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{{Infobox}}
 
{{Infobox}}
{{translation|'''Shikaku Nara'''|奈良シカク|Nara Shikaku}} is the [[Jōnin Commander]] of [[Konohagakure]], head of the [[Nara clan]] and was a member of an [[Ino–Shika–Chō (Previous)|Ino–Shika–Chō trio]] alongside [[Inoichi Yamanaka]] and [[Chōza Akimichi]].
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{{translation|'''Shikaku Nara'''|奈良シカク|Nara Shikaku}} was the [[Jōnin Commander]] of [[Konohagakure]], head of the [[Nara clan]] and was a member of an [[Ino–Shika–Chō (15th)|Ino–Shika–Chō trio]] alongside [[Inoichi Yamanaka]] and [[Chōza Akimichi]].
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
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When he became a genin, Shikaku was partnered with Chōza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka.
During the [[Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha]], Shikaku and his team-mates assisted in the village's defence. He wondered if it was [[Minato]] who had deflected the [[Nine-Tails]]' [[Tailed Beast Ball]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 502, page 7</ref>
 
   
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[[File:Ino Shika Cho vs Iwagakure.png|thumb|left|Ino–Shika–Chō meeting with Iwa-nin for a peace treaty.]]
== Personality ==
 
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In the anime, nearing the end of the [[Third Shinobi World War]], [[Ino–Shika–Chō (15th)|his team]] was assigned to deliver a request for a peace treaty between Konoha and [[Iwagakure]]. Anticipating the Iwa shinobi to turn hostile, the meeting was strategically held at the borderline of the Land of Wind, knowing that the [[Fourth Kazekage]] would oversee the meeting should a battle breakout on his land.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 349</ref> During the [[Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack]], Shikaku and his team-mates assisted in the village's defence. He wondered if it was [[Minato]] who had deflected the [[Nine-Tails]]' [[Tailed Beast Ball]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 502, page 7</ref>
When he was first seen, he was portrayed as a bit of an alcoholic, and, at times, uses some of Shikamaru's catchphrases ([[What a drag and How troublesome|"What a drag" in English and "How troublesome" in Japanese]]). Like his son, he thinks that women should be tender and sweet, but, as his son says, his wife has him "whipped". Also like his son, he is a very intelligent but lazy person, yet he is also quite caring, and is ready to jump into action when needed. Unlike his son, his resolve is much stronger, as even during the most depressing or dangerous of situations, he has been shown to maintain great determination and understanding, as shown from how he has repeatedly helped Shikamaru regain his sense of worth. In battle, Shikaku appears merciless. During the invasion of Konoha he had no qualms about choking the Suna shinobi to death, even when one of them was clearly cowering.
 
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{{-}}
   
 
== Personality ==
It was also revealed that he was amongst the few parents who did not order his son to stay away from Naruto Uzumaki. He instead encouraged Shikamaru to do what he thought was best.
 
 
[[File:Shikaku and Shikamaru.png|thumb|Shikaku talks with his son about women.]]
 
In the anime, when he was first seen, he was portrayed as a bit of an alcoholic, and, at times, used some of Shikamaru's catchphrases ([[What a drag and How troublesome|"What a drag" in English and "How troublesome" in Japanese]]). Like his son, he thought that women should be tender and sweet, but, as his son says, his wife had him "whipped", though he appeared to have a few things hidden away that he did not want her to see.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 616, page 14</ref> Unlike his son, his resolve was much stronger, as even during the most depressing or dangerous of situations, he had been shown to maintain great determination and understanding, as shown from how he had repeatedly helped Shikamaru regain his sense of worth. In battle, Shikaku appeared merciless. During the Konoha Crush he had no qualms about choking the Suna shinobi to death, even when one of them was clearly cowering.
   
Since Shikamaru became a chūnin, Shikaku has taken a greater interest in his son's training and has started teaching him the clan's more secret techniques. He also spends a great deal of his time tending to the clan's deer.
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It was also revealed that he was amongst the few parents who did not order his son to stay away from Naruto Uzumaki. He instead encouraged Shikamaru to do what he thought was best.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 177</ref> Since Shikamaru became a chūnin, Shikaku had taken a greater interest in his son's training and started teaching him the clan's more secret techniques. He also spent a great deal of his time tending to the clan's deer. He has also shown himself to be very caring to his son, as he was very empathetic when his son was clearly distraught and frustrated for letting [[Asuma]] die by [[Hidan]], telling Shikamaru to let his mixed emotion out so he can avenge his sensei's death.
   
 
== Appearance ==
 
== Appearance ==
[[File:Shikaku Nara 1.jpg|thumb|left|Shikaku in Part I.]]
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[[File:Shikaku Nara battle attire.png|thumb|left|Shikaku in Part I.]]
Shikaku has two scars on the right side of his face which are probably his most noticeable feature. Like his son, he has dark hair tied up into a spiky ponytail, dark eyes as well as a goatee. His ears are also pierced. In Part I, Shikaku wore a meshed shirt underneath his flak jacket, a deer skin coat over that and hand guards.
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Shikaku had two scars on the right side of his face which were probably his most noticeable feature. Like his son and grandson, he had dark hair tied up into a spiky ponytail, dark eyes as well as a goatee. His ears were also pierced. In Part I, Shikaku wore a meshed shirt underneath his flak jacket, a deer skin coat over that and hand guards.
   
In Part II however, he has been seen in the standard Konoha shinobi outfit. Earlier in the anime, Shikaku also has a scar on the left side of his face, however, this scar had been removed since subsequent episodes. Also in the anime, Shikaku's flak jacket is depicted as a deeper shade of green, this is possibly to indicate his status as the Jōnin Commander.
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In Part II however, he had been seen in the standard Konoha shinobi outfit. Earlier in the anime, Shikaku also had a scar on the left side of his face, however, this scar had been removed since subsequent episodes. Also in the anime, Shikaku's flak jacket is depicted as a deeper shade of green, this is possibly to indicate his status as the Jōnin Commander.
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When not on duty at home, Shikaku wore a simple, light-coloured kimono and a haori with the clan's symbol emblazoned on the back.
   
 
== Abilities ==
 
== Abilities ==
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As a jōnin-level shinobi and head of his clan, Shikaku was undoubtedly a very powerful shinobi. According to Kakashi, Shikaku's talents would make him a highly-capable Hokage. His skills and reliability garnered him high respect from other powerful ninja, such as the five Kage, especially A and Ōnoki, the former trusting him enough to lead and command the entire Allied Shinobi Forces in the Kages' stead while they went away to deal with [[Towards the Night…!!|emergency]] [[The Place Where We Pick Ourselves Up|situations]] .
As a jōnin-level shinobi and head of his clan, Shikaku is undoubtedly a strong shinobi.
 
