A black and green clad jounin, having black hair in a spiky ponytail, walked through the streets surrounded by towers of rock. The young man of about twenty-five followed his escort with a relaxed gait which belied the urgency of his inner thoughts. He hoped for a good rest and a chance to contemplate on the events thus far before his meeting with the allied village leader the following morning.

The ninja currently heading towards the inn was Shikamaru Nara, head of the Nara clan of Konoha and chief strategic advisor to the Hokage. He was currently providing his services for an unexpected case that had surfaced in the last few months. He was also, for the last few years, trying to prevent his mother from bringing home the first girl to receive a second glance from him as his wife and demanding that he get to work on giving her grandchildren. His top-notch strategic planning had allowed him to evade his bossy mother until last week when things had taken an unexpected turn. Perhaps it was the adrenaline, perhaps it was the heat of the desert, or perhaps it was the sight of the girl covered in blood and about to be crushed under falling rocks which compelled him to make a major decision. So, not only did he finally acknowledge his latent feelings, but – being the man of action he was – he went a step further.

Resting in a cave while being on the lookout for hostile pursuers – and in the presence of witnesses – he had asked his bloodied beloved to marry him. She had been surprised – for such an offer from the most rational man at a time when one is struggling for survival was inconceivable – but, eventually, agreed to the impromptu proposal. Yet, their current situation and the events leading up to it had forced them put aside any further deliberations on their forthcoming nuptials. However, unbeknownst to the young jounin, his intentions and resolve were going to be tested very soon.