Good post GokuSonGoku .. no argument from me .. as a singular fighting force, Naruto is well beyond Shikamaru's level. The fact remains that for leadership/mission planning & execution/intuitive variables .. Shikamaru is *currently* well beyond Naruto's level. They make an excellent team, because they complement each other's abilities so well. Naruto has the brawn, heart, and combat creativity, while Shika has the massive intellect and planning/leading abilities. When (if?), Naruto becomes Hokage, which I believe he will .. he should keep Shika (a Jounin to be?) .. close at hand as a trusted advisor [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]