KONOHAMARU SHIPPUDEN

Konohamaru's train of thought was interrupted by the high-pitched buzz of a mosquito near his ear. He slapped at it, only for another to take its place.

"What the—?!" he exclaimed, leaping to his feet and swatting at the swarm.

The training ground was suddenly alive with mosquitoes, their relentless buzzing filling the air.

"Who didn't clean out their water barrels?!" he yelled, spinning in circles as he tried to avoid the onslaught.

His tail whipped around, swatting several mosquitoes out of the air, but it wasn't enough.

"I can't sleep in my hammock with these bloodsuckers everywhere!" he groaned, stomping off toward the Sarutobi compound.

As he reached his room, Konohamaru flopped onto his bed, exhausted.

"

"

"

He groaned, burying his face deeper into his pillow. Last night's mosquito ambush was still fresh in his mind, some mosquito got in and the itch on his neck was a not-so-gentle reminder.

"Stupid bugs," he muttered, scratching lazily.

A sharp knock on the door jolted him awake.

"Konohamaru!" Ebisu's voice called from outside. "Get ready! Today's your first mission as Genin. Don't keep your team waiting."

Konohamaru stretched, yawning as his tail flicked against the sheets. "Alright, alright! I'm coming!"

He dressed quickly, tying his hitai-ate securely around his arm before grabbing his pouch. His thoughts wandered as he descended the stairs. He already had a good idea of what the mission would be—after all, D-rank missions in this village were notoriously mundane.

It's probably cutting grass or walking some rich guy's dog, he thought

By the time Konohamaru arrived at the training ground, Shibi and Sai were already waiting. Shibi stood with his hands clasped behind his back. Sai was seated cross-legged looking at a flower.

"Morning," Konohamaru greeted, his voice calm as he adjusted the strap of his pouch.

Sai glanced up briefly. "Good morning, Konohamaru. Did you resolve your mosquito problem?"

Konohamaru blinked. "How'd you know about that?"

Sai shrugged, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You scratched your neck three times in the last minute. The logical conclusion was that mosquitoes disrupted your sleep."

Shibi tilted his head. "The increase in mosquito activity suggests stagnant water nearby. I can assist in locating the source later."

Konohamaru chuckled. "You guys are too observant for your own good."

Before the conversation could continue, Ebisu appeared, clipboard in hand. His posture was as rigid as ever, his glasses reflecting the sunlight.

"Team Ebisu," he began, his tone formal. "Today marks the start of your duties as Genin. Your first mission…" He paused for dramatic effect.

Konohamaru raised an eyebrow. Here it comes.

"…is a D-rank task. You will assist with lawn maintenance at the Daimyō's secondary residence on the outskirts of Konoha."

Sai tilted his head. "Lawn maintenance?"

"Cutting grass," Shibi clarified, his tone neutral.

Ebisu adjusted his glasses. "Exactly. This mission will teach you the value of discipline and hard work. Remember, no task is beneath a true shinobi."

Konohamaru shrugged. "Works for me. Let's get to it."

Ebisu blinked, clearly expecting more resistance. "No complaints?"

"Nah," Konohamaru replied, his tail swishing lazily. "It's just cutting grass. Not exactly life-threatening."

Shibi nodded. "A straightforward task. Efficient completion will minimize time wastage."

Sai closed his notebook and stood. "Shall we proceed, then?"

Ebisu straightened, clearly pleased with their attitude. "Good. Follow me."

The estate was sprawling, with manicured gardens, tall hedges, and vast expanses of grass that sparkled with morning dew. The grass, however, was overgrown in several areas, evidence of neglect.

Konohamaru took in the sight, hands on his hips. "Wow, this place is huge. No wonder they need help."

Ebisu handed each of them a pair of shears. "Your tools. Divide the area into sections and work efficiently. And remember, attention to detail is key. The Daimyō expects perfection."

Shibi immediately analyzed the layout, dividing the grounds into three equal parts. "I will take the northern section. Sai, the eastern. Konohamaru, the western. Ebisu-sensei can oversee the southern edge."

"Works for me," Konohamaru said, spinning the shears playfully before heading to his assigned area.

Konohamaru crouched low, his tail flicking as he carefully trimmed the grass. The repetitive motion gave him time to think. He remembered similar tasks in his past life—chores he'd grumbled about endlessly as Bob Kimura.

"At least this time, I'm getting paid for it," he muttered, grinning to himself.

A high-pitched buzz interrupted his thoughts, and he froze. Another mosquito? No… This was louder.

He turned his head slowly and saw a swarm of kikaichū hovering nearby.

"Shibi," Konohamaru called, his voice calm. "You sent your bugs to spy on me, didn't you?"

Shibi's voice floated over from the northern section. "Merely ensuring you're staying on task."

Konohamaru chuckled, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable."

Sai worked methodically, his movements precise as he trimmed the grass. Occasionally, he paused to sketch a particularly interesting pattern in the blades or the way sunlight filtered through the trees.

"Efficiency is key," he murmured, echoing Shibi's earlier words.

As the sun climbed higher, the team regrouped near the center of the estate, their tools resting at their sides.

"Not bad," Konohamaru said, surveying their work. "Looks way better than when we got here."

Ebisu appeared, inspecting their sections with a critical eye. After a long pause, he nodded. "Acceptable work. The Daimyō will be pleased."

Sai tilted his head. "Acceptable? Is that your version of praise, Ebisu-sensei?"

Ebisu adjusted his glasses. "Let's just say it's a solid start. But don't get complacent. There are more missions ahead."

Konohamaru smirked, his tail swishing. "Bring 'em on."

As they walked back to the village, Konohamaru's thoughts drifted to the mosquitoes.

"Hey, Shibi," he said, nudging his friend. "About those bugs last night—think you can help me out?"

Shibi nodded. "I will analyze the environment near your training ground. We should eliminate the source to prevent further disturbances."

Konohamaru grinned. "You're the best, Shibi."

Sai chimed in, his tone as neutral as ever. "Perhaps I can sketch a diagram of the affected area for reference."

Konohamaru laughed, slinging an arm around Sai's shoulder. "You guys are way too serious, but I appreciate it."