Fight For The Future

(A/N: Well, you've been waiting patiently for this chapter, so, here you go. I'm sad to see it end, I'd hate to see it go, but in the end… this was definitely a bang. No pun intended, Dei-chan. Oh! At the end of this chapter there will be a preview for the next story I'm putting together. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.)

~xxx~

They were gone for twenty-two, long, tough weeks and Itachi was beginning to worry. Sure Ayako's reports were promising and her training was effective, but Itachi had his doubts. Not that he was doubting Hideki, no, he was fairly certain the clan council will find some way to delay, if not dash completely, the proposed marriage. Such were the worries of the great clan lord. But he would worry about that later, for now, he focused his attention on his sons and their training.

"Dad, when do you think Ayako will be back?" Shiro asked as they walked back to the house. Little Akito was wondering the same thing, though he really wasn't very talkative and hadn't been since she left.

"Soon, very soon." Itachi said, patting Akito on the head and ruffling Shiro's hair. "She's due back at the end of the month."

"But that's two weeks away, that's way too long." Akito protested while giving Itachi the puppy-dog face.

"You've lasted five and a half months without her; two more weeks won't kill you." Which was true, Akito was just… quiet in her absence. "Dinner should be ready soon, let's not make your mother wait."

Dinner was a quiet affair, not much conversation floating around like there used to be. It surprised Itachi to see just how much everyone really needed and missed the eldest child. Without anything to do, really, the family headed off to bed, and as usual, Duke hopped onto the foot of the bed. The large dog was out like a light just moments after settling down for the night.

~xxx~

Ayako hissed as the front of door creaked open. She was hoping to get in the door and start on breakfast without waking anyone but the unmistakable tap, tap, tap of claws on hardwood told her that Duke was awake and Itachi would be up to check things out. Ayako looked over her shoulder at Hideki and smiled.

"Duke's coming to meet us… there's no point in being quiet anymore. Just keep your voice down, mom and the boys are still sleeping." She whispered then walked down the hallway. Hideki nodded and closed the door behind him. Before Ayako could walk into the living room, Duke charged down the stairs and pounced on her. "Ugh… I missed you too Duke." She gasped, trying to draw in air while the large Dane crushed her chest.

"Duke, that's enough." A stern voice said from the base of the stairs. Ayako looked up to see Itachi standing there with a tiny smile on his lips.

"Sorry papa, did we wake you?" she asked while getting to her feet. Itachi shook his head. "Do you want some coffee?" he nodded and turned his attention to the young man behind his daughter.

"It's good to see you again, Hideki. Please, join us for breakfast." Itachi said while he looked over the boy, soon to be his son-in-law, noting the changes in the blond.

Hideki was taller by about three or four inches, his hair had been bleached by the sun making it a few shades brighter. His skin had tanned from cream to a golden-brown color and from what Itachi could tell, muscle had packed the boy's frame. This was a physically and, most likely, mentally stronger Hideki that sat at the table. The exams were sure to be interesting.

~xxx~

Sakura sat up in bed not long after Itachi and Duke had gotten up. She had been curious as to why Itachi hadn't come back. She hared voices from downstairs and the hyperactive clatter of claws running across the floor. Maybe Tsunade came to visit. But at this ungodly hour? Sakura checked the clock again. There was no chance in hell that Tsunade would show up at 6:37 in the morning. Deciding she couldn't sleep anymore, Sakura slipped out of bed and headed for the door.

"Mom, what's with all the noise?" Shiro asked as he and Akito walked toward her. Apparently, Duke was loud enough to wake the dead… naming her sons that could sleep through a tornado.

Sakura shrugged. "Let's go find out." Leading the boys downstairs, Sakura caught a glimpse of raven hair and dismissed it as Sasuke heading into the kitchen. Wait a second… Sasuke doesn't wear red shirts… "Yak-chan?" she called out tentatively, thinking she had finally lost her mind.

