Shikaku Nara
Shikaku is Shikamaru's father and husband to Yoshino Nara. He doesn't show up much in the series, but when he does, he's basically a more weathered, scarred version of his son—same lazy expression and all.
Like Shikamaru, Shikaku was part of an Ino-Shika-Cho trio back in his day, teaming up with Choza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka. He's the "Shika" of the group name, inheriting both the role and the shadow manipulation techniques that come with being head of the Nara clan. Speaking of which, he oversees the clan's deer herds, whose antlers are processed into medicine that counteracts the dangerous side effects of the Akimichi clan's signature three colored pills.
Shikaku's probably Konoha's best strategist and shogi player, regularly beating Shikamaru at the board game while also mentoring him in their clan's secret jutsu. Since his son made Chunin, he's taken a real interest in pushing Shikamaru to develop his full potential—something Shikamaru himself doesn't always believe in. As for his marriage, Yoshino has him completely wrapped around her finger, no matter how much he and Shikamaru insist women should be "tender" and "sweet."
Despite his laid-back demeanor and occasional drinking, Shikaku's resolve is genuinely stronger than his son's. He'll kick into high gear when it counts and has repeatedly helped Shikamaru snap out of his self-doubt. The one time we see him fight, he effortlessly uses the Shadow Neck Bind Technique against three opponents simultaneously during Orochimaru's invasion.
His intelligence and combat skills earned him the position of Jonin Commander—the highest rank a regular shinobi can reach.
Content compiled by AnimeList.moe from publicly available sources.
