KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

Konohamaru pushed open the door to Classroom 3, his tail flicking with excitement as he stepped inside. Shibi followed silently, his calm demeanor as steady as ever. The room was mostly empty, sunlight streaming through the windows and casting golden beams across the wooden desks.

At first glance, it seemed like no one was there. But as Konohamaru's gaze traveled to the back of the classroom, he noticed a figure hunched over one of the desks.

The boy was scribbling something in a notebook, his hand moving with precise, almost mechanical strokes. He had pale skin, short black hair, and a calm, unreadable expression.

Konohamaru's heart skipped a beat. He recognized that face.

That's… Sai, he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. What's he doing here? Isn't he supposed to be with Team Seven in the future?

Shibi's voice broke the silence. "It seems we're not the only ones meeting our team today."

The boy looked up, his dark eyes meeting Konohamaru's with an expression that was neither welcoming nor hostile. It was… blank.

"Hello," Sai said, his voice soft but direct. "Are you my new teammates?"

Konohamaru stared for a moment, his mind racing. Why is he here? Did something change? Or… maybe this is just part of butterfly effect.

"Uh, yeah," Konohamaru replied, masking his confusion with a grin. "I'm Konohamaru Sarutobi, and this is Shibi Aburame. What's your name?"

"Sai," the boy said simply, closing his notebook and placing it neatly on the desk. "It's nice to meet you."

Konohamaru chuckled nervously. "Yeah, nice to meet you too." He glanced at Shibi, who was studying Sai with a quiet intensity.

"Your chakra is… controlled," Shibi observed. "Impressively so, for someone your age."

Sai inclined his head slightly. "I've been trained to maintain precise chakra control. It's… important for my work."

Konohamaru's curiosity got the better of him. "What kind of work?"

Sai's lips curved into a small, polite smile. "That's classified."

Konohamaru blinked, caught off guard by the blunt response. "Well, okay then," he said, scratching the back of his head.

The awkward silence that followed was interrupted by the sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway. Konohamaru turned toward the door just as it swung open to reveal…

"Ebisu-sensei?!" Konohamaru exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Ebisu, the ever-formal jonin with his round sunglasses and neatly combed hair, stepped into the room with an air of authority. His expression was as stern as ever, though there was a flicker of pride in his eyes as he looked at Konohamaru.

"Surprised to see me, Konohamaru?" Ebisu asked, adjusting his glasses.

"Uh, yeah!" Konohamaru said, still processing the sight of his old teacher. "I thought you were just my tutor! What are you doing here?"

Ebisu crossed his arms. "As of today, I am your jonin sensei. The Hokage has entrusted me with guiding you, Shibi, and Sai as you take your first steps as a Genin team."

Konohamaru's mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally managed to say, "Well, that's… unexpected."

Ebisu ignored the comment, turning his attention to the other two boys. "Shibi Aburame, Sai… It's an honor to have you on my team. Each of you brings unique skills and perspectives that will make this team exceptional."

Sai simply nodded, his expression unchanged. Shibi offered a small bow.

Konohamaru, still reeling, raised a hand. "Wait, wait, wait. So you're telling me this whole time, you've been, like, secretly super awesome or something?"

Ebisu's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. "I have always been 'super awesome,' Konohamaru. You were simply too young to recognize it."

Shibi tilted his head slightly. "It is uncommon for a jonin to serve as both a personal tutor and a team leader. Your expertise must be significant."

Ebisu adjusted his glasses again, clearly pleased by the observation. "Indeed. The Hokage selected me for this role because I understand the potential of each of you. Together, we will form a team that embodies the Will of Fire."

Konohamaru crossed his arms, his grin returning. "Alright, Sensei. Let's see what you've got. But just so you know, I'm not holding back!"

Ebisu raised an eyebrow. "I would expect nothing less."

As the group settled into their new roles, Konohamaru couldn't help but glance at Sai every now and then. The boy's calm, almost detached demeanor was a mystery, and Konohamaru was determined to know what the old geezer was planning.

But for now, one thing was clear: this was the beginning of something big.

"Alright, Team Ebisu," Konohamaru said, leaning back in his chair with his usual confidence. "Let's make some history."

Ebisu sighed, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Let's start with some basic introductions.

Ebisu adjusted his glasses, the light reflecting off the lenses as he gestured for the three boys to sit in a semicircle. "Let's start with proper introductions. This is the foundation of teamwork, after all."

Konohamaru flopped into his chair, crossing his arms and leaning back lazily. Shibi sat upright, his posture impeccable, while Sai perched on the edge of his seat, his blank expression betraying no emotions.

