KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

Konohamaru sat on the edge of his bed, idly spinning a kunai between his fingers. His room was a mess—scrolls, kunai, and scraps of paper were strewn everywhere, evidence of his constant training and experiments.

Something nagged at the back of his mind, a persistent itch he couldn't quite scratch.

I feel like I forgot something… but what?

He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, his tail flicking absently. His thoughts wandered, jumping from memories of his time at the academy to the chaotic training sessions with Ebisu. Then, like a bolt of lightning, it hit him.

The clones!

Konohamaru shot upright, nearly dropping the kunai. His mind raced as he recalled the two creations he'd left behind in the woods One years ago—Big Kono and Mini Kono.

"Man, I really forgot about them," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I wonder what they've been up to."

Determined to check on them, Konohamaru dashed to the woods behind the Sarutobi compound, his heart pounding with anticipation. But when he reached the clearing, it was empty. The makeshift structures the clones had built were abandoned, their edges worn by time and the elements.

He crouched down, brushing his fingers over a faint imprint in the dirt. They were here… but where did they go?

As he searched, he spotted a crude carving on a tree trunk. The letters were uneven, but they formed a clear message:

"We got bored. Gone to explore the world. Maybe we'll try to join the Akatsuki or something. LOL."

Konohamaru burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the empty clearing. "Those idiots," he said, shaking his head. "The Akatsuki? Yeah, right. Like anyone would let them in."

Still, the thought of his clones roaming the world, causing chaos in their own way, filled him with a strange mix of pride and curiosity. Maybe they were joking… or maybe not. I guess time will tell.

He stood, brushing dirt off his hands. "Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see if they ever show up again. Knowing them, they'll make a big entrance when they do."

With a final glance at the empty clearing, Konohamaru turned and headed back to the village, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Shibi Aburame's POV – The Night Before the Test

Shibi sat cross-legged in his dimly lit room. The insects swarmed lazily around him, their movements precise and synchronized.

He reached out with his chakra, guiding the kikaichū into a series of formations. They moved like dancers in a choreographed routine, forming shapes and patterns in the air.

The test tomorrow will likely involve teamwork, Shibi thought, his mind as calm and steady as his breathing. Konohamaru's unpredictable nature will need balancing, and Sai's abilities are still largely unknown. My role will be to observe, strategize, and adapt.

His kikaichū shifted, forming a tight spiral before dispersing. Shibi opened his eyes, his gaze steady behind his sunglasses. He reached for a scroll beside him, unrolling it to reveal detailed notes about his training and observations of his new teammates.

Konohamaru Sarutobi

Strengths: Exceptional taijutsu, unpredictable tactics, strong physical agility.

Weaknesses: Impulsiveness, overconfidence.

Strategy: Allow him to lead offensively while providing support and analysis.

Sai

Strengths: Precise chakra control, ink-based jutsu, calm under pressure.

Weaknesses: Lack of emotional connection may hinder teamwork.

Strategy: Observe his abilities during the test and adapt accordingly.

Shibi's pen hovered over the paper. He hesitated, then wrote:

Team Dynamics

Strength: Potential for diverse skillsets to complement one another.

Weakness: Lack of experience working together as a unit.

Goal: Establish communication and trust during the test.

He set the pen down, leaning back against the wall. His kikaichū buzzed softly around him, a constant reminder of his connection to his clan and their unique techniques.

"I will ensure this team succeeds," Shibi murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. "Failure is not an option."

As the hours ticked by, Shibi continued to refine his strategy, preparing himself for whatever challenges the test might bring.

The Morning Before the Test

As the first rays of dawn broke over Konoha, Shibi stepped out of his room, his movements deliberate and precise. His kikaichū swarmed around him briefly before disappearing beneath his skin.

In the quiet of the early morning, he made his way to the academy training grounds, ready to face whatever lay ahead.