Finding identity

Beginning of combat practice

After Naruto and I finished eating our bowls of soup, we headed off, seeing the sun setting into the distance. I smiled softly and closed my eyes, smelling the sweet air. Naruto giggled and I opened my eyes to see that giant smiled I loved seeing on Naruto's face.

Mo: what are you gigging about?

Naruto: I'm remembering the shocked look on Iruka-sense's face after you said that speech of yours

I shrugged and looked out into the distance of the village. People were closing their shops while others were walking home. It was an extremely long day and I missed my bed.

Mo: well we better get home

Naruto: uh...yes right

I saw the look on Naruto's face and ruffled his hair to look at me. I smiled and linked my arm with his and dragged him forward.

Mo: let's get you home, I'll be able to walk to the Nara's place by myself

Naruto: you sure?

I nodded and we both trudged on happily, looking at the almost deserted road and the lighted sky filled with different colors. The walk was short since he lived right next to the shop. We said our goodbye's and I continued toward the Nara's residence. I sighed and shoved my hands in my pockets, reminiscing about the latest event's. "I didn't mean to sound obnoxious but Iruka-sensei's teaching were just bizarre" I thought more to myself and kicked a grey looking pebble out of my way.

Mo: we have combat practice tomorrow. Just great. How am I going to do this without showing off my best moves? And if I don't do well, then Iruka-sensei is going to tell the Hokage and then the discussion about me doing poorly will be directed to my father and I don't want that. What the hell am I going to do?

Shika: do what?

I looked up from the dirt path to see none other than the pineapple himself, leaning on the brown fence.I frowned and looked around to see that I was in the backyard of the Nara's compound.

Mo: uh...about combat practice tomorrow

I said while scratching the back of my neck and a sweat drop went down my face. He rolled his eyes and leaned forward to get off the fence. He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at me with those lazy eyes. My heart leap for a second when his eyes connected with mine. "Am I getting sick"?

Shika: you shouldn't worry about something you're already good at?

Mo: well how do you know? I could be worse than you think

Shika: don't play dumb Moriah, I can see what you can do. You're throwing aim is as good as a Jonin, you have a mind like one too; so, I doubt your bad at tai-jutsu. What I'm more confused about is that why your trying to make yourself look bad for Naruto?

I bit my lip and looked away from his penetrating lazy stare. I looked down at the pond where some fishes were swimming around and tried to come up with an excuse. But I thought of nothing, I couldn't think of a great lie under the pressure he was giving me. So, I sighed and barely looked at him

Mo: because he needs to know that he isn't alone. That kids can make mistakes to and don't have to worry about it. He needs friends that care for him and always have his back. Lately, Naruto has been picked on and harassed for something he didn't do. The villagers think he's a monster and you know what, they think I'm one to. And I don't mind that. I'll be a monster if it means I can be friends with the knucklehead. I see something in him that no one else does and I know he's going to be something big in the future

Shikamaru went quiet, pondering over what I just said and I could've sworn, the corner of his lip lifted upward.

Shika: just don't make a fool out of yourself tomorrow. Everyone is thinking you're all talk and no game. Why not give them a preview of who Moriah really is