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Naruto: Shikamaru’s Story--Mourning Clouds
A rupture in the alliance at the Summit of the Five Kages could be the trigger for the Fifth Great Ninja War! Meanwhile, something is causing Shikamaru and his family to drift further and further apart. But Shikamaru has a very powerful card up his sleeve to bring peace to both the world and his family!
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
21 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Masashi Kishimoto
1,140 books3,979 followersMasashi Kishimoto (岸本斉史 Kishimoto Masashi) is a Japanese manga artist, well known for creating the manga series Naruto. His younger twin brother, Seishi Kishimoto, is also a manga artist and creator of the manga series O-Parts Hunter (666 Satan) and Blazer Drive. Two of his former assistants, Osamu Kajisa (Tattoo Hearts) and Yuuichi Itakura (Hand's), have also gone on to moderate success following their work on Naruto.
Kishimoto's first work as a manga artist was Karakuri (カラクリ?), which he submitted to Shueisha in 1995. This earned him the Weekly Shōnen Jump's monthly "Hop Step Award" in 1996, granted to promising new manga artists. This was followed in 1997 by a pilot version of Naruto (NARUTO－ナルト－), published in Akamaru Jump Summer. In 1998, Kishimoto premiered as a Weekly Shōnen Jump artist with a serialized version of Karakuri in Weekly Shōnen Jump, but it proved unpopular and was canceled soon after. In 1999, a serialized version of Naruto began publication in Weekly Shōnen Jump and quickly became a hit.
Kishimoto's first work as a manga artist was Karakuri (カラクリ?), which he submitted to Shueisha in 1995. This earned him the Weekly Shōnen Jump's monthly "Hop Step Award" in 1996, granted to promising new manga artists. This was followed in 1997 by a pilot version of Naruto (NARUTO－ナルト－), published in Akamaru Jump Summer. In 1998, Kishimoto premiered as a Weekly Shōnen Jump artist with a serialized version of Karakuri in Weekly Shōnen Jump, but it proved unpopular and was canceled soon after. In 1999, a serialized version of Naruto began publication in Weekly Shōnen Jump and quickly became a hit.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 21, 2024
Oh. Wow. I didn't expect this to be so well-written.
I was trying to get into Naruto again after years of not engaging with it, and I stumbled upon these new light novels. So, I went into this book fully blind without expecting anything, and that's why I was so surprised at how good it was.
I think the highlight of this book would be Ohnoki's words to Shikamaru: 'a ninja’s a ninja' (which, come to think of it, was also a reference to his arc in Boruto. His words here definitely serve as one of his motivation to do what he did).
Yeah, the world might be at peace, but that does not mean the journey to keeping said peace will be linear. I enjoyed how this book tried to dig deeper into that aspect of the story, considering we never see it in Boruto (understandable since the anime mostly focused more on the kids).
I truly love the Shikadai and Temari content in this. Shikadai gets some wholesome moments with his dad, and well, things might get rough with your wife, but I really like how it emphasizes how Shikamaru always gets the biggest support from the two important people in his life: his son and his wife. This Shikamaru no longer goes around recklessly thinking he needs to do everything alone; he knows that he has people he loves backing him up.
The second best part of this book was how it highlighted the contrast between Naruto and Shikamaru. I'm so glad that this book brings up again how Naruto is the sun and Shikamaru is his shadow. Shikamaru would get his hand dirty if he had to because Naruto would never, and Shikamaru wants Naruto to always be the sun that shines for the whole world. It's so on point for their characters, and I love it.
I was trying to get into Naruto again after years of not engaging with it, and I stumbled upon these new light novels. So, I went into this book fully blind without expecting anything, and that's why I was so surprised at how good it was.
I think the highlight of this book would be Ohnoki's words to Shikamaru: 'a ninja’s a ninja' (which, come to think of it, was also a reference to his arc in Boruto. His words here definitely serve as one of his motivation to do what he did).
Yeah, the world might be at peace, but that does not mean the journey to keeping said peace will be linear. I enjoyed how this book tried to dig deeper into that aspect of the story, considering we never see it in Boruto (understandable since the anime mostly focused more on the kids).
I truly love the Shikadai and Temari content in this. Shikadai gets some wholesome moments with his dad, and well, things might get rough with your wife, but I really like how it emphasizes how Shikamaru always gets the biggest support from the two important people in his life: his son and his wife. This Shikamaru no longer goes around recklessly thinking he needs to do everything alone; he knows that he has people he loves backing him up.
The second best part of this book was how it highlighted the contrast between Naruto and Shikamaru. I'm so glad that this book brings up again how Naruto is the sun and Shikamaru is his shadow. Shikamaru would get his hand dirty if he had to because Naruto would never, and Shikamaru wants Naruto to always be the sun that shines for the whole world. It's so on point for their characters, and I love it.
