Shikamaru looked at Shisui's gesture and accepted the invitation, though he was deeply skeptical of what Shisui had said. It was only a game of shogi. Was activating his Mangekyo Sharingan really necessary?
Shikamaru focused his mental energy, making sure he would not carelessly fall under Shisui's genjutsu and lose the game without even knowing how.
He was also growing increasingly certain of his suspicion. That old scoundrel, Hatake Ziyan, had definitely dug a two-sided trap for him.
Not only did he have to lead everyone through the assessment, he also had to complete the task Hatake Ziyan had given him: keep Naruto quiet for a while and stop him from constantly trying to become captain!
But the situation left Shikamaru no time to dwell on that. Even after three years of special training under Hatake Ziyan, facing Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan directly put him under tremendous pressure!
Shikamaru periodically disrupted his own chakra to ensure he was not under a genjutsu. Then, after every move either of them made, he committed it firmly to memory, guarding against an illusion that might make him see pieces on the board that were not actually there!
Shikamaru steadied his breathing, gathered his focus, and devoted himself to the game.
Across from him, a subtle smile curled Shisui's lips as he watched Shikamaru!
As time passed, more and more sweat gathered on Shikamaru's forehead. He realized that Shisui seemed to know his next strategy in advance. No matter how he changed his approach, Shisui always countered it ahead of time.
Five minutes!
Ten minutes!
Half an hour!
Before he knew it, they had been playing for half an hour, yet the game remained undecided. They were still evenly matched, locked in a stalemate with neither side gaining an advantage!
This surprised Shikamaru greatly. By