ShikaTema

"Be prepared. A date with me can be quite a drag"

- Temari to Shikamaru, after Shikamaru said that he probably won't be able to call things as troublesome anymore

ShikaTema is the het ship between Shikamaru Nara and Temari from the Naruto fandom.

Canon
The couple met during the Chūnin exams. Temari and her brothers Gaara and Kankuro were the most dangerous opponents in the exams. They had no problem injuring someone so badly during their fights that their opponent may no longer be able to fight again. Shikamaru, however, initially hesitates to have to fight a girl.

Before the fight between Temari and Tenten, Shikamaru had already predicted that Temari would win.

During Shikamaru and Temari's match, Temari uses her impressive shinobi skills, including her mastery of the wind, to make Shikamaru understand that he will really have to work to keep up with her. Shikamaru gives up and gives Temari the victory after a hard-fought match. In fact, Shikamaru was playing for a long time. He knew that his chakra reserves had been depleted and if he continued, Temari could seriously hurt him. He didn't hold back on his abilities, but he also knew exactly when to stop teasing her. Their meeting made them notice each other.

Later, during the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, Temari saves Shikamaru from Tayuya and kills her by a single attack. When Shikamaru becomes upset after his team fails to save Sasuke, Temari tries to cheer him up.

Shippūden
Every time she goes to Konoha, she spends her days with Shikamaru. It is he who escorts her to the city and goes to meetings with her. Most of the time, the two don't even seem to be working while Naruto wonders if the two are dating at some point.

Temari later motivated Shikamaru to become a better Shinobi.

Shikamaru is incredibly skilled at first, he lacks the motivation to want to engage in training. It is not until his first encounters with Temari that he becomes inspired to try.

Although Shikamaru and Temari are not always the nicest or most supportive teenagers, they do not hold their words against each other. Temari repeatedly calls Shikamaru a "crying baby" after his first mission fails. For his part, Shikamaru looks up and wonders when she will let him go, but he does not get angry. Similarly, he consistently refers to Temari as "troublesome woman," his term of reference for any woman who resists his position. He is not afraid to oppose Temari or growl when she makes remarks about him. Although the two pull a lot out of their past, they never seem to really get angry with each other during those teenage years and still continue to haunt each other.

Temari and Shikamaru are able to tease each other about their past, their current mission, and their abilities, while devoting all their attention to the mission at hand.

In Shikamaru's Infinite Tsukuyomi dream, along his parents and Asuma and Kurenai, Temari was standing by his side. They both watched the two couples quarrelling and in love and commented that marriage is 'such a drag'.

Many of the story arcs are borrowed from light novels. One is about Shikamaru who is sent to investigate the disappearances of shinobi. He ends up at the mercy of a cult leader. Temari takes charge of the mission to find out what happened. She stops at nothing to bring him back to Konoha and even agrees to share a meal with him afterwards.

Finally they can also be seen holding hands, while they were there to celebrate the wedding of Naruto and Hinata.

The Beast that was Shot by Love!!
Shikamaru and Temari where seen walking together when Kiba and Akamaru where out for a walk.

Gaara Hiden: A Sandstorm Mirage
Temari prepares for her wedding to Shikamaru and for the move to Konoha to be part of the Nara Clan. But due their wedding approancing their soon-to-be marriage causes problems in Sunagakure as Temari is the sister of the Kazekage and Shikamaru influential figure in Konoha and their marriage would be a delicate political matter that would solidify the peace between the peace between the two villages. During the midst of carder consideration, Temari and Shikamaru are trying to find a date for their wedding. The fact that their child will be raised in Konoha but will also have the bloodline of the Kazekage and therefore would be in the next line to be Suna's next Kazekage. To prevent this, the elders of Suna arrange a marriage for Gaara.

During the arrangement, an attack happened when Gaara was attending a meeting for arrangements for his possible future wife. During the attack, Temari was attacked by the puppeteer. She managed to defeat the puppeteer but she got a dislocated shoulder. In the last chapter of the novel Temari was saved by Shikamaru from being killed by an enemy puppeteer.

New Era
Sometime after getting married Shikamaru and Temari would have a son named Shikadai. In the anime, at some point during Shikadai's infancy they let him have sleepovers with Inojin and Chōchō, even giving them matching pyjamas. During the time of raising Shikadai, Shikamaru and Temari would train Mirai Sarutobi while Shikadai would develop a sibling-like bond with her.

Boruto
When the events of Boruto unfold, Shikamaru is a busy man. He is the Hokage's right-hand man, and this makes him work many hours. Despite this, he finds time for his family. In the Boruto series, he takes a break from his workday to return home to spend time with his current wife Temari and their son Shikadai. It's unusual enough for Temari to comment on it, but not unusual enough to have a great conversation (or discussion) about it.

