They had been training for five days, and while Naruto was willing to admit he'd learned a few things, he was still frustrated.

Ebisu had no trouble reading the signs of frustration in his student. Not that he really needed to rely on signs when it came to Naruto.

"The leaf exercise," Ebisu said.

"Oh come on!" Naruto exploded. Why do I have to do that again?!"

"Because it helps you refine your chakra control." Ebisu answered patiently. He had given him the exact same answer the last twenty times he'd complained.

"I thought you were supposed to help me get ready for the finals."

Ebisu nodded. "That is precisely what I am doing Naruto."

"How is anything you've taught me supposed to help me in the finals? I mean lifting a leaf using my chakra, yeah that's real useful. Making regular bushins? Well I could have used that six months ago but what good does it do me when I can make kage bushins? Water walking might actually be useful some day but unless we're having the finals on a lake it doesn't help me now. So would good is all this supposed to do me?"

Ebisu let out a sigh. "Tell me Naruto, how does a baby learn to walk?"

"Say what?" Naruto gawked at the man wondering if he had somehow misheard. "How the heck should I know? I don't know anything about babies,"

"Think about it Naruto, do you think a baby would be able to just immediately get up and begin walking?"

Naruto frowned and gave it some thought. "I guess not. I suppose they'd have to start crawling first."

Ebisu nodded. "That's correct. Before we walk we have to crawl. That is essentially what you are doing right now. I know a number of advanced techniques that I can teach you, but they would be useless until you possess the necessary amount of chakra control." Ebisu decided not to mention the fact that after six months as an active Genin he should already have had much better chakra control. What exactly did Kakashi teach this boy in all that time?

With the words, 'advanced techniques' Naruto's interest was suddenly peaked. "Are these combat techniques you're going to show me?"

"Oh yes, depending on your type I have a number of very effective jutsus that I can teach you."

Naruto frowned. "What do you mean my type?"

"Well, every person's chakra has an affinity to one of the five elements. Certain rare individuals can have an affinity for two or more. Now once you have gained the necessary skill you will be able to work jutsus of all five elements; fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning. However you will always be able to do more with jutsus centered on your own element."

Naruto looked confused. "I don't get it."

"Well, maybe it would be easier for me to just show you." He began working some hand signs. "Earth Dragon Missile." The ground immediately began to shake. Out of the ground about fifty feet away what looked like a dragon made of dirt and rock leapt up about twenty feet into the air before crashing back down again.

"Whoah!" Naruto said excitedly.

"Now watch carefully Naruto." He performed some more hand signs. "Water Dragon Missile." From out of the pond another dragon leapt into the air, this one noticeably larger, it rose perhaps fifty feet before crashing back down into the pond and sending out a huge spray.

"All right!" Naruto cheered enthusiastically. He was already thinking about using these jutsus on a certain mopey dark haired teme.

"Now, did you notice any difference between the jutsus I just used?"

"Well yeah, the water one was a lot bigger."

Ebisu nodded. "That's right, but I used the same amount of chakra for both."

"You did? Then why was the other one so much bigger?"

"Because I am a water type. That means I have a natural affinity for water jutsu. If I am using a water jutsu I need only about half as much chakra to perform it as someone of a different type would. Alternately, I can use the same amount of chakra and get about twice as powerful an effect. One of the reasons the Uchiha were so feared was because they were such strong fire types they were able to use fire jutsus at only a third or a fourth the normal cost of chakra. That meant in combat they were able to use three or four times as many fire jutsus or make them three or four times more powerful. A very useful advantage."

Naruto nodded, his eyes glazing over. "So does that mean I'll be able to do that to?"

"Well probably not to the same extent, but yes. Of course, that's only if you're a fire type." Ebisu explained.

"So how do I find out what type I am?" Naruto asked excitedly. He was imagining himself spitting out massive fireballs the way he'd seen Sasuke do."

"There's a test, and I'll give it to you, buy not until I think you're ready. Now the leaf exercise please."

