endgames | 036 -- [Voice]

((Backdated to February 4th))

[It's been a long time since Shikamaru's failed a mission. All right. Failure might be too strong a word for this one. He can actually laugh at that. This isn't like when he was twelve. It's a personal embarrassment, not something that's going to keep him up at night, sick to his stomach.

A failure is a failure though, and that makes it a pain in the ass. He'd apologized to the MSF personnel profusely, and requested to be put on a different mission to make up for the screw-up. They'd looked nonplussed about the whole thing and stuck him back in Luceti, but eh. Shikamaru decides to keep his journal close to him anyways, in case they take him up on that. It's for this reason he doesn't go out to do any of the things he probably should. He passes the time by flipping through the journal instead, and thinking over the last mission.]

[Voice]

When I first came to this village, I remember going out. Left or right, it seemed anywhere I looked someone was using that so-called "filial magic". ...Haaa. [He scratches his head, and there's a smirk in his voice.] That's an exaggeration, but you get it. That was years ago, though. It seemed like it was becoming less common until that incident last year, when everyone got possessed.

Anyone learning anything from those guys now? Seems like the kind of thing that would spark interest, especially with one extra spirit hanging around.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That would be very fortuitous! Otherwise, there's no telling who you could fall in love with!

Don't sound so excitable about it. You aren't reading the title of some crappy manga.

That was no my intention! I was only expressing my worries. [Loudly as always.]

[Siiigh.] It's troublesome, but it's not like anything good comes out of worrying. Either accept it or come up with a way around it, if you think it can be done.

You are right, Shikamaru-kun. I will rise to this endeavor, and I shall find a way to defeat the Valentines!

...just to put it out there, I don't think you can punch it.

Ah... There are many ways to obtain victory over an adversary, Shikamaru-kun. That is what being a ninja is all about.

Or, I could punch the Malnosso instead!

Tch. Don't do that, and make all my effort for nothing.

So, that would upset your own plans? [It's something resembling a joking tone.]

Something like that.

[Suspicion.]

I see... But maybe it's time for the Wild Green Beast of Konoha to take charge!

And what's your master plan?

But, Shikamaru-kun... How can I reveal my own hand when you have not divulged you own? But perhaps I can say this much: the secret must be in learning to obtain true flight!

Too bad that old Tsuchikage isn't here.

The Tsuchikage...? I have not had the honor of meeting him in person. What specific benefit would he bring?

[wow wow Lee you could at least read up on your ninja studies]

I thought you'd have at least heard of it? Word on the street is the old man can levitate.

Ah...! Could it be?

[He pauses for a moment as he brings out his weathered memo pad and flips through it furiously, finally coming to a stop as he finds the page with relevant reminder notes.]

That is correct! And... it is incredible! With the power at his disposal... If we met him, I'm sure he could have some tips that could help us achieve flight!

The guy always sounded grouchy, from what dad would say. According to what Gaara said when he was here, all of the Kage survived their battle, so you might get your chance.

You're right! Perhaps someday the chance will come. But... Even setting aside his abilities, that is very good news.

[He had not done the math before while Gaara was here. To lose the Kages would be heartbreaking. Especially Tsunade, whom Lee felt indebted towards. So to hear otherwise is a relief.]

Heh. Yeah.

[Even thinking about the relief he felt when he learned that then...]

Hey, Lee?

Yes, Shikamaru-kun?

You ever miss her? The Fifth.

Of course I do. I miss... everyone whom I've known back home. [He misses home.]

And as much as an honor as it is to have the Yondaime here... I still miss the guidance of Tsunade-sama. [The role she played in his recovery helped him to grow a fierce personal loyalty to her.] And, I've hoped to work hard to repay her for everything she's done for me.

[He won't say it, but those words relieve him. They're naked in their honesty, as most things Lee say are. Mostly, he feels better knowing he's not the only one homesick for her way of handling things.]

Crazy, ain't it? [He breaks the long silence Lee's response put him in, reflecting on that.] Never thought there'd come a day when I'd miss dealing with her attitude. Damned if she's not more temperamental than the Fourth.

[Just feel thankful that it's the only part of Lee that is naked right now.]

I... I suppose that she can be considered to be that way. At the same time... she still has the wisdom and righteousness befitting a Hokage! So you miss her as well, Shikamaru-kun.

[Voice]

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