The Lotus and The Deer (Shikamaru x OC)

Chapter 27 - Fox and Deer

Hasu POV

With Naru-chan's training and the scattered missions in between, I've taken more time to train in with Jiji in the sage world. Coming back frequently, with the Akatsuki on the rise, I've already sent a clone to retrieve the 5-tailed beast. To save chakra, I decided to send fewer clones due to the long periods of time there away.

Munching on an apple, I walk up the hill to look at the clouds. Seeing Shika sitting on top I sit next to him. Finishing my snack, I lean on his shoulder, smiling softly.

He breaks the silence, "I'm heading out on a mission soon; I won't be gone long."

I smile, "Ok, let's hang out when you come back, we've been busy lately."

Nodding, we stand, giving him a warm kiss, I disappear in a puff of smoke leaving the Nara all alone. Returning to my home, I plop down on my couch, letting my muscles relax. Closing my eyes, I let my thoughts wonder. Everything, at least in this moment, is so peaceful. It doesn't last long, my eyes shoot open at the feeling of Oto-sans chakra. Rushing out of my home, I follow it with astonishing speed. Making it to an open training ground, I conceal my chakra, watching as Naru-chan has a calm, warm chakra around him.

Watching as Kakashi and Yamato panic, wooden pillars wrap around the chakra, canceling it altogether. I whisper to myself as I watch the Oto-san's charka vanish, "It's almost time for him to learn."

Jumping down to his unconscious body, I give him a small smile, "You idiot, always pushing yourself."

Bending down, I turn him over, looking down at his calm state. Seeing a wave of pink in the corner of my eye I speak softly, "Sakura~ You shouldn't just stand there, come over and heal him."

As she wipes the tears from her eyes, I watch as the green chakra flows through her hands. His breath calm down, smiling, I poke his cheek , "You've come so far, Naru-chan."

NO POV

Deep within the hospital located near the center of the leaf village lays the third Hokage. As his heartbeat remains stable, his son Asuma smiles, staring at the sky as death opens the doors to greet him. Lord Third, feeling this lost accepts the hand of darkness along with him. His heart rate grows flat alerting the nurses to rush in.

Trying to jump-start his heart, they fail as they mark his time of death. After taking Naru-chan to his home to rest, he comes back stronger than ever to train once again on a rainy day. As Hasu cooks lunch, chopping up the peppers, she falls to the ground as an aching pain spreads in through her gut. The last time she felt this was was when Shikamaru and the others were going after Orochimaru's child soldiers.

Understanding this, she looks out the window, wishing for Shika's return, hoping that her gut was false through it all. Staring at the rain fall against the tainted glass she frowns.

The next morning she shoots up feeling Shikamaru's chakra coming through the village. Getting dressed, she rushes out of the room, concealing her chakra. Listening in on the Hokage's conversation from afar, the news of a death fills her ears. Hearing the sad news, she places her hand over her mouth, like father like son they passed on the same day, at the same time.

Making her way to the Nara residence, she waits for him. As the sky grows darker, his silhouette appears in the distance. Not wasting any time, she rushes over to him, engulfing in a warm hug.

"I'm so sorry."

He returns it, resting his head in the crook of her neck. Feeling it become a bit wet, she strokes his back as the stars dance in the sky. The next morning, the funeral took place, with graves for both Asuma and Lord Third. Shika watches from a bird's eye view while Naru-chan and Hasu comfort Konohamaru.