Academy Entrance Arc
During Shikadai's first semester in the Academy, he unintentionally got in trouble due to Boruto's antics. When Shikamaru came home, Temari made an attempt to ask him to scold Shikadai. But instead Shikamaru took the news about the school punishment differently. This made Temari annoyed by this attitude and when Shikamaru and Shikadai both thought "What a Drag", Temari sensed it on that's what they were thinking which further made her furious deciding to deprive them both of dinner for the night.

Parent and Child Day Arc
During the event of the parent and child holiday, Temari made Shikamaru and Shikadai enter a eating competition as she wanted the prize for herself to get an a year worth of unlimited free dumplings from Ankorodō. But due to them losing the competition Temari almost killed Shikamaru in a rage. In the anime Temari made Shikamaru and Shikadai eat their dinner while left cowering while they eat while Temari watched over them furiously.

Byakuya Gang Arc
One night while Shikadai was learning to play shogi, Shikamaru came home with made Temari happy to see him home. While Shikamaru was talking to Shikadai about shogi, Temari tried to get the two males attention to let them know that dinner was ready but they fell on dead ears. This made Temari angrily swing her fan at them whiling loudly announcing that dinner was ready to get their attention which sent the two flying outside the house.

Versus Momoshiki Arc
During the events of the Chūnin Exams both Temari and Shikamaru watched their son Shikadai during the final round of the Chūnin Exams. During Shikadai's match against Yodo and both would should excitement that he won his match against her. They both would later watch his match against Boruto, they would later see him forfeit his match against him. Temari laughed of how similar he and Shikamaru are as both admitted defeat during their match. They both would later on learn of Boruto cheating during the match as he was using a Scientific Ninja Tool created by Katasuke Tōno, later on they would be present on the attack of Momoshiki and Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki's attack on the village.

Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc
During the village lockdown, Temari heard that Shikadai and Team 10 were assigned to go after Boruto and Sarada as she confronted him about this while she delivered lunch to him. She did not like the idea of putting their son in a difficult situations with his friends. But Shikamaru insisted that it would aid him in his growth and that he and Shikadai are alike. He also believed that Shikadai would discover the truth about Mitsuki's disappearance. Temari asked him to spare the "proud dad act".

Shikadai's Decision
Temari was invited to join Gaara at the the Wind Daimyō's banquet however Shikamaru didn't join her for the event. They were visited by Enchū Nara, the chief adviser of the Nara Clan at their home. During the conversation with Shikamaru and Enchū, it was brought up that the Land of Wind have gossiped that the Nara Clan was not worthy of unity between the Kazekage Clan and the rumors that was spreading since Shikamaru married Temari. During one night Shikadai told his parents that he didn't want to be a ninja anymore and go into politics. Temari didn't want Shikadai to go into politics but her dismay was in vain as Shikamaru trusting that Shikadai on what he wanted and decided to not get in the way. However, later on Shikadai told his parents that he decided not to go into politics. Instead he decided to to prove the worth of the Nara Clan by mastering the Wind Release techniques and the Nara clan's hidden techniques.

Shikamaru Shinden: A Cloud Dancing in Forlorn Falling Petals
Shortly after the recent Chūnin Exams, during which Momoshiki and other Ōtsutsuki clan members launched an attack, Shikamaru Nara awakens in his bedroom still clad in the previous day's attire and with a lingering scent of tobacco. He had fallen asleep the moment he returned from work late at night, missing his bath, neglecting the dinner his wife, Temari, had prepared, and nursing a pounding headache from excessive drinking. As he exits his room, he collides with his son, Shikadai Nara, who hints at Temari's foul mood. Shikamaru recognizes his bad habits as the cause and, after playfully teasing his son, offers a gentle greeting to his silent wife before heading for a bath. During breakfast, Shikamaru and Temari engage in an uncomfortable conversation, leading to Temari's inquiry about the significance of the previous day. Shikamaru instantly realizes he forgot their wedding anniversary, preoccupied with the Five Kage Talks preparations following the Chūnin Exams attack. He apologizes profusely, vowing to make amends, and Temari expresses hope that his intentions are genuine, as that day can never be reclaimed. Realizing his impending lateness for work, Shikamaru apologizes once more before departing.

At the Five Kage Summit, Kurotsuchi, the Fourth Tsuchikage, demands Konoha's disclosure of confidential information to other villages, threatening Iwagakure's withdrawal from the Union. She sets the next Kage Summit as the deadline. After the Summit, Shikamaru meets with Rō and Hinoko, two Anbu who aided him in a previous mission to the Land of Silence. Shikamaru assigns them the task of infiltrating Iwagakure to uncover the reasons behind Kurotsuchi's information demand. To divert ninja from Iwa and facilitate Rō and Hinoko's mission, Shikamaru uses a vacation day to visit the former Tsuchikage, Ōnoki. During a game of shogi, Shikamaru discreetly inquires about the situation in Iwagakure. Their game is interrupted by Kurotsuchi's unannounced arrival, and she expresses disappointment at Shikamaru's lack of notice, citing his anniversary mishap.

