KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

Shibi Aburame (illustration)

Konohamaru, Shibi, and Sai walked away from the training ground. Their first official day as a Genin team was behind them, and the excitement of their accomplishments lingered in the air. Konohamaru, as usual, led the way, his tail flicking with every step.

"Man, that test was way too easy," Konohamaru said, stretching his arms behind his head. "We totally crushed it."

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses. "You may have performed well, Konohamaru, but it was a combined effort. Ebisu-sensei was holding back significantly."

"Yeah, yeah," Konohamaru replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't ruin the vibe, Shibi. We still passed, didn't we?"

Sai walked alongside them, his face as blank as ever. "It was adequate," he said, his tone neutral.

Konohamaru turned to Sai, raising an eyebrow. "Adequate? Dude, we crushed it! You can't just say 'adequate' like we barely made it."

Sai tilted his head slightly, his polite smile creeping onto his face. "I apologize. Would you prefer I call it a 'smashing success?'"

"Yes! Exactly!" Konohamaru replied with a grin.

Sai's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Noted. You were… adequate to the point of a smashing success."

Konohamaru blinked, then burst out laughing. "Man, you're weird, Sai. But I kinda like it."

Shibi sighed softly. "Let's keep moving. If we're headed to Ichiraku, I'd prefer we get there before the dinner rush."

The team decided to celebrate their successful test with a visit to Ichiraku. As they entered the small but cozy shop, the smell of broth and freshly cooked noodles filled the air.

"Welcome!" Teuchi greeted them warmly from behind the counter. "Ah, Konohamaru-kun! Bringing friends today?"

"Yup!" Konohamaru said, hopping onto a stool. "We crushed our test, so we're treating ourselves."

Shibi and Sai took their seats beside him, Sai pulling out his sketchbook.

"Three bowls of miso ramen, extra toppings!" Konohamaru declared.

As they waited, the curtain rustled behind them, and a familiar voice rang out.

"Old man Teuchi, gimme the usual!" a familiar voice rang out.

Konohamaru turned, and his eyes widened as Naruto Uzumaki marched in, his orange jacket slightly scuffed and his cheeks smudged with dirt. Naruto froze mid-step when he spotted Konohamaru, his eyes narrowing.

"Hey, I remember you!" Naruto said, pointing dramatically. "You're that kid I bumped into a while ago!. What's your name again… Monkey kid?"

Konohamaru bristled, his tail flicking indignantly. "It's Konohamaru"

Sai, who had been quietly sketching, looked up. "Monkey kid? Is that your alias, Konohamaru?"

"No, Sai," Konohamaru said, waving him off. "It's just this guy's bad memory."

Naruto ignored the comment, dropping into the stool beside Konohamaru. "Anyway, guess what? I'm graduating the academy in two months!"

"Two months, huh?" Konohamaru said, raising an eyebrow.

"That's right! I'm gonna be a Genin, and then I'm gonna start my journey to become Hokage!" Naruto declared, his voice full of determination.

Teuchi placed Naruto's bowl of ramen in front of him, but Naruto's eyes flicked to Konohamaru's arm, where his hitai-ate was tied securely.

"Wait a second…" Naruto's face twisted in confusion. "Is that… a hitai-ate?!"

Konohamaru grinned, tapping the metal plate. "Sure is."

"No way!" Naruto yelled, nearly spilling his ramen. "You're telling me you're already a Genin? But you're, like… eight!"

"Guess I'm just that good," Konohamaru said, leaning back smugly.

Naruto slumped over the counter, groaning. "Man, this sucks. I'm older than you!"

Naruto, pouting. "I can't believe this. I've been busting my butt at the academy for years, and you just waltz in and beat me to it!"

Shibi, who had been silent until now, spoke in his usual calm tone. "Perhaps this is a lesson in perseverance and adaptability. While you may not be a Genin yet, your determination will undoubtedly lead to success."

Naruto blinked at him. "Who's the guy with the sunglasses? Why's he talking like a teacher?"

"That's Shibi," Konohamaru said, grinning. "He's the brains of our team. And over there is Sai. He's the… uh…"

"Emotionally ambiguous one," Sai supplied helpfully.

Naruto scratched his head. "Emotionally ambiguous? What's that mean?"

Konohamaru waved him off. "Don't worry about it. The point is, we're awesome, and you'll just have to catch up."

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses. "If it's any consolation, graduating from the academy is only the beginning. The true challenge lies in proving yourself as a shinobi."

Naruto perked up slightly, his competitive spirit reigniting. "You're right! Once I graduate, I'll train so hard, I'll catch up to all of you in no time!, And-and! Someday, I'll be the Hokage, and you'll have to call me boss!"

Looking forward to it," Konohamaru replied, his grin widening.

Ichiraku chuckled from behind the counter, placing three steaming bowls of miso ramen in front of Konohamaru's team. "Well, if nothing else, you kids sure know how to liven up the place."

Konohamaru grabbed his chopsticks, his tail swaying happily as he dug in. Sai and Shibi followed suit, though Sai hesitated for a moment to sketch Naruto's flustered expression in his notebook before eating.

Naruto plopped back onto his stool, grumbling as he resumed slurping his ramen. But as he glanced at the three Genin, a small smile tugged at his lips.

-

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As they left the ramen shop, Konohamaru glanced at Naruto, who was still grumbling under his breath.

"Hey," Konohamaru said, his tone more genuine. "Good luck with your graduation. You're gonna do great."

Naruto blinked, then grinned. "Thanks, Don't get too cocky just 'cause you got a headband first!"

Konohamaru smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."

"And my name is Naruto Uzumaki!, You better remember it!."

Konohamaru waved lazily.

Naruto stormed off, muttering about training harder, while Konohamaru turned to his team, grinning. "Man, that guy's a riot."

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses. "He has determination. That is not something to dismiss lightly."

Sai tilted his head. "He referred to you as a monkey kid. Is that an accurate observation?"

Konohamaru laughed. "Close enough, Sai. Close enough."