Shikamaru immediately froze where he stood, only his head moving as he whipped it around to stare in the direction the new burst of chakra had come from. So someone was here. Someone who wanted him to notice their presence. It was... sort of reassuring. If they were purposely giving away their location, then maybe they meant no harm.

But he wasn't ready to break the silence of the desolate landscape just yet. Somewhat hopeful, he sent another small burst of chakra back, turning to be sure that his forehead protector would be plainly visible.