze at Gengo.
Then are you saying you dont care about the oppression of shinobi?! Gengo shrieked, a vein
throbbing in his temple.
The solemn, all-knowing man from mere moments ago was nowhere to be seen. Was it because
Shikamaru had broken out of the genjutsu? No, that couldnt be the reason. Gengo was so frantic,
there wasnt a single atom of calm left in his body.
Whats made you lose your presence of mind? Shikamaru asked.
Wh-what?

Well, you look so desperate its pathetic.

Who is Gengos faded into frenzied muttering. His voice came out as a pained groan
through grit teeth. Listen, we shinobi carry inhuman powers, it is fate that we are feared by
normal people. Fear turns into discrimination which gives birth to oppression. At this rate, all of
shinobi will slowly see more and more suffering.
You know, I Shikamaru tiled his head to the left, cracking his neck. He kept his eyes on
Gengo. I think itd be good if the concept of shinobi just ceased to exist.
Wh- whatre you saying?!
Whats with that reaction? Hadnt you already given up being a shinobi?
Again, Gengo started muttering indecipherably to himself. He looked so ridiculous that the
corner of Shikamarus mouth twitched into a smile.
Shinobi have finally gathered together as one alliance. Shikamaru continued.. As long as the
union carries on like this, then soon, all the fighting will settle down too.
D-dont talk as if its so simple
You never know until you try.
Gengos hand had moved behind his back, as if he was grasping something
A kunai.
Shikamaru had been relaxed till this moment, but now he tensed up. Hed lost all his weapons
when confined in Gengos jail. He didnt have anything to defend himself withShikamaru! Temari called out.
He turned in the direction of her voice. He saw something flying through the air and heading his
way. As soon as it came within his arms reach, Shikamaru reached out and caught it with his
right hand.
Kunai
He heard the sound of Temari laughing, happy hed caught it.
This all happened in the time it took him to blink.
When Shikamaru had turned around from catching the kunai to face his opponent, Gengo was
already leaping towards him.

Shikamaru lunged as well.

Their two kunai clashed in mid-air, sparks flying from the impact. Both was straining their wrist
and trying to overcome the other.
Isnt it because theres fighting in the world that people like us become shinobi? Shikamaru
commented.
You impudent youngster Gengos voice had turned violent.
In the same instant, both opponents jumped back to put some space between them.
They landed at a distance similar to how theyd started, keeping a firm hold on their kunai and a
ready stance in their bodies, wearily glaring at each other.
Shikamarus feet kicked against the ground as he moved to lunge at his opponent again.
He swung his kunai with bloodthirsty intent towards Gengos head.
But, their intent was the same. Gengos kunai was flying towards his face as well.
Shikamaru jerked his head out of the way, but he still felt the kunai cut a clear straight line across
his cheek, saw his blood spraying out in a burst of crimson.
His eyes registered a bloody cut across Gengos cheek as well.
Shikamarus left arm shot out, and grabbed Gengos right wrist the one tht carried his kunaiwith an iron grip. It wouldve been a better situation if Gengo hadnt done the same. The two
were locked, both using their weapon-less hand to hold onto the others weapon-ready wrist.
The first step to ending that fightingis the Shinobi Union. Shikamaru grit out. Shinobi have
to unite first. Then our ring of bonds will expand to wrap around the Daimyou and the citizens as
well. As long as our worlds unite, then people wont need to become shinobi anymore. Even if
its not in my lifetime, then in my childs lifetime, or in my grandchilds lifetimeone day,
shinobi will cease to exist.
This world isnt easy enough for ideals to be put into practice. Gengo said.
Arent your plans an ideal too?
The corners of Gengos mouth lifted in a strange, mechanical curve upwards. The look on his
face was too wicked to be called a smile.
Im telling you ahead of time, Shikmaru said. You wont be able to put me in a genjutsu.

Well, listen either way, Shikamaru. Gengo said, Things called ideals are only of value if the
possibility of carrying them out in reality is high. The ideal you are speaking of is as impossible
as catching clouds. The difference between your ideal and mine is like the distance between
heaven and earth.
Stupid, arent you? Shikamaru noted.
The true fools are those who dont recognise their own stupidity.
Yeah, and thats why Im calling you stupid.
A barely repressed smile quivered at the corners of Gengos mouth.
Suddenly, Gengo moved his left arm, viciously twisting Shikamarus right wrist around the joint.
His wrist ached with a grinding pain.
Shikamaru was caught in the wrist lock, and his grip on Gengos armed hand weakened. Gengo
angled his kunai towards Shikamarus neck, dragging it closer and closer.
He didnt have enough time to avoid it.
Shikamaru twisted his body in the same direction Gengo was twisting his wrist, and kicked off
the ground with his feet. Gengos armed right arm twisted counterclockwise with his jump, and
he managed to avoid the kunai. In midair, Shikamaru brought down his leg to give a vicious kick
to the crown of Gengos head.
Gengos hand let go of Shikamarus wrist so he could cover his head with his arms. Shikamaru
brought down another fierce kick onto his arm this time, and heard a cracking sound from the
bone inside.
It didnt end there.
Shikamaru landed on the ground and pressed his advantage, swinging his other leg around and
kicking Gengo squarely in the side.
Gengo staggered back one step.
Shikamaru still didnt stop. He brought out his left leg and in one smooth kick, swept Gengos
feet from under him.
Uchiha Sasukes Shishirendan, and the Narutos Uzumaki Naruto Rendan. Shikmrus attack had
been imitating those moves.
He thought he did a pretty good job, if he did say so himself
Gengo had fallen down onto the ground.

Shikamaru was on him in seconds, pinning him down as he held a kunai against his throat. If
Gengo moved even the slightest bit, then Shikamaru intended to kill him without hesitation.
Wh-why arent my words affecting your mind? Gengo choked out.
Hey now, you know that Genjutsu only works if theres a weak spot in someones heart.
Ever since that woman appeared, Gengo spluttered, Your sudden change of behaviour has
shown your heart to be full of weak spots, hasnt it?!
Youre really an idiot, huh Shikamaru sighed, before smiling. My heart is full of weak
spots. Notheres nothing but weak spots. Its precisely because I have all those weak spots, that
there isnt one for you to sneak in through. A close-minded person like you probably wont
understand what I mean, though.
S-such a thingcant be
Youll have to accept it, with the current situation like this. Your words just dont affect me
anymore.
Cold sweat was breaking out across Gengos forehead.
Honestly, I dont want to do this sort of stuff. Shikamaru said, talking to himself more than
Gengo. I wouldve liked to just live a normal life. But
There had always been feelings of regret about his life smouldering in some corner of
Shikamarus heart
But in this moment, they cleanly disappeared.
Hed made his decision.
It turns out that Im not someone who can live that sort of life.
People need me, so I have no choice but to do these things.
Shikamaru had fallen into his current state because throughout the years, that feeling of having
no choice had kept growing larger and larger. Things had started to go wrong inside his heart.
Hed held onto the attitude of blaming others for how he was living his life, and become halfhearted and unsatisfied with everything.
Hed made a serious mistake.
Because the one to start packing away his dreamwas no one other than Shikamaru himself.
That dream of his, to live a normal life, it wasnt going to be realised.

But he was alright with that.

