Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

'Uh-oh, this isn't looking good.'

Naruto's confidence wavered as he watched the scene below.

Earlier, Shikamaru had wanted to forfeit, but Naruto had pushed him into the ring, forcing him to participate. Now, Shikamaru was getting hammered, and there was no doubt he'd be gunning for payback later.

Sure, Shikamaru couldn't actually beat him in a fight, but that wouldn't stop him from endlessly complaining.

Whoosh~

As the Sickle Weasel Technique neared its end, Temari formed hand seal, ready to detonate the explosive tags she'd laid across the arena.

The ignition time for explosive tags wasn't long, but any delay could give the opponent a chance to escape. Temari's goal was to time it perfectly, leaving Shikamaru no opportunity to counter.

"What's going on?!"

Just when Temari was about to smile triumphantly, she was shocked to find herself unable to move.

"Huh?"

Naruto's interest was piqued again. Just when he thought the match was over, a twist happened. He looked closer and noticed a thin shadow on the ground, tightly binding Temari.

'Wow, it's actually Shadow Imitation Technique.'

'So Shikamaru hadn't given up at all. While enduring the windstorm, he'd been strategizing.'

Naruto, who is observing from high vantage point, could quickly discern Shikamaru's clever plan.

Taking advantage of the dust kicked up by the cyclone, Shikamaru had silently executed his Shadow Imitation Technique. As for the reason why he waited until now to activate it? The answer lay in the explosive tags scattered across the ground.

The explosive tags are not only Temari's means of victory, but also Shikamaru's.

After Temari ignites the explosive tags, Shikamaru can use Shadow Imitation Technique and start counterattacking.

Just as Naruto figured this out, Shikamaru sprang into action.

Ignoring the stinging cuts from the wind, he sprinted toward Temari.

Due to the Shadow Imitation Technique, Temari had no choice but to move in sync with him, running toward Shikamaru.

With careful maneuvering, Shikamaru positioned them so they passed each other without colliding.

By the time Shikamaru reached Temari's initial position, Temari had charged straight into her own Sickle Weasel Technique.

Using her own method against her… it was a brilliantly executed move.

Luckily for Temari, the cyclone subsided quickly, sparing her from serious harm. But there was still the matter of the explosive tags on the ground.

While there weren't as many as Tenten had used against Gaara, the dozens that were there would produce a devastating explosion.

After Temari's precise calculations, the explosion would trigger right as her technique ended.

And now, as the whirlwind faded, the ground lit up with the fierce glow of the igniting explosive tags.

'It's over!'

A chill went through Temari's heart as the realization hit her. She couldn't move her body to escape, or even raise an arm to shield herself. All she could do was close her eyes and hope she wouldn't be blown to bits.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Explosions erupted one after another, creating a massive crater where Temari stood.

"Huh? I don't feel any pain. Could I have died instantly? Is this… what death feels like?"

As the sounds of the explosions faded, Temari let out a surprised murmur.

"As long as I'm here, you won't die."

A voice that was indifferent but tried hard to be gentle was heard.

'Not dead?'

Temari then opened her eyes, and the one standing in front of her was a man carrying a gourd on his back, it was none other than Gaara.

"Gaara… why are you here?" Temari blurted out instinctively.

"If I weren't here, you'd be dead by now."

Gaara replied, retracting the sand shield that had protected her from the explosions.

This was the second time today that Gaara had been troubled by explosive tags.

"Let's go back."

Gaara said, turning to head toward the stands. According to the rules, any outside interference meant Temari had lost.

"Okay!"

Temari nodded dumbly.

She is still in a daze now, not from the shock of the explosive tags but from the sight of Gaara coming to her aid.

'Is this still the Gaara who kills people over a disagreement?'

For the first time, Temari sensed an unprecedented warmth radiating from Gaara, a comforting warmth that made her feel safe. All the time she had spent by his side had finally borne fruit… she had witnessed Gaara reaching out to help her.

Tears welled up in her eyes, not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy.

But just before leaving, she shot Shikamaru a fierce glare and said, "You idiot boy who doesn't know how to be gentle with women, I will remember you!"

"Gentle to women? You nearly killed me, and now you want me to go easy on you?"

Shikamaru replied, shaking his head with mild exasperation.

After hearing this conversation, Naruto could only shake his head.

'With all this bickering, I doubted they'd ever become friends, let alone anything more. How could these two ever live peacefully together?'

"Seventh match, winner, Nara Shikamaru!"

Following Hayate's announcement, Shikamaru returned to the stands with his hands in his pockets.

Looking at Shikamaru's indifferent expression, Naruto thought about it and decided not to interrupt.

Everyone has their own path, and there was no need for him to meddle in Shikamaru's relationships like in the original work. Shikamaru wasn't his servant, after all, so there's no need to put in so much effort.

Speaking of servants, he was very satisfied with Gaara's growth. After all, Gaara had opened his heart and learned to protect those around him, which was a big step forward.

As he approached Gaara, Naruto teased, "I didn't expect you to jump in. You really surprised me."

Gaara's face showed a rare hint of awkwardness, almost… shy?

Naruto couldn't help but chuckled when he saw Gaara's expression.

"I'll remember that guy called Shikamaru. If I meet him again next time, he'll be finished!" Temari snorted coldly and said through gritted teeth.

Kankuro laughed and said, "No need to hold a grudge. That Shikamaru had actually held back quite a bit."

"What do you mean?" Temari frowned.

Kankuro explained, "With his secret technique, he could have made you step directly on the explosive tags. Even if Gaara tried to save you, it would have been impossible."

Temari shivered at the thought, 'Indeed, if that guy had positioned me on the explosive tags, even if the explosion didn't kill me, it might have left me seriously injured.'

"Hmm, so that bastard is gentle to a woman after all. Guess I'll go easy on him next time." Temari mused thoughtfully.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Naruto raised his eyebrows.

'My goodness… Shikamaru's mouth says no, but his body is very honest.'

Naruto flickered back to Shikamaru's side, patted him on the shoulder, and said teasingly: "Not bad, you still have a trick up your sleeve."

Shikamaru sighed helplessly, "I just thought it would be too troublesome. It's just a match, not a life-or-death situation. No need to make enemies."

"Ah, well…"

Naruto was momentarily speechless.

'I'd thought maybe Shikamaru had had a change of heart, but it was really just that laid-back attitude of his. Still, that subtle move had clearly struck a chord with Temari.'

'If nothing unexpected happens, as long as the two spent a bit more time together, it would only be a matter of time before their relationship grew into something more.'

'Sure enough, the relationship in the original work will return to the starting point through various coincidences as long as I do not actively get involved.'

'It was kind of amazing, really.'

Hayate's voice could be heard again from the competition venue, "The eighth match is a bit unusual. The next contestants I call, please come to the arena..."