yeah, shikamaru will definately be an excellent tactician for konoha...his smarts are nearly unrivaled, but his power is still low (which is why he couldnt be hokage). It would be cool to see him as a chuunin, i think. That's where he would fit best right now.

oh and r3n,. i pm'ed him bout the sig. Is that character in the anime yet? Or is it a spoiler?