March 28, 2023
Every time I read about or watch something related to Shikamaru, the more and more I fall in love with the man. There are many reasons why he is not just my favorite character in anime, but my favorite character across all genres of fiction. This light novel just adds more fuel to that flame. The way that he perfectly counterbalances the sometimes empty-headed charisma of Naruto, as well as the way he does anything he needs to ensure the safety of Konoha (though his methods may not be seen as the most ethical to some, he’s not Danzo-level batshit so we’ll let him off) add more to the lazy genius I fell in love with during the Chunin Exams back in the original Naruto series. Though it was a little tough to read through him trying to figure out how to salvage the situation with Temari and Shikadai, it was a very appreciated part of the story, as it truly felt authentic to how the three characters would interact in that scenario. It is widely agreed upon that the relationship between Shikamaru and Temari was the best written and developed throughout OG Naruto and Shippuden, and not only can I not agree more, it is always very satisfying to me to know that sentiment still holds true throughout the canon of Boruto as well as the Naruto Light Novels. Overall a fantastic, easy read, and makes me excited to read other Naruto light novels in the future.
October 4, 2021
I loved it!! Stayed true to the series and it was really interesting to get into Shikamaru’s perspective. I thought Naruto and Shikamaru were very realistically portrayed. I also really wanted to see Temari, Shikamaru, and Shikadai’s relationship portrayed in detail, and this book delivered! My only complaint is that some of the translations did not seem to translate well—that or the editor did a very poor job—there were countless grammatical and spelling errors throughout the book. But overall great story! The tension was built very well and it showed through Shikamaru’s behavior. The ending was a happy, heartwarming one.
September 24, 2022
This was my favourite of this trilogy of light novels and it was the best.
We get to see what Naruto and Shikamaru spend their days doing and yet, we still do not know what all these "approvals" are for. A more concerning problem has arisen which requires Shikamaru to use those smarts of his to prevent another freaking war. This time, the Land of Earth wants to invade the Land of Flowers and the Tsuchikage is bringing all this trouble to the Five Kage's door. In an attempt to prevent this, Shikamaru spies on them, threatens them, manipulates them and finally gets them to the table to discuss peace. The game, as Shikamaru calls it, ends with a continental summit which has never happened before. Shikamaru expertly wields the strengths of his nation and village by using the Leaf's might to bring people together and then allowing Naruto to do what he does best- convince enemies to work together for peace using his unfailing talk-no-jutsu. We all make jokes about this but I love it. He's a hero in his actions and words and Shikamaru knew this was a major strength that could maintain peace in their world and so he uses it in his plans.
Not only do we get to see our beloved hero doing his thang, maintaining peace, we get to see another of our capable heroes shine. Shikamaru really is a great friend to Naruto and a brilliant aide. He's still that guy calling everything a drag, but as he tells his son, everything that matters is a bit of a drag. He says time and time again that he will do the dirty work in the Shadows to uphold the Sun, Naruto. And he does this well. Their friendship was beautiful. Naruto has grown as well, he's smarter and more cautious. Shikamaru has changed too, but he takes all this into account so that he and the adult ninja can create lasting peace for their children and the next generation. Shikamaru's still got all his friends' backs. We see our generation of Ino-Shika-Cho together and to this day, they are supporting and learning from each other. The most surprising and cool scene in this book was Shikamaru's unexpected meeting with Sasuke. They realise that they have so much in common despite not giving two monkeys about each other in their youth. They're both there in the shadows upholding Naruto as he upholds the village. This bond was wonderful. I hated Sasuke in the original story, but he's really grown on me in these novels because he's grown into a better person.
It's not all work for Shikamaru in this book. He's having trouble with his family too. This book dealt with family issues better than the other two. The stakes were higher and so it wasn't as carelessly fun, but it was more nuanced. Shikadai is being treated differently because of who his father is. Shikamaru logically knows this isn't his fault and that Shikadai doesn't blame him, but he still sees that his son is hurt. He finally talks to him and teaches this boy, who is so much like him, the importance of hardship when you are trying to protect what is precious. In the end Shikadai is proud of his father and he's a still child so he cries with emotion. It was very cute. Shikamaru learns that he needs to open up and communicate with his family even if it is something they are all bad at.
His issues with his wife may be more serious, but they work through this too. It's not about forgetting anniversaries, it's about being comfortable with each other at home and communicating. They want to feel supported by each other and want the other to allow them to do so. I always liked Temari and Shikamaru's relationship. They seemed like real equals who worked well together and loved that about each other. We hear about their past and how they were part of a young group of ninja with potential; how they bonded with each other and others in this group- including Kurotsuchi (these bonds were also a nice surprise). The only thing I would have improved personally, was a little bit more fluff.
