"Shikamaru! There's news about Orochimaru!" Tsunade called out as soon as Shikamaru stepped into the Hokage's office.
"Orochimaru? What news?" Shikamaru quickly asked, his expression sharp. Whether it was the time he destroyed Orochimaru's body during the Chunin Exams or his dismantling of Orochimaru's Sound Village, Shikamaru knew Orochimaru's vengeful nature. Any opportunity to eliminate him was a chance worth seizing.
"Our informants report that Orochimaru has been sighted in the Land of Lightning, near the Hidden Cloud Village." Tsunade stated firmly. Her tone bore no hint of nostalgia for their shared history as fellow Sannin. Tsunade understood Orochimaru's nature all too well, he would undoubtedly seek revenge against Shikamaru. And now that Shikamaru was her man, Tsunade's resolve was unwavering: anyone threatening her loved one deserved to be eradicated.
"Do we know why he's there?" Shikamaru inquired, intent on understanding Orochimaru's motive.
"Not yet." Tsunade admitted after a pause. "But knowing he's near the Hidden Cloud Village is enough for now."
"Why's that?" Shikamaru probed. Without understanding Orochimaru's purpose, it was impossible to predict his moves. Tsunade's confidence hinted she had a plan to track him.
"I've arranged for someone to help you." Tsunade said with a knowing smile. She turned to Shizune, who stood nearby. "Shizune, summon Mitarashi Anko."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama." Shizune replied promptly. Despite also being one of Shikamaru's women now, Shizune still addressed Tsunade formally. Of course, at home, she would affectionately call her "sister."
"Anko, huh..." Shikamaru murmured as he grasped Tsunade's intent. The curse mark on Anko's neck, placed by Orochimaru, acted as a unique tracker. Whenever she neared Orochimaru, the mark caused her pain, making her invaluable for this mission.
A short while later, Mitarashi Anko burst into the office with her usual energy.
"Hokage-sama, what's the mission?" Anko asked eagerly, her carefree demeanor as vibrant as ever.
Seeing Anko enter, Shikamaru couldn't help but take note of her striking appearance, her fishnet top under a white coat, emphasizing her curves, paired with shorts that revealed her toned legs. He mentally chided himself for overlooking such a beauty.
"Mitarashi Anko!" Tsunade's authoritative tone broke through his thoughts.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama!" Anko straightened, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
"You are assigned to accompany Shikamaru, the head of the Anbu, on an ultra S-rank mission: eliminating Orochimaru. Any objections?" Tsunade asked sternly.
Anko's eyes widened at the mention of Orochimaru, her former mentor. A brief struggle flickered in her gaze, but she gritted her teeth and replied, "No objections, Hokage-sama!"
As someone deeply loyal to the Leaf Village, Anko had long resolved to face Orochimaru, even if it meant risking her life.
"Shikamaru, do you need additional personnel?" Tsunade asked, turning to him.
"No need. Just Anko and I will suffice." Shikamaru replied with a mischievous smile. The opportunity to spend time alone with Anko was too good to pass up.
"Very well. You depart tomorrow." Tsunade agreed, narrowing her eyes slightly at Shikamaru's tone.
After dismissing Anko, Tsunade turned to Shikamaru, her expression suspicious. "You're not thinking about making a move on Anko, are you?"
"Jealous, Tsunade-senpai?" Shikamaru teased, pulling her into an embrace with a grin.
"You shameless pervert!" Tsunade scolded, though her reprimand was half-hearted as her hand wandered to confirm her suspicions about his intentions.
⚔──────────────
Later that night, Shikamaru returned to the Anbu headquarters to brief Mai on her temporary responsibilities.
"I'll be away for a mission. Take charge of the Anbu while I'm gone." he instructed.
"Understood, Shikamaru-sama." Mai replied, though her tone carried a trace of sarcasm. "Not that you handle most of the work anyway..."
Her sudden use of "Shikamaru-sama" rather than "Commander-sama" caught Shikamaru off guard. It implied a newfound closeness. Examining Mai more carefully, he noticed how striking she looked, her figure enhanced subtly over time. Embarrassed by his own thoughts, he quickly left, leaving Mai to mutter under her breath about his cluelessness.
⚔──────────────
The next morning, Shikamaru and Anko set out for the Land of Lightning. As they traversed the forest, leaping from branch to branch, Shikamaru grew impatient with their pace.
"Anko, this is too slow. By the time we get there, Orochimaru might already be gone." he complained.
"Then what do you propose, Shikamaru-sama?" Anko asked, stopping to face him.
"I'll fly us there." Shikamaru suggested with a mischievous glint.
"Absolutely not!" Anko snapped, instantly suspicious of his motives.
"Think of the mission, Anko. Ninja always prioritize the mission over personal concerns." Shikamaru argued, his smirk betraying his enjoyment of the banter.
After a moment of internal struggle, Anko relented. "Fine, but no funny business!"
"Deal." Shikamaru chuckled as he activated his Shadow Wings Jutsu, sweeping Anko into his arms despite her protests.
As they ascended, Anko glared at him. "I said no funny business!"
"You can't expect me to carry you any other way." Shikamaru replied, feigning innocence.
Though annoyed, Anko eventually settled into the flight, marveling at the sensation of soaring through the skies.
"Shikamaru-sama, can I ask you something?" she ventured after a while.
"Sure. What is it?"
"You and Hokage-sama... are you two together?" Anko asked curiously.
"That's right. Why?" Shikamaru responded, puzzled by the question.
"She looks so young... What's her secret?" Anko pressed, her admiration clear.
"That's my doing." Shikamaru said with a sly smile.
Anko's curiosity deepened, and she bombarded him with questions, unaware of the playful trap Shikamaru was laying. Eventually, he leaned in and whispered, "The secret is simple: become my woman."
Caught off guard, Anko's face turned scarlet as she processed his words. Her heart raced, but she quickly changed the subject, determined not to let Shikamaru's antics get to her.
⚔──────────────
Their journey continued with occasional lighthearted exchanges, and Anko gradually grew accustomed to Shikamaru's presence. By the time they reached the Land of Lightning, she found herself thinking about him more than she expected.
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