After all, he had found a new dream
Im going to spend my life building a world so that people can live their lives. So the people
who say they only want to live comfortably can do so to the fullest possible extent. Shikamaru
said. Ill stop the wars, and Ill unite the countries. And Ill make a place in the world for those
ordinary people who have no dreams other than living a simple, normal life.
An normal guy was going to protect the happiness that people found in living a normal life.
It was a dream that suited him, and Shikamaru was satisfied with it.
For the sake of realising his dream, he would make Naruto Hokage, and he would become
Mirais teacher, and if the result of working for his dream was that he became a good shinobi that
wouldnt embarrass his dad or Asuma, then hed be happy with that.
Up until now, Shikamaru had had his priorities back to front. Hed felt pressured from the
outside world, and set limits for himself, living his life with the constant thought to not become
an embarrassment. That was why hed worked himself so hard, worn himself out thin.
But the world wasnt supposed to tell you what your dream should be. Your own dream was
supposed to reach out and connect to the world.
Ive finally gotten rid of my doubts. Said Shikamaru.
And so what if you did? A soft voice coming from behind him asked.
Killing intent.
Shikamaru leapt off Gengo, and barely missed the tigers claw that had swung for his head.
An ink tiger
I wont let you kill Gengo-sama for such a lazy dream. Sai said, standing in front of Shikamaru
with paintbrush and scroll in hand.
Sai
Gengo-sama! Quickly, impose your will onto those foolish Sunagakure shinobi!
Very well. Gengo nodded, quickly running up the stairs and to the throne on top. He threw up
both his hands. Listen, everyone!
He was readying another one of his chakra-laden speeches.

As if Id let you! Shikamaru made to run for the stairs, but Sai leapt in his way.
I will not allow you to interfere with Gengo-samas cause! Sais paintbrush moved across his
scroll with lightning speed, and another ink tiger materialised. Go!
The new tiger as well as the one that had swiped for Shikamarus head a while ago, they both
lunged at him in attack.
Gengo was speaking in a loud voice on the platform. If Shikamaru didnt stop him, then he
would plunge all Sunagakures shinobi into a genjutsu and freeze them in place.
Suddenly, Shikamaru had an idea.
Listen, Temari! Although he wasnt sure of her exact location in the battlefield, he called out
for her anyway. That guy plunges people into genjutsu with his words! Drown out his voice
with your wind!
Understood! Temaris fierce reply sounded from surprisingly nearby.
The next moment, gale after vicious gale bloomed into existence, violent wind currents flying
freely around the hall. Gengos words were swallowed up completely by Temaris violent wind.
In the midst of dodging the attacks from Sais ink tigers, Shikamaru glanced at the throne on the
top of the stairs. Gengo had obviously realised his words would have no effect if they went
unheard, and was now trying to escape.
Shit Shikamaru tried to head up the stairs, but Sais ink tiger leapt in his way.
I absolutely cannot let you go pass.
Sai, enough already! Wake up!
The ones who should wake up are you and the others.
It was no use. Sai was completely stuck in the clutches of Gengos genjutsu.
Suddenly, one of the many strong gales that had been causing chaos around the room swept in
from behind Shikamaru, and Sais ink tigers dematerialised into mists of black ink.
Temari had leapt in between Shikamaru and Sai.
Leave this to me, and follow that bastard! She ordered.
Temari..
You can thank me later, hurry and go!

Got it. Shikamaru said, and began to run up the stairs.

Stop right there, Shikamaru! Sai yelled.
Oh no you dont. Temari said, and opened her war fan. Your opponent is me.
Shikamaru only allowed himself to glance back at the two of them once, before pulling his focus
back to running up the stairs.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter sixteen

For a split second in time, Temari allowed herself to feel relieved. Shed reached Shikamaru in
time.
After that conversation withGaara, Temari had headed to Konoha and questioned Naruto. The
blonde ninjadidnt have any answers for her.
But, just like Temari, Naruto had been havinga weird feeling that something about Shikamaru
just wasnt right lately. Ino andChouji were consulted as well, and when those vague feelings of
wrongness strengthened into certainty, Naruto had brought Temari with him to go and press
Kakashi for answers.
Narutos bloodcurdlingly blunt speeches bothered Kakashi on one side, while Temari requested
she bring in reinforcements from Suna on the other. And, eventually, he caved in.
Under the promise that they werent to aggravate the situation, Sunagakures shinobi were given
the consent to move out.
Temari had made prior arrangements with her village so that her back-up could start heading out
immediately if necessary. As soon as she got Kakashis consent, Temari sent out a message to her
village, and then started running towards the Country of Silence. En route, she met up with the
group of Sunagakure shinobi that Gaara was leading.
The moment they entered the country, they started picking out handy people for questioning.
At this point, it had already been 10 days since Shikamaru had set out for the Country of Silence.
Temari was losing her presence of mind in her hurry, and her interrogations turned more severe.
Soon enough, one man who called himself an Enlightened One blurted out that the shinobi
from Konohagakure had been taken prisoner inside the countrys castle.
As soon as she knew that, the rest was easy.

They infiltrated the castle with a sand shield made by Gaara. Temari had led her small armada
down the corridors, taking out guards before they could call out an alarm, and slowly, stealthily
making their way to the great hall. It had been good timing, too, right when Shikamaru was
almost about to give his allegiance to Gengo.
The moment that Temari saw Shikamaru looking like he was being affected by Gengos talk of
shinobi ruling the world, she had lost all self-control.
Shikamaru was not the kind of man who would be swayed by that sort of crap!
When Temari summoned her win to blow off the doors to that hall and lunge inside, her body
wasnt being commanded by her. She was fuelled by pure, unadulterated fury.
Hearing it was a genjutsu had made her feel relieved
After waking up, Shikamaru had turned back into the man she knew. Hed faced on Gengo with
a bloody nose and his usual lazy eyes, and just the sight of him had been enough to make Temari
feel like everything up to now had been worth it.
You shouldnt be so absentminded right now.
It was the Konoha shinobi who said that, with a mechanical smile on his face. The paintbrush
clutched in his hand had been giving life to countless tigers and wolves for a while now. At this
moment, hed summoned a wickedly snarling white tiger. Out of all the ink animals hed
summoned, this one looked the most vicious.
If she remembered right, the guys name was Sai
Naruto and Sakuras teammate.
Absentminded? Im not the one repeating the same attack over and over again. Temari
muttered under her breath, and swung her tessen, her whole body twisting into the movement.
Her tessens wind transformed into a sickle-wielding weasel: Kamatari. He twisted and spung his
body along with the winds current, lunging towards the tiger and slashing at its throat with his
sickle. Sais tiger melted back into lifeless ink, collapsing in on itself into the ground.
Its admirable how you lack even the slightest bit of hesitation. Sai commented.
Temari turned to look at where his voice had come from.
Gone!

When had he disappeared, and where to?

She hadnt even had the time to follow his movements with her eyes
A shinobi who can see through the Ink Body Flicker Jutsudoes not exist.
Sai had teleported right behind her.
He was definitely going to go in for a stab.
She wasnt going to be able to turn around in time.
Left or right?
Oh, screw it!
Shed have to make a gamble.
Silently hoping a blade wouldnt follow, Temari shifted her body towards the right. A tigers claw
swung in her direction, grazing her left eyebrow.
Too nave. Sais voice was cold enough for chills to go up a persons spine.
When had he teleported in front of her?
Dammit!
Temari swung her tessen alongside her body as a make-due shield. Her fan had been custom
made so that its weaving was strong enough to deflect iron blades. She was completely protected
against weapons such as kunai.
But
Guh!
Temari collapsed where she had stood, a sharp pain piercing through her abdomen.
The manipulation of chakraIts my specialty. Sai said, in a blank, innocent voice. The kunai
he was holding had pierced straight through Temaris war fan and into her stomach.
There was something faintly coiling around the weapon, like mist.
Chakra.

