Meat and Steam

The flames shimmered, flickering and swaying from side to side.

I wonder why people always find it so calming to watch fire?

That curious thought suddenly entered Nara Shikamarus head.

It was probably something that had started generations ago, back when people were still waiting on civilisation to happen. In those days, fire had always been a constant companion to people.

Fire had illuminated their surroundings and held the darkness of night at bay. It protected people from both the cold and foreign invaders. It had also been used as a signal, to find the location of your comrades, and the way back home.

Years and years of those activities had bled into peoples genes, and surely been passed onto Shikamaru himself. That was why, sitting in front of the warm flames, he felt such a soothing feeling.

That feeling was passed on in Konohas Will of Fire.

From parent to child. From child to grandchild. From teacher to student. From friend to friend.

Your feelings were tied to each other. Connected.

Maybe that Will of Fire had started out as a small flame that anyone could easily put out.

But it hadnt disappeared. Even now, it was still being passed on, from person to person, and still burning bright.

It was those connections spanning generations that made fire so soothing. No matter how much time passed, every single cell in Shikamarus body was marked with the memories of those who had come before him, and found fire to be such a comfort.

People would use fire to cook food and sit around it, gazing into the flames as they ate. Before they realised what was happening, theyd gather around it in groups of loved ones.

Back then, and now, that was a sight that never changed. In fact, in this moment, Shikamaru was sitting in front of a warm fire and eating a meal with his best friend, Akimichi Chouji.

Chatter. Laughter. The sound of clinking tableware. Most of all, the sound of sizzling meat as it cooked.

Yakiniku Q.

It was the usual place for Shikamaru and the rest.

When it came to barbecue restaurants like this, people usually expected them to be crowded at night only, and not be all that busy during the day. Yakiniku Q was an exception, always bustling with people during noon and the night. Their meat was cheap, and on top of that high quality, so the restaurant was very popular.

And that meant that right now, at this very lunch hour, Yakiniku Q was no different from a battlefield.

Orders were being called out from seats on every side, calls for beer or oolong tea or utensils all being met by the hurrying restaurant workers. They were hurrying around the store, circling around all the customers in a rush. The place was hectic.

Shikamaru was watching the frantic state of the workers out of the corner of his eye as he put a single piece of meat onto the grill.

The deep red colour of the meat almost seemed to shine, the fat glistening like a pearl. Proof that it was fresh. The mouth-watering sizzling sound mixed in with the delicious smell wafting through the restaurant.

Shikamaru and Chouji had decided to have lunch here at the usual place.

The decision itself had happened just a while ago.

Shikamaru had headed out to do some shopping, and bumped into Chouji in the middle of the road. Theyd gotten to talking.

Then Chouji said, Its about to be lunchtime anyway, so how about eating some meat together? and here they were at their usual hangout of Yakiniku Q.

Shikamaru had entered the shop with the intention of stopping by briefly, like one would do at a tea shop, but Chouji always did this.

Some meat hed said as if! Chouji never sat down without the intention to dedicate himself to eating all he could.

Shikamarus piece of meat on the grill was starting to get nice and juicy. He reached out with his chopsticks and flipped it over. The underside had been grilled beautifully.

If the meat got grilled for too long, itd get too hard. You had to keep careful watch to make sure it didnt get over-cooked.

Most people liked to let their meat cook for a period of time decided by instinct alone, but a recent research study had concluded that those people usually ended up cooking their meat for too long.

Or at least, that was what Chouji had told Shikamaru while they were talking.

Chouji himself, right in the middle of criticising those over-cookers, ate a piece of meat off the grill that didnt look anywhere near cooked yet.

Chouji had a tendency to eat meat when it was still too close to raw for comfort. Shikamaru thought it was better to grill meat a bit more.

His piece on the grill looked like it was about ready to eat. Just as Shikamaru reached out with his chopsticks, his meat was snatched away before his very eyes.

Chouji. He had grabbed the piece and stuffed it into his mouth with a large sound of content.

That wasmy meat

Huh? Ohhhh, sorry Shikamaru. I saw it was ready to eat, and before I even realised, my hands just Chouji looked apologetic as he realised hed snatched up the wrong meat.

Ah well, its alright. Theres still plenty more meat to eat, after all.

So saying, Shikamaru put another piece of meat on the grill. He turned back to Chouji with a broad grin, and said:

After all, better you eat it than having it burnt to a crisp, right?

Chouji grinned back at his friend, and then returned his focus to chewing the contraband meat in his mouth, adding some rice too.

This meat is really good. He mumbled as he chewed.

Shikamaru stared, wondering if Chouji had noticed the despicable timing of that comment.

Cooking with a charcoal-powered grill is really hard for amateurs. Chouji continued. So when it comes to cooking and eating a lot of meat at the same time, gas-powered grills are the best. They really chose a great method for cooking good meat.

Yup, Chouji was blissfully ignorant. His comment had been about the meats cooking method being good.

While Chouji talked, he kept guzzling down more rice, too. Oh man, at this rate the bowl was gonna get empty in no time.

Shikamaru somehow managed to flag down a restaurant worker in the chaos and ask for another serving of rice.

The thing about Choujis unapologetically large appetite was that it felt nice to watch him eat. Watching him eat somehow made Shikamaru feel full too, even though he hadnt eaten all that much, and even got his own meat stolen from right under his nose.

It was because of this that Shikamaru somehow always found himself unnecessarily meddling to make sure Chouji ate well. In the end, he pushed the second piece of meat hed put on the grill towards Chouji as well.

Chouji handled his chopsticks with frightening skill, and the meat disappeared in the blink of an eye. One by one, rows of barely cooked meat all disappeared into the insides of Choujis mouth.

Chouji looked incredibly happy after eating so much meat. On top of that, somehow hed lately started looking dignified while eating as well.

Meat, rice, meat, rice, meat, rice, meat, meat, meat Chouji continued eating nonstop, and as Shikamaru watched the spectacle, he concluded the new impression of dignity was because of Choujis goatee.

