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{{Short description|Fictional character from Naruto}}
{{Naruto
{{Infobox character
| image = [[Image:Nara Shikamaru.jpg|200px]]
| captionname = Shikamaru Nara by [[Masashi Kishimoto]]
| series = Naruto
| character_name = Shikamaru Nara
| image = ShikamaruNarapartone.png
| character_name_unicode = 奈良シカマル
| caption = Shikamaru Nara in Part I. Art by [[Masashi Kishimoto]]
| debut = Manga Chapter 34<br>Anime Episode 1
| first = *''Naruto'' chapter 34: Intruders? (manga)
| seiyu = [[Shotaro Morikubo]]
*''Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!'' (anime) (cameo)
[[Nobutoshi Canna]] (Episode 141 stand-in)
| voice_actorcreator = [[TomMasashi GibisKishimoto]]
| voice = '''Japanese'''<br>[[Showtaro Morikubo]]<ref>{{cite episode|title=宿敵!?サスケとサクラ|number=3|series=Naruto|credits=Studio Pierrot|network=TV Tokyo|airdate=October 17, 2002}}</ref><br>[[Nobutoshi Canna]] (''Naruto'' episode <br /> 141)<ref>{{cite episode|title=サクラの決意|number=141|series=Naruto|credits=Studio Pierrot|network=TV Tokyo|airdate=June 29, 2005}}</ref><br> '''English''' <br /> [[Tom Gibis]]<ref>{{cite episode|title=Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?|number=3|series=Naruto|credits=Studio Pierrot|network=Cartoon Network|airdate=September 17, 2005}}</ref>
| age = 12-13 in Part I <br> 15 in Part II
| data31 = {{ubl|[[Shikaku Nara]] (father, deceased)|[[Temari (Naruto)|Temari]] (wife)|[[Shikadai Nara]] (son)|[[Gaara]] (brother-in-law)|[[Kankuro (Naruto)|Kankuro]] (brother-in-law)|Rasa (father-in-law, deceased)|Karura (mother-in-law, deceased)|[[List of Naruto characters#Shinki|Shinki]] (adoptive nephew-in-law)|Yoshino Nara (mother)|[[Yashamaru (Naruto)|Yashamaru]] (uncle-in-law, deceased)}}
| height = 152.1
| lbl31 = Notable relatives
| weight = 42.9
| data32 = {{ubl|Genin in first half of [[List of Naruto chapters (Part I)|Part I]]|Chunin in second half of Part I and all of [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]]<ref name="Stats">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=NARUTO―ナルト―［秘伝・闘の書］|year=2005 |publisher=Shueisha |pages=116–117 |isbn=4-08-873734-2}}</ref>|Jonin in Epilogue|Hokage's Chief Aide in Boruto (Part I)|8th Hokage in Boruto (Part II)}}
| birthday = [[September 22]]
| lbl32 = Ninja rank
| blood_type = AB
| rankdata33 = [[NarutoList ninjaof ranksNaruto characters#ChuninTeam 10|ChuninTeam 10]]
| lbl33 = Ninja team
| current_affiliation = [[Land of Fire#Nara clan|Nara clan]], [[Land of Fire#Konohagakure|Konohagakure]]
| current_team = Team 10 (Shikamaru Nara, [[Ino Yamanaka]], [[Choji Akimichi]]) <br>
| previous_affiliation =
| previous_team = Team 10 ([[Asuma Sarutobi]], Shikamaru Nara, [[Ino Yamanaka]], [[Choji Akimichi]]) <br> [[Naruto ninja ranks#Niju Shotai|Niju Shotai]] ([[Asuma Sarutobi]], Shikamaru Nara, [[List of Konoha Chunin#Izumo Kamizuki|Izumo Kamizuki]], [[List of Konoha Chunin#Kotetsu Hagane|Kotetsu Hagane]])
| relatives = [[Konoha Jonin#Shikaku Nara|Shikaku Nara]] (father) <br> [[Konoha Chunin#Yoshino Nara|Yoshino Nara]] (mother)
| jutsu =
* [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Shadow Imitation Technique|Shadow Imitation Technique]]
* [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Shadow Neck Bind Technique|Shadow Neck Bind Technique]]
* [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Shadow Sewing|Shadow Sewing]]
}}
{{nihongo|'''Shikamaru Nara'''|奈良 シカマル|Nara Shikamaru}} is a fictional character in the [[manga]] and [[anime]] franchise, ''[[Naruto]]'', created by [[Masashi Kishimoto]]. In the manga, Shikamaru is a shinobi affiliated with the village Hidden in the Leaves. He is a member of Team 10, a group of ninja consisting of himself, [[List of Naruto characters#Choji Akimichi|Choji Akimichi]], [[List of Naruto characters#Ino Yamanaka|Ino Yamanaka]], and team leader [[List of Naruto characters#Asuma Sarutobi|Asuma Sarutobi]]. Shikamaru is portrayed as a lazy character, unwilling to apply his prodigious intelligence; Kishimoto has noted that he likes Shikamaru due to his easygoing nature.<ref name="ArtBook139">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |author-link=Masashi Kishimoto|title=Uzumaki: The Art of Naruto|year=2007|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-1407-9|page=139}}</ref> Outside the ''Naruto'' anime and manga, Shikamaru has appeared in several other media in the franchise, including [[Naruto video games|video games]], [[original video animation]]s, and six [[Naruto#Films|feature films]].
'''{{nihongo|Shikamaru Nara|奈良シカマル|''Nara Shikamaru''}}''' is a fictional character in the [[anime]] and [[manga]] series ''[[Naruto]]''.
 