Hed wrapped the kunai in chakra so thick you could actually see it. The blades strength and
sharpness mustve increased by ten folds.
No matter how hard you fight, none of you are a match for Gengo-sama. Sai said. At the end
of the day, we enlightened ones will end up controlling the world.
Is thatreally what you want?
Yes. Sai let a smile break across his face. He didnt look like someone under a genjutsu.
Unshakable faith in Gengo was written all over Sais face.
But
Well then Temari said with difficulty. Whyre you crying?
The tear that had leaked out of Sais right eye hadnt escaped Temaris notice.
In the depths of his heart, he was at conflict.
I am not crying. Sai grit out, and his grip tightened on the kunai, preparing for one final lunge.
Temari held her breath.
GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF AND WAKE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!
Suddenly, Sai was knocked off his feet by a barrelling kunoichi. He was thrown out of Temaris
field of vision entirely, the kunai hed stabbed her with clattering to the floor.
Are you okay? The kunoichi asked as she supported Temaris collapsed form.
SaSakura?
Hold on, dont talk right now. Sakura said, Ill be sealing up the wound in your stomach.
Chakra surrounded the kunoichis hand as she gentle pressed against the opening of Temaris
wound. Warm waves of chakra gently enwrapped her stomach.
WaitSai?
Its alright, our comrades are handling it.
Eh? Temari shifted to look in the direction Sai had been sent flying.

Someone was pinning Sai down to where hes been thrown by Sakura.
Giant
No mistake. That giant man was definitely Shikamarus best friend.
Chouji! A long-hired kunoichi yelled from behind him. You keep restraining him like that!
Shikamaru was in danger, but the shinobi of Konoha didnt mobilise to help him. Sakura
imitated a citizens comment as she healed Temaris stomach. Itd be really irritating if the case
turned out like that, so
There were two shinobi standing behind Sakura, both covered in wounds. One was a middle
aged man with a fearsome face. The other was a girl many years younger than Temari.
Temari gritted her teeth against the pain of her wound, and turned to speak to Sakura again.
Hes undera genjutsu
Its okay, Sakura assured her, We already heard from these two.
The two shinobi standing behind her nodded in affirmation of her words.
Alright! Everythings prepared! The long-haired kunoichi yelled at Chouji, holding out her
palms.
Sai was struggling furiously under Choujis giant body, his face full of bloodlust. He was
snarling through grit teeth, light shining on his canines.
Ninja art Shintenshin no Jutsu! The long-haired kunoichi yelled.
As long as that jutsu of Inos works, it should be fine. Sakura murmured.
Chouji released Sai, backing away.
Sai got to his feet.
It was one instant.
As if struck by lightning, a shudder went through Sais body, and he stopped moving. Across him
in perfect symmetry, Inos body had stiffened as well.
Ahh, there we go. Its all good now. Sakura slowly removed her hand.

The pain in Temaris stomach had completely disappeared.

*
Ino was diving inside darkness. Deeper and deeper still.
She still hadnt found Sai.
No matter how much she dived and dived, all that surrounded Ino was a deep, inky blackness.
This was Sai, after all. He wasnt fully aware of who his true self was on a daily basis. He wasnt
going to be found easily.
But she was going to save him no matter what
Because if Ino couldnt save Sai, then her coming here would be meaningless.
She desperately continued floundering through the layers of Sais heart.
The shintenshin no jutsu could make you move someone elses body according to your own will,
and the method to it was exerting your influence from the insides of those peoples hearts.
During the chuunin exams, Ino had clearly realised this when she and Sakura had fought for
control of the latters heart.
Back in Konoha, she had read Sais letter, seen his handwriting turned messy and chaotic with a
grief she couldnt hope to grasp. In that moment, Ino had felt Sais suffering so keenly that it
hurt.
At that moment, Ino hadnt yet known about Gengo or the genjutsu or anything else, but she had
clearly thought to herself that she had to go. Of course, she wanted to save Shikamaru as well,
but the trigger for Ino to start moving was Sais distressed letter.
Sai, who was constantly worried about the blankness of his own heart, was suffering more than
anyone else under Gengos genjutsu. There was no one who could save Sai from that other than
Ino.
And that was why she was determined to keep diving, no matter how deep she had to go.
When you dived too deep into other peoples hearts, the first thing that would happen was your
own existence starting to blur at the edges.

The last thing that would happen was your consciousness disappearing completely in those
depths. Once that happened, there was no turning back.
There was a reason Ino was taking such a big risk to save Sai.
She wanted to talk to him more.
Sai who always gave such lonely smiles, she wanted to get to know him more and more.
There was no way she could leave him in a dark place like this.
Soon, Ino started to feel some faint warmth coming from the darkness. A faint light
Shed come across a large gathering of chakra. A mix of peoples chakra
Naruto.
Sakura.
Yamato.
Kakashi.
All of Konohas shinobi were there.
It was like a lone fire burning in the middle of a blizzard.
Ino dived a little, eyes peering into the giant tangle, searching amidst everyones chakra.
There he was
Cocooned in the middle of everyones warmth was Sai.
Sai! Ino desperately reached out for him. Over here!
Sai looked up at the sound of her voice. Both his eyes were red and swollen from crying.
Come on. Ino said. Lets get out of here together.
Youre
Ino reached out, her hand finally landing on Sais shoulder, firm and reassuring.

Lets go, alright? She said.

In that moment, Sai smiled.
Ino had never seen him smile so naturally before.
*
Ino was breathing deeply and heavily, as if shed just broken through the surface of a very deep
ocean. She took in great lungfuls of air, her body desperate for oxygen.
The darkness had been left behind, and now the background was brimming with light.
Sakura and Chouji were standing guard over them. Ino was sitting across the sleeping Sai.
Howd it go, Ino?
Although she heard Choujis question, Ino was too drained to answer.
Sais head was close to Inos knee. Slowly, his eyes opened.
Before she noticed who had reached out first, they had clasped their hands together.
Sai.
You Sai dazedly murmured, tightening his hold. You were
You can stop worrying already. Tears had started leaking out of Inos eyes.
Thank you, miss beautiful.
Idiot
The two gently smiled at each other.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter seventeen

Shikamaru was running up the long, long spiralling stairs. His eyes were fixed on the figure
running in front of him: Gengo. All his Enlightened Ones were still fighting down in the hall, and
the man they revered like a god was making an escape all on his own.

The spiralling stairs had a strangely oppressive feel to them, with the walls of stone that were
covering its sides. You kept running up and up and up, and soon enough you started feeling
dizzy.
How about you just end this and give up now? Shikamaru asked Gengos back. Not that he
expected an answer.
Some ways ahead of Gengo, there was an iron door. It was a misshapen and crude looking door,
without any adornments or decorations. Gengo, running ahead, reached it first and pulled opened
the heavy looking door without any hesitation. Shikamaru only caught a glimpse of darkness
from within the room before Gengo disappeared inside. The door closed.
Shikamaru put his hand against the closed door, and it creaked open beneath his touch. There had
to be a mechanism of some sort.
Shikamaru swung open the door.
It had nothing to do with any plan or strategy. He simply had no choice but to go forward.
What lay on the other side of that iron door was true darkness. There was only one presence in
the silent blackness. One person.
Suddenly, the door swung shut behind Shikamaru.
Since Gengo was here in the room with him, it had to be someone else who closed it- that, or the
door closing was a mechanism too, and this was a trick being orchestrated by him.
So you came in by yourself without any hesitation. Please tell me it wasnt an act of valour.
Gengos voice came through the dark.. You realise, you wont be able to see or capture me in
this kind of darkness.
Hey, the Nara clan have been manipulating our own shadows for generations. Shikamaru told
him. The dark is what gives birth to shadow, right? In a way, you could say that the dark is its
mother. For someone like me who lives side by side with their shadow, the darkness in this room
isnt any different from my mothers embrace. Since the moment you entered here, you were
already caught.
Shikamaru was half lying.
It was true that he was well-accustomed to the dark. But just because you were comfortable in
the dark, that didnt mean you had night vision. Shikamaru was only slightly more sensitive to
the strength of a presence in the darkness than other shinobi were. That was all.

