Book One- The Enemy

Chapter 15

Four years ago

"Isn't this great" Another groan leaving Shikamaru, possibly for the millionth time since arriving at the Leaf's defense camp in the west a few days ago, along with his team.

Ino, having spoken, smiled determined at the mission ahead, as she ran at his side, Choji following to his other. With the sudden mention of an ambush on the border patrol he didn't hesitate to heed his father's words about his real intent as the new commander against Suna's troops. Although still not happy with the reason he knew better than to question Tsunade's hidden message, after all they were just pawns, shinobi with no say in arguing against it

"Shikamaru this is our first battle against the Sand" Ino continued as he glared back annoyed at her need to push the matter further "the least you could do is not look so bored about it, you might send a bad message to their captain, you have to look fierce like a man who commands respect" She rolled her eyes, returning his annoyance, before jumping after him as the three climbed into the trees the distant sound of a battle filling the air and silencing them.

"What are we supposed to do anyways?" Choji called as he landed on the branch besides them, a slight worry behind his words, considering they were all still getting used to the position placed on them "Just look intimidating? Do we kill them?" Ino smirked at the thought, Shikamaru once again dropped his head with a groan tired of repeating his first orders to just about everyone in the camp. He stated to keep away from their border patrols as not to provoke them, yet here he was fighting at the border because someone was provoked.

"Just let me handle it, we aren't supposed to be battling anyone" He warned his head shooting to his right tensing at the sudden cry, he could tell it was one of his. Then the harsh shake in the branches before a gust wind slashed through, subtle thuds of trees falling in the distance and then silence "Let's go" He called back rushing towards the battle. Hearing distant talking, a gruff laugh amused by something, Shikamaru slowed his pace peering from the branches at the shadows below then another cry rapidly silenced, another dead.

Ino watched him waiting for his command, which he made with certainty as he moved, she followed, Choji not far behind as the three landed to the path facing the back of their enemies, four including the commanders of the Sand. Inwardly wanted to let out another groan at his own misfortune of the inevitable encounter Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, possibly taking Ino's advice not to look bored.

"Well well" He tensed at the mocking voice, meant to intimidate her opponents into fear. Her head tilting to the side the shining glint of narrowed teals met his, the cold stare widening slightly at the sight of the three, before she turned and faced them. Graceful movements, as her arm rested at the end of her splayed fan, three moons staring back alongside her, and the tug of a smirk pulled at her lips, as if amused. A split second of unease rushed over him at the gesture, or possibly the fact that he had stared in a way that wasn't meant for an enemy. He was supposed to make sure this woman didn't die, yet he felt as though he needed the protection when her glare set on his, analyzing him, probing for a weakness it seemed. Shikamaru could sense the anxious shift in his team as they stared her down, however she didn't flinch unfazed by their silent warning

"What do we have here? Reinforcements perhaps?" The tuffs of sandy hair moved with the tilt in her head, taunting their presents among her. Feeling the sudden shift in Ino's posture, he knew she'd say something out of line to fuel the fire burning in the eyes of the woman, waiting for her chance to strike, his hand raised before Ino opened her mouth forcing himself to speak over the tense silence.

"You're in Fire country, we'll give you one warning to retreat, or else" leaving no room for misinterpreting his warning, he unexpectedly found himself intimidated by her amused chuckle as she straightened clearly finding no threat in them.