VI

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Arc VI Chapter 5

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“A spectacular match, Hokage-dono, wasn't it?” The Kazekage clapped his hands in excitement.

Hiruzen puffed on his pipe. The outcome was predictable as Asami was an ANBU and prone to violence.

Hiruzen smiled. ”Unfortunately, I can’t follow you, Kazekage-dono. I fail to see what is so spectacular about this match.”

“Hokage-dono, you may have grown old, but don’t you recognise her talent? Villages would kill for having such a valuable treasure like her.”

His ignorance amused the Kazekage.

“Her performance was certainly impressive, but not enough to warrant such praise, Kazekage-dono. You can't judge her abilities based on a single match. The girl is just a simple simple genin.“ Hiurzen lowered his hat.

His instincts told him that something was wrong. He knew Rasa for a long time, but his behaviour today was strange.

The Kazekage had taken an uncanny interest in both Sasuke and Asami, which was ... suspicious.

The Kazekage chuckled. ”I disagree, Hokage-dono. The girl deserves even more praise. This strength. This power. This beauty. This unmatched potential.

“Asami is such a beautiful gem. Konoha is fortunate to have her. A shame she can’t be mine.” Orochimaru licked his lips.

Asami could have been the perfect vessel, but he found her wanting. Asami had everything he wanted and more, but she lacked the sharingan, the eyes he longed for all these years and never attained.

Sasuke possessed them. The boy only had to be refined through training. His abilities were sorely underdeveloped. Konoha stunted his growth, but Sasuke had time to mature.

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Shikamru gulped. He reconsidered his participation. He didn't want to face Asami ... ”I think I should forfeit …“

“Aargh.”

“Shikamaru, go for it!” Naruto pushed Shikamaru over the railing. Shikamaru hit the hard ground.

Without a second thought, without hesitation, without a sign of concern, Naruto shoved his friend down the arena right into the jaws of death

Asami tilted her head. This was apparently friendship.

“Fucking Naruto”, Shikamaru grumbled and stared at the sky. He wasn't stupid. He didn’t want to dance with the little murderous princess. Asami was bad for your health.

Naruto grinned. “Good luck, Shikamaru! Don’t give up! You can beat her, I am sure!”

Shikamaru blinked. Naruto had gone mad. He needed a little bit more than just good luck to beat this witch.

Asami smiled. “Stand up, Shikamaru, you are wasting my time. We are all waiting for you.”

Shikamaru frowned. Not only was his opponent a girl, but his opponent was also Asami. Annoying.

Shikamaru stood up and dusted off his clothes. He took his time.

Asami rolled his eyes. Show-off.

Shikamaru was Shikaku’s son, so Asami decided to go easy on him. She just would beat him up until he gave up.

No need to injure him beyond necessary. No need to maim him. Shikamaru wasn’t an enemy. He was a fellow Konoha, and he didn’t merit elimination.

Shikamaru finished his preparations and smirked. “To be honest, I don’t want to fight you. I don’t care about becoming chunin or not. Too much responsibility. Too much work.“

“But I am certainly not going to lose to a girl”

...

...

...

Asami giggled amused.”I am glad you retained your humour, Skikamaru. You sure know how to talk big.“

Shikamaru tried his luck and her limited goodwill. The boy walked on thin ice.

Asami offered him one last chance. ”But I feel gracious today and I will overlook your transgression if you retract your statement. So what did you say again?”

Shikamaru put his hands into his pockets. His voice betrayed confidence. He didn't doubt his victory.

”I said I am not going to lose to you. A guy can’t lose to a girl.”

Asami clenched her fists. Maybe she was wrong, and Shikamaru deserved good beating, a beating he wouldn’t forget for the the foreseeable future.

Shikamaru knew exactly what he was doing. He deliberately provoked. He played with the fire.

Asami narrowed her eyes. ”You are a smart boy, Shikamaru, so why do you do this?”

Shikamru smirked. ”I don’t know what you mean, Asami-chan. I am just being myself as always.”

Asami shook her head in disappointment. Her hands wandered towards her pouch to retrieve a pair of friendly shuriken.

”Shikamaru, I enjoy your presence, but you really shouldn't have provoked me.“

“Bad decisions. I thought you were smarter.”

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