Naruto groaned but put a leaf in his hand. Using his chakra he made it slowly lift into the air.

XXXXXXXXXX

The following day Naruto arrived at training ground 14 right at 7 a.m. he and Ebisu had agreed to work twelve hours until seven at night, with just a short lunch break. On Sundays they would knock off at five to let him get ready to see Hinata. Ebisu was already there waiting for him and ready to go. Naruto was enjoying the change of having a sensei actually show up on time.

Ebisu motioned to him to come over and held a piece of blank paper. "Good morning Naruto, I hope you had a good night's sleep and a nice breakfast because we will be very busy today."

"Hey I'm ready!" Naruto gave him an eager smile. He usually had plenty of energy and today was no exception.

"I am very happy to hear that Naruto because as of right now I will begin teaching you the jutsus and techniques that you will use in the finals."

"You mean no more wasting time with chakra control?"

Ebisu frowned a bit. "Nothing we have done so far has been a waste Naruto. We had to set the foundation before we could build on it. But yes, we are done focusing on chakra control, though we will continue to try and improve it."

"Cool! So teach me something!" Naruto was actually jumping up and down he was so excited. Jutsus, jutsus, jutsus… The thought ran through his brain. This was what he'd been dying for since leaving the academy. The chance to finally learn some cool new jutsus that he could actually use in a fight.

"I will, but first I want you to take this and focus some of your chakra into it." He handed Naruto a slip of paper.

"What's this for?"

"This is so we can find out what your elemental affinity is. This is a special paper made from trees that were grown using chakra. When you focus your chakra into that paper it will reveal your type, if you are a fire type the paper will burn, water it will get soaked, wind it will tear in half, lightning it will wrinkle, and if you are an earth type it will crumble away."

Naruto excitedly focused his chakra into the paper. It immediately split in two.

"Well now, it looks like you're a wind type, that's interesting."

"Aw man," Naruto felt disappointed. "I really wanted to be a fire type like teme."

"Actually Naruto, being a wind type is far better." Ebisu said.

"You're just saying that."

Ebisu shook his head. "No, there are more than a few fire types in Konoha. But so far as I know there is only one other wind type. That means you will have an automatic advantage as most people who face a Leaf nin won't expect him to be using wind based jutsus. Add to that wind jutsus are actually the most effective for long and medium range attacks." He gave Naruto a sly smile. "I don't know as many wind jutsus as I do water or fire, but the ones I do know are very effective. For instance, how would you like to be able to blow down a tree at a hundred yards?"

Naruto's eyes grew into saucers. "You can teach me that?"

Ebisu nodded. "I certainly can, now listen closely Naruto. We only have a little over three weeks left before the finals. I am going to do everything I can to help you become a Chunin. Now because we have limited time I need you to give me complete and total effort every minute we are training together. And to give you your best chance I want you to promise to keep everything I teach you secret until after the finals. And that's for everyone including your sensei, your friends, and Hinata."

Naruto nodded his head vigorously. "I'll do just as you say sensei, and that's a promise."

"All right, then lets get started. This will be your first wind based jutsu…"

Naruto spent the rest of the day learning new attack jutsus and getting them down. The two of them actually worked non stop for twelve hours, somehow they forgot about lunch.

XXXXXXXXXX

That evening in Sarutobi's office Kakashi felt like he had been caught doing something wrong, though he wasn't sure what.

"Am I in trouble?" Kakashi asked.

Sarutobi eyed him calmly from behind his desk. "No, but I did think we should have a conversation about your student's training."

Kakashi gave a big smile from beneath his mask. "Oh there's nothing to worry about there. Sasuke is making great progress. I'll definitely have him ready for the finals."

Sarutobi frowned hearing that answer. "Actually I was referring to one of your other students, Naruto."

"Oh, I see, I take it this has to do with my decision to concentrate on training Sasuke while having Ebisu help Naruto."

Sarutobi nodded. "Why are you only training Sasuke in preparation for the exams?"

