Nami first popped up on Shikamaru's radar when the Villain's List was exchanged into his hands, being among the ones suggested he talk to if he wanted to know more about the names written there. That she knew a lot about them from personal experience indicated she could be troublesome; that she knew as much as she did without that at other times painted her as a clever woman who likes to keep informed.

Because of this, he has some measured respect for Nami even if they've only talked a few times. She seems to get around, so it's not like he can appreciate her only for that. He didn't mind the more casual one of their few conversations. Though she might be one of those people in Luceti he'd classify as too beautiful.