Amusing Gengo returned, his voice brimming with self-confidence. Youre really an
interesting man. Its a shame I have to kill you here.
Silence
Shikamaru and Gengo had both gone quiet, each trying to concentrate their senses on pinpointing
the exact location of the other.
I was originally a shinobi from Kirigakure.
It was Gengo who had broken the silence. He continued speaking. Do you know of a man called
Momochi Zabuza?
Shikamaru recognised the name. Back when they were genin, Naruto had frequently mentioned
his name. Momochi Zabuza was a skilled ninja Narutos team had fought against in a mission.
Gengo continued. When Zabuza started rousing a coup dtat in Kirigakure, his wish was to
bring about my ideal world.
A world governed by shinobi, huh
A betrayer tipped the village off, and the coup was exposed. Zabuza became a missing-nin. At
that time, my younger self had been among those who followed him into exile. But then Zabuza,
who needed gold to realise his ideals, joined hands with a wealthy merchant, a sham of a mafia,
and took on disgraceful mission requests. Zabuza said we were dirtying our hands for our ideals,
for a just cause, but many turned their backs on him. I was among those who left his side. Almost
ten years have passed since then. Ive finally obtained this country. And it is only now
Gengos voice was shaking with emotion.
It is only now that my ambitions are starting to be realised! And yet to have this happen because
of you, you son of a bitch!
Shikamarus ears registered the sound of something kicking at the ground.
It sounded like Gengo was drawing something out of a metal holder, a blade or a kunai.
He couldnt see with his eyes. He had to rely on his senses.
But Shikamaru couldnt pick up much more information other than the fact that Gengo was
heading towards him.

Zabuza left the path! He was in too much of a hurry to realise his ideals, and dirtied his hands!
But I am different! After a long road full of hardships, I finally mastered my jutsu! I created a
whirlpool that stirs up passion in people, and took control of this country. And that whirlpool will
only widen, engulfing the whole continent, every single nation! Gengo shouted.
There was another noise beyond Gengos yelling. A carving sound, cutting through the
emptiness
Definitely a blade. And a very large one, at that. A scythe? No, thinner than that. Something like
a halberd or a longsword.
Gengos presence had gotten alarmingly close. Shikamaru could feel that blade cutting through
the emptiness and heading towards his neck-!
He lunged down to the floor, ducking the blow. Shikamaru felt a sharp gust of wind cut along the
path of Gengos sword, cutting across the air above him.
You dodged well. But dont think Ill let you go! Gengo yelled, and the gust of wind changed
direction again.
Shikamaru had rolled to a crouch, sitting with one knee up, and he could feel the long sword
swinging somewhere above his head.
He tried to picture Gengo in the darkness. He pictured the length of the sword based on the
sound it made as it cut across thin air, mentally measuring its length from tip to handle. Behind
the axis of that swing, there was Gengo.
Shikamaru couldnt use his shadow in this deep darkness. It would be impossible to bind Gengo
with his ninjutsu.
He had nothing to use but his own body.
Shikamaru was poor at taijutsu, and he didnt have any weapons left. He grumbled to himself
that if things were going to turn out like this, it wouldve been better if hed taken some taijutsu
lessons from Lee.
Heh
Shikamaru let out a single laugh, satisfied to see his usual way of complaining had returned to
him.
The swing of Gengos long sword brushed the top of Shikamarus ponytail.

!
Using all his concentration, Shikamaru rolled towards the direction he calculated Gengo to be in.
Long swords lost their advantage when you got in too close. If you wanted to disarm your
opponent, than rather than running around, it was far more effective to get in close to their chest.
If you ran away while trying to hold onto your life, then youd die. But if you faced the
possibilities of death, then youd live
It was the very basics of war strategy.
Shikamaru heard Gengos longsword cut into the floor behind him. He had stopped rolling into a
crouch, right in front of where he calculated Gengo to be, and now he pushed his legs to spring
up, launching himself in a headbutt.
Got you! Shikamaru grunted as he felt his head collide with Gengos body.
Gengo let out a surprised yell and stumbled into a crouch. Shikamaru stepped on Gengos bent
knee with his right foot for momentum, and kneed him in the face.
Hed done well. Hed successfully been able to calculate right where Gengo would be, using
only his sound and strength of presence as a guide to his movements.
Gah-
But, even though Gengo had received such a severe blow, he hadnt collapsed.
Gengo had used all his strength to stop his upper body from falling to the ground, pulling himself
forward. He had let go of his sword, and grabbed onto Shikamarus sides with hands.
Shikamaru was viciously thrown back, flying through mid-air and then landing with a sharp pain
piercing down his spine.
By the time Shikamaru took stock of his pitch black surroundings, he sensed Gengos presence
already getting back to his feet. There was a clattering sound, like iron being scraped against the
stone floor.
The sound was most likely Gengo picking up his sword again.
All of Shikamarus limbs felt numb. He blinked several times, but couldnt move his body as
quickly he wanted to.

In Kirigakure, due to the tradition of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen of the Mist, every single
villager strives to master the techniques of the sword from their childhood onwards. Gengo said,
swinging his longsword down.
His target was Shikamaru, still lying dazed on the floor.
Shikamaru only had one way to defend himself.
And it was an absolutely ridiculous idea.
It was a stunt Shikamaru would never have dreamed of trying to pull off.
But he didnt have any other means of escaping the blow.
Oh, screw it! Shikamaru groaned and raised both his arms.
His palms slid out into thin air, waiting to try and catch the longswords blade as it swung down.
Shikamaru felt cold steel slide between his palms.
he had actually caught the blade.
L-looks like I somehow pulled that off Shikamaru said to himself.
Impossible, Gengo stammered, dumbfounded.
Not that impossible, as it turned out. At the end of the day, Shikamarus palms had firmly caught
Gengos sword between them.
Well, Shikamaru commented, I guess you could call this the ninpou of Seriously Trying to
Catch a Sword with Your Bare Hands.
Is there no end to your mockery? Gengos voice was bristling with outrage.
Gengos sword quivered between Shikamarus palms as Gengos increased his force, trying to
force it down.
At this rate, it was a question of muscle power. The limits of strength between Shikamaru, who
was down on the floor with both his arms up, and Gengo, who was standing with a swordsmans
perfect stance above him, were terribly different. Gengo had the advantage.
The longswords blade was slowly being pushed down.

I am going to kill you here, you son of a bitch. Gengo grit out, And then Im going to make
those scum in the hall share my ideals. And I will continue on the path to my ambitions.
Oi, oi, since when were you so foul mouthed? Shikamaru asked, Someone who doesnt even
notice when their mask of politeness has slipped away, theres no way they could possibly rule
the world, now is there?
Look at the situation youre in and watch what youre saying, you ignorant bastard. Youre a
fool who couldnt hope to comprehend the potential of others.
Now, I wonder, Shikamaru mused. Who was it that kept asking this fool to be their right hand
man?
Senseless quibbling. You have nothing but empty words. Gengos force on the sword
increased.
Shikamarus arms were shaking from trying to hold back the blade. Warm sweat was gathering
on his forehead. He was nearing his limit.
Hed been cornered.
And yet, Shikamaru kept smiling.
Sometimes, he said to Gengo, There are things thatre strong because theyre empty.
I have no intention of continuing this idle talk. Gengo said. In a very short time, you are
going to die.
The blade was inching closer to Shikamarus forehead.
Well, listen anyway. I really like watching clouds.
Be silent.
Ysee clouds, are things that can never be caught by anyone, because as long as theres wind,
clouds will be blown away before you can catch them. Theyre sneaky things, empty of any
substance.
Shikamaru felt the blades cold edge touch his forehead. Still, he continued speaking.
But even those empty, sneaky things have their uses. They can water the earth with rain. They
can strike things down with lightning.

