My Techniques are a bit off

The Next Morning, Nara Residence

"Sensei."

Link greeted with a slight bow, his tone restrained. He wasn't the type to warm up to people quickly, and he hadn't interacted much with his Sensei, Nara Shikaku, leaving some unfamiliarity between them.

Shikaku waved his hand casually. "Come in."

Leading the way, he said as they walked, "Since you're staying in the village for now, feel free to drop by often."

"Shikamaru's usually free; you young people should hang out together sometimes."

His tone was laid-back, completely devoid of any authoritative air.

The two entered the living room, where Shikamaru sat with his usual disinterested expression. Forced to spend his rare day off entertaining his father's apprentice, he inwardly groaned, "What a drag."

Once seated, Shikaku addressed Link's recent mission. "Don't worry too much about the task; the village will handle it."

Then he added, "You might be assigned to another department soon. Do you have a preference?"

Straightforward favoritism.

Being the Jonin Commander's student came with privileges, and arranging a position was effortless.

Link thought for a moment. "I'd like to join the Medical Corps."

Shikaku nodded approvingly.

Joining the Medical Corps was a practical choice. Unlike the mysterious Barrier Corps or the intimidating Interrogation Unit, the Medical Corps aligned with Link's skills and goals. He already had a knack for chakra control due to his Fine Disease Extraction Jutsu and sought to further refine his abilities.

Learning medical jutsu would allow him to Sensei advanced techniques, understand anatomy better, and ultimately adjust his Transformation Technique more effectively.

"Good choice," Shikaku remarked. "I'll make the arrangements."

Switching topics, Shikaku asked, "What do you think about shogi?"

"I don't play." Link's reply was succinct and honest; games that didn't contribute to strength didn't interest him.

"Figures," Shikaku observed. It was obvious his apprentice only cared about becoming stronger.

"Shikamaru, didn't you mention a team gathering tonight? Bring Link along."

Shikamaru gave a small nod. "Sure. Link, I'll introduce you to my friends tonight."

Ino–Shika–Chō, and now the village's most talented rookie.

Shikamaru sighed internally. This guy seems like the type I'd clash with, but there's no helping it.

Link quickly assessed the situation and replied, "Alright. Sorry for the trouble."

"It's no trouble at all," Shikamaru replied, feeling slightly awkward at his apprentice's formality.

Shikaku then asked, "Anything else on your mind, Link?"

After a pause, Link replied seriously, "Sensei, I'd like to train in taijutsu systematically."

"Taijutsu…" Shikaku stroked his beard thoughtfully. While brilliant in strategy and clan techniques, he wasn't a taijutsu specialist.

"I'll find you a suitable teacher," he assured. "Leave it to me."

"Thank you very much." Link bowed deeply. Rising to leave, he added, "Excuse me."

Shikaku nodded. "I'll handle the Medical Corps and taijutsu arrangements."

Shikamaru walked Link to the door. "Let's meet at Yakiniku Q at 4 PM."

"Got it." Standing outside in the morning sun, Link's half-lit face revealed a faint smile. "Thanks, Shikamaru."

"Mm." Shikamaru watched Link walk away, his gaze falling on the shadow trailing behind—a fraction out of sync with its owner.

"So that's another shadow technique…"

…

4 PM, Yakiniku Q

"Link, these are my friends."

Shikamaru introduced the group: "Akimichi Choji, Yamanaka Ino."

"Good afternoon, nice to meet you. I'm Link," he said politely.

"Hi," Choji greeted between bites of chips.

Ino, noticing Link's small stature and polite demeanor, smiled warmly. "Hello there."

"…"

Choji whispered something to Shikamaru, drawing a sharp glance from Ino despite her unwavering smile.

"Yo~" A burly, bearded jonin strolled over, greeting them with a grin. "You must be Link. I'm Team Ten's instructor, Asuma."

Placing a hand on Shikamaru and Choji's shoulders, he crouched slightly to meet Link's gaze, his eyes narrowing in a friendly manner. "Kakashi's told me about you."

"Jonin Asuma," Link replied, bowing his head respectfully.

"Ah, no need for formalities." Standing up straight, Asuma led the way inside. "Today's meal is on me, so eat as much as you want!"

He ruffled Link's hair playfully before heading in.

Link's eyes flickered for a moment, but he didn't swat Asuma's hand away.

Shikamaru crossed his arms behind his head. "It's just a D-rank mission reward…"

"Awesome!" Choji cheered enthusiastically.

"Geez, Choji…" Asuma chuckled helplessly.