After hearing Shikamaru ask why she liked him, Ino boldly confessed her feelings. She explained that ever since the day their teams were assigned, Shikamaru's brilliant mind and his strength, far surpassing their own, had left an indelible impression on her. As they spent more time together, that impression grew stronger. Then, on the day Shikamaru revealed his Shadow Eyes, Ino finally recognized the figure in her heart, it was Shikamaru.
Upon hearing this, Shikamaru calmly told Ino that he already had two women in his life, including a fiancée, and might have more in the future. To his surprise, Ino didn't mind at all. Her excitement made Shikamaru kiss her passionately once again.
"Shikamaru! Will you go shopping with me?" Ino asked cheerfully, clinging to his arm.
Feeling the softness of her chest against him, Shikamaru couldn't help but feel a spark of desire. He immediately chastised himself internally, thinking he might be too wicked, Ino was only twelve years old and not yet fully developed. He quickly agreed, saying, "Sure, let's go shopping on our way back."
As Shikamaru followed Ino through the market streets, he became even more aware of her boldness. Onlookers pointed and whispered about the two of them, but Ino paid no attention, becoming even more affectionate by staying close to him. Shikamaru, used to being the center of attention in recent days, didn't mind either.
Suddenly, Shikamaru paused, his expression serious.
"What's wrong, Shikamaru?" Ino asked, concerned.
"It's nothing. Ino, can you head back for now? Something just came up." Shikamaru said, his tone heavy. Moments earlier, he had caught sight of two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds. Realizing it must be Itachi and Kisame, who had returned to Konoha recently, he decided to investigate.
"Oh… Can I come with you?" Ino asked hesitantly, noticing his grave expression.
"No." Shikamaru said firmly. He placed a hand on her cheek and spoke gently, "Be good, Ino. Head back. I'll be fine."
"Alright." Ino agreed reluctantly. She then leaned in close to Shikamaru's ear, whispered something quickly, and ran off with a rare blush on her face, leaving Shikamaru momentarily stunned and excited.
Clearing his mind, Shikamaru refocused and disappeared from the street in a flash.
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By the riverside in the village, Asuma and Kurenai stood facing two men. One was tall and handsome, with a slash across his Konoha forehead protector, none other than Uchiha Itachi, a rogue ninja of the highest rank. Beside him stood an even taller figure with a fearsome, shark-like appearance, Hoshigaki Kisame, an S-rank rogue ninja from the Mist.
"It's been a while, Itachi." Asuma said, breaking the tense silence.
"Itachi, do you know them?" Kisame asked, glancing at his companion.
"I used to be part of Konoha." Itachi replied calmly, then turned to Asuma. "We're not here for a reunion. There's no need to stall for time."
As he spoke, Itachi closed his eyes. When he reopened them, his Sharingan, with its three tomoe pattern, was active.
"The Sharingan…" Kurenai gasped. As a newly promoted Jonin, she had never encountered Itachi before.
Sensing something, Itachi suddenly spoke, "Whoever's hiding, why not come out?"
At his words, Kisame, Asuma, and Kurenai were all startled. None of them had detected anyone else nearby.
"Heh, as expected of an S-rank rogue ninja. Impressive." a calm voice said as Shikamaru appeared between them.
"Asuma-sensei, Kurenai-sensei." Shikamaru greeted.
"Shikamaru…" Asuma and Kurenai said in unison, their tension easing slightly. With Shikamaru there, their chances of success improved. Yet, both couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret, to think they would one day rely on a student to shield them.
"Oh, so you're Konoha's rising star, 'Shadow'?" Kisame asked with interest upon hearing Shikamaru's name. He seemed eager to fight.
"Wait, Kisame! We're not here to battle. It seems our objective can't be achieved today. More Konoha shinobi will arrive soon. Let's go." Itachi said, stopping Kisame in his tracks.
"Itachi-senpai, do you really think you can just leave without leaving something behind?" Shikamaru said coolly, his Shadow Eyes activating as he met Itachi's gaze.
"Those eyes…" Itachi was momentarily taken aback. The resemblance to the Sharingan was uncanny.
"What?! The Sharingan? Itachi, who is that kid to you?" Kisame blurted out bluntly.
"So, this is the Shadow Eyes." Itachi murmured, his gaze sharpening as he focused on Shikamaru. To Kisame, he said, "Go on ahead. I'll hold them off."
Without waiting for a response, Itachi's Sharingan began spinning rapidly, the tomoe patterns whirling.
"Close your eyes, now!" Asuma shouted, shutting his own eyes tightly. Beside him, Kurenai quickly followed suit.
"Tsukuyomi." Itachi intoned.
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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