Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Ok, since you all reviewed so good, I included some lemon goodness for you. Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I got a crappy cold just before Thanksgiving, then I had to go back to work, with crappy cold (yuck). But anyway, here it is :)

Chapter 20 : Time to Fight!

Thoughts

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Sakura laid in her bed unable to sleep. Tomorrow would be the day that would decide everything. Her thoughts were filled with worry and doubt. What if she couldn't beat him? What if she was too weak? What would happen to Kakashi and her? She shut her eyes tight, trying to rid herself of those thoughts. Everything would be fine, it had to be. She had trained harder than ever over the last week, and this time she had Kakashi to help.

"Flashback"

Sakura jumped into the air, narrowly dodging his oncoming attack. Panting heavily, she braced herself on a branch for support. She slid to her left, just as a kunai flew by, barely missing her head. She reached into her pouch and brought out her own kunai, just in time to block another attack. Suddenly, he was behind her, the tip of his blade pressing against her throat.

"Your dead." Kakashi's husky voice came from behind her. Her removed his weapon from her neck and returned it to his side. "You have to be faster if you want to beat Sasuke."

Sakura wiped sweat from her brow. "We've been at this for hours." She continued to breath heavily. "I'm tired, and I need a break."

"We can break once you've gotten it right." Kakashi raised his voice slightly. "Now lets do it again."

Sakura gritted her teeth in irritation. "No. We've been working like this every day from dawn till dusk."

"You have to be prepared." Kakashi was practically yelling. His voice was filled with desperation. "The week they gave you is almost up, and your still not ready to face Sasuke."

Sakura threw her arms in the air. "I can't work with you dictating to me." She glared at him, her temper reaching it's peak.

"Hey guys?" Naruto called from the base of the tree.

"WHAT" Sakura and Kakashi yelled in unison.

Naruto flinched back at the sudden redirection of hostility. "I was just thinking....maybe the two of you should take a break, then Sakura could spar with me for a while...." He nervously rubbed the back of his head. "You know... give you guys a chance to cool down."

Sakura jumped down from the tree, landing gracefully on her feet. "Sounds good to me." She looked over her shoulder to cast a final glare at Kakashi.

Casually, Kakashi pulled his Ichi Ichi from his pocket, and leaned against the tree. "Whatever..... Forgive me for caring about you."

"End of Flashback"

And thats how it went for the rest of the week. They would train, then fight till Naruto broke them up. But, no matter how heated things would get, they always made up by the end of the night.

Sakura shifted her weight slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position. A strong, warm arm, slipped around her waist, pulling her tightly against a well muscled chest. Kakashi gently laid his lips on her soft, delicate neck. He kissed his way along her throat and up to her ear. "Your should to be sleeping. You have a big day tomorrow."

Sakura rolled over so she was facing him. "I know. I just can't get my brain to calm down." She snuggled in closer to his warmth.

Kakashi brought his free arm up to her face, and gently brushed aside some stray hairs. "Are you still worried about the fight?" Sakura nodded into his chest. Kakashi kissed her softly on the head. "Don't be. I know you'll do fine. Now, get some sleep."

Sakura tilted her face up to look at him. She could just make out his features in the dim light. She bit her lip, and gave him a mischievous grin, "But I'm not sleepy." She sensually ran her hand across his bare chest. "And I was kind of hoping we could do...something else." She let her hand slip farther down his chest to his lower region.

Purposefully, she began messaging his member threw his shorts. Kakashi let out a throaty growl.

She leaned in, her hot breath searing his skin, her lips resting lightly on his ear. "Whats the matter? Don't you like what I'm doing?" She slipped her hand under his shorts, and captured his fully erect shaft. Her hand delicately wrapped around him, and began slowly pumping.

Kakashi stiffened, and another moan escaped his lips. Sakura smiled to herself, pleased that she could tease him, as he so often teased her. He bucked upwards trying to quicken her pace, but she kept it painfully slow. "Sakura" His words were a plea.

Sakura released his member, much to his dissatisfaction, and in one quick movement she was sitting over him. She kissed a path down his muscled chest, inching her way farther down his body. She reached the edge of his shorts, and began pulling them down. She made slow work of her task, loving the desperate look on the copy nins face.

After discarding his clothing, she laid her lips on his thigh, and began slowly kissing upwards. Quickly, she claimed his manhood with her mouth. Kakashi threw back his head, enjoying the feel of her warm mouth surrounding him. She caressed his member with her tongue, while her mouth slid up and down around his length. Her teeth lightly grazed his sensitive flesh, sending shivers down his spine.

Kakashi let out another series of moans, as Sakura continued to pleasure him. He reached down letting his fingers trace the soft lacy fabric of her night shirt. He cupped her breast through the fabric causing her to moan into him. He couldn't take it anymore. "Sakura, I need you, now."

Sakura slowly lifted herself away from him, and crawled back up his body, laying soft kisses on his chest. Kakashi's hand slid down her thigh, his fingers hooked around her panties, slipping them off.

Sakura positioned herself above him, and slowly lowered her heated center onto his throbbing member. She moaned out in bliss, as he filled her aching core. Slowly she began to move, rocking her hips back and forth. Beads of sweat formed on her brow, and she threw her head back in pleasure. Kakashi gripped Sakura's hips, and began thrusting himself deeper inside her.

She raked her nails down his chest, as the build up inside her became too much. Kakashi began thrusting faster as he felt Sakura's walls tightening around him. With one final thrust, Kakashi exploded into ecstasy, sending Sakura over the edge with him. The night air was filled with moans, as both lovers met their release.

Breathing heavily, Sakura slid off Kakashi and onto the bed beside him. She snuggled deeply into his chest, as he folded his arms around her back.

"Now go to sleep." He half chuckled as he kissed her forehead.

Sakura let out a long exaggerated yawn. "Sure." She fanned her hand over her mouth. "Cause now I'm sleepy." She grinned wildly, before placing a soft goodnight kiss on his lips.

Kakashi pulled the blanket up around their shoulders. "Sleep. You have a busy day tomorrow." Sakura nodded compliantly.

"Kakashi..." She was almost asleep, her voice just above a whisper.

"Huh?" His voice was quiet, also on the verge of sleep.

"I love you...." Her words trailed off, as she drifted into restful sleep, not hearing his response.

"I love you too.....more than my own life." He tightened his arms around her, as he joined her in a dreamless sleep.

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By the time Sakura and Kakashi made it to the exam field, half of Konoha was already there. Shinobi and civilian alike were gathered, anxiously awaiting the upcoming battle.

"Kakashi" Sakura huffed. "I knew you were going to make us late." Sakura began forcing her way through the crowd.

Suddenly, an ANBU member appeared beside them. His dark spiky hair sticking out behind his white mask. "Your not late. They're just a little excited. So troublesome." Immediately the crowd parted, releasing who was standing amongst them. Hushed whispers whipped around them as people turned their heads to stare.

"Shikamaru. What are you doing here?" Sakura followed behind him as he lead them through the crowd.

He answered without turning around. "Tsunade wanted to make sure I found you." They broke through the mass, and into the clearing. "The Elders will be arriving shortly."

Then, just ten feet away from where they stood, the crowd parted and Tsunade emerged, flanked on either side by the council members. Following closely behind them was Sasuke Uchiha. At the sight of him, Sakura's temper instantly flared. He was the reason she was here in the first place. If he hadn't lied to the council, she could be living happily ever after with Kakashi.

She ground her teeth together, and clinched her fists painfully tight. Unknowingly, she took a step in his direction, but firm hands held her in place. "Wait Sakura. Save it for the match." Kakashi's voice was calm, he hid his rage well.

Together, with Shikamaru on her left, and Kakashi on her right, they walked towards the center of the clearing, and the council. Sakura's breathing became faster as they neared their destination.

Kakashi squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Remember your training." He whispered in her ear. "You can't win if you lose your cool. So stay calm. Don't let him get to you."

"Right" Sakura nodded her head. Across the way she could see the elders watching. Sasuke's expression caught her attention. He was obviously uncomfortable with the pairs close proximity. Sakura smiled, she'd really piss him off.

She grabbed Kakashi's shoulder and spun around so she was facing him. Jumping up, she wrapped her legs around his torso, and pressed her lips to his mask covered ones.

Gasps and mummers exploded around them, as everyone took in the scene before them. Gently, Kakashi tried to pry her off, but she held tight. "Sakura, I'm not really sure this is the place for this."

Sakura pulled back, but didn't let go. "But this may be the last time I am allowed to do this." Again, she pressed her lips to his, and this time, he wrapped his arms around her deepening the kiss.

"Tsunade, do something." One member of the council pleaded.

Another added. "This is highly inappropriate."

In an attempt to hide her laughter, Tsunade loudly cleared her throat. "Ok you two that's enough."

Unwillingly, Sakura unwound herself from Kakashi, and walked the few remaining feet to stand before the people who had decided her fate.

When she was standing in front of them, the female elder spoke. "Sakura Haruno. You are here today because you and Kakashi Hatake, are accused of having and inappropriate student - teacher relationship." She raised her hand to silence any protest. "Normally, there would be no question to our judgment. However, since Lady Tsunade assures us that this is a unique situation that isn't likely to be repeated, we are granting you this exception."

When she was finished speaking, the male elder approached. "But we can not ignore the claim that has been made against you personally. Today you will have to prove yourself before the council, and all of these witnesses." He motioned towards Sasuke. "His claim is that you made your way through your early training, not by skill, but in trade for sexual favors."

Sakura ground her teeth harder, but she remained silent.

The council woman spoke again. "However, you are entitled to defend yourself against such accusations. If you win, you will have proven his claim false, and be allowed to continue your relationship with Kakashi Hatake, as well as being awarded the status of jounin."

All around them the crowd was charged with anticipation. "However, if you fail." The male elder cut in. "You will both be stripped of your positions as village Shinobi, and further punished as the council sees fit." Once again whispers circulated through the gathered audience.

"So Sakura, do you accept the terms of this offer." Tsunade spoke to her apprentice.

"Do I have a choice?" Sakura's tone was sarcastic.

Tsunade shook her head. "Not really."

"Then I accept." Sakura stepped forward leaving Kakashi standing alone.

"Alright then, let begin." Tsunade motioned with her hand, and several ANBU members emerged and began controlling the crowd.

"I'm sorry, but if you are not a village Shinobi, you will have to leave." The black ops members began to disburse the mass. "All Shinobi present, please relocate to a safe 100 yard viewing distance."

Several members of the crowd began to complain. "Thats not fair." "We have a right to watch too."

Tsunade stepped forward, casting a killer stare on those who opposed her. "This is not a civilian matter. Now leave, before I get really pissed off." They didn't have to be told twice. Everyone turned and fled, as the Shinobi took to the surrounding trees.

Soon there were only four people remaining on the field, Sakura, Kakashi, Tsunade and Sasuke. Sakura looked up at Kakashi. "You better get going. The sooner I kick his butt, the sooner we can leave."

Kakashi ran his hand through her short pink locks. "I'll be waiting for you." He gave her a chaste kiss, before disappearing in the trees.

Tsunade smiled and turned to face Sakura. "Good luck." She looked over her shoulder at Sasuke. "Try not to die." She spit the words at him. Then she turned back towards Sakura, patted her arm, and joined the others in the trees.

Finally, it was just the two of them. Sasuke eyed her up and down, a confident grin on his face. "Why don't you give up this charade. You know you can't beat me."

Sakura stretched her neck from side to side, rolling her shoulders, the way boxers do before a big fight. "We'll just have to see about that. Because I'm not giving up without a fight."

"Hn." He smirked at her. "Then I'll try not to damage you too badly. After all, I wouldn't want ruin that pretty face of yours. I need you to look good for our wedding."

Sakura began charging chakra in her palm. "I. Will. Never. Marry. You!" She slammed her hand into the ground splitting it wide open.

Sasuke jumped into the air, easily evading her attack. "Your so predictable." He taunted her. "Beating you will be so easy, I won't even have to activate my sharingan."

"Big mistake." Sakura threw herself at him, fist aimed at his face. He blocked, and landed a powerful kick to her stomach, sending her flying across the field. Sakura slowly recovered, standing on shaky legs.

Sasuke made his way over to her. "Face it, your just not as strong as me." He reached out and stroked her cheek, his eyes mocking her. "Are you ready to give up yet?"

"Never." She swung her leg around, almost connecting her kick. He caught her leg just before impact and used it to throw her like a rag doll. Her back slammed into a nearby tree, and she landed face first onto the hard ground.

Sakura pushed herself up from the dirt. Pain shot threw her body as she attempted to stand. Wincing, she grabbed her side. Damn it. I think he broke a rib. She took a deep breath. Ok, It's time to end this. She brought the back of her hand across her mouth, wiping away a small amount of blood. "Is that the best you can do?"

Sasuke cocked his head to the side, as he approached. Sakura jumped back and removed several kunai from her side pouch. She began throwing wildly, and Sasuke easily maneuvered out of range. She threw two more, and they hit several feet away from him sticking firmly in the ground.

Sasuke took several steps forward, standing in the ring of fallen kunai. "Thats pathetic. You didn't even come close." Sasuke stood completely calm before her.

Sakura smiled, and adjusted her gloves. "Actually, I'm dead on." She charged chakra to her palm once more and slammed her fist into the ground. Sasuke jumped into the air, avoiding the chunks of rock that shattered from the earth. Sakura just grinned bigger. "Gotcha!"

"What?" Confused, Sasuke looked around him, activating his sharingan. Only then did he notice the chakra strings that surrounded him. Everywhere Sakura had thrown a kunai, a faint chakra thread extended from the ground to her. Now, they were connected to the boulder sized rocks that floated around him. What he had originally mistaken for poor aim, was actually perfect planning, and he had fallen right into her trap.

"Flashback"

"You'll never beat him using straight forward attacks. You have to out smart him." Kakashi massaged her shoulders after a long day of training. "You have the superior strength and chakra control, use that to your advantage. Let him think he has the upper hand, then strike."

"End Flashback"

Sasuke realized his mistake too late. Using all her remaining strength, Sakura pulled on the attached threads bringing the boulders crashing to the ground, with Sasuke caught between them. Sakura dropped to her knees, exhausted. As the dust settled, Sakura knew it was over. Sasuke lay defeated on the ground, she had won.

The hyper active ninja was the first to come into view. He was jumping and shouting, as the others followed swiftly behind. "Alright Sakura! You did it!"

Sakura smiled and shook her head, that's typical Naruto. Slowly, she rose to her feet, and looked around. They were several hundred yards from their starting point. She hadn't realized they had covered so much ground, no wonder the others were so far away. Closing in on Naruto, was the only person she cared about seeing.

"Well, I assume your satisfied." Tsunade glared at the council members.

"Yes. Your apprentice has done quite well." The male elder nodded his head respectfully to the Hokage.

The female elder nodded as well. "I see no reason for our further presence her." Together, they turned and left, leaving friends and loved ones to celebrate.

Kakashi came into the clearing with the others. She did it. His heart was elated, she had won their right to be together. He looked across the field, she was still quite a ways off. A blond blur ran past him, as Naruto pulled in front of the group. I'll be damed if Naruto is the first person to congratulate her. Kakashi dashed across the field, gaining on the knuckle headed ninja. He could see her, she was waving as she walked towards them.

Suddenly his eyes opened in terror. "NO!" His scream echoed across the empty field.

"What?" Sakura cocked her head in confusion. A noise from behind drew her attention, and she spun around to face the cause.

Standing less than ten feet away was Sasuke. Hate filled is eyes, as he drew his sword. "Die Worthless Whore!" Lightning streaked around the blade as he charged his chidori eisou, and sprang at his victim. Sakura didn't have time to react, her strength was gone, and her chakra over used.

Sasuke bore down on her, his blade aiming directly for her heart. Suddenly a swirl of leaves appeared between them, and his sword came down piercing Kakashi's chest. Sakura gasped in horror, as Sasuke screamed in death. As his blade sliced through Kakashi, the Copy Nin's chidori ripped through the sharingan user's chest.

Sasuke stumbled back as blood poured from the hole in his chest. Stunned, he stared at his former Sensei as he fell to his knees and died.

Breathing heavily Kakashi braced himself as he pulled Sasuke's sword from his breast, and collapsed into Sakura's waiting arms.

"No...No...this can't be happening." Sakura sobbed as she kneel over Kakashi. "Don't die. You can't leave me." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to summon enough chakra to heal him. She could only manage a faint glow, and she knew that wouldn't be enough.

"Sakura" Kakashi's voice was strained. "Always remember.... that I..... I love you." He reached up and stroked his thumb across her cheek, leaving a bloody smear where they touched. His arm went limp, and his eyes slowly slid shut.

Sakura was becoming hysterical. "No! Stay with me. Please. Oh God no!" She forced herself, pushing more of her chakra into him. "Don't die.....Don't die...please..." She could feel herself becoming weaker as her chakra reached her limit, but she refused to give up. "....don't die...." Then her world went black.

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Wow! At long last there it is. Now just one chapter left and an epilogue. So get those idea wheels going, because at the end of the next chapter I will be asking for suggestions on how to end the story. But you should hold off on the suggestions till the next chapter is up. I hope this chapter met your reading needs. I actually cried writing this last scene. And yeah, there was a little Twilight refrence in there with the 'more than my own life' but I thought it fit. And I wanted to credit my husband with the idea for the boulder thing in the fight scene. Sorry if there are any errors, I was too tired to re-read it again. R&R