"How many times must I ask you not to call me that?" an agitated voice responded with a low growl, clearly distinguishable from around the corner.

"Aneki!!" the boys yelled as they ran into the kitchen. They promptly pined her against the counter in a vicious hug that Ayako had to pry herself from. She then found herself caught in the tight grip of her mother's arms as the group hug closed around her.

"I've missed you all so much." Ayako said after a minute, unable to make herself let go of her brothers' shoulders with her chin resting on Sakura's shoulder. "I should finish breakfast before it burns." Reluctantly, they let her go and sat down at the table. Sasuke gave a wave as he entered the kitchen and stopped at the sight of the blonde sitting next to Akito, making fun of his pajamas.

"Ah, you've returned." Sasuke said as he sat down.

"Yup, we just got in." Ayako responded with a smile.

"Thank god for small favors, your mother's cooking has gotten a little better… but not by much."

"TAKE THAT BACK SASUKE!!" Nope. Things hadn't changed in her six months absence.

"Why should I? It's the truth."

BAM - something slammed against the wall.

Nope… things were still the same.

~xxx~

Forgotten were those carefree moments they shared during their off hours. Forgotten were those sweet words whispered when no one was around. Forgotten were those stolen kisses under the protective willow branches. No, this was business. This was their continued hard work and hope. Their future depended on his success in the exams. She stood with him while he filled out the necessary paperwork, introduced him to her peers and comrades; Ayako had even introduced him as her fiancée. That's how much faith she had in him.

Ibiki stood stock-still as the words slipped passed her lips. He shook his head to clear it and took a step forward.

"Care to repeat that? I thought you just said that he was your fiancée." Ibiki said with a deep frown.

"You heard correctly, Morino-san. I will not repeat what needs to be said once." Ayako explained with a scowl. She had to be crazy… at least that was the general consensus in the room full of people.

"I think hell just froze over." An ANBU said as he sat down. Ah, one of the many fan boys and he didn't seem to happy about her announcement. Her scowl deepened.

"Jeez, you all act as if I'm moving to another village." She snapped while crossing her arms. "I'm not going anywhere and my team will remain intact. For crying out loud, will someone shut him up?" the abovementioned ANBU was throwing a fit, nearly in hysterics. Well, that went better than she had anticipated. Ayako half expected her mentor to start yelling and through a fit but that was tossed out the window when Ibiki and Hideki shook hands and stuck up a friendly conversation.

"Is there anything else you need or did you just come to fill out the paperwork?" the interrogation specialist asked, turning to face Ayako.

"I'm behind in my paperwork, so, I just came to pick it up and get it done before the exams start." She responded with a tiny smile. She knew it wouldn't take long to get it done… and she knew just how much he hated how thorough she was when it came to her reports. It made more work for him but, at least, her information was accurate.

"Wait until after the exams; I've got too much shit to do before then. I wouldn't be able to get through the first page in time for the first stage of the exams with all the crap you write." He waved a dismissive hand at her as if to shoo her away like a fly. "And besides, you just got back and you're two weeks early…"

Ayako pouted. "Fine, fine… but I blame you for my boredom." And so, she trained with Hideki and Sasuke.

~xxx~

Time seemed to fly by as Hideki worked himself stupid, training for the exams. Itachi often commented that Hideki seemed to be getting stronger and faster every day… which displeased the opposing council members every time he mentioned it. Itachi watched with great amusement as Hideki and Ayako spared. The noble son had caught Ayako off guard and knocked the raven-haired girl into a tree. She saw stars for a while and when her head cleared… she could only smile at him. He had worked so hard for her and Itachi could see the end result.

With a clear indication of the boy's skills, Itachi was confident the young man would prove the council wrong. And that was what Itachi had been hoping for. He also knew that once Ayako took her seat at the council table permanently, it was only a matter of time before the last of Madara's faction was completely removed from the clan's shadow and they would return it to it's former glory… without the secrets and plots. But that wish was still a little ways off… but there was still that hope.

