AN: for those of you who have been begging for longer chapters, I give you this. Don't get used to it though, it's really cause I couldn't find a good stopping point.

x-X-x

Chapter 22: One Month

Sakura pulled back after a moment, once she realized that Naruto was rigid, "Naruto? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Sakura asked.

"I…I uh, thought you didn't like me…and…" Naruto said, staring at Sakura, his expression unchanging.

Sakura grinned, "Well, you've been wrong before," Sakura said.

Naruto grinned widely, "So this is real?" he asked.

"I hope so," Sakura said before kissing Naruto again, but this time Naruto didn't stay rigid and returned the kiss.

"Oh my god! What are you doing?" came a voice from the trees.

Naruto and Sakura pulled apart instantly and began looking around for the owner of the voice, they both had an idea of who it was, "Will you come out of hiding?" Naruto asked as he tried, and failed, to get to his feet.

In response Ino hopped out of the tree, "Tell me I didn't see that," she said with a wicked grin on her face.

"Why are you here?" Sakura asked as she got to her feet feeling very embarrassed.

"Looking for Naruto. Tsunade-sama wants to see him, and he wasn't at home," Ino said.

"How'd you know I was here?" Naruto asked as Sakura helped him to his feet.

"I didn't, we were told to split up and find you," Ino said annoyed at the questions.

The sun had finally appeared and Ino and Sakura helped Naruto walk out of the training ground. Though his cuts and wounds were gone, he was nearly out of both chakra and stamina, walking was a task.

"So, was that the first kiss?" Ino asked looking at the other two, her wicked grin back.

Both Naruto and Sakura blushed, "uh, Ino, is there anyway this could stay off the front page?" Naruto asked.

"Why, trying to get someone with a smaller forehead?" Ino asked.

"It's none of your business Ino-pig. So it's not up to you to go announcing it everywhere," Sakura said before looking forward again.

Naruto looked at her, then at Ino, "Why does Granny want me?" Naruto asked.

"Hell if I know, Shikamaru told me to help find you," Ino said as she, too, turned to look forward.

Naruto stopped walking. It took Ino and Sakura a step to realize and they almost fell. "I can make it, it's okay," Naruto said.

Sakura just looked at him, Ino shrugged and let go of his arm, "suit yourself. I'll go let Tsunade-sama know you're coming," Ino said and darted off towards Hokage tower.

"Naruto, you could barely stand," Sakura said.

"Yeah, but I'm okay now, trust me, I can walk," Naruto said.

Sakura didn't move for a moment, then finally let go of Naruto. He smiled at her and started walking towards Hokage tower, although slowly. Sakura stayed at his side, ready incase he lost balance, 'why is he so stubborn? Why won't he let me help him?'

"Whatever Granny wants me to do, it's important. Important enough that I take time out of my month of training, and important enough that I risk injuring myself bad enough to not do the third test. If it's that important, I don't want her changing her mind because I'm hurt," Naruto said.

Sakura looked at him, "what are you talking about? You're barely walking! If she has a mission, you can't do it!" Sakura said.

"Don't tell her I'm injured. I have to train and get my control back, whatever she wants could help with that," Naruto said.

Sakura stopped walking and let Naruto pass her by, "Naruto…" Sakura said watching him go.

Naruto stopped too, "I really don't know what made you kiss me back there. But if you don't want me to, I won't tell anyone. We can pretend it didn't happen… if that's what you want," Naruto said over his shoulder, not trusting himself to turn around.

After a moment Naruto started walking again and Sakura just watched him go. 'Does, does he really think that I didn't mean it back there, or that I regret it?' Argh! He is so stupid! Why does he have to be such a stupid person?

x-X-x

Naruto knocked and slowly entered Tsunade's office. He was sure to hide his pain, he didn't want Tsunade to think he was injured and give the mission to someone else. Whatever it was, she wanted him to do it, and he was determined to. "You wanted to see me Granny Tsunade?" Naruto said standing in front of her desk.

"Yes, I apologize for it being so early, but this news just came to my attention, and it's vital you know of it too," Tsunade said.

Naruto's eyebrows rose, firstly, she didn't yell at him for calling her Granny, and he was the first to hear this information after her. What was going on? "What is it? Why is it so important I hear about it so fast?" Naruto asked.

"You have to hear about it because it has to do with you. Apparently the fight you had with Kyuubi altered your chakra capacity," Tsunade said.

"Oh, that. Kakashi-sensei told me yesterday," Naruto said relaxing.

"He did? Well then, you know full well why I'm taking you out of the third test then," Tsunade said calmly.

