KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

Chapter 22

The streets of Konoha were quieter than usual, the soft glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the buildings. Konohamaru strolled casually beside Shibi, his hands stuffed into his pockets and his tail swishing lazily behind him.

Shibi, as always, walked with precise steps, his kikaichū buzzing faintly around him. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Konohamaru's relaxed, almost lackadaisical air.

As they made their way toward the Hokage's office, Konohamaru's thoughts drifted. His mind wandered back to his past life as Bob Kimura and the countless hours he'd spent watching the Naruto anime.

Man, I'm so glad I actually finished the anime back then, he thought, smirking to himself. No cliffhangers, no unresolved plot points. I know exactly how this world's supposed to go.

But as the memory of the anime finale faded, a nagging thought surfaced, one that had been buried deep in his mind since he'd first arrived in this world.

Wasn't there a rumor… he mused, furrowing his brow. Something about Kishimoto planning a sequel? Something with Naruto's kid?

He tried to shake off the thought, but it lingered. He remembered stumbling across discussions online, fans debating whether the sequel would ruin the original story or breathe new life into the franchise.

Bolt… The name echoed faintly in his mind. That was the name, right? Naruto's son? But it was just a rumor. Nothing confirmed.

Konohamaru glanced at Shibi, who was walking silently beside him. If that rumor was true, though…

The thought made him uneasy. He'd always been the type to roll with the punches, to adapt to whatever challenges came his way. But the idea of a whole new storyline unfolding in this world—a story he might not know—sent a small shiver down his spine.

Nah, it's probably nothing, he told himself, brushing off the worry. I mean, I haven't seen any signs of a next generation plot or anything. And even if it does happen, I'll deal with it when it comes.

He glanced at Shibi again, who had slowed his pace slightly.

"We're here," Shibi said, his voice calm and measured as he gestured toward the Hokage's office.

Konohamaru snapped out of his thoughts, grinning. "Alright! Time to officially level up."

The Hokage's Office

As they stepped into the Hokage's office, Konohamaru immediately felt a sense of nostalgia. The room hadn't changed much—scrolls and documents were piled high on the desk, and the faint scent of ink and parchment filled the air.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage and Konohamaru's grandfather, looked up from his paperwork, his wise eyes twinkling as he saw the two boys enter.

"Ah, Konohamaru, Shibi," he greeted warmly, setting aside a scroll. "I've been expecting you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, folded his hands together as he studied the two boys standing before him. Konohamaru's confident grin and Shibi's calm demeanor were a stark contrast, but both carried an undeniable presence that belied their young age.

"Konohamaru. Shibi," Hiruzen began, his voice steady and warm. "You've both been exceptional students at the academy. But more than that, you've proven yourselves capable of handling challenges far beyond the typical curriculum."

Konohamaru's tail flicked behind him, a telltale sign of his excitement. "So, Gramps, does this mean we're skipping the boring graduation tests?"

Hiruzen chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Indeed. You've already surpassed the standard expectations. There's no need for you to go through the usual formalities. As Hokage, I've personally reviewed your progress. Konohamaru, your skills in taijutsu and unconventional tactics have surpassed even some chunin-level shinobi."

Konohamaru grinned, puffing out his chest. "Of course! I mean, who else can say they've got a tail and the skills to back it up?"

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses, his voice calm as ever. "And I assume my abilities in strategic planning and chakra manipulation played a role in this decision."

Hiruzen nodded. "Precisely, Shibi. Your mastery of the Aburame clan's techniques and your ability to remain composed under pressure make you an invaluable asset to any team."

Konohamaru crossed his arms, smirking. "So basically, we're awesome. Got it."

"Modesty, Konohamaru," Hiruzen chided gently, though his smile didn't falter. "Now, I've already prepared your assignments. You'll be meeting your sensei and teammates shortly."

"Wait," Konohamaru said, his grin fading slightly. "Teammates? I thought Shibi and I were gonna be, like, a super duo or something."

Hiruzen chuckled again, shaking his head. "Even the most skilled shinobi need a team, Konohamaru. You'll understand soon enough."

Shibi tilted his head slightly. "I assume the composition of the team was carefully considered based on our abilities and personalities."

"As always," Hiruzen confirmed. "Now, if you're ready, head to Classroom 3. Your sensei and teammates are waiting for you there."

As they left the Hokage's office, Konohamaru's excitement was palpable. He practically bounced down the hallway, his tail swishing with each step.

"This is it, Shibi!" he exclaimed. "Our first real team. Who do you think our sensei's gonna be? Someone super cool, I bet. Maybe even one of the legendary sannin!"

Shibi remained composed, his kikaichū buzzing faintly around him. "Unlikely. The sannin are otherwise engaged. However, I suspect we'll be paired with a jonin whose strengths complement ours."

Konohamaru smirked. "You're always so serious, bug boy. Lighten up! This is gonna be fun."

As they approached the classroom door, Konohamaru paused, his hand hovering over the handle. For a brief moment, he hesitated, his grin softening into something more thoughtful.

"You ready for this, Shibi?" he asked quietly.

Shibi adjusted his sunglasses. "We are as ready as we need to be."

With that, Konohamaru pushed open the door, the next chapter of their journey about to begin.

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🤔 Konohamaru & Shibi: Team Predictions!

. Sasuke Uchiha

. Anko Mitarashi

. Ino Yamaka

. or