Lately, Choujis overall appearance had changed a bit.

The first thing that caught peoples eyes when they looked at him was the goatee. It wasnt grown ridiculously long either, but kept nicely short and well maintained. That wasnt all. Choujis hair had been cut a little shorter as well, and swept neatly back. It gave his overall appearance a clean, tidy, and composed look.

There was no doubt about it. It was the goatee. When you had that coupled with his hair and the other differences in his appearance, then Chouji looked like a respected adult, even to Shikamaru whod known him for years. That was why there was a new dignity to how Chouji looked when he ate as well.

Maybe I should grow a goatee too Shikamaru muttered as he leaned against the back of his chair.

Eh? Why dyou wanna do that? Chouji momentarily looked up from his frantic eating.

As much as he looked like he lost himself in his food, Chouji always listened carefully when Shikamaru was talking. Shikamaru recognised that fact, and kept talking,

Unlike you, I look like I havent changed at all since I was a kid, dont I? Shikamaru said, touching the ponytail on top of his head.

Shikamaru had always kept his hair like this, ever since he was a kid. It was a simple ponytail, his long hair gathered and tied up above his head. It wasnt that he had been determined to keep his hair like that or anything. It was just that for someone as inherently lazy as Shikamaru, this was the easiest way to deal with his hair.

If you had to say he was determined on anything, then it was probably that he was determined to keep his hair and clothes as simple and easy as possible.

But then, it wasnt like he was determined to struggle to keep things easy till the bitter end, or anything like that. So you couldnt really say it was because he was determined for things to be easy, either. It just turned out that way because he didnt really care.

Shikamaru didnt understand people who went to ridiculous lengths to change the way they looked, the kind who went to so much trouble to carefully pick out their clothes or put on airs. He thought the best kinds of clothes were those you could carelessly wear anywhere, anytime, the kind that let you comfortably watch clouds or take a nap.

When he was a kid, Shikamaru used to think if I could, Id like to spend every day just sitting in front of the fire and watching the flames.

A kid like that was clearly different than those who cared about what the world or society at large thought of them. So it wasnt surprising that he usually didnt concern himself with his hair or clothes.

But seeing his best friend of many years suddenly looking like such a dignified adult gave Shikamaru something to think about.

Shikamaru had been made a chuunin at quite a young age, and similarly gotten involved with a lot of jobs to do with the administration of the village. For example, hed been made a supervising examiner of the chuunin exams, and that had him attending a lot of meetings about them, intervillage and otherwise, and in every single one of those meetings hed naturally been surrounded by people who were older than him.

Since he found himself tasked with duties like that, Shikamaru often found himself thinking look at this like an adult or be composed as an adult or you have to be firm in your attitude like an adult should.

Shikamaru already possessed every possible characteristic associated with behaving like an adult, but at this moment it had suddenly occurred to him to compare himself, who hadnt changed a bit in looks since he was young, to the mature looking Chouji in front of him. And that had resulted in Shikamarus comment about getting a goatee.

People always tell me you havent changed at all when they see me Shikamaru grumbled in complaint, still eating.

Chouji looked up and tilted his head in confusion.

But, when they say that, they probably mean your hair right? Chouji paused, looking down at his empty plate. Ah, obachan, one more serving please!

After calling out his order, Chouji wiped his mouth, and looked back at Shikamaru. If you ask me, youve changed a lot since old times.

Really? Shikamaru asked. Do I look like an adult?

Yeah. Maybe its because youve come out of so many important Shinobi Union meetings. Compared to the old you, your face has really changed. I think you look a lot more steady and capable now. Im the one whos saying it, so it cant be wrong.

Chouji had given him a huge seal of approval.

Ah, now that you mention it, a lot of people do tell me that I look like my old man.

Maybe Shikamaru himself hadnt noticed it because he saw his face in the mirror every day.

But still, he couldnt help but think that if he had a goatee hed look a little more dignified

Shikamaru put a hand on his currently clean-shaved chin and kept thinking about the matter. As he did so, Choujis ordered serving of meat appeared.

It was a huge plate, but most people would be surprised to hear it wasnt for the both of them. Forget the both of them, it was a serving just barely enough for Chouji. That usually surprised people too. But then, both the workers and regular customers here were used to Choujis eating habits by now, so nobody would be surprised.

When we all came here for the first time, we ordered this huge serving then too, didnt we

Shikamarus thoughts went back to the time soon after he had become a genin.

His team had to celebrate here when their first mission had ended safely as well.

And after that, after the end of every mission, they often came to this restaurant.

The four of them would eat at this same table, and Shikamaru would sit in this very seat.

Chouji was being yelled at by their teammate Ino.

Hey?! She yelled, Chouji, you ate my meat!

Shut up Shikamaru grumbled at the loud noise she was making.

It was a mistake. Ino immediately turned to glare at him. What do you mean shut up? Its my meat! Then are you saying youre going to cook the meat?

Now hed become a target. This was outrageous.

What is this? Shikamaru complained under his breath, putting meat on the grill. Why am I the one who has to cook everything again? Ugh, troublesome

Why were women in general so pushy? Shikamaru thought about the matter as he overturned the meat.

To start with, there was the woman closest to him: his mother. She was pushier than even normal women were, to an abnormal extent.

What in the world had made his old man look at such a frightening woman and think Im going to marry her? Shikamaru absolutely couldnt understand it.

This should be enough, right?

The meat was just about cooked. At Shikamarus comment, Ino reached out with her chopsticks, a satisfied air around her.

But the meat suddenly disappeared.

It wasnt a supernatural phenomenon. It was Chouji. Ino threw down her chopsticks and started screaming.

On purpose, right?! She shrieked, Youre doing this on purpose!

Huh- I just- I saw the meat, so Chouji stuttered.

Dont think youre going to get out of this by making vague comments!

