Title: Shikamaru Shippuden - A Twist in Time

Chapter 6- The Third Party

"What do you mean that we aren't allowed to leave base camp?"

Argued a group of discontented chunins as they stood before the gates. Between them and the exit stood a huge giant with two distinctive red cheeks on his face, an Akimichi to be exact; and Maruten was his name. Wearing his breastplate imprinted with his clan's honorable logo which so fittingly characterized their unquenchable love for food, the noble shinobi stood with pride as he looked down at his rather fallen short protestors. With a huge spear in his hand, Maruten lifted his metal and struck it on to the ground; trembling the earth beneath him. Letting in a deep breath, the giant howled towards the crowd.

"HANCHO'S ORDERS! NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO LEAVE CAMP!"

There, the Akimichi's roar instantly silenced the whole crowd. Looking at one another, no one dared to make another move. Pleased to see the crowds' response, Maruten sneered conceitedly.

"HEY LISTEN UP! CHUNKY RED FACE!"

A voice suddenly boomed out among the crowd.

Stunned, the Akimichi squirmed both eyes, looking intensely among the chunins in search for the rascal who called him; while that someone was as well trying to move out of the crowd to confront the giant himself. Slouching out of the gang, was a chunin whose height barely reached the Akimichi's chest; having tied a bandanna on his head and wearing an eye patch to his left. He wasn't all that good looking, but that spunky good for nothing look on his face was sure tempting enough to make one come and punch his other good eye. There he stood before the tall giant, both hands in his pockets, hanging a smirk on his rat face.

"Let me get this short and sweet for you. We're from the West Bank division. We only came to help escort some guys from the sector 44 to the base camp. Now that our mission is done, we need our ass back there… or else someone will have to explain to headquarters why no one's patrolling the west gates of our village!"

"West Bank is West Bank. Base is base. Here is Base camp, so you follow the base's orders!"

Maruten affirmed without any hesitation. Trying to hold his temper, the chunin reasoned.

"Is your brain all stuffed with food pills now that you can't think right? The West Bank is defenseless unless our troops return to our post! Without our watch, other villages from the west… like Suna per say, can simply send their troops to sneak in and throw hell of a party in Konoha!"

"No one is throwing any party! And all of your asses stay here!"

Maruten flared back.

"This is hopeless…"

The chunin grumped as he involuntarily slapped his forehead.

"And who's the genius that appointed this brainless slob to watch the gates?"

"That would be me."

Kasuga announced firmly as he walked over.

The chunin stared at Kasuga and taunted upon his arrival.

"Ah… And I thought they say the Nara clan produces the finest minds in Konoha… guess you'll have to meet one to really taste the essence of that joke."

"Cut your crap talk, Akame Iwana. It's the Jonin Hancho's order. No one, no matter whatever reason, is permitted to leave the camp!"

Kasuga barked back.

"You mean old man Shikaku, the Hokage's pet? No wonder both the Akimichi's and Nara's are being so bragy here."

Iwana sniggered as he talked. Hearing Iwana's words, Kasuga immediately sprang up.

"What did you say?! How dare you disrespect…"

"Did I say something wrong? What I mean is the Third's forever loyal handyman. Anyway, so what kind of business does the commander has here? "

"Believe me, Iwana. The Hancho know just too well of how the West Bank division sees him. If it wasn't orders from the Third, he wouldn't have deployed men from the division that supports Danzo and his dirty works to come over."

Kasuga snorted.

"Now that's a guy that should have been appointed Hokage; at least he knows how to get the job done. Speaking of works… do you think that the great Konohagakure would be what it is today if not for Danzo clearing the thorns and threats surrounding the village? Who do you think bought the time and peace for Konoha to grow and prosper to become the greatest village in the Fire Nation? You think it is old lad Hiruzen Sarutobi who just seats in his office and reads Konoha Daily?! "

"How can you be so blind, Iwana?! Do you mean by stirring conflicts within the Amekagure just to gain alliance's support, killing off hundreds of innocent people, was what that kept this village safe? Don't forget that that was the very reason why Danzo was banned from the Council."