   
=== Nara Clan Techniques ===
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=== Ninjutsu ===
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==== Nara Clan Techniques ====
Like other Nara, he has mastered many of his clans [[hiden|secret]] techniques which revolve around the use of shadows. His prowess with these were witnessed during the [[Invasion of Konoha]] when he effortlessly [[Shadow Imitation Technique|bound]] and [[Shadow–Neck Binding Technique|killed]] several invading shinobi. In the anime, he also displayed great control over his shadow able to use the [[Black Spider Lily]] technique to bind several shinobi, while at the same time freely using a tendril of his shadow to move his [[Kosuke Maruboshi|comrade]] to safety.<ref name="ship239">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 239</ref>
 
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[[File:Black spider lily.png|thumb|Shikaku manipulating his shadow.]]
 
Like other Nara, he had mastered many of his clans [[hiden|secret]] techniques which revolve around the use of shadows. His prowess with these were witnessed during the [[Konoha Crush]] when he effortlessly [[Shadow Imitation Technique|bound]] and [[Shadow–Neck Binding Technique|killed]] several invading shinobi. In the anime, he also displayed great control over his shadow able to use the [[Black Spider Lily]] technique to bind several shinobi, while at the same time freely using a tendril of his shadow to move his [[Kosuke Maruboshi|comrade]] to safety.<ref name="ship239">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 239</ref>
   
Along with this, Shikaku can work flawlessly with his [[Ino–Shika–Chō (Previous)|team-mates]], Chōza and Inoichi, due to the strong bond forged between their clans and their long-standing friendship. This was again seen in the anime most prominently where Shikaku was able to use his techniques to support his team-mates as well as garner support for his own techniques — for example using Chōza's [[Multi-Size Technique|large shadow]] to facilitate his use of the Black Spider Lily technique.<ref name="ship239"/>
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Along with this, Shikaku could work flawlessly with his team-mates, Chōza and Inoichi, due to the strong bond forged between their clans and their long-standing friendship. This was again seen in the anime most prominently where Shikaku was able to use his techniques to support his team-mates as well as garner support for his own techniques — for example using Chōza's [[Multi-Size Technique|large shadow]] to facilitate his use of the Black Spider Lily technique.<ref name="ship239"/>
   
 
=== Intelligence ===
 
=== Intelligence ===
[[File:Shikaku's Intelligence.png|thumb|Shikaku analysing data.]]
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[[File:Shikaku's Intelligence.png|thumb|left|Shikaku analysing data.]]
Above his physical abilities, Shikaku is even more renown for his intellect. He has carried on his family's tradition of keeping a medical [[Nara Clan Medical Encyclopaedia|encyclopaedia]] filled with various information, such as remedies for the [[Three Coloured Pills]] of the [[Akimichi clan]] — which [[Tsunade]] has praised him for.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 235, page 17</ref> He regularly defeats his son [[Shikamaru]] — who himself is a genius with an IQ of over 200 — at [[Wikipedia:Shogi|shōgi]], without the latter realising that the game was even lost.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 342, page 16</ref> During the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]], his years of experience and skills were put to great use. He was appointed the Chief Strategist of the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] and showed himself to be a shrewd tactician and strategist, able to quickly and calmly analyse a great deal of information, anticipate actions and use it to quickly formulate or reformulate highly effective plans. Because of these skills he was praised by the [[Fourth Raikage]] who stated that he now understood why Konoha had been so hard to take down.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 525, page 13</ref>
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Above his ninjutsu skills, Shikaku was even more renowned for his intellect. He had carried on his family's tradition of keeping a [[Nara Clan Medical Encyclopaedia|medical encyclopaedia]] filled with various information, such as remedies for the [[Three Coloured Pills]] of the [[Akimichi clan]] — which [[Tsunade]] has praised him for.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 235, page 17</ref> He regularly defeated his son [[Shikamaru]] — who himself is a genius with an IQ of over 200 — at [[Wikipedia:Shogi|shōgi]], without the latter realising that the game was even lost.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 342, page 16</ref>
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During the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]], his years of experience and skills were put to great use. He was appointed the Chief Strategist of the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] and showed himself to be a shrewd tactician and strategist, able to quickly and calmly analyse a great deal of information, anticipate actions and use it to quickly formulate or reformulate highly effective plans. Because of these skills he was praised by the [[Fourth Raikage]], stating that he now understood why Konoha had been so hard to take down.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 525, page 13</ref> His skills once again became useful when the remainder of the Allied Shinobi Forces assembled to face the [[Ten-Tails]], as he was able to put together a strategy utilising all the villages' various ninjutsu, in mere moments, even though they had only recently shared information about their techniques with him. This feat led [[Temari]] to praise him for his skills.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 612, pages 5 and 9</ref>
   
 
== Part I ==
 
== Part I ==
=== Chūnin Exam Arc ===
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=== Chūnin Exams ===
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{{Main|Chūnin Exams}}
Shikaku debuted in the anime during the [[Chūnin Exams]], attending a festival with his former team-mates and giving [[Inoichi Yamanaka]] a hard time for having a daughter. When Shikamaru came to pick him up, he instead asked his son why he was not enjoying the festivals.
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Shikaku debuted in the anime during the [[Chūnin Exams]], attending a festival with his former team-mates and giving Inoichi Yamanaka a hard time for having a daughter. When Shikamaru came to pick him up, he instead asked his son why he was not enjoying the festivals.
   
=== Invasion of Konoha Arc ===
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=== Konoha Crush ===
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{{Main|Konoha Crush}}
[[File:Ino-Shika-Cho (Previous).JPG|thumb|left|Shikaku and his team-mates defend Konoha.]]
 
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[[File:Shikaku Defending.png|thumb|Shikaku defending Konoha.]]
During the [[Invasion of Konoha]], he fought alongside his former team-mates to repel the invading forces and used the Shadow–Neck Binding Technique. He is later seen at the Third Hokage's funeral after the failed invasion.
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During the [[Konoha Crush]], he fought alongside his former team-mates to repel the invading forces and used the Shadow–Neck Binding Technique. He is later seen at the Third Hokage's funeral after the failed invasion.{{-}}
   
=== Sasuke Retrieval Arc ===
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=== Sasuke Recovery Mission ===
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{{Main|Sasuke Recovery Mission}}
 
Later, when Shikamaru failed during the course of the mission to save [[Sasuke]], and some of his team-mates suffered severe injuries, Shikaku spoke with him. He encouraged his son to keep his responsibility as team captain, as it might be that a team on a mission without him could have several casualties, but, if he was there, that team might end up with no casualties.
 
Later, when Shikamaru failed during the course of the mission to save [[Sasuke]], and some of his team-mates suffered severe injuries, Shikaku spoke with him. He encouraged his son to keep his responsibility as team captain, as it might be that a team on a mission without him could have several casualties, but, if he was there, that team might end up with no casualties.
   
