Naruto: I am Nara Shikamaru

When Shikamaru saw Naruto still struggling to summon nothing but tadpoles, he couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Jiraiya's face flushed with embarrassment, this was awkward, to say the least.

"Naruto…"

Jiraiya roared in frustration, glaring at Naruto.

"Ah! It's the Pervy Sage! Look, look, " Naruto pointed excitedly at the tadpole he had just summoned.

"This time it grew four legs!"

Thud! 

Jiraiya face planted on the ground. When he got back up, he pointed at Naruto for a full minute before finally giving up on saying anything.

Watching Naruto, Shikamaru let out a silent sigh. In his past life, he'd really liked Naruto, so full of passion, determination, honesty, and that unshakable ability to inspire others. But he also found Naruto's impulsiveness irritating. The guy acted before he thought. Sometimes, Shikamaru had to admit, Sasuke was right, he really could be a total idiot.

"Pervy Sage." Shikamaru said, looking at Jiraiya. "The way you're training Naruto… I don't think it's going to help much."

"Oh?" Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "So what do you suggest?"

"Near-death." Shikamaru replied flatly. "Only when someone's pushed to the edge do they awaken the full extent of their potential."

"Wahaha! Why didn't I think of that?" Jiraiya burst out laughing, clearly inspired. "Alright, kid, you can go. Leave Naruto to me!"

"Sure thing, Pervy Sage." Shikamaru said with a smirk. He hadn't offered advice to be helpful, he just wanted to earn a small favor from Jiraiya. Truthfully, even if he hadn't said anything, Jiraiya would've figured it out in a day or two anyway.

With a few quick flickers, Shikamaru disappeared from sight. The third round of the Chunin Exams was only days away, and after that, Konoha wouldn't be so peaceful anymore. He needed to rest up while he still could…

⚔──────────────

On the day of the third exam, 

"Haku, things might get messy today in the village. Promise me you'll stay safe."

Shikamaru said this softly to Haku before leaving the house. Just before walking out the door, he pulled her into a deep kiss.

"Shikamaru… I want to come with you." Haku said, blushing furiously in front of Natsuhi, who had watched the kiss in silence. She clearly wanted to help him.

"No." Shikamaru gently refused.

"You're too kind, Haku. Just protect yourself and wait for me to come home."

"…Alright."

Though disappointed, Haku didn't protest. She understood Shikamaru too well to defy him. All she wanted was to wait for him at home, to be the woman always watching and wishing for his safe return.

"Hoshi, let's go."

He turned to Natsuhi, now dressed in full Anbu uniform. After joining the Anbu, she was given the codename "Hoshi" (Star) and was personally assigned to Shikamaru by the Third Hokage, a special privilege granted only because Shikamaru had become the Hokage's direct student. The Third had even assigned him another agent, codenamed "Yu" (Evening), though that one was still out on a mission.

"Mm." Hoshi nodded softly and immediately disappeared into stealth. As Anbu, she wasn't supposed to be seen in public, but Shikamaru could still sense her nearby.

By the time Shikamaru arrived at the arena where the third round was being held, the exam was just about to begin. He glanced around, Naruto and Sasuke hadn't arrived yet. Neither did Dosu and Zaku from the Sound Village.

Shikamaru frowned. Is Orochimaru still planning to use them as sacrifices to summon the First and Second Hokage?

He also noticed that the proctor for the third round had changed to Genma Shiranui. It seemed that Hayate Gekko really had been killed by Baki… The story was still unfolding just like in the original timeline.

"Then, the first match will be… Uzumaki Naruto of Konoha vs. Hyuga Neji, also of Konoha!"

With Genma's announcement, the third round officially began. As expected, Naruto showed up just in time.

The outcome didn't change, even with Shikamaru's presence in this life, Naruto shocked everyone by defeating Hyuga Neji, earning the attention and respect of the entire arena. The name "Uzumaki Naruto" is now remembered by all.

"Since Dosu and Zaku failed to appear for their match, we'll proceed directly to the next round: Nara Shikamaru of Konoha vs. Temari of the Sand."

"Heh… Finally, my turn?"

Shikamaru let out a light chuckle as he stepped into the arena. Unlike in the original timeline, he didn't get kicked down there by Naruto this time.

Moments later, Temari entered as well, elegant and imposing, holding her giant fan, facing Shikamaru from across the field.

⚔────

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