On Topic, I loved the fact that Shikamaru became the only Chuunin. During the entire course of the Chuunin Exam, he began to grow on me. His cool levelheaded-ness and realistic analyses were really what got me to like him. Sure, he's a bit whiny. But at least he can be strong with just one Jutsu. He uses Kage Mane very creatively in both his fights, and is very deserving of the rank of Chuunin.