Chapter 201: The Return

Finally, the pensive Haku smiled somehow forcedly, glanced at Shikamaru, and after a fleeting sigh, he put the pill in his mouth and swallowed without hesitation.

- For now, I agree ... - Haku looked away and fell silent, he returned to his memories on the bridge again.

Shikamaru smiled and closed his eyes, allowing Haku to survive the amplification process. He hadn't planned on giving him a pill, but it could have influenced Haku's decision too, so he had to stay a little longer. In any case, even if the guy is up to something secret, it doesn't matter now. The first step was taken successfully - all that remains is to wait.

*

Meanwhile, Team Seven, led by Kakashi, were on their way back to Konoha with a report on the successful completion of the mission to escort Tazuna.

- And now what, where is Shikamaru? Naruto asked, looking first at the thoughtful Sakura, then at the carefree Kakashi.

For an hour on the way, everyone was silent and did not make a sound, for Naruto this situation was as annoying as possible. He simply could not bear such a long lull - a little more and he was ready to explode!

The answer came immediately:

“Now we will go back to the village, Shikamaru is not our concern. We did our job, ”Kakashi said calmly, also pondering what had happened. He was going to report to Hiruzen some strange news: first of all, about the strength of his student, and then about his ruthlessness towards people. Not that it was a mistake to kill the crowd led by Gato, rather, Shikamaru made it too easy for a thirteen-year-old boy whom he no longer looked like. In addition, as for his height and age, now Hatake himself doubted. Shikamaru's mere presence gave him a rather difficult to explain feeling of inner trepidation. It was definitely caused by tremendous power, as Kakashi only felt something like this as a child when faced with experienced jonins. But even that did not come close - very few people could emit such strong pressure without techniques. Kakashi simply had no idea that someone his students' age would be able to reawaken this sense of danger. Therefore, it is now unknown what Shikamaru will do.

"That's how," Naruto sighed and ran to Sasuke.

- Hey whats up?

- Back off.

- And you there ?! Are you running into ?!

Sakuru looked thoughtfully at the teacher's back, and then sighed and looked around.

"Where are you ..." - oddly enough, but now she felt completely different. Just a day ago, she could not even think that life could change so surprisingly, and all this is only thanks to some pills. The amount of her chakra, control, even talent, everything has possibly doubled. She simply could not notice the changes in herself. On the one hand, Sakura was really happy, she was filled with fighting spirit and hopes for a bright future. But, waking up and not finding him near, she was again seized by the sadness of loneliness ...

*

Konoha. Hokage residence.

After Team Seven's report, Kakashi decided to stay behind and explain something to Team Three. Of course, the situation with Shikamaru could not be hidden. Naruto boasted of this unexpected meeting in the first place, which surprised even Hiruzen. The old man, in turn, could not deny that he was quite interested in this news, so if Kakashi had not stayed on his own, he would still have to.

"So ... what's up with Shikamaru?"

"Well, there is something," Kakashi began to seriously explain what happened, not forgetting about every detail from the moment the mission began, and then about Shikamaru's participation in it.

After a few minutes of conversation, Kakashi fell silent, and Hiruzen continued to rub his beard thoughtfully as well:

- This is how it turned out ... Looks like an adult at thirteen, huh? I would be surprised, but knowing his abilities ... I can't even imagine what he is like now.

Suddenly, a barely perceptible gust of wind swept across the office. The Chūnins could have missed him, but not the two experienced Jnins ...

- Who is there?! Hiruzen stood up sharply, and Kakashi frowned as he snatched out a kunai. For the first time in his memory, someone dared to enter the Hokage's office, and even with such a clear hostile intent. It should be understood that this gust of wind contained something dark and ominous.

All of the Anbu Hokage's defenders instantly moved, surrounding their leader.

Suddenly, a carefree laugh echoed throughout the office:

- Ha-ha-ha, this is the reaction ...

All eyes instantly went to one of the corners of the room, and then a black something on the wall was distorted and literally from this dark spot, a tall silhouette stepped out into the light. Shikamaru calmly stepped out of the shadows and appeared in the most protected area of ​​Konoha, with his usual carefree expression, as if he was walking in a park. He was absolutely not intimidated by the hostile views of the Anbu, determined to a decisive battle.

"Shikamaru ..." Kakashi frowned, and Hiruzen tensed, looking at the student's face with a noticeable squint.

"What is he up to?"

Shikamaru looked around the Anbu with a smirk.

- Guys, won't you leave us? I easily solved the problem with a couple of you a couple of years ago, so now ...

“I’ll be noticeably strict about guarding my sensei, do you understand?

Finally, Hiruzen had his say:

- You can leave, my student just decided to appear spectacularly, am I right?

Shikamaru arched an eyebrow, but noticing the old man's calm smile, he smiled himself. Hiruzen understood everything quite well. This old sly man knew how to get out of any situation without unnecessary conflicts. Even if Shikamaru was wrong, having acted so impudently, the Third did not focus on this at all. Of course, Shikamaru had no intention of starting a battle here, at least with the Hokage, and certainly not now. There was another old man in this village who was worth getting rid of, but Hiruzen's turn would come later. As arrogant as Shikamaru was, he still had some respect for Hiruzen, even though he was guilty of many crimes that harmed Konoha. In fact, he was not particularly worried about this past, because neither Danz nor Hiruzen did not harm him or the Nara clan in any way. Therefore, there was absolutely no reason for any grievances. Plus, the old man had taught him a lot of useful things in his time, so there was no point in being over the top with him. But, it’s definitely time for him to retire. Shikamaru was going to see to it himself.

The Anbu quickly left the office, although Yugao lingered for a moment, clutching the blades in rage, but after that he still followed his comrades. It seems that the defeat at his hands she still could not forget. Shikamaru simply enjoyed the gorgeous figure of this mature beauty and saw her off with a satisfied grin ...