Numerous anime and manga publications have commented on Shikamaru's character. Many reviewers commented on his laziness and intelligence, and noted his transformation into a leader; [[Anime News Network]] celebrated Shikamaru's emergence in the ''Naruto'' storyline. Shikamaru has also been highly popular with the ''Naruto'' reader base, placing high in several popularity polls. Merchandise based on Shikamaru has been released, including action figures, key chains, and patches.
"Shika" means deer (鹿), and "-maru" (丸) means "round" or "well-developed", but is commonly used as a suffix in boys' names. Along with Ino (meaning boar) and Choji (meaning butterfly), Shikamaru's name is a pun on the "[[Hanafuda#Special Scores|Ino-Shika-Cho]]" winning combination in [[Hanafuda]].
 
== Creation and conception ==
His surname, Nara, is from Nara Prefecture in Japan, and Nara ko-en (Nara Park) there is famous for deer whose antlers are used for medicines. Coincidentally, Nara Animation is also one of the production companies behind the Naruto anime. Nara was also the era when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The several Buddhist monasteries founded in Nara took the deer as their symbolic protector, and made hunting deer illegal in the prefecture.
Shikamaru Nara is known for being one of the smartest characters in the anime manga series Naruto. Masashi Kishimoto originally created Shikamaru in order for him to be the only winner of an early ''Naruto'' arc: the Chunin Exams, based on his high intelligence. However, recommendations from his editors resulted in Kishimoto deciding to interrupt the fighting tournament between the ninjas in order to focus on a recently introduced villain, [[Orochimaru (Naruto)|Orochimaru]]. Nevertheless, Shikamaru ends up becoming the only ninja from the original test to achieve a higher rank during Part I of the series.<ref name="koba">{{Cite AV media |title=漫道コバヤシ第13号「NARUTO完結！岸本斉史SP」 |date=December 13, 2014 |language=ja |publisher=[[Fuji Television]] |trans-title=Kobayashi No. 13 'Completion of Naruto! Masashi Kishimoto SP'}}</ref>
 
Kishimoto has noted that he likes Shikamaru due to his easygoing nature despite being a genius, and contrasted him against [[Sasuke Uchiha]]'s intelligent but abrasive personality. Kishimoto also comically remarked that he would marry Shikamaru if he were a girl, noting that Shikamaru would likely be successful in life. When designing Shikamaru's [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]] appearance, Kishimoto wanted to give Shikamaru a unique appearance despite drawing him with a vest that several other ninja wear in the series. As a result, he drew his forehead protector on his arm in order to not obscure his hair.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kishimoto, Masashi|title=Naruto Character Official Data Book Hiden Sha no Sho|year=2008|publisher=Shueisha|page=344|isbn=978-4-08-874247-2}}</ref>
In Shonen Jump's character popularity polls, Shikamaru has been in the Top 10 since the third poll, usually in 4th or 5th place. In the most recent poll, however, he was in 10th. He is the only character on his team to make it to the top 10.
 
During Part II, Shikamaru's teacher, [[Asuma Sarutobi]], dies while battling the Akatsuki terrorist member Hidan and Shikamaru starts smoking Asuma's cigars. Kishimoto feared that Shueisha would censor this since Shikamaru was still a teenager and the manga's magazine was aimed at young demographic. However, these scenes were not censored.<ref name="koba"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spirallingsphere.com/2017/01/masashi-kishimoto-talks-about-boruto-manga-naruto-hinata-sakuras-relationship-full-2017-interview/|title=Masashi Kishimoto Talks About Boruto Manga, Naruto, Hinata & Sakura's Relationship Full 2017 Interview|publisher=Spiralling Sphere|date=January 31, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611214144/http://www.spirallingsphere.com/2017/01/masashi-kishimoto-talks-about-boruto-manga-naruto-hinata-sakuras-relationship-full-2017-interview/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Background ==
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{{spoiler}}
Originally a [[Naruto ninja ranks#Genin|Genin]] level ninja that graduated with [[Naruto Uzumaki]], Shikamaru is a lazy, easygoing genius that was promoted to [[Naruto ninja ranks#Chunin|Chunin]] level after the Chunin Exam Arc. He is from a family of [[shadow]] manipulators and [[deer]] herders. His main technique is [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Shadow Imitation Technique|Shadow Imitation Technique]]. Later in the series, his father teaches him his second jutsu, [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Shadow Neck Bind Technique|Shadow Neck Bind Technique]], an extension of his first technique.
 