Ino grabbed Chouji by the collar, still shouting. Bewildered as he was, Chouji still didnt let go of his bowl or chopsticks. Shikamaru grumbled that he was going to end up grilling the meat again anyway, and started putting more meat on the grill.

It was the usual scene for their team. And then

There was a person happily watching over the three of them.

Asuma.

Shikamaru came back to the present, and looked at the place Asuma once used to sit.

Shikamaru, Chouji, Ino, and Asuma. The four of them used to come to this restaurant after every mission, and crowd around this table.

In the past, Shikamaru had thought life would always continue like that.

It had been absurd to imagine everyone in a constant loop of youth, but somehow Shikamarus past self had still thought that way. He hadnt been able to imagine what hed be like when he grew up.

But, time had passed despite all that.

Ino had become more feminine. Choujis appetite hadnt changed, but hed grown a beard. Even Shikamaru had changed before he realised it. And Asumawasnt here anymore.

The four of them couldnt be together again.

This restaurant, this seat, everything was deeply dyed with the memories of those happy times that Shikamaru couldnt return to.

It was because he didnt want to forget those memories that Shikamaru kept stopping by the restaurant, even now.

When Shikamaru was surrounded by the familiar fragrance of cooking meat, he could fall into the hallucination where that same smell of tobacco was hanging around as well.

Asuma had been an adult.

His goatee had always smelled of tobacco from all his countless cigarettes. No matter what the situation was, he had always been calm. Calm and easygoing.

Asuma had gone on many travels when he was young, so he had a lot of knowledge, and his skill as a shinobi was even greater. He was like a father, and he was like an older brother. Hed always treat Shikamaru and the team out to meat.

Come to think of it, hed always slowly turn pale in the face of Choujis voracious appetite, and frantically rummage around in his wallet to make sure he had enough.

Now, Shikamaru and the rest paid for their meals out of their own wallets, with the money theyd earned by themselves.

Shikamaru wondered if hed been able to become an adult that was just a bit like Asuma.

Shikamaru took the menu into his hand, turning the pages and calculating how much he and Choujis bill would come up to. It would be too expensive to treat him. If they split the tab, then he could comfortably afford it.

Oh man, I should eat a bit more while I can

Shikamaru eyed Choujis ferocious eating speed, and reached out for some meat of his own.

chomp, chomp, chompObachan, another serving! Chouji called out, his mouth full of chomp no, er, beef.

Chouji eventually stopped eating, for the time being at least. He looked satisfied, gulping down a cup of oolong tea in one go. When he was certain Chouji had started breathing again, Shikamaru spoke.

So, about what we were talking about before, what are you gonna do?

Huh? Dessert?

We never once talked about dessert, Chouji.

About Naruto and Hinatas wedding presents.

Ohh, yeah, that.

Shikamaru sighed. Had Chouji forgotten?

In the first place, Shikamaru had gone out onto the streets with the intention of buying a wedding present. Hed bumped into Chouji by chance, and then theyd gotten to talking about what they should give.

Shikamaru was still undecided on what he would give as a present. After all, he had to think of something that both Naruto and Hinata would be happy with, and he was coming up pretty blank.

Shikamaru wasnt just inexperienced with wedding presents, he was a stranger to the practice of giving gifts in general.

In that case, it would be best for him to talk to someone who didnt neglect social frivolities like that. And while he was at it, it would be best to hear a womans opinion. Thus, Shikamaru had gone to visit Ino.

Yamanaka Flowers. That was the name of the shop that Inos family ran.

When Shikamaru went to talk to her about the matter, Ino had immediately started boasting that shed already decided on her gift. As to be expected of Ino. She was very well informed when it came to the latest trends and fashions.

As to be expected of a comrade from my team,Shikamaru thought, and felt relieved.

If thats the case, then itll be fine if I buy something from the same store as you. He said to Ino. Can you tell me where it is?

Eh? You cant copy the store. Forget it.

And thus, even though they were comrades who had faced fatal battles together, Shikamaru was immediately abandoned.

After that

I give up Shikamaru had grumbled as he wandered around, surveying the village shops. Hed bumped into Chouji at one of intersections, and found himself where he was now, at Yakiniku Q.

But apparently Chouji had forgotten the whole story in his meat-craze. Even now, he was eating some ice cream. When had Chouji ordered ice cream? Shikamaru didnt even try to figure it out. There were some things about Chouji that were beyond comprehension.

Honestly, when it came to the topic of finding a wedding present, Choujis opinion might not be as reliable as Inos.

However, where Shikamaru was worried about the wedding present, Chouji was perfectly at ease.

Actually, Ive more or less decided

Choujis response was so unexpected that Shikamaru shot up in his seat.

Youve really decided?! Whatre you getting them?

Yeah. Chouji said, slipping out a thin, rectangular piece of paper. Im thinking of giving this to them.

Chouji slid the item across the table, and Shikamaru picked it up so it wouldnt get wet.

This is

Shikamaru couldnt believe his eyes. This was a complimentary ticket for a meal to one of the most expensive Ryotei restaurants in Konoha.

Young adults like us dont usually go to places like that, Chouji said, with a grin. But since its a wedding gift, it works.

It was exactly as Chouji said. This restaurant was extremely formal and extremely expensive, so many young adults didnt usually go there. But a complimentary ticket for a meal there, as a wedding gift, was a thing of pure brilliance.

It was a chance for the couple to go somewhere they didnt go often, and it was a thoughtful wedding gift that they would both enjoy. There couldnt possibly be another wedding gift as thoughtful as this.

But while it might have been an amazing wedding present, how could Chouji so easily let of a meal, and a high class one at that?

Chouji, are you really the same guy I knew? Youve really become far more of an adult than Id ever realised.

Shikamaru was staring in turns at the elegant ticket in his hands, and then to Choujis face as he happily ate his ice cream. He was dumbfounded.

Chouji continued eating his ice cream without being aware of his friends staring. Soon enough, hed started on a second bowl.

