Naruto: I am Nara Shikamaru

When Shikamaru returned with a beautiful woman in tow, Asuma and the others each reacted differently. Asuma gave Shikamaru a glance full of envy. This kid's got some skills!

Choji looked on, confused, unsure why Shikamaru had brought a woman back with him. Ah, such a pure-hearted kid...

Ino's gaze, however, was a bit more complicated. She couldn't understand why, but seeing Shikamaru with another woman made her heart feel strangely bitter. Wait… I thought I liked Sasuke?

After introducing Natsuhi to everyone, Shikamaru turned to Asuma.

"Asuma-sensei, it should be okay to bring someone back to the village, right?"

"Mm, as long as you get approval from the Hokage, it's fine." Asuma replied. 

His eyes, however, briefly scanned Natsuhi, a glint of insight flashing through them. He clearly recognized her strength, but chose not to comment further.

They had left with five, and now returned with five. As they headed back toward Konoha, the final round of the Chunin Exams loomed just ahead…

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"Hokage-sama, I'd like to arrange for Natsuhi to stay in the village. Would that be alright?"

Inside the Hokage's office, Shikamaru stood before the Third, with Natsuhi beside him.

"…It's possible." the Third replied, his gaze sweeping over Natsuhi. "However…"

"However, what?" Shikamaru asked immediately.

"She'll have to join Konoha. Letting a Jonin-level ninja roam free without allegiance would be a major loss for the village."

The Third wore a reluctant expression, but Shikamaru clearly understood the true meaning behind his words. Konoha couldn't afford to harbor such a powerful individual within its borders unless they were under its command.

"I accept."

Before Shikamaru could respond, Natsuhi spoke up with a gentle smile. She didn't want to make things difficult for him.

"But… Natsuhi…" Shikamaru's voice trailed off under her soft gaze. He knew Natsuhi's abilities were highly recognizable, using them would surely expose her identity, something she had initially wished to avoid. Yet now, she was willing to take that risk for him. It was clear her feelings for Shikamaru were sincere.

"Don't worry." the Third said with a puff of smoke and a warm grin. "I'll arrange for her to join the Anbu. Her identity will remain a closely guarded secret. And if you're promoted to Jonin, Shikamaru… I might even assign her to your squad."

"Really?"

Shikamaru's eyes lit up at the idea. He briefly considered mentioning Haku as well, thinking of adding her to the Anbu too. But he quickly dismissed the thought. Haku wasn't suited to being a ninja, she lacked the killing intent. He decided it was better for her to stay at home.

After sending a shadow clone to escort Natsuhi to Haku's residence, Shikamaru remained behind at the Third Hokage's request.

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"Shikamaru." the Hokage said, narrowing his eyes, "can you tell me what's been going on with you lately?"

As the Third spoke, a heavy pressure seemed to emanate from his body. Shikamaru instinctively activated his shadow chakra to counter the weight of that presence. The Third's eyes lit up with interest.

"…I awakened a Kekkei Genkai." Shikamaru admitted after a long pause. He looked up, meeting the Hokage's gaze directly, and in his eyes, three tomoe spun in the unique pupils of his Shadow Eye.

"Sharingan? No… that's not it…"

The Hokage abruptly stood up, visibly stunned as he stared into Shikamaru's eyes.

"I call it the Shadow Eye." Shikamaru explained, a hint of pride in his voice. Satisfied with the Third's reaction, he then detailed his experiences and the abilities of the Shadow Eye, confident in the Hokage's trustworthiness.

The Third remained silent for a while, eyes sharp as he studied Shikamaru. At last, as though making a major decision, he spoke solemnly:

"Shikamaru, I would like to take you on as my student. Would you grant this old man the honor?"

"Ah…"

Shikamaru was left speechless, utterly shocked. Then, with overwhelming respect and excitement, he quickly bowed.

"Master, please accept your student's respect!"

"Haha! No need for all that formality." the Third said with a laugh, helping Shikamaru back up.

"Just knowing I'm your teacher is enough."

"Come! Show me the power of this Shadow Eye of yours. Let me see it for myself and give you some proper guidance."

The Third rose and headed toward the training field, Shikamaru following with bright-eyed enthusiasm.

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After witnessing Shikamaru's abilities firsthand, the Hokage provided him with some personal instruction. By the time Shikamaru left the Hokage building, he had already used his Shadow Eye to copy a number of the Third's techniques, forming the foundation of his very own Shadow-Style Ninjutsu.

His first destination was the Forest of Death.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Poof poof poof poof, 

In one breath, Shikamaru summoned a thousand clones. He divided their tasks: two hundred would train with weighted gear, two hundred would practice one-handed hand seals, two hundred would train with the copied jutsu, two hundred would experiment with the Shadow Eye's powers, and two hundred would refine chakra to sustain their energy.

"Haha! Finally, I've done it! I can slack off guilt-free!"

Grinning, Shikamaru ran off, two lovely girls were waiting for him at home, and he was already fantasizing about spending a very eventful night with them...

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"Shikamaru… a true genius…"

Back in the Hokage's office, the Third muttered to himself thoughtfully. It was Shikamaru's immense potential that had convinced him to take on a student once more, something he hadn't done since Orochimaru's betrayal.

Shikamaru's strength, his honesty, and above all, the promise he showed had deeply moved the Hokage. He was determined to keep this extraordinary talent within the village.

"It seems Konoha's future will truly belong to the next generation… haha…"

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A/N: If you're enjoying the story, you can read up to Chapter 54 (28+ chapters ahead of the current one) on my Patreon: patreon.com/vynthor