Connecting the Dots--A Naruto/DCAU crossover

Conclusion

A small click echoed in the emptiness of the cavern as a knight touched down on its allotted destination. The other player, from his position on the other side of the table, studied the move and hmmmed thoughtfully.

"Most people wouldn't spend their last day in a new world like this," commented his opponent.

"Most people didn't have my experience of this world," answered the other dryly. "You think I want to spend my first free weeks in MONTHS running around trying to see every new thing in this place? Far too troublesome. As far as I'm concerned, all worlds are the same and I've seen enough of this one." Apparently coming to a decision, he stretched forward a languid hand and moved a bishop across the board.

"Your companions would seem to disagree with that statement." His opponent was clearly lit in the harsh light shining brilliantly down on the two of them, light that made the rest of the cavern obscure save for a few blinking monitors. "They've all been VERY busy this last week."

Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders. "That's because they didn't have my experience. They dealt with all the trappings—clothes, weapons, combat protocols, society. THAT stuff is different enough, sure. But I was stuck in a room and didn't have to deal with any of that. I just had to deal with how this world thought. And it's the exact same."

"So more accurately, you would say that people are all the same." Another click as a pawn inched forward.

"Well, no." Shikamaru paused to consider the caped figure at the other end. "I mean, simply playing you is worlds different from playing Luthor. Have to say, you're kind of throwing me off my game here. After months of playing the exact same man, it's a little disorienting to play someone who DOESN'T spam his pawns."

"You seem to favor knights," observed Batman.

Shikamaru snorted as he steepled his fingers in thought. "As do you."

Acquiescing with a nod, Batman commented: "A little-used piece that strikes from the shadows in an unconventional direction. Incredibly effective, in its own way. Yet," his eyes hardened slightly at the admission, "limited. A one-trick piece, incapable of affecting a victory without the aid of others."

"I thought they said you were the quiet one," muttered Shikamaru, eyes closed in thought.

Something akin to a smile twitched the edges of Batman's mouth. "You were supposed to be the one who successfully annoyed Luthor into exposing his plan."

"I was." Shikamaru opened his eyes a little too quickly and made a somewhat abrupt move.

Batman studied the board a moment before grunting in interest.

"A single trick can make all the difference in the world, if the opponent doesn't see it coming," commented Shikamaru, stretching back lazily and yawning.

"Granted. But re-using the same trick makes it more visible." Batman seemed to be studying the new layout deeply. "A good player needs to have more than one weapon. He needs to be versatile."

Shikamaru, still leaning back, shrugged. "If you say so. But me, I've only ever had one real weapon, and I've always found it pretty effective."

Again, there was the twitch of a smile. "The mind is an amazingly versatile weapon, Mr. Nara. But even it is part of a body."

"Well, okay." Shikamaru waved off the moral. "Not what I meant in any case. You'd be amazed how many people simply don't see the Kage Mane no Jutsu coming."