In a certain training ground where Shang is teaching his new team of Genin…

????: Wait for me, Hana…

A young female voice can be heard when a blue puppy comes out from nowhere while being followed by a girl with white hair.

The puppy spots Shang’s group and runs up to them, circling and baking.

????: Hana, you shouldn’t do that.

The white-haired girl quickly picks up the puppy before it causes any trouble.

Upon recognizing Shang’s attire, she quickly bows down and apologizes.

????: I am sorry for my ninken’s behavior, Sensei.

Shang: No, it’s alright,,,,,

Shang’s words are cut off by another female voice which sounds older.

????: Byakko, Have you found your ninken?

Byakko: Sensei!

Byakko waves to the incoming group which consists of Councilor Koharu and other two guys with their own ninken.

Momoko: Ah, Kyoshi! Over here! Over here!

Momoko waves to a guy who is black-haired and carrying a gray puppy.

Shang looks at Momoko and Kyoshi.

Shang’s thoughts: Kuzuryuu Momoko and Inuzuka Kyoshi? Is this fate or coincidence? Best of all, Inzuka Kyoshi is the son of the Inuzuka Clan's head.

Shang then turns to Sakumo who is still swinging his blade.

Shang's thoughts:...I think I will leave him be.

Koharu: I am sorry about my student, Elder. I will give her a stern lecture later.

Shang: It’s alright, Koharu. My team is now having their break time.

Koharu: New team?

Shang: Yeah, they are the new Genin Team I am supposed to lead after my old Team passed the Chunin Tests.

Koharu: I see.

Shang: Are they your new team?

Koharu: No, this is my first time leading a team.

Shang: Eh? First time?

Koharu: That’s right, Elder. Before I can tell you, can we move to someplace private? I don't think our students should know what we are discussing.

Shang:...Someplace private? Oh, Momoko, Duy and Sakumo! Self-practice! I want to see some results when I come back.

Team Shang: Aye, Sensei!

Koharu: Same here for Team Koharu. Should we go now, Elder?

Shang nods.

Somewhere deep in the certain training ground…

Shang: So you're telling me that In order for you guys to understand more about your jobs as councilors, both of you agree to Hiruzen’s suggestion that each of us should experience being a teacher by leading a team of our own.

Koharu: That’s right.

Shang: But I don’t see the point of having members of the same clan as a team.

Koharu: I can’t do anything about it currently. The head of the Inuzaku Clan insisted it by saying that the Inuzaku members should not be separated and they always hunt in packs,

Shang: Did you not bring it up to Hiruzen?

Koharu: I did. Hiruzen told me to bear with it. He is interested to see how the students work together as a team if they are all from the same clan.

Shang: What about Homura?

Koharu: Homura did not have the same problem as me but his team is….

Koharu pauses for a while, trying to come up with a description for Homura’s team.

Shang: What’s wrong with his team?

Koharu: His team is more like a research team than a combat team.

Shang: Research team?

Koharu: Instead of learning ninja skills, the students are more interested in gathering information about them and analyzing them.

Shang: Homura did not complain?

Koharu: No, he didn’t. He is enjoying it and I am jealous.

Koharu shows an annoyed expression.

Shang: Well, I guess he is lucky.

Koharu: Yeah, he is lucky… Elder, are you free tonight?

Shang: Tonight? Who’s asking?

Koharu: Hiruzen. He wants to organize a small drinking party for stress relieving.

Shang: Stress-relieving? Isn’t it better to just give us a long-term vacation?

Koharu: Haha, You know he cannot allow it…. I will see you there, Elder.

Koharu giggles before walking away.

Shang nods.

After Koharu has left, Shang remains there recalling his memories.

Shang’s thoughts: Drinking party…Hope Hiruzen has good sake to share.