"WHAT? You can't do that! You said yourself I was allowed to do it! That it was special circumstances! What the Hell?" Naruto yelled.

Once he had stopped his assault on her ears Tsunade stood up and leaned forward over her desk, "you have zero control. In order to get it back to a safe and manageable point, more than a month is required. That is why you are being removed," Tsunade said blandly.

"But I've already remastered tree climbing! And today I'm going to start water walking. After that, Kakashi-sensei said my control will be at a manageable point. It won't be complete control, but it won't be dangerous either," Naruto said.

"Really?" Tsunade asked sitting back down, "how long does Kakashi give you to master it?" Tsunade asked.

"He gave me five days for both, so four left," Naruto said.

Tsunade nodded, "if you haven't mastered water walking by the end of the fourth day, you'll have to wait till the next exam," Tsunade said.

Naruto nodded, "No problem, midnight the fifth day, I can do it. I bet I can master it in one day too," Naruto said with a smile.

"Its sundown the fifth day, not midnight. If at sundown on…" Tsunade paused a moment, "Friday, you don't have water walking mastered, you don't take the exams. That still gives me time to finalize the order before the week is out, which is when the elders want it to happen," Tsunade said.

Naruto's shoulders slumped a little, 'sundown? I didn't remaster tree climbing until nearly sunrise. But that was in one day, I bet I can do this in one day too,' Naruto nodded to Tsunade and turned to leave. He was halfway through his turn when his legs decided they've had enough and gave out. Naruto fell to the side with a slight shriek.

"Naruto!" Tsunade yelled running up to him, "are you okay?" She asked.

"Guess my legs still want to be in bed," Naruto said with a grin.

But Tsunade didn't buy it, now that she got a good look at him she could see what condition he was in. no doubt Sakura healed his wounds, but the marks where still there. "You've been up all night tree climbing haven't you? You just mastered it before you got the word I wanted to see you," Tsunade said.

Naruto sighed and nodded, "yeah. But it still only took one day," Naruto said in an attempt to lighted the heavy mood. It didn't work.

"You'll kill yourself like this, especially in water walking. You could've died in the night, being there alone. I have no choice about this Naruto," Tsunade said getting up and pulling Naruto to his feet, "I have to order you to rest the rest of today," Tsunade said.

"WHAT? But that'll only give me three days to get water walking!" Naruto yelled right in Tsunade's ear.

"IT'S YOU FALT! You could have rested at night like everyone else! This is your penalty for being an idiot!" Tsunade yelled back. "And I want someone there while you practice water walking. Doesn't matter who, but when they want to leave, you have to also," Tsunade said.

"Doesn't matter who?" Naruto asked.

"As long as it's not Jiraiya," Tsunade said with a slight grin.

'Damnit! How did she know I was thinking about having him watch?' "Why not him?" Naruto asked, his irritation apparent.

"Because he'll fall asleep while you're training and not tell you. He also might leave without your knowledge to peak at women," Tsunade said walking back to her desk.

'Yup, exactly why I wanted to choose him. Damnit. Guess I have to deal with Kakashi,' "There's no way I can talk you into letting me train today is there?" he asked.

"No, not until nightfall, and I don't thing you want to train in the shorter parts of the day. There's less time and people to watch," Tsunade said with a slight grin.

Naruto's shoulders slumped again and he made his way out of the office. He headed off to his apartment, hopefully after a short sleep he'd have energy enough to eat. Or at least work on his concentration, which he'd also have to regain because of killing the Kyuubi, 'damn fox. Constant trouble in life, pain in the ass in death.'

Naruto got home and collapsed onto his bed. He didn't even bother taking his dirty cloths off. He just walked up to his bed and fell forward. After what seemed like seconds he was shaken awake. He looked around groggily, 'still in bed, and something shaking me…Oh crap! Someone's in my house!' Naruto though in fear.

Instantly the tiredness that seconds earlier flooded Naruto's body was replaced by undeniable fear. He jumped up and away from the direction he sensed the person to be in and had a kunai in his hand by the time he landed. He was breathing heavily in fear and didn't recognize the face of the person right away.

"Sakura? What are you doing here? How did you get in?" Naruto asked as he started to put his Kunai away.

"Your door was unlocked. And I wanted to know what Tsunade-sensei wanted to see you about. When I asked all she told me was that it wasn't a mission and was for you to tell who you wanted," Sakura said.

"All she said was what Kakashi told me about my chakra. But she also said that if I don't master water walking by sundown Friday, I can't take the third exam," Naruto said as he got off his bed, Sakura just watched him walk out of the room.

