The Future: Naruto Fanfiction

Chapter 30

REBIRTH OF THE LEAF – A FIRST HEART BROKEN

One Week Later, Temari and Shikamaru's House

Normally Shikamaru and Temari enjoy a quiet lifestyle. That is rather, they enjoyed a quiet lifestyle before Clyde and his invaders came. Ever since then, life has been hellish not only for them but for all of the villagers in the hidden leaf. Since the reconstruction of the village entered its final stages, they have started to return to that lifestyle. That's not to say they don't have friends and that they don't go out, but there is only so much going out you can do when you reach your later years.

Instead of going out, they are often visited by the younger generation. Occasionally people would come to ask Shikamaru for advice on tactics, or for stories about the difficulties he has overcome on the battlefield. Sometimes people would come to ask Temari about her life around the Kazekages of the Hidden Sand and what it was like to grow up in that village. Once in a while though, they get a visit from Shikadai or from Mirai. These visits are unfortunately seldom however, both Shikadai and Mirai retain important responsibilities in the village.

Today is unique though. They have an even rarer visitor. A Kage from the Hidden Sand. Today Shinki is visiting them.

"It seems like you guys haven't had it easy either" Shinki says, hoping to get some new information from his aunt and uncle, information that could be important when it comes to casting his vote in The Circle.

Temari nods, "You can say that again".

"Training Naruto was a drag" Shikamaru remarks, to the slight annoyance of his wife, "It's hard to nurture a power you don't even understand".

Shinki shakes his head upon hearing this, "But you won, you're still here, that's all that matters". Truthfully, Shinki finds it slightly ridiculous how Shikamaru can be so laid back about the training he offered Naruto. Shikamaru, while an excellent strategist, had never been world-renowned for his individual strength, yet, despite that, he had managed to train the world's strongest shinobi to an even greater level.

"A lot of people sacrificed themselves so that we could make it this far". Temari thinks back to her friends who have died, her family from the Hidden Sand, to this time's Naruto, Sasuke, Sai and Konohamaru. "I'm glad you weren't one of them Shinki".

After a few more minutes of conversation, Shikamaru rises to his feet and lifts a jacket from a nearby hook. Putting it on he looks at Temari, "I'm going to meet Naruto and Hinata about now, so I have to leave. Thank you for the puppet, amulet, thing Shinki".

As Shikamaru leaves, Shinki quietly assures him that it is no problem. Temari momentarily believes she saw a look of relief in Shinki's eye as her husband departs but quickly puts it down to her imagination. The two of them continue to talk about issues big and small, about Temari's health and the wellbeing of the Hidden Sand villagers, to the short-term plans for the integration of the Sand villagers into the Leaf.

It takes about 20 minutes though, 20 minutes before the recurring issue returns.

"Still, Aunt Temari, I have to ask, are you really satisfied with this outcome" Shinki questions.

"Of course" his aunt answers with a smile, "We are still alive".

Shinki is still unwilling to accept this answer, he presses for more. "Don't you want revenge, for my father, for uncle Konkuro".