Naruto: I am Nara Shikamaru

"Not good!"

Asuma's expression tightened the moment he saw the enemy's jutsu, and he immediately sprang into action. A pair of flying swallow-shaped blades materialized on his fists as he launched a flurry of slashes at the four streams of purple chakra hurtling toward them. "Wolf Fang Blades!" he shouted, striking the four chakra beast projections back. Despite his skill, Asuma was pushed back two steps from the force.

"Shadow Ninja Technique: Shadow Imitation Jutsu!" 

Shikamaru took the opportunity and acted. Shadows beneath his feet split into four, extending toward the four Star Ninja.

"Mysterious Peacock Method, Claws!" Although they didn't know exactly what Shikamaru's jutsu was, the four opponents each shaped their purple chakra into fierce beastly claws and lunged at the shadows.

"Hmph! Idiots!"

Shikamaru sneered disdainfully, then called to Ino and Choji, "Ino! Choji!"

"Ah…"

Four startled cries rang out at once as the four shadows, immune to ninjutsu attacks, seized their targets. The three young ninja with Genin-level skills were instantly immobilized, while the elite middle-aged Chunin struggled to break free, only to be stopped by Ino's voice.

"Ninjutsu: Mind Body Swap Technique!"

Bang! 

The middle-aged Star Ninja was struck by an invisible force, then immediately ceased struggling and grinned. "Success, yay~" The voice belonged to Ino.

"Ninjutsu: Multiplication Technique!"

"Human Bullet Tank!" 

Bang! 

Choji instantly activated his jutsu and charged at the four Star Ninja grouped together. Except for the middle-aged one possessed by Ino, the others paled with fear and struggled desperately but were firmly held by Shikamaru.

"Mind Body Swap Technique, Release!" 

Bang! 

The synergy of the "InoShikaCho" trio was flawless; they slammed the group of Star Ninja flying in unison.

Shikamaru's hands rapidly formed seals again, dark chakra darting from his palms. "Shadow Ninja Technique: Shadow Shuriken Jutsu!" 

Puff puff puff puff! 

Four shadow shurikens flew straight into the throats of the four Star Ninja. Their eyes widened in shock, then they fell dead instantly.

"Ah~!" Ino screamed, covering her mouth with both hands. Though it wasn't her first time witnessing killing, it was the first time her own team had done it.

"Hm~" Asuma, who had been observing quietly from the side, eyes gleaming sharply, looked with surprise at Shikamaru's indifferent face. He knew Shikamaru was highly skilled, exploiting the Star Ninja's ignorance of Shadow Imitation Jutsu to instantly control and finish them off. He hadn't expected Shikamaru to be so decisive when it came to killing, and couldn't help but admire him.

"Shikamaru! How did you, "

Ino was about to ask when Asuma interrupted.

Taking a drag of his cigarette, he said, "Very good. Shikamaru did well. Mercy to the enemy is cruelty to yourself. Remember that on the battlefield."

His last sentence was aimed at Ino and Choji, the way Shikamaru fought spoke volumes.

"Ah! Asuma-sensei, I understand…"

Ino's face twisted with inner struggle but nodded firmly. She glanced back at Shikamaru, and for some reason, bathed in the sunlight, he looked especially handsome.

After defeating the Star Ninja, Shikamaru and his team traveled to the daimyo's manor in the Land of Bears without encountering any more enemies. Shikamaru's first B-rank mission was completed smoothly and easily! (As for why Kumotai was targeted for assassination… let's skip that, probably due to a daimyo succession dispute…)

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"Asuma-sensei! On the way back, I want to leave for a few days alone."

In the daimyo's manor, Shikamaru suddenly told Asuma.

"Oh? Why?"

Asuma gave him a puzzled look. "You know ninjas aren't allowed to act on their own without missions."

"But…"

Shikamaru was about to say more when Asuma surprisingly agreed without hesitation. Not knowing why, Shikamaru was grateful and left a shadow clone behind before setting off.

Outside the manor, Shikamaru quickly used a transformation jutsu, taking the form of a determined young man. After confirming the location of the Star Ninja village, he headed there swiftly, thinking to himself, Heh, Star of the Sound Village, you're waiting for me, right?

His target was the "Star" in the Land of Fire known for helping quickly refine chakra!

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A/N: If you're enjoying the story, you can read up to Chapter 45 (28+ chapters ahead of the current one) on my Patreon: patreon.com/vynthor