KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

In the Sarutobi training grounds as Konohamaru sat cross-legged in the middle of his experiments. Around him, the remains of his earlier trials lay scattered—sticks half-transformed into kunai, rocks that had become imperfect statues, and a jittery leaf clone that was still spinning in circles like an overexcited top.

His big clone, meanwhile, leaned against a tree, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold with mild amusement. The mini-clone, perched on a rock, was furiously scribbling something in the dirt with a tiny stick.

Konohamaru groaned, running a hand through his spiky hair. "Alright, you two, time for a team meeting."

The big clone raised an eyebrow, pushing off the tree. "Let me guess. Another one of your brilliant plans?"

The mini-clone jumped up, his tiny stick clattering to the ground. "Ooh, ooh, is it shuriken practice? Because, uh, spoiler alert—I still suck at throwing stuff."

Konohamaru rolled his eyes. "No, it's not shuriken practice. We need to figure out how to actually work as a team. You guys keep messing up because you're not in sync with me."

The big clone snorted. "Maybe that's because you don't give clear instructions."

The mini-clone hopped down from his rock, pointing a tiny finger at the big clone. "Hey! Don't blame the boss! You're the one who keeps tripping over your own feet during sparring."

The big clone glared, leaning down to the mini-clone's level. "At least I don't scream 'physics!' every time I mess up."

"Physics is important!" the mini-clone shot back, puffing out his tiny chest.

Konohamaru slapped his forehead. "Guys, focus! This is exactly what I'm talking about. If we're going to be a team, we need to stop arguing and start working together."

Both clones looked at him, their expressions skeptical.

"Alright," Konohamaru continued, standing and dusting off his pants. "Here's the plan. We're going to do a mock mission. I'll be the leader, Big Clone will be the muscle, and Mini-Me will be the scout."

The mini-clone saluted. "Scout duty! Got it, boss!"

The big clone crossed his arms again. "And what exactly is the mission?"

Konohamaru grinned, pointing to a tall tree on the far side of the training grounds. At its base was a bright red flag fluttering gently in the breeze.

"We're going to retrieve that flag. But…" He held up a finger. "There's a catch. I'll be defending it."

The mini-clone frowned. "Wait, so… you're the leader and the enemy? Isn't that, like, super confusing?"

"That's the point!" Konohamaru replied, cracking his knuckles. "It's a test of strategy and teamwork. If you can outsmart me and grab the flag, you win. If I stop you, I win."

The big clone smirked. "Sounds easy enough."

Konohamaru's grin widened. "We'll see about that."

The Mission Begins

Konohamaru stood by the tree, the red flag fluttering behind him. He planted his feet firmly, ready for whatever his clones could throw at him.

"Alright, team," the big clone whispered, crouched behind a nearby bush with the mini-clone. "Here's the plan: I'll charge in head-on and distract him. While he's focused on me, you sneak around and grab the flag."

The mini-clone squinted up at him. "That's your plan? Just… run in and hope for the best?"

"It's called brute force," the big clone replied, rolling his shoulders. "Trust me, it works."

The mini-clone sighed. "Fine. But if this goes south, I'm blaming you."

The big clone stood, cracking his knuckles. "Let's do this!"

He charged out of the bush with a battle cry, his footsteps pounding against the ground.

Konohamaru raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Really? That's your plan?"

The big clone lunged, throwing a punch aimed straight at Konohamaru's chest. But Konohamaru sidestepped easily, grabbing the clone's arm and using his momentum to toss him into a nearby pile of leaves.

"Too slow," Konohamaru taunted, brushing off his hands.

Meanwhile, the mini-clone crept around the side, using the tall grass for cover. He reached the base of the tree and grinned. "I've got this," he whispered, grabbing the flag.

But before he could pull it free, Konohamaru appeared behind him in a puff of smoke. "Nice try," he said, grabbing the mini-clone by the back of his vest and lifting him into the air.

"Uh… physics?" the mini-clone squeaked, dangling helplessly.

Konohamaru set the mini-clone down, crossing his arms. "You're both too predictable. If you want to win, you'll need to think outside the box."

The big clone groaned, pulling himself out of the leaves. "Alright, boss. You want outside the box? We'll give you outside the box."

Round Two

This time, the clones huddled together, whispering furiously. Konohamaru watched from a distance, curious but cautious.

Suddenly, the mini-clone darted out, waving his arms wildly. "Hey, over here! Look at me!" he shouted, hopping up and down.

Konohamaru blinked. "What are you doing?"

"Distraction!" the mini-clone yelled, throwing a tiny pebble at him.

As Konohamaru turned to dodge the pebble, the big clone came charging in from the opposite direction, a kunai in hand.

But instead of attacking Konohamaru directly, the big clone threw the kunai… at the flag. The blade sliced through the fabric, sending it fluttering to the ground.

"Got it!" the big clone shouted, scooping up the flag and holding it triumphantly over his head.

Konohamaru stared, stunned. "Okay… I did not see that coming."

The mini-clone ran over, panting. "Told you distraction works!"

The big clone smirked. "Teamwork, baby."

Konohamaru chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. You win this round. But next time, I'm upping the difficulty."

The mini-clone grinned. "Bring it on!"

As the three of them headed back to the center of the training grounds, laughing and teasing each other, Konohamaru couldn't help but feel a spark of pride.

They might not be perfect, but they were getting there.