Naruto: I am Nara Shikamaru

"Shadow Ninja Art: Shadow Imitation Technique."

Without a sound, a shadow slithered from beneath Shikamaru's feet, stretching outward until it latched onto an enemy's shadow.

"Wha, what's going on…?"

Slash!

Before the Sand ninja could react, two shuriken cut across his throat. He collapsed to the ground, lifeless and unwilling.

Whoosh!

As the enemy fell, Shikamaru immediately leapt away, silently searching for his next target. All across the streets and alleys of Konoha, Shikamaru's presence could be seen. His contribution to the battlefield was nothing short of extraordinary.

"Damn it! Who the hell is that kid? I've never heard of anyone like him in Konoha!"

The allied forces of the Sand and Sound villages gritted their teeth as they watched Shikamaru in action. Ever since his shadow clones had appeared on the battlefield, casualties among the enemy forces had skyrocketed. Meanwhile, Konoha's shinobi, noticing Shikamaru's presence, had shifted tactics, opting to stall the enemy rather than engage head-on. They waited for his shadow to catch their foes and struck only when the kill was guaranteed.

Anyone who dared charge at Shikamaru was immediately intercepted by Konoha's ninja, and once caught, they rarely had a second chance, Shikamaru's shadows didn't let go.

"That kid's from the Nara clan, right? Looks like they've produced someone incredible."

"Yeah, just look at how many shadow clones he's summoned, it's on par with a Jonin!"

"More than just a Jonin! I heard his name is Nara Shikamaru. He just finished the Chunin Exams, and they say he's awakened a brand-new kekkei genkai!"

"What…?"

Even amidst the chaos of battle, whispers of Shikamaru's achievements spread like wildfire. His name wasn't just becoming famous in Konoha, it was being carried across the ninja world. After this battle, everyone would come to know of the "Shadow" level shinobi from the Nara clan…

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"Ahhh… damn you old man, give me back my arms!"

Within the Four Violet Flames Formation, Orochimaru screamed in agony.

As his wails echoed through the air, the Third Hokage's body slowly slumped to the ground, a peaceful smile on his face, his final wish fulfilled.

"Hokage-sama!!"

Outside the barrier, Konoha's Anbu shouted in despair, but none dared rush in. They had already seen what happened to the last one who tried.

"Old man… So this was your final decision?"

On the other side of the barrier, Shikamaru whispered, his eyes flashing with cold light. "Sensei, let me carry out your final wish."

"Shadow Ninja Art: Shadow Armor."

Fwoosh!

Dark chakra surged around Shikamaru, forming a protective armor like a second skin.

"Wha, what's that kid trying to do?!"

Might Guy's eyes widened as he watched Shikamaru charge toward the barrier. Down below, they still didn't know the Hokage had fallen.

"This is bad! Stop him now! That barrier will tear him apart!"

Kakashi activated his Sharingan and rushed forward alongside Guy, hoping to stop Shikamaru. The battle had mostly ended, the Sand forces had inexplicably retreated, and the Sound forces were withdrawing too.

At the same time, Shikamaru's mentor Asuma Sarutobi also leapt toward him.

"Shikamaru!"

But none of the three could stop him, Shikamaru was too fast. They could only watch helplessly as he crashed into the barrier.

Crackle!

To their astonishment, he wasn't vaporized. Instead, his shadow armor fiercely resisted the barrier's energy, burning through chakra at a terrifying rate.

Spurt!

Shikamaru pushed through and broke into the barrier, dashing through the trees toward Orochimaru like a black streak.

Orochimaru, sensing the anomaly, turned sharply, only to see Shikamaru approaching with murderous intent, his shadow eyes spinning with three tomoe.

"You? Shikamaru…what are you doing here?!"

Orochimaru's hoarse voice was laced with caution as he instinctively prepared to defend.

"I came to finish what our teacher couldn't. Don't waste your breath stalling."

Shikamaru's tone was icy. He wasn't about to give Orochimaru time to recover. This opportunity was rare, he wouldn't let the snake slip away.

"Shadow Ninja Art: Shadow Rasengan!"

"What?! That's the Fourth Hokage's jutsu!"

Orochimaru panicked. He knew the power of that technique and didn't dare take it head-on. He vanished in an instant.

Boom!

A massive crater exploded where the Rasengan landed, confirming Orochimaru's fears, this wasn't a mere imitation. It was the real deal, albeit black instead of blue.

"Shadow Ninja Art: Shadow Chidori!"

With blazing speed, Shikamaru allowed no time for Orochimaru to react. With his hands sealed, Orochimaru was unable to counter, and Shikamaru's relentless barrage kept raining down.

"Damn it!"

One of the Shadow Chidori grazed Orochimaru's shoulder, freezing his movement for a split second. His expression darkened.

"Shadow Ninja Art: Shadow Rasengan!"

Seeing an opening, Shikamaru hurled a Rasengan directly into Orochimaru's abdomen. The snake sannin screamed as he was blasted back, crashing hard into a giant tree.

Huff…

Shikamaru gasped for breath, he'd burned through a vast amount of chakra from the continuous use of high-level jutsu. But he didn't stop. His left hand charged another Shadow Chidori, and his right summoned another Shadow Rasengan.

"Orochimaru! Go down with our sensei!"

With a roar, Shikamaru unleashed both jutsu simultaneously.

"Wha– when did?!"

Just as Orochimaru tried to evade, he sensed something behind him. A shadow clone of Shikamaru had silently appeared at his back.

"Shit…"

Orochimaru's pupils contracted. The Shadow Chidori and Shadow Rasengan grew larger in his vision.

"Die!"

Shikamaru's eyes burned with fury. As both jutsu struck Orochimaru's chest, he knew, this time, the Snake Sannin would not survive.

What he didn't realize was that the Rasengan and Chidori, both infused with shadow energy and striking the same point, had begun to merge. Their powers twisted together, forming volatile black strands of energy. By the time Shikamaru noticed, it was too late.

BOOM!!!

A thunderous explosion erupted within the Four Violet Flames Formation. The Sound Four fled. Konoha's Anbu and the remaining ninja rushed forward, only to find Shikamaru unconscious, both arms mangled and bloody. Orochimaru's severed head rolled to one side, while the Third Hokage lay lifeless nearby.

For a long moment, no one could find the words to speak.

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A/N: If you're enjoying the story, you can read up to Chapter 61 (28+ chapters ahead of the current one) on my Patreon: patreon.com/vynthor