He felt like squirming under Sarutobi's calm stare. "There are two reasons really. Sasuke has been targeted by Orochimaru. I want to stay near him just in case there's another attempt to either kill or kidnap him."

Sarutobi raised an eyebrow. "You would still be present if you were training them both."

Kakashi scratched the back of his neck. "True, but having Naruto there might make the situation more dangerous and I wouldn't want him unnecessarily put in harm's way."

Sarutobi just did not accept that. A ninja's life involved being in danger after all. If Kakashi were really that worried about another attempt he could have asked for additional ANBU support. "Indeed, and what is your second reason?"

"Well, having seen what Gaara did to Lee I've decided Sasuke will need all my time in order to prepare for his match and to give him the best chance to win. He is a lot like me and I think I can get him ready, but only if I put everything into it. The truth is if Naruto was there it would take away time from Sasuke and the end result might be Sasuke's defeat or even his death."

Sarutobi was forced to nod his agreement. It was not fair to Naruto, but Sarutobi had to admit that there was a certain hard logic to it. Sasuke was the last, 'true' Uchiha and as such he was a special treasure of the village. He had to be given the best possible chance to not just survive but triumph. "I can understand, and so you arranged for Ebisu to train Naruto instead?"

"That's right."

"And what arrangements did you make for Sakura?"

Kakashi blinked. "Excuse me?"

Sarutobi frowned at him. "Haruno Sakura, your third student. Though she did not reach the finals she does still remain your responsibility. She cannot perform any missions while her two teammates are committed to training only. I presume you arranged for some one to see to her training as well."

Kakashi looked a bit embarrassed. "Well, actually… she sort of slipped my mind."

"Slipped your mind?" Sarutobi echoed.

"Well I was busy planning Sasuke's training and arranging for new security measures and then I had to track down Ebisu and get him to agree to take in Naruto. I ah, just sort of forgot about her while I was taking care of everything else."

"I see," Sarutobi shook his head. "Well right Hinata's training has been taken over by her father. It should be easy enough to integrate Sakura onto team eight for just a short time."

Kakashi nodded in relief. "Great, was there anything else?"

"Kakashi I would like you to answer me one question. What have you taught your students up until the Chunin exams?"

"What?"

"I want you to tell me specifically what jutsus or techniques you have taught your students in six months as their instructor."

"Well I mostly work on team building exercises and let them spar with each other a bit. I try and encourage them to find their own way and be self reliant." Kakashi said.

"Self reliance and team building are fine lessons, but if they are to truly survive on dangerous missions they will still need greater skills. What jutsus or techniques have you taught them? Be specific Kakashi."

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "I taught them how to walk up trees."

Sarutobi waited. "And?"

"Well technically that's the only technique I showed them."

Sarutobi stared at him in honest wonder. Six months and he only taught them a single technique and no jutsus? And the only reason he is making an effort now with Sasuke is due to fear of his opponent. Considering these facts Sarutobi was left with no choice but to reach a very depressing conclusion. He is unfit to be a Jonin sensei. He let out a depressed sigh.

"Kakashi, I realize I was the one who convinced you to take on a team rather than remain in the black ops. But perhaps I made a mistake."

Kakashi suddenly stood up straight. "What do you mean by that Hokage-sama?"

"Kakashi, let us be honest. The fact is you have failed in your duty as a sensei. All three of your students are woefully unprepared. There is no shame in admitting that some people are not cut out for teaching and preparing others. Perhaps it would be for the best if you were returned to the ANBU once these exams are complete."

"Hokage-sama please reconsider," he said worriedly. "I admit that perhaps I have been too lax as their instructor. I was used to leading ANBU after all and I admit I didn't really understand how different leading a squad of Genin would be. But the truth is I care about my students, and I give you my word I will work much harder in instructing them. Please do not take my team away from me."

Sarutobi looked at him and thought it over. "I will consider it and reach no final decision until the exams are complete. After all one or both of them may be promoted, which would alter the situation." He let out another small sigh. "Very well Kakashi you can go."