Plus, it came with such good timing, Chouji said as he licked. That meal for three

At first, Shikamaru didnt understand the meaning behind what Chouji had said. A moment passed, and comprehension dawned. Sweat appeared on Shikamarus forehead.

You couldnt possibly Shikamaru meekly asked, feeling shocked for a completely different reason. Youre not going to.eatwith them?

Chouji looked up from his ice cream with a great laugh. No way. Even if its me, Im not about to intrude on a meal between two newly-weds.

R- rightyeah, that would be.

Im going to ask a favour from the owner, and eat at a separate table.

Seriously?

Without thought, Shikamaru looked up at the ceiling. The ceiling fan was spinning around without stop as always.

The ceiling fan that continued to steadily spin around in silence. Chouji, who continued to quietly but determinedly eat his ice cream.

Soon, lunchtime had already passed, and the customers in the restaurant became sparse. Peace had returned again to Yakiniku Q.

Listening to the faint sound of the whirling ceiling fan in the now quiet store, Shikamaru continued worrying by himself.

A complimentary high class meal.

That was the present Chouji had prepared. It definitely didnt have any bad sides to it.

But

While it might not have had its bad side, why in the world was it for three people? That ryotei restaurant shouldve thought about how frequently couples would want to go and be alone, lovers with no interruptions. Had that ryotei no sense? If it was three people, then of course Chouji would end up going!

Shikamaru inwardly criticised the policies of a restaurant hed never been to with a sour look on his face.

His mind imagined Naruto and Hinata getting a little dressed up for the uncommon chance to eat at a high class ryotei restaurant.

And, then, in the seat behind them. Chouji. Ordering a second serving of his food as he attentively watched over them.

would that really work out okay?

No, right now, Chouji was fine as he was. In a way, it was a very Chouji-esque gift. Right now, the bigger problem was Shikamaru himself, whod still yet to think of anything. He had to devote his thinking process to coming up with something.

Shikamaru straightened in his seat, and silently closed his eyes.

Whenever Shikamaru was thinking deeply about something for example, his next move in his favourite game of shougi, or a complicated strategy in the middle of a mission he had the habit of sitting in a certain way as he thought. He didnt purposely try to get into that position. It happened naturally. It was the position that he could think best in.

On that note, nobody wouldve ever expected Shikamaru to end up resorting to his thinking position in the middle of Yakiniku Q. He himself hadnt even expected that things would come to this.

Shikamaru gathered his thoughts inside his head. Something that would be suitable as wedding presentseveral possibilities and options floated across his mind.

First off, it would be best if the gift was something practical and helpful. Kitchen appliances, or cookware. A good present would be something that the couple didnt already own.

Dinnerware was popular lately, wasnt it? Matching bowls for a couple to use were a good possible option.

Watches maybe, or a picture frame for the wedding photos, too. They seemed to fit the standard. Presents that could serve as happy memories of their wedding were good. But they also had to be presents that would hold interest to both of them.

Either way, he couldnt get the same present as another person. After all, Ino had kicked up such a fuss over even getting something from the same shop, so getting the same present as someone else was logically just as bad, if not worse.

The wedding was soon, so maybe getting a large bouquet would work as a gift? In its own way, it was a very wedding-gift-like thing.

There was also the option of getting them foodstuff. High class ingredients, like pastries or tea, those would be happily received wouldnt they? But then that seemed like it would end up being similar to Choujis gift of a high class meal.

But no, honestly it would be fine if he ended up giving them a gift certificate of some kind like Chouji had, wouldnt it? He could earn a gift certificate from a department store. Hed just have to buy enough things that he liked, and it would be easy to choose things he liked But then how would he afford buying enough to earn a gift certificateMoney wasmoney

Shikamaru slowly opened his eyes. Chouji was still eating ice cream.

What to do

At the end, one word had come to float pragmatically at the front of his mind: money.

It was a good angle to focus on. Rather than getting the couple something they couldnt use, or something that was similar to someone elses gift, it was far better to give them money to spend on anything they liked.

But then, there was the thought of how it would look if everyone else gave Naruto and Hinata gifts, and then Shikamaru just went here you go with an envelope of money.

Since its me, then theyd probably think that I thought shopping for a gift was too troublesome, and resorted to giving money out of laziness, wouldnt they?

He was worried about that possibility.

In reality, it was likely that nobody would think such a thing. But honestly, giving money was an incredibly wearisome gift choice.It felt like it didnt have any sincerity.

It wouldve been okay to give it to someone I barely knew, but to themit wouldnt be okay, would it?

Shikamaru was still worrying without an end. Similarly, Chouji was still eating without an end.

Youve eaten a lot. Shikamaru suddenly noted the countless bowls of ice cream piled up in front of Chouji. You dont feel cold at all?

It feels nice and cool after eating all that hot barbecue. Plus, Im the kind of guy wholl be travelling in Snow Country and still go and buy ice cream to eat. My appetite doesnt lose to the cold. Chouji grinned at his friend, and as he finished his latest bowl, finally seemed content. Gochisousama*.

Wait. Wait a minute. Now. Just now, something had sparked inside Shikamarus head.

Choujiwhat did you just say?

Huh? Well, I said gochisousama

No. Before that. About travelling in Snow Country.

Ah, yeah, I said Id still eat ice cream even if I was travelling in Snow Country. But you know I was just giving an example?

Thats it. Shikamaru looked delighted as he pointed at Chouji. Travelling. A trip. Thats good, isnt it? A trip for their honeymoon!

Shikamaru and Chouji left Yakiniku Q without any particular next destination in mind. They were just aimlessly walking around. It didnt matter if they did or didnt have a goal in mind. Shikamaru was finally free of his worries on what to get.

I get it, youre going to give Hinata and Naruto a honeymoon trip as a gift, right?

Yeah, Chouji. Thanks to you, I finally thought up a good idea.

Now, all Shikamaru had to do was select the destination. Then, go and give it the once over to make sure everything was of good quality.

Ah. He was going to have to ask for a womans opinion again, wasnt he?