So what? Gengo asked.

So, Im telling you that its wrong to keep thinking you have to be full of substance to be worth
something. Even if your insides feel empty Even if you dont have an unshakable core. As
long as you hold a resolve not to become twisted as a person, then youll be fine. But you dont
even know that. An idiotic bastard like you who honestly thinks everyone else has to become the
way you want them to be, you wouldnt understand what I mean even if you died, would you?
The blade had cut into the skin of Shikamarus forehead by now, and warm blood was leaking
out.
It was precisely because he was still talking despite being in such a grave situation that
Shikamarus words had caught Gengos attention.
Gengo was distracted by a humans natural curiosity, and as he concentrated on Shikamarus
words, his grip on the sword loosened.
That was the opportunity Shikamaru had been waiting for.
Lying down on the floor as he was, he swept his leg fiercely towards where Gengos.
Gengo stumbled, and the sword lurched forward. Shikamaru turned his head along with the
direction of the swords momentum, and the blade skimmed past his forehead without cutting
any deeper than the surface of his skin, hitting the floor. Shikamaru rolled out from under
Gengos legs, getting to his feet.
He was out of that corner.
Shikamaru allowed himself a small exhale, before he turned and leapt towards Gengo, sticking
out his right foot to where he calculated the mans face to be.
Shikamaru felt his kick land against something thick and soft, most likely Gengos nose.
Gengo staggered back.
As soon as Shikamaru landed from his mid-air kick, he jumped back one more time, putting
distance between himself and the longsword.
So, how does it feel? Shikamaru asked, Getting a taste of the genjutsu of my words?
Dont look down on me, you brat

Oi, oi, Ive gone from bastard to brat now? As Shikamaru spoke, he could hear a grating
sound behind him, like metal being drawn against metal.
The room was suddenly full of glaring light.
Are you okay, Shikamaru?! Choujis voice.
Shikamaru looked over his shoulder. In his field of vision, he could see his comrades standing in
the doorway of the room.
There was Chouji and Ino and Sakura, and Roku and Sou, who seemed to have broken out of the
genjutsu as well.
And, of course, there was Temari.
While wondering what had happened with Sai, Shikamaru turned to look at Gengo one more
time.
Prepare your jutsu, Ino! He shouted.
Behind his back, Shikamaru made a signal with his hands that he knew Ino would understand.
Team 10 had worked together for many years. Their communication was flawless.
Got it! Ino replied.
Until I give my signal, nobody should make any move to get involved. Shikamaru said.
The blood dripping from his forehead was obscuring his vision. He brought up his palm to wipe
it away, and then reached inside his vest to retrieve his Konoha hitaiate that had been safely
stitched on the inside of his clothing. He tied it firmly around his forehead. He wasnt really
worried about how effective itd be in stopping the bleeding though.
Arent you acting so composed? Gengo snarled, swinging his longsword overhead with
bloodshot eyes. Shikamaru!
Shikamarus fingers moved in a quick handseal.
His shadow started extending from his feet, heading towards Gengo.
Im not such a fool as to be caught in your petty tricks, Gengo said, leaping away before
Shikamarus shadow could reach his feet.

Gengo landed and lunged at Shikamaru without pause, his sword flashing out to slash at him.
Shikamaru was sliced in two from his forehead down.
But then his flesh lost its colour, turning black, and then disappearing.
Just a kage bunshin. Gengo snarled.
Behind him, Shikamaru was approaching with a kunai in his hand.
The kunai slashed towards the back of Gengos neck.
Gengo dodged the blow brilliantly, a fine example of Kirigakures brilliant upbringing in sword
techniques. As Gengo dodged, he shifted his body, bending his knees and swinging his sword
horizontally.
Shikamarus abdomen was pierced.
But this Shikamaru also lost his colour. Another kage bunshin.
You impudent little Gengo snarled.
Preparations complete! Ino called out.
Alright.
Shikamarus plan was complete, too. A large part of it hinged on the successful application of
Inos jutsu.
She stood quite a distance away from Gengo, both her arms up, palms spread out. Her thumb and
index fingers were brought together to make a triangle-like formation, and she was looking
directly at Gengo.
Ninpou, shintenshin no jutsu.
Gengo instantly leapt to the side, escaping Inos trajectory. Seeing him evade her, Ino smiled to
herself.
And she shifted her palms, just slightly, to head for her real target: Shikamaru.
Shikamarus body stiffened.
He knew that Ino had entered his mind.

The jutsu lasted for only an instant. In the time where one could take one breath in, and maybe
let another out, the jutsu had already broken.
Rou, Soku, Ino called out to the two the instant she broke the jutsu.
Itd all gone according to plan
The shintenshin jutsu that could enter peoples hearts was also capable of doing one more thing:
sharing knowledge.
Shikamaru had taken advantage of that fact.
The plan that hed carefully laid out in his head had been transmitted to Ino. And she had
transmitted it to Rou and Soku.
Shikamaru had decided that he was going to bring down this scumbag with Rou and Soku. The
three of them would do it together.
Lets go! Shikamaru called out the two.
Rou and Soku nodded.
Shikamaru ran towards Gengo, while Rou and Soku ran to opposite ends of the room, stopping
then they faced each other from their parallel places.
Whatever you do, its useless. Gengo said.
Oh come on now. Shikamaru said. This is the last fight well have. Might as well enjoy it.
Kunai and longsword clashed in mid-air. There was a large difference between the mass of both
of their weapons.
Shikamaru was pushed back from the force of Gengos longsword, tumbling to the floor.
Gengos sword came after him, slashing across his chest.
But it was just another kage bunshin.
How long do you intend to keep playing games?! Gengo snarled, spittle flying from his mouth.
Shikamaru attacked Gengo from above, aiming at his head. Gengo swung at him with his sword.
It was another bunshin.

And another.
And another, another, another, another, another, another
Gengos sword had sliced Shikamaru in half countless times. But no matter how he sliced and
swung and raged, every single time Shikamaru was just another kage bunshin, disappearing from
sight as soon as he was injured.
Where are you hiding, Shikamaru?!
The real Shikamaru had long disappeared from the front of Gengos field of vision.
He was, in factm standing right behind him. Not that Gengo noticed.
Checkmate. Shikamaru murmured in Gengos ear.
Gengo snapped his head to stare over his shoulder, the colour draining from his face.
Either way, he was too late
Shikamarus shadow had already slithered out of his feet and linked itself with Gengos body.
The plan had been executed well. Shikamaru had first made countless kage bunshin and then,
using Rous jutsu, given them all the appearance of having a very thick and dense chakra.
Gengos mind had naturally started recognising the bunshins chakra. And then, after fighting
bunshin after bunshin, hed unconsciously started seeking that chakra out, blocking out other
senses in favour of that specific chakra signature.
Finally, the real Shikamaru had his chakras traces erased by Rous jutsu, and quietly snuck up on
Gengo in the background.
Gengo had been attacked from a complete and utter blind spot. Until Shikamaru had locked him
in his shadow, the man hadnt had a single clue as to what was going on.
SHIKAMARU, YOU BASTAAAAAAAAAAARD! Gengo screamed, turning his head to
spew out vitriol at him. As he seethed and shrieked, his tongue flashed a deep crimson inside his
mouth.
Hinoko. Shikamaru calmly called.