"Ha… better than letting the Nine Tails in to attack the village. And don't you forget, Kasuga, you and I both watched our own parents die on the battle field; and at the very same day I loss half of my vision. We vowed that same hour that we would never let the same tragic happen to our own. And to this day, the alliance established by the man so called the Shinobi no Yami still stands strong and firm; while our respectable Shinobi no Kami still allows that jinchuriki to linger freely around the village, and even allow that monster to become a genin. Tell me, who am the blind one here?!"

"The Jinchuriki of the Nine Tail Fox…

The term banned by the Hokage from mentioning…

Never knew that someone would be bold enough to bring up such a sensitive word in this time and hour…"

A low unaware monotonic voiced whispered from behind as the two continued their debate.

"Don't be kidding. The Third Hokage made hell of a work to keep the treaty going; plus he didn't need to sacrifice other villages to accomplish that! Moreover, it is the Third that expanded our bonds with big villages like Suna."

Kasuga opposed backed.

"Yeah right… with the expense of trading off our village's own land. Thanks to Third, now the West Bank division gets more work to do like keeping an eye of those covetous Sunan farmers from stealing our land…"

Iwana countered calmly with his slyest attitude.

"… Renting the land…

Should be a more accurate term…

However…it is true…

The village of the Sand…

Has been sending more troops in that area recently…

Simply stating as a matter for self-defense…

Won't be persuasive enough…"

The unnoticed voice continued speaking for itself as the conversation continued.

"What's the difference? Your division has been looking out for the same villages and the same people all this while… nothing has changed in your job description."

"Haha… I can't believe after all these years you're still as naïve as you were… Well, I can't expect that much from you. After all, you did choose to submit yourself as a dog to another dog of a useless master…"

Iwana sniffed as he raised his shoulders; eyeing his opposition with that cunning smirk, waiting for the fire to start.

"How dare you…."

Fully aware of the blunt intention to kick up a fight, Kasuga, on the other hand, was at his limit from restraining himself. No way was he going to give into someone that insulted his utmost respectable Hancho; He knew Nara Shikaku, and he understood his mission. But he also happened to know Akame Iwana, and this childhood friend is not someone who could easily be tempered with, while his own was running out…

"… Well if you say dog…

Wouldn't an old deer be of a more fitting name?...

I mean… if its Shikaku you're referring to…"

With a sudden click of an ear, Kasuga took noticed of the odd party whispering throughout the conversation.

"Wait! Who said that?!"

Alarmed, Kasuga turned towards the owner of the voice. Iwana also noticed and shifted his snobby attention as well.

And there he was, standing behind Maruten at the gates.

The voice belonged to a man with long brown hair, wearing something that's either a sunglasses or a blackened googles that covered his eyes. And the reason for wearing a huge tan jacket in the heat of the summer, just obviously shows that he's hiding something inside; per say inhabiting thousands of deadly insects under those long sweaty sleeves; not to forget the their extremely negligible presences, it is no doubt that he belonged to the one and only Aburame clan.

"Or an old horse is also feasible…

But don't put them together or it will be really disrespectful…"

"Cut it out Mato. You've been speaking to yourself for the past 5 minutes."

And so happened, another character entered the scene.

Standing right next to Aburame Mato, was a chunin from another noble clan named the Hyuga; a distinctively recognizable clan as their members possessed the rare optical gift called the Byakugan.

"That's the maximum allowance I'm giving you, now shut up and let them finish their fight so that this Akimichi can let us through."

The Hyuga grouched with an agitated tone.

"Ko, I'm happy that you're willing to express your feeling towards me, your friend. But you can't expect others who just met you to understand what you're going through."

Muta calmly turned towards his partner and responded. The Hyuga frowned back.

"Please don't say that. And by the way, we've just met, so I'm not your…"

"Yes, it's been 20 hours 16 minutes and 30 seconds since we know each other. And in less than 4 hours' time we can celebrate our one day friendship anniversary."

"Another bunch of mud heads, this camp couldn't get any better!"

Exclaimed Iwana sarcastically.