Where would he be able to find Ino? According to what shed said when he visited her earlier about thinking of a gift, she would probably be on her way to buy her wedding gift

As he and Chouji walked around, Shikamaru started glancing around storefronts.

Are you looking for someone, Shikamaru? I can help.

Yeah, I want to hear a womans opinion. Itd be good if Ino was around.

That being said, Konoha was a huge city.

The fact that Shikamaru and Chouji had managed to meet up while just walking around without the same destination in mind had been a great coincidence. If they now managed to bump into Ino, then itd be a coincidence on top of a coincidence for all of Team 10s combo, the Ino-Shika-Chou to be gathered in one spot.

The chances of them bumping into each other without any communication beforehand were, obviously, pretty much zero to none. Even if such a coincidental gathering of friends had happened in a fictional play or movie, the audience would have criticised it severely, calling it an series of impossible coincidences.

Just as Shikamaru thought that, Chouji let out a murmur.

Oh, look whos here.

Youre kidding me right?!Shikamarus voice rose to a hysteric volume in his surprise.

Reality was indeed an amazing thing. Surprising coincidences that seemed to come out of novels, like randomly meeting teammates, happened all the time.

However, the sight that greeted Shikamaru after he let out his yell of surprise was a coincidence that was going to stun him even more.

Shikamarus line of sight had him looking at the back of a womans head. Her hair didnt reach down to her knees like his teammates did. This womans hair was somewhat short, and tied into two bundles. She was a completely different person, and the sight of her made Shikamarus eyes widen despite himself.

The woman in front of them was a jounin from Konohas ally SunagakureTemari.

Many people were always coming and going from Konoha, not just shinobi from other villages like Temari. There were shinobi coming to receive missions, shinobi returning from missions, clients who gave missions, and a great more variety of people. There was a continuous stream of visitors coming and going.

Of course, that didnt mean just anyone could come in. Those at the village gates always kept an eye out for suspicious looking people or dangerous objects, inspecting and questioning visitors.

Temari, for example, was a shinobi from another village who carried a large tessen on her back. It was her favourite weapon of choice, a war fan that let her create a devastating gust of wind with one swing.

But dangerous as her weapon was, Temari was a shinobi from an allied village, and there had been years of trust and cooperation between her and Konoha, so she was naturally given a permit to bring her tessen within the city limits. Shed also easily passed through the interview to get a visitors pass, and had been issued one a long time ago.

This very same Temari now turned around at Shikamarus surprised yell, and noticed the two. Her eyes met Shikamarus.

What, so its you who yelled. Whatre you doing?

Shikamaru had let out such a hysteric yell because hed been surprised at the coincidence of Chouji supposedly finding Ino.

Now, he did his best to answer Temaris question in a serene, unruffled tone, despite how the insides of his heart felt like they were jittering.

O-oh yeah. We were just eating lunch and then well, that aside, whatre you?

Im going around giving my greetings prior to the Chuunin Exam meetings.

Chuunin exams? We still have a way to go until they start, dont we?

Well, you could say that this year were having meetings about the meetings. Temari gave a wry smile. She had a lot of troublesome duties to carry out.

Temari was the Yondaime Kazekages daughter, and the current Godaime Kazekages elder sister. She was a sharp and capable person who aided her younger brother with her flourishing activities in diplomacy with other villages. Like today, she would casually come and go from Konoha to participate in meetings planning for the Chuunin Exams.

Shikamaru drew a little closer to Chouji so Temari wouldnt hear, and hissed into his ear.

Oi, Chouji! Whyd you go and say look whos here? I thought it was definitely Ino and

But if you need a womans opinion, it doesnt reallymattereven if it isnt Ino

Th-thats true, but Shikamaru glanced back at Temari.

Temari was the best wind user in Sunagakure. No, she was probably the best wind user in the whole world of shinobi, or if not, second. She stood out for her accomplishments in diplomacy and rearing shinobi in non-combatant areas, but her personality was militant. She was audacious and bold at heart, and generally suited to the battlefield with her belligerent attitude.

It was likely because her personality was like that that she did so well in politics, but would it really be okay to ask Temari, a woman who woke gale after gale to do away with enemies on the battlefield, her opinion on a honeymoon for Naruto and Hinata? Her personality was completely different from Hinatas.

Temari was strong-willed and constantly looking after others, and both those qualities made her the same type of woman as Shikamarus mother. It wasnt likely that she would think of something that someone meek like Hinata would like.

On that note, Inos personality was different from Hinatas too. But, Ino had been classmates with Naruto and Hinata since childhood, so consulting with her seemed easier.

Ino would probably gladly give a consultation about Naruto and Hinatas honeymoon. She was the type to point out all the latest trends and all.

ButTemarisreaction to being asked to consult, that was something Shikamaru couldnt imagine.

What, a honeymoon? Temari said, her eyes losing their warmthas she looked disdainfully at him. Youre sure asking me about something pointless.

That was the only reaction that was coming to Shikamarus mind.

Whatre you two sneaking around for? Temari had a doubtful look on her face. You look suspicious.

He quickly had to somehow mend the situation but

Shikamaru wants to ask you about something.

But Chouji acted first.

Wellyou Shikamaru got flustered as Temari turned her gaze to him.

He couldnt possibly say something like it would be unreasonable of me if I asked you about planning a honeymoon, right?. There was no choice but to be frank about it.

Well, thats, I mean He kept stuttering.

For some reason, hed gotten tense. Shikamaru felt strangely embarrassed. He couldnt even look Temari in the eyes. Finally, he blurted out:

Ive been thinking about it, but, for a honeymoon, where do you think is good?

Eh?! Temari let out an incredibly stunned sound.

What?! Startled himself at her reaction, Shikamaru could look her in the face now, staring.

You- tha- ho- honeymoon?!

Temari wouldnt look at him.

