You can never truly know what's in another person's heart. It's an almost impossible task.
Even with an IQ of over 200, Nara Shikamaru couldn't figure out just what Daigan was thinking, making such high-profile moves for seemingly little gain.
"Even Asuma-sensei can't see through him?"
"How could it be that easy?" Sarutobi Asuma replied. "The evaluation panel for this Chunin Exam has differing opinions on this Daigan from the Sand."
So far, Mitarashi Anko was quite appreciative of Daigan's performance, Morino Ibiki remained neutral, while Hatake Kakashi and Gekko Hayate were less than approving. The other members qualified to offer an opinion were also divided.
"So there really is an evaluation panel? I thought Lord Third was just making things up to console the contestants!" Yamanaka Ino asked in surprise. "Isn't being strong enough to win and advance a good enough indicator?"
"It's not that simple. By the way, Shikamaru, Aburame Shino, and the Sand's Temari were originally the most promising candidates for promotion to Chunin. A pity, Shikamaru, that you were stopped in the Forest of Death. Without a performance in the third-round tournament, your chances are pretty slim."
"Asuma-sensei, please don't tell me things that are more depressing to know than not to know!" Shikamaru waved his hand with a bitter smile. "It's not that I didn't try. That Sand kunoichi was just insane. She was willing to go for a mutual takedown just to defeat me. You can think highly of me, but don't make it so hard on me. I was helpless."
*She had her arms and legs broken but still forced herself to stand, and in the end, she even defeated the young lady of the Hyuga clan. Even after I had her body controlled and her defeat was certain, she still went for a massive, self-destructive explosion—a Pyrrhic victory at best. Running into someone like that is just my rotten luck.*
"Don't be so dramatic. Sand ninja are flesh and blood, too. They feel pain when they're injured. Don't believe me? Look."
As Sarutobi Asuma spoke, he jutted his chin towards the window. The three genin of Team 10 looked out and saw Daigan, wrapped in bandages and sitting in a wheelchair, strolling down the street.
"The Puppet Technique really is convenient. You can enjoy all kinds of delicacies with just a flick of your fingers."
Of all things, this was the one that made Akimichi Choji deeply envious.
"Tch. He's injured, and not a single teammate is there to push his wheelchair. He has to do it himself. Even when he's out and about, he's all alone. What a tragic sight. The guy must not have any friends..."
"No, this morning all the Sunagakure genin who didn't advance already went back, leaving only the four who passed."
"They're not even staying to cheer on their comrades?" Shikamaru asked, puzzled. "Is their bond really that weak?"
"That's not it, Shikamaru. Sand ninjas aren't like Konoha ninjas. They don't have the leisure. They can't afford to waste a month," Sarutobi Asuma explained.
The living conditions for ninjas from different villages were worlds apart. It was understandable that a ninja born in Konoha wouldn't comprehend the hardships of the Land of Wind. As a Jonin of Konoha, there were some things Asuma couldn't explain in too much detail regarding the reasons for Sunagakure's situation.
"Anyway, just don't be too impolite when you interact with them in the future!"
"Got it!" The last thing the trouble-averse Nara Shikamaru wanted was to pry into inconsequential matters. "Looks like he snuck out, huh? Should we do something?"
"He's a ninja. A little willfulness is fine. He'll bear the consequences himself, whatever they are."
Then again, a ninja like a puppeteer might be quite popular in Konoha. Kids love puppet shows.
"Wait, isn't that Sakura? Why is she arguing with that Daigan?" Yamanaka Ino couldn't help but worry as she watched her childhood friend suddenly appear.
"Private fights are forbidden in the village. What could happen on a busy street?" Nara Shikamaru said dismissively. "Are you underestimating Sakura? Besides, Daigan is seriously injured right now. Even if they did fight, she wouldn't lose that quickly. There are plenty of Konoha ninja nearby to stop them..."
"That's true. Still, I feel like I'm forgetting something..."
Yamanaka Ino tilted her head in thought for a moment, then suddenly shot to her feet.
"Oh no! I was so focused on Asuma-sensei's barbecue treat that I almost forgot I made plans with Sakura..."
"Of course..."
Sighing at his boisterous teammate, Nara Shikamaru picked up one of the last remaining pieces of grilled meat and popped it into his mouth.
"Tastes good."
"I can't talk anymore, I'm leaving! Call me next time you're treating!"
"Forgetting plans you already made... that's a fair-weather friendship for you, can't stand the slightest test!" the bearded man mused. It seemed Mitarashi Anko often forgot her drinking plans with Yuuhi Kurenai, too. As for how Sarutobi Asuma knew, let's just say he was an unfortunate victim of circumstance.
"If you ask me, the unity of our Team 10 is even more worrying. We finally get a rare team meal, and she ditches us for a friendship that can't even stand a little test. Isn't that more disheartening?" Nara Shikamaru teased, a rare joke from him. Beside him, Akimichi Choji just kept stuffing his face with barbecue, nodding in agreement to whatever was said, though it was unclear if he'd actually heard his teammate's words.
After the whirlwind that was Yamanaka Ino had left, Sarutobi Asuma looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before lowering his voice.
"There's something I want to ask your opinion on, Shikamaru."
"What is it? Why so secretive?"
"I was supposed to wait until after the Chunin Exam to decide, but since you've been eliminated, I thought I'd tell you in advance. I've recommended you for an internship with the Cipher Corps..."
"Why so sudden?" Shikamaru asked, confused.
"If you had passed the exam and been promoted to Chunin, you would have become the captain of Team 10, and this recommendation would have been voided. But since your chances of promotion are slim now, I can tell you beforehand to give you time to prepare..."
"Can I refuse?"
"It's not impossible, but I'd still like you to give it a try."
"Let me think about it..."
"Alright. In any case, I don't want you to feel pressured. The village needs new-generation ninjas like you to contribute, but it's not yet time to force you to carry the full weight. After all, we're not that old yet..."
"Then... I accept."
"So quickly! You don't want to think about it more?"
"It's a great opportunity. I want to try."
"Alright then. You just rest up and wait for the notice. I'll handle the rest."
"Thank you, Asuma-sensei," Nara Shikamaru said with genuine gratitude.
"Don't mention it. I'm your Jonin instructor, after all."
He was both their jutsu teacher and a mentor in life. It was only natural for him to help plan his students' futures.
***
Two days later, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro were led away from Konoha by their teacher, Baki.
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