Does Shikamaru know about the beef Shikaku had with Neji and that he's aware of their relationship?
How would Asuma react and/or feel about it if he had lived long enough to find out about their relationship?
I love Btb, btw. I'm so tempted to start a 3rd reread, but I'm swamped with assignments, so it's gonna have to wait😒😭
Hi there, Anon! 🫶🏼
Cheers for dropping by with your ASKS.
Does Shikamaru know about the beef Shikaku had with Neji and that he's aware of their relationship?
Yes, he's aware his father was not best pleased with Neji (to put it lightly). Neji had mentioned it whilst tripping opiate balls in Requiem, which put the issue on Shikamaru's radar. Post UtS, Shikamaru learns more about exactly how 'not best pleased' his dad was after Neji recounts, with grim amusement, the chilling chimera stunt that Shikaku pulled in the Akimichi Armoury.
As you can imagine, Shikamaru was less amused.
Yes, also, to the second part of that question; Shikamaru knows his father is aware of his involvement with Neji, which is both a relief and a stress.
How would Asuma react and/or feel about it if he had lived long enough to find out about their relationship?
Ooh! Well, Asuma would've been somewhat prepared, given the events in BtB when Shikamaru word-vomitted his stress everywhere and accidentally admitted to a mystery "he". Learning that this mystery "he" was in fact Hyūga Neji would've reassured Asuma. He respected Neji, and he'd have understood why he and Shikamaru made sense. That being said...
...Asuma would've processed it fully in private and maybe, if drunk enough, might've solicted Kakashi for one of his 'asking for a friend' talks, knowing full well Kakashi would've known who and what he was talking about...because Kakashi is annoyingly clued in when it comes to things Asuma doesn't want him to know.
I love Btb, btw. I'm so tempted to start a 3rd reread, but I'm swamped with assignments, so it's gonna have to wait😒😭
Ah, thank you for the BtB love, my dear. 💜🥰💜 Amazing to learn you're tempted to revisit the series! Hey, I totally get being swamped by the tidal demands of life, so no worries. Hope things ease up for you soon. Keep calm and carry on! ✌🏼