After the great battle, all of Konoha was shrouded in a heavy, somber atmosphere. The Third Hokage was dead, Konoha's spiritual pillar had fallen. Every villager mourned his passing. And along with the loss of the Hokage, many of Konoha's shinobi had fallen as well, leaving their families devastated and grief-stricken.
Yet in the wake of the Third's death, a new star rose rapidly in Konoha, the young Nara Shikamaru, who had contributed the most on the battlefield and even killed one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru. And he wasn't just anyone, he was the Third's own student.
Bang!
"Damn it! That old man, was he planning to make that little brat from the Nara clan the next Hokage?! Since when did he take on a student?!"
In the shadows of Konoha, Danzo slammed the desk in fury as he stared at the intel on Nara Shikamaru. Just when the Third finally fell, another Kage-level figure had emerged, and with overwhelming popularity among the people, no less. Danzo had no idea the Third had taken on Shikamaru as a student. It threw all of his plans into disarray.
(Even if Shikamaru hadn't existed, Danzo, you still wouldn't be Hokage!)
"Danzo-sama, Nara Shikamaru is currently unconscious in Konoha Hospital. Shall we send someone…?"
The man beside Danzo made a slicing gesture across his throat.
Danzo's eyes narrowed, a glint of cold light flashing within. "No. Jiraiya of the Sannin is there too. We won't get the chance."
"Then what should we do?"
"No rush. We'll deal with Shikamaru slowly. The Hokage's seat isn't something a twelve-year-old brat can sit on. For now, assign someone to watch him closely, don't let him out of your sight."
Danzo's gaze grew darker and more unreadable...
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"No way!"
A thunderous shout rang out from the Hokage's office after the funeral. Jiraiya, the Toad Sage, waved his hands to dismiss the suggestion.
"My personality is totally unsuited for being Hokage. Find someone else. I'll support whoever it is!"
In front of him stood the Konoha Elders, led by Homura and Koharu, trying to pressure Jiraiya into accepting the Fifth Hokage position.
"This…" Homura hesitated. He knew Jiraiya's character, it really didn't fit the Hokage's image.
"But who else besides you, one of the Sannin, is qualified to be Hokage?"
Koharu asked seriously. But just then, another elder coughed lightly.
"Ahem... I believe there's someone else who might be suitable."
The elder who spoke had pure white eyes, it was Hyuga Ito, father of Hyuga Hiashi. (This is made up!)
"Who?"
The other elders turned to him in unison.
"Nara Shikamaru, the one who killed Orochimaru, also a member of the Sannin."
Ito said slowly. He was well aware of Shikamaru's relationship with Hinata. If Shikamaru becomes Hokage, the Hyuga clan's position would be even stronger.
"That kid's not bad at all!"
Jiraiya immediately responded with approval.
"No way! Nara Shikamaru is only twelve years old! Even if he's strong enough, he lacks the qualifications!"
Homura quickly rejected the idea.
"Then I suggest we recall Princess Tsunade, the last of the Three Sannin, and have her take the mantle."
Another elder proposed. The others quickly agreed, shifting the problem to finding Tsunade.
"Ahem... In order to avoid being forced into the position myself, I'll personally go look for Tsunade once the village has stabilized."
Jiraiya said with a strained smile.
"Very well. You'll depart in one week." Homura agreed. "We'll give you one month. If you don't find her by then, we'll officially declare you as Konoha's Fifth Hokage."
Jiraiya's lips twitched slightly. He smiled bitterly to himself, so much for trying to escape…
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"Ino, what did you want to talk about?"
Fresh out of the hospital, Shikamaru was dragged by Ino to the top of Hokage Rock. He could feel her soft body pressing against his arm and wondered why she was being so affectionate all of a sudden.
Ino stopped walking, turned to face him boldly, and suddenly said something that stunned him.
"Shikamaru, I think I've fallen for you."
"Ah? What did you just say?"
Shikamaru blinked, not quite believing what he heard.
"I said, I like you."
Ino stared at him down, her eyes serious and unwavering, not a trace of shyness. She was direct and fearless.
It was the first time anyone had confessed to him. Shikamaru froze slightly, caught off guard, and didn't respond right away.
Seeing his silence, disappointment flickered in Ino's eyes. Thinking she'd been rejected, she held back tears and forced a smile.
"Hehe, just kidding! Don't worry about it. I'll head back now. Sorry for bothering you."
She turned to leave.
Only then did Shikamaru realize she hadn't been joking at all. His silence had clearly led to a misunderstanding. Owning up to your mistakes, that was one of Shikamaru's strengths.
Whoosh!
In an instant, he vanished, then reappeared in front of Ino. She collided straight into his chest, soft and warm. Shikamaru immediately wrapped his arms around her.
Feeling the sudden tight embrace, Ino gasped and looked up. Her body trembled slightly as she saw Shikamaru's teasing smile.
"Shikamaru…"
"Hehe... Ino, were you serious about what you said?"
Holding her close, Shikamaru leaned in to whisper by her ear.
Thump, thump, Ino's heart pounded wildly. Her cheeks flushed red, but she met his gaze without hesitation.
"Yes. I like you… mmm…"
Before she could finish, Shikamaru kissed her on her sweet, cherry-colored lips. Ino trembled, then slowly responded, awkward but full of happiness.
After a long moment, they parted. Shikamaru's hands roamed mischievously over her back and hips.
"Ino… can you tell me why you like me?"
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A/N: If you're enjoying the story, you can read up to Chapter 61 (28+ chapters ahead of the current one) on my Patreon: Patreon.com/vynthor