==Appearances==
Shikamaru is the sort of unenthusiastic person who would rather take a nap than get excited over something and likes the thinking games that older men are usually into, such as [[Shogi]] and [[Go (board game)|Go]]. A testament to that is the fact that Shikamaru even decided to sleep during the attack of Konoha by Suna and Oto, as he thought it would be too troublesome to get up and fight, and end up getting attacked, after he had dispelled a sleeping genjutsu cast by the enemies. This was found out after Sakura was about to cancel the genjutsu and found out he was in fact aware of his surroundings, much to her annoyance. Another example is before he was supposed to fight Temari. Shikamaru contemplates forfeiting, but is pushed into the arena by Naruto. When thrust into action-laden situations, uncomfortable situations, or indeed, any situation at all that would require him to exert himself, he tends to remark "what a drag" the whole thing is (the Japanese dub uses a similar phrase, though the meaning more closely resembles "this is troublesome"). He is fully aware of this side of his personality and even dubs himself "the number one at running away" or "the number one coward".
 
===In ''Naruto''===
However, when duty calls, Shikamaru has a strong moral compass and sense of commitment to his comrades. Even though by his own testimony he lacks bravery, he will sacrifice himself and face almost certain death for the sake of his friends without a second thought, such as when he stayed in back to confront the Sound Ninja, giving Naruto enough time to catch up with Sasuke. Since he has been promoted to Chunin, his responsibility for the lives of his friends has weighed very heavily on him on occasion.
Shikamaru's first major appearance in the series is during the Chunin Exams; held twice a year, Genin take part in them to advance their ranks. He is part of Team 10 alongside [[List of Naruto characters#Choji Akimichi|Choji Akimichi]] and [[List of Naruto characters#Ino Yamanaka|Ino Yamanaka]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 21|year=2007|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 190|isbn=978-1-4215-1855-8|url=https://archive.org/details/narutovol21pursu21kish}}</ref> He is a highly unenthusiastic person, and he attempts to go through life with minimum effort.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 5|year=2004 |publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 97|page=131|isbn=1-4215-0241-0}}</ref><ref name="chunin">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 20|year=2007|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 172|isbn=978-1-4215-1088-0|url=https://archive.org/details/narutokish14kish}}</ref> Contrary to his lazy tendencies, Shikamaru is extremely intelligent; his teacher, [[List of Naruto characters#Asuma Sarutobi|Asuma Sarutobi]], determined that Shikamaru's [[intelligence quotient|IQ]] was over 200.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 12|year=2006 |publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 107|isbn=1-4215-0242-9|pages=159–160}}</ref> Shikamaru's abilities are based on the {{nihongo|Shadow Imitation Technique|影真似の術|Kagemane no Jutsu|''English TV:'' "Shadow Possession Jutsu"}}, the signature technique of his clan, with which he merges his shadow with an opponent's shadow, making them immobilized and forced to mimic Shikamaru's movements.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title= NARUTO―ナルト―［秘伝・臨の書］|year=2002 |publisher=Shueisha |page=171|isbn= 4-08-873288-X}}</ref> As the series progresses, Shikamaru becomes able to manipulate his shadow in new ways.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 23|year=2007|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 208|isbn=978-1-4215-1859-6|url=https://archive.org/details/narutovol23predi23kish}}</ref> By [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]] of the series, Shikamaru is capable of utilizing multiple shadow-based techniques at once and can lift his shadow from the ground in order to interact with physical objects; for instance, he can pierce enemies with the shadow tendrils or use them to throw weapons.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 36|year=2006|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 325 |isbn= 4-08-874288-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 37|year=2007|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 338 |isbn= 978-4-08-874338-7 }}</ref>
 
Shikamaru approaches the exams with a sense of apathy; when he battles the Sunagakure ninja [[List of Naruto characters#Temari|Temari]], he defeats her but forfeits his match to her, due to his chakra being low.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 12|year=2006 |publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 108|isbn=1-4215-0242-9}}</ref> Despite this loss, he is the only ninja among his peers to be promoted to the rank of Chunin, as the overseers of the exams were impressed by the insight and intelligence he demonstrated against Temari.<ref name="chunin"/> As a Chunin, Shikamaru is appointed the leader of a team to prevent [[Sasuke Uchiha]] from defecting to the village of Otogakure.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 21|year=2007|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 182|isbn=978-1-4215-1855-8|url=https://archive.org/details/narutovol21pursu21kish}}</ref> Although Shikamaru's team manages to defeat the Otogakure ninja barring their way, Sasuke manages to escape.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 26|year=2007|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 235 |isbn= 978-1-4215-1862-6}}</ref>
Shikamaru is a brilliant strategist, and though his [[sensei]], [[Asuma Sarutobi]], often plays Go and Shogi against Shikamaru; Asuma has never actually managed to beat him. Asuma got suspicious upon realizing that Shikamaru was so good at board games despite his abysmal grades, which were almost as low as [[Naruto Uzumaki|Naruto]]'s. As a result, Asuma administered an [[IQ test]] disguised as a game to Shikamaru, which revealed that Shikamaru was a genius with an [[intelligence (trait)|intelligence]] of over 200. Shikamaru had felt that even moving his pencil in class was a bother and always slept through tests, resulting in his low grades. Shikamaru has a habit of putting his fingers together to create a square and closing his eyes so he can concentrate and come up with a strategy. Once he does, which often takes only a few minutes; he is often already thinking ten moves ahead of his opponent with over a hundred strategies already planned out.
 
