I almost deleted this tale but I realized that I really wanted to finish it. I have so many dreams, but panic set in. I am trying, really trying.
Nine and a half years until Naruto graduates
The moment he entered the Leaf village, Mika hurried to the graveyard. From more than cold he shivered, looking at his father's grave, the place was in the civilian section away from anyone that might have cared for the bastard. The man's evil, it seemed to seep through the ground, filling the air with his vile presence. "May you rest in the hell I put you in." Mika started. " I am excelling without you. You are nothing, a miserable memory, one I will never allow to harm me anymore." He laughed, a cold sound. "I am a powerful jonin level ninja, all at fourteen! My path is set, I will rise to greatness, to be a Sanin and you will remain dead, stuck in hell for your crimes. No one but me will remember you."
Standing, he strode away, peace filling his heart as he hurried onward to the Hokage's office. The man was waiting for him, looking at him with his traditional peaceful stare. "You look stronger, your chakra is leagues greater. A touch higher than my son Asuma's, actually. I am impressed, young man. According to Chiriku's and the Daimyo's tales, you served most fervently, protecting and training and serving as a healer. You have an open invitation should our situation become less dire."
"I am most honored, I might take them up on it... or I would had my goals had changed. I still wish to become Hokage."
The Hokage nodded, puffing out a long line of smoke. "I can believe that. You have grown to incredible strength over a short time. I give you a few years until you are strong enoughl... and to be true, that is partially why you were called back. You see, I have grown old... and soon, one day, I will need a replacement." Mika's eyes grew wide. "Yes, you are a candidate... or rather you will be. I have decided that, since you show promise, you will be trained to take my spot should I be killed or die from age or illness. Should you accept it, you will take the Heir apparent position, and train to take up my mantle."
Mika bowed. "I would be honored, Lord Hokage... and I will take all you teach me to heart."
"I am sure you will, which is why you were chosen." He sighed, and Mika saw the sheer relief on Hiruzen's face. The burden of Hokage had aged him ten years in the last two, his chakra was weaker, his body thinner, his eyes dimmer. "I need relief, and this village needs a strong leader." He started to cry suddenly and Mika was stunned, before he could reach out for comfort, the Hokage said something haunting. "Orochimaru was discovered experimenting on children, to give them Wood release. He was successful, he always was, but it cost dozens their lives. I chased him out, but I could not take his life... I failed... I cannot in good conscious allow my mistakes to continue to endanger the Leaf.
In truth, this is why you were sent home, to take up my mantle, and ensure that this does not happen again. I have a three year plan to make you Hokage, that includes you helping me with paperwork, taking over parts of my duties and of course training with me and my guards to put you in the best position to lead."
Mika frowned here. "Why not Kakashi or Jiraiya? Even I heard of Kakashi's meteoric rise to power? Or Shisui, who is likely already S rank?"
"It was deemed that an Uchiha was what caused the Kyuubi attack..."Mika froze here, eyes wide."...And Kakashi is unstable, broken and raw. You are strong, unmatched by your peers and on your way to true greatness. You remind me of Tsunade and the good once in Orochimaru, you are basically the Second Hokage with more Compassion. Youa are literally my only option, but still are a good option to have. Now, shall we?" The Man sighed. "The village's position is unstable, in ways so few could ever know... I need you to help me right my wrongs. We can start with the Uchiha, there are talks to fix our ties."
Sighing, Mika nodded. "That seems a good a place to start as any. I have some suggestions but I need to know more."
"And you will, as time goes on. We start now!"
And so, Mika's one time errant comment solidified his path to Kageship...
Something he never could have seen coming.
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a joy to write.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.
