The Outcasts Whirlpool

Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

_Konoha_

That was quite an unusual sight, Shikamaru sweating and panting. His eyes on his sensei, Asuma Sarutobi, in front of him. The older man had a grin on his face, his cigarette in his mouth, his hands on his hips. His jacket was open, his chest exposed, his muscles glistening with sweat. The two shinobi were sparring in the middle of the training grounds, the sun beating down on them. The wind rustled the leaves on the trees, the birds chirping in the background.

The two shinobi circled each other, their gazes locked, their bodies tense, ready for a sudden attack. The older man lunged forward, his fist aiming for his student's face. But Shikamaru was ready, his reflexes kicking in, his mind working overtime, analyzing his opponent's movements. He ducked and swept his leg out, trying to trip Asuma. But the older man was quick, his experience giving him the upper hand. He jumped over his student's leg, landing a quick jab to his stomach, knocking the air out of him. The boy gasped, stumbling back, his eyes wide, his breath rasping.

A chuckle escaped Asuma's mouth, his eyes full of amusement, his stance relaxed. He didn't expect his student to be this determined. Even though he wished that something other than Naruto's death would've triggered Shikamaru's spirit..He sighed to himself, knowing that it was inevitable. The young man had suffered a lot, losing a friend so early in life. He knew that it was a cruel world, but he didn't expect it to be this harsh.

As he was thinking, his student lunged forward, his fist aimed at his opponent's face. But the older man saw it coming, dodging with ease, his palm hitting the shadow user, in the back, sending him flying to the ground. The youngest one winced, his eyes narrowing, his body shaking slightly. He stood up, his breathing heavy, his eyes determined. He was not going to give up. His eyes on his teacher, his gaze focused, his body tense, ready for the next attack.

The two shinobi continued to exchange blows, their bodies dancing around each other, their strikes landing, their movements fluid and graceful. They were both exhausted, their energy fading, their movements slowing. Finally, Asuma decided to end the battle, his fist colliding with his student's face, sending him flying backwards, his body hitting the ground hard, his chest heaving, his eyes glazed over.

The older man approached his student, a smirk on his face, his breathing heavy, his body covered in sweat. He couldn't help but be impressed by the young man. He was more than a shinobi, more than a soldier, he was a survivor, a fighter. He had a determination and will that few could match. Asuma helped his student to his feet, his hand on his shoulder, his eyes locked in his.

"You did well, Shikamaru. You've improved a lot since we started training together. I'm proud of you."He said softly.

"Not enough.."Shikamaru mumbled.

Asuma sighed, his eyes drifting towards the clouds, his thoughts wandering. He knew that his student had a long way to go, a long way to overcome the grief and pain he was suffering from. But he could also see that there was hope for him, a light at the end of the tunnel. The older man knew that there would be better days ahead for the young man, and he was determined to help him get there.

"Let's take a break,"He suggested.

"Yeah..I guess.."Shikamaru mumbled.

The two shinobi made their way over to the shade, sitting down against a tree, their backs resting against its trunk, their eyes closed. They sat in silence, enjoying the sound of the wind in the trees, the chirping of the birds, the warmth of the sun on their skin. Asuma took out another cigarette, lighting it, taking a long drag, his eyes closing as he breathed in the smoke. He exhaled slowly, his mind at peace, his body relaxing. He glanced over at his student, seeing that the young man's eyes were open, his gaze distant, his mind elsewhere.