"Eh-hem… Now that we've got the people's attention…"

Ko cleared his throat as he continued while taking out a metal plate from his pocket.

"We belong to the Northern Borders and are given orders to deliver a message to the Jounin Hancho from the Hokage's Office…"

In the Hyuga's hand laid a seal of the Hokage, which represented a message from of the Third himself. And it was only of urgent matters would the Hokage use this seal; as for those who wield the plate in hand equivalent having same authority as the Hokage himself; therefore the plate is to be safely guarded and must not fall into the wrong hands. Having noted, Maruten turned and bent down to inspect the markings of the seal. Having confirmed that the seal was genuine, the giant hissed out a deep breath and said.

"It is true that you two are representatives of the Hokage. However, as orders from the Hancho, I cannot allow you into the camp unless having permission from the Hancho himself… Perhaps you may deliver the message to us here so that we can convey it to the Hancho."

Maruten offered a kind gesture. However, both Mato and Ko looked disturbed.

"This cannot do…"

Said Ko as he frowned and shook his head.

"You see…"

Mato filled in the gap and continued.

"The Third has given both of us strict orders that the message was to be relayed to Nara Shikaku himself only… Apparently, it was under the Thirds' strict order that Ko was to bear the Hokage's seal while I was given the Hokage's message to Shikaku. Thus, unless we see him in person, we cannot fulfill our duties."

"Well, I suppose you guys just came at the wrong time… Stubborn old geezers! Hiruzen should have been foretold that his general had his main camp closed down before sending you here."

Iwana smirked as his eyes scowled far off at a distance.

"Actually, you are wrong, my one-eyed friend…"

Mato explained, lifting one finger as he continued.

"Nothing here can escape the watchful eye of the Third, especially here in the main camp…Yes… It makes so much sense, now that I know why the Third ordered us to deliver this..."

A quick hand suddenly slapped tight onto the Mato's mouth, instantly ceasing any vocals to leak out of the Aburame.

"Stop talking before you spill any of the Thirds message…"

Ko spoke. He then looked towards the giant in front of him with a stern face.

"I know it is inconvenient of you, but we must deliver this message to the Hancho himself. This plate that I hold is more than what I can bare, please do not burden me anymore."

Hearing the Hyuga's plea, the giant's face slightly softened.

"I understand. Wait here, I'll seek for the Hancho's permission."

Having said, Maruten made a hand sealed and formed shadow clone. As the giant's shadow clone was about to move, Kasuga halted the giant on the wrist with concern.

"Wait, Maruten. Chief said that no one was to disturb him…"

"Not if the commander responds first."

Maruten replied with a smile.

"Don't worry, Kasuga. I believe the chief intended all of this."

Click…

…

Click… click…

…

Click…

…

Click…click

Under the folds resided utter silence but the sounds of wooden chess, tapping the essence of a tense fight between two minds. Like a wave flowing back and forth, both players moved as if one already predicted the others step and knew where to place his next piece while the other was expecting his opponent to do so and knew how to counteract.

There was no pause.

There was no hesitation.

It was the highest epiphany of a match, which could only be achieved in the presence of two power houses; whereas two minds, though on the opposite sides, were already thinking as one.

However, every game must come to an end.

For someone who is skillful in the art of tactics…

It was wise of you to choose flexibility over defense…

Especially if you know how to advance your whole troop across the board to invade your enemy while protecting your king within…

Your Mino Castle can turn into a fierce storm that engulfs your opponent's piece…

What a brilliant strategy…

The elder player whispered in his mind. Every ounce in his heart was pouring out compliments of how his younger opponent tackled his every move.

However…

Unless you anticipate a short quick battle…

Your castle will not stand for long…

The elder's words came true as he witness his opponents' fort gradually being disseminated by his pieces. The steps towards checkmate were only glimpse away.

You've played well…

But you're still far from…

"Huh… after all these years I still can't beat you, Oyaji..."

The young player finally spoke, breaking the dead silence that was bestowed since the start of the game.

Suddenly, the younger removed a piece from his castle.

