MHA; Shikamaru With A System!

**Chapter 7: The Teacher's Lounge**

The teacher's lounge was a quiet sanctuary, a stark contrast to the bustling hallways of the rural middle school. The room was bathed in soft, natural light that filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden desks and shelves lined with textbooks and binders. The faint scent of coffee and old paper lingered in the air, mingling with the occasional whiff of chalk dust. A small potted plant sat on the windowsill, its leaves swaying gently in the breeze that slipped through the cracked window. The atmosphere was calm, almost meditative, but today, it felt charged with an undercurrent of tension.

Shikamaru Nara sat on a lone chair in the center of the room, his posture slouched and his hands stuffed into the pockets of his black school uniform. His dark eyes, usually half-lidded and indifferent, were fixed on the floor, avoiding the gaze of his teacher. His hair, as unruly as ever, was tied back into a loose ponytail, though a few strands still managed to escape and frame his face. The uniform, though neatly pressed earlier that morning, already looked slightly disheveled, as if Shikamaru had been wrestling with it all day.

Across from him sat his teacher, a tall, stern man with sharp features and glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. His cold, calculating eyes scanned the guidance form in his hands, his expression unreadable. The man's demeanor was calm, but there was a quiet intensity to him, like a predator waiting to pounce. He adjusted his glasses and finally broke the silence, his voice low and measured.

"Shikamaru," he began, his tone as steady as a metronome, "I thought you told me you were going to Sakurajima High School for Literature."

Shikamaru didn't look up. "Yeah, I did."

The teacher's eyes flicked back to the form, his brow furrowing slightly. "Then why do I see here that you've applied to U.A. High School for Heroes?"

Shikamaru shrugged, his voice nonchalant. "Seems I changed my mind at the last minute."

The teacher sighed, setting the form down on the desk and leaning back in his chair. He steepled his fingers, his gaze piercing as he studied Shikamaru. "I'll admit, you're intelligent—perhaps the most intelligent student I've ever taught. But you're weak, lazy, indifferent, and… lazy."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, finally meeting his teacher's gaze. "Do you really have to repeat 'lazy' so many times?"

The teacher ignored the comment, his tone growing more serious. "You don't fit the mold of a hero. I'd advise you to use your intellect in a more practical field, like electronics or modern sciences."

Shikamaru leaned back in his chair, his expression unchanged. "I don't think I'll be changing my mind."

The teacher's lips tightened, his frustration barely concealed. "Just how stubborn can you be?"

Before Shikamaru could respond, the door to the lounge swung open, and in walked Himari, the school nurse. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air, her golden hair catching the sunlight as it cascaded over her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and her white nurse's uniform seemed to glow against her fair skin. She leaned against the doorframe, a playful smile on her lips.

"His head is harder than a rock," she said, her voice light and teasing. "Once he decides on something, he dives in headfirst and does it—even if he's lazy."

Shikamaru groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Am I really that lazy in everyone's eyes? All I do is avoid unnecessary things."

Himari stepped closer, her smile widening as she leaned down, her face inches from Shikamaru's. Her rosy lips were dangerously close to his ear as she whispered, "Is marrying me also something unnecessary?"

Shikamaru's eyes widened, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. He quickly averted his gaze, trying to hide his embarrassment. Himari straightened up, giggling as she covered her mouth with her hand. The teacher adjusted his glasses, looking between the two with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"You two seem to be on the same wavelength," he remarked dryly.

Himari's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, and she dramatically collapsed onto the teacher's desk, her voice trembling with mock sorrow. "Oh, Sensei, Shikamaru has rejected my marriage proposals a thousand times! All the boys in school used to fawn over me, but now I can't even get the attention of the one boy I love!"

The teacher sighed, patting her head gently. "There, there, good girl. It's not your fault. This rascal is so lazy he might even skip his own wedding."

Himari's tears vanished as quickly as they had appeared, replaced by a dreamy smile as she clasped her hands to her cheeks. "A wedding with Shikamaru? Oh, Sensei, don't embarrass me!"

Shikamaru's expression was a mix of annoyance and resignation. "Can I leave now?"

The teacher shook his head. "Not yet. You'll fail the entrance exam for U.A. You need to spend your time reviewing for a proper science-focused high school. Shikamaru, you're the smartest student I've ever taught. I won't let you waste your talent."

Himari's eyes sparkled with hope as she turned to Shikamaru. "Did you really listen to my advice?"

Shikamaru sighed. "It's just a coincidence. It's not what you think."

The teacher raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Himari beamed. "Shikamaru's Quirk specializes in restraining enemies by manipulating their shadows. It's perfect for a hero who chases down villains!"

The teacher adjusted his glasses, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I see. Even someone as smart as Shikamaru can be swayed by the advice of a beautiful girl like Himari. Very well, I'll allow it. I'll submit your application to U.A."

Shikamaru frowned. "I told you, it has nothing to do with her. Didn't you just change your mind because of her?"

The teacher ignored him, and Himari's expression softened, her gaze locking onto Shikamaru's with a seriousness he hadn't seen before.

"What's with that look?" Shikamaru asked, slightly unnerved.

Himari smiled faintly. "I don't care about the reason. Now that you're going to be a hero, you'll have to save me."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a hero yet. I still have to pass the exam and graduate."

Himari's voice was steady, her blue eyes unwavering. "It's something only you can do."

Shikamaru sighed. "I'm afraid to ask, but what exactly do I need to save you from?"

Himari's expression turned serious, the breeze from the window tousling her golden hair. "Save me from the pain you cause my heart."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Without another word, Himari turned and left, the door closing softly behind her.

Shikamaru stared at the door, his thoughts a whirlwind. The teacher sighed, breaking the silence. "I always thought she had a playful personality, but I've never seen her cry or be so serious before."

Shikamaru remained silent, his gaze shifting to the window, where the serene countryside stretched out before him. The teacher leaned back in his chair, his voice gentle. "I won't intrude on your personal life, but let me say this: Himari is an exceptional girl. Life might not give you someone like her twice."

Shikamaru's eyes narrowed as he watched the swaying trees outside, his mind racing. "This is going to be troublesome," he muttered under his breath. "But I'm not heartless enough to make a kind girl like her cry over me."

The teacher smiled faintly, knowing that Shikamaru's journey was just beginning—and that, perhaps, he was more suited to being a hero than he let on.

.

.