A Fated Encounter

Days bled into weeks, then weeks into months. Shikamaru became a fixture outside the hospital, a silent sentinel against the imposing building that now felt like a fortress. He'd approach the reception desk, hoping for a sliver of good news, a chance to see Hikari, even if just for a moment.

But each time, the answer remained the same: "No visitors for patient Hikari under Lady Tsunade's orders."

Frustration gnawed at him.

Two months.

Two months of silence, of uncertainty about Hikari's well-being.

Was the interrogation even over? Had something gone wrong? The unanswered questions festered in his mind, a constant source of worry.

Then, a new storm brewed on the horizon.

Sasuke Uchiha, the village prodigy, had defected, leaving Konoha vulnerable. Tsunade summoned Shikamaru, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. He was tasked with forming a retrieval team, his mind pulled away from Hikari's plight.

Shikamaru moved with practiced efficiency, scouting Naruto's boisterousness, Neji's unwavering focus, Choji's boundless energy, and Kiba's unwavering agility. He assembled a team with the skill and synergy necessary for this crucial mission.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, Shikamaru stood before the towering gates of Konoha.

One last glance fell upon the hospital building, a silent promise echoing in his chest.

"I'll get to the bottom of this, Hikari," he murmured. "I'll find you answers, and I'll be back."

Leaving Konoha with the wind whipping through his hair, Shikamaru embraced his new purpose. The mission to retrieve Sasuke was paramount, but a spark of determination flickered within him.

He wouldn't let this detour distract him from his personal mission – to ensure Hikari's safety and unravel the mystery surrounding her past.

The pursuit of Sasuke was a necessary burden, a distraction, but Shikamaru wouldn't let it become an excuse.

He would find a way, amidst the chaos and danger, to keep his promise to that girl with the auburn hair. The road ahead was long, riddled with challenges, but Shikamaru, the ever-pragmatic strategist, was ready to plan, adapt, and fight his way towards a resolution.
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The sterile white walls of the hospital room felt like a prison after weeks of confinement. Hikari sat on the bed, her hands folded in her lap, when the door creaked open.

Tsunade entered, her expression a mix of apology and determination. It was the first time Hikari had seen the Fifth Hokage since the interrogations began.

"Hikari," Tsunade greeted, her voice gentler than Hikari anticipated. "I apologize for the isolation. We understand it must have been frustrating."

Hikari surprised even herself by nodding calmly.

"I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You were looking for answers, and I was… unavailable."

Tsunade's eyes widened slightly. This unlike that Shikamaru she remembered from the past few weeks, the one who stormed her office, demanding answers about Hikari's well-being.

This Hikari- the girl that made Shikamaru mad about- was subdued, almost accepting.

"Hikari," Tsunade started again, her voice more sincere, "the interrogations were… necessary. But they're over now."

A hint of relief flickered across Hikari's face.

"Over?" she whispered.

"Yes," Tsunade confirmed. "However, your memories are still fragmented. We believe the key to unlocking them might lie within yourself."

Tsunade paused, gauging Hikari's reaction.

"Which brings me to a proposition," she continued.

"Konohagakure needs more skilled medical-nin. We've seen potential in you, Hikari. Would you be interested in becoming my apprentice?"

Hikari's eyes widened. An apprentice to the Fifth Hokage? It was an unexpected offer, a chance to learn, to contribute, perhaps even a path to unlocking her past.

"Really?" she breathed, a flicker of excitement dancing in her eyes. "But I…"

"You have untapped potential," Tsunade interrupted with a smile. "We can train you, hone your skills, and who knows? Maybe along the way, some of your memories will surface."

Hikari's heart pounded with a mixture of nervousness and hope. This was a path she hadn't considered, a way to become useful, a part of something bigger than herself.

"I… I would be honored," she finally stammered, a small smile gracing her lips.

Tsunade's smile grew wider. This girl, with her quiet strength and hidden potential, was a welcome addition.

"Excellent! We'll get you started right away."
As Tsunade moved towards the door, a sudden thought struck Hikari.

"May I… ask about Shikamaru?" she asked hesitantly.
Tsunade gave a knowing nod.

"Shikamaru has been… eager to see you. However, we thought it best to give you both some time and space. Besides, he is in his first mission now"

Hikari's cheeks flushed a faint pink.

Tsunade chuckled, a warm sound that filled the sterile room.

"Just get well, Hikari. The rest will follow."