He was demolishing his own fort.

Oddly surprised, the elder player paused for a moment to rethink his steps. He never thought that his opponent would have made such a move. As the elder player looked up towards his opponent, he saw the younger player grinning at him; as if he had already foreseen the outcome long ago.

The elder player calmly responded as he folded both of his hands, shifting his gaze back on the board. The elder player then let out a slow soothing breath from his nostrils, where as he placed a gold general heading towards the open door.

"So this is how you would end it?"

The old man Skikaku asked.

Shikamaru then chuckled. He laid his head to rest on one of his palm and answered.

"In the worst adversary where all is lost and the last man is at state to lose his life in battle; Still, the king is to be protected; Shouldn't that be the conviction of a true general?"

The wall Shikamaru tore off from his castle was an escape route for his King.

Counting by the numbers of steps, He knew that no pieces of his opponents could manage to catch his King in time.

"Hehe…So the last resort was to assure a mutual destruction in order to protect the King…Saigo no Kogeki."

Shikaku concluded.

"What can I say? My opponent is just too strong, all other options have been compromised… but I cannot afford to lose."

Shikamaru replied in his carefree tone.

"Can't afford to lose, eh?"

Old man Shikaku grinned back while making his final futile move.

The game was set.

Stalemate.

"So, it comes to terms that you haven't convinced me about the accusations that you have put forth against our ally from the sand…"

Shikaku raised his head and looked at Shikamaru in the eye.

"This sounds troublesome, but regardless of the outcome, you could still end my life anytime, yet you've kept me here playing in your fingers all this time…"

Shikamaru casually addressed with his usual laidback composure.

"Your mind has always been difficult to grasp; but like a game of Shogi, I guess what you're mostly likely up to is to wait for your positions to be established before moving your pawn."

"Heh, and what kind of pawn do I expect this to be?"

With a slight frown, the old man asked.

"How about one that comes willingly to be under your disposal?"

Shikamaru grunted.

"Huh…if that is the case, what you are seeking probably leads to death."

Shikaku sneered, folding both arms to his waist.

"Well, someone once told me thatSacrifice is an inevitable part of missions…"

There, Shikamaru's facial expression softened as he continued.

"Either way, I am as good as dead here; but I'd rather give my life to protect the future… It's troublesome, but that's the Will of Fire."

"The Will of Fire, you say?..."

All of a sudden, Shikaku was alerted and gave a hand sign, signaling Shikamaru to stay low. Then, a huge shadow descended, cutting out all light sources outside the tent. Recognizing the figure of the shadow, the Jounin Hancho spoke.

"Maruten, what is it?"

Having given the permission to speak, the Akimichi reported promptly.

"Sorry to interrupt you, sir. But two men from the Hokage's Office have come forth to deliver an urgent message to the Jonin Hancho. They request to enter the gates."

"So they have arrived. Permission granted."

The Jonin Commander ordered.

"Yes sir."

Answered the giant. Then, in a puff of smoke, the shadow clone instantly vanished.

As Shikaku was about to resume to his conversation with Shikamaru. An astounding voice was heard leaking between the curtains.

" Hey you, Nara Shikaku! If you can answer that Akimichi you may as well answer mine! I don't know what's gotten into you, but we from the West Bank division are not under your subordination and we request you to let us go so we can resume to our post immediately!"

"Shut your mouth! You have no right to order the Hancho around. Moreover, you don't even have the permission to speak in the first place!"

Another voice was added.

"I'm not ordering anyone! I simply come to reason with the old man with all the mannerism within me."

"You are not in position to disturb the commander!"

And again, a quarrel was sprouted outside the commander's tent.

"Kasuga and Iwana… Oh great, this is annoying."

Without having noted, Shikamaru involuntarily blurted.

"So you know them?"

Shikaku asked with a twitch in his eyes.

Shikamaru looked back at Shikaku and let out a small grin.

"I've worked with these two guys before; all the more why I was able to predict Kasuga's movements last time. All thanks to my long post as a sub-captain, which gave me the privilege to work with almost everyone in Konoha…"

And to Lady Tsunade for the endless job tasks…

Man… those days were really troublesome…

A tingling sting shot up Shikamaru's spine as he recalled those troublesome days back then as chunin.

