"Click."
Just as Lin Ke fell into thought, the sound of a door opening came from outside, followed by unhurried footsteps drawing closer.
"..." Another classic Nara pineapple head, only in a smaller size. He walked in with his hands behind his head and was about to speak, but upon seeing a guest, he forcibly swallowed his words.
"My son, Shikamaru." Nara Shikaku called the miniature pineapple head over and introduced them. "Chunin Lin Ke."
The father and son really did look alike.
Nara Shikamaru hesitated briefly. His expression did not change, but with what a pain filling his heart, he walked over, properly sat beside his father, and gave a slight bow. He appeared attentive and polite, but his mind had already wandered to the ends of the earth.
Lin Ke nodded in return, then bowed. "Master, please guide me from now on."
His reasons for taking a master were simple.
After becoming the disciple of the previous generation's "Deer," having the Nara clan backing him would make many matters easier. Ino-Shika-Cho was a trinity, a tremendous source of support.
In the short term, becoming Shikaku's disciple would allow him to completely gain the trust of the conservative faction.
In the long term, it would help him become a jonin, perhaps even a Kage.
As for that nonsense about becoming a Kage meaning he had to sacrifice himself for the village... Once I become Kage, do I still need to care about that?
Nara Shikaku smiled, stroking his goatee. His expression became much gentler. No matter how many higher-ups' intentions were involved, put simply, taking a master meant becoming one of their own. Gaining a capable genius disciple was always a good thing.
"?" Nara Shikamaru's half-lidded eyes suddenly widened, and his mouth fell slightly open. His little face