My tester chapter for a few things...

Thoughts?

A Month after Graduation

Weeks passed and soon it was one month after graduation and Mika felt himself change considerably. He had always had wiry muscles, but now they held real power courtesy of his working with Ibiki. He was more graceful than ever, smarter, more focused. His chakra levels were almost fifteen percent higher. He also had more D ranks than any of his classmates given he helped at TI every other day.

He had learned the Hell's viewing, False and Double False surroundings and the Chameleon genjutsus. He had learned Earth clones like Ibiki told him he would, as well as The Underground Fish Technique and the Fireball Jutsu ( Though he could only use the most minor version of that trick). Mika had also discovered that he was a Water Type, and so learned the Water Trumpet Jutsu. He had also managed to learn how to sense chakra better via meditation, AND learned how to use his chakra to sense injuries with the basic non healing version of the Mystic Palm thanks to Ibiki and Hana's help.

They were all really, really hard, but in the Wise words of Ibiki- "You can never be too prepared, always learn more."

His sword skills were considerably better with live targets, as was his senbon throwing skills. However it was his taijutsu that really boosted, he was stronger and faster with more skill than he knew what to do with. Hinata and Neji were far more skilled at Taijutsu but he was catching up.

Overall Mika was becoming something of a jack of all trades, and damn it if he didn't love it.

Shin was changing a ton as well, mostly through walks around the village, bigger games of fetch and more. Shin had become far bigger, almost four pounds and five inches longer. He was obeying Mika's orders, fetch, come, home and so on. Hana said he would be ready for combat training soon. That could not come soon enough for Mika...

Hinata was just as improved, fighting with Mika and Neji daily allowed her skills to sharpen, and become frightening. Even Neji admitted she was not far off from him at that point. Especially now that she started to train with Hana three days a week as a tracker, fighter and healer. Her strength was increasing, her speed and flexibility flat out overcame Neji entirely. She also learned the Earth Clones from Mika, as did Neji who softly asked Mika to do so.

Neji was also making huge changes... and not all in his skills.

The best example was after the first week Mika met Neji.

Mika dodged Neji's strike, grabbing and bending the boy's wrist before kicking him away. Panting, knowing that both Hyuugas had better stamina, Mika shook his head. "I can't continue."

Limping lightly, Neji hurried over. "Come to the tree, your chakra levels are approaching exhaustion." Neji grabbed Mika's arm and helped him limp over to the tree.

Just in time for a green clad boy to pop up. "YOSH! WHO IS THIS NEW FRIEND NEJI?"

Mika cringed, throwing a senbon at the boy. Neji sighed. "Mika, this is my friend and teammate Lee."

Lee froze, allowing the needle to pierce his arm. "Friend? I thought you hated me..."

Neji sighed again. "Hinata, my cousin, helped me... she... frankly, beat my ass. I grew up. I am trying to be a better person. You always were better than me, Lee, as a person."

Sniffling, Lee bolted over, hugging Neji. "You are my friend to, Neji!" He turned. "Nice to meet you, Mika!" He offered a hand Mika shook.

"It is nice to meet you, Lee. Care to let me see you spar Neji, I wonder how good you are. Neji mentioned you are learning the Strong Fist. I've read on that style, it sounds amazing."

"YOSH! I'd love to show you. Come on, Neji!"

It really was nice to see Neji being happy, though Mika had yet to really get to know him, knowing Neji's past Mika felt a kinship.. and so he vowed to spend time with Neji. Which was why, after one Month, he asked Neji something after they all finished playing with Shin.

"Neji... wanna go get something to eat?"

Neji, who was petting Shin, froze and turned Beet Red. "Why?"

"I just wanted to get to know you. I'd like to be your friend, not just your sparring partner." What Mika did not say was that he found Neji's long hair pretty, and the boy's changed attitude and patience kind of endearing... maybe, they could be friends. Usually Mika was too busy to even consider things, but maybe...

"That... that sounds good. I would like that. Where to?"

"Do you like Dumplings?"

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

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.