"Naruto that's not fair! She can't do that to you!" Sakura said chasing after him.

She found him in the kitchen where it looked like he was starting to make two bowls of ramen, "Don't worry, it only took one day to relearn tree climbing and that took weeks to learn in the first place. It took me two days to get water walking last time, three days is nothing," Naruto said as he worked on the food.

"Um, Naruto Friday is four days away," Sakura said walking up behind him.

"Yeah, but because Granny found out I was up all night training, she ordered me to take today off. And to be sure it won't happen again she wants someone there to watch me train so I don't over do it again," Naruto said as if it were nothing important.

"I'd like to say I agree with her, but I don't know if you can make it in three days," Sakura said as she started to help him.

"Come on, I did it before," Naruto said with a big grin.

"Kyuubi probably helped you last time," Sakura said right away.

"Oh, right, forgot about that…" Naruto said his grin vanishing and stopping. Then he realized he stopped and continued what he was doing.

"Why is she only giving you until Friday?" Sakura asked.

"She said the elders want her to remove me by the end of the week. That's why I only have till sundown, it gives her time to file the work before midnight," Naruto said putting the ramen into two bowls.

"And if you do it she can probably argue that you're safe now," Sakura said following Naruto to the table.

"Yeah, the elders love me now. It's like I'm some long lost hero or something," Naruto said setting the ramen down and sitting down, Sakura following in suit.

"But, then why are they making Tsunade-sensei remove you from the exams?" Sakura asked.

"They care more for the village than me. And I'd have to agree," Naruto said as he began eating.

Sakura smiled and started eating too, "I don't," she said.

Naruto looked up at her shocked at her statement, "Sakura, what…" Naruto asked.

"Naruto, I meant what I did this morning. I love you, and I don't care who knows it," Sakura said with a slight blush.

"Sakura…" Naruto said. His ramen, for once in his life, sat forgotten in front of him.

"What? Is something wrong?" her blush vanished, as did the slight smile she had when she spoke, "do you… I-I'm sorry, I thought you still… I'm sorry," Sakura said, rushing to get up and leave.

Naruto wasn't completely sure what was going on until after she had passed him heading to the door. He rushed after and caught her wrist as she opened the door, "Sakura, wait," he said as he pulled her back and spun her around, "I never thought, I mean… Sakura, yes, I still, and always have…" Naruto was looking for the word, desperately trying to find how to say it, but he didn't have to. Just like that morning, Sakura didn't wait for him to finish before kissing him.

When they finally pulled apart Naruto smiled at Sakura, "I guess killing Kyuubi was a better idea than I originally though," He said and Sakura laughed.

x-X-x

Friday afternoon and Naruto was getting desperate. Sakura had volunteered to watch over Naruto while he trained, but he had made very little progress. Anyone would make the argument that she was being more of a distraction that a help, but Naruto and Sakura both knew it to be false.

Sakura didn't know why, she just knew that he wasn't distracted at all by her presence. Naruto, of course, knew the reason why. It was because he wanted to prove to her that he was just as good as he always said.

And thus we are brought to Friday afternoon. Four hours away from sundown and Naruto wasn't doing as well as he said he would be. He had spent the rest of Tuesday with Sakura and Wednesday started water walking. When Sakura called it quits on Wednesday and Thursday Naruto had walked her home then went to his own apartment to work on concentration.

Naruto had put much more time and effort into mastering water walking this time over than he did last time, but he was still a day over the last time. Sakura was right, Kyuubi helped him master it last time. Naruto was getting about five steps out before falling in.

Sakura was starting to get worried, if Naruto didn't get it soon, he'll lose his chance to be a chuunin, and the elders might not ever see him as a special case again. This could be his last chance. Three hours until sundown and Naruto was finally staying on the water. Naruto made his way back to land and up to a smiling Sakura.

"You did it! And with three hours left," Sakura said with a smile.

"I'm not done yet. Now we got to go to the river," Naruto said picking his cloths up.

"Wait, why?" Sakura asked grabbing her bag.

"Moving water is different. It always changes. When I can do that, then I've mastered it," Naruto said.

"But, if it took you this long for calm water…" Sakura said slowing down.

Naruto turned to her and smiled, "that was the hard part. Now I've gotten the concept back, it may take me a bit, but I'll make it by sundown," Naruto said.

Sakura nodded and ran to catch up to him. They made it to the river and Naruto started again. He managed to last rather long each time, but he always ended up losing his balance in the current and falling.

