Beside the Cherry Blossom tree

This fanfiction exists after the third great ninja war, except theres no further conflict. The events of boruto hasnt happened and it isnt completely aligned with the Naruto story line. Theres no romatic relationship between Temari and Shikamaru.

Shikamaru Nara is nihilistic, broody, and smart-assed. He begins every day with exact calculation, he runs through a daily check list making sure nothing is out of place. He brushes his teeth strategically, making sure he brushes each one the same number of times. He brushes his hair back, catching every stray before carefully tying it up. Everything about his life has been planned, its calm, quiet and content. He plays every day like a game of chess, making as little moves as possible to finish out the game. All that changes however, when a girl shows up at the gates of the village.

ALL CREDIT TO THE ARTISTS WHO MADE THE COVER PHOTO AND IMAGES WITHIN CHAPTERD- i found them on pinterst so i dont know how to properly credit them.