Shikamaru was laying under a tree, watching the clouds, as usual.. But something was different. Asuma-sensei had died.. His team leader, teacher, and whom he also played shogi with. He tried to act like it didn't affect him, but it was clear it did.

he became more "lazy" and unsocial. Spending most days alone, trying to clear his mind from what happened. He even stopped talking his teammates! He only talked to them or anyone else if they were on missions. This was becoming a problem.