Upon waking up this morning, Sakura had one thing on her mind; where would the two live once they had married? It was an honest concern and a rather displeasing thought at that. There wasn't enough room in the main house for another person to hunker down… and what if they decided to start their own family? Another good point but where could they go?

"Don't fret mother." Ayako said while walking into the kitchen, she could sense Sakura's mixed feelings. "The east wing isn't being used and it won't take long to clear it out."

Sakura had completely forgotten about that. "That's a great idea." She laughed to cover up her worries. "We should clear that half out and have a little house warming party… just for the two of you."

"I'm not worried about that mother." Ayako sighed while resting her chin in her hand. "The exams are tomorrow and I'm on duty. I'm going to miss it."

Sakura smiled at her daughter. "The boys can give you a play-by-play account when you get off duty… lord knows they'll be enraptured by his skills." The boys had been caught watching Hideki and Ayako spar when they were supposed to be training themselves. Let's not forget the crimson eyes that watched in awe until they were spotted and reprimanded for neglecting their duties.

"So not fair." She whined plopping backward into the chair at the head of the table. "I want to see it for myself."

"But I need the best ANBU on duty to guard the village and besides… you'll get to see it." A male voice said from the doorway.

"And how is that, Naruto-sama?" Ayako questioned with a brow raised.

"Well," he started with a foxy grin. "I do need a bodyguard for the occasion." Naruto shrugged his shoulders and padded slowly into the kitchen… too slowly. "But if you don't want to, I can always ask Sasuke."

"No, no, I'll do it." Ayako jumped up to her feet and hugged him. "Thank you Hokage-sama."

"No problem kiddo, just make sure you're alert and ready for anything."

"You mean, make sure you stay awake and keep you from snoring?" she joked with a mock glare and Naruto gave a sheepish smile.

"Yeah… something like that. These last few exams haven't been… um… exciting." He shrugged again and walked towards the table. Her glare turned real in a snap. Ayako had to restrain a candidate last year because the kid lost his temper and nearly took out half of the other candidates. "Hattori and Temari will be arriving early tomorrow, Gaara and Kankuro just arrived this afternoon… if you want to go see them." Disaster diverted. Ayako looked ready to smack him in the head. She was out the door and calling for Hideki in the blink of an eye.

~xxx~

Today was the day; the beginning of the rest of their lives… or so Hideki hoped. He was nervous, hands fidgeting, heart pounding in his chest and his eyes kept glancing at the tall ANBU standing next to Naruto. He knew it was Ayako by the way she stood; arms back, head held high… and the fact that whenever he looked up at her, her head would turn in his direction and she would give him a tiny nod. It was reassuring but it didn't seem to be enough.

"… nothing that's worth having ever comes easy."

Her words were as true as ever, even if she had told him that all of six months ago. Everyone had wished him luck this morning, Every on but Ayako. She didn't wish him luck. She simply kissed him and told him to do his best then she disappeared in a poof of smoke. She had left before the sun was up, hell, she had come into his room while he was still sleeping. But he heard her and only wished he had woken up sooner to see her off.

His parents and brother smiled at him from their seats high up in the arena. They were seated with the Uchiha family in one of the many box seats near where Ayako stood by Naruto and the Kazekage. This year's exams were straight forward; defeat your opponent in battle. But victory alone wasn't enough to qualify you for jonin rank. As with other exams, your skills earned your rank and Hideki was trained by the best.

It was his turn and by god he was going to show everyone what he was made of, what Ayako taught him and most importantly, Hideki was going to show the council that he was worthy of being Ayako's husband whether they liked it or not, today he would become a jonin.

A tall, bulky man stepped into the arena with a large scroll on his back. This man was from Suna so Hideki figured that he was either a puppet master or he specialized in earth jutsu. Either way, Hideki had been taught to counter both. Under normal circumstances, the jonin exams weren't held for other villages to see, but seeing as how the number of applicants were smaller this year, a mere thirty, Suna and Konoha held there's together. And it also helps to know the exact strength of your allying forces.

