This and Hidden in Plain Sight are cute little vignettes. Good Job!

Interesting

The ending is perfectly alright, in my opinion :)

Now, while I love Shikamaru a lot, I have to say he's somewhat a prick. At least he appears to be that way here. I can't say, at this point, whether it's my own response to reading his train of thoughts this clearly or something else. I'm not a genius, but I know people who are close to being some, and they do have the tendency to talk down to others, including myself. And while I might not be brilliant as they are I do know when I'm manipulated. I don't like it, and I don't like the way Shikamaru manipulates Naruto here. His enthusiasm and naivety aside, I don't think Naruto is stupid (I don't know if you do, since this story is written from Shikamaru's point of view and since he's a genius- well). ANd Shikamaru is acting pretty superior - or, thinking himself superior. But that's fine. They both are young. Naruto will have the chance to prove himself, Shikamaru will have the chance to change his opinion.

What I very much like is that someone, finally, talks about this with Naruto. It's been about time. And, admittedly, SHikamaru's thoughts about damage control and everything - they're pretty funny. When he's not condescendingly intelligent.

Thanks for sharing this story!

The ending is a bit weak. I feel like the last bit should relate more to the "People will surprise you sometimes."

Being smarter than the average bear (although not a genius by any means) and a lazy bum myself, I really identify with Shikamaru sometimes, and I love the way you write him. Besides which I think you nailed the relationship between him and Naruto pretty well: not the closest of friends, but looking out for and trusting each other. That hug was awkward though. I wouldn't say it was out of character, given the situation, but I can't recall a single instance when Naruto hugged a guy his own age (except for the Waterfall of Truth, but that doesn't count since it was himself). And Shikamaru isn't a very huggable guy - which explains his initial reaction. Maybe it felt so awkward because we're seeing it from Shikamaru's perspective? In which case, I must congratulate you again on your excellent portrayal of Shikamaru's POV.

I think this should be more than a oneshot.

I want to read the others' reactions. I want Shikamaru to have to do some damage control. Please, give me more!

Wow. Bloody fantastic. In terms of content, I can't say that it's anything particularly special, [a conversation between two adolescent boys, hmm...] but you made it remarkably interesting all the way through, which is more important and takes more skill than making action-y and dramatic scenes good.

I thought this was fantastic, the way you portrayed Shikamaru's thoughts and Naruto's actions just the way they would act in canon, if Kishi ever let anything worthwhile happen.

I really enjoyed this-thanks for sharing!

LOVED IT! You did this wonderfully. Epic win. I love these types of scenes, and you- you- words are failing me.

It's awesome.

Wow, good follow up. Though I do wonder why Naruto decided to tell Shikamaru first.

You are a very good writer.

I really want major reactions in canon...Good ones, of course...

Ending's great. And YAY Shikamaru! He's so cool! I was amused and touched by this-a good combination, and not one I get a lot. So go you!

huh. you got the inside naruto down. the end was kinda so so.

Love it, and will be recommending it to my friends and favorite fanfic authors.

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Just what I wanted to see in the manga. There was so many amusing lines in this but you managed to keep in all the in-depth emtional stuff too. A perfect combination of both.

Some of my fav, line were: '“Lazy doesn’t mean stupid,” he points out, and covers a yawn with a hand.'

So Shikamaru like, people are always understimating him.

'He wonders if Sasuke knew. If Orochimaru will know soon. If Orochimaru already knew. It’s a twisted web before him now, and it’ll take more skill than he has now to unravel it all.'

It sort of brings in the fact that they've still got a lot to deal with without making it to ominous. It also shows that Shikamaru may have a tiny bit of motivation.

'After all, he was on the wrong end of all that power during the chuunin exams. Surely no one’s that oblivious, particularly not a Hyuuga.'

Brilliant line. Made me laugh so loudly. Shikamaru's got it all figured out.

Anyway brilliant fic again.

*Sigh* and I leave you another long review.

Nice and simple. I particularley admire the portrayal of Shikamaru, he's not the easiest character to write. This fic made me want to see the reaction the rest of the rookie 9 had to Naruto's Kyuubu revelation...

Awesome awesome awesome awesome! One of the best Shikamaru fics I've read so far-I love how you express their friendship. Shikamaru really is a genius (“Naruto, what, in our admittedly brief previous acquaintance, gave you the extremely mistaken impression that I am either stupid or unobservant?” Shikamaru asks, rolling his eyes and going back to looking at the stars.)

*grins*

I didn't get one thing though-Shikamaru can see chakra?