This chapter is what really changes things for me, and made me love this story.
Mika's body ached, everywhere... he felt like he was ready to collapse and have to crawl home. Then, to his surprise, Yugao started to patch him up with green chakra. "How do you do that?"
She smiled, warm as the summer sun. "I could teach you. It is hard, but the Mystic palm is a vital technique... actually, why don't we arrange for you to learn from the hospital One days where I cannot help you, or when Aoba is with his department. It would give you a vital skill, one that will allow you the means to grow in our village and matter quite a bit." She tipped her head to the side, curious. "There is a lot you can do with that path, it would actually make it easier to join ANBU in fact."
"ANBU?"
"Anatomy, advanced chakra control, and a variety of other factors would make you a shoe in. I know they are are always looking for more candidates. You have a skill for being a ninja, but I think that you aren't getting enough help to really thrive."
He nodded, slowly, considering her words. "I have no idea how to make myself a good enough candidate."
She smirked. "I know many ANBU members, impress me and I will set you up for success..." She cringed. "Based on what you said about your team, you won't be able to or allowed to enter the Chunin exams. I cannot see the Hokage allowing that."
"I figured as much." he sighed. "I hate how lazy they are, entitled, pathetic. I just need more from them, too much for them to give."
That made her cringe. "Listen... you need to be thirteen to join ANBU, when is that?"
"November Second."
"That is in five months. If you can gain enough skill, to show me and those in ANBU that you are worthy, than you could likely enter the organization." her tone was earnest, and he knew she meant it.
But did he want that? To lose proof of his skill, to possibly die in obscurity...
'On the other hand, I get a fuck ton of training, better missions and the chance to make an impressive mark on history from the Shadows.' The answer came easily. "I would like that, I think."
"So be it. I will set things up at the hospital. It will take a few days to get the paperwork through. You'll work there three days a week, with me the other three. Aoba or yourself for the rest. It will be exhausting, but I am sure you can manage."
He gulped, realizing the raw dedication this would have to take. "I think so, as well... no matter how hard it will be."
""'
The Next Day
"What do you mean you two will be leaving?" Mika barked at Ami, who looked at him with disgust.
She raised her hand, showing her broken nails. "I am tired of this! I shouldn't be expected to do such filthy work. Fuka agrees, Sasuke isn't worth picking up trash and other crap!" She turned to Aoba, who sighed. "We already put in our two weeks."
The man nodded. "I got the report this morning. Mika, I sort of figured this would happen, it's partially why I set you up with Yugao... our team will be dissolved in three days... remember, I can read minds in battle or effort, I saw this as a possibility in them. Not that I knew it would happen so soon, but still."
Mika actually groaned. "Thank you... so what happens now?"
"Now, you will be doing your D ranks in the hospital, or through joining another team for a day. This is for the best, sadly." And Aoba meant it, hating that his team was to fade so fast, but that is what happened to Dead teams. They either died, or they dissolved... his just went for option two.
He hated that this is what happened, but alas, he had no real choice.
'I am just glad we gave Mika a better path, as he at least takes being a ninja seriously.' Turning to Mika he smiled. "We got you into the hosptial starting in two more days, just stick around until then... and then show the world what you can do, okay?"
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a joy to write.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.