Aghhhh! As she gathered her chakra on her index finger, the girl let out a shriek that almost
burst Shikamarus ear drums. I keep telling not to call me by my name yknowwwwwwwww!
Shikamarus eyes clearly saw the orange glow of Sokus lightning chakra fly towards Gengo and
pass straight through his tongue.
Ga- gaaah? Gengo made a dry, breathy sound.
She just severed the chakra flow to your tongue. Shikamaru told him. From now on, youre
stuck in a body that wont let you breathe another word.
Tears were leaking out Gengos eyes.
Im definitely going to make a world without war, so youll have to forgive me for snatching
away yours. Shikamaru said, and signalled for Rou.
Rou, who had stayed strong after suffering both torture and genjutsu, came running immediately.
Put him in restraints, and accompany him to the Union.
Understood, sir. Rou nodded, eyes shining with admiration.
Shikamaru rubbed his index finger against the bridge of his nose, trying to gloss over his
embarrassment.
Rou wrapped Gengos arms in countless layers of metal rings and seals the specialised
handcuffs used by the Anbu. Shikamaru pulled his shadow away from Gengo. The man was well
restrained.
Shikamaru suddenly noticed that Soku had come to stand behind Rou as well.
The missions complete, huh. Shikamaru said. It might not have gone very smoothly, but
Shikamaru smiled at the two, and Rou and Sokus faces crumpled like they were about to cry as
they nodded back.
Shikamaru Hiden, chapter eighteen

After restraining Gengo, Shikamaru and his comrades went down the spiralling stairs to find the
battle between the Enlightened Ones and other shinobi had already finished. It turned out that the
moment Soku severed the chakra flow to Gengos tongue, the genjutsu clouding the Enlightened
Ones minds had cleared up as well, and thatd been a really big help to ending the battle.

Despite the battle between Enlightened Ones and shinobi being so fierce, there hadnt been as
much harm done as one would think. Other than several heavily wounded people, almost
everyone had walked away fight with relatively light injuries. You would think it a miracle that
no one had been killed, but it was mostly because the Sunagakure shinobi had faithfully followed
Gaaras orders -Do not kill unless necessary.- when they stormed the hall.
When Gengos advisors found out that he had been defeated and restrained, all of their shoulders
slumped and the will to fight seemed to leave them entirely. They had awakened from their
feverish dream, and now turned terribly despondent.
When Shikamaru and the others had arrived at the hall, the other Konohagakure and Sunagakure
shinobi were handling the Enlightened Ones well, restraining some and giving medical aid to
others.
Sai!
Shikamaru called out when he spotted the shinobi sitting amidst the crowd of people, receiving
medical aid from another shinobi.
Shikamaru Sai sat upright, looking at him with a blank face.
Ino had told Shikamaru about what happened with Sai on the groups way down the stairs.
Perhaps it was because Sai had been dragged out of the genjutsu with such strong, desperate
measures that the shinobis eyes still looked a little dazed, like some part of him was drifting at
sea.
Im so sorry. Sai murmured.
Dont worry about it. Shikamaru kindly said, squatting down next to him and putting a hand on
his shoulder. Its all behind us.
Underneath the black material of Sais uniform, Shikamaru could feel the shinobis shoulders
shaking slightly.
There werent any tears dripping down his face. But Sai was still crying on the inside.
Im pathetic. Sai muttered.
You were in a trance brought on by that guys words. Shikamaru said. Even Id gotten
dragged into it. You have nothing to feel ashamed about.
But
Dont let it bother you too much. Managing to carry on with a light heart no matter what
happens has always been one of your best qualities.

Thank you, Shikamaru. A single tear slipped out of Sais right eye, falling down his cheek.
When we get back to Konoha, take some time off. Ill talk to Kakashi-san.
Thank you As Sai said that, Ino appeared to stand by Sais side.
Take care of him. Shikamaru said to Ino, getting up to his feet.
Ino gave a deep nod, her eyes looking down at Sai. She kneeled down next to him the minute
Shikamaru had gotten out of the way.
Just as Shikamaru had let out a small sigh of relief to see everything settled, a mans voice rang
out, bursting with righteous with fury.
SHI! KA! MA! RUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Oh yeah, hed totally forgotten about that guy
Rubbing the back of his head, Shikamaru turned his head to look at the voices owner.
What he saw, instead, was a fist headed directly for his face.
Shikamarus body was thrown backwards, rolling across the ground. His field of vision changed
from the floor to the ceiling to the floor to the ceiling.
Six times
His brain calmly counted every single roll that had been caused by the terribly powerful punch.
Shikamarus body finally rolled to a stop when he was on his back.
He sat up on the floor, eyes catching sight of the furious blond man who was now rushing
towards him.
Shikamaru has gotten onto his hands and knees to get up, but the next thing he knew, the man
had jumped on top of his back like a man would a horse, grabbing the back of his collar.
Shikamarus neck was jerked up and down and an incoherently furious scolding blasting into his
ears.
YOU WHY TELL ME EVERYTHING BY YOURSELF ALWAYS LIKE THIS MADE
EVERYONE WORRIED SICK EVEN I GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH YOU
FUCKING IDIOT!
Im really sorry, Naruto. Shikamaru spoke to the man on his back.
Youre really a fucking idiot!! Naruto furiously repeated.

Narutos bellowed words had been disjointed and choppy in his worked up state, his feelings
spewing out his mouth without structure, but Shikamaru had clearly understood all of Narutos
concern for him packed into his rant. It was because Naruto had such a fire inside him that he
was suited to be the leader of the Country of Fires hidden village, Konoha.
Didnt you say you were gonna be my advisor, huh? Naruto muttered.
The blonde seemed to have calmed down somewhat after Shikamarus apology had registered,
and hed verified that Shikamaru was indeed alright.
This countryll be fine from now on. Naruto firmly. Sakura had come to stand next to them at
some point Shikamaru hadnt noticed.
Since the Enlightened Ones ruling this country were all shinobi, there isnt a single citizen who
doesnt know that Narutos the hero from the last shinobi world war. Sakura said. Nobody will
kick up a fuss over these events once they see that Narutos here. And since Gengos genjutsu has
been broken, things will settle down soon enough.
Narutos influence over the world of shinobi was immeasurably strong. It was just like Sakura
had said. Nobody would oppose the hero who had saved the world.
Hey, from now on, Naruto sternly said, If anything happens, tell me first.
Aa. Shikamaru closed his eyes and nodded.
Naruto let go of the back of Shikamarus collar and stood up.
Come on. Naruto held out his hand.
Shikamaru silently took it.
Naruto pulled him up with one smooth, strong motion, and Shikamaru was immediately back on
his feet. Shikamaru envied how Naruto could be so honest and straightforward. And he thought
that for Narutos sake, he had to try and be more honest too.
This is the last time
Huh? Naruto tilted his head at Shikamaru.
This is the last time Ill keep secrets and act like a kid.
Aa.
After all, Im gonna spend all my time after this babysitting a kid. Shikamaru said, poking
Naruto in the chest.

Hey, whore you calling a kid?

Who do you think?
The two looked at each other, and burst into grins.

