Shikamaru Nara, born September 22 to Shikaku and Yoshino Nara, belongs to Konohagakure's Nara clan. As a child, his exceptional intelligence clashed with extreme laziness, leading him to sleep through Ninja Academy classes and earn poor grades despite his potential. He befriended Chōji Akimichi after defending him from exclusion, bonding over cloud-watching and snacks. This loyalty extended to Ino Yamanaka, forming Team 10 under Asuma Sarutobi. During the Chūnin Exams, Shikamaru revealed his strategic mastery against Sunagakure's Temari, utilizing the Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique to control her movements. Though he conceded the match due to depleted chakra, his tactics secured him the sole promotion to Chūnin among his peers. His first mission commanding a team to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha ended in failure and severe injuries to his teammates. Shikamaru shouldered the blame, but his father Shikaku counseled him on leadership's weight, strengthening his resolve to protect comrades. After a timeskip, Shikamaru tracked Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu with Team 10 and Asuma. Asuma's death at Hidan's hands devastated him. Inheriting Asuma's chakra blades and lighter, Shikamaru adopted his mentor's smoking habit. Swearing vengeance, he orchestrated a strategy exploiting Hidan's ritualistic immortality, luring him into the Nara forest. Using Kakuzu's blood, Shikamaru tricked Hidan into fatal self-harm before burying his remains. This act fulfilled his vow to protect Asuma's unborn daughter Mirai and solidified his commitment to the "Will of Fire." In the Fourth Shinobi War, Shikamaru served as proxy commander of the Allied Forces' Fourth Division. He confronted a reanimated Asuma alongside Ino and Chōji, overcoming emotional turmoil to defeat him with their perfected "Ino-Shika-Chō" formation. Following his father Shikaku's death in battle, Shikamaru inherited his role as chief strategist. Severely wounded by the Ten-Tails, he survived due to Naruto Uzumaki's intervention and pledged to support Naruto's future Hokage ambitions as an advisor. Post-war, Shikamaru married Temari, and they have a son, Shikadai. He achieved Jonin rank and became Naruto's chief aide upon Naruto's inauguration as Seventh Hokage. His responsibilities included managing administrative duties and advising on village security, often employing pragmatic, cautious approaches that contrasted with Naruto's idealism. When Naruto vanished during Kawaki's conflict, Shikamaru assumed the role of acting Eighth Hokage. Affected by Eida's "Omnipotence" jutsu, which altered memories to frame Boruto Uzumaki, he deduced inconsistencies and covertly aided Boruto to uncover the truth. Shikamaru's combat abilities focus on shadow manipulation through Nara clan techniques. His signature Shadow Imitation Technique immobilizes opponents, while advanced variants like Shadow Strangulation and Shadow Stitching enable physical attacks or weapon control. He extends his shadow's range using chakra-infused tools, including Asuma's blades. Despite average physical prowess, his IQ exceeding 200 allows for intricate, multi-layered strategies and rapid tactical adjustments. His personality balances inherent laziness with fierce dedication. He frequently laments "troublesome" tasks yet accepts responsibility to protect others. Initial indifference evolved into profound loyalty after Asuma's death, driving him to safeguard Konoha's future. Relationships with women, particularly Temari, began with intimidation but matured into mutual respect. As a father, he adopted a relaxed approach, trusting Shikadai to find his own path. Shikamaru features across Naruto films and spin-offs, such as leading Hanabi Hyūga's rescue team in *The Last: Naruto the Movie* and strategizing against antagonists like Toneri Ōtsutsuki. Light novels like *Shikamaru Hiden* depict his leadership within the Shinobi Union and his struggles naming his son, further exploring his bond with Temari.