Day 4 – The Strategist and the Disaster
Shikamaru was halfway through a very important cloud observation when Naruto appeared upside-down in his vision.
"Shikamaru," Naruto whispered loudly.
"…You're upside down."
"I'm sneaking."
"You're failing."
Naruto grinned. "I need your help."
Shikamaru closed his eyes. "No."
Naruto leaned closer. "It's a prank."
One eye opened.
"…Go on."
The Plan
They sat under a tree, drawing in the dirt.
Target options:
Iruka
Mizuki
Random Academy wall
Naruto jabbed a finger. "Iruka-sensei!"
Shikamaru shook his head. "Too risky. Emotional damage is worse than detention."
Naruto gasped. "You care!"
"Don't spread rumors."
Shikamaru pointed instead. "Water tower. High visibility. No casualties."
Naruto's eyes sparkled. "YES."
Objective:
Paint a giant smiling fox face on the water tower—overnight.
Preparation Phase
Naruto brought the paint.
Too much paint.
"This is excessive," Shikamaru said.
Naruto beamed. "I like options!"
Shikamaru sighed and examined the area. "Light source there, guard patrol every twelve minutes, blind spot… here."
Naruto stared. "How do you know all this?"
"I walk slow," Shikamaru replied. "You see things."
Naruto nodded like this was profound wisdom.
Execution
They moved at dusk.
Naruto was vibrating with excitement.
"Okay, okay, what do I do?"
Shikamaru pointed. "Climb. Paint. Do not fall."
Naruto saluted. "Yes, boss!"
"…Don't call me that."
Naruto climbed.
Immediately slipped.
Shikamaru didn't even look.
The shadow beneath Naruto stretched just enough to nudge him back into balance.
Naruto froze. "…Did the ground help me?"
"No," Shikamaru said calmly. "Focus."
Naruto shrugged and kept painting.
Complication
Footsteps.
Guard patrol.
Naruto panicked. "SHIKAMARU—"
Shikamaru raised a finger. "Shh."
He flicked his wrist slightly.
The shadows along the wall deepened, blending Naruto's outline perfectly into the tower.
The guard walked past, yawning.
Naruto didn't breathe.
Neither did the paint.
Once the footsteps faded, Naruto whispered, "THAT WAS AWESOME."
Shikamaru yawned. "Barely effort."
The Reveal
Morning.
The village gathered.
A massive, bright orange fox grin beamed from the water tower, complete with whiskers.
Naruto laughed so hard he fell over. "WE DID IT!"
Iruka stared upward, hands on hips.
"…Naruto."
Naruto immediately pointed. "SHIKAMARU HELPED."
Shikamaru facepalmed. "You traitor."
Iruka sighed—but there was a smile he was trying very hard to hide.
"Detention. Both of you."
Naruto pumped a fist. "Worth it!"
Shikamaru muttered, "Statistically… yes."
Detention – Classroom Cleanup
They wiped desks together.
Naruto hummed happily. "Best prank ever."
Shikamaru nodded. "Efficiency was acceptable."
Naruto paused. "Hey Shikamaru?"
"Hm?"
"Thanks for helping me."
Shikamaru looked away. "…It was less annoying than stopping you."
Naruto grinned. 😊
End of Day 4
They sat on the Academy steps as the sun dipped low.
Naruto leaned back. "Next time, bigger prank."
Shikamaru sighed. "Let's not escalate."
Naruto laughed. "Too late."
Their shadows stretched long behind them—one wild, one calm—overlapping just enough to work together.
"…Troublesome friend," Shikamaru said.
Naruto smiled wider.