"Shikamaru…"
Shikamaru had just returned to Konoha with Team Kurenai when someone called out to him. Turning to the source, they saw it was Naruto.
In a few quick strides, Naruto was in front of Shikamaru. The group noticed a marked improvement in Naruto's agility, no longer reckless and brash.
"Naruto? You're awake?" Shikamaru asked, somewhat foolishly. Naruto had been unconscious ever since the fusion of Shikamaru's shadow clones and Jirobo's shadow energy overwhelmed him.
"Shikamaru, hand over Tayuya to me. I need to talk to her! Granny Tsunade said only you can release her." Naruto said, ignoring Shikamaru's question and getting straight to the point.
"Tayuya? What do you need her for?" Shikamaru asked, puzzled. Since capturing Tayuya and locking her away in the Anbu headquarters, he had all but forgotten about her.
"I need to find Sasuke! She's the only one in Konoha who knows Orochimaru's exact location!" Naruto exclaimed loudly.
Shikamaru frowned. Naruto was still as impulsive as ever. Charging headfirst into finding Sasuke hadn't worked in the past and had only ended in failure.
"Shikamaru!" A girl with pink hair approached. "Please, let us question Tayuya about Sasuke's whereabouts."
Shikamaru sighed, feeling a headache coming on. Two of the most stubborn people in the village were now before him. "I just got back. Let me speak with the Hokage first." he said, brushing past Naruto.
Naruto started to follow, but Sakura held him back.
Meanwhile, Team Kurenai handed in their mission report, leaving Naruto to head to the Hokage's office. There, he found both Tsunade and Jiraiya.
"Shikamaru! You're back!" Tsunade greeted him warmly. She had already been informed of his return by the Anbu.
"You little perv! Finally decided to show up?" Jiraiya slapped Shikamaru on the back in greeting.
"What brings you here, old perv? Is it about Naruto?" Shikamaru asked with a raised eyebrow.
Jiraiya coughed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. His feelings toward Naruto were complicated, partially due to his similarity to Jiraiya's younger self and partially because Naruto was the son of his former student, the Fourth Hokage.
"Shikamaru, can you help extract information about Orochimaru from Tayuya? Naruto's intent on finding Sasuke…" Tsunade's tone was almost pleading.
"Why are you both acting like I'd refuse?" Shikamaru looked confused.
Relieved, Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged glances. Finally, they wouldn't have to deal with Naruto pestering them. But then Shikamaru added, "On one condition."
"What condition?" Jiraiya asked quickly.
"You have to join my Shadow Squad." Shikamaru replied.
"No way! I don't want to be tied down!" Jiraiya rejected the idea outright. After Shikamaru clarified it would only be a nominal position, Jiraiya reluctantly agreed. He was still curious about Shikamaru's motives for forming the squad.
"Old perv, you've heard of the Akatsuki, haven't you?" Shikamaru asked. "Our goal is to prepare for them."
Hearing this, Jiraiya's demeanor grew serious. "The Akatsuki… What do you know about them?"
"They're an organization of S-rank rogue ninjas or Kage-level individuals from various nations. Their true goal is the Tailed Beasts. They intend to harness the energy of all the beasts to create devastating jutsu and manipulate global fear to impose their version of peace." Shikamaru explained.
"That's alarming." Jiraiya muttered. "Their members already made a move on Naruto once. Luckily, I was there to stop them."
Shikamaru smirked. "You'll see. My Shadow Squad will be ready."
⚔──────────────
Later, Jiraiya invited Shikamaru to a meal. Over drinks, Jiraiya suddenly asked, "Be honest, are you and Tsunade…?"
Shikamaru nodded. Knowing it was pointless to hide, he gave a brief explanation of how he and Tsunade had ended up together after a drunken night.
Jiraiya sighed deeply, torn between jealousy and admiration. "You're lucky. When I got drunk around her, she nearly killed me!"
"Good thing I wasn't in your shoes." Shikamaru replied dryly.
"Spend more time with her, Shikamaru. I can tell she hasn't fully opened her heart yet." Jiraiya advised sincerely.
⚔──────────────
Returning home, Shikamaru was greeted by Haku's delighted smile. "Shikamaru! You're back!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him.
"Where's Hoshi and the others?" Shikamaru asked.
"They're out shopping. It's just me and Ino's mother here." Haku replied, burying her face into his chest.
Soon, the others returned, and Shikamaru mentioned needing to pick up two new "sisters" for the household. Amid teasing, he left to retrieve Kurenai and Hinata, who would now live with them.
⚔──────────────
At the Anbu headquarters, Tayuya sat alone in her cell, surrounded by darkness. The sudden creak of the door startled her, and Shikamaru entered.
"Shikamaru!"
"Long time no see, Tayuya." Shikamaru greeted. "Do you want out of here?"
"Can you really let me out?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Yes, but only if you swear loyalty to me." Shikamaru said calmly.
"I swear." Tayuya replied without hesitation.
Shikamaru studied her carefully. "Then prove it. Can you fight against Orochimaru for me?"
Tayuya hesitated before nodding resolutely. "I'll do it."
Satisfied, Shikamaru imbued a shadow into her, binding her to him. "From now on, you're mine. No betrayals. Understood?"
"Yes." she whispered.
Shikamaru tossed her a new set of Anbu gear. "Get dressed. You'll be operating under my direct command."
For Tayuya, stepping into the light was a new beginning, one she didn't intend to squander.
⚔────────
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