Shinobi Days

Ch. 4 Chunin

"Shika! Wanna grab some ramen with me?" Shikamaru looked up from the book he was currently reading to see Naruto's grinning face.

"Ah, sure let me just finish this. I just need a chapter left." Naruto nodded, and walked into the Nara's room. Sighing lightly, Naruto laid down on top of the dark haired male, his head on the other's shoulder. Shikamaru mererly hummed as he continued reading through the book, the blond weighing close to nothing.

Naruto had been coming around everyday ever since he had returned with Jiraiya on his 3 year journey. During their first Chunin exams as Team 7 all three passed getting perfect scores in each part of the test. Apparently they showed great skill when acquiring information during the written portion, Shikamaru being the only one to answer the questions without cheating. They also showed amazing teamwork during the survival trial in the forest of death, avoiding confrontation when they knew the Sand Sibling team were far to strong to handle themselves. And during the one on one battles, they all showed great promise when it came to quick thinking and extensive knowledge on how to use justus.

Just like in the academy, they changed a great deal in the exams, making sure everyone got 2-3 fights in the last part of the test. Something about testing their abilities and seeing if they used their chakra wisely.

Sasuke went up against Sakura, who had matured a great amount under Asuma's teaching. He later went up to fight Naruto in which they tied, knocking each other out.

Shikamaru went up against Temari, who was just as boisterous as Naruto. The only difference was that he would much rather spend his life with Naruto than the Suna girl. He also fought against Choji, who had also improved and became more outgoing thanks to the outgoing girls in his team pushing him out of his shy shell. Shikamaru had won first place since he was supposed to fight whomever won between Sasuke and Naruto.

Naruto had been the only one in their team to fight 3 times, and Shikamaru thought it had something to do with the council's knowledge of his little tenant. He fought against the Hyūga clan's genius, Neji, and won swaying many of the audience towards his favor. He later fought Gaara of the Sand, winning and latter becoming friends after discovering they were the same when it came to their tenants.

Kakashi was so proud all his students passed and became Chuinin, having gone as far as betting agaisnt the other senseis. Only 6 have from Konoha, plus a few more from the other villages, made it to Chuinin. Those being Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Sakura, Neji, and Lee. You could guess that Gai was mad about his hip and cool rival having more students pass.

Finishing his book, he closed it before leaning on an arm and looking at Naruto's sleeping face. The blond had grown so much in the time they were apart but he was still shorter than most of the males in the Konoha 12.

During his absence, Sasuke went on to train under the Uchiha police force gaining a katana as well as an upgraded 3 tomoe sharingan. He returned to Team 7 after Naruto returned with a good head on his shoulders, his arrogant nature almost gone and replaced with a more compassionate and fiery spirt that rivaled Naruto's. Shikamaru would later find out that Itachi and Shisui had been the one to train his teamamte as well as help him with the little personality of his.

Shikamaru on the other hand studied under his father, learning more techniques and Nara justus, as well as making new strategies on his own while keeping in mind his team. He also worked part time on an internship shadowing Shizune to get a head start on becoming the Hokage's advisor.

"Naruto...wake up." He shook the blond slightly, who opened his azure eyes slowly, letting out a small yawn. Shikamaru groaned as the blond closed his eyes again, a small snoring sound signaling he didn't wake up. Sighing, Shikamaru turned his head and brought his mouth closer to Naruto's ear.