 
== Part II ==
 
== Part II ==
=== Hidan and Kakuzu Arc ===
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=== Akatsuki Suppression Mission ===
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{{Main|Akatsuki Suppression Mission}}
Shikaku appeared following [[Asuma Sarutobi]]'s funeral, comforting Shikamaru about Asuma's death and offering to play shogi with him. After Shikamaru avenged Asuma and they played [[Wikipedia:Shogi|shōgi]] again, he discussed the concept of the "king" with Shikamaru before defeating him.
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Shikaku appeared following [[Asuma Sarutobi]]'s funeral, comforting Shikamaru about Asuma's death and offering to play shōgi with him. After Shikamaru avenged Asuma and they played [[Wikipedia:Shogi|shōgi]] again, he discussed the concept of the "king" with Shikamaru before defeating him.
   
=== Invasion of Pain Arc ===
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=== Pain's Assault ===
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{{Main|Pain's Assault}}
[[File:Shikaku-Invasion.png|thumb|Shikaku alongside his son and Shiho after Konoha is levelled.]]
 
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[[File:Shikaku alongside his son.png|thumb|left|Shikaku alongside his son and Shiho after Konoha is levelled.]]
 
Shikaku was later shown to have survived [[Pain]]'s destruction of Konoha, along with Shikamaru and [[Shiho]]. Apparently having some knowledge of [[senjutsu]], he told his son not to interfere with [[Naruto Uzumaki]]'s fight with Pain, and they instead regrouped with nearby villagers. He and [[Inoichi]] went searching for Pain's real body soon afterwards, only to run into Naruto, who had defeated Pain. When Naruto told them not to follow him to Pain's base, as he wished to speak with Pain alone, Inoichi argued that talking wouldn't solve anything. However, Shikaku, remembering Shikamaru's words about Naruto, convinced Inoichi to comply. When Pain then revived all those who he had killed, Shikaku realised he made the right choice in trusting Naruto.
 
Shikaku was later shown to have survived [[Pain]]'s destruction of Konoha, along with Shikamaru and [[Shiho]]. Apparently having some knowledge of [[senjutsu]], he told his son not to interfere with [[Naruto Uzumaki]]'s fight with Pain, and they instead regrouped with nearby villagers. He and [[Inoichi]] went searching for Pain's real body soon afterwards, only to run into Naruto, who had defeated Pain. When Naruto told them not to follow him to Pain's base, as he wished to speak with Pain alone, Inoichi argued that talking wouldn't solve anything. However, Shikaku, remembering Shikamaru's words about Naruto, convinced Inoichi to comply. When Pain then revived all those who he had killed, Shikaku realised he made the right choice in trusting Naruto.
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{{-L}}
   
=== Five Kage Summit Arc ===
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=== Five Kage Summit ===
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{{Main|Five Kage Summit}}
[[File:Council.png|thumb|left|The Fire Daimyō and delegation meet with the governing body of Konoha.]]
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[[File:Council.png|thumb|The Fire Daimyō and delegation meet with the governing body of Konoha.]]
After the invasion, Shikaku is one of five Konoha villagers to be summoned before the [[Fire Daimyō]] to discuss the village's response and reconstruction. With Tsunade in a coma, [[Danzō Shimura]] also suggests selecting a new [[Hokage]]. Fearing that Danzō may be appointed to the position, Shikaku nominates [[Kakashi]] to become the next Hokage. Much of the council agrees, but Danzō is able to undermine Kakashi's credentials. Shikaku tries to persuade the council not to take Danzō's ideals into account, but despite that, the daimyō decides to appoint Danzō the Sixth Hokage. In the anime after he returns to the village, he is seen with [[Homura]] and [[Koharu]] telling them that the members of [[Root]] were unusually restless. Afterwards, he is seen asking his son to talk to him about something.
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After the invasion, Shikaku was one of five Konoha villagers to be summoned before the [[Fire Daimyō]] to discuss the village's response and reconstruction. With Tsunade in a coma, [[Danzō Shimura]] also suggests selecting a new [[Hokage]]. Fearing that Danzō might be appointed to the position, Shikaku nominated [[Kakashi]] to become the next Hokage. Much of the council agrees, but Danzō is able to undermine Kakashi's credentials. Shikaku tried to persuade the council not to take Danzō's ideals into account, but despite that, the daimyō decided to appoint Danzō the Sixth Hokage. In the anime, after he returned to the village, he was seen with [[Homura]] and [[Koharu]] telling them that the members of [[Root]] were unusually restless. Afterwards, he was seen asking his son to talk to him about something.
   
=== Confining the Jinchūriki Arc ===
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=== Paradise Life on a Boat ===
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{{Main|Paradise Life on a Boat}}
[[File:Five Kage Decide Anime.jpg|thumb|Shikaku accompanies Tsunade to the second Kage Summit.]]
 
When Danzō is killed, Shikaku is once again called before the daimyō, this time to appoint Kakashi to the position. The meeting is interrupted with news that Tsunade has woken up, bringing an end to the proceedings. As one of Tsunade's first acts, she convenes a war council to decide the village's plans with the approaching [[Fourth Shinobi World War]]. Shikaku and Shikamaru attend, although Shikaku believes his son is too young to be there. Later, when Tsunade travels to [[Kumogakure]] to meet with the other heads of the [[Shinobi Alliance]], Shikaku goes with her and stays by her side during the meetings. Shikaku advises that she agree with the other [[Kage]] by sending the [[jinchūriki]] into hiding.
 
   
=== Adventures at Sea Arc ===
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=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown ===
{{Main|Adventures at Sea Arc}}
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{{Main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown}}
 
[[File:Five Kage Decide.png|thumb|left|Shikaku accompanies Tsunade to the second Kage Summit.]]
 
When Danzō was killed, Shikaku was once again called before the daimyō, this time to appoint Kakashi to the position. The meeting was interrupted with news that Tsunade had woken up, bringing an end to the proceedings. As one of Tsunade's first acts, she convened a war council to decide the village's plans with the approaching Fourth Shinobi World War. Shikaku and Shikamaru attended, although Shikaku believed his son was too young to be there. Later, when Tsunade travelled to [[Kumogakure]] to meet with the other heads of the [[Shinobi Alliance]], Shikaku went with her and stayed by her side during the meetings. Shikaku advised that she agree with the other [[Kage]] by sending the [[jinchūriki]] into hiding.
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{{-L}}
   