For the sake of Roku, Sou and Sai receiving immediate medical treatment, it was decided that
their first order of business was returning to Konoha. Naruto, Sakura and others were going to
stay behind in the Country of Silence and clean up matters there. Shikamaru wasnt worried
about leaving Naruto behind. With Gengo out of the picture, he was sure things would work out
fine.
Sunagakures shinobi intended on doing the same, leaving part of their troop behind while the
rest headed back to Suna. Konohagakure and Sunagakures forces would both head their separate
ways home.
This time around, Im really in your debt. Shikamaru said to Gaara, as they stood at the gates
of Curtain Village.
Sunagakures returning shinobi stood lined up behind Gaara. All the shinobi who had been
brought up in the desolate desert of Suna had the same strong, formidable countenance. Every
single one of them were looking at Shikamaru with a smile. It was small things like that which
let you feel the world of shinobi was really beginning to merge into one.
Dont worry about it. Gaara replied. Youre someone whose existence is essential to the
Union, now and in the future. Theres no need for you to use such formal words like debt for an
operation like this. Isnt it natural for someone to go and save their comrade?
Gaara crossed his arms as he spoke. He never used to be this talkative. Years ago, Gaara used to
be someone with an unreadable face, blank of any emotion; constantly bloodthirsty, a dangerous
guy.
But now, Sunagakures shinobi looked at Gaara with affectionate smiles.
Behind Shikamaru, there was Sai, Rou and Soku. Chouji and Ino, too. As well as another group
of Konohagakures shinobi. All of them were quiet too, attentively listening to Gaara and
Shikamarus conversation.
But I really am very relieved Gaara murmured seriously to Shikamaru. If my sister hadnt
been so troubled, we all wouldve ended up losing a very valuable person.
Temari was standing next to Gaara, her gaze fixed on some spot above their heads. She had taken
on the attitude of completely ignoring the exchange. Shikamaru supposed it was because she was
trying to hide her embarrassment, but she didnt have to be so unaffectionate about it.

Dont worry about Gengo. Gaara said. Well drop him off at the Unions headquarters on our
way home.
We keep receiving your help on every little thing
I keep telling you not to speak so formally. Gaara said. The Kazekage that held such love and
devotion in his village then stuck out his hand for Shikamaru.
Well then, well meet again at the Union. Shikamaru said, and grasped Gaaras hand. He gave
a firm, strong squeeze. Gaara returned the handhold with the same strength.
See you later.
Aa.
Gaara let go of the handhold, turning his gaze to look at his comrades.
Lets go home. He said, and Sunagakures shinobi unanimously answered in a cheer.
Temari turned her back to leave, and Shikamarus voice suddenly called out to her.
Oi.
Gaara looked almost as surprised as Shikamaru himself felt.
Temari came to a halt mid-step. The rest of Sunagakures shinobi looked like they were going to
stop too, but Gaara made a gesture for them to go ahead and Sunagakures shinobi obeyed,
spilling out of the villages gates and into the main street. Gaara followed, casting one look over
his shoulder at Shikamaru before disappearing.
Only Temari was left.
Somewhere behind Shikamaru, he could faintly hear Soku let out a kyaa!.
Shikamaru ignored her, and drew closer to Temari.
What is it? She sourly asked.
Her eyes always had such a staggering power
Shikamaru felt like he was about to lose his nerve, and took a deep breath to try and calm himself
down. He tried to get his thoughts past his mouth.
Today
It was no use. The words werent coming out.

What? Temari asked irritably, urging him to hurry up. Even now, her body was slightly tilted
towards the gates to follow the direction her younger brother had gone.
Thank you, for today.
Hmph. Temari gave a snort, and Shikamaru continued talking.
Next time, how about eating a meal together?
Are you asking me on a date? Temari plainly asked.
The look in her eyes was serious now. There wasnt even the slightest bit of embarrassment in
her attitude, nothing she tried to endear herself with.
Why am I asking this sort of a woman out for a meal?
Shikamaru questioned himself.
Well, yeah, it is that sort of thing. His reply came from somewhere in Shikamarus
subconscious.
He couldnt help but ask her out.
Nohed called out to her and made her stop because he wanted to ask her.
Shikamaru felt bewildered as to how to deal with these emotions that he himself didnt
understand.
I see. Temari thoughtfully said. A date, huh
It was almost as if she was seated in a war council, talking about preparations for how to deal
with a formidable enemy.
Temari put a hand to her chin, starting to think seriously about the matter.
You dont want to? Shikamaru involuntarily blurted out.
Temari gazed closely at the look on his face for a while. Then she let go of her chin, and put her
hands on her hips.
How troublesome.
Temaris radiant grin after she said that felt incredibly precious to Shikamaru.
Shikamaru hiden, chapter nineteen

The End
It had been one week since Shikamaru left the Country of Silence. Kakashi had ordered him to
take a break and heal up from the fatigue caused by being held captive as well as the final fight
with Gengo.
The wound on his forehead had been given medical aid by Sakura straight away, so Shikamaru
didnt really have any injuries that he had to rest up for. The state of his heart was also much
lighter compared to how it had been before his trip to the Country of Silence. He didnt really
need a vacation, but Kakashi had insisted, and so he complied.
Chouji and Ino had gone out on other separate missions soon after they returned to Konoha.
Naruto and Sakura were still working things out in the Country of Silence. Of course, Shikamaru
went to visit Mirai at Kurenai senseis house, but it sufficed to stay there for just a few hours.
All his time was alone time. He didnt have to do anything.
All week, nobody had bothered him.
For the first time in a long while, Shikamaru had lived quietly and calmly, day after day.
Some days, he had sat himself down in front of shougi board, and played against himself for
hours. Other days, he set out at sunrise and climbed a mountain, lying down at the top and
watching clouds until the sky was dyed red from the setting sun. Shikamaru had enjoyed that
time immensely.
He reflected on how much he had changed.
If it had been the Shikamaru before the went to the Country of Silence, then he wouldnt have
been able to stand a week of no missions or work for the Union. He wouldve lost his presence of
mind completely.
He wouldve kept thinking what if some serious incident happens while Im gone or what if
someones made a mistake in their work and nobodys noticed. All kinds of ridiculous,
nonsensical thoughts. He wouldnt have been able to completely relax for even one full day
before he went back to work.
But now, Shikamaru could relax to the fullest possible extent. This whole week, hed barely
given a thought about the work waiting for him at the Union, or the missions piling up, his mind
only ever wandering to them right before he went to sleep.
His comrades would be able to handle everything just fine, even if he wasnt there. He could now
think of that and be at ease.

It wasnt that hed abandoned his sense of responsibility. Hed just finally allowed himself to
have some breathing space and calm down. If ever a situation arose where he really was needed,
then Kakashi or Temari would definitely call for him. And if that time came, then hed switch his
mind set into that of a sharp genius, and support them to the fullest extent. There was no need for
him to frantically think about when hed go back to work every single second.
If he had faith in his comrades ability, then he could comfortably switch between working and
relaxing.
Shikamaru had cornered himself to the extent that he had forgotten completely about that fact.
In his week of relaxing, Shikamaru had also examined himself. Hed taken a long, hard look at
why he was so different after his trip to the Country of Silence, to the point that it made himself
uncomfortable.
He realised how many comrades he had. And he also realised that he had ignored their existence
completely. He saw how he had kept insisting on taking on every single burden and
responsibility, all because of a small-minded, haughty, and completely mistaken pride that they
couldnt handle things without him.
A person couldnt live their life all on their own. Nobody was smart or skilled enough to handle
every single thing by themselves. Thats why you had friends, comrades.
The thought Ill shoulder everything by myself was wrong at the very root.
It had been worth Shikamaru going to the Country of Silence if only so he could realise that.
When he had been in Floating Prisoner Castle and entranced by Gengo, Temari had stormed in
and given Shikamaru a wake-up call that broke him out of the genjutsu as well as every other
doubt that had been holding him down.
In the middle of her gale, he had been able to realise exactly who he was.
Honestly, Shikamaru was originally an irresponsible man. He found pretty much everything
troublesome, and if it was up to him, he wouldnt want to do anything at all. It was fine to live as
a fool, and hed be happy to live his days as a coward without a care in the world.
That was Shikamarus nature.
And honestly, wasnt that fine?
It was because he had accepted the root of his nature, with its devil-may-care and irresponsible
attitude, that he could bring himself to accomplish things.