In [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]] of the series, Shikamaru is assigned the task of locating two members of the criminal organization [[List of Naruto characters#Akatsuki|Akatsuki]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 35|year=2006|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 318 |page=176|isbn= 978-4-08-874273-1}}</ref> While his team manages to find their targets, the immortal Akatsuki member [[List of Naruto characters#Hidan|Hidan]] kills Asuma Sarutobi during the course of the battle despite Shikamaru's best efforts.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 36|year=2006|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 327 |isbn= 4-08-874288-5}}</ref> After Asuma's funeral, Shikamaru sets out with the surviving members of Team 10 to avenge their mentor with the aid of [[Kakashi Hatake]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 37|year=2007|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 331 |isbn= 978-4-08-874338-7 }}</ref> As the others deal with Hidan's partner [[List of Naruto characters#Kakuzu|Kakuzu]], Shikamaru avenges Asuma by defeating Hidan and making sure the Akatsuki member's body is never found.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 37|year=2007|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 339 |isbn= 978-4-08-874338-7 }}</ref> Following the fight, Shikamaru vows to protect [[List of Naruto characters#Kurenai Yuhi|Kurenai Yuhi]] and Asuma's newborn daughter.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 38|year=2007 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 342|isbn=978-4-08-874364-6 }}</ref> He is later assigned to the Fourth Division alongside Temari and Choji. He is named a proxy general under Gaara.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 56|year=2010|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 515 |page=115|isbn= 978-4-08-870218-6 }}</ref> In the series epilogue, stating his personal desire during the series of final battles, Shikamaru becomes advisor to the Seventh Hokage [[Naruto Uzumaki]] after marrying Temari and gaining a son in [[List of Naruto characters#Shikadai Nara|Shikadai Nara]]. During Part 2 of Boruto, following Naruto's disappearance and presumed murder, for which Boruto was framed, Shikamaru serves de facto as the Eighth Hokage, without however having been officially inaugurated.
Shikamaru has a longstanding friendship with [[Choji Akimichi]], in whom he has complete trust. Before they were promoted to Chunin rank, Shikamaru, Choji and [[Ino Yamanaka]] were on the same Genin team under Asuma. Their fathers were on the same team as well. Their teamwork is unparalleled.
 
=== Appearances in other media ===
Shikamaru finds all women troublesome. He considers [[Temari (Naruto)|Temari]] to be the most troublesome one, followed closely by his mother. Even though Shikamaru finds women annoying, bossy, and troublesome (due to his mother's personality), he has expressed a notably mature interest in marriage and raising a family. (Shikamaru: "Marry someone who is not ugly, or beautiful. Have two children, first a girl, then a boy. Retire after his daughter is married, and his son has a job and spend the rest of his life playing Shogi. And to die before his wife.")
Besides the ''Naruto'' anime and manga, Shikamaru is featured in seven of the featured films in the series: in the [[Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel|second film]], he aids [[Naruto Uzumaki]] and [[Sakura Haruno]] in fighting against Haido, a utopian idealist seeking to rule the world with a power called Gelel;<ref>{{cite video|date = 2008|title = Naruto The Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel|format = [[DVD]]|publisher = Viz Video|access-date = 2009-03-22|url = http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-the-movie-video-volume-2/7628|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130323191251/http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-the-movie-video-volume-2/7628|archive-date = 2013-03-23}}</ref> in the [[Naruto: Shippūden the Movie|fourth]], Shikamaru appears in a brief sequence, fighting against a large group of stone soldiers;<ref>{{cite video |date = 2009 |title = Naruto Shippuden: the Movie |format = [[DVD]] |publisher = Viz Video |url = http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-shippuden-movie-video-volume-1/8376 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130905003235/http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-shippuden-movie-video-volume-1/8376 |archive-date = 2013-09-05 }}</ref> in the [[Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds|fifth]], Shikamaru is sent alongside Kakashi and [[List of Naruto characters#Sai|Sai]] in search of the base of the Land of Sky, who plans to invade Konoha; in the [[Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire|sixth]], Shikamaru, alongside Sakura and Sai, battles the chimera beast summoned by Hiruko; in the [[Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison|eight]], Shikamaru participates in the battle against the demon Satori; in the [[Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie|ninth]], the Limited Tsukuyomi universe presents a portly Shikamaru, the exact opposite of his teammate, Choji, who becomes the team strategist instead; and in the [[The Last: Naruto the Movie|tenth]], Shikamaru leads the team consisting of himself, Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and [[List of Naruto characters#Hinata Hyuga|Hinata Hyuga]] that is sent to rescue Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi, who was kidnapped by [[List of Naruto characters#Toneri Ōtsutsuki|Toneri Otsutsuki]]. He is also present in the [[List of Naruto episodes#OVAs|third original video animation]], in which he participates in a tournament.<ref>{{cite video |date = 2005 |title = ついに激突！上忍VS下忍！！無差別大乱戦大会開催！！|format = [[DVD]] |publisher = TV Tokyo|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000BNPT3E/}}</ref> Shikamaru is a playable character in nearly all [[List of Naruto video games|''Naruto'' video games]], including the [[Naruto: Clash of Ninja (series)|''Clash of Ninja'' series]] and the [[Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (series)|''Ultimate Ninja'' series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/736/736611p1.html|title=Naruto: The Complete Fighter Profile|author=Bozon, Mark|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2006-09-29|access-date=2008-02-08}}</ref><ref name="IGNCoN3HandsOn">{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/551/551374p1.html|title=TGS 2004: Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen! 3 Hands-on|author=Alfonso, Andrew|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2004-09-26|access-date=2008-02-08}}</ref><ref name="GUIDE1 26">{{cite book|title=Naruto: Ultimate Ninja English instruction manual|year=2006|publisher=[[Namco Bandai]]|page=26}}</ref> In some games, he utilizes variations of his Shadow Imitation Technique not seen in the anime or manga. ''[[Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (series)#Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 4|Ultimate Ninja 4]]'' and ''[[Naruto: Clash of Ninja (series)#Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 2|Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 2]]'' marks the first appearance of Shikamaru in his Part II appearance in a video game.<ref name="Accel2">{{cite web|url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/naruto/goods/game.html |title=ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ 疾風伝:ＴＶ東京 - Goods |language=ja |publisher=[[TV Tokyo]] |access-date=2008-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080301182416/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/naruto/goods/game.html |archive-date=2008-03-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
A [[light novel]] titled ''Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness'', written by Takashi Yano and illustrated by Kishimoto, stars Shikamaru as the main character and narrator. The novel is set two years after the Fourth Ninja War, focusing on Shikamaru's assignment as organizer of the newly formed Shinobi Union to capture a rogue ninja who rules over the distant Land of Silence and attempts to establish a new world order ruled by the common people. It also explores his growing relationship with Temari, culminating in him struggling to name [[List of Naruto characters#Shikadai Nara|his child]] with her, years after the end of the novel.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-06/full-list-of-naruto-epilogue-novels-unveiled/.81844 |title= Full List of Naruto Epilogue Novels Unveiled |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=December 26, 2008}}</ref> An upcoming novel by Mirei Miyamoto will focus on Shikamaru's life as a father.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-04-05/naruto-gets-new-3-book-novel-series/.129928|title=Naruto Gets New 3-Book Novel Series|publisher=Anime News Network|date=April 5, 2018|access-date=April 5, 2018}}</ref>
His favorite dish is [[mackerel]] and [[kelp]]; his least is [[boiled eggs]]. His hobbies are [[nap]]ping, [[Shogi]] (a Japanese game similar to [[chess]]) and cloud watching. Recently has also taken up [[Tobacco smoking|smoking]] as something he picked up from Asuma, even using his [[lighter]] (which is similiar to a [[zippo]]). His favorite phrase is "Live each day quietly".
 