=== Shinobi World War Arc ===
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=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation ===
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{{Main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation}}
[[File:The Brilliant Military Advisor of Konoha.png|thumb|left|Shikaku devising a battle strategy.]]
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[[File:The Brilliant Military Advisor of Konoha.png|thumb|Shikaku devising a battle strategy.]]
Shikaku is appointed the Chief Battle Strategist of the alliance and remains at headquarters with Tsunade, the [[Fourth Raikage]], and the [[Third Tsuchikage]]. He advises the Kage on battle tactics and how to mobilise the troops to deal with the [[White Zetsu Army]] and the various [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]] ninja. His repeated usefulness earns the praise of the Raikage. When news of [[Mū]]'s reincarnation reaches headquarters, Shikaku considers reforming the original Ino–Shika–Chō to deal with him. The Tsuchikage opts to go instead. He soon afterwards devises a strategy to seal [[Kinkaku]] that involves the [[Team 10|new Ino–Shika–Chō]], which he relays to them through [[Inoichi]]'s [[Yamanaka Clan Telepathy|telepathic]] abilities. After they defeat Kinkaku, Shikaku tasks Ino–Shika–Chō with fighting Asuma, believing that, as Asuma's former students, they have the best chance of defeating him without suffering casualties. This proves to be correct.
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Shikaku is appointed the Chief Battle Strategist of the alliance and remains at headquarters with Tsunade, A, and [[Ōnoki]]. He advises the Kage on battle tactics in how to best to mobilise the troops against the [[White Zetsu Army]] and the various [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]] ninja. His repeated usefulness earned the Raikage's praise. When news of [[Mū]]'s reincarnation reaches headquarters, Shikaku considered reforming the original Ino–Shika–Chō to deal with him until Ōnoki opts to go instead. He soon afterwards devised a strategy to seal [[Kinkaku]] that involved the [[Team Asuma|new Ino–Shika–Chō]], which he relays to them through Inoichi's [[Mind Body Transmission Technique|telepathic]] abilities. After they defeated Kinkaku, Shikaku tasked Shikamaru and his team mates with defeating the reincarnated Asuma as the current Ino–Shika–Chō, being Asuma's former students, are best choice to subdue Asuma without casualties.
   
[[File:Shikaku and Mabui analysing data.png|thumb|Shikaku and Mabui analysing data.]]
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[[File:Shikaku and Mabui analysing data.png|thumb|left|Shikaku and Mabui analysing data.]]
Headquarters is later informed that the jinchūriki have escaped their confinement. Tsunade and the Raikage leave to confront them, leaving Shikaku in charge during their absence. One of the first challenges he must face is how to deal with the Zetsu that have [[Substitute Technique|infiltrated]] all portions of the Allied forces. Shikaku analyses all he knows of the Zetsu's abilities and the information he came across while preparing for the war to create the perfect response. As Shikaku tries to come up with a counter measure against the infiltrators, Katsuyu asks whether or not they should inform Tsunade and A of what was happening, but Shikaku declines saying that he was put in charge of the situation at headquarters while the Kage tried to stop Naruto and B. After careful consideration, Shikaku realises that the only way to uncover the imposters was to use Naruto's new ability to sense negative emotions through the use of the Nine-Tails' power as well as using his [[shadow clones]] to cover a larger area. After hearing this, Mabui says that there is no way A would allow Naruto to participate in the war, although Katsuyu informs them that this might not be entirely impossible due to the Raikage finally allowing Naruto and B to pass. After hearing this, although in disbelief, Shikaku immediately contacts Naruto and B through Inoichi's telepathy and informs them of the immortal army and [[Tobi|Madara]]'s [[Eye of the Moon Plan]], he also warns Naruto to not hold back while on the battlefield or try to reason with Madara as he would not be swayed from his plan like Nagato as he was not one that was fuelled by hatred but used it instead.
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Headquarters is later informed that the jinchūriki have escaped their confinement. Tsunade and A leave to confront them, leaving Shikaku in charge during their absence as he found himself dealing with the White Zetsu soldiers that have [[Substitute Technique|infiltrated]] all portions of the Allied forces. Shikaku analysed all he knew of the White Zetsus' abilities and the information he came across while preparing for the war to create the perfect response. As Shikaku tried to come up with a counter measure against the infiltrators, Katsuyu asks whether or not they should inform Tsunade and A of what was happening, but Shikaku declines saying that he was put in charge of the situation at headquarters while the Kage tried to stop Naruto and B. After careful consideration, Shikaku realises that the only way to uncover the imposters was to use Naruto's new ability to sense negative emotions through the use of the Nine-Tails' power as well as using his [[shadow clones]] to cover a larger area. After hearing this, Mabui says that there is no way A would allow Naruto to participate in the war, although Katsuyu informs them that this might not be entirely impossible due to A finally allowing Naruto and B to pass.
   
Later, when Gaara tells Naruto that he hopes his reason for being on the battlefield, Shikaku tells him that might be impossible due to the situation. He then tells them that he would explain as he had decided to leave the explanation until they had finished fighting [[]].
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After hearing this, although in disbelief, Shikaku immediately contacts Naruto and B through Inoichi's telepathy and informs them of the immortal army and [[Tobi|Madara]]'s [[Eye of the Moon Plan]], also warns Naruto that Madara will not listen to reason and will see his plan to the end. Later, when Gaara tells Naruto that he hopes his reason for being on the battlefield, Shikaku tells him that might be impossible due to the situation. He then tells them that he would explain as he had decided to leave the explanation until they had finished fighting Mū.
   
After hearing the progress that the Alliance was making on the battlefield thanks to [[Naruto]], Shikaku exclaims that they had the upper hand on the battlefield and that all that was left was the capture Madara who was heading towards the [[jinchūriki]], by concentrating their remaining forces on attacking him. However, the mild celebration at headquarters is seemingly cut short by [[Ao]]'s detection of a new presence on the battlefield. However, after hearing that the real [[Madara Uchiha]] had appeared on the battlefield, headquarters try to decipher who the [[Tobi|masked man]] really was then. After feeling a huge tremor he asks Inoichi what was going on. Inoichi reports that the Fourth Division was under attack. After confirming that it was definitely Madara's doing, he turns to Tsunade saying that if they continued to lose troops at this rate they'd be in trouble.
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After hearing the progress that the Alliance was making on the battlefield thanks to Naruto, Shikaku exclaims that they had the upper hand on the battlefield and that all that was left was capturing Madara, who is making a bee-line towards the jinchūriki, by concentrating their remaining forces on attacking him.
   
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Later, in the anime, the [[Sound Four]] are also summoned to the battlefield. After [[Neji]], Shikamaru, [[Kiba]], and [[Chōji]] seemingly defeat them, the Sound Four and Konoha-nin are struck by a [[Space–Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover|strange technique]] that has left them in a comatose state. After learning the truth of the technique, that it removes the victims soul and transports it to another location, it is explains it can be dispelled like genjutsu, by pouring chakra into the actual technique. However, it has a seal that prevents even Inoichi, equipped with special enhancement tools, from being able to detect or communicate with them. When Naruto contacted HQ, Shikaku explained the situation, encouraging Naruto to save his son and the others.
As Tsunade prepares to leave headquarters using Mabui's [[Heavenly Transfer Technique]], Shikaku tells her that they should use the [[Flying Thunder God Technique]] to mark Katsuyu instead, but Tsunade states that she would just use her [[Yin Seal: Release|Yin seal]] instead. Remembering this, Shikaku tells her that it was still a big gamble to use Mabui's technique for someone that was very unlucky when it came to gambling but Tsunade tells him that her life was a different story altogether. After the Raikage decides to head to the battlefield as well, Mabui pleads with Shikaku to speak reason to them. However, Shikaku states that things were heating up on the battlefield and it was in fact time for the Commander to head to the front lines. Contacting [[Genma]], he tells him that he should prepare to teleport Mei to Tsunade who was heading to the battlefield.
 