Shikamaru, who once wanted an average life now realises how great this spectacular life he has is and it makes him all the more determined to protect it. The future and role of ninja is at stake. They have to define what it is to be this weapon that is called ninja. With peace, what is the purpose of a creature born to fight? They tackle this problem in the book as Naruto and Shikamaru know that they fight so that others don't have to and this time they are fighting for everlasting peace. A peace in which there won't be a need for ninja anymore and the teachings of ninjutsu can perhaps become ninshu again which helps in daily life, not for military purposes. They bring this world view to the summit and they succeed, as expected. Naruto shines and Shikamaru, his right hand man, shines from the shadows just as bright.
Both Naruto and Shikamaru talk about their anxieties and the pressure of their positions. Sikamaru actively tries hard in this book, something he used to hate. It was really refreshing seeing him muster courage to speak to his son, being regretful of his time at work, showing frustration at the pressure his work created and actually thinking about what is best for the people he loves and acknowledging the change in himself that has led to this most precious love.
He was always one of my favourite characters and this novel has done nothing to change that. Hopefully his plans of getting new aides to lighten the workload will go through and he and Naruto can rest with their precious families more.
We get to see what Naruto and Shikamaru spend their days doing and yet, we still do not know what all these "approvals" are for. A more concerning problem has arisen which requires Shikamaru to use those smarts of his to prevent another freaking war. This time, the Land of Earth wants to invade the Land of Flowers and the Tsuchikage is bringing all this trouble to the Five Kage's door. In an attempt to prevent this, Shikamaru spies on them, threatens them, manipulates them and finally gets them to the table to discuss peace. The game, as Shikamaru calls it, ends with a continental summit which has never happened before. Shikamaru expertly wields the strengths of his nation and village by using the Leaf's might to bring people together and then allowing Naruto to do what he does best- convince enemies to work together for peace using his unfailing talk-no-jutsu. We all make jokes about this but I love it. He's a hero in his actions and words and Shikamaru knew this was a major strength that could maintain peace in their world and so he uses it in his plans.
Not only do we get to see our beloved hero doing his thang, maintaining peace, we get to see another of our capable heroes shine. Shikamaru really is a great friend to Naruto and a brilliant aide. He's still that guy calling everything a drag, but as he tells his son, everything that matters is a bit of a drag. He says time and time again that he will do the dirty work in the Shadows to uphold the Sun, Naruto. And he does this well. Their friendship was beautiful. Naruto has grown as well, he's smarter and more cautious. Shikamaru has changed too, but he takes all this into account so that he and the adult ninja can create lasting peace for their children and the next generation. Shikamaru's still got all his friends' backs. We see our generation of Ino-Shika-Cho together and to this day, they are supporting and learning from each other. The most surprising and cool scene in this book was Shikamaru's unexpected meeting with Sasuke. They realise that they have so much in common despite not giving two monkeys about each other in their youth. They're both there in the shadows upholding Naruto as he upholds the village. This bond was wonderful. I hated Sasuke in the original story, but he's really grown on me in these novels because he's grown into a better person.
It's not all work for Shikamaru in this book. He's having trouble with his family too. This book dealt with family issues better than the other two. The stakes were higher and so it wasn't as carelessly fun, but it was more nuanced. Shikadai is being treated differently because of who his father is. Shikamaru logically knows this isn't his fault and that Shikadai doesn't blame him, but he still sees that his son is hurt. He finally talks to him and teaches this boy, who is so much like him, the importance of hardship when you are trying to protect what is precious. In the end Shikadai is proud of his father and he's a still child so he cries with emotion. It was very cute. Shikamaru learns that he needs to open up and communicate with his family even if it is something they are all bad at.
His issues with his wife may be more serious, but they work through this too. It's not about forgetting anniversaries, it's about being comfortable with each other at home and communicating. They want to feel supported by each other and want the other to allow them to do so. I always liked Temari and Shikamaru's relationship. They seemed like real equals who worked well together and loved that about each other. We hear about their past and how they were part of a young group of ninja with potential; how they bonded with each other and others in this group- including Kurotsuchi (these bonds were also a nice surprise). The only thing I would have improved personally, was a little bit more fluff.