== Part IReception ==
Shikamaru has ranked highly in the ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' popularity polls for the series, continuously placing in the top ten and reaching fourth place in one poll.<ref name="ShonenJumpPopularityPoll">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 28|year=2008|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 245|pages=[https://archive.org/details/naruto00kish_2/page/8 8–9]|isbn=978-1-4215-1864-0|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/naruto00kish_2/page/8}}</ref><ref name="JumpPoll">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 22|year=2007|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 199 |isbn= 978-1-4215-1858-9 |page=9}}</ref> The last such poll was in 2011, in which Shikamaru was in ninth place, behind Sasori and ahead of Hinata. Merchandise based on Shikamaru has also been released, including action figures, key chains, and patches in both his Part I and Part II appearance.<ref name="keychains">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Naruto-Shikamaru-Chibi-Style-Chain/dp/B000QHXWGG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1203876891&sr=8-3|title=Naruto: Shikamaru Chibi Style PVC Key Chain|website=Amazon |access-date=2008-02-24}}</ref><ref name="action">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z9D8X2|title=Naruto Basic > Shikamaru Action Figure|website=Amazon |access-date=2008-02-24}}</ref><ref name="patch">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NW91U0|title=Naruto: Patch - Shikamaru|website=Amazon |access-date=2008-02-24}}</ref> [[Nippon Telegraph and Telephone|NTT]] customers voted him as their sixteenth favorite black haired male anime character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-05-05/japanese-fans-rank-their-favorite-black-haired-anime-characters|title= Japanese Fans Rank Their Favorite Black-Haired Anime Characters|date=May 5, 2014|author=Dong, Bamboo|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=May 5, 2014}}</ref> [[CyberConnect2]] CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama referred to Shikamaru as one of his favorite characters from ''Naruto''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/05/09/mecha-naruto-made-naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-revolution/|title=How Mecha Naruto Was Made For Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution|publisher=Siliconera|date=May 10, 2014|access-date=May 10, 2014}}</ref>
=== Chunin Exam arc ===
[[Image:Temari003.jpg|thumb|Shikamaru facing [[Temari (Naruto)|Temari]] in Chunin exam.]]
Initially introduced as nothing more than a lazy person who is always complaining, it is during his organized matches in the Chunin exam that Shikamaru earns acclaim as a keen strategist. In one battle, he defeats [[Land of Sound#Kin Tsuchi|Kin Tsuchi]] by sneaking his shadow under the thin strings she is using to control her bells; she does not notice that a string that thin and that far from the floor should not be making a shadow. Shikamaru's shining point during the arc is his battle with [[Temari (Naruto)|Temari]], where although it seems as if he is just futilely attempting strategy after strategy, and that it is only a matter of time until one of her wind attacks catches him, he is in fact manipulating her into a position where he can guarantee she is caught in his shadow bind from behind. He then simply forfeits the match, remarking that despite having thought of about 200 different strategies, he'd run out of chakra due to the extensive use of his shadow techniques. Moreover, he says he does not like to hurt or hit women. Plus, to his testimony, continuing would've been troublesome anyway, so he decided to give up. Despite having forfeited, Shikamaru's brilliant strategy impressed everyone, including the Hokage. As a result of his decisive tactical skills, he is the only Genin to become a Chunin after this Chunin exam.
 
Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other related media have commented on Shikamaru's character. [[IGN]] stated that Shikamaru was one of their favorite characters in the series, and referred to him as "the poster child for any card-carrying member of [[Generation X]]" due to his general lack of enthusiasm and his unwillingness to utilize his potential.<ref name="IGNNarutoReader">{{cite web|url=http://anime.ign.com/articles/834/834323p4.html|title=IGN: Naruto Reader's Guide|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Sparrow, A.E.|date=2007-10-09|access-date=2008-02-08}}</ref> In a review of episode 110, IGN praised how Shikamaru managed to transcend his lazy nature in order to take on the mantle of a leader when assigned to lead a team in order to retrieve [[Sasuke Uchiha]]<ref name="IGNFormationReview">{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/831/831140p1.html|title=IGN: Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad! Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=White, Charles|date=2007-10-27|access-date=2008-01-28}}</ref> and agreed that the decision to make him Chunin was fair.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://tv.ign.com/articles/827/827297p1.html|title=Naruto: "The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke" Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=White, Charles|date=2008-10-15|access-date=2008-04-28}}</ref> [[Anime News Network]] also commented on this development, calling Shikamaru's emergence as "an unlikely hero" one of the highlights of the arc.<ref name="ANNBox9Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/naruto/dvd-uncut-dvd-box-set-9|title=Naruto DVD Box Set 9 - Review|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Kimlinger, Carl|date=2008-08-04|access-date=2008-09-18}}</ref> In a subsequent review of episode 135, in which the mission to retrieve Sasuke has failed and the members of Shikamaru's team were critically injured, IGN lauded the "great moment" in the episode in which Shikamaru began to cry after learning his friends will recover, and declared that he will be a better leader for the sake of his friends.<ref name="IGNend">{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/848/848534p1.html|title=IGN: "The Promise That Could Not Be Kept" Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=White, Charles|date=2008-01-30|access-date=2008-04-28}}</ref> Mania Entertainment's Justin Rich celebrated his "sheer intellect", calling him "one of the most fascinating characters in the series" and "one of the few truly brilliant fighters in [[Shōnen manga|''shōnen'' anime]]".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mania.com/naruto-box-set-04-also-wspecial-edition_article_79366.html|title=Naruto Box Set 04 (also w/special edition) |publisher=Mania.com|author=Rich, Justin|date=2007-10-04|access-date=2008-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007073651/http://www.mania.com/naruto-box-set-04-also-wspecial-edition_article_79366.html|archive-date=October 7, 2014}}</ref> Dani Moure, another reviewer from the same site, noted about his battle with Temari during the Chunin Exams that it was "one of the better fights involving the supporting players".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mania.com/naruto-unleashed-set-31_article_80276.html|title=Naruto Unleashed Set 3:1 |publisher=Mania.com|author=Moure, Dani|date=2008-04-21|access-date=2008-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014190222/http://www.mania.com/naruto-unleashed-set-31_article_80276.html|archive-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref>
Later, when the attack by Sunagakure and Otogakure on Konohagakure commences, Shikamaru is one of only three Genin (along with Sakura and Shino) who successfully dispels the sleeping genjutsu cast on the Chunin exam third stage stadium. However, he pretends to be caught in the illusion so that he can lie there and not do anything, only to be 'awakened' by [[Sakura Haruno|Sakura]] attempting to dispel the genjutsu for him. Shikamaru, Naruto, Sakura and [[Kakashi Hatake|Kakashi]]'s tracking dog, Pakkun, head off to find [[Sasuke Uchiha|Sasuke]], who has followed [[Gaara]]'s trail, determined to end their battle. They are pursued by eight Sound Chunin, however. At this point he refers to the ninja with him and himself as "An idiot, a kunoichi with no special abilities, a dog, and the village's number one coward." But Shikamaru chooses to stay behind so he can stall them while the others continue to pursue Sasuke. Using a clever strategy, he is able to trap all eight with his shadow. However, a ninth Sound ninja hides in the trees, protecting the captured eight against Shikamaru's attacks. Despite correctly predicting the presence of the ninth ninja, he cannot fight off the Sound ninjas after being drained from his earlier match in the Chunin exam. Fortunately, his sensei, Asuma, comes in to help him and defeats all nine Sound ninja himself.
 