Returning to Konoha, Shikamaru delves into the accumulated paperwork. Moegi Kazamatsuri, leader of Shikadai's team, interrupts him to convey that Shikadai declined a specific S-rank mission to protect a daimyō. Shikamaru ponders Shikadai's readiness for such a task, but Moegi reveals that Shikadai refused despite her persuasion. Baffled by Shikadai's decision, Shikamaru resolves to speak with him at home, only to be intercepted by Temari. Shikadai's true reason for declining the mission emerges: the client, a dignitary, was attempting to exploit their connection to reach Shikamaru. Appalled by this exploitation, Shikamaru and Temari discuss the situation before noticing Hinoko's return.

One evening, Shikamaru visits Ino's flower shop with the intention of buying yellow flowers from Sunagakure as an anniversary gesture. Ino, aware of his intentions through Temari, assists him. Shikamaru requests a bouquet of all the yellow flowers but unintentionally forgets to take them home.

Shikamaru spends a night off, keeping his upcoming involvement in the Daimyō Summit secret from Temari and Shikadai. He avoids Temari, fearing lingering anger over the forgotten anniversary, and finds Shikadai immersed in video games. After watching Shikadai play, Shikamaru discusses the S-rank mission, apologizing for any inconvenience. Shikadai is puzzled by his father's apology, prompting Shikamaru to share his own youthful experiences of avoiding responsibility. He advises Shikadai that true fulfillment comes from accepting responsibility rather than dismissing it. Shikadai expresses newfound appreciation for the concept and asks for shogi lessons, to which Shikamaru responds with his signature phrase, "What a drag." Temari overhears their conversation and recalls her response when Shikamaru asked her out in the Land of Silence, using the same phrase with a smile.

Before departing for the Continental Summit, Shikamaru informs Temari and Shikadai about his trip to the Land of Iron but withholds details. Shikadai questions the influx of recalled ninja in Konoha, indicating preparations for battle. Shikamaru reassures him and advises him to enjoy time with friends. However, Temari confides her frustration with his silence about work at home, preferring honesty to protectiveness. Shikamaru apologizes and, while criticizing himself, is interrupted by Temari's reassurance that he is a wonderful man. They part ways, concealing their emotions.

Naruto's live broadcast speech during the Continental Summit is observed by Temari at home. She detects Shikamaru's influence in Naruto's words and actions, pondering whether Shikamaru regrets not achieving his dream of a carefree life. She appreciates his sacrifice for Konoha, Naruto, Shikadai, and herself.

Following the successful Continental Summit, the Land of Flowers' daimyō expresses gratitude to Naruto with an abundance of flowers. Naruto insists that Shikamaru takes some home after work, an action that embarrasses Shikamaru, who suspects Naruto's intention. Upon returning home with the flowers, Shikamaru initially puzzles Temari, who assumes they are a belated anniversary gift. She questions him about their life together and whether she hindered his dream of a tranquil existence. Shikamaru, initially confused, recognizes her concern and thanks her for her support. Temari, in return, reprimands him for leaving dirty clothes, and he apologizes, ensuring he won't repeat the mistake. He concludes with a sentiment about family, acknowledging its complexities but finding it worthwhile.

Ao Arc
Shikamaru and Temari attended the memorial service for those who died in the Fourth Shinobi World War. Later after the memorial service, Shikamaru didn't come home, and Temari sent Shikadai to find him.

Shikadai Nara
Shikadai bears a strong resemblance to his father and paternal grandfather. He has black, pointed hair, gathered in a ponytail, and his mother's teal eyes. Unlike his father, Shikadai has sharper facial expressions, a trait he most likely inherited from Temari. Shikadai's outfit consists of a cream-colored jacket with a zipper with a rudimentary Nara clan symbol on the back, blue pants and standard shinobi sandals. Wear his forehead protector wrapped around one of his sleeves. As is the custom of his clan, both of his ears are pierced by gray button earrings.

Fanon
ShikaTema is one of the most popular couples within the Naruto fandom. It is generally considered to be the least polarizing and most commonly loved pairing of the series. It is supported due to the chemistry between the characters as well as the numerous hints throughout the series and even unofficial material such as video games and omake. It is the most popular pairing for both Shikamaru and Temari. The pairing went out of style on the popular Japanese art site pixiv during the release of Shikamaru hiden, the only Naruto pairing to ever have it done outside of SasuSaku and NaruHina. It is a pair that accompanies SaiIno, and is a rival pair of ShikaNaru and ShikaIno.

The ship currently has 1700+ works on AO3.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

WIKIS
 * on

Trivia

 * According to the Databooks, Temari wishes a rematch with Shikamaru.
 * Temari and Shikamaru have respectively 3 years of difference.