After an hour and a half Sakura decided to give Naruto some motivation. So, she walked to the other side of the river and began cooking dinner. If anything could get Naruto motivated, it was hunger.

Though he could easily swim across, he knew better, Sakura wouldn't let him have any unless he could walk across to her. Her idea worked in the sense that it got Naruto motivated, but the smell of the food also served as a distraction. The setting sun served as an enemy as it got closer and closer to the edge of the earth. As the last light of the sun was beginning to vanish Tsunade arrived at the river.

"Alright Naruto, I'll give you three tries. If you make it across on any of the three I'll let you take the third test," Tsunade said.

Naruto nodded, "three tries, got it," he said.

Naruto focused chakra to the bottom of his feet and stepped out onto the water. He battled with the current a bit, and managed to make it halfway before falling over into the river. He went back to the bank with Tsunade, "That's one," she said with a slightly sad expression.

Naruto nodded and stated over again. This time he made it about three quarters across before losing to the current. He went back to the bank with Tsunade who remained silent and started again, 'this is it. If I get this now, I can be a chuunin, if not…no, I'll make it,' Naruto thought.

Naruto took his first step onto the river and made his way across. He stopped halfway and tried to keep his balance, both Tsunade and Sakura watching unblinking. He managed to keep his balance and continued forward and mere feet from the opposite bank he stopped to keep his balance again.

He started to fall to his side but managed to get chakra to his hand and catch himself. Naruto got back to his feet and quickly covered the last few steps to the other side.

"Naruto you made it!" Sakura yelled grabbing him in a hug and kissing him.

Tsunade watched the two and smiled, "I was wondering when this would happen," she said, both Naruto and Sakura blushed, "anyway, you managed it so you can compete Naruto," Tsunade said.

"ALRIGHT!" Naruto yelled jumping and throwing his fist into the air.

Tsunade managed to hold back her laughter as she spoke again, "I want you to keep working on your control for the rest of the month. You managed to get past the point of immediate danger, but with your history of chakra control we can never be too safe," Tsunade said. Naruto nodded his understanding and Tsunade left.

"I suppose you want to celebrate?" Sakura asked with a smile.

"No, we can save the celebrations until after I'm a chuunin. For now, let's eat," Naruto said with a wide grin. As he started towards the food.

Sakura laughed as she followed Naruto over to the dinner she had previously made.

x-X-x

The next day Naruto woke to a knock on his door. He grudgingly got up and answered it to see Sakura staring at him with her brow crinkled, "Sakura, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked.

"Kakashi-sensei wants to meet us at the bridge. He's already there! Why are you still sleeping?" Sakura demanded.

"I didn't know! No one told me!" Naruto said running back into his apartment to get dressed.

He threw cloths on and ran out the door, Sakura taking a moment to realize he was gone, closed his door and took off after him. they arrived at the bridge to see Kakashi and Sasuke waiting, Sasuke with his forehead protector back signifying that he was a ninja again.

"Hey, Sasuke, you're a ninja again. But I though you were going to be a chuunin," Naruto said upon noticing the absence of a chuunin jacket.

"I am, I just don't wear the jacket. Actually, not many chuunin do, and even some jounin don't," Sasuke said with the air of knowing everything.

"Yes, well, now that we're all here, back together and ninja again, we're going to start training again," Kakashi said.

"What are you going to have us do?" Sasuke asked.

"This will mainly be beneficiary for Naruto, seeing as how he has the third test in less than a month," Kakashi said.

"Is this what you wanted me to do before?" Sasuke asked.

"Mostly. I've changed it now that Sakura will be joining us," Kakashi said as he started to walk towards the training area, his three students behind him.

"What are we going to be doing?" Naruto asked.

"Simple. We are going to start with combat training. Naruto, you can only use taijutsu. We," Kakashi signaled Sasuke, Sakura and himself, "will use taijutsu and ninjutsu. We won't move on until you beat all of us one on one," Kakashi said.

Naruto's jaw dropped, "only taijutsu?" this is gunna kill me," Naruto said.

"You should be used to it by now," Sasuke said as he got in a fighting pose.

"Whenever you're ready," Kakashi said and the two charged at each other.

x-X-x

Just short of a month later Naruto found himself in the stadium for the chuunin exams along with the Cloud ninjas, the Grave ninjas, and Konohamaru's team. 'This'll be fun,' Naruto thought.

x-X-x

AN: hope you all enjoyed the length of the chapter, and sorry for the lack of action, but this was more for the relationship between Naruto and Sakura, as you could tell.

Also, I'm gunna apologize now for any lacking romance that has, or will come up, I'm not good in writing it. Sorry.