  +
  +
As the Allied Shinobi Forces seeming to have taken a decisive control of the war, the mild celebration at headquarters is cut short by [[Ao]]'s detection of a new presence on the battlefield. After hearing that the real [[Madara Uchiha]] had appeared on the battlefield, headquarters try to decipher who the [[Tobi|masked man]] really was then. After feeling a huge tremor he asks Inoichi what was going on. Inoichi reports that the Fourth Division was under attack. After confirming that it was definitely Madara's doing, he turns to Tsunade saying that if they continued to lose troops at this rate they'd be in trouble.
  +
  +
[[File:Mabui prepares Tensō Jutsu.png|thumb|Shikaku watches on as Mabui transports A and Tsunade to the front lines.]]
 
As Tsunade prepares to leave headquarters using Mabui's [[Heavenly Transfer Technique]], Shikaku tells her that they should use the [[Flying Thunder God Technique]] to mark Katsuyu instead, but Tsunade states that she would just use her [[Yin Seal: Release|Yin seal]] instead. Remembering this, Shikaku tells her that it was still a big gamble to use Mabui's technique for someone that was very unlucky when it came to gambling but Tsunade tells him that gambling her life is a different story altogether. When A decides to head to the battlefield as well, despite Mabui's pleas, Shikaku deems that the crisis battlefield is the needed time for the commanders to move out into the front lines. Contacting [[Genma]], he tells him that he should prepare to teleport Mei to Tsunade who was heading to the battlefield.
   
 
Assuming the role as leader again at headquarters, Shikaku asks for the status of the other battlefields. After hearing this, he orders them to inform the First, Second, Third and Fifth Divisions to back Naruto and B up as soon as their fights are over. After receiving intelligence from the Ao and the other sensors, in an effort to boost everyone's morale at once and get backup for the men fighting Tobi, Shikaku requests that Inoichi communicate with all the members of the Allied Shinobi Forces and tell them their position.
 
Assuming the role as leader again at headquarters, Shikaku asks for the status of the other battlefields. After hearing this, he orders them to inform the First, Second, Third and Fifth Divisions to back Naruto and B up as soon as their fights are over. After receiving intelligence from the Ao and the other sensors, in an effort to boost everyone's morale at once and get backup for the men fighting Tobi, Shikaku requests that Inoichi communicate with all the members of the Allied Shinobi Forces and tell them their position.
   
  +
=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax ===
== Movies ==
 
  +
{{Main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax}}
=== Naruto 5: Blood Prison ===
 
  +
[[File:The news arrive.png|thumb|left|Shikaku realises that the enemy is aiming for HQ.]]
During Naruto's flashback to the members of the village when he was gathering [[natural energy]] to enter [[Sage Mode]], Shikaku can been seen amongst the villagers.
 
  +
Later, when the [[Sensing Water Sphere]] became severely distorted, Shikaku ordered Inoichi and Ao to check on the situation to confirm his assumption. Formulating a strategy during the time Naruto took to chide the opposition, Shikaku relayed his plan to all the members of the Alliance via Inoichi. But when their initial efforts to trap the Ten-Tails failed upon the beast's maturation, Shikaku began to gather intel in order to formulate a new battle strategy. When the beast begins firing off [[Tailed Beast Ball]]s in far off distances, Shikaku asked Inoichi where the attack was heading, but soon realised that the opposition was targeting HQ. Telling the others that there was nothing they could do but continue to fulfil their duties until the very end, Shikaku had Inoichi patch him through to the Alliance one final time to give them his final plan of attack and to say farewell to his son before HQ was destroyed by the Ten-Tails's attack.
  +
  +
== Legacy ==
  +
Praised by many for his genius, Shikaku was a tactical, and analytical master. His clan kept a [[Nara Clan Medical Encyclopaedia|medical encyclopaedia]], thanks to which Tsunade was able to save Chōji Akimichi due to the detailed research that was done on the [[Three Coloured Pills]]. Garnering praise even from Kumogakure's Fourth Raikage, he was accredited as the reason why Konoha had always been such a difficult opponent. As testament to this, during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Shikaku was assigned the position of Chief Strategist and later Proxy Commander of the forces. Most, if not all, of the strategies that Shikaku concocted ended with positive results for the Alliance and allowed them to secure the upper hand during the war. When HQ was targeted by the remaining enemy forces, Shikaku, resolute in his duty, was able to pass on one last strategy to the Alliance, part of which involved the use of [[Kurama]]'s chakra which the beast would later praise him for. Before being killed, Shikaku seemed regretful when telling his son Shikamaru that all he was able to do for him as a father was play shōgi, however, his son noted that was more than enough because he also grew up watching his father. Shikaku, likewise was confident enough in his son to leave the rest of analytical aspects of the war to him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 616, page 12</ref>
  +
  +
Years after his death, he would posthumously gain a grandson, [[Shikadai]], when his son married [[Temari]]. In the anime, after a mission in which their escort was killed, Shikadai took Kawaki to visit his grandfather's grave, using it as an example of someone who gave his life while doing his duty.<ref>''Boruto'' episode 230</ref>
  +
  +
== In Other Media ==
 
=== Movies ===
 
==== Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison ====
  +
{{Main|Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison}}
 
During Naruto's flashback to the members of the village when he was gathering [[natural energy]] to enter [[Sage Mode]], Shikaku can be seen amongst the villagers.
  +
  +
=== Video Games ===
  +
{{playable in}}
   
 
== Quotes ==
 
== Quotes ==
Line 86: Line 125:
 
* (To the new generation Ino–Shika–Chō) "''If he's powered by the Nine Tails, you're powered by the bonds of Ino–Shika–Chō! Have faith in your teamwork.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 529, page 12</ref>
 
* (To the new generation Ino–Shika–Chō) "''If he's powered by the Nine Tails, you're powered by the bonds of Ino–Shika–Chō! Have faith in your teamwork.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 529, page 12</ref>
 
* (To himself) "''Cool head, agile mind.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 540, page 15</ref>
 
* (To himself) "''Cool head, agile mind.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 540, page 15</ref>
  +
* (Last words) "''We do what we have to do until the end, it's our last job. Connect me to the people on the battlefield, I have a strategy to stop the Ten-Tails.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 613, pages 14-15</ref>
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* ''Shika'' means "deer", but ''Shikaku'' can mean "assassin". It is also [[Wikipedia:Shikaku|a game of logic]].
+
* ''Shika'' means "deer", but ''Shikaku'' can mean "assassin". It is also [[Wikipedia:Shikaku|a game of logic]]. It can also mean "square" when written "四角".
 
