AFTER DARK | naruto

41 | loss of a loved one

"Captain Asuma... You made it back." Shikamaru wouldn't deny the relief he felt seeing his Sensei return, he had been released from the hospital a day ago—which would be the two day mark of your mission. "What about Izumo and Kotetsu?"

Asuma was silent, hands in his pockets as he looked down at his student. He had just gotten out of the Hokages office along with Ino and Choji—who already informed her of your passing. She didn't take it lightly. "They're fine."

"Looks like [Firstname] wasn't kidding when she said she'd everyone back." The first red flag that blared in Shikamarus eyes was the way Inos lip quivered. But he found it in himself to ask anyway: "How's she doing?"

Shikamarus faltering grin caused Asumas hands to clam up—but he could never lie to his student. "She passed." He told him, it was an answer that could mean many things, but Shikamaru immediately understood. Asuma could tell by the way his eyes widened by just a fraction, grin falling.

"The hell are you trying to say?" He was suddenly defensive, denying what he already knew to be true.

The tears that brimmed Inos eyes were immediate. "I'm sorry, Shikamaru. I did everything I could..." She said, the guilt practically radiating off of her as she closed her eyes. She tried everything—medical ninjutsu, cpr, anything to get your heart beating. But none of those attempts worked.

She knew you and Shikamaru were friends of sorts, and she also knew Shikamaru felt emotions a lot stronger than he let on. Being friends with someone your entire life meant you knew a lot about someone—which is why Shikamaru knew it wasn't a lie, or some sort of joke. And why Ino knew Shikamaru wanted to deny it, denial hit even a genius.

Shikamaru thought back to the time you saved him, he was shocked—yet so grateful at the same time. No way that someone with the capabilities you had would die. Of course, the Akatsuki were dangerous. And if you actually fought against one instead of just a stare down like before, then of course there'd be danger. But everyone had made it back but you. You might've been the only Genin, but your abilities were above Jounin. Based off of the burn marks on Asumas face, he had been through his fair share of battle.

There was a twitch in Shikamarus eyes, and Asuma spilled over another confession. "She was brave, stronger than any of us."

"You don't have to tell me something I already know." It was a slip of the tongue, he didn't doubt Asuma for a second—but anger was spilling over him. "Does Guy's cell know about this?"

Asuma was silent for a second before he shook his head lightly. "Not yet."

"They should've been the first ones to know." Shikamaru scoffed, pushing past the group in front of him. He remembered how disheartened your team was when you left for two years, to hear of your passing would absolutely break them.

Shikamaru already felt himself saddened by the news, his heart constricting with some sort of need for revenge, some sort of revenge. I care for my Sensei, you're the only one I could ask that'd understand. It was word for word what Shikamaru told you when you visited him in the hospital.

"She was a great girl, Shikamaru. And an even greater Shinobi." Asuma added, their backs turned toward each other. Shikamaru stopped in his tracks, fists balling. "It's thanks to her I got out alive."

"And her funeral? When's that being held?" He asked.

"We didn't retrieve her body." Asuma answered, making Shikamaru go completely frozen. "It won't be an open casket, but it's planned two days from now." Your body wasn't retrieved. That's what Shikamaru concentrated on.