Speaking of which…

Having Kakashi taking the office didn't change much either…

And after promoted to Jonin just made life even busier…

A sly sigh couldn't help but escaped between Shikamaru's lips. There he continued.

"I can understand why Kasuga's here, but with Iwana in the picture, and having the whole camp on locked down…"

There, the young Nara's chains thought began to stir. He jointed his finger tips and resumed into his thinking mode.

This could take a while…

Meanwhile outside the tent…

The two representatives arrived at the entrance, while the air was all filled with spills of arguments that there was not a slightest space to for them to cut through to report to the commander. And to Ko's prediction, the all so talkative Muta somehow managed to join in the conversation without taking sides, thus was where the annoyed Hyuga slapped himself on the forehead, mumbling in his thought why he ever paired up with this guy on the first place.

The quarrel grew louder and louder. Of course, all these could not escape the ears of those within the tent. And as the Jonin commander, he ought to come straight and settle the entire nuisance outside. Instead, the commander was captivated by the look on the person sitting opposite to him. Shikamaru, who seemed to recognize the voices outside, had his eyes closed then; while still in deep thought…

The arrival of representatives from the Hokage's Office…

Aburame Muta and Hyuga Ko from the North Gates…

A personal message from the Third…

"Number one, no one is to enter my tent without permission…"

The missing nins retrieved near the Forest of Death…

The medical record identifying corpses at the same place…

"And number two, no one is to leave this camp without my permission…"

The conspiracy between Wind and Sound…

"It's just some meaningless riddle to play one mind, that's all…"

The location of the main camp…

The West Bank troops…

Danzo…

"The Sand and Sound were never associated, if they were to conspire, a third party must be involved, and that's who you are after. It's not the Sound or the Sand; it's within the leaf itself. "

Shikamaru eyes brightened as he concluded.

Upon hearing, Shikaku nodded and spoke.

"Right up till now, the Sand is still an ally of the Leaf. Admitting their collusion simply means to declare war… That's not what the Leaf wants. So you see, I'm not in position to handle what relays between the other two villages… But perhaps..."

"Perhaps what?"

Shikamaru scratched his head as he questioned.

"Perhaps it is time that I should move..."

Shikaku went for his back sachet in search of something.

"There we have it… I guess this will do."

He took out a spherical object and tossed it over to Shikamaru. Upon catching, Shikamaru realized it was a bomb with the character "Light" marked on it.

A Hikaridama.

Suddenly, its threads began to sparkle.

"What in the world are…"

Shikamaru hastily took out his kunai to sever of the burning threads in attempt to stop the bomb from ignition. Looking at his boy's startled behavior, Shikaku couldn't help but grin.

"Don't worry. Like you, I'm just creating a grand exit for my King…"

Shikaku then looked at Shikamaru in the eye and turned on his serious tone.

"Listen up close; you're the diversion, and any fish who willingly swallows the bait are all yours…"

The elder Nara watched pleasingly as the young Nara's bewildered look changed to a sense of realization followed by a frowning complaint of troublesome concluded with a shortened sigh. And with the remnant seconds left before the bomb ignites, Shikaku quickly summed up the thousands of words inside his heart.

"Shikamaru…"

It was the fatherly tone that Shikamaru was familiar of.

"I entrust my Will of Fire to you…

Though I don't really know what happened… I guess being away from home for so long has made me lose track of my son's growth."

Shikaku ended with a pleasant smile on his face. Shikamaru gazed into his father's eyes for one last time, and then he turned and stood up, patting the dirt off his pants.

"You know, your son only turn as much as 13 by the end of this summer… He's probably somewhere else lazing around…"

"Well, then where are you from?"

Shikaku asked.

"We'll leave that for another time…"

Shikamaru gave one lazy stretch and headed for the exit.

The flash bomb in his hand was about to ignite within mere seconds.

"Right now, I've got a puppet show to play..."