KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

The afternoon sun hung lazily over the academy training grounds as I stood with my clipboard, observing the students. They were scattered across the field, practicing taijutsu drills and basic ninjutsu forms. A mix of determination and youthful clumsiness filled the air.

For most of them, the academy was a long road to basic competency, let alone the rigors of a Genin squad. But every so often, a pair of students stood out—ones who seemed destined for the life of a shinobi.

The two boys stepped forward, their contrasts as stark as night and day.

Konohamaru, with his ever-present grin, exuded boundless energy. His unique monkey-like tail flicked in excitement as he stretched dramatically, already drawing curious glances from his classmates.

Shibi, on the other hand, was the epitome of calm. His movements were deliberate, his expression hidden behind those signature round sunglasses. Even his kikaichū moved with precision, buzzing softly around him like tiny sentinels.

I crossed my arms, already anticipating something beyond the usual sloppy exchanges of punches and kicks. These two were different.

I gave the signal, and the match began.

Konohamaru was off like a shot, his movements fast and unpredictable. His tail gave him a unique edge, adding an element of misdirection to his attacks. He lunged forward with a punch, but at the last second, his tail swept low, aiming to trip Shibi.

Shibi sidestepped effortlessly, his kikaichū swirling protectively around his legs. His calm composure never wavered as he dodged and blocked each of Konohamaru's attacks.

"Nice dodge!" Konohamaru laughed, spinning around for another strike. His energy was relentless, his punches and kicks coming from all angles.

Shibi, as expected, remained unflustered. He countered Konohamaru's wild attacks with precision, deflecting each strike with minimal movement.

From my vantage point, it was fascinating to watch. Konohamaru's style was chaotic but creative—he thought on his feet, adapting his moves in real time. Shibi, in contrast, was a textbook fighter, relying on efficiency and strategy.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched them. This wasn't a typical academy sparring match. Both boys were displaying a level of skill and instinct that was far beyond their peers.

These two… I thought to myself. They're already operating on a Genin level.

Konohamaru's creativity and sheer determination made him a force to be reckoned with. That tail of his, once a source of amusement among the students, had become a serious tactical advantage.

Shibi, meanwhile, was a master of control. His kikaichū worked seamlessly with his movements, making him almost untouchable. His calm demeanor under pressure was something I'd expect to see in a seasoned shinobi, not a child.

They still had a lot to learn, of course. Konohamaru's energy sometimes worked against him, leaving openings in his defense. Shibi, for all his precision, lacked the improvisational flair that could turn the tide in a chaotic battle.

But the potential was undeniable.

The sparring match ended in a draw when Konohamaru's tail finally managed to trip Shibi—just as Shibi's kikaichū delivered a precise strike to Konohamaru's leg, forcing him to stumble.

"Alright, that's enough!" I called, stepping forward before either of them could continue.

I clapped my hands, drawing their attention. "Good work, both of you. That was some of the best sparring I've seen all week."

Later That Day

As the students filed out of the training grounds, I stayed behind, jotting down notes on my clipboard. My thoughts lingered on Konohamaru and Shibi.

"They're ready," I murmured to myself. "If they were paired with the right squad and sensei, they could handle Genin-level missions."

Of course, it wasn't my decision to make. The Hokage and the council would determine when each student was ready for promotion. But I made a mental note to mention these two during the next evaluation meeting.

With talent like theirs, I thought, watching the last of the students disappear into the distance, they're going to shape the future of this village.