Neji could not help but feel incredibly shy as he sat across from Mika in the Dumpling shop. The boy was pretty enough, doll like but possessing a vast aura of strength and potency. The kind that you could sort of always feel, like a radiator in reverse, waves of cold energy. He knew the boy's chakra levels were around average, hard earned at that. Yet the feeling remained. The other boy was strong, a fierce fighter and utterly ruthless when it came down to it. And yet, Neji knew despite knowing he was stronger than Mika technically, Mika still unnerved him. Especially in this moment.

So much so, that Neji struggled to not twitch and shift after the boy ordered his pork dumplings.

Turning back to him, Mika's smile was something that startled Neji even more. "So, any changes in your life? I mean all we usually talk about is the Hyuuga clan and training. How's Lee, and that Tenten girl you mentioned."

Finding an easy topic, he dived into it. "Lee is good, he is starting to learn an Ace he calls the Gates. Tenten is learning how to quick seal and unseal items into a scroll."

Mika's Jaw seemed to be scrapping the ground. "The Gates? Is your sensei mad?"

"That's debatable... what are these Gates?"

"The Gates are infinitely powerful powerups that can result in death or severe physical damage. They are not to be trifled with. I had to study them with for medical training." He shivered, startling Neji. "The Gates can result in immense power, rivaling or surpassing Lord Hokage but the result is death."

Neji could not help his own shiver this time. "That is terrifying...I guess it's time for me to find my own ace. Something I have seen while sparring with you, with Hinata, is I am a very rigid fighter. I need something more diverse. Any suggestions?"

Their dumplings came and Mika all but devoured three in quick succession before he said. "Why not mix elemental chakra into your style. I mean, you could use Earth chakra to amp up your defense, you are kind of soft." Neji cringed, not denying that. Mika had knocked him out three times, when he used his full jack of all trade style combat method. "And poking people with any elemental chakra would be devastating."

"Huh, you really make a good point... I am an Earth type, I could work with that..."

"I would love to help you. I have been training in Water style personally."

And just like that, Neji found himself a friend for life in Mika and knew he would be better with him.

::

Hinata cried out. "I am a water use, like Mika." In her hand, the wet paper fell onto the ground. "How do I start, Mika?"

"Grab a leaf, and extract it's water. Neji, you have to crumble the water with your chakra. It can take a long time to learn...but we'll manage. I am sure we'll get it done far faster than anyone would imagine otherwise. I wanna learn this so my water jutsu can get stronger, but also use less chakra. I plan on using Earth chakra so my Mud Clones can be more effective."

Both Hyuuga's nodded, with Neji asking. "I'd like learning Earth Clones."

"I'll show you, they're really easy to learn. We can practice for an hour or so, then move to taijutsu training."

They both agreed and knew they their powers would continue to grow as time went on.

None of them felt left behind as they were once before, and that was everything.

"I cannot wait to see who we become in a few months." Hinata muttered. "The people we are, when we are more ourselves."

"""

Two Months after Graduating.

Mika was in tears, why? Shin was why, his perfect buddy had finally done something so beautiful that it left Mika breathless. They had been training, playing get the Ninja, where Shin would tackle and scratch at dummies with treats hidden in their clothes. He had been doing great, this was his fourth time playing the game. All was well, Neji and Hinata were praising his little man when a little, childish voice echoed in Mika's mind as clear as glass.

'Daddy, Daddy I did it.'

Mika froze, eyes wide. "What? Who said that?"

Shin leaped into his arms, purring and meowing. 'Me, Daddy, me!' He bunted Mika's face, and Mika knew who it was.

"Shin, you... you can talk to me!" He kissed the brat's face, over and over again. "My beautiful buddy, you amaze me, you know that? We are to kick so much ninja ass." He froze. "Wait, Shin, now that you can talk, you just need to pass Hana's command, maze and combat tests. You should be able to use chakra to walk on water, climb surfaces and attack. We can go into battle together... are you ready for that, buddy?"

Shin nodded, licking his chin. 'Always.'

"""

Three Months After Graduation- Two months Later

"Ahh, Mika, Shin." The Hokage said as Mika and Shin walked into the Mission's Office. The man, old and weary, looked at him with excitement. Naruto was there, alongside Sasuke, Sakura and who he assumed was the head of their team. A tall grey haired man with one eye covered. "It is good that you've arrived. I have a C rank mission to offer you."

Mika nodded, but before he could speak, Naruto pipped up. "Why him, he has no team and what's with the kitty?"

"Shin's my Nekko Nin, and I have already done a C rank. With Kiba's mother, Tsume actually and my sensei Ibiki." He turned back to the Hokage. "How may I serve you, Lord Hokage?"

The man smiled. "Team Seven here is on their way to the Land of Waves, watching over a bridge builder as he wanders home. You are a skilled combatant, I think you would be a great addition to this mission. As would Shin, I heard he just passed his tests to be allowed on missions."

"His nose is sharp, his claws sharper. He is an efficient tracker and a great fighter. Even Ibiki finds him to be a worthy adversary."

"Hahaha, I am sure. Now, this is Kakashi Hatake. He will be your jonin commander for this mission."

Mika bowed to the grey haired man. "It is an honor to work with you."

"Same, kid. Meet up at the Gates in one hour."

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

This was a joyous chapter.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.