𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐢 | ɴᴀʀᴜᴛᴏ ꨄ︎ ꜱʜɪᴘᴘᴜᴅᴇɴ

A Jester's Tricks/Witnessing His Kill

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The crowd was at the edge of their seats, finally interested in the fight. Even Kazumi was focused, making sure to analyse Shikamaru and Temari for her next match since she'd be up against whoever won this one.

Temari's wind manipulation was impressive, making Kazumi wonder how she'd approach without using up too much chakra. From the way she viewed it, Temari seemed specialised in far range combat.

Shikamaru's shadow possession wasn't overlooked by Kazumi either. She never would've thought it could stretch so far out and even transport beneath the broken grounds. He finally had Temari in a lock, keeping her entrapped with his possession. As Shikamaru approached Temari, he raised his arm in the air.

This is it!

Kazumi nearly leaned over the railing. His actions made her wholeheartedly believe that her upcoming opponent would be him. Ino's cheers could be heard from across the arena. And Naruto's — from beside Kazumi — rang extra louder in her sensitive ears.

"That's it, I give up..." Shikamaru's face fell, exhausted. Upon the silence and Temari's confusion, he repeated, "I give up."

The firmness in his voice surprised Kazumi, making her lean away from the railing with a small sigh. It turned out Shikamaru was not going to be her future opponent. Alas, she should've expected this. 

As he explained the overuse of his chakra and clear knowledge of not standing a chance within ten seconds of his shadow binding, Genma declared the winner to be Temari.

"He really is the laziest..." Kazumi mumbled, a little disappointed.

Back at the academy, she never had a chance to go against his clan's special ability. For a similar reason alone; he simply could not be bothered with exhausting his chakra.

"Wise..." Shino mumbled.

"WHY DID HE GIVE UP?! IS HE AN IDIOT?!!" Naruto growled, climbing over the railing, "This pisses me off!! I'm gonna go give him a lecture!" Before he could jump down, Kazumi yanked his collar and pulled him back.

"Quit it! Shikamaru has his reasons." She sighed, "Besides, it's my match now."

Shikamaru's figure strolled back through the tunnel to the waiting room, his slanted frown permanent.

Naruto's expression shifted to sudden delight at her words, "Oh yeah!! Kick ass, Kaz!" His demeanour flipped.

Kazumi shook her head, taking the stairs like a normal person. Shikamaru exchanged a nod when making his way back, looking over his shoulder to watch her enter the arena. The waiting crowd became rowdy, cheering and roaring at her appearance. Temari remained in the centre, wiping sweat from her chin as she analysed her next opponent.

"NEXT MATCH: KUMO KAZUMI VERSUS TEMARI OF THE SAND!" Genma jumped away, "BEGIN!"

"Don't forfeit like your shinobi friend over there." Temari taunted, unfolding her fan out as she jumped back, performing a wind slash through the air.