After all, it was none other than people like him who could understand the feelings of normal
citizens who had no dreams or ambitions to speak of, and only wished to lead peaceful, ordinary
lives.
What was wrong with thinking you wanted to live a normal life? The definition of a dream
wasnt limited to just the ambitious ones that aimed high with their goals.
Living in a world that was constantly at war with itself, a normal life was possibly the hardest
dream to achieve.
And that was why there was significance to Shikamarus existence.
If the world could become peaceful, if it could become a place where anyone could live
comfortably, then surely the people who wanted to live normal lives could do so, one average
day at a time.
Unfortunately, Shikamaru had been born into a world full of war. That was why he had to live his
life in a hurry.
So for the sake of those who would be born after this, Shikamaru absolutely had to end the
fighting in the world.
It wasnt a dream with lofty and sublime feelings like Gengos was. He didnt have any particular
noble motivations behind it either.
A world where anyone could live comfortably
So if the person who wanted to build that sort of world took everything on his own shoulders and
worked incessantly, wouldnt that be missing the point?
Hed word hard in a comfortable way, too.
That kind of attitude was best.
*
You really worked hard. Kakashi said as he straightened out a pile of documents on his desk.
Shikamaru had come to his office to give him his full report on what had happened in the
Country of Silence, as well as give him greetings for his return to work.
Sakuras report on the present condition in the Country of Silence, as well as Ino and the others
ending reports for the mission gave me a basic idea of what went on. Kakashi said. Ive also
heard the talks of all your hard work from Rou and Soku in the hospital.
Hard workwell Shikamaru felt the corner of his eyebrow twitch in embarrassment.

Hed been unable to see the truth of Gengos genjutsu and then gotten himself caught up in it.
Temari had come to his rescue and hed finally been able to wake up, but even after that hed
received the help of his comrades right until the very end. There hadnt been a single thing that
hed accomplished by himself.
It wouldve been fine even if you didnt write this on your vacation Kakashi said, looking at
the pile of documents in his hand. There were about 50 pages in all.
It was the report Shikamaru had written.
While he had refused to think about his missions or work at the Union to the very end of his
vacation, the Country of Silence was a different matter. Writing reports after missions was one of
the basics of being a shinobi. It was a given that hed do that much, vacation or not. Besides, it
was light work that didnt take up more than an hour of a day.
Please look over it. Shikamaru said.
Kakashi let out a sigh and moved the bundle of documents over to the side of the desk, placing it
on top of the mountain of paperwork he already had. The pile swayed a little bit, and after
wearily eyeing it for a while, Kakashi then turned his gaze on Shikamaru.
Youre an existence that this village and the Union couldnt do without, Kakashi said, So try
and take care of yourself a little more
An existence they couldnt do without, huh
Thats really troublesome.
The words leaked out of Shikamarus mouth naturally, without any conscious effort. Kakashi
looked at the expression on Shikamarus face for a while, and then he laughed.
I see that youre alright now. Kakashi cheerfully said.
Yeah. Shikamaru naturally smiled.
Now then Kakashi put one hand behind his neck, rolling it around. His other hand went to a
drawer in his desk, opening it and pulling out a sheaf of documents. He presented them to
Shikamaru.
Shikamaru looked down at the file. It was stamped with a red seal that indicated a B-rank
mission, with its details clearly written out. He was to accompany the attendant of the Daimyou
of the Land of Fire, delivering a sovereign message to the Daimyou of the Land of Lightning. A
bodyguard assignment, basically.
Thanks to the Union and general co-operation between the shinobi of today, the security of the
general public was rapidly strengthening. Going between two countries wasnt really as

remarkable as it had been in the past. In reality, the Daimyous attendant wouldve been fine with
their own bodyguards. Shinobi were only assigned as an extra precaution for unexpected events.
The one to work on the mission didnt necessarily have to be Shikamaru. It was a job that any
shinobi above chuunin level could accomplish.
Its far too simple of a mission for you, but
Kakashi-san, mind if I stop you there? Shikamaru cut in, holding up his right hand.
Its been such a long time since you called me Kakashi-san, Kakashi said, staring at Shikamaru
with a surprised look on his face. Its startling to hear it now.
Keeping my shoulders straight, watching the way I talk, and always twisting around my
behaviour to be ideal Shikamaru shrugged. Ive already stopped doing that sort of thing.
Thats good to hear. Kakashi nodded.
So, about that mission, can you leave it to some other guy?
Why?
W-well, because the day after tomorrow is Shikamaru looked away. His cheeks were turning
a deep crimson.
Kakashi curiously tilted his head at him, waiting for the rest.
I have a date.
Pfff! Kakashi snorted in sudden laughter.
Shikamaru glared at him.
To think that youd turn down a mission to go on a date is surprising, Kakashi chuckled, But
sure, you have my permission! Go on your date.
Thank you.
Kakashi leaned back, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. Spring has come for you,
Shikamaru. He said, nodding repeatedly. Yup, yup.
Fine, I gave up on my dream to have an average life.
But for goodness sake, at least let me enjoy this comforting part of my life in peace.
Then, Ill be going. Shikamaru swiftly turned his back to Kakashi, stepping forward to head
towards the exit.

Shikamaru. Kakashi called out to make him stop. He had stood to get on his feet now. I feel
like if I ask the current you, then youll understand more than you did last time. Do you mind if I
ask you one more time? What do you think it means to be an adult?
Shikamaru looked up at the ceiling for a while, gathering his thoughts. An answer appeared in his
mind, and he opened his mouth to share it with full honesty.
Giving up on one thing, and finding something else thats even better, more valuable
Shikamaru said. Its that kind of feeling, isnt it? Though I might not understand it all that well.
Giving something up, and finding something more valuable, huh? Kakashi echoed.
Well, while there are people like Naruto who never give up on their life-goals and always work
towards them from their childhood onwards, most guys usually give up on a goal because it turns
out it cant be done. Shikamaru said. But they keep living on, and, in the end, they find
something thats even more valuable, and live working towards that goal instead. Or at least,
thats what I think.
I see Kakashi closed his eyes again, crossing his arms.
Well then, Ill be off. Shikamaru said, turning around and heading out. He was too
embarrassed to stay there any longer.
He was just shutting the door behind him, when Kakashis cheerful voice rang out one more
time.
I hope you enjoy yourself, Shikamaru.
Although he knew Kakashi wouldnt hear him, Shikamaru replied anyway.
Thank you very much.

Everyone kept living their lives, and time passed slowly and steadily, like a stream

He looks a lot like me, doesnt he?

Our son had only just been born, but he was crying like hed already seen through everything the
world had to offer.
Its alright. I told him. One day, youre going to realise you dont know everything as well as
you think. And when that time comes, youll have definitely made comrades who will walk side
by side with you.

The baby couldnt have understood a word, but he still stared up at me with wide eyes. Those
eyes of his looked just like his mothers, all long slit and almond shaped.
I really cant say anythings troublesome from now on, huh I said.
You can say it a little. Temari told me. If it ever looks like youre getting so bad that youll
stop functioning, then Ill intervene and send you flying back to your senses again. So, its okay.
Aa, youre right. Then
What are we going to name him?
How troublesome.