* According to the databook(s):
 
* According to the databook(s):
** Shikaku wishes to fight his son, Shikamaru, in [[Wikipedia:Shogi|shōgi]].
+
** Shikaku wished to fight his son, Shikamaru, in [[Wikipedia:Shogi|shōgi]].
** His hobby is looking after deer.
+
** His hobby was looking after deer.
  +
* Before Shikaku was killed, he told Shikamaru to get rid of a "certain something" in the wooden box on the left-hand shelf of his closet without letting his mother find out.
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Nara, Shikaku}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nara, Shikaku}}
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[[de:Shikaku Nara]]
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[[fr:Shikaku Nara]]
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[[pl:Shikaku Nara]]
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[[ru:Шикаку Нара]]
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[[es:Shikaku Nara]]
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[[pt-br:Shikaku Nara]]
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[[it:Shikaku Nara]]
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[[he:שיקאקו נארה]]

Latest revision as of 05:11, 12 March 2023

editShikaku Nara Camera font awesome Browse Information[1][2][3]
Shikaku Nara
奈良シカク Nara Shikaku
Debut
Manga Naruto Chapter #137
Anime Naruto Episode #59
Movie Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison
Game Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2
OVA Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival!
Appears in Anime, Manga, Game, Movie
Voice Actors
Japanese
English
Personal
Birthdate Astrological Sign Cancer July 15
Sex Gender Male Male
Age
  • Part I: 38
  • Part II: 41–42
Status Deceased
Height
  • Part I: 175.2 cm1.752 m <br />5.748 ft <br />68.976 in <br />
Weight
  • Part I: 59.8 kg131.836 lb <br />
Blood type B
Occupation
  • Head of the Nara Clan
  • Deer Herder
Affiliation
Team
Clan
Rank
Ninja Rank
Ninja Registration 005491
Family
Nature Type
Jutsu

Shikaku Nara (奈良シカク, Nara Shikaku) was the Jōnin Commander of Konohagakure, head of the Nara clan and was a member of an Ino–Shika–Chō trio alongside Inoichi Yamanaka and Chōza Akimichi.

Background

When he became a genin, Shikaku was partnered with Chōza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka.

Ino Shika Cho vs Iwagakure

Ino–Shika–Chō meeting with Iwa-nin for a peace treaty.

In the anime, nearing the end of the Third Shinobi World War, his team was assigned to deliver a request for a peace treaty between Konoha and Iwagakure. Anticipating the Iwa shinobi to turn hostile, the meeting was strategically held at the borderline of the Land of Wind, knowing that the Fourth Kazekage would oversee the meeting should a battle breakout on his land.[4] During the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack, Shikaku and his team-mates assisted in the village's defence. He wondered if it was Minato who had deflected the Nine-Tails' Tailed Beast Ball.[5]

Personality

Shikaku and Shikamaru

Shikaku talks with his son about women.

In the anime, when he was first seen, he was portrayed as a bit of an alcoholic, and, at times, used some of Shikamaru's catchphrases ("What a drag" in English and "How troublesome" in Japanese). Like his son, he thought that women should be tender and sweet, but, as his son says, his wife had him "whipped", though he appeared to have a few things hidden away that he did not want her to see.[6] Unlike his son, his resolve was much stronger, as even during the most depressing or dangerous of situations, he had been shown to maintain great determination and understanding, as shown from how he had repeatedly helped Shikamaru regain his sense of worth. In battle, Shikaku appeared merciless. During the Konoha Crush he had no qualms about choking the Suna shinobi to death, even when one of them was clearly cowering.

It was also revealed that he was amongst the few parents who did not order his son to stay away from Naruto Uzumaki. He instead encouraged Shikamaru to do what he thought was best.[7] Since Shikamaru became a chūnin, Shikaku had taken a greater interest in his son's training and started teaching him the clan's more secret techniques. He also spent a great deal of his time tending to the clan's deer. He has also shown himself to be very caring to his son, as he was very empathetic when his son was clearly distraught and frustrated for letting Asuma die by Hidan, telling Shikamaru to let his mixed emotion out so he can avenge his sensei's death.

Appearance

Shikaku Nara battle attire

Shikaku in Part I.

Shikaku had two scars on the right side of his face which were probably his most noticeable feature. Like his son and grandson, he had dark hair tied up into a spiky ponytail, dark eyes as well as a goatee. His ears were also pierced. In Part I, Shikaku wore a meshed shirt underneath his flak jacket, a deer skin coat over that and hand guards.

In Part II however, he had been seen in the standard Konoha shinobi outfit. Earlier in the anime, Shikaku also had a scar on the left side of his face, however, this scar had been removed since subsequent episodes. Also in the anime, Shikaku's flak jacket is depicted as a deeper shade of green, this is possibly to indicate his status as the Jōnin Commander.

When not on duty at home, Shikaku wore a simple, light-coloured kimono and a haori with the clan's symbol emblazoned on the back.

Abilities

As a jōnin-level shinobi and head of his clan, Shikaku was undoubtedly a very powerful shinobi. According to Kakashi, Shikaku's talents would make him a highly-capable Hokage. His skills and reliability garnered him high respect from other powerful ninja, such as the five Kage, especially A and Ōnoki, the former trusting him enough to lead and command the entire Allied Shinobi Forces in the Kages' stead while they went away to deal with emergency situations .

Ninjutsu

Nara Clan Techniques

Black spider lily

Shikaku manipulating his shadow.

Like other Nara, he had mastered many of his clans secret techniques which revolve around the use of shadows. His prowess with these were witnessed during the Konoha Crush when he effortlessly bound and killed several invading shinobi. In the anime, he also displayed great control over his shadow able to use the Black Spider Lily technique to bind several shinobi, while at the same time freely using a tendril of his shadow to move his comrade to safety.[8]

Along with this, Shikaku could work flawlessly with his team-mates, Chōza and Inoichi, due to the strong bond forged between their clans and their long-standing friendship. This was again seen in the anime most prominently where Shikaku was able to use his techniques to support his team-mates as well as garner support for his own techniques — for example using Chōza's large shadow to facilitate his use of the Black Spider Lily technique.[8]

Intelligence

Shikaku's Intelligence

Shikaku analysing data.

Above his ninjutsu skills, Shikaku was even more renowned for his intellect. He had carried on his family's tradition of keeping a medical encyclopaedia filled with various information, such as remedies for the Three Coloured Pills of the Akimichi clan — which Tsunade has praised him for.[9] He regularly defeated his son Shikamaru — who himself is a genius with an IQ of over 200 — at shōgi, without the latter realising that the game was even lost.[10]

During the Fourth Shinobi World War, his years of experience and skills were put to great use. He was appointed the Chief Strategist of the Allied Shinobi Forces and showed himself to be a shrewd tactician and strategist, able to quickly and calmly analyse a great deal of information, anticipate actions and use it to quickly formulate or reformulate highly effective plans. Because of these skills he was praised by the Fourth Raikage, stating that he now understood why Konoha had been so hard to take down.[11] His skills once again became useful when the remainder of the Allied Shinobi Forces assembled to face the Ten-Tails, as he was able to put together a strategy utilising all the villages' various ninjutsu, in mere moments, even though they had only recently shared information about their techniques with him. This feat led Temari to praise him for his skills.[12]

Part I

Chūnin Exams

Main article: Chūnin Exams Shikaku debuted in the anime during the Chūnin Exams, attending a festival with his former team-mates and giving Inoichi Yamanaka a hard time for having a daughter. When Shikamaru came to pick him up, he instead asked his son why he was not enjoying the festivals.

