KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

They walked in comfortable silence to a small ramen shop near the academy. The shop was nearly empty, save for a few late-night students and civilian slurping noodles. They sat at a booth by the window, the setting sun casting long shadows across the tables.

"Miso ramen, please," Konohamaru said to the elderly woman behind the counter.

Shibi simply nodded, and the woman, used to his quiet demeanor, took his order for the same.

As they waited, "So," Konohamaru began, trying to break the silence, "that transformation thing… "You know anything about transformation jutsu besides the basic henge?"

Shibi paused, considering the question. "The Akimichi clan utilizes expansion techniques, a form of physical transformation. The Yamanaka clan's mind transfer technique could also be considered a transformation, a transformation of consciousness."

"Oh that's cool," Konohamaru responded, leaning forward slightly, intrigued. "But I was thinking more… like, transforming into other things. Animals, for example."

Shibi's brow furrowed slightly. "Transformation into animals is a complex and advanced technique. It requires a deep understanding of the animal's anatomy, behavior, and chakra flow. It's not something commonly taught, even among jonin."

The elderly woman placed two steaming bowls of ramen in front of them, the rich aroma filling the air. "Here you go, boys," she said with a warm smile before returning to the counter.

Konohamaru picked up his chopsticks, the steam warming his face. "But I can do it" he said, taking a tentative slurp of the broth. Shibi didn't react, he just carefully examined the noodles in his own bowl.

"I've been practicing… transforming into other animals. Like… a frog." He puffed out his cheeks slightly, as if trying to visualize the transformation.

Shibi finally looked up, a flicker of curiosity in his usually impassive eyes. He took a slow, deliberate slurp of his own ramen. "Show me."

Konohamaru blinked, surprised by the directness of the request. He glanced around the nearly empty shop. "Here? Now?"

"Is there a reason you cannot?" Shibi asked, his tone neutral.

Konohamaru hesitated. Transforming in a public place felt a little… showy. But Shibi's interest was genuine, and he rarely showed any emotion at all. This was an opportunity. He took a deep breath, focusing his chakra. He closed his eyes, picturing a small, green frog, its smooth skin and bulging eyes. He felt the familiar tingle of the transformation jutsu, but this time, he pushed it further, trying to mold his chakra into the specific form he had in mind.

A small puff of smoke erupted, and where Konohamaru had been sitting, a small green frog now perched on the edge of the booth. It blinked its large, golden eyes, then let out a soft "Ribbit."

A few nearby civilian glanced over, startled by the sudden appearance of the amphibian. The elderly woman behind the counter simply smiled, used to the strange occurrences that often happened around ninja.

Shibi observed the frog intently, his gaze fixed on its every movement. He reached out a cautious finger and gently poked the frog's side. The frog blinked again, then hopped onto Shibi's finger, its tiny webbed feet clinging to his skin.

After a moment, the frog puffed into another small cloud of smoke, and Konohamaru reappeared. "Well?" he asked, looking expectantly at Shibi.

Shibi lowered his hand, his expression unchanged. "The form is… adequate. However," he paused, "the transformation is incomplete. A true transformation would encompass not just the physical form, but also the animal's instincts and behavior." He gestured to the spot where the frog had been. "It simply sat there. A real frog would have hopped around, searched for insects, or displayed some other natural behavior."

Konohamaru's initial pride deflated slightly. He had been so focused on achieving the physical transformation that he forgot to consider the other aspects." About that.. I was just hesitant to eat your kikaichū."

Shibi nodded and returned to his ramen, taking another careful slurp. "Continue practicing."

1

They ate in silence for a few minutes, the only sound was the soft slurping of noodles.

Once they finished, Konohamaru paid for their meals. As they stepped out of the ramen shop, the last vestiges of daylight had faded, leaving the street lit by the warm glow of streetlamps.

"Well," Konohamaru said, stretching his arms above his head, "that was good. Thanks for the company, Shibi."

Shibi gave a small nod. "Likewise." He paused, then added, "The kikaichū also appreciate the warmth of the shop."

Konohamaru chuckled. "Right. Well, I'm heading home. See ya tomorrow."

He waved goodbye and started down the street towards the Sarotubi Compound.