Shikamaru Nara walked slowly along the streets of Konoha, one hand seemingly casually resting behind his head. He tilted his head slightly upward, his gaze fixed on the sky as his thoughts ran wild like unbridled horses, drifting off to some unknown corner.
"I really never expected Hyuga Kei and Chiba Kishu to be the same person." He murmured softly, his brows tightly furrowed, his face full of tangled confusion and conflict. "But Dad, how could you hand such a troublesome matter to me? You even said people our age would be easier to talk to. You really handed me a huge problem!"
That morning, Shikaku had solemnly assigned him the difficult task of informing the Hyuga sisters of the truth, insisting that communication between people of the same age would go more smoothly.
Shikamaru had worn a miserable expression the entire way, his steps heavy as he finally arrived outside the Hyuga sisters' room. He first took a deep breath and thought over his words before raising his hand and gently knocking on the door.
Hinata, who had been training diligently inside, stopped when she heard the knock. She quickly came over to open the door, then welcomed Shikamaru in with a smile.
"Please sit down. I'll get you some fruit," Hinata said gently as ever, turning to make preparations.
At that moment, the lively Hanabi saw that there was a guest in the house and came bouncing over as well.
"No, no need. I actually came to tell you something important this time, um..."
Shikamaru scratched his hair, his face filled with discomfort. This was truly difficult for him to say.
"It's..." Shikamaru hesitated, his expression so complicated that it was impossible to read. He seemed conflicted, yet helpless.
Seeing Shikamaru continue to hem and haw, Hanabi grew