KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

Ebisu watched his three new Genin from a distance as they celebrated their victory. Konohamaru swung his tail playfully, poking at Sai, who retaliated by sketching a quick ink drawing of an annoyed tiger that leaped at Konohamaru. Shibi stood slightly apart, quietly observing, his kikaichū buzzing softly around him in approval of the team's success.

Ebisu adjusted his glasses, a small smile playing on his lips. What an unusual team, he thought, his chest swelling with pride. But there's greatness in their differences.

His gaze softening as he imagined

*Konohamaru, with his raw talent and determination, will no doubt grow into a formidable shinobi. He has the potential to rival even his grandfather, the Third Hokage.*

*Shibi, with his strategic brilliance and unparalleled control over his kikaichū, could one day become the village's greatest tactician.*

*And Sai…* Ebisu's thoughts lingered on the quiet boy. His skills were extraordinary, yet his demeanor hinted at a complicated past. *If he can find his place among them, he may become the glue that binds this team together.*

For a moment, Ebisu allowed himself to dream, envisioning the three of them standing tall as adults, their names etched into history.

Ebisu blinked, shaking himself from his thoughts

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The Hokage's Office

Later that evening, Ebisu stood before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, his posture rigid with pride.

"Hokage-sama," Ebisu began, bowing respectfully. "I've come to report on today's test."

Hiruzen set down his pipe, leaning forward slightly. "Go on, Ebisu."

Ebisu adjusted his glasses. "I must say, it was an honor to witness their abilities firsthand. Konohamaru's speed and instincts are astonishing for his age. Shibi's tactical acumen is far beyond that of most Genin. And Sai…" He hesitated briefly. "Sai's skills with his ink techniques are extraordinary, though he remains… enigmatic."

Hiruzen nodded, puffing on his pipe. "And how do they work together?"

Ebisu allowed himself a small smile. "Surprisingly well. Despite their differences, they've already shown a natural synergy. I believe they have the potential to achieve great things."

"Good," Hiruzen said, leaning back in his chair. "It seems I made the right choice in assigning them to you, Ebisu. You have my full confidence."

Ebisu straightened, his tone resolute. "I will do everything in my power to ensure they reach their full potential. They deserve nothing less."

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The Observation Room

Unbeknownst to Ebisu, the test had been watched closely by Hiruzen and another figure—Danzo Shimura. The two stood in a private observation room, the crystal ball on the table before them displaying the day's events in vivid detail.

"An impressive display," Hiruzen said, exhaling a plume of smoke from his pipe. His gaze lingered on Sai, whose ink jutsu had proven pivotal in the team's success. "Sai has adapted well to his new environment. But tell me, Danzo, what are your intentions with him?"

Danzo, his hands resting on the cane he leaned upon, met Hiruzen's gaze evenly. "My intentions are aligned with the village's interests, as always. Sai's participation on this team will foster camaraderie and experience. It is good for him, good for them, and good for the village."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly. "Root has been abolished, Danzo. Sai is no longer a tool. He is a shinobi of Konoha, and I will not tolerate him being treated otherwise."

Danzo inclined his head, his expression unreadable. "Of course, Hokage-sama. Sai's integration into this team is part of his growth as a shinobi. I have no ulterior motives."

Hiruzen watched him closely, the silence between them heavy with unspoken tension. Finally, he turned his attention back to the crystal ball.

"They have potential," Hiruzen said, his tone softening. "Konohamaru, Shibi, Sai… together, they could become something extraordinary. Perhaps even more than the Sannin."

Danzo's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile. "High praise, coming from you. But potential alone is not enough. They must be tested. Molded."

"They will grow," Hiruzen said firmly, his gaze steady. "And they will do so under proper guidance."

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As the crystal ball replayed the test, Danzo's thoughts drifted to another matter. He tapped his cane lightly against the floor. "Speaking of Konohamaru," he began, his tone measured, "what do you make of the clones he created?"

Hiruzen glanced at him, his expression briefly clouded with concern. "Those clones are an extension of his chakra and creativity. Their disappearance was… unexpected."

Danzo nodded. "Reports indicate they left the village over a year ago. Wandering the world, honing their abilities. A fascinating development, don't you think?"

Hiruzen frowned. "They are harmless, Danzo. Konohamaru's intent was never malicious. If they are found, they will be returned peacefully."

Danzo's gaze lingered on the crystal ball, where Konohamaru could be seen laughing with his teammates. "Perhaps. Or perhaps they represent a greater anomaly—a glimpse of what he could become if left unchecked."

"Konohamaru is my grandson," Hiruzen replied, his voice carrying an edge of steel. "And he is not just a Sarutobi—he is a shinobi of Konoha. He will use his abilities for the good of the village. I have no doubt of that."

Danzo inclined his head again, though the faint glint in his eye suggested he had more thoughts on the matter.

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As the Evening Fades

Ebisu left the Hokage's office with a renewed sense of purpose, the image of his team's determined faces fresh in his mind. Meanwhile, Hiruzen extinguished his pipe, gazing out the window at the stars above Konoha.

In the shadows of the room, Danzo remained silent, his thoughts already drifting to his next move. The clones, the team, and the future of Konoha—they were all pieces on the board, waiting to be played.

And somewhere far from the village, in a dense jungle or a bustling town, Big Kono and Mini Kono continued their adventures, blissfully unaware of the intrigue their existence had sparked.