Konoha Crush

Main article: Konoha Crush

Shikaku Defending

Shikaku defending Konoha.

During the Konoha Crush, he fought alongside his former team-mates to repel the invading forces and used the Shadow–Neck Binding Technique. He is later seen at the Third Hokage's funeral after the failed invasion.

Sasuke Recovery Mission

Main article: Sasuke Recovery Mission Later, when Shikamaru failed during the course of the mission to save Sasuke, and some of his team-mates suffered severe injuries, Shikaku spoke with him. He encouraged his son to keep his responsibility as team captain, as it might be that a team on a mission without him could have several casualties, but, if he was there, that team might end up with no casualties.

Part II

Akatsuki Suppression Mission

Main article: Akatsuki Suppression Mission Shikaku appeared following Asuma Sarutobi's funeral, comforting Shikamaru about Asuma's death and offering to play shōgi with him. After Shikamaru avenged Asuma and they played shōgi again, he discussed the concept of the "king" with Shikamaru before defeating him.

Pain's Assault

Main article: Pain's Assault

Shikaku alongside his son

Shikaku alongside his son and Shiho after Konoha is levelled.

Shikaku was later shown to have survived Pain's destruction of Konoha, along with Shikamaru and Shiho. Apparently having some knowledge of senjutsu, he told his son not to interfere with Naruto Uzumaki's fight with Pain, and they instead regrouped with nearby villagers. He and Inoichi went searching for Pain's real body soon afterwards, only to run into Naruto, who had defeated Pain. When Naruto told them not to follow him to Pain's base, as he wished to speak with Pain alone, Inoichi argued that talking wouldn't solve anything. However, Shikaku, remembering Shikamaru's words about Naruto, convinced Inoichi to comply. When Pain then revived all those who he had killed, Shikaku realised he made the right choice in trusting Naruto.

Five Kage Summit

Main article: Five Kage Summit

Council

The Fire Daimyō and delegation meet with the governing body of Konoha.

After the invasion, Shikaku was one of five Konoha villagers to be summoned before the Fire Daimyō to discuss the village's response and reconstruction. With Tsunade in a coma, Danzō Shimura also suggests selecting a new Hokage. Fearing that Danzō might be appointed to the position, Shikaku nominated Kakashi to become the next Hokage. Much of the council agrees, but Danzō is able to undermine Kakashi's credentials. Shikaku tried to persuade the council not to take Danzō's ideals into account, but despite that, the daimyō decided to appoint Danzō the Sixth Hokage. In the anime, after he returned to the village, he was seen with Homura and Koharu telling them that the members of Root were unusually restless. Afterwards, he was seen asking his son to talk to him about something.

Paradise Life on a Boat

Main article: Paradise Life on a Boat

Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown

Five Kage Decide

Shikaku accompanies Tsunade to the second Kage Summit.

When Danzō was killed, Shikaku was once again called before the daimyō, this time to appoint Kakashi to the position. The meeting was interrupted with news that Tsunade had woken up, bringing an end to the proceedings. As one of Tsunade's first acts, she convened a war council to decide the village's plans with the approaching Fourth Shinobi World War. Shikaku and Shikamaru attended, although Shikaku believed his son was too young to be there. Later, when Tsunade travelled to Kumogakure to meet with the other heads of the Shinobi Alliance, Shikaku went with her and stayed by her side during the meetings. Shikaku advised that she agree with the other Kage by sending the jinchūriki into hiding.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

The Brilliant Military Advisor of Konoha

Shikaku devising a battle strategy.

Shikaku is appointed the Chief Battle Strategist of the alliance and remains at headquarters with Tsunade, A, and Ōnoki. He advises the Kage on battle tactics in how to best to mobilise the troops against the White Zetsu Army and the various reincarnated ninja. His repeated usefulness earned the Raikage's praise. When news of 's reincarnation reaches headquarters, Shikaku considered reforming the original Ino–Shika–Chō to deal with him until Ōnoki opts to go instead. He soon afterwards devised a strategy to seal Kinkaku that involved the new Ino–Shika–Chō, which he relays to them through Inoichi's telepathic abilities. After they defeated Kinkaku, Shikaku tasked Shikamaru and his team mates with defeating the reincarnated Asuma as the current Ino–Shika–Chō, being Asuma's former students, are best choice to subdue Asuma without casualties.

Shikaku and Mabui analysing data

Shikaku and Mabui analysing data.

Headquarters is later informed that the jinchūriki have escaped their confinement. Tsunade and A leave to confront them, leaving Shikaku in charge during their absence as he found himself dealing with the White Zetsu soldiers that have infiltrated all portions of the Allied forces. Shikaku analysed all he knew of the White Zetsus' abilities and the information he came across while preparing for the war to create the perfect response. As Shikaku tried to come up with a counter measure against the infiltrators, Katsuyu asks whether or not they should inform Tsunade and A of what was happening, but Shikaku declines saying that he was put in charge of the situation at headquarters while the Kage tried to stop Naruto and B. After careful consideration, Shikaku realises that the only way to uncover the imposters was to use Naruto's new ability to sense negative emotions through the use of the Nine-Tails' power as well as using his shadow clones to cover a larger area. After hearing this, Mabui says that there is no way A would allow Naruto to participate in the war, although Katsuyu informs them that this might not be entirely impossible due to A finally allowing Naruto and B to pass.

After hearing this, although in disbelief, Shikaku immediately contacts Naruto and B through Inoichi's telepathy and informs them of the immortal army and Madara's Eye of the Moon Plan, also warns Naruto that Madara will not listen to reason and will see his plan to the end. Later, when Gaara tells Naruto that he hopes his reason for being on the battlefield, Shikaku tells him that might be impossible due to the situation. He then tells them that he would explain as he had decided to leave the explanation until they had finished fighting Mū.

After hearing the progress that the Alliance was making on the battlefield thanks to Naruto, Shikaku exclaims that they had the upper hand on the battlefield and that all that was left was capturing Madara, who is making a bee-line towards the jinchūriki, by concentrating their remaining forces on attacking him.

Later, in the anime, the Sound Four are also summoned to the battlefield. After Neji, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Chōji seemingly defeat them, the Sound Four and Konoha-nin are struck by a strange technique that has left them in a comatose state. After learning the truth of the technique, that it removes the victims soul and transports it to another location, it is explains it can be dispelled like genjutsu, by pouring chakra into the actual technique. However, it has a seal that prevents even Inoichi, equipped with special enhancement tools, from being able to detect or communicate with them. When Naruto contacted HQ, Shikaku explained the situation, encouraging Naruto to save his son and the others.