"Hey kid, I suggest you go back to your mommy and daddy before you get hurt." Sneered the shinobi with a smirk.

"I will not back down." Hideki said as he glared at the man before him. The match began with a thundering explosion. Hideki had started it off with the Phoenix Flower jutsu, putting some distance between him and his opponent. The man dodged it, as expected, and Hideki worked to circle him with wire. The thin, black and nearly invisible thread wrapped around the Sunian but he didn't notice.

"Not bad kid," the man said with a half smile. "But you'll have to do better than that." His smile faded once he felt the tug of the wire around his ankle. "Oh, shit…" and he was swept off his feet with a harsh yank. Hideki swung wide and launched him into the wall.

"Well now, it seems Hideki has some more advanced skills." Gaara commented, glancing at the ANBU to the right of Naruto.

Naruto nodded in agreement. "Yes, and he's acquired these skills in just six months. It makes me wonder…"

"ANBU training works for anyone if given the right motivation." Ayako interjected, nodding toward the fight that just heated up.

"Jira will not win this match." Gaara said as he focused on the fight.

Gleaming crimson eyes settled on Hideki once more. "You are correct, Kazekage-sama."

Jira broke the wire around his leg and charged Hideki at full speed, kunai ready for a final strike. Hideki ducked, narrowly missing the swipe aimed for the jugular and landed a powerful kick to the ribs. Utilizing his advanced chakra control, thanks to Ayako and Shisui's training, Hideki bounced backward and landing with chakra infused feet on the wall. He eyed the Suna shinobi while a glowing hand wiped at his cheek, healing the bleeding gash as his other hand reached for another spool of trip wire. It was an outdated tool but Hideki had taken a liking to it and adopted it, perfected it and made it work in his favor.

As Jira stood, Hideki used his chakra to maneuver the wire around Jira and snared his in it's tight grasp. It was now or never. Making hand signs, Hideki brought his fingers to his lips and blow out his breath between his index finger and thumb… and the powerful Grand Fireball hurtled its way toward the entangled man. But it hit the ground at Jira's feet just as Hideki had wanted. The frightened man stumbled backward, landing flat on his back. Hideki rocketed off the wall and landed next to him, and instead of landing the final blow, Hideki held out his hand to the fallen man. The match was over. Hideki had won.

All thirty shinobi participating in the exams stood before the Hokage and the Kazekage, awaiting to see just who would be granted the rank of jonin. Much of their afternoon was spent debating as to whom would be picked and the village council had been adamant about two shinobi in particular. Four from each village were chosen; three had already received their vests. Now was the time for the final pick for each village.

"Hideki, please step forward." Naruto instructed, trying to hide his smile. "We were thoroughly impressed with your skills and use of an outdated trapping tool as a weapon. Hideki, take your vest… you've earned it."

"Thank you Hokage-sama." Hideki said with a bow. He wanted to hug Ayako while he was there but that wouldn't have been appropriate for the situation. She was still on duty until the Hokage dismissed her. He settled for stepping back into line and looked over the green flank vest.

"Hey kid," Jira whispered looking from the corner of his eyes at Hideki. "You did good… maybe we can train together the next time we meet."

Hideki gave a soft nod, looking up from his vest. "That would be most favorable." he responded and extended his hand in a friendly gesture. They shook on it and Jira was called for his vest.

~xxx~

Two years later found Hideki in a rather shocked state. They had just welcomed their first child into the world. A beautiful raven-haired, blue-eyed boy they had affectionately name Gennosuke; Hideki couldn't have been more happier. Living in their private sanctuary of the east wing of the main house, the small family thrived. Though it still amazed him that they had created such a beautiful being, Hideki would never complain about having to wake up in the middle of the night to feed his son nor would he complain about diaper duty.

