Naruto Hitsugaya - Shikamaru vs Shino (2024)

Next match Shino vs Shikamaru

The two contestants stepped forward into the arena.

It’s rare to see two such promising young minds face off. Their tactics will be fascinating to watch." Hiruzen

Shikamaru, show them what you’ve got. Your lazy demeanor hides a sharp mind. Time to put it to the test." Asuma thought

"Shikamaru, don’t be lazy now. Show everyone what a genius you are!" Ino

The proctor raised his hand, signaling the start of the match. "Begin!"

Shino immediately sent a swarm of kikaichū buzzing from his sleeves, spreading out to cover the battlefield. Shikamaru stood his ground, eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.

Shikamaru formed the Ram hand sign. "Shadow Imitation Technique!" His shadow extended toward Shino, who skillfully dodged while his bugs moved to encircle Shikamaru.

The bugs reached Shikamaru, attempting to drain his chakra. Shikamaru leaped backward, avoiding the swarm, but the insects followed persistently.

"This is troublesome," Shikamaru muttered. He quickly formulated a plan, looking around the arena for anything useful.

Shino's insects closed in, but Shikamaru had already calculated his next move. He pulled out a kunai with an attached paper bomb, hurling it at Shino. Shino dodged, but the explosion disrupted the bug formation momentarily.

Taking advantage of the confusion, Shikamaru extended his shadow again, manipulating it to blend with the shadows of the debris scattered from the explosion. Shino noticed the shadow too late, the tendrils wrapped around his legs, binding him in place.

Shikamaru smirked. "Got you."

But Shino remained calm. His body dissolved into a mass of kikaichū, an insect clone. The real Shino appeared behind Shikamaru, his bugs swarming in for another attack.

Shikamaru jumped forward, barely escaping the swarm. He landed and quickly threw several shuriken, which Shino deflected with a kunai. However, Shikamaru’s true aim became clear, he had used the shuriken to extend his shadow's reach.

Shikamaru's shadow shot forward, connecting with Shino's. "Shadow Imitation Technique complete."

Shino found himself immobilized. "Impressive," he conceded.

Shikamaru knew he had to act quickly. He focused, preparing to use the Shadow Neck Binding Technique. However, Shino's insects began to swarm toward Shikamaru again, threatening to break his concentration.

Shikamaru's shadow tightened around Shino's neck, but the kikaichū were relentless, their numbers increasing. Shino's bugs drained more of Shikamaru's chakra, weakening his hold.

Realizing he was running out of time, Shikamaru pushed through the exhaustion. "You leave me no choice," he muttered, releasing his grip slightly to pull out another paper bomb, throwing it at Shino. The explosion sent both ninjas flying, breaking Shikamaru's shadow hold.

Shikamaru landed hard, panting. Shino stood up slowly, equally exhausted. Both were battered, but neither was willing to give up.

The crowd held its breath as Shikamaru stood up, dusting himself off. He glanced at Shino, then sighed deeply. "You know what? This is too troublesome."

Shino raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Shikamaru looked at the proctor and raised his hand. "I give up."

The crowd gasped, and the proctor stepped forward, a bit surprised. "Shikamaru Nara has forfeited! Shino Aburame is the winner!"

Shino nodded respectfully. "You fought well, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru shrugged, smirking. "Yeah, yeah. I just don't have the energy to keep dealing with your bugs. Too troublesome."

"Shikamaru ability to think ahead is incredible. But strategy alone won't win you battles. If Shino works on his taijutsu he will be a force to reckoned with" Kakashi thought

"Both showed exceptional skill. A battle well-fought on both sides." Hiruzen smiled

"That’s my student. Well done, Shikamaru." Asuma said proudly

"A splendid display of youthful intellect and strategy!" Guy

"Shino did well. He pushed Shikamaru to his limits." Kurenai

"That lazy bumb!" Ino

Choji sighed before eating.

"Shikamaru’s brain is truly something else. Shino gave him a run for his money, though." Kankuro

"Damn that was exciting. Good job Shino" Kiba

"Troublesome, but at least it’s over." Shikamaru thought

Both of them did so well. I’m so proud of Shino." Hinata thought

A true battle of wits. Well done." Ibiki

"Great fight. Both of them showed their strengths." Akatsuchi

Naruto watched the conclusion of Shikamaru and Shino's battle with a keen eye, his mind as sharp and focused as ever. As the crowd murmured, he stepped forward, his voice carrying a cold yet thoughtful tone.

"Shikamaru, Shino," Naruto began, catching their attention. "You both fought well. There are things you did right and things you could improve."

"Shikamaru," Naruto said, turning to his fellow Leaf shinobi. "Your strategic thinking was impressive. You used the terrain and Shino's predictable movements to your advantage. You anticipated his tactics and set up your shadow possession perfectly. Your ability to think several steps ahead in battle is commendable."

He then shifted his gaze to Shino. "Shino, your composure under pressure is remarkable. You didn't let Shikamaru's tactics rattle you, and you used your bugs effectively to limit his movements. Your calm and methodical approach made it difficult for Shikamaru to find openings."

"But," Naruto continued, his voice firm, "there were mistakes too."

"Shikamaru, while your strategies are brilliant, you tend to rely too heavily on your shadow possession. In a real battle, if your opponent can predict or counter that jutsu, you'll be in trouble. You need to diversify your tactics and be ready to adapt more quickly."

"And Shino," Naruto said, addressing the Aburame. "Your bugs are a powerful tool, but you need to be more unpredictable with their deployment. Shikamaru was able to read your movements too easily. Think outside the box and use your insects in ways your opponent won’t expect.

He paused, letting his words sink in before concluding. "Overall, this was a great battle. Both of you showed why you're considered some of the best in our generation. Keep learning from these fights, and you'll become even stronger."

Naruto’s analysis was met with a mix of thoughtful nods and murmurs of agreement from the spectators. Shikamaru and Shino exchanged a glance, both(Shino) appreciated the feedback and the challenge to improve.

Final fight
Sakura vs Ino(let me know if I should put some effort into it.)

Tbc

Naruto Hitsugaya - Shikamaru vs Shino (2024)

References