A Fated Encounter

The setting sun cast long shadows through the Nara household, filtering through the window and illuminating the shogi board where Shikamaru and his father, Shikaku, faced off. The rhythmic click of the shogi pieces provided a familiar backdrop as Shikamaru recounted the day's events.

He spoke of the doctor's visit, Hikari's hesitant steps with the crutches, and the surprising appearance of Lady Tsunade. He described Hikari's name, Hikari, meaning "light," and how it seemed to fit her spirit perfectly.

Shikaku listened intently, his keen eyes studying both the shogi board and his son. He noticed a subtle change in Shikamaru, a flicker of animation in his voice when he spoke of Hikari. It was a rare expression – a hint of something beyond the usual stoicism Shikamaru wore like a cloak.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Shikaku chuckled.

"Sounds like you've made a new friend, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru's cheeks flushed a faint pink, the color barely noticeable against his tanned skin.

"She's just someone who needs help, that's all," he mumbled, defensively pushing a stray strand of hair out of his face.

"Remember what you said, about the puzzles and unraveling secrets?"

Shikaku's smile widened, the amusement clear on his face.

"Of course I remember," he said, his voice mild. "But sometimes, Shikamaru, the most intriguing puzzles aren't just about mysteries and secrets. Sometimes, they're about the people you meet along the way."

Shikaku captured a piece, shifting the balance of the game. Shikamaru frowned, his focus momentarily shifting back to the board. However, his father's words echoed in his mind, planting a seed of doubt.

Could it be true? Was there more to his concern for Hikari than just a sense of duty?

Shikaku, sensing his son's inner turmoil, placed a reassuring hand on Shikamaru's shoulder.

"It's okay, Shikamaru," he said gently. "There's nothing wrong with feeling a sense of… care for someone. It doesn't make you any less of a ninja."

A weight lifted from Shikamaru's chest. His father understood. He always did. Perhaps, amidst the chaos and mystery surrounding Hikari, a different kind of puzzle had begun to form, one that Shikamaru wasn't quite ready to name, but one his father recognized all too well.

With a newfound clarity, Shikamaru studied the shogi board, strategizing his next move. The game continued.
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The afternoon sun bathed the hospital room in a warm glow. Shikamaru tiptoed through the door, his heart an erratic drum against his ribs. Today was different. Today, the weight of unspoken feelings seemed heavier, a knot tightening in his stomach he couldn't quite explain.

He found Hikari slumbering on the bed, a peaceful serenity washing over her features. Her auburn hair, still a bit wild from sleep, fanned across her cheek.

A pang, unfamiliar and sweet, shot through him at the sight. It was ridiculous, he thought, chastising himself. He was twelve, for the god's sake!

Still, he couldn't deny the way his gaze lingered on her sleeping form, longer than necessary, longer than just checking on her recovery.

He placed the vial of medicine his father had prepared on the bedside table, the sound jarring her awake. Hikari blinked sleepily, her blue eyes fluttering open. A soft smile graced her lips as she saw him.

"Shikamaru," she rasped, her voice still weak but regaining its melody. "You're here."

He nodded, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Just checking in," he mumbled, his usual nonchalance failing him miserably. He hated how awkward he felt around her, how his tongue seemed permanently glued to the roof of his mouth.

Hikari propped herself up on her elbows, her curiosity piqued. "Is there something else you want to say?" she asked gently.

He stared at his hands, tracing the lines on his palm. How could he explain this feeling? This jumble of concern, curiosity, and something… more? Words seemed to fail him. He wasn't used to this, to dissecting emotions instead of analyzing strategies.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. He picked up a stray leaf from outside the window, its vibrant green a stark contrast against the white sheets.

"This leaf," he started, his voice barely a whisper, "it's fallen from its tree. It's weak, lost, doesn't know where to go."

Hikari's brow furrowed in confusion, but she listened intently.

"But," he continued, placing the leaf in her hand, "it still holds the potential to grow again, to find its place in the sun."

He met her gaze, a silent question hanging in the air. Hikari's eyes softened with understanding.