As the Allied Shinobi Forces seeming to have taken a decisive control of the war, the mild celebration at headquarters is cut short by Ao's detection of a new presence on the battlefield. After hearing that the real Madara Uchiha had appeared on the battlefield, headquarters try to decipher who the masked man really was then. After feeling a huge tremor he asks Inoichi what was going on. Inoichi reports that the Fourth Division was under attack. After confirming that it was definitely Madara's doing, he turns to Tsunade saying that if they continued to lose troops at this rate they'd be in trouble.

Mabui prepares Tensō Jutsu

Shikaku watches on as Mabui transports A and Tsunade to the front lines.

As Tsunade prepares to leave headquarters using Mabui's Heavenly Transfer Technique, Shikaku tells her that they should use the Flying Thunder God Technique to mark Katsuyu instead, but Tsunade states that she would just use her Yin seal instead. Remembering this, Shikaku tells her that it was still a big gamble to use Mabui's technique for someone that was very unlucky when it came to gambling but Tsunade tells him that gambling her life is a different story altogether. When A decides to head to the battlefield as well, despite Mabui's pleas, Shikaku deems that the crisis battlefield is the needed time for the commanders to move out into the front lines. Contacting Genma, he tells him that he should prepare to teleport Mei to Tsunade who was heading to the battlefield.

Assuming the role as leader again at headquarters, Shikaku asks for the status of the other battlefields. After hearing this, he orders them to inform the First, Second, Third and Fifth Divisions to back Naruto and B up as soon as their fights are over. After receiving intelligence from the Ao and the other sensors, in an effort to boost everyone's morale at once and get backup for the men fighting Tobi, Shikaku requests that Inoichi communicate with all the members of the Allied Shinobi Forces and tell them their position.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

The news arrive

Shikaku realises that the enemy is aiming for HQ.

Later, when the Sensing Water Sphere became severely distorted, Shikaku ordered Inoichi and Ao to check on the situation to confirm his assumption. Formulating a strategy during the time Naruto took to chide the opposition, Shikaku relayed his plan to all the members of the Alliance via Inoichi. But when their initial efforts to trap the Ten-Tails failed upon the beast's maturation, Shikaku began to gather intel in order to formulate a new battle strategy. When the beast begins firing off Tailed Beast Balls in far off distances, Shikaku asked Inoichi where the attack was heading, but soon realised that the opposition was targeting HQ. Telling the others that there was nothing they could do but continue to fulfil their duties until the very end, Shikaku had Inoichi patch him through to the Alliance one final time to give them his final plan of attack and to say farewell to his son before HQ was destroyed by the Ten-Tails's attack.

Legacy

Praised by many for his genius, Shikaku was a tactical, and analytical master. His clan kept a medical encyclopaedia, thanks to which Tsunade was able to save Chōji Akimichi due to the detailed research that was done on the Three Coloured Pills. Garnering praise even from Kumogakure's Fourth Raikage, he was accredited as the reason why Konoha had always been such a difficult opponent. As testament to this, during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Shikaku was assigned the position of Chief Strategist and later Proxy Commander of the forces. Most, if not all, of the strategies that Shikaku concocted ended with positive results for the Alliance and allowed them to secure the upper hand during the war. When HQ was targeted by the remaining enemy forces, Shikaku, resolute in his duty, was able to pass on one last strategy to the Alliance, part of which involved the use of Kurama's chakra which the beast would later praise him for. Before being killed, Shikaku seemed regretful when telling his son Shikamaru that all he was able to do for him as a father was play shōgi, however, his son noted that was more than enough because he also grew up watching his father. Shikaku, likewise was confident enough in his son to leave the rest of analytical aspects of the war to him.[13]

Years after his death, he would posthumously gain a grandson, Shikadai, when his son married Temari. In the anime, after a mission in which their escort was killed, Shikadai took Kawaki to visit his grandfather's grave, using it as an example of someone who gave his life while doing his duty.[14]

In Other Media

Movies

Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison

Main article: Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison During Naruto's flashback to the members of the village when he was gathering natural energy to enter Sage Mode, Shikaku can be seen amongst the villagers.

Video Games

Shikaku Nara is a playable character in the following video games:

Game nameJapanese releaseEnglish release
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Blazing14 July 201624 August 2016
Naruto: Shinobi Collection Shippū Ranbu27 July 2015
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Online14 April 201320 July 2016

Quotes

  • (To Shikamaru) "No matter how strong-minded a woman is, she will show kindness to the man she loves."[15]
  • (To the invading Suna shinobi) "Oh, come on. If you've never heard of the Shadow Bind Technique, then you'll love this next one: the Konohagakure's Shadow–Neck Binding Technique."[16]
  • (To Shikamaru) "Even if you quit being a shinobi, missions will still occur. Someone will carry them out. Your companions will just go out with a new leader. So then, maybe your companions will die… but if you're their leader that time, your companions may not reach that end… If you look at this time as an experience and you learn from it, maybe you can carry out your missions with less problems. If your companions are really important to you… before you think about running away, consider that you may become greater for the sake of your friends!"[17]
  • (To the new generation Ino–Shika–Chō) "Legends from the distant past are always exaggerated, but eventually, someone outdoes them… that's when new legends are born!"[18]
  • (To the new generation Ino–Shika–Chō) "If he's powered by the Nine Tails, you're powered by the bonds of Ino–Shika–Chō! Have faith in your teamwork."[19]
  • (To himself) "Cool head, agile mind."[20]
  • (Last words) "We do what we have to do until the end, it's our last job. Connect me to the people on the battlefield, I have a strategy to stop the Ten-Tails."[21]

Trivia

  • Shika means "deer", but Shikaku can mean "assassin". It is also a game of logic. It can also mean "square" when written "四角".
  • According to the databook(s):
    • Shikaku wished to fight his son, Shikamaru, in shōgi.
    • His hobby was looking after deer.
  • Before Shikaku was killed, he told Shikamaru to get rid of a "certain something" in the wooden box on the left-hand shelf of his closet without letting his mother find out.

References

  1. Second Databook, page 115
  2. Third Databook, page 121
  3. Fourth Databook, page 130
  4. Naruto: Shippūden episode 349
  5. Naruto chapter 502, page 7
  6. Naruto chapter 616, page 14
  7. Naruto: Shippūden episode 177
  8. 8.0 8.1 Naruto: Shippūden episode 239
  9. Naruto chapter 235, page 17
  10. Naruto chapter 342, page 16
  11. Naruto chapter 525, page 13
  12. Naruto chapter 612, pages 5 and 9
  13. Naruto chapter 616, page 12
  14. Boruto episode 230
  15. Naruto chapter 182, page 8
  16. Naruto chapter 137, page 10
  17. Naruto chapter 235, pages 14-15
  18. Naruto chapter 529, page 11
  19. Naruto chapter 529, page 12
  20. Naruto chapter 540, page 15
  21. Naruto chapter 613, pages 14-15