I loved writing this, it was a blast to write. I love what it brings for the story.

The Land of Tea still happens, so there is a gap between This chapter and Sasuke's Defection.

For the rest of the walk back to the Leaf, which took about two weeks, Mika and Hinata went over their sealing knowledge. Tsunade at some point said. "You do learn fast, not many can pick up sealing at all."

Hinata smiled. "We try."

When they reached the Leaf, and separated from their allies, a now fully healed Mika and Hinata hurried to the library. They all but dived into the Sealing section, only to find disappointment as the Librarian said.

"You need to be at least Chunin to have access to Sealing Scrolls. I am sorry to say that, I have heard of your combined voracious desire to learn."

Pouting, they hurried away, irritated and annoyed.

For the next week or so, when they were not sparring or going over Sealing info, they were helping the village patch itself up with D ranks. It took some time, but the village was starting to look almost normal. A sense of pride filled the place, and even the two pseudo siblings felt that pride.

To keep busy, they both decided to learn not only their element but also a solid clone. Mika was an earth type, and Hinata a water type. There were no Water clones in the village, beyond what Naruto mentioned Kakashi knew, so they instead learned Earthen clones. The raw potential of a clone was everything, and it would turn the tide of any and all battles they were in. It took them three days to master the Earth Clone jutsu, and another two days to get a grip on replacing them with their real selves. Mika could make three clones safely, and Hinata could make a dozen due to her Hyuuga blood.

Soon, they were both called into the Hokage's office, where they saw Shikamaru as well as many other familiar faces including all of the proctors of the Chunin exams, His own sensei was there, as well as Kurenai and Asuma. It was an odd feeling, the pride he felt welling in his heart.

Tsunade walked into the room, smirking. "As I told you two, Mika and Hinata, I would look at your records. Finally had enough time to look over the reports of the Chunin Exams. Not only the battles themselves but what happened after as well. And I've come to the conclusion that out of your age group, the three of you are the only ones who are suitable for the promotion. " She paused to collect herself then continued. "The truth is that Konoha suffered great losses during the Invasion. We cannot dawdle and baby you, because if any Village wants to exploit our recent vulnerability, not trying to restock our ranks will give them the perfect opportunity to do so. There were many that suggested to not promote any of you at all, given the interruption... that being said, all three of you were recommend by the Third and every single proctor.

Shikamaru, you managed to outsmart your opponent entirely, completely showcasing that despite having the second lowest scores in the academy, that your mind is sharp and your strategic powers are incredible. Some even say unparalleled, in your year at least.

Mika, you easily and swiftly destroyed Naruto and adapted to his powers easily. Hinata, you created two moves, two incredible moves, one of which I have seen in person. Both of you fought Kabuto, and nearly killed him despite his remarkable powers." Mika felt and saw the looks of shock in a variety of the faces around him. They knew of Kabuto's skills it seemed. "Mika and Hinata, you also both saved dozens in the invasion, killing over sixty enemy ninja. That shows you have the skills and mind to be Chunin. Your fight with Kabuto suggests you might be Low jonin in some areas, I would say your teamwork could easily rival a low jonin.

No, I cannot keep you three as Genin. So from this moment on, I hereby promote you to chunin!"

Mika bowed low, as did Hinata. "You honor us, Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade smirked. "As for our other conversation... Shikamaru, you and Asuma are dismissed."

Shikamaru's eyes widened, his mind clearly moving a million miles an hour. "You're promoting them to ANBU, aren't you?'

She sighed. "Maybe, it is not your business any way. Now go."

The boy left, looking at Mika and Hinata as he walked out, startled by the merest suggestion.

As they turned back to Lady Tsunade, Mika saw her smirking. "So, do you really want ANBU?"

Mika and Hinata both nodded, and the moment they did that, something sharp hit his neck and he fell into shadows.

Only to wake up in a metallic area, with a massive false forest in it's center. It was large, round and had a glass ceiling. A woman with purple hair was looking at them, her face covered in a cat mask. "I am Cat, and I will be training you for the time being. Your training will last three to six months, and when it ends, you will both be put into ANBU in a working capacity. There are a great many things you must learn, such as masking your scent, situational awareness, stealth and swordplay. We will turn you both into something incredible. However, you will also both be working as regular chunin, so expect a variety of missions and personal training.

I expect hard work, constantly, are we clear? I will not waste resources on you, or anyone."

Mika and Hinata, who was next to him, stood and nodded. "Yes, Ma'am!"

"Good... now... we will begin with an assessment, it is clear you are both far more skilled than we realized. Let's see where your skills actually lie. Starting with taijutsu, Mika you first. Come at me!"

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.