Chapter 2

Shikamaru hears Kankuro's parting shot. He can pretty much sum himself up with one word. Useless. Kankuro is right. Shikamaru opens his eyes, while reclining on the sand, to stare at the sky. The sky is so blue that it hurts to look at it. Sometimes, Shikamaru wishes for a few clouds to make the seemingly endless sky less harsh.

Shikamaru's eyes drifts close and the next thing he hears is his father's voice reprimanding him for being unable to control his shadows. Then his mother, Karura would intervene on his behalf, saying he's just a boy, too young to be able to do what his father asks him to.

"You're going to be a strong shinobi someday, Kamaru." His mom would smile and Shikamaru would smile back.

"Just like dad, mom?" he excitedly asked.

"No, son. You're going to be better than your father." Karura's smile seemed not to reach her eyes.

His mom's smile was fast disappearing. Then he saw her crying and shouting at his father, "You will not do that to my child!"

"I can and I will. It's too late for it to be Shikamaru." The fourth Kazekage removed his wife's pleading arms from around his own. "My third son will be the ultimate weapon of Suna."

"You are going to make him into a monster! I will not allow you to do it." Karura's voice had the strength of her convictions.

Little Shikamaru watched this from his secret corner. Someday he is going to be a strong shinobi. His mother told him so and he swore he is going to protect her.

But his mother continued to cry. And the day she stopped crying, Gaara was born. Shikamaru was just three. He is still considered weak but the reason for him to get stronger is now gone.

Shikamaru wakes up. The sands of Suna still surround him while its harsh blue sky encloses him.