Shikamaru, who once wanted an average life now realises how great this spectacular life he has is and it makes him all the more determined to protect it. The future and role of ninja is at stake. They have to define what it is to be this weapon that is called ninja. With peace, what is the purpose of a creature born to fight? They tackle this problem in the book as Naruto and Shikamaru know that they fight so that others don't have to and this time they are fighting for everlasting peace. A peace in which there won't be a need for ninja anymore and the teachings of ninjutsu can perhaps become ninshu again which helps in daily life, not for military purposes. They bring this world view to the summit and they succeed, as expected. Naruto shines and Shikamaru, his right hand man, shines from the shadows just as bright.
Both Naruto and Shikamaru talk about their anxieties and the pressure of their positions. Sikamaru actively tries hard in this book, something he used to hate. It was really refreshing seeing him muster courage to speak to his son, being regretful of his time at work, showing frustration at the pressure his work created and actually thinking about what is best for the people he loves and acknowledging the change in himself that has led to this most precious love.
He was always one of my favourite characters and this novel has done nothing to change that. Hopefully his plans of getting new aides to lighten the workload will go through and he and Naruto can rest with their precious families more.
February 1, 2025
Growing up, I loved watching Naruto—I was kind of obsessed with it. However, with this book, I felt like I couldn't really connect with the story. Don't get me wrong—the plot, writing, and characters were great. But I think it was one of those genres I just couldn't fully relate to.
I loved all the relationships Shikamaru had with other characters, like Temari, Shikadai, and Naruto. I especially liked his relationship with Naruto the most, and I also saw potential for a friendship with Sasuke.
I loved all the relationships Shikamaru had with other characters, like Temari, Shikadai, and Naruto. I especially liked his relationship with Naruto the most, and I also saw potential for a friendship with Sasuke.
March 12, 2025
Of the three LNs in this series, this one was my least favourite. It was well written, and actually did a good job with the characterization and whatnot, but I found it fairly dry. That said, it had a much stronger political focus than the other two, which I just simply don't find as entertaining. Still pretty decent though. It had a really good scene between Sasuke and Shikamaru, too.
April 25, 2025
A fitting extension to the otherwise succinct send-off of Shikamaru in the original series with hints of unrealized wisdom sprinkled all throughout the wisest shinobi’s tale. Like watching a world champion play himself in chess, always a learning experience.
July 29, 2025
4.5 stars
Very quick read. I love Shikamaru, he’s one of my fave Naruto characters and I will honestly read anything having to do with Naruto since it’s my fave anime. I love the little stories that this author writes including the rest of the characters. Just so heartfelt and wholesome
Very quick read. I love Shikamaru, he’s one of my fave Naruto characters and I will honestly read anything having to do with Naruto since it’s my fave anime. I love the little stories that this author writes including the rest of the characters. Just so heartfelt and wholesome
March 27, 2021
Shikamaru really is a brilliant character.
February 6, 2022
Really good short novel. A must for any Naruto (or more specifically Shikamaru) fan
August 16, 2022
Shikamaru is always my favorite character from Naruto.
In this story, we can see the life of Naruto’s advisor, the one who said drag every single time. I think this story reflects a lot on politics and its effect on life and family. Shikamaru’s job affects his son’s job and his son knows it before him. Not to mention his relationship with his wife. It is not perfect, but it is life.
I know his wife behind him every single time. But forget the anniversary? Boy, you are on your own.
It is funny to see when Shikamaru only wants the easy life before this becomes the brain behind the peace of Konoha and the other village. He worked very hard for Naruto. He is basically one step ahead for every plan he made so Naruto can achieve his idea of peace.
His relationship with his son also become better once he got to know his son. And his relationship with Temari is still the cutest. They don’t have to be lovely and romantic. They just trust each other. I think that is their love language. And thankfully, he managed to make up with his wife for forgetting the anniversary.
In this story, we can see the life of Naruto’s advisor, the one who said drag every single time. I think this story reflects a lot on politics and its effect on life and family. Shikamaru’s job affects his son’s job and his son knows it before him. Not to mention his relationship with his wife. It is not perfect, but it is life.
I know his wife behind him every single time. But forget the anniversary? Boy, you are on your own.
It is funny to see when Shikamaru only wants the easy life before this becomes the brain behind the peace of Konoha and the other village. He worked very hard for Naruto. He is basically one step ahead for every plan he made so Naruto can achieve his idea of peace.
His relationship with his son also become better once he got to know his son. And his relationship with Temari is still the cutest. They don’t have to be lovely and romantic. They just trust each other. I think that is their love language. And thankfully, he managed to make up with his wife for forgetting the anniversary.
December 29, 2023
3.5 stars
This book did a really good job with connecting all the other Naruto light novel books that related to Shikamaru which I liked. Shikamaru also has an amazing ending to his character so that's cool.
This book did a really good job with connecting all the other Naruto light novel books that related to Shikamaru which I liked. Shikamaru also has an amazing ending to his character so that's cool.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews