We have a month to train for the finals. Sasuke left to train with Kakashi. Naruto has a personal trainer, too. I've seen the two running around a few times. It's the pervy old guy, Jiraiya. Shoji finally healed up, he's going to help Gontei and me with our new abilities.

I'm going to be fighting the Sound that beat Shoji, so I'm going to give him a nice taste of revenge. Kankuro is fighting Shino.

Speaking of Kitty, he's always around. The only time he isn't with me is when I'm training or sleeping. Somehow, he's gained not only Gontei's, but Uncle Sate's trust. So, now he has a key and practically lives with us. He obviously has a blessing from both of them.

I yawn as I walk down the stairs of my home. I sit at the table and go to grab a bagel, but the normal basket filled with bagels isn't in its spot.

"What the hell . . . ?" I mutter to myself.

My outstretched hand hangs in the air. A muffin drops into my palm. I stare at it and then at the person who put it there.

"Kuro-kun, why are you here so early today?" I bite into my muffin.

He smirks at me, "I have a key. I'm allowed anytime." He frowns, "Slow down. Don't inhale your food. It's a wonder you stay so small."

I glare at him. He knows I'm sensitive about my five foot one inches and one-hundred and five pound body. "Shut up."

"Never said it was a bad thing, Fun Size," He comments making me smile. He chuckles at me, "You have muffin in your teeth."

He cleans my teeth with a napkin then pulls me in for a kiss. I still have my muffin in my hand, holding it over the table away from me. Someone steals it from my hand, making me jump away from Kankuro. Gontei holds the muffin, shaking his head.

I smirk, "Sorry, Gontei, he was assaulting me." I point at Kankuro.

He smirks, saying, "I'll show you assault."

I jump down from my stool, and say, "Pervert!" I glance down when I see Kankuro eyeing me. "Hey! That's why I told you not to come before I'm ready. I'm barely clothed!"

My pajamas consist of a cami and boy shorts. I run up the stairs as I hear him say, "No one's complaining."

I take a shower, get dressed for training them come back down. Kankuro and Sate are talking while Gontei eats the remainder of my muffin.

"It sounds like the Sand hasn't changed much since I've been there last." Sate says, serving them breakfast. "You sure are a talented young man, Kankuro. You'll grow up to be a fine Shinobi of the Sand."

Kankuro smirks, "Thanks, sir. That means a lot to me."

I roll my eyes at him, "Don't let him fool you Uncle Sate, he's still the biggest pervert in the land."

My uncle smiles at me, "Well, from what Kankuro's told me, you like that about him."

I look wide eyed at Kankuro, "You aren't supposed to tell him everything."

They laugh as Gontei smiles. I grumble then head out the door. Kankuro follows me.

"Hey, I wasn't done with my breakfast yet."

"Then why are you following me?"

He wraps his arms around my waist and rests his head on my shoulder. "Because I'd much rather hang out with my girlfriend than with her family. Though, your uncle is flattering."

I roll my eyes, "Like you need a bigger ego."

He lets go of me then mutters, "Why are you so grumpy today?"

I glare at him then swirl on my heel and stalk away muttering, "I don't know, maybe I'm pregnant . . ."

He catches me by the wrist and turns me around. His face has blanched. "Who did it? I'll kill the little ass."

I roll my eyes. He knows it wouldn't be him. I never let him get very far in our make-out sessions. "I'm kidding, Kuro-kun. No need to get all worked up."

He obviously isn't listening to me. He's muttering to himself, "It wasn't Sasuke . . . He's been away. Could've been the lazy-ass . . . Heh, but he's probably to lazy to even–"

"KANKURO!" he looks at me. "I was kidding! Damn you don't listen."

The color comes back to his painted face. "Good, I was about to kill the mutt."

I cock an eyebrow at him, "Kiba? Well I guess if I was going to cheat on you he would be a good choice. He's an animal that boy." He glares at me and I chuckle and kiss his nose. "Kidding! Go train, now."

I turn again then head to see my team.

When I get to the training area, I'm not surprised to see Shoji, Gontei, and Oricha Sensei. Though, I am a little surprised to see Gaara leaning against a tree. He's far enough away from them to not need to make small talk, but close enough to let me know that he's here to talk to someone.

"Hey Gaara-kun, what's up?" I ask walking up to him.

His eyes turn to me and he states in his emotionless tone, "Temari wants you to train with us?"

I look at him curiously. Why would Temari send Gaara to ask? Why would Gaara come ask for Temari?

"Ok," I reply, "I'll inform my team, then we can go."

He nods to me, then leaves without me. Take note of the 'we', I think. I tell my team, and they all seem surprised. From the sound of it, Shoji thought Gaara was here to fight me. Oricha and Gontei look like their guesses weren't far from that. I ignore them then head to find Team Baki.

When I'm with the Sand Shinobi I look at Temari.

"Getting jealous of your brother?" I tease.

Temari looks at me strangely but ignores the comment. "Speaking of your lover, where is Kankuro?"

I shrug and look to the both of them. "Well, we'll just start without him then."

We spar, I go against Temari first. I get to her before she can take out her fan and pin her to the ground. I smirk as she mumbles about me cheating. When Gaara and I verse off, I do well for a while, but he drags me to the ground quickly with his sand. I'm crouched down; the sand has wrapped around both my arms and jerked me into this position. The sand is constricting around my arms. Temari's eyes look worried, but she keeps a positive face.

I smile at Gaara, "Good job. You got me, time for a rematch."

The sand stays; it doesn't budge at all. For a split second, I think he's going to kill me, but I can't loose faith in Gaara. I calm myself then stare him in the eye. I wait as he struggles with the beast within him.

Kankuro told her about the jinchuriki. I wasn't surprised; the same thing happened to Naruto. My father helped tame the wild nine-tailed beast. I've known about jinchuriki for a long time.

"Gaara, you can beat it. Don't let the beast control your life!" I whisper fiercely, not moving my eyes form him.

He is clearly surprised that I know. His eyes are wide as he clutches his face, muttering to himself.

My eyes harden. "Gaara beat it! Kill me if that's what it takes, but don't let it control you, damn it!"

Temari is shocked at this comment. She falters, her mouth hanging open.

The sand is beginning to pull harder on my arm. I can feel it popping my wrist out of place. I grunt, it's pulling skin apart. Blood runs down my arm. This isn't helping. At the scent of blood, Gaara seems to go even more insane.

"GAARA-KUN!" I scream desperately.

He looks at me with tamer eyes. My features are set in stone. I want him to beat this. The sand falls lifeless at my legs. I stand, tears streaking my face, but I'm smiling.

"You did it, Gaara-kun!" I don't care that my left wrist is fractured or that I'm bleeding profusely from my right shoulder. I care that Gaara is closer to taking charge of the beast within him.

I run to him and hug him tightly, "I'm so happy for you Gaara-kun!" I'm weeping silently.

He awkwardly puts a hand on my head. "You need to go. You're injured." I nod still smiling while salt water stains my face. "You're a strange girl, aren't you?" he mumbles.

I only beam at him, then head towards the hospital.