Shikamaru was still riding the high of breaking the genjutsu, still feeling pretty smart for tricking such a worthy opponent. And there was no doubt she was worthy. He'd already marked her as someone who must be very good at shogi.

But as he caught her in the grip of his Shadow Strangle Jutsu and planted a fist in her gut, something changed. Or more accurately: he could feel something changing. He was bruised and battered, his limbs aching with fatigue from the trials of their mission. But as he remained pressed against her, even if only through the cotton of her shirt, he could feel that tiredness falling away. He could feel the soreness of his bruises fading and he knew the few scrapes he 'd picked up would be healing over on their own.