UID：200000099141120; UK Server S363: Third Mizukage; In-Game Name: AsukaIshimaru

Cooldown Time: Round 2; Battlefield Cooldown: Round 2; Chakra Usage: 40; Additional Status: None

Same Procedure as Every Year (499 words)

by UID：200000099141120; UK Server S363: Third Mizukage; In-Game Name: AsukaIshimaru

Gently, slowly they came drifting down as he threw a look up at the cloudy skies above the hoarfrost-coated treetops of the Konoha Forest. The snow from last night had already settled in and powdered the Fire Country in a white wintry blanket, but the flakes still kept falling as he trudged on even deeper into the forest. The air was cold but clear.

“It’s that time of the year again, huh?” he murmured listlessly and sighed deeply, exhaling the smoke of his cigarette, which froze in the air along with his breath. “How troublesome.”

Shikamaru still remembered how every year on Christmas Eve his late father would head out into the very part of the snow-covered forest which was guarded by his clan, dragging a sleigh laden with a bulky sack and other equipment to tend to the deer behind him, then return to Konoha proper for the main event once the preparations were done…

But with his father resting in his cold grave, it was Shikamaru’s turn to do the troublesome deed from now on.

And his trusty nin deer Rikumaro was already waiting on him with a few others of the herd; he knew as well, it was time. “How troublesome, indeed,” Shikamaru sighed again, snuffed out his cigarette, then approached the stag and gently rubbed its muzzle. “Let’s get ready, shall we?”

First he set up the salty deerlick stones and refilled the mangers with plenty hay. And as the deer feasted on the hay, he pulled out a soft brush to comb them down nicely and thoroughly until their fur was shiny and fluffy, then set about bridling them. Small bells fastened to the headcollars chimed and jingled whenever they sh00k their heads as he proceeded to put the nin deer in front of the sleigh, Rikumaro-- of course-- leading the team.

But Shikamaru was not done yet. “How troublesome,” he kept mumbling as he rummaged inside the sack on the sleigh, then hurried to change into the things he had brought. “To think Dad had gone through this very trouble every year! So cold! Brr,” he complained to no one in particular, chattering his teeth. Rikumaro soothingly nudged him with his his muzzle, always so apprehensive of his master’s moods and thoughts. “I know, I know. It’s for the King’s sake after all… so I’ll do it, even if it’s troublesome. What wouldn’t I do to see them smile, right?”

Shikamaru sighed again once everything was in place, then boarded the sleigh and pulled gently on the reigns. “Let’s go!” The deer set in motion, snow quietly crunching under their hooves, bells chiming with every step on their way back into the village and through the streets decorated with baubles, garlands and fairy lights. The crowd already awaited his arrival, smiles and happily gleaming eyes beaming at him everywhere.

And although he felt awkward, he raised his hand and waved at them, clearing his throat he exclaimed: “Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas, everyone!”