"I'll go first," Ebisu said, his tone formal. "My name is Ebisu. I am your jonin sensei. My goal is to mold you into exceptional shinobi who uphold the Will of Fire and contribute to the strength of Konohagakure. My hobbies include reading, studying new strategies, and ensuring discipline among my students."

Konohamaru raised an eyebrow. "Wow, Sensei, that was… riveting."

Ebisu ignored the comment and gestured to Shibi. "You next."

Shibi rose smoothly from his seat, his hands tucked neatly behind his back. The faint hum of his kikaichū filled the room as he began speaking.

"I am Shibi Aburame, of the Aburame clan," he said, his tone measured and precise. "My skills include utilizing kikaichū for reconnaissance, combat, and support. I am proficient in chakra control and analytical strategy."

Konohamaru leaned over to Sai and whispered, "He always talks like this. Super serious."

Shibi ignored him, continuing, "My aspiration is to strengthen the Hidden Leaf Village by perfecting my clan's techniques and serving as a pillar of support for my comrades."

Ebisu nodded approvingly. "A thoughtful and grounded approach. Excellent, Shibi. You may sit."

Shibi returned to his seat with a small nod, his expression as impassive as ever.

alright. My turn." He scratched the back of his head, his tail flicking lazily as he spoke.

"The name's Konohamaru Sarutobi. You probably already know me because, well, I'm me." He smirked, ignoring Ebisu's exasperated sigh.

"My likes? Hmm… ramen from Teuchi, fruits, and messing with people who take themselves too seriously." He cast a playful glance at Ebisu, who sighed but didn't interrupt.

"My dislikes?" Konohamaru continued, tapping his chin. "Rules that don't make sense, boring lectures, and mosquitoes." He gave Shibi a pointed look, though his tone was teasing.

Shibi's expression remained stoic. "My kikaichū are not mosquitoes."

"Close enough," Konohamaru replied with a laugh.

There was a pause as Konohamaru's grin faded slightly. He glanced out the window, the sunlight catching the golden highlights in his spiky hair. "As for my dream…"

For a moment, his thoughts drifted back to his past life as Bob Kimura.

Back then, my dream was so… ordinary, he thought. Graduate college, get a stable job, find a good wife, and live a simple life. I never aimed for greatness, just happiness. And now…

He turned back to his team, a hint of seriousness in his voice. "My dream is simple. I just want to get stronger than anyone else so I can protect the happiness I have now."

Ebisu raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the sincerity in Konohamaru's tone.

"I mean, think about it," Konohamaru added, his usual grin returning. "What's the point of all this if you can't enjoy life? And to enjoy life, you gotta be strong enough to deal with whatever comes your way, right?"

Ebisu gave a small nod of approval. "An interesting perspective. Thank you, Konohamaru."

Finally, Ebisu turned to Sai. "Your turn."

Sai placed his notebook on the desk in front of him, his movements precise. "My name is Sai. I have been trained in specialized techniques, including the use of ink-based jutsu for reconnaissance and combat. My goal is to fulfill my assigned missions efficiently and to support my teammates as necessary."

Konohamaru frowned, leaning forward. "That's it? No hobbies? No big dreams?"

Sai tilted his head, his polite smile in place. "My hobbies include drawing and sketching."

"And dreams?" Konohamaru pressed.

Sai's smile didn't waver, but his eyes seemed to grow distant. "I don't have one."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Sai's words settling over them. Konohamaru exchanged a glance with Shibi, who remained impassive, though his kikaichū stirred faintly.

"Well," Konohamaru said finally, breaking the tension, "I guess that's something we'll work on, huh?"

Sai tilted his head again, his smile unchanged. "Perhaps."

Ebisu clapped his hands, drawing their attention. "Now that introductions are complete, there's one more matter to address."

Konohamaru sat up, his tail flicking in curiosity.

Ebisu adjusted his glasses, his grin mischievous. "I understand the Hokage has already passed you all without requiring the academy graduation exam."

Konohamaru grinned. "Yeah, because we're awesome. What about it?"

Ebisu's expression turned sly. "That means none of you have truly earned your hitai-ate yet."

"What?!" Konohamaru jumped to his feet.

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses. "This seems… irregular."

Ebisu nodded. "Tomorrow, you will face a team test. Only by passing will you officially become Genin and receive your hitai-ate."

Konohamaru groaned, flopping back into his chair. "Figures. What's the test?"

Ebisu's grin widened. "You'll find out tomorrow. Prepare yourselves."

As Ebisu left the room, Konohamaru exchanged a look with Shibi and Sai.

"This is gonna be troublesome," Konohamaru muttered, mimicking Shikamaru's usual phrase.

Sai simply smiled. Shibi's kikaichū buzzed faintly, as if in agreement.