It's all about balance. When you have a bunch of hot-headed ninja running around, you need someone with an icy calm to keep things in perspective. At first glance, the mild-mannered Shikamaru isn't the sort of person you'd imagine being a master strategist and leader -- just think of his famous catchphrase "What a drag." But when it comes to duty, loyalty and commitment, few fit the bill better than he does -- just take a gander at the compelling Hidan/Kazuku storyline where he's featured front and center.
So in honor of the seemingly indifferent chunin and his increasing importance in the Naruto story, we offer a fresh data character wallpaper and some birthday wishes courtesy of our writer Stephen Bajza. And feel free to pass on your own laid-back birthday regards to the man on our discussion forum.
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Happy Birthday, Shikamaru!
The master manipulator of shadows himself is front and center for all your well-wishes. For all he’s done for his friends as well as Konoha village, we should throw a huge blowout of a party, right? He might claim to want average things in life, but even this serious-minded shinobi would enjoy a huge celebration.
He certainly deserves one -- Shikamaru might be a little on the relaxed side but his genius is clear even during the chunin exams. [Original Series Episode 64: "Zero Motivation: The Guy with Cloud Envy!"] where even the jaded Hokage is impressed with his ability to strategize. You’d think manipulating shadows is enough in and of itself to win a fight, especially after he simply forces an opponent to knock themselves out [Original Series Episode 43: "Killer Kunoichi and a Shaky Shikamaru"] but Shikamaru uses his shadow technique like an intricate game of shogi (good thing he loves shogi!).
Even if his shadow technique has its limits, it’s still crazy impressive. Early in his training he manages to hold down eight ninja at one time. [Original Series Episode 70: "A Shirker's Call to Action: Layabout No More!"] With that kind of power, you can’t blame anyone fighting him for being afraid of their own shadow (even though shadows don’t usually leap out to grab you!).
Sometimes Shikimaru can be so nonchalant that praying monks look hyperactive by comparison, but when the fight’s on and his friends are on the line he’s up and ready to take action. His genius at shinobi strategy and compassion for teammates does not go unnoticed. Tsunade herself places him in charge of the Sasuke retrieval team. [Original Series Episode 110: "Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad!"] So much for an average quiet life, right?
If he isn’t playing shogi or sleeping, he’s probably hard at work on the next mission. Considering how hard it is to get authentic ninja gear, maybe it’s best to get him a nice new playing set or a really fluffy pillow! He might just smile and say thank you, but when it comes to Shikamaru, that’s considered to be positively beaming.
note from sam: comment what you want to give shikamaru if you give the best present (i will judge) you will get $2 from me.
Subject: happy birthday shikamaru! (shikamaru is from naruto) 
Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:07 pm
