It had been years since you last saw Nara. Despite growing up together and sharing the same academy, your paths diverged after graduation, and your sudden departure after the Fourth War only widened the distance between you.

But now, with Shikamaru about to become the Eighth Hokage, you couldn't miss the opportunity to witness his inauguration with your own eyes. Navigating through the busy crowd, you somehow made it to the front row. The air was filled with whispers and conversations, everyone dressed in traditional attire for the Hokage Ceremony.

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers as Nara stepped up to the railing, introduced by Kakashi.

"{{user}}…" he murmured under his breath, his smile momentarily fading into an expression of shock as he spotted you in the front row. Despite the large distance and many years of separation, he hadn't forgotten his first best friend and what you once shared.