Javier Lugo from Manga Life found Shikamaru's fight in the series' fourteenth volume good despite how threatening it is for him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mangalife.com/reviews/narutov14.htm|title=Naruto v. 14 Review|publisher=Mangalife.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070629195613/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Narutov14.htm|archive-date=June 29, 2007|author=Lugo, Javier|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> For Part II, Park Cooper from the same site acclaimed Shikamaru's strategy in dealing with the members from the series' antagonist, Akatsuki.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mangalife.com/features/MangaLifeSpotlightonNaruto.htm |title=MangaLife Spotlight on: Naruto v34-v40! |work=Manga Life |publisher=Silver Bullet Comics |author=Cooper, Park |access-date=September 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412110120/http://www.mangalife.com/features/MangaLifeSpotlightonNaruto.htm |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Amy McNulty from Anime News Network praised how Shikamaru's epilogue episodes helps to expand his characterization as he decides to aid Naruto when he becomes the Hokage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/naruto-shippuden/episode-489/.110976|title=Naruto Shippuden Episode 489|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 1, 2017|author=McNulty, Amy}}</ref> Reviewing the anime ''[[Boruto: Naruto Next Generations]]''{{'}}s third episode, Sam Stewart from IGN enjoyed the adult Shikamaru's characterization for how he helps his sons Shikadai but ultimately felt he was overshadowed by his wife Temari.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/boruto-naruto-next-generations-episode-3-metal-lee-goes-wild-review|title=BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS EPISODE 3: "METAL LEE GOES WILD!" |publisher=IGN|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=June 1, 2017}}</ref>
=== Sasuke Retrieval arc ===
[[Image:Superteam.png|thumb|Shikamaru leading his team in the Sasuke Retrieval arc.]]
Shikamaru's first job as a Chunin is to lead the team of [[Naruto Uzumaki]], [[Neji Hyuga]], [[Choji Akimichi]], [[Kiba Inuzuka]] and [[Land of Fire#Akamaru|Akamaru]] (also known as Team Shikamaru) on a mission to retrieve [[Sasuke Uchiha]] when the latter flees Konoha. The mission fails due to interference from the "[[Land of Sound#Sound Four|Sound Four]]", a special team of ninja who are specially sent by [[Orochimaru (Naruto)|Orochimaru]] to ensure that Sasuke arrives at the Hidden Sound Village safely.
 
== References ==
Shikamaru demonstrates intelligent tactical skills when it comes to formations and avoiding and placing traps for the team's foes. In the end, the team ends up splitting up one by one and taking on fights individually. Shikamaru's opponent is [[Land of Sound#Tayuya|Tayuya]], a ninja who specializes in long-range sound attacks using her flute. She uses her flute to control three demon-like creatures, and to create genjutsu to bind the opponent. Shikamaru once again demonstrates amazing strategy in his attacks, and successfully binds Tayuya with his shadow. However, when Tayuya releases her second-level cursed seal power, she is able to resist it with sheer brute force. She traps Shikamaru in a genjutsu, where he is unable to move and it seems as if he is finally through. However, just as she attempts to kill him, he uses his own shadow to break his finger, using the pain to escape the illusion, counter her attack, and bind her in his shadow, this time at point-blank range, where he can keep a stronger grip. However, her brute strength still outmatches his, and just as he runs out of energy, he is again saved, this time by [[Temari (Naruto)|Temari]], as it's revealed that Suna is allied with Konoha once again.
{{Clear}}
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== External links ==
Although Shikamaru tried his best as team leader, upon his return he is very hard on himself for the results; not only did the mission fail, but most of his team's members were in one point or another during the mission in mortal peril, and it was practically a miracle that they all came back alive. If it hadn't been for the Sand siblings arriving in time to save them from their clearly superior opponents, they probably would have perished.
{{Portal|Anime and manga}}
{{Commons category-inline|Shikamaru Nara}}
{{Naruto}}
 
{{good article}}
Shikamaru's initial reaction is to quit being a ninja altogether. After being scolded by Temari for being such a coward, his father arrives and explains to him that if he quits being a Chunin there will still be missions and somebody else will lead them; and if Shikamaru truly believes in his own strategic ability, he will only experience worse pain when somebody else leads his friends to their deaths and he would have been able to prevent it by remaining in charge of them. Shedding tears of relief when a report arrives that his friends are all right and taking his father's advice to heart, Shikamaru resolves to do better next time for their sake. In the [[anime]], Shikamaru is also appointed an academy instructor. This remains consistent after the timeskip, since he helps to coordinate the Chunin Exams.
 
{{Authority control}}
=== Naruto the Movie 2 ===
Shikamaru played a major role in the 2nd movie as Sasuke's replacement. Shikamaru was the first to discover that people's souls were used to create the knights. Near the end of the movie, he fights a woman named Kamina who can transform into a large bat, continuing Shikamaru's humorous predicament of being forced to fight aggressive women. He also saved many people from Haido's castle and appeared in the bonus ending (credits).
 
=== Anime filler arcs ===
Shikamaru is seen in the [[List of Konoha Chunin#Mizuki|Mizuki]] Strikes Back arc backing up Naruto along side his teammates [[Ino Yamanaka]] and [[Choji Akimichi]] against [[Land of Fire#Legendary Stupid Brothers|Fujin and Raijin]], the Legendary Stupid Brothers. Through Ino-Shika-Cho's teamwork, they are able to temporarily subdue the two powerful criminals, but ultimately need the help of [[Tsunade (Naruto)|Tsunade]] when the brothers prove too strong.
 
Shikamaru makes a few brief appearances in later episodes before his next major arc. He oversees Konoha's Genin in the survival-training mission for young academy students in one episode. In another, he makes a brief appearance with his team. They had accidentally set off a distress signal after a large group of monkeys attacked them, intent on stealing Choji's snacks.
 
