At dusk, the Hokage's office was quiet.
Tsunade was looking at the scroll, frowning slightly.The setting sun outside the window dyed her blonde hair a warm orange, reflecting her slightly tired face.
The Hidden Leaf Village has just experienced the trauma of the Four Wars, and the reconstruction work is full of things, but she has to think about something more important - the new patriarch of the Nara clan.
"Shikamaru..." Tsunade called softly. The young man standing at the desk was slightly stunned and raised his eyes full of wisdom.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade put down the scroll, and his gaze became deep: "Shikaku died in four ninja battles." Now, the Nara clan needs a new leader, and you are the perfect candidate. She said this in a flat tone, but there was a little relief in her eyes.
Shikamaru lowered his head: "I understand." My father gave everything for the village,
and I should take on this responsibility. His voice was a little hesitant, "I'm not mature enough now, I'm afraid it's difficult to convince the public."
Tsunade stood up and walked to the window: "So I have a special task for you." It's not just about solidifying your position in the Nara clan, but also about the future of Konoha and Shunegakure. Her gaze fell in the direction of the desert in the distance.
"What is the mission?" Shikamaru asked.
"Diplomatic mission. I want you to go to Shunegakur to help improve the relationship between the two villages. Tsunade turned around, a mysterious smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, "Other than that... There is also an S-class classified mission. "
She took a sealed scroll from her drawer and handed it to Shikamaru, "This is about Princess Sunagakure's quest to get Temari." The details are all inside. Remember, this matter must never be known to anyone else."
Shikamaru took the scroll and carefully opened it. When he read the content, a look of
surprise appeared on his face: "This... Is it really possible? "
"Yes." Tsunade's face was serious. "This is of strategic significance to Konoha." You will take advantage of this opportunity not only to complete superficial diplomatic tasks, but also to try to get close to and conquer Temari. This is an order and a test. "
As night fell, Shikamaru walked alone on his way back to his residence, repeatedly thinking about Tsunade's words in his head. In the distance, there was a faint sound of wind in the direction of Shand village, as if telling of the upcoming challenge.
He sighed, "But if this is the only way to become a qualified leader...
Early the next morning, Shikamaru packed his belongings early and waited at a designated point in the village.
The morning fog has not yet dissipated, and the air is filled with the fresh smell of earth.
Several members of the Anbu silently appeared beside him; they were the bodyguards
of the mission, of course, they did not know the real mission goal.
"Let's go." Shikamaru said softly, and a group of people met Yamanaka Ino and Choji
who came to see them off at the entrance of the village.
"Hey, Shikamaru!" Ino walked over with a large bouquet of flowers, "Be careful on the
road!" I heard that the side of the sand hidden side has not been peaceful lately. "
"Don't worry," Shikamaru put on a careless look, even if he encountered any trouble, he could easily handle it. "It's the two of you, take good care of yourself."
Ding Ci stuffed potato chips into his mouth and said vaguely: "Don't worry, we all know you have a sense of measure."
Shikamaru nodded, turned around and walked away.
The group quickly entered the desert area.
The scorching sun at noon scorched the earth, and the fine sand grains rose and fell with the heat wave, like a flowing ocean of gold.
Shikamaru carefully studied the terrain along the way as he marched.
"The wind direction in this area is very special." He muttered to himself, "Around three
o'clock in the afternoon, there will be a strong westerly wind passing here."
In the evening, the team arrived at the agreed meeting point.
Not long after, Sand greeting staff appeared.
The leader is a middle-aged man with a gentle smile, who introduces himself as the head of foreign affairs in the sand Village.
"Welcome to Shunegakure, Your Excellency Shikamaru." Maki said respectfully, "Kazekage-sama is already waiting for you." "
Walking through the intricate streets, they eventually arrived at the Shadow Building.
Walking into the conference room, Shikamaru saw Gaara sitting in the main seat at a
glance.
This once terrifying monster is now a steady and mature Kazekage.
Next to him stood a slender woman, who was the real goal of the trip - Princess Sunagakure Temari.
Her long golden hair shone in the afterglow of the setting sun, and her blue eyes were
clear and translucent.
She wore a traditional lavender costume with a huge folding fan pinned to her waist.
Noticing Shikamaru's gaze, she raised her eyebrows slightly and showed a polite smile.
"The Konoha messenger is visiting!" Markey announced loudly.
Shikamaru stepped forward and bowed deeply: "I have seen Lord Kazekage, I have seen Master Temari." I am Shikamaru, and I have come to visit your village on behalf of the Fifth Hokage. "
Gara nodded: "Coming from afar, no need to be polite." We have prepared a dinner party and will talk about it in more detail later. "
However, just as everyone was exchanging pleasantries, Shikamaru keenly sensed a trace of strangeness.
Although Temari maintained an elegant posture, her breathing rhythm was obviously
a little faster than that of ordinary people, obviously suppressing some emotions.
At the dinner, the cups were staggered, and the cups were exchanged.
Shikamaru sat quietly in the corner, raising his glass from time to time and observing
Temari opposite.
Whenever the two met each other, she would quickly look away, and there was a faint
blush at the base of her ears.
"Shikamaru." Suddenly, a crisp voice sounded. Shikamaru looked up and found that Temari had come to him at some point. "Can you accompany me to the balcony to get some
air?" It's so stuffy here. "
The moonlight is like water sprinkled on the balcony railing.
The desert in the distance was particularly quiet at night, with only the occasional sound of the wind.
The two stood side by side, and neither of them spoke.
The tension in the air slowly builds up until it is broken by a chuckle.
"What are you nervous about?" Shikamaru turned to look at her, "Or is it... thoughts of me? "
Under the moonlight, memories flood in like a tide. Temari looked at the desert in the
distance, and his heart rippled. The picture at that time is still clearly engraved in my mind.