Nigemizu

Much like Boruto, Shikadai's got a lot of expectation placed on his shoulders. His father and grandfather are Konoha's greatest tacticians, who helped lead their world to peace and victory during the 4th war. His mother is one of the highest ranking political figures of Suna. His parents' marriage and Shikadai's birth in it of itself is a political statement. So Shikadai has a big image to keep up and we've been shown that this is something that he has thought about quite a bit. For example, when he decided to focus on his shadow techniques despite always having relatively more talent in his mother's Wind Style. He did it to help with his father's and his family's image, even if no one really told him to. Another example is during the Chunin exams. Even though he tried to keep this facade of being relaxed, he worked very hard to perform and was extremely upset with himself when he "failed". He's a very astute and conscientious kid who gives off this laid-back attitude but actually cares a whole lot. But he is slowly growing into himself and learning to act on his own rather what is expected of him, in order to become the shinobi HE wants to be and represent his family the way HE sees fit. 

Conversely, Shikamaru never really had this pressure on him. I never got the impression that Shikaku put much pressure on Shikamaru, even if he always had full confidence in his son. Shikamaru was kinda forced to become who he is by circumstance, despite his own desires. Shikamaru was definitely more bratty as a kid haha but his growth is also one of my favorites throughout the series. 

Well I don’t have any romantic OT3s, and my only BROT3 in the series is Sakura, Ino and Temari. I really, really like the fact that Sakura and Ino basically became BFFs with Temari after she settled in Konoha. Before the series ended, I had always thought that if Temari were to settle in the village with Shikamaru, she may struggle to make friends, perhaps due to her role in the invasion of Konoha during Part 1. That’s why I was really pleased when I saw her friendship with Sakura and Ino in the movie. It was as if Temari had been close friends with them since the academy; they just looked so comfortable with each other:

I can just imagine the three of them occasionally meeting for coffee and discussing trivial matters without a care in the world. There was even a scene during Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 of the three of them doing just that:

Please close your eyes and scroll down if you dont want spoilers. I normally don’t do this because I said I dropped the manga until further notice but I cannot not talk about this!

THIS IS THE KIND OF PISSED OFF SHIKAMARU SCENE I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR SINCE SHIKAMARU DECLARED HE WAS HIDAN’S GOD WAY BACK IN SHIPPUDEN.

Ok, so some of you know Shikadai was strapped with a bomb last chapter and I was waiting anxiously for Shikamaru’s reaction in this chapter. And my god, did it deliver.

This normally pragmatic, calm-headed, logical man loses his shit when his family is in danger, and I’m living for it. There’s normally not much that can push him over the edge, heck he was even calm when he was avenging Asuma’s death, but someone threatens his son’s life and he loses it. It was so bad even Naruto, of all people, called him out on it.

This is the kind of person Shikamaru is—he’s usually logical and clear-headed, but he gives 0 fucks when his loved ones are involved. I just...couldn’t stop screaming when I read this. I’ve always wanted to see angry Shikamaru, and now it’s finally canon! I cannot wait until SP animates this, so we can all see him in action!

Synopsis:

The chapter is narrated from Shikadai’s point of view, and takes place the night they passed the Genin Exam.

Shikadai goes into a lot detail how Sukiyaki is prepared and served.

He recalls having it at Boruto’s house when “Lady Hinata” prepared it; it was delicious.

Recalls having it with Boruto at Denki’s house, served by the butler.

In celebration of the passing of the Genin Exam, Chouji hosts a Sukiyaki dinner at the Akimichi residence.

Present at the dinner (along with Shikadai): Shikamaru, Temari, Ino, Sai, Karui, Choji, Inojin, Boruto, Himawari, Sarada, and Sumire.

Shikadai’s impression of Boruto:

Well, he’s not a bad person. No, he’s a rather nice guy, but knowing him, he’s not suitable for hot pots. This guy, he becomes oblivious of his surroundings when he gets excited. Even if it’s just a hot pot, once the Sukiyaki meat is placed, don’t expect Boruto to leave any scraps behind for you.

Also, Himawari is here today. Needless to say, Himawari is still a child, and can’t be expected to take control of the hot pot. And of course, Boruto’s devoted to looking after Himawari. Therefore, Boruto can’t be expected to take on the task.

A lot of chopsticks crossing as they fight over the meat (mostly Boruto and Chocho).

Sumire is overwhelmed and isn’t used to having such a chaotic meal (or having meals with others in general, as she lives alone). Shikadai noted that she’s said “Waaa” sixteen times already before they even started cooking.

Sarada is taking care of Sumire; cooking the meat for her and explaining show sukiyaki works.

Himawari moments:

Boruto cracks open an egg for Himawari.

While Boruto devours everything:

“Onii-chan, I want some meat too!”

“Sorry about that, Himawari!”

As the chaos ensues, Shikadai focuses on the small area of the Sukiyaki pot that he claimed for himself. And then Shikadai and Boruto eyeballs the same piece, with chopsticks in hand. They gave each other a glare. Shikadai was about to say something, but he realized that Boruto was trying to get the meat for Himawari. Shikadai backs off and lets him have it.

Himawari calls Shikadai, “Shikadai-oniichan”.

After dinner, the karaoke begins… and Shikadai falls asleep.

Shikadai wakes up to the mixed smell of “grease, hair product, and beer”. Shikamaru was carrying him home on his back. He pulls on his dad’s arms and gets off.

Temari stayed behind to help Karui clean up (and gossip).

my poison of choice is thinking about the sand siblings growing up. i read this really great fic exploring rasa’s decisions and their consequences, and it got me thinking about the suna nin a lot. here’s my mess as a result. it’s mostly temari bc i love her.

I just want to point out what Chocho stated in this episode: “The weight of responsibility makes a man mature”.

Remember when Shikamaru went from being the village slacker to the Hokage’s right-hand man? Or when Shikadai finally asked Temari to teach him Wind Style?

This change, this character development, could only be made possible because of the responsibility thrusted upon these two Nara boys at an early age.

Shikamaru‘s first mission as Chunin was to bring Sasuke back to the village. And although it ended as a failure and almost took the lives of his friends, Shikamaru decided to stop running away and own up to his title as Chunin. This responsibility carried him forward in life and gave him more opportunities to serve his village and people. And now, he’s Naruto’s right-hand man and a respected figure in the ninja world.

Meanwhile, Shikadai is 12 and already pressured to act like the heir to the Nara Clan. But instead of complaining, he’s sparing no effort into becoming a leader worthy of the Nara Clan, and it shows in how Chocho and Inojin acknowledged his progress in this episode. I’m excited to see more of Shikadai’s growth throughout the rest of the series (or at least I hope SP doesnt forget about him like the manga does). I know I’m not mistaken when I say this is merely the beginning of something great for Shikadai.

Another day of appreciating Temari’s beauty❤️