Bang!
The door to the secret room closed firmly behind her, and Kin's heart began to race. What could Shikamaru want with her? Could it be...?
Her face turned red as her thoughts wandered to more embarrassing possibilities. Her heart filled with nervous anticipation. After all, she had come here to confess her feelings to Shikamaru. The dim lighting in the room obscured her reddened cheeks from his view.
"Kin, I need a bit of your blood. Would that be alright?" Shikamaru asked matter-of-factly, his focus entirely on testing the abilities of his new curse technique. He failed to notice her unusual reaction.
"Ah…" Kin's voice escaped in a gasp. Blood? Could he mean… that? She recalled Tayuya's crude descriptions about a girl's first time involving blood. Kin's heart thudded harder.
"S-sure." she stammered shyly, her face glowing as she kept her head down, avoiding Shikamaru's gaze. He's so direct...
"Thanks. I'll be quick." Shikamaru said casually. He reached out and grabbed her delicate hand, but as soon as their skin made contact, Kin's legs buckled, and she collapsed toward him. Startled, Shikamaru caught her in his arms.
"Kin! Are you okay?" he asked, helping her to stand. He noticed her flushed face and wondered if she had a fever.
"I… I'm fine, my lord." Kin stammered, quickly pulling herself upright, though her voice trembled with embarrassment.
"Alright, if you're sure." Shikamaru took out a kunai and carefully nicked her palm, drawing a thin line of blood.
"Kin, hold still and don't move." he instructed, stepping back a few paces. He dipped a finger into the blood and began sketching seals on the ground.
"Ninjutsu: Schematic Blood Curse!"
A red, arcane array formed beneath his feet.
Kin, standing obediently nearby, felt her face burn even hotter as realization dawned. He only wanted some blood for his jutsu? Her earlier misunderstanding left her feeling both relieved and disappointed.
Bang!
To her horror, she suddenly saw Shikamaru slam a fist against his own chest, shadow energy swirling violently around it. He coughed up blood, his internal organs visibly injured.
"Shikamaru-sama!" Kin cried out, stepping forward instinctively, but stopped herself, remembering his earlier command to stay still. She clenched her fists in frustration, her concern for him evident.
"Blood Curse, Activate!" Shikamaru muttered, wiping blood from his lips. The red array beneath him flared ominously.
"Ahh!" Kin doubled over as an invisible force struck her chest like a hammer, causing her to spit blood. Wide-eyed, she stared at Shikamaru in disbelief. What kind of ability is this?
Her legs gave way, and she started to fall. Shikamaru rushed to her side, catching her once again.
"Kin! Are you alright?" he asked urgently, holding her steady.
"Shikamaru-sama… w-what did you do to me?" she murmured, wiping the blood from her lips as she leaned against him.
"Oh, I was just testing a new ability." he admitted, casually explaining the mechanics of his curse technique. He finished by asking her to keep the details a secret for now.
"So… this will be just between us?" Kin asked shyly, her heart leaping at the thought.
"Yeah, sure." Shikamaru replied, scratching his head awkwardly.
Overcome with joy, Kin leaned up and kissed his cheek before fleeing the room, ignoring the pain from her injuries.
"Why did she thank me?" Shikamaru muttered, touching the spot where she'd kissed him. Watching her retreating figure, he mused, She couldn't have fallen for me, could she?
⚔──────────────
Outside the secret room, Shikamaru encountered Mai, whose curvaceous figure and flowing blonde hair were striking even beneath her mask.
"Division Chief, Hokage-sama has summoned you." she said respectfully.
"I understand." Shikamaru replied. As he turned to leave, he added, "Mai, come with me to the forbidden zone this afternoon."
The forbidden zone was a highly restricted area within the Anbu headquarters where Danzo had once conducted secret experiments. Shikamaru, now head of the Anbu, had yet to explore it himself.
"Yes, sir. But… are you sure?" Mai hesitated, recalling the strict rules surrounding the area.
"Is there a problem?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, sir." Mai quickly replied, her curiosity piqued. After all, Shikamaru wasn't Danzo, and she found herself eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the forbidden zone.
⚔──────────────
Later, Shikamaru used his Shadow Transformation Technique to slip into the Hokage's office undetected, impressing Tsunade with his abilities. The two discussed recent encounters with the Akatsuki and strategized for the future.
In the midst of their conversation, Shikamaru's playful demeanor returned. Pulling Tsunade into his arms, he teased her until a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Tsunade-sama, may I come in?" Shizune's voice called hesitantly.
Shikamaru smirked. "When are you going to let Shizune join us?" he teased Tsunade after their private moment.
"She likes you, you know." Tsunade replied slyly. "Why not invite her yourself?"
Later, when Shizune nearly collapsed from embarrassment and exhaustion in the doorway, Shikamaru caught her.
"Shizune." he said softly, meeting her gaze. "Move into my place."
Her eyes widened in shock and delight. "Really?"
"Really." he confirmed with a smile.
Unable to contain her happiness, Shizune blushed deeply and nodded. Shikamaru leaned in and kissed her lightly before vanishing into the shadows. Shizune stood there, touching her lips, her heart fluttering.
Inside the office, Tsunade smirked knowingly. "Well, Shizune, it seems congratulations are in order."
⚔────────
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