See, hed been right after all, asking her was rude. Of course Temari would be troubled if he asked her to help with picking Naruto and Hinatas wedding gift. Even Shikamaru had been having trouble with it, and he was their classmate

Ugh, Chouji, you shouldnt have meddled.Shikamaru glared at the man with several grudging comments on his tongue. Chouji pretended not to notice and averted his gaze to look in a shop window.

While glaring unpleasantly towards the man, Shikamaru tried to switch the situation around.

The end result was that the damage was already done, so he might as well hear her opinion.

Sorry. Shikamaru apologised. I know its unexpected, but I want to hear your thoughts.

Wh- why ask about th- that to me? Temari looked incredibly bewildered and flustered. It was perfectly understandable.

Well, I guess because I thought asking you would be best

Well, he couldnt say anyone would do as long as theyre a woman when she looked like she was seriously considering it. That would be incredibly rude. Even Shikamaru knew that.

A-asking me would be best She said.

For some reason, Temari was looking down and uneasily fidgeting. Shikamaru was convinced it was because she was troubled by the question. This wasnt good. At this rate, there would be no progress. It would be best to offer his opinion first.

I think itd be good to relax at a hot spring inn, but what do you think? It doesnt sound too old fashioned?

Iit seems fine

Alright, great. Im glad. An inn by the hot springs with good food is the best, huh.

Temari had approved his idea. Shikamaru could feel all his worry draining away. Hed been worrying all morning, and now he finally gave a relieved smile. It would be a fine wedding present for Naruto and Hinata.

Temari, on the other hand, looked like her composure had been disturbed.

Dont tell me you still have some business to take care of? He asked.

That was likely it. Temari had come here on business after all. She was probably bothered because hed kept her busy with this consultation.

Ah, no, Im done for today I was about to go home.

?

She didnt have any duties to carry out, but she was restless. Shikamaru tilted his head, confused at her response. Temari was acting odd today. What could be causing it?

Itd be best to check out some inns later, right? Chouji suggested, and Shikamaru pulled himself out of those thoughts to concentrate back on the gift problem.

Thats right. Shikamaru nodded. Itd be best to go and take a good look as soon as possible.

Its still pretty early, so even going today would work, right?

Yeah. Itd probably be best to do that.

Then, Chouji said, Im going to head off to eat some sweet chestnuts, so you two should go check it out.

Eh?!Shikamaru and Temari both exclaimed at the same time.

Flustered, Shikamaru looked at his friend.

Cho- Chouji! What do you mean youre not coming with?!

Mmm, sorry Shikamaru. I have to eat dessert after meals.

You just ate!

I have separate room for dessert.

Im telling you, you just ate dessert!

As they kept exchanging retorts, Shikamaru glanced at Temari. She was probably angry at Choujis sudden selfish behaviour too, because her face was slowly turning bright red.

Oi, oi, oi, this isnt the time for jokes. Chouji, change your mind. Women arent to be made angry, it will always end up turning into a troublesome situation, I learned that way back when I was a kid!

Shikamaru was desperately trying to communicate these pleas with his eyes, but Chouji wouldnt change his mind.

Youre checking it out for a honeymoon, so itd be better if you two went by yourselves.

Chouji said such a thing with a wide grin.

It was too reasonable for Shikamaru to argue against. Anyone would agree that it would make more sense for a man and woman to go check out an inn beforehand, rather than two men. That way, you got both the bride and grooms point of view.

But, right now, with Temari reacting in ways Shikamaru didnt understand, and her face looking bright red with what had to be rage, going alone with her would be

Shikamaru felt his face drain of colour.

Well then, Ill see you two later. Chouji said, starting to walk. Im heading off.

Ah By the time Shikamaru could make a sound, it was too late.

Chouji merely glanced over his shoulder at his friend, waved a hand, and then disappeared into the crowd.

Shikamaru had gone completely and utterly still in utter dumbfoundment.

Why Chouji? Why did you want to eat sweet chestnuts that much? Even though you ate that much ice cream, why? Does your stomach hold no end?

Those were the thoughts streaming through his numb, stunned mind.

Even though the streets of Konoha were always bustling with activity, the place where Shikamaru and Temari stood seemed strangely inactive. It was almost like they had a barrier around them. They were both wrapped up in a dense silence.

Shikamaru was too frightened to look Temari in the eyes.

Uh His mouth moved despite himself. How should Iwhat do you want to do?

Those were the words that came out of his mouth.

Im an idiot.

But, just then

Shikamaru felt an abrupt tug on his sleeve.

Ill go. Temari quietly said, not looking at him.

How did the atmosphere get like this?

In a short while, Shikamaru and Temari had made their way to where Konohas hot spring town was.

On the way, they hadnt talked much.

Shikamaru had tried to bring up small talk to see how shed react, but Temaris replies had been short and curt, and the unsettling atmosphere between them had continued.

Why is there such a puzzling tension?

Shikamaru averted his eyes to look aheadso he wasnt meeting the huntressno, Temaris eyes, feeling sweat perspiring against his forehead. He tried to objectively, and calmly analyse the situation.

To start with, it wasnt unusual for him and Temari to be alone together.

Rather, it was common. In the past, he had guided her around the village, and theyd eaten together along with having meetings about work. There was even the fact that hed gone outside his usual behaviour and asked her on a date.

Well, he said date, but in the end theyd done what they always did, talking about light things, and then next thing he knew ending up talking aboutwork without him noticing.** But, at that time, things hadnt been as tense as they were now. Far from it, the whole day of their date hadnt been bad at all.

Despite all that, why were things so tense today? Why did the atmosphere feel so strained? Why wasnt Temari talking to him?

Shikamaru desperately wracked his brain for answers.

The most likely cause was that deep down, Temari was fed up of being dragged into a troublesome matter. Hed prompted her about her plans for the rest of the day, and after saying she had none, there had been no way for her to politely refuse to come, so now she was irritated at the trouble she had to go through. That was why things were different today. That was why she wasnt talking much.

