Chapter 25: Stars and Secrets
The moon hung high over the Nara compound, casting long, silvery shadows across the wooden engawa. The cicadas were humming their rhythmic night song, a sound that usually lulled the household to sleep.
When Naruto finally stepped through the gates, exhausted from the journey back from Yugakure, he didn't head straight to his room. instead, he found a familiar silhouette sitting on the porch, gazing up at the starlit sky.
Shikamaru didn't turn around as Naruto approached. He simply shifted slightly, making space on the wooden planks.
"You're back late," Shikamaru murmured, his voice low so as not to wake Yoshino.
Naruto chuckled softly, dropping his travel bag by the door and sitting down next to him. He leaned back on his hands, looking up at the same stars. "Yeah. The road was long, and I took my time. It's peaceful out here."
"It's quiet," Shikamaru corrected, eyes still locked on the constellation of Cassiopeia. "Too quiet. Mom's been pacing for two days worrying about you. You'd better have a good excuse for the dark circles under your eyes."
"Training," Naruto replied simply, stretching his legs out. "The old man... Fujimoto-sensei doesn't believe in rest days."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the kind of silence that only exists between people who have known each other their entire lives. They talked aimlessly about the village, about Choji's new favorite BBQ spot, and Ino's increasing bossiness regarding the upcoming exams.
Naruto turned his head, looking at Shikamaru's profile. The sharp jawline, the bored expression that hid a mind running a thousand miles a minute. He felt a sudden wave of affection for the boy who had been his anchor in this new life.
"I missed this," Naruto said, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "It's good to see you, Nii-san."
Shikamaru visibly flinched. He turned his head slowly, giving Naruto a look of pure disgust. "Don't call me that. It sounds weird coming from you."
Naruto laughed, nudging Shikamaru's shoulder with his own. "Why not? You act like the grumpy older brother anyway. Plus, technically, you are older than me."
Shikamaru sighed, dragging a hand down his face. "By a few months, Naruto. We're in the same grade. Don't make it sound like there's a generation gap. It's troublesome."
"A few months is still a few months," Naruto teased. "Respect your elders, right?"
"If I'm the elder, then I'm ordering you to shut up," Shikamaru grumbled, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
The banter died down, and the silence returned. But this time, it felt heavier. Shikamaru wasn't looking at the stars anymore; he was looking at Naruto. Really looking at him. He eyed the eyepatch, the way Naruto carried himself—less like a Genin and more like a veteran of a hundred wars.
"You've changed," Shikamaru said quietly. It wasn't a question.
Naruto's smile faltered slightly. He looked back up at the moon. "Have I?"
"You used to just be lazy," Shikamaru said, turning his gaze back to the yard. "Now... you're heavy. Even when you're joking, it feels like you're carrying something massive. And that mission... Asuma-sensei wouldn't say much, but he said you fought like you've been killing for decades."
Shikamaru paused, his eyes narrowing. "And those swords. They aren't just chakra metal, Naruto. I've seen you talk to them."
Naruto closed his eye. He thought about the lies he'd told—the "manifestation of the soul" half-truth he gave Shikaku, the deflection he gave Kakashi. But this was Shikamaru. This was the person who sat with him when the village glared. This was his brother.
Naruto let out a long, weary sigh, the kind that rattled in his chest. "You're too smart for your own good, Shika."
"So I've been told."
Naruto sat up straight, crossing his legs. He rested his hand on the hilt of his zanpakutō. "You know... I've always had these dreams. Ever since I was young."
Shikamaru didn't interrupt. He shifted his posture, giving Naruto his full attention.
"I dream of a different world," Naruto began, his voice dropping to a whisper. "A place of spirits and reapers. I dream of a war that cost the lives of those I loved. I dream of a man named Shunsui Kyōraku."
Shikamaru frowned slightly
Before I was Naruto... before I was a Jinchūriki... I was a Captain Commander of the Gotei 13. I lived a long life, Shika. I fought, I drank, I loved, and I lost people."
He tapped the eyepatch. "I lost an eye in a war against enemies who could steal our powers. And in the end... I died. But for some reason, I woke up here, crying in Yoshino-kaasan's arms."
Shikamaru stared at him. For anyone else, this would sound like insanity. But for Shikamaru, it was the final puzzle piece that made the picture makes sense. It explained Naruto's mature lethargy, his strange wisdom, his "games" that were far too deadly for a child to invent, and his instant connection with "Fujimoto."
"So..." Shikamaru started slowly, processing the information. "You're an old man trapped in a kid's body?"
Naruto barked out a laugh. "That's one way to put it. But I'm still Naruto. I grew up with you. I played tag with you. Those memories are just as real as the old ones. It's just... I have baggage."
"And the swords?"
"Katen Kyōkotsu," Naruto said fondly. "They followed my soul here. They aren't ninjutsu. They're... partners. They make the games reality."
Shikamaru leaned back against the wooden post, looking up at the sky again. He stayed silent for a long time. Naruto waited, anxiety tightening his chest for the first time in years.
Finally, Shikamaru exhaled a long cloud of breath. "Man... that is such a drag."
Naruto blinked. "That's it? That's your reaction?"
Shikamaru glanced at him sideways. "What do you want me to do? Scream? You're my brother, Naruto. Reincarnated ghost, samurai, old man... whatever. You're still the idiot who tries to cheat at Shogi."
Naruto felt the tension leave his shoulders. "I don't cheat. I use strategy."
"You use distraction," Shikamaru corrected. He paused, then added, "Does Dad know?"
"He knows the swords are manifestations of my soul," Naruto said. "But he doesn't know about the past life. Not the details. Just you... and the old man Fujimoto. He's one of us, too."
Shikamaru stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "Well, thanks for telling me. It explains why you're so weird."
Naruto stood up as well, punching Shikamaru lightly on the arm. "Shut up."
"I'm serious," Shikamaru yawned. "But hey... if you were this big-shot Commander in your past life... does that mean I don't have to worry about protecting you?"
Naruto's expression softened, his eye glinting in the moonlight. "No. It means I'll always be strong enough to protect you guys."
Shikamaru smiled—a genuine, rare smile. "Good. Because working hard is a pain." He slid the door open. "Coming in? Mom saved you some leftovers."
"Yeah," Naruto said, following him inside. "Coming, Nii-san."
"I said stop calling me that!"
"Make me."
As the door slid shut, the secrets between them vanished, leaving only the bond of brothers, stronger than before.