MHA; Shikamaru With A System!

**Chapter 8: The Journey to U.A.**

The wooden floorboards of Shikamaru's room creaked softly under his weight as he moved about, the faint scent of cedar filling the air. His room, now fully repaired and tidy, was a reflection of his pragmatic nature. The walls were bare except for a single scroll depicting a deer standing in a misty forest, a nod to the Nara Clan's symbol. A low wooden desk sat in the corner, its surface clean except for a few scattered shogi pieces and a half-finished puzzle. The futon in the center of the room was neatly folded, and the morning light filtered through the paper screens, casting a warm glow on the tatami mats.

Shikamaru stood in front of a small mirror, his expression calm as he adjusted his clothes. He wore a simple yet practical outfit: a black hoodie with the Nara Clan's deer emblem stitched subtly on the chest, paired with dark jeans and sturdy black boots. His hair, though still unruly, was tied back into a loose ponytail, keeping it out of his face. He slung a black backpack over his shoulder, its weight minimal but containing everything he needed for the day.

His dark eyes scanned the room one last time before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small card. It was his examinee ID, issued by U.A. High School. The card bore his photo, his name, and all the necessary details confirming his identity, including the testing arena he was assigned to. Shikamaru stared at it for a moment, his expression unreadable, before slipping it back into his pocket.

He stepped out of his room and into the quiet hallway of the Nara household. The wooden floorboards creaked softly under his boots as he made his way toward the front door. The house was unusually silent; even the kitchen, usually bustling with activity at this hour, was empty. His family was still asleep, the only sound the faint rustling of leaves outside.

Shikamaru slid open the front door and stepped out into the crisp morning air. The sun had yet to rise, but the sky was beginning to lighten, painting the horizon in shades of pale blue and soft pink. The countryside stretched out before him, the fields blanketed in a thin layer of dew. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the faint scent of earth and wildflowers.

He walked at a steady pace, his hands in his pockets, his breath visible in the chilly air. The journey to the nearest town took him over half an hour, the quiet countryside gradually giving way to the faint hum of civilization. By the time he reached the train station, the sun had fully risen, casting a golden glow over the small rural town.

Shikamaru approached the ticket counter, his movements unhurried. He purchased his ticket with a few coins and made his way to the platform, where the train was already waiting. The sleek, modern design of the train contrasted sharply with the rustic charm of the station. Shikamaru boarded without hesitation, finding a seat by the window.

This was his first time on a train, and he couldn't help but feel a faint sense of curiosity as he settled into his seat. The train was quiet, with only a handful of passengers scattered throughout the car. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks and the soft hum of the engine filled the air, creating a soothing backdrop as the train began to move.

Shikamaru leaned his head against the window, watching the countryside blur past. The sky had turned a brilliant blue, the sunlight streaming through the glass and warming his face. The gentle rocking of the train and the lack of sleep from the previous night soon took their toll, and Shikamaru's eyes grew heavy. Before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.

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He woke to the sound of loud footsteps and chatter. The train had stopped, and a crowd of people was boarding, their voices filling the previously quiet car. Shikamaru blinked, disoriented for a moment, before his eyes fell on the station name displayed on a screen above the door.

"This is my Station," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with annoyance. "I almost missed it."

He grabbed his bag and hurried off the train, the doors sliding shut behind him just as he stepped onto the platform. The station was bustling with activity, the air filled with the sounds of conversations and the occasional announcement over the loudspeaker. Shikamaru took a moment to orient himself before heading toward the taxi stand.

A yellow cab pulled up, and Shikamaru slid into the back seat. The driver, a middle-aged man with a friendly smile, glanced at him in the rearview mirror.

"Where to?" he asked.

"U.A. High School," Shikamaru replied, his tone casual.

The driver's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, I'll be! I didn't think I'd be picking up someone headed to U.A. today. You're the second one this morning."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow but said nothing as the cab pulled away from the curb. He leaned back in his seat, his gaze drifting out the window. The cityscape passed by in a blur of colors and shapes, the morning sunlight reflecting off the glass buildings.

A few minutes into the ride, the cab stopped to pick up another passenger. The door opened, and a girl with light brown hair—almost orange—and striking green eyes slid into the seat beside Shikamaru. She didn't look at him, her gaze fixed on the road ahead as she adjusted her bag.

"Looks like you're heading to the exam too," she said, her voice calm and measured. "Good luck, even though we're competitors. I'm Itsuka Kendo, by the way."

"Shikamaru Nara," he replied, his tone equally neutral. "Good luck to you too."

The rest of the ride passed in silence, the two of them lost in their own thoughts. When the cab finally pulled up to the gates of U.A. High School, Kendo stepped out without a word, disappearing into the crowd of examinees. Shikamaru followed suit, his expression as calm as ever.

The campus was massive, its towering buildings and sprawling grounds a testament to its reputation as the top hero academy in the country. Shikamaru followed the signs to the examination hall, his footsteps echoing in the quiet morning air.

The hall itself was a vast, imposing structure, its high ceilings and rows of seats filled with over 300 examinees. Some were chatting nervously, others scrolling through their phones or reviewing notes. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with anticipation.

Shikamaru made his way to the back of the hall, his movements unhurried. He found an empty seat and sat down, his bag resting at his feet. His dark eyes scanned the room, taking in the sea of faces before settling on the empty stage at the front.

"What a drag," he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his seat.

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