But, if you looked at the root, this was all Choujis fault. Chouji and his stomachs sudden, unexplained craving for sweet chestnuts. And moreover, it was Choujis fault for bringing up the meddlesome suggestion it would be best for you two to go together and then disappearing. If he hadnt done those things, then at this time he and Shikamaru, or just Shikamaru himself, wouldve been doing the check up on a random inn.

Id never thought things would turn out with me coming here with Temari

It was a turn of events hed never have been able to imagine happening this morning. Hed never thought hed eat yakiniku with Chouji, and then bump into Temari, and then end up in this situation.

There mightve been that saying about how shinobi should look underneath the underneath but this wasnt something anyone couldve seen coming. Good grief, the world was beyond predicting.

While Shikamaru brooded, he and Temari crossed over a wooden bridge. There was a river streaming beneath it, with a light layer of steam rising from it. It was river from a hot spring. There was a slightly cloying smell to the water, kind of similar to eggs. It was the hydrogen sulphide that was blended into the hot spring water.

The source was the volcanic belt Konoha was located atop of. A good large quantity of hot springs were present in this area, so much that in the old days the hot springs had been known as a healing area for injured shinobi. Now it was a tourist hot spot for attracting people from and outside the village.

They were passing a lot of such tourists as they travelled.

Most of the tourists were usually dressed in yukata, with geta wooden sandals or leather soled sandals, and clothing that had the name of the inn or institute they were staying at. That seemed to be the general dress code of the town. It was good for visiting the hot springs, or just walking around.

Health and entertainment. The town had obviously developed by combining those two things, and many things other than inns could be found. Restaurants, game centres, souvenir shops, and various other shops were lined up all around. Another enjoyable side to this town would be just walking around and visiting all of them.

Shikamaru and Temari had passed by a lot of such stores. Most of the storefronts had wicker baskets where meat dumplings that had been cooked with the steam of the hot springs sat in rows, looking nice and pretty. Souvenir shops had postcards and wooden carvings aimed at tourists, along with shinobi goods. Here and there, you could see bags and bottles that were stuffed with hot spring mineral deposits as well. The hot springs were a truly valuable source of income for the town.

Shikamaru was looking for an inn to check out amidst all the establishments. The sun was already setting in the west, and in a short time, night had fallen.

The lanterns in front of the stores and buildings started to light up, one by one. Their lights were the only illuminations in the town after the dark had fallen, and the sight of all those brightly lit lanterns amidst the darkness and wisps of steam that enshrouded the town was pretty breathtaking.

It looks amazing Temari murmured.

Yeah Shikamaru quietly agreed. Then, he turned to her. Hey, we took all the trouble to come here, so how about we drop by the town shops?

Temari had finally spoken of her own volition when shed commented on the scenery. The towns beautiful scenery seemed to have eased away the tension, and Shikamaru wanted to take advantage of that. Theyd taken all the trouble to come here, after all. They werent about to get punished from above for dropping by a store or two.

Youre right. Temari said, looking around. Thenhow about that shop?

The shop she was pointing to was a small one, with a sign that said target practice at the front. It looked like the sort of place that had three wooden kunai for you to throw and hit several prizes on shelves, and if you could knock a prize over, then you could have it.

You sure youre fine with that? He asked.

Yeah. I wanted to try that kind of thing just once.

I dont really understand, but it looks like her spirits are back to normal

Temaris eyes were shining as she ducked under the wooden sign in front of the shops entrance, and Shikamaru felt relieved at the sight of her. He followed her in.

The inside of the shop was surprisingly crowded.

Passing his eye over the other customers, they were likely mostly lovers, a lot of young men and women. For some reason, Shikamaru was unable to feel calm.

Temari had already picked up a wooden kunai and thrown it. It barely grazed the side of the targeted prize, slipping away into the darkness behind it. She picked up another one, and threw once more. This time, her aim was off much more, not even coming close.

Hm? Temari was tilting her head in puzzlement.

Oi, oi, whats up? He asked. Its rare for you to miss a target.

Forget playing target games, both Shikamaru and Temari handled kunai in their usual everyday lives. And furthermore, those were real ones. It was impossible for her to miss twice.

No, the thing is, theyre too light to throw well. Temari said, handing the wooden kunai to him.

Ah, I see. They are way too light. Far more different than the usual ones. Itd be hard to throw this.

Shikamaru understood the second he felt the wooden kunais light weight in his hand.

But, if thats the problem, Shikamaru said, handling the wooden kunai, Then if you just find the centre of gravity and adjust, you should be able to throw it, likethis!

He threw the wooden kunai. He threw it with much more force than he did his usual kunai.

It missed completely.

Hm?

Now Shikamaru was tilting his head in puzzlement, too.

After their target practice had ended, the two of them were back to searching for the inn.

Temari was carrying one small daruma, and another equally small cat figurine. They were the only two prizes that Shikamaru had managed to drop after he had paid his own way through several more tries.

But to think that after all those attempts, only these two tiny prizes were gained. Shikamaru couldnt help but feel like that cost-effectiveness of that shop was in question.

But, Shikamaru was still a pro. Throwing the wooden kunai again and again had helped him get use to the weight. Even with all the practice, those wooden kunai were unbelievably tricky. You couldnt possibly hope to practice enough to hit a big prize without paying a big amount of money too. Shikamaru had realised that very quickly. No, in fact, you could spend as much money on practice as you wanted, and it would probably still be impossible to hit the big prizes.

Shikamaru felt sorry for all the couples at the shop hed seen, letting out sounds like kyaa! and awww as they aimed at prizes they were never going to be able to hit.

If theyd just been a little heavierwell, to sum it up, the wooden kunai were so far from real kunai that it was almost impossible to knock over anything with them.

If possible, Shikamaru would have liked to throw a real kunai.

At the shopkeeper.

But either way, seeing as he wasnt allowed to use a real kunai, hed thought it would be better to hit what he could rather than to keep aiming for the impossible and go away with nothing.

What he could being the small daruma and cat figurine***. They had been the smallest prizes in the shop. Their loss wasnt any great blow to the shopkeepers stock. The shopkeeper really had a brilliant strategy.

