Thought it was You Shikamaru. (Shikaino Shikamaru x ino)

Chapter 49: New Paths

A month had passed since the explosive breakup between Ino and Shikamaru, but the atmosphere in Konoha was still thick with tension. The fallout from their argument had split their friend group into two distinct sides. On one side, there were Kiba, Shino, Neji, and Naruto, who stood firmly with Shikamaru, while Hinata, Sakura, Tenten, Rock Lee, and, of course, Sai rallied around Ino. The division felt almost palpable, as though a wall had been erected between the two factions.

Ino had thrown herself into training, pushing herself harder than ever. Yet, even as she focused on improving her jutsu and honing her skills, she couldn't shake the gnawing emptiness left by Shikamaru's absence. Her friends tried to cheer her up, but every time they mentioned him, it felt like a fresh wound reopening.

Meanwhile, Shikamaru was assigned a mission as an escort for a visiting dignitary. He had expected the task to be dull and uneventful, but the dignitary turned out to be Temari of the Sand, a kunoichi he had met during the Chūnin Exams long ago. Temari was in Konoha for a few weeks to discuss trade agreements, and Shikamaru had been tasked with showing her around.

At first, Shikamaru had been indifferent about the whole situation. He didn't want to get involved, especially when he was still trying to process his feelings for Ino. But as he spent time with Temari, he found her sharp wit and easygoing nature refreshing.

On their first outing, they visited the training grounds. Temari's wind jutsu fascinated him as she demonstrated her skills, effortlessly manipulating the air around her. "You've improved a lot since the last time we met," she said, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Shikamaru shrugged, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Not as much as you. You've become even more formidable."

"I'll take that as a compliment," she replied, a glint of mischief in her eyes. They laughed, and for the first time in weeks, Shikamaru felt a flicker of happiness.

As the days went by, the mission evolved into an unexpected adventure. Shikamaru found himself genuinely enjoying Temari's company, whether they were exploring the village or discussing strategy over dinner. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, with both teasing and challenging each other in equal measure.

One afternoon, they were resting at a small café, the sun casting warm rays over their table. Temari leaned back in her chair, looking thoughtfully at the sky. "You know, I never understood how someone like you could end up in a village like this," she mused.

"What do you mean by that?" Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I mean, you're smart, strategic. You could easily have taken a higher position somewhere else, but here you are, escorting a kunoichi from the Sand," she said, smirking. "You should be in a more important place."

Shikamaru chuckled. "I guess I like the peace and quiet of Konoha. It's my home."

"Home?" Temari replied, a teasing smile on her lips. "This place is nothing compared to the vast deserts and powerful winds of the Sand. You're too good to be in a village like this."

"Yeah, I guess," Shikamaru said, leaning back with a thoughtful look. "But still, Konoha has its own kind of charm. I wouldn't trade that for anything."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the village, Shikamaru and Temari continued their banter. They found themselves laughing more and more, each moment pulling Shikamaru further away from the remnants of his past relationship.

However, as their camaraderie deepened, he couldn't entirely shake the feeling of guilt. Every time he found himself smiling or enjoying a moment with Temari, thoughts of Ino crept in, reminding him of the girl he had once cared for deeply.