Shikamaru

In the forest, Shikai yawned and scratched his head.

"That was easier than expected," he thought with a smile.

Suddenly, a figure caught his attention. A lone figure walked, his worn clothes offering little protection against the biting cold.

'Naruto?'

"What are you doing here? You'll catch a cold, kid," Shikai said.

Naruto turned towards him, his brows furrowed.

"Huh? Who are you?" he challenged.

Before he could say more, Shikai appeared behind him and gave Naruto a light slap on the back of the neck, enough to knock him out without causing pain.

"Too many questions," he murmured, carrying Naruto over his shoulder.

*Yellow Flash*

In an instant, Shikai arrived at Naruto's apartment. Entering, he frowned at the state of the place. It was a mess, and the only provisions were instant ramen noodles.

He immediately got to work, cleaning at an inhuman speed. Then, he left an envelope containing pocket money on the table, along with a note:

"Buy some Ichiraku ramen. Or something else."

Before leaving, Shikai cast a final glance at the sleeping child.

"Minato-sensei, you've helped me a lot to reach this level. I'll make sure your son has a better future," he murmured, disappearing into the night.

***

*Back to the present*

Using her Byakugan, Hinata quickly healed herself. She walked through the streets of Konoha, her fingers gently clasping a necklace she wore around her neck. At the center of the pendant was a nacreous moonstone, imbued with a soft bluish glow. She often touched it, especially in moments of doubt. This stone, given to her by a mysterious boy named Shikai years ago, had been her comfort during her childhood.

As she approached Ichiraku Ramen, a gentle smile lit up her face. Remembering that encounter was always a balm for her heart.

She entered the restaurant, greeting the old man behind the counter timidly, and her gaze fell upon a familiar silhouette, standing near the cash register.

"Shi... Shikai-kun?"

Shikai stopped, raising a curious eyebrow. He turned his head and caught sight of a young girl standing behind him. She must have been around ten years old. Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment, and her fingers twisted nervously in front of her.

Shikai smirked.

"Hm? Yes, it's me. And you, what's your name?" he asked in a calm and warm tone, feigning as if he had forgotten.

The girl blushed even more, lowering her eyes.

"I... I'm Hinata. Hinata Hyūga."

Shikai looked at her kindly.

"Pleased to meet you, Hinata," he said, inclining his head slightly. "Something troubling you?"

Hinata timidly raised her eyes to him, hesitating.

"No... well... it's just that..." She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "I... I... You-"

Shikai raised an eyebrow, amused by the innocent admiration of the young girl.

"Yes?"

Hinata didn't know what to say. It seemed that Shikai had completely forgotten about her. And she felt embarrassed and ashamed.

Without saying a word, she turned and ran away.

'She was cute as a child... but that cuteness won't do her any good,' Shikai thought. 'Patience... a few more years, and I can finally reap the fruits of my labor, turning her into a real brat.'

Outside, Hinata, still troubled, ran with her head down. She didn't see the figure of Shikamaru walking distractedly towards her.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" Shikamaru exclaimed, annoyed, after Hinata collided with him head-on.

[N/A: Shikamaru, the GOAT!]

Hinata lifted her eyes to him, her cheeks still red from her previous embarrassment.

"I... I'm sorry, Shikamaru-kun," she bowed deeply before quickly slipping away.

Shikamaru watched her leave, raising an eyebrow.

"Hm? What's her problem? Oh well, doesn't matter."

With a sigh, he entered the restaurant, a little frustrated by the interruption.

Inside, Shikamaru caught sight of Shikai, who was about to pay the bill. Intrigued, he narrowed his eyes.

"Hey, you there!" he called out. He had the feeling that he knew him from somewhere.

Shikai turned slowly, an amused expression on his face.

"Well, Shikamaru. Long time no see."

Shikamaru crossed his arms, his gaze suspicious.

"You know me?"

"Of course. We could say we're sort of cousins," Shikai said, accompanying his statement with an enigmatic smile.

Shikamaru, not very impressed, raised an eyebrow.

"Cousin or not, it's convenient. Buy me a bowl of ramen, I'm broke and hungry."

Shikai feigned thought, opening his wallet to check.

"Hmm... let's see."

But instead of taking out money, he made a quick gesture, grabbing Shikamaru by the collar and lifting him slightly off the ground.

"How about we pay a visit to your aunt Yoshino instead, kid?" he said with a mischievous smile.

Shikamaru, panicked, started to struggle.

"Huh?! How does he know about my mom?! No, no, anything but that!"

The guy who had skipped school got caught by his mother. He had no choice but to run away. And since he hadn't had dinner yet, he decided to go to a popular restaurant. But it ended badly.

The old man behind the counter watched the scene with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"Well, it's always lively with the young ones," he grumbled.

Shikai, holding Shikamaru firmly, greeted the old man before leaving the restaurant, dragging the reluctant young Nara behind him.

"Come on, Shikamaru. A little detour won't kill you."

"You don't know my mom... she could!" Shikamaru grumbled, resigned.