With that, Tsunade left, leaving Hikari alone with a newfound purpose. Apprenticeship, medical knowledge, and perhaps, a future where she wouldn't just be a mystery, but a skilled ninja, a healer, and maybe, even a friend worth waiting for. A smile bloomed on her face, as bright as the promise of a new beginning.
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A month passed. Sterile hospital hallway became Shikamaru's place to ponder about
his teammates. Naruto's unwavering optimism, Choji's boundless loyalty, Neji's unwavering focus, Kiba's fierce determination.

Each face flashed in his mind, a heavy weight settling in his gut.

He had failed them. As their leader, he had failed to bring them back safely.

He tried to calm himself, fidgeting his bandaged broken finger. He looked up to see his father, Shikaku, his face etched with concern but radiating a quiet strength.

In front if him sat Temari, her sharp features shot him a glare.

"There's no use in fidgeting" she said.

Temari reminds him that sacrifice is a part of being a ninja, and that he should not let his emotions get dominated of him.

“Leading a team is different from training,” he replied. You can’t predict everything.." he paused for a moment. ".. and I, was a team leader for the first time in this mission. Because of that.."

A silence streak the hall way before Shikamaru continued, "I'm not cut out to be a shinobi"

"An unexpected fragility. Men are strange" Temari talked back with her sinister.

'There is no use to talk at this time with a girl' He stood up and leave her... won this chilling argument.

"Shikamaru, you are being talked down to by a girl and running away?" His father even made his mood worse.

"I don't want to have a troublesome argument. Because I'm not a girl" he didn't even dare to turn his back.

"Yes, but you are also not a man. You are just a regular coward"

A stab to Shikamaru's frustrated state.

"Before you think about running away... If your companions are really important to you... Then you may consider becoming greater for the sake of your friends!"

His father words emphasize the importance of commitment and responsibility towards one’s teammates. Shikaku was reminding Shikamaru that if he values his friends, he should put in the effort to become a stronger shinobi so that he can protect them.

The air crackled with tension in the Konoha medical ward. Hikari, now is young woman with eyes that shone with the determination of a trainee nurse, assisted the seasoned medic, Shizune, in tending to Neji's wounds.

A gaping hole marred his shoulder, a grim reminder of the failed mission to retrieve Sasuke.

A yearning tugged at Hikari's heart. She longed to offer Shikamaru a word of solace, a cup of tea perhaps, anything to ease the burden she knew he carried.

Mustering her courage, Hikari leaned closer to Shizune.

"Shizune-san," she whispered, "perhaps I could take some tea to Shikamaru outside? He must be feeling terrible."

A gentle but firm hand on her arm. "They've got it under control, Hikari," Shizune said softly. "All four will be moved to separate treatment rooms soon."

Hikari, her eyes filled with unshed tears, shook her head. "I can't just—"

Tsunade, who had appeared beside Shizune, placed a hand on Hikari's shoulder.

"Helping him doesn't mean being by his side right now," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle. "The best thing you can do is prepare the rooms, make sure everything is in order. Strong emotions won't help him heal, Hikari."

Hikari's lower lip trembled, but she knew Tsunade was right. Shikamaru, burdened by his perceived failure, wouldn't be receptive to her presence right now. With a deep breath, she nodded and obeyed the instruction, a silent vow forming in her heart. She would be strong, for him, for her mentors, for herself.

Shizune emerged to announce the good news, while Hikari just hastily passed behind her to do her next action. A flicker of movement caught Shikamaru's eyes. But then...

"Neji Hyuga, his condition has stabilized!"

Shizune's voice snapped him back to reality. When he receives word that the mission failed, he braces himself for the worst. But then he heard that everyone on his team is alive. The relief was overwhelming, and he couldn't hold back his tears.

He’s a brilliant strategist, but he’s also deeply emotional. He cares deeply about his teammates, and would rather fail a mission than see them get hurt. This will makes him a strong leader, and inspires loyalty from his teammates.

Shikamaru drifted in and out of sleep, his dreams haunted by the mission's failure. He didn't even think of figure who passed behind Shizune before. He felt a pang of… something.

Regret maybe?

But for what, he wasn't sure.
The failed mission had taken a toll, not just physical, but emotional. It had left Shikamaru in a fragile state, his memories fragmented, his spirit broken.

But even in the darkness, a flicker of hope remained. Memories of the sterile halls of the hospital, a silent promise hung in the air – a promise of healing, of recovery, and of a future where broken bonds could be mended, and where memories, once lost, could be rediscovered.

To be continued.