Revised:
Two years had passed since Shikamaru first stepped foot in the Ninja Academy. He had absorbed every bit of knowledge, honed his skills, and proved himself time and again. But now, he found himself at a crossroads. As he advanced through the curriculum, Shikamaru realized that the academy alone couldn't provide him with the experiences he needed to truly grow as a shinobi.
Deep in thought, Shikamaru pondered his options. Graduating early seemed tempting, but he understood the consequences it would bring. It would mean stepping into a world of danger and responsibility much sooner than his peers. The weight of such a decision was not lost on him.
Resolute in his desire to gain more experience, Shikamaru decided to stay in the academy for one more year. It would allow him to continue learning, refining his skills, and observing the challenges faced by his classmates.
As the days turned into weeks, Shikamaru felt a growing restlessness within him. He yearned for something more, a way to bridge the gap between the limitations of the academy and the real world. And then it hit him—an idea sparked in his mind.
Shadow Clone Jutsu. Shikamaru remembered learning about this technique, a jutsu that allowed the user to create solid clones of themselves. With the clones' ability to gather experience and share it with the original, he realized it could be the key to his dilemma.
Determined, Shikamaru devoted an entire week to mastering the Shadow Clone Jutsu. He studied its intricacies, practiced the hand seals, and channeled his chakra with precision. Gradually, he gained a firm grasp of the technique, ready to put it into action.
One morning, as the academy bustled with students, Shikamaru discreetly found an empty classroom, away from prying eyes. He took a deep breath, centering his focus, and performed the necessary hand seals with practiced ease.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Shikamaru exclaimed, his chakra surging through his body.
In an instant, a perfect replica of Shikamaru materialized beside him. The clone shared his appearance, mannerisms, and knowledge, ready to act as his decoy.
Shikamaru grinned, marveling at the sight. "It worked!"
With his clone in tow, Shikamaru returned to the bustling corridors of the academy, blending in seamlessly among his classmates. The clone acted as his stand-in, attending classes and participating in training exercises while Shikamaru himself ventured outside the academy walls to gain real-world experience.
The clone engaged in conversations with other students, its voice and expressions mirroring Shikamaru's. It answered questions, provided insights, and even offered guidance to those seeking help. The classmates remained unaware of the substitution, convinced that Shikamaru was present, sharing his wisdom and expertise.
As the weeks went by, Shikamaru's clone accumulated experiences beyond what the academy could offer. It faced challenges, tested its skills, and grew alongside its peers. Meanwhile, the real Shikamaru immersed himself in real missions, shadowing experienced shinobi, and observing their techniques and strategies.
Every evening, the clone would dispel, its accumulated experiences merging with Shikamaru's consciousness. It was as if he had lived those moments himself, learning from success and failure alike.
The academy year neared its end, and Shikamaru realized that the time for his clone to act as his substitute was drawing to a close. He had gained the experience he desired, and it was time to step out of the shadows and face the world as himself.
In a final act of the Shadow Clone Jutsu, Shikamaru summoned his clone one last time. The clone stood before him, its demeanor mirroring his own, as if they were two sides of the same coin.
"Thank you," Shikamaru said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You've helped me bridge the gap between the academy and the real world. I'm ready to take the next step on my own."
With those words, the clone dispersed, its form dissolving into nothingness. Shikamaru stood alone in the empty classroom, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through his veins.
As the days turned into the final weeks of his extended time in the academy, Shikamaru prepared himself for the next phase of his journey. He focused on refining his skills, studying advanced techniques, and embracing the challenges that lay ahead.
During this time, he found himself engaged in conversations with his classmates, sharing his experiences and insights gained from his missions outside the academy. The once-introverted Shikamaru had blossomed into a confident and knowledgeable shinobi-in-training, respected by his peers for his wisdom and understanding.
One day, as he walked through the academy halls, Naruto approached him, wearing his signature grin. "Hey, Shikamaru! I've heard you've been doing some incredible things out there. Mind sharing some of your experiences with me?"
Shikamaru chuckled and nodded. "Sure, Naruto. Sit down, and I'll tell you about my recent mission in the Land of Lightning. It was quite the adventure."
They settled down in a quiet corner of the academy, engrossed in their conversation. Shikamaru's words flowed effortlessly as he recounted the challenges, the strategies employed, and the lessons he had learned. Naruto listened attentively, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
As the year drew to a close, Shikamaru reflected on his time in the academy. The decision to stay for an extra year had been the right one. It had allowed him to not only gain valuable experience but also to form lasting bonds with his classmates.
On the day of the graduation ceremony, Shikamaru stood among his peers, wearing his academy robes with pride. The familiar faces around him had become more than classmates; they were his comrades, ready to embark on their shinobi journeys together.
As they received their graduation certificates, Shikamaru felt a surge of determination. He knew that the road ahead would be arduous, filled with peril and countless challenges. But armed with his experiences, knowledge, and the support of his friends, he was ready to face whatever came his way.
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The next chapter will consist of his 2 year time adventure outside the village.