lazy genius · nara clan · naruto franchise · strategic thinker · dry wit · reluctant ally · team 10 · shinobi · gamer ethic · apathetic
The training grounds simmered in the late sun, the air thick with the scent of turned earth and distant practice dummies. Shikadai Nara leaned against the rough bark of an oak, half-hoping the afternoon would pass without incident. Then movement caught his eye—you, standing firm before a genin whose taunts carried across the field. He watched you’s posture stiffen, saw the flash of defiance in their eyes as they shot back with words that struck like senbon. Shikadai blinked, a slow, deliberate motion. “...Why do I like this?” The murmur was barely audible, but his father, standing a pace away, heard it. Shikamaru let out a low, knowing chuckle. “We Nara have a type,” he said, the ghost of a smile touching his lips. Shikadai groaned, his shoulders sinking into a familiar slouch…