This is short but It is me telling you that I am not giving up on this. I am in the middle of med increases for my OCD, which made it harder to commit to stories. I am getting better, and it is showing with my reduced issues with writing and commiting to my work.

I am love you all for staying with me as I worked on myself.

Thank you.

P.S. I am thinking of writing from Naruto's POV more often, to try it out.

Check out my Next Sanin story plz.

Naruto moved, using the stances that Shizune had taught him with her clones. He was stunned to notice such a huge difference in just two days of reading on the scrolls and working with her in the hospital.

Shizune, who was watching with warm eyes, clapped for him. "So much improvement, you really have a talent Naruto!" She cheered for him, making him blush.

He had never had anyone for him, not like this. "You're not going to throw me down a cliff are you?" The words slipped past his lips, faster than he could stop them.

She paused, her eyes cold. "Did Jiriaya do that?"

"To get me to control the Kyuubi's chakra, yeah."

She shivered, killer intent exploding from her in waves that left Naruto terrified. "That... son of a bitch, I will be reporting him to Tsunade!" She turned and kneeled. "Naruto, Jinchuuriki or not, his actions were inexcusible. You deserve better, always."

He smiled, warm and wet. "I am starting to get that..."

"Now, let's work on your throwing skills, I want you to hit those targets dead center. I think in three months we can get you to Chunin level, but only if you are working hard as you are now. We can get you there so fast if you work hard."

"I promise I will work by ass off!"

She giggled, giving him the look he always imagined a mother giving him. Warm and one of pure love mixed with exasperation. "I bet you will... how... let's get your throwing skills up, they are pivitol to ninja combat. In a week, you'll start to throw them at my shadow clones, that will do you real good. And on the water, to build your control and reserves up."

Naruto frowned. "Why can't I use Shadow Clones? I mean you said it could kill me now."

"OH that, Naruto... Shadow clones use a lot of spiritual chakra, to create a balanced being that can share it's memories once it's dispelled. Your chakra before was so physical and reliant on the power of the Fox, it could overcome that need by raw power. You were forcing that jutsu, but now you can't force it. You have more than enough physicla chakra, but no where near enough spiritual. However, I did the math, if you studies continue for the next month you should be able to create one clone and use that to help you train. You see Shadow clones share memories, so it's like you are doing a training session two times!"

Naruto beamed. "So studying really is going to help...' He blushed. "I am sorry I doubted you... um... can I learn how to heal?" She gaped. "I can't heal like before, you right? Like the nurses said that when I was in the hospital, I overheard them. I think that learning to heal would keep me safer, since I can't... can't rely on the power of the Fox."

She pulled him into the biggest hug. " You are using that big brain of yours, Of course you can learn. Let's get your chakra control up first, then we can get you into healing. Kay?"

He nodded. "Awesome... thank you, for everything, Shizune."

"Anytime..."

"""

In his apartment, Naruto meditated, focusing on the rythm of his breathing. He hated meditation, but Shizune told him it would help him a lot and he trusted her. He loved her, in a way he never loved before. No one, ever, had cared for him like that before. He wanted her to be his actual permanent Sensei, maybe even his mom...

"No, that's not possible!" Naruto shook his head. "She would never consider that." He smirked. "I know a word like Consider, those dictionary study sessions are working." He felt so smart, and that made him so proud. "I will make you proud too, Shizune Sensei."

And he vowed it, deep in his soul, to impress the first person to show him real love...

By any means.

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

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.