KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

Chapter 21

2 Years Later

The academy training grounds had become a haven for Konohamaru and his friends. The hammocks they'd installed two years ago were now a staple of their group, a symbol of the bond they'd built over countless lunches, training sessions, and lazy afternoons.

Konohamaru lay in his favorite hammock, swaying gently as he stared up at the sky. His tail dangled over the edge, flicking lazily as he listened to Udon and Moegi bicker over some minor detail of a math problem.

Shibi sat nearby, leaning against a tree with his kikaichū buzzing faintly around him, while Udon lay sprawled in another hammock, his sketchbook balanced precariously on his chest. Moegi was perched on a low branch, braiding a long strand of her auburn hair.

"Hey, guys," Konohamaru said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.

Moegi glanced down at him. "What's up?"

Konohamaru propped himself up on one elbow, his expression unusually serious. "I've got some news. I'm graduating early."

The group went silent, the usual hum of conversation replaced by the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

"What?" Udon sat up so quickly his sketchbook tumbled to the ground. "You're leaving the academy?"

Konohamaru nodded, his grin tinged with a mix of pride and regret. "Yeah. Gramps thinks I'm ready, and honestly, so do I. I've been training like crazy these past two years. It's time to move on."

Moegi swung her legs over the branch, her expression conflicted. "Wow… that's amazing, Konohamaru. But… it's gonna be weird without you here."

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses, his calm demeanor unchanged. "I will also be graduating early."

Udon's eyes widened. "You too?!"

Shibi nodded. "Our abilities have surpassed the standard academy curriculum. Remaining here would be… inefficient."

Konohamaru smirked. "See? Even bug boy's on board."

Moegi smiled faintly. "It makes sense. You two are way ahead of the rest of us. But…" She hesitated, her voice softening. "We're gonna miss you."

"Yeah," Udon agreed, adjusting his glasses. "Who's gonna get us into trouble during class or pull us into crazy ideas"

Konohamaru's grin widened. "Oh, don't worry. I'll leave plenty of chaos behind for you guys to deal with."

The group chuckled, the tension easing slightly.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the training grounds in a warm golden glow, Konohamaru sat up in his hammock, his tail swishing with excitement.

"Hey, listen," he said, his tone light but carrying a hint of sincerity. "When you guys graduate, don't worry too much about your team or your jonin sensei."

"Why not?" Moegi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Because I'll be your jonin sensei!" Konohamaru declared, puffing out his chest. "And trust me, I'll be the best jonin sensei you could ever have."

The group stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"You? A jonin sensei?" Udon said, clutching his sides. "You'd probably make us spend all day napping in hammocks!"

"Or swinging from trees with your tail," Moegi added, giggling.

Shibi tilted his head slightly. "You would likely be… unconventional."

Konohamaru laughed along with them, his grin never fading. "Hey, unconventional gets results! Remember that when you're running laps while I'm napping in the shade."

As the evening grew darker, the group reluctantly began packing up their things. Konohamaru lingered by the swing tree, his tail curling around the ropes of his hammock one last time.

"You guys are gonna do great," he said, his voice softer now. "You've got what it takes. I know it."

Moegi smiled, her eyes shining. "And so do you."

Udon nodded. "Just… don't forget about us, okay?"

"Never," Konohamaru promised, giving them a thumbs-up. "You're stuck with me, whether you like it or not."

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses, his kikaichū buzzing faintly. "We will meet again. That is certain."

As Konohamaru and Shibi walked away, heading toward the Hokage's office to finalize their early graduation, the remaining two friends stood beneath the swing tree, watching them go.

"You think he really meant it?" Moegi asked quietly.

"About being our jonin sensei?" Udon replied with a small laugh. "Probably not. But knowing Konohamaru… anything's possible."

Moegi smiled. "Yeah. Anything's possible."