"Thank you, Shikamaru," she said, her voice sincere. "I needed that reminder."

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Maybe his attempt at expressing his concern wasn't so bad after all.

Even if he didn't quite understand his own feelings, he knew he wanted to see her smile again, to offer her strength like the sun offered life to the fallen leaf.
He rose from his chair, the awkwardness slowly waning.

"Get some rest," he said, his voice regaining its usual cadence. "You have a lot of recovering to do."

Hikari nodded, a playful glint entering her eyes. "And so do you," she whispered, gesturing to his blushing face. "From whatever has you flustered."

Shikamaru's blush deepened, a sputter escaping his lips before he could stop it. He cursed himself for being so easily flustered, for betraying his emotions so blatantly.
With a sheepish grin, he turned towards the door.

"Just… troublesome clouds," he mumbled, leaving Hikari with a giggle and a warm feeling blooming in his chest.
He may be too young to understand the exact nature of his feelings, but he knew one thing for certain – his visits to Hikari were no longer just about unraveling a mystery. They were also about a budding connection, a promise of something new, something that, like a young leaf, held the potential to blossom into something beautiful.
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The hospital room felt different today. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating a sight that made Shikamaru freeze at the doorway. Hikari, no longer confined to the bed, stood by the window, her back to him. Her auburn hair, which she usually wore loose, was now tied back in a neat side ponytail, revealing the graceful curve of her neck.

A jolt of surprise ran through Shikamaru. He wasn't used to seeing her fuss over her appearance. Yet, here she was, taking charge of her recovery, both physically and emotionally. It was a stark contrast to the fragile girl he first met, and a welcome change.

She turned, her smile as bright as the sunbeams dancing across her face.

"Shikamaru!" she chirped, her voice gaining strength with each passing day. "How do I look?"

Shikamaru felt his cheeks heat up. This unexpected question threw him off.

"Uh…" he stammered, searching for the right words. "You… look… stronger?"

It wasn't the most eloquent answer, but the awkwardness that flickered across her face quickly gave way to amusement. She laughed, a sound like wind chimes tinkling in a summer breeze.

"Stronger, huh?" she teased, her eyes twinkling. "Well, that's part of it, I guess."

Shikamaru felt a desperate need to redeem himself. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a simple bracelet he'd picked up on a whim earlier that day. It was woven from olive thread, a color that matched her eyes, with a tiny silver leaf charm dangling from it.

"This is for you," he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. "For your progress."

Hikari's smile softened. She took the bracelet gently, her fingers brushing his briefly. The touch sent a shiver down his spine, a sensation entirely new and exhilarating.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, holding the bracelet up to the light. "Thank you, Shikamaru."

She seemed about to say something more when a flicker of pain crossed her face. Her legs, still weak from disuse, buckled beneath her.

"Ugh.."

"Hikari!" Shikamaru cried, his instincts taking over. He darted across the room, catching her before she could hit the floor. Her face went pale, a weak pant escaping her lips.

He held her close, his arms a steady anchor as her breathing hitched. Panic threatened to rise, but he forced himself to remain calm.

"Easy there," he murmured, his voice soothing as he helped her regain her balance. "Just a little misstep. You're alright."

Hikari leaned heavily against him for a moment, a wave of dizziness washing over her. Slowly, color returned to her cheeks, and a sheepish smile tugged at her lips.

"Looks like I'm not quite as strong as I thought," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shikamaru looked down at her, his initial panic replaced by a surge of protectiveness. This sudden weakness only strengthened his resolve to see her fully recovered.

"You'll get there," he assured her, his voice firm yet gentle. "Just take it one step at a time."

Hikari nodded, her eyes meeting his. In that shared moment, a silent understanding passed between them. The path to recovery might be long, filled with stumbles and setbacks. The bracelet, nestled against Hikari's skin, seemed to shimmer.
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Shikamaru's strong arms had been a revelation to Hikari. Nestled against him, the world had shrunk to just his reassuring presence and the rapid beat of her own heart. Was it because she was still shaky from the near fall, or was there something more to the warmth that bloomed in her chest?