Sorry He said to Temari, I couldnt get anything other than those

Speaking of which, itd be really bad if hed gotten so used to throwing the light wooden kunai that his aim with real kunai got affected.

Heh, theyre the perfect size for carrying back home. Temari replied with a grin.

She wasnt being sarcastic. Those were her honest feelings. Every now and then, Temari had times she smiled innocently like this.

Thesell be great souvenirs for my brothers. She said.

Come to think of it, she was right. The number of prizes was just right. But, that brought up the questionbetween Gaara and Kankurou, who would be given the daruma and who would be given the cat figurine? He wasnt sure, but either way, itd be something to smile at if you saw it.

Temari always did think about her brothers.

Temari was humming something under her breath as she looked at the prizes in her hands. She looked like she was in a good mood.

Alright thenwe should get around to picking an inn, right? Shikamaru said. Oh, how about here?

Shikamaru had come to a standstill, looking up at a nearby inn. It was magnificently structured, with a very historic feeling. The paper lanterns glowing faintly at the sides of its gates felt like they were giving a gentle welcome to guests. It looked like they had a pretty large pond too.

From the outside, everything looked fine, but the main focus of their visit was the hot springs and the meals. Itd be a problem if everything just looked decent but was actually bad quality.

Yup, best to go in and have a look. Shikamaru nodded. Just one quick overall assessment would be enough.

He turned to go towards the inn, but at that exact moment, Temaris footsteps stopped.

Whats wrong? He looked over his shoulder to check on her.

Ah well after all how to say this Temari was looking down and uneasily fidgeting.

Again? Just when hed thought that the usual Temari had returned. What in the world was going on?

So its just at the end Im not yet Im not mentally prepared She muttered, not looking at him and fiddling with the daruma and cat figurine in her hands.

Mentally prepared? For what?

Maybe she felt awkward in front of such a fancy looking place?

If such a high class place had prices that were too high for him to afford, then of course Shikamaru was going to give up. Hed think it was a shame, but he would. But they wouldnt ever know without going in and checking the place out. Whether his decision would be to go for it or pass, hed still have to look at the rooms and hot springs. He had no way to work around it. It was going to be a problem if they just gave up right in front of the places doors.

Temari, for now how about we just go in, and then you can think about it. Okay?

I itll be too late to think about once we go in. I could get carried away with the atmosphere, so

What do you mean?!

He absolutely couldnt understand what Temari was saying. Shikamaru was at his wits end.

What on the world was going on? The atmosphere? Did she mean the old-fashioned atmosphere of the inn? Carried away? Swept away? Was she talking about the pond? He didnt understand a thing.

However, he knew one thing for a fact:

Theres definitely something wrong with Temari today.

Shikamaru looked carefully at Temaris face, staring as he gave her a once over. Temari hurriedly looked away from his gaze. As she did, her face was turning bright red.

You Shikamaru slowly said. Dont tell me you

He put his hand on Temaris forehead. She let out a startled sound, her whole body shivering with a jolt. It was probably because his hand was cold.

Youre burning up, arent you? He asked.

Temaris forehead felt slightly warm. But, it didnt look like a fever. On the other hand, she had turned bright red up to her ears.

I Im heading home, so She stiffly said, awkwardly moving away and turning to go back.

She was clearly acting completely different than usual. For the usual lively Temari to suddenly be so frail-like, it had to mean that while she may not have had a fever, there was something wrong with her health. There wasnt any other explanation.

Oi, oi, do me a favour and wait. Its already dark out, and if your physical condition is bad then thats all the more reason you should rest here for just one night. Its alright. Ill quickly set out the futon for you.

Shikamaru had said that because he was worried about Temari, but it looked like hed said something he shouldnt have, because Temari suddenly started running away from him at full power.

Shikamaru stared, dumbfounded, at the sight of her running full throttle.

Well, at least her health seemed fine after all. But wait, he had to catch up to her!

Shikamaru started running, too.

Hed finally been able to come all this way with her, if they went back right at the doors of the inn, then thered have been no point. He absolutely had to get Temaris advice on what would make for a better honeymoon trip.

After all, it wasnt just for Naruto, it was for Hinata too. Just a mans point of view wouldnt be enough. He had to have a womans point of view. He had to hear the opinion on the womens side of the spa, on the yukatas, on the service given to women, all sorts of things that a man couldnt judge on his own.

Shikamaru put his full concentration into chasing after Temaris back. He reached out to catch her with a hand.

This isnt gonna work if Im by myself, this isnt gonna work by myself!

Shikamarus hand reached its mark. Hed managed to catch Temari by the arm.

Tightening his hold on her, Shikamaru yelled, Please just wait! I need you!

Temari had forcibly come to a stop, and now looked over her shoulder at him. For some reason, her eyes looked a bit wet.

They were both panting, totally out of breath. The dim lit of nearby lanterns illuminated their faces slightly, Shikamarus shadow falling on Temari.

Maybe shed calmed down, because her face wasnt red anymore.

The light given off by the lanterns illuminated Temaris face, whichlooked even more mature than usual.

Shikamaru unconsciously ended up gazing at her.

He was enveloped in a mysterious feeling. Like being in the middle of a dream.

Is it really alrightif its me? Temari quietly asked.

Those words pulled Shikamaru abruptly back to his senses, and he gathered his wits again. He nodded firmly.

Yeah, it wont do if its not you! He said seriously, After all, I cant go into the womens side of the hot spring!

ha? For a brief moment, Temaris jaw dropped. Uhm? What are yousaying?

Shikamaru was bewildered by the look she was giving him, like she was suddenly suspicious of him. It was a strange reaction to his reply. But for now, it was best to verify what they both were thinking.

No matter how you look at it, I wont be able to go to the womens side of the hot springs, right?

Obviously! She sounded a little indignant. What are you suddenly

She was well-aware of the situation, good. As expected of Temari.

In that case,