« He removed his coat and positioned it onto the rack in the corner, pulling a carton of cigarettes out of his pocket and his treasured flip-top lighter—soon to take his Hokages side, seated on the edge of his desk.

❛Wow… someone’s been busy eh? There’s actually ink on the papers instead of drool.❜

Enthralled by the philosophy of past war generals and renowned soldiers—cigarette betwixt his lips and a glass of saké in his opposite hand, recumbent on the offices new settee.

« ❝ Here to treat my smoking habit or your old friends, insomnia? ❞ referring to Naruto’s inclination to overwork himself these days.

« reached in his pocket and pulled out a carton of cigarettes alongside his beloved lighter. He lit the cigarette, flipped closed the lighter, poured himself a drink, and slid the thick packets and extensive parchments over to himself.

❝ What a drag. ❞ a cloud of smoke following his words.

« he rummaged around behind the bookshelf and acquired a small glass and some saké he’d hidden if things were ever too complicated to deal with sober. Shikamaru cracked the window open, parked himself back in his seat at the corner of Naruto’s desk with the alcohol and glass placed on the table — »