She replayed the scene in her mind, the way Shikamaru's face had etched with concern, his voice laced with a protectiveness she hadn't experienced before. A blush crept up her cheeks.

Could it be…? No, it was silly to think like that. She was still a patient, he was a regular visitor (as she learned that Shikamaru assigned to monitor her daily progress as his chuunin duty). Besides, she had her own past to unravel, a past shrouded in mystery.

Suddenly, a shadow fell across the room. Her heart lurched, a primal fear gripping her. A figure stood silhouetted against the moonlit window, cloaked in black with a chilling red cloud insignia emblazoned upon it.
Panic choked her throat.

Memories, fragmented and terrifying, flickered at the edge of her consciousness. Was this another nightmare? She tried to scream, but a hand clamped over her mouth, stifling the sound.

"Don't be afraid," a low voice murmured, surprisingly gentle. "It's just me, Itachi."

Itachi? The name sent a jolt through her, both familiar and foreign. Confusion battled with fear in her eyes.
He released her mouth, his movements deliberate and controlled.

"I apologize for this intrusion," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. "I came only to assess your condition. It seems you're recovering well."

Hikari stared at him, her mind reeling. Who was this guy in this dark cloak? Was this good or bad? What was his motive?

Sensing her confusion, Itachi continued.

"I understand you have many questions. Your memories are fractured, the events leading to your arrival in Konoha… unpleasant, to say the least. But rest assured, I have dealt with the source of your past suffering."

A flicker of surprise crossed Hikari's face. "You… dealt with them?"

"Indeed," he said, his expression unreadable. "You are safe now, under Konohagakure's protection. Just live your new life here. Rewrite your own story"

With that, he turned to leave, his figure dissolving into the shadows as quickly as he had appeared. Hikari sank back against the pillows, her mind a whirlwind. Strange guy Itachi, memories, a promise of answers. And Shikamaru, the boy whose arms had offered a brief, yet comforting, haven.

This was no ordinary recovery. It was a journey into the past, a confrontation with a darkness she barely remembered.
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Anxiety tightened in Shikamaru's stomach as he stood outside the Hokage's office. This wasn't part of the routine.

His daily visits to Hikari, the shared smiles, the quiet understanding – it had become a comforting constant in his otherwise predictable life. But today, that constant was disrupted.

Tsunade's face, usually etched with a gruff authority, held an uncharacteristic air of seriousness.

"Shikamaru," she greeted, her voice firm. "Come in."
A cold dread settled in Shikamaru's chest as he stepped inside. He braced himself for the news, already dreading what it might be.

"We need to talk about Hikari," Tsunade began, her eyes fixed on him. "There's been a change in plans."

Shikamaru's heart pounded.

"Change? What kind of change?"

"Her recovery is progressing faster than expected,"

Tsunade continued. "Therefore, we've decided to begin the interrogation process sooner."

Shikamaru's jaw clenched. Interrogation? Hikari? She was still weak, her memories fragmented. This felt brutal, inhumane even.

"But she's not ready!" he protested. "And besides, interrogations happen in the interrogation room, not a hospital bed!"

Tsunade sighed, a hint of understanding softening her features. "I understand your concern, Shikamaru. But we need answers, and Hikari is the key to unraveling this mystery. We'll make sure it's a gentle process, more of a conversation than anything."

"Gentle?" Shikamaru scoffed. "That doesn't make it right. She needs time, not pressure to remember everything!"
He saw a flicker of amusement cross Tsunade's face.

"Relax, Shikamaru," she said with a sly grin. "My team isn't here to play bad cop. Think of it as piecing together a puzzle, one memory at a time."

Shikamaru's anger subsided slightly, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. Tsunade, of course, wouldn't miss an opportunity to tease him. He still wasn't convinced, though.

Suddenly, Tsunade's expression turned serious.

"There's one more thing," she said, her voice grave. "Last night, we detected an Akatsuki member, Itachi Uchiha, visiting Hikari's room."

