Naruto: I am Nara Shikamaru

Just as the match delay was pushed to its limit, Sasuke finally made his dazzling entrance, led by Kakashi. However, when the two laid eyes on the utterly devastated arena, both were taken aback.

Who the hell fought here? they each thought.

Up on the stage, Shikamaru closed his eyes and muttered inwardly, "Shadow Clone Jutsu – Release."

Poof! A surge of chakra burst as he instantly absorbed the accumulated knowledge and experience from a thousand shadow clones. If not for his formidable mental strength, his mind would have been overwhelmed on the spot.

Whew… Shikamaru let out a long breath, feeling significantly stronger than before. No wonder the Shadow Clone Jutsu was considered the greatest "cheat code" in the Naruto universe. Just a few days of training had produced such tangible progress. He could now perform three hand seals per second with a single hand.

While Sasuke had demonstrated his Chidori, Shikamaru had already copied it with his Shadow Eye. He'd spent the rest of the time fine-tuning his body in preparation for the impending chaos.

He'd also confirmed that his Shadow Eye's mimicry was superior to the Sharingan, he could perfectly replicate the Chidori, something even the Sharingan struggled with. Yet he still hadn't unlocked the full potential of his eye's abilities.

As soft white feathers began drifting from the sky, Shikamaru realized: Orochimaru's plan to destroy Konoha… had begun.

Chaos erupted in the arena. Temari cast a complicated glance at Shikamaru before fleeing with Kankuro, supporting the berserk Gaara. Although Sasuke didn't understand what was happening, he instinctively gave chase.

At that moment, a flood of Sand and Sound ninja launched their assault on the village. Shikamaru looked toward the Hokage's position, where the Third and Orochimaru had become trapped within the Four Violet Flames Formation cast by the Sound Four.

Shikamaru made no move to interfere.

This wasn't cold-heartedness, it was respect for the Third's decision.

But now that he possessed power, Shikamaru wouldn't stand by and allow Konoha to fall. Despite his distaste for the village elders and Danzo's shadowy Anbu faction, he still loved the peace and familiarity of Konoha.

Whoosh! Just as he was about to act, a figure suddenly appeared before him, a woman in standard Anbu uniform with a slender, mature build and long violet hair, wearing a mask. For a second, Shikamaru thought she was Natsuhi.

Thunk-thunk! 

Two shuriken whizzed in from behind her. Acting on pure instinct, Shikamaru swept the woman into his arms by her slim waist, narrowly dodging the projectiles.

Wait, something felt off. This woman wasn't Hoshi. But her curves… were even more alluring.

"You're not Hoshi. Who are you?"

He asked but made no effort to let her go.

"Let me go, you pervert! I'm Anbu, code name Yu. The Third assigned me to assist you!" she snapped, clearly flustered by being held so closely.

Shikamaru awkwardly cleared his throat and released her. "Sorry… thought you were someone else."

Man, that old man really knows me well, he thought. Even sent a beauty to work with me. I haven't even seen her face and I already know she's a knockout.

"Hmph. Shikamaru-sama, the Hokage ordered me to serve directly under you for as long as you remain in Konoha. I take orders from you and you alone. Please issue your command."

Shikamaru blinked, then looked again toward the Hokage's location.

Old man… Don't worry. I won't betray Konoha

"Alright. You've seen the situation, we're under attack. Go join the defense. We'll talk later."

"Yes, Shikamaru-sama." Yu disappeared in a flash to engage the invading enemy forces.

"Hoshi, you too."

Having sensed her presence nearby, Shikamaru called out to his hidden companion.

"I want to stay and protect you!" she immediately appeared before him, worried. Clearly, he hadn't warned her about today's events.

Shikamaru gently pulled her into a hug, smiling. 

"Do you think I still need protection? Go, our village needs us."

"But…" Hoshi hesitated, reluctant to leave.

Though she'd come to Konoha for Shikamaru, she held little regard for the village itself. Her loyalty was split only between her homeland, Star Village, and the man before her.

Sliding his hand down, Shikamaru gave her a playful pat on the rear. "Stay safe. I'll be back tonight."

Hoshi trembled at his touch and darted away, casting a flirtatious glance back at him. "You shameless idiot. Don't forget to come home…"

Once she was gone, Shikamaru formed a rapid series of hand signs.

"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Poof poof poof,  

A thousand Shikamaru clones exploded into being, spreading out to cover the battlefield.

"Fan out across the village. Stop the enemy from advancing, do not engage head-on. Use Shadow Imitation to immobilize them as long as you can. The rest of our forces will finish the job."

With a nod, the clones scattered like a dark tide.

Their mission wasn't to kill, but to slow down the attackers long enough for Konoha's defenders to act. Shikamaru trusted that his comrades weren't idiots.

Having given his orders, Shikamaru jumped into the fray himself, moving with such speed he rivaled even Might Guy.

"Shadow Ninja Art: Shadow Rasengan!"

"Shadow Ninja Art: Shadow Chidori!"

Zap! Boom!

Left hand Rasengan, right hand Chidori, Shikamaru eliminated two Sound Chunin in a blink.

"Hey, Kakashi, isn't that your Chidori?" Might Guy shouted while fending off attackers alongside his rival.

Kakashi frowned. "That's not my Chidori. But… the power and form are identical."

"So what's the difference?"

Kakashi twitched with annoyance, a vein popping on his forehead. Ignoring Guy's clueless face, he focused chakra in his hand.

"Lightning Style: Chidori!"

Zzzzt, 

A flash of lightning, and another enemy ninja fell to Kakashi's strike.

"Hey! That's cheating! You attacked while I was talking! You sly dog, I won't lose to you!"

"Leaf Hurricane!!"

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A/N: If you're enjoying the story, you can read up to Chapter 54 (28+ chapters ahead of the current one) on my Patreon: patreon.com/vynthor