His wonderful wife, Ayako, had taken a job at the academy so she could be home more often, especially with the newborn. Hideki had become ANBU to help support the family and once Itachi decided to step down, Hideki had planned to be right there with Ayako to help raise the clan to new heights. But that was a ways off still, so he settled on watching his son sleep.

It was overwhelming at first but Hideki quickly learned to juggle his time between missions and his family. With help form his parents and Ayako's parents, the newly christened parents had found time for themselves through all of the work and taking care of an ever-fussy child.

"He looks so much like you." Ayako whispered in his ear as she leaned over the couch and wrapped her arms around his chest, mindful of the sleeping child in his arms.

"Ah, but he has your smile." He responded as he turned his head to look at her. "I still can't believe I'm a father." Hideki sighed. There lips touched for a moment, a sweet bliss they had little time for nowadays.

"When does your vacation start?" she asked with a wistful sigh against his peach lips.

"Next week." He answered leaning his head back to rest on her shoulder. Gennosuke shifted, cracking open one bright blue eye to look upon his parents. He cooed softly as Ayako ran her slender fingers over his mop of dark hair.

"He's learned how to crawl on his own and sit up without help." She said with a small smile. Hideki looked surprised at the six-month-old child.

"Is that normal?" he asked while looking over the young child the smiled so sweetly at him.

"It was the same with my father and myself." She paused for a moment then smiled at him. "Don't worry, he will be a strong shinobi one day but I have no intention of handing him over to the clan to do as they see fit. Madara's reign will not fall on him."

"He will be shown love and compassion." Hideki stated firmly.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, dear." At this point, Gennosuke started to fuss… he was hungry. "Don't worry, mommy's got you this time. Daddy needs to rest for a while." Ayako cooed while picking up her son and taking him to the kitchen. Yes, he will be loved like all children should.

The End

A/N: Thank you all so much for your kind words of support. Alright, as promised, here's a preview of my next story 'Serpentine Child'. But before the preview, I want to give you some info on it so it's not that confusing.

(Info) The story is a Kabuto x OC story… because there doesn't seem to be anyone around… compatible… for him. Orochimaru discovers that he must make a shell to host his soul so that he could live forever. That's what she was supposed to be. He had been told the experiment failed… but in all reality, it worked. In fact it worked so well, the Kusakage used her to host Hachibi no Hachimata, the Eight-Tailed demon and master of all forbidden jutsu. Orochimaru finders her in the middle of a fight with the Akatsuki and steals her away. Time for the preview.

(Pre) Oboro looked about as furious as one would expect, being chained up the very moment she stepped back into the village. The pale-skinned, raven-haired ANBU padded noiselessly through the village behind her Kage to the tower. People stared at her, whispered things about her; she was a monster thus the chains and constant surveillance teams around her house.

At sixteen years of age, said monster had seen her share of blood shed and felt her share of pain. The one thing that hurt her the most what the fact that once her mask came off, her mother refused to look at her. She looked too much like the man that created her. You hared me right, she wasn't born, she had been created for the soul purpose to die for the man that had played God to make her.

She was a monstrosity that served a man that wanted nothing more than to conquer the shinobi world. And he could do it too. All he had to do was remove the seal and-

"It took you less time than expected to finish your task." Joshi commented from his seat behind the desk. Chains clanked loudly as Oboro sat down in the chair to his right.

"Hai, sneaking in was a piece of cake." She answered without a hint of emotion in her young voice.

"And what of the scroll?" he inquired with a raised brow. The shinobi in the room tensed as she reached into her pack. They relaxed at the sight of said scroll as she placed it on the table.

"The Five-Tails was captured during our mission. This is becoming serious, my lord." She said as her golden eyes peered through the slits of her mask.

"Are you worried that they will come for you?" there was a pregnant pause before Oboro lifted her mask to reveal her pale features and the purple eye markings that stretched down the sides of her nose.

"I will be concerned once they appear."

Cont. A/N: So tell me what you think. See you guys in the next story.