Shikamaru's blood ran cold.

Itachi? The very same figure that had appeared to Hikari the night before his last visit. A shiver ran down his spine

"What? Are you sure? What about Hikari's safety?"

"Calm down, Shikamaru," Tsunade assured him. "We managed to secure the hospital before any harm could be done. Unfortunately, Itachi escaped. But rest assured, Hikari is safe, probably safer than anyone else right now."

Shikamaru stared at Tsunade, his mind racing. Akatsuki, interrogation, a hidden past – the mystery surrounding Hikari deepened, and with it, his unease. He knew he wouldn't be able to completely stop the interrogation, but he would find a way to ensure Hikari wasn't pressured.

With a curt nod, Shikamaru left the Hokage's office, his usual lazy demeanor replaced by a steely resolve.
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Frustration gnawed at Shikamaru as he approached the hospital entrance. The familiar scent of disinfectant should have been a comfort, but today, it only fueled the anger simmering in his gut.

Tsunade's words echoed in his mind:
"Under the Fifth Hokage's order, you are forbidden to visit patient named Hikari."

He slammed his fist against the reception desk, startling the young woman behind it.

"What do you mean I can't see her?" His voice was a low growl.

The receptionist stammered. "I-I'm sorry, Shikamaru-kun, but Lady Tsunade has—"

Shikamaru cut her off, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "Tsunade can't just—"

A gentle hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to see Asuma, his sensei, standing beside him, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Easy there, Shikamaru," Asuma said calmly. "Hospital grounds are supposed to be peaceful, remember? Let's not cause a scene."

Shikamaru glared down at the desk, then took a deep breath, trying to control his temper.

"But Asuma-sensei, you don't understand. It's Hikari! They're practically interrogating her!"

Asuma led him away from the startled receptionist and towards a quieter corner.

"Look, I know this is frustrating," Asuma said, his voice low. "But trust me, Tsunade wouldn't do this unless it was absolutely necessary."

Shikamaru slumped against the wall, his anger giving way to a dejected sigh. "But she's still weak, Asuma-sensei. And besides, what right do they have to probe her memories like that?"

Asuma placed a hand on Shikamaru's shoulder again, a silent reassurance.

"They're looking for answers, Shikamaru. Answers that could protect both Hikari and Konoha. Remember Hikari is a stranger for Konoha people. Good or bad reason why she found in front of Konoha's gate, it might be risky if she exposed. And who knows, maybe your presence wouldn't be helpful right now."

Shikamaru shot Asuma a questioning look. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it," Asuma said, his voice turning serious.

"They might be trying to avoid anything that could trigger her memories prematurely. You, Shikamaru, are a connection to her recent past. Seeing you might disrupt the process."

The weight of Asuma's words settled on Shikamaru. He hadn't considered that. Maybe Tsunade wasn't trying to punish him, but rather protect both him and Hikari from unintentionally interfering with the interrogation.

"So what do I do?" Shikamaru asked, his voice devoid of its usual defiance.

Asuma smiled.

"You wait," he said. "You wait for Tsunade to reach out, for the interrogation to finish. And in the meantime, you focus on something else. Train, play shogi, take a nap under your favorite tree. But most importantly, trust that they'll take care of Hikari. She's in good hands, and so are you."

Shikamaru knew Asuma was right. He couldn't barge into the hospital and demand to see Hikari. It wouldn't help. He closed his eyes for a moment, picturing Hikari's smile, the way her eyes sparkled when they talked.

"Alright," he finally said, a hint of resolve returning to his voice. "I'll wait"

Asuma nodded, a proud smile gracing his features.

"That's the Shikamaru I know," he said. "Now, how about a game of shogi to take your mind off things?"

Shikamaru hesitated for a moment, then a flicker of his old self reappeared.

"Troublesome," he muttered, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "But alright, Asuma-sensei. Just one game, though."

And with that, Shikamaru turned away from the hospital, the frustration replaced by a quiet determination. He might not be able to see Hikari right now, but he wouldn't abandon her.

To be continued.