Shikamaru x Temari Distance (AU)

Part 13. Chapter 3.

Part 13. Chapter 3.

- Due to chief Nara's ill health, for which... it's quite impossible to fully express my regret and condolences through words – the 3rd Hokage said on the meeting that held place at the highest floor of his tower, his eyes looking through the room searching for the man's son. When their eyes met, there seemed to break something in the Hokage, and his eyes were immediately filled with tears. The boy looked identical to his father before the unfortunate incident where Shikaku got his scars. He continued:

- He was a brilliant man, truly the best possible man for the position. I can confidently say that I have never met a more brilliant, devoted man than your father, Shikamaru. He is truly a gift to this village, and my heart is sore that he will no longer be the chief.

- Thank you, Hokage-sama. – Shikamaru said, bowing his head.

- For this reason, we must find another who will continue the duty of this wonderful man, which is commanding the very force that keeps Konoha safe. Whoever it is, must put everything second as the safety of this village and the good people inside it will be your first priority no matter what. Hope you understand this as I call out the candidates' names decided by my very own council, and whoever wishes to draw his or her name is free to do so, and the rest is free to suggest another candidate if not listed. – he said, opening a scroll in his hand. He fixed his throat:

- Ito Aburame, Ryūzaki Raidon, Fu Yamanaka, Hayate Gekko, Hyou, Yamato, Yugai Uzuki, Nono Yakushi, Kakashi Hatake, Ibiki Morino.

- I draw my name. – said Kakashi, reading his book under the desk.

Hokage sighed. – Well of course, you do. Anyone else?

- Sir, I'd like to add my name.

- Who was it? – asked the Hokage, looking over the desk.

- Shikamaru Nara, sir. – he said getting up from his seat in the back. He fixed his tie as he looked at the individuals who looked at him with despise and disbelief. He couldn't help but smirk at the ridiculous expressions as he waited. He didn't wait for long.

- But sir! He's only a kid!

- He's seventeen!

- He hasn't even finished high-school yet!!

- He is not experienced enough for such a job!

- Is there not a limit on who can be a candidate? Him?

- You can't accept him just because his father was the chief! – voices started and it got louder and louder until no one's protest can be heard anymore. Shikamaru was laughing now because their voices reminded him of swarming bees. He was taught to smile by his father when they started to sound like that because it only meant they were getting more and more afraid. Afraid of him. No one's afraid of anything if it was no threat. He was so... incredibly satisfied at that moment knowing he had caused all this chaos.

As the voices got louder and louder, Shikamaru's age seemed to shrink and shrink until someone was even comparing him to a toddler, and even Kakashi was looking up from his book now with his eyebrow raised at the people.

- Silence! – shouted the Hokage that somehow topped the bees and the room fell silent.

- Everyone in this room is welcome to offer any candidate's name if not listed, even their own. Mr. Nara, your name will be put down, but I am afraid that they are right. You are an outstanding investigator for your age, you have tremendous amount of potential in the future, but I don't think now is quite the time.