In the Konoha 11 arc, Shikamaru is assigned to lead the other primary Genin teams in the investigation of a man named Gennou. Gennou had stolen blueprints that could be used to plan a potentially devastating attack during Konoha's period of reconstruction. Not unexpectedly, he proves to be a shrewd detective, quickly catching onto seemingly minor clues and predicting the enemy's plans. He also proves more comfortable in his role as leader, though of course not without complaining to Tsunade first about having to do anything at all. In the end, he leads his team to victory and beats Gennou at his own game as he dies afterwards.
 
== Part II ==
[[Image:Vol32Shikamaru.png|thumb|Shikamaru, 2½ years later]]
Shikamaru makes his Naruto II debut in Chapter 247, walking alongside Temari. Despite growing noticeably taller, his appearance has not changed overall. However, he also now wears a black long sleeve tunic, along with the vest many Konoha ninja wear. He has learned a new jutsu, "[[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Shadow Sewing|Shadow Sewing]]", which uses shadow tendrils to restrain or impale multiple targets. Shikamaru first demonstrated this technique to destroy several of [[Sai (Naruto)|Sai]]'s [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Super Beasts Imitation Picture|picture lions]]. Currently as a Chunin, he also takes on the responsibility as a Chunin examination proctor in addition to his role as a teacher at the academy.
 
Unlike most of the Rookie Nine, Team Guy, and the Sand Siblings, Shikamaru was not promoted during the timeskip, as he was already promoted in the first Chunin Exam. Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, promoted Shikamaru shortly before she sent him, along with Naruto, Kiba, Akamaru, Neji, and Choji to rescue Sasuke. The only other two not to have been promoted were Naruto and Sasuke, both of whom have yet to gain the opportunity.
 
=== Niju Shotai arc ===
Shikamaru told Naruto he found out about Sasuke's change from Tsunade. He told Naruto that he would help Naruto get Sasuke back. This foreshadows that Shikamaru may provide a major role later on. Interestingly, when Team Asuma and Team Kakashi head for dinner at a [[Yakiniku]], Shikamaru disappears. It is unclear what Shikamaru was up to. Later, he played [[shogi]] with Asuma. They talked about who the pieces represented. Shikamaru was said to be the [[Knight (chess)|knight]], a piece that does not possess much power, but makes up for it by taking advantage of its unique ability to move over and around the enemy.
 
In chapter 318, it is revealed that Shikamaru is a member of the [[Naruto ninja ranks#Niju Shotai|Niju Shotai]]. He is teamed up with Asuma, [[List of Konoha Chunin#Izumo Kamizuki|Izumo Kamizuki]], and [[List of Konoha Chunin#Kotetsu Hagane|Kotetsu Hagane]]. In chapter 320, his team arrives at the Fire Temple to assess the damage and to pick up the trail of the Akatsuki.
 
Later on, Shikamaru and his team caught up with Hidan and Kakuzu. His team attacked Hidan while he was holding him down with his Shadow Imitation Technique. As Asuma battles Hidan, any injury that Hidan suffers is transferred to Asuma. Since Hidan is immortal, a fatal wound would kill Asuma, but Hidan would survive. Shikamaru captures Hidan in a shadow bind once again and analyzes everything Hidan has said and done up until now. He quickly realizes that Hidan needs the seal to maintain his jutsu, so he pulls him from it. He then ties Hidan down with his Shadow Sewing technique, allowing Asuma to decapitate him. Oddly, this does not kill Hidan. After Kakuzu helps Hidan reattach his head, he again manages to bind Asuma to his curse jutsu. Shikamaru rushes to the aid of his sensei just as Hidan impales himself with his pike, severely injuring Asuma. Enraged, Shikamaru rushes and tries to attack, but is stopped when Kakuzu knocks him down by tossing Izumo toward him. He is then rescued by Ino who takes him to where Choji has placed the injured Asuma. Sensing Asuma's pulse, he tells Ino and Choji to hurry with him back to Konoha for medical treatment.
 
However, Asuma does not reach Konoha in time. Knowing that he will not make it he talks to his team one last time. After leaving parting advice with Ino and Choji, he tells Shikamaru that he has great potential, perhaps enough to one day become Hokage; he also reveals the meaning of the [[King (chess)|"king"]] to Shikamaru, but as of yet is unknown to readers. Asuma's last request is for one last cigarette, which Shikamaru lights for him. As Asuma breathes his last breaths, Shikamaru lights another of Asuma's cigarettes, which he begins to smoke himself. Asuma stops breathing, and Shikamaru mumbles that he hates cigarettes as they make his eyes water, a reference to when he, Ino, and Choji first met their sensei.
 
When the team gets back to Konoha, Shikamaru asks Tsunade to allow him to be the one to tell Kurenai of Asuma's death and also to give a message to her from Asuma. When he finally tells her of his death, she falls on her knees and starts crying. At the funeral, Ino and Choji are wondering where Shikamaru is. After some reminiscing, he reads up on how to channel his chakra into Asuma's trench knives. It is unknown what chakra element he has, but his chakra around the blade is clearly darker than Asuma's or Naruto's wind chakra. He packs up his equipment (including Asuma`s lighter and a [[short sword]]) and he, Choji and Ino set off after an unknown target. It also seems that Shikamaru has taken up smoking full time in memory of Asuma.
 
{{endspoiler}}
 
{{Naruto info}}
 
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[[Category:Anime and manga characters introduced in 2000]]
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