Shikaku 's frown deepened as he watched the girl play shogi with his son. She looked distant. Her eyes, while still following the game, looked miles away. Preoccupied with whatever troubles clouded her mind.

'Shikamaru, go help your mother with dinner, ' he finally said.

'But, daaad! One more game, pleaaaase, ' he knew exactly where his son was coming from. To play against Ryoko was fun for any Nara. Her mind just worked differently. It adapted quickly and challenged their strategies. And it didn't matter if she lost in the end or not. It was all in the way she moved her pieces.

'Now, Shikamaru, ' he said and practically shoved away his son, then smoothly took his place against Ryoko. She had grown up a lot from the small pouty kid he first met a decade ago. Shikaku looked at her for a second before pouring a glass of sake for her.

'Hn, ' in translation: 'Thank you, Shikaku-sama, for the drink. I appreciate it. '