Hello ( Oc X Shikamaru)

Hello, and protect the king

Shikamaru pov

Standing in front of Asuma sensei grave.. I place his lighter on top. It's been 2 weeks since everything that had happened with Asuma.. Kai.. and those Akatsuki members.

No word on Kai and her whereabouts. even though she's no longer an akatsuki member, my memory still holds onto her look as an akatsuki member.  No word on her whereabouts. Ever since I got back I was assigned to a couple missions since then, and haven't even had a chance to settle down finding any clues that lead back to Kai.

"Kai..." when I saw her recent she looked so different compared to back then.. that pink hair she had.. what was that about?

Trying to conceal who she was? She didn't even recognize me.. so there's no way...

"Asuma.. I'll bring her back I promise.."

"Shikamaru?" turning around I see kurenai sensei. Can't help but the first thing I see is her stomach already beginning to grow.

"Should you really up and about?"

She smiles softly before I can squat down to his grave.

"You lost your shogi partner.. you were always Asuma's favorite student you know that?"

"When I begin to think about all the things Asuma sensei, taught to me over the years how some things are more important than others.. shogi being just one of them.."

"If I didn't miss him, I'll be lying. But I'm not a kid no more I'm expected to act my age right? I'm not allowed to do the self pity thing."

"I used to complain about what a drag everything was. I made a lot of mistakes that way and every time I did.. he was always there to the rescue. He was an odd teacher.. kind of illusive, and hard to figure out. But to me he was a terrific role model."

"I heard Kai was there when Asuma died.."

The air fills with silence..

"She was.. at the time she wasn't herself and couldn't stop Asuma's death..." I say.

Kurenai places her hand onto her stomach.. "I-I don't know if I could forgive what happened.. not yet. Maybe I never will. But when I look at her now.. I don't see the person who stood beside the akatsuki. I see another victim they stole from you guys."

Hearing her words there's still hope..

"Well look it's finally my turn now..." turning around to kurenai.

"Well when that baby arrives , I'll be its guardian and teacher. Guess I got some growing up to do huh?" I give her a closes eyed smile.

She comes up to me and grabs my hand "thank you.. one last thing Asuma would want you to do is save her.."

I widen my eyes hearing her words. I nod.

~~

Later ~

Going at it for a while, I find myself about to lose against my dad. So quick. And better than Asuma.

"You know dad you're better than Asuma sensei.." I giving him credit before putting the climbing silver getting my dad riled up.

Going back and forth he finally brings her up..

"About your old friend Kai.. is it true you plan to bring her back?"

I stop for a moment before staring into his eyes "of course. why wouldn't I?"

"Being a shinobi means balancing duty with the people worth saving.."

"So you're saying I should forget about it?"

"No. What's the reason she left?"

"She has unfinished business with her previous cult. And plans to continue to do so until she completes her mission.."

"And plans to return?"

Does she even plan to return at all, was I fooled into thinking she'll surrender after her mission.

"You don't know?" My dad questions me.

"I don't know how to bring her back?"

My dad chuckles..

"You give her a reason to come back."

"What's the difference!?" I say. When I couldn't even do that.

"You have a hunter who drags home a rogue ninja back in chains or.. a friend that reminds them they still have somewhere to return.."

I stay silent hearing his words.

"I know and you know Asuma sensei would have want you to bring her back.."

Hearing my dad say that he gives me a grin "don't act like I don't remember you crying about her whenever she died the first time-

"Dad."

I did cry huh? I remember not getting up from bed for a week after that mission. Even my dad thinks there room for forgiveness from her.

"How does she look nowadays is she pretty?"

"Are you seriously asking me such a ridiculous thing?" I sigh heavily.

Pretty? That pink hair definitely makes her stand out like a sore thumb.

"She's taller. Not by much... but enough that she doesn't look like the kid who used to argue with me anymore."

"Her eyes changed the most. They used to give away everything she was thinking. Now... they're guarded. Like she's expecting a fight before anyone even speaks."

"Checkmate!"

Caught off guard I lost to my dad again in a game of shogi.

"Lost again.. stay focus Shikamaru.."

"Damn it!"

A/n

Short chapter don't kill me.