"Follow Me"

Chapter 2

There was something ominous about the entire school watching as Naruto's name rose within the ranks. This school had about a thousand students and seeing the blonde make his way up to the top hundred was nerve-wracking. Just slipping down a rank was enough to drive someone mad but seeing this was even worse. The blonde's name paused under Temari Subaku, Shikamaru's girlfriend. She was just below her boyfriend but in an act of blatant disrespect, Naruto overtook her and was placed squarely in the number 2 slot.

What made it worse was that Naruto was still a pet, there was a small icon beside your name that showed your status Shikamaru had a King's crown but Naruto's still had the fido tag. Temari had a Queen's crown but it suddenly changed to that of a Princess. Seeing her beneath a pet was insulting.

Naruto was in Shikamaru's office, chuckling darkly as he watched his ranking increase. He hadn't expected the other to move him so far up the ladder. Shikamaru turned on the intercom to speak to the entire school. "As you may have noticed. Naruto Uzumaki has been looked on with favor, he is now of a Queen standing but has chosen to keep his current status of being a pet. My pet."

Naruto winked at Shikamaru who didn't look pleased with the action. "As such, he is allowed the same amenities as his standing."

He took himself off the intercom and faced the blonde who was watching the leaderboard adjust to him being in the number 2 spot. "It changes nothing. I'm a queen by social standing but I'm still nothing but a starving dog."

"Are you hungry?" Shikamaru asked as Naruto let out his ponytail and watched as a golden river pooled around his shoulders, framing his face.

"Ramen," Was Naruto's reply and Shikamaru put in the order for it. It was quick to arrive and the blonde dug in after stroking his chopsticks together for a moment.

Shikamaru wasn't famished so he took the time to note that Naruto had a unique appearance. He didn't seem to be of Japanese descent but had no accent. If anything Naruto's accent was that of the slums, a true testament that he was of a rough background.

The blonde packed away five bowls of ramen, two thick slices of chocolate cake, and even 16 lollipops. He didn't even seem content with the meal like it was hard to swallow each bite. "Thanks, I guess," Naruto shrugged softly as he leaned back. "So what are the perks of being your Queen?"

'You certainly aren't a queen by normal standards. You're a morally compromised Queen, bloodthirsty, ' Shikamaru thought as he leaned forward.

Once the dishes were cleared away Shikamaru laid out the perks, particularly his black card. He had sent someone to retrieve the card from Temari's possession and now he was sliding it over to the blonde. Naruto picked up the card. "Money is finite," The blonde reiterated.

"I assure you, the Nara clan funds are certainly a bottomless pit," Shikamaru yawned a bit. "Of course, you'll have to look a certain way now. While you are wearing the school's uniform it was fashioned from low-quality materials, I'll have my tailor take your measurements. You will stay with me from now on, you are my shadow."

Naruto looked over at him. Everything had been said in that same detached tone but the last part sounded different. It held a different weight. He was amused.

"Do I get weapons?" He asked softly a slow grin crossing his face. "A bat, a proper knife, or even brass knuckles."

"You get to choose what you want, I don't care. You stay beside me unless you go to the gambling hall and classes."

"I don't see why not. So what about punishment? I like to exercise my anger, those house pets look so tempting."

"As long as they don't end up dead then it is fine. It was in the waiver you signed before coming here," Shikamaru looked at him puzzled. "You didn't read it did you?"

Naruto shrugged. "I would if I could."

The more Naruto talked the more Shikamaru realized that everything on his profile was a lie. He shouldn't have made it in from what he was seeing. It seemed Naruto could see his question and smirked.

"Shitty corporate scums, they will sacrifice contacts to live another day."

"You threatened your way in here?"

"I was bored."

'I'll have to look into that and ensure the leak is plugged before further people like Naruto abuse this entrance.'

A thought dawned on Naruto.

"You chucked your girlfriend from the position. And revoked her benefits. Isn't she going to be upset with you?"

"I could care less, I'm more interested in you."

Naruto pulled his hair back up in a ponytail as an amused expression crossed his face. "Oh? Should I be worried?"

"Maybe, she is the crazy type."

Shikamaru got up and Naruto followed him out as he watched the Nara make several phone calls. He did receive one phone call but he ignored it, taking the option to watch it ring out. Shikamaru turned to Naruto, "Can I have your number?"

"I don't own a phone."

Shikamaru clicked his teeth in annoyance before making another call as they arrives back at the main council room. Inside was empty and Naruto took laid on the sofa closest to the full-wall aquarium. A closed door was in the far back that Shikamaru went through. Naruto wasn't curious and choose to take a nap as he did have a first big meal with someone else dime.

Shikamaru pulled off his jacket as he downgraded Temari's key card. While they have been together for the year he didn't make the rules of this school, he only followed them. They've been here since the inception of the school.

The only thing in the room was a King sized bed and to the side a bathroom. He laid sprawled on the bed while he answered a few important emails.