I do not own any Naruto Characters.

Rise Above Part III THE FINAL CHAPTER

Hiashi rose to his feet slowly embracing Itachi along with Hinata. Neither was able to speak.

"I-I- know that-that I said you were irresponsible Hinata, but I thought about a lot of things last night, and I saw a vision of my grandchildren that were so beautiful and talented. They had dark eyes of a man of pride and ambition, and they had soft milky skin from a mother that was truthful and hardworking. Then I heard a voice tell me, to "Seek not those things that occur in the past but let your eyes search for the promise of the future." I need to give you a chance to be your own person. Allow you to live your life no matter what and be willing to support you when you need. Not take over like an overbearing, self-righteous tyrant. Forgive, Hinata, please."

She was at a lose for words but couldn't stop crying out of happiness, and comfort for her father. They all walked into the house and Hiashi composed himself, taking a deep breath and sitting silent for ten long minutes with his eyes closed. When he opened them he stared directly into Itachi's eyes.

"Will you protect, and keep her?"
Itachi coughed and bowed in ackowledgement.

"Will you make decisions on logic and love?"

"Yes, sir."
"Then ask of me what you will."
Hinata raised an eyebrow and Itachi stood up bowing on his knees before her father.

"I ask you Hyuuga Hiashi, clan leader of the Hyuuga House to take your eldest daughter Hinata to be my wife."

Hinata's mouth dropped and Hiashi nodded his permission.

Itachi stood up and surprisingly hugged the stern man that sat before him. Turning to Hinata he smiled and they embraced, just giving each other a quick kiss.

"So that's what you wanted to do?" She asked with a croaking voice.
"Why yes. It's wrong for me to forget all my upbrining. Besides, I know this relationship could not move forward without the approval of our parents. They are our foundation. Your father is an honorable man. I look to him for his guidance and wisdom, since mine is now well, out of the picture. I want our bond to be one that will get started off on principles that I can instill in our children one day. Course, your dad already said we'd have some kids."

Looking to Hiashi he grinned and Hinata blushed.

"Hmph...So I guess my preminition that you have already bed my daughter is correct."

The couple gulped loudly, while Hiashi actually smirked.

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The day was a long yet fruitful one. Hiashi went along with Itachi, Sasuke, Kiba, and Hinata to help discharge Mikoto were they all spoke about the couples ups and downs. Checking out of the hotels they all went to Hanabi's home to become better acquainted yet they were followed by Danzo's men.

That evening, Sasuke received word from his lawyers that the closing of his accounts by his father were actually unlawful and the courts were in motion to have his money released along with Itachi's, however, he had a better idea.

"Sasuke, I will place you as the executive of all of my estates and turn my accounts over to you."

After Sasuke fainted in the floor, he came to, with everyone staring at him.

"You-you-will?! Why?!"
"Well, because I have to make do with what I have. My journey to start my dreams was not so I could out smart father but it was a journey for me to learn how to live my life. And man, have I learned what the true meaning of faith is. That money still represents something not totally from my hands. And well, I don't mind giving it to you along with a phone call to my investors so you can get your cruiseline business going. I'll be moving to Japan soon after all."

The room was silent.

"Yes. I called Sakura and Ino. I had their card and they still want me to work as a personal chef."

Mikoto felt her eyes water as did Hinata.

"Hinata will be staying here to finish up her business with the city. If we are to start off with a healthy company, we must first make sure we take care of our separate debts. Course, I'll be flying back home when I can. I mean, Virginia is our home and I have two church families, and well, there's a lot of great things going on here."

"Spoken like a wise man and an understanding husband." Hiashi folded his arms proudly.

"I'm proud of you son. When I get better, I will move here, since Japan doesn't hold any interest for me anymore. Besides, I've divorced your father and..."

"What!?"

Mikoto looked at the stunned faces and remembered she'd kept everything to herself and the paperwork was finalized already. It was now Tuesday and it was her first day with her new name and identity as Ms. Mikoto Chu. Kiba hopped up with a grin.

"You know...there're so many damn secrets around you guys...anyone else want to tell us something that we don't know or will surprise us?"
The group simply laughed when Hanabi's house phone rang.

"Hello?"
"Hinata?"
"Hanabi?"
"Yes, it's me sister."
"Hey, is your arraignment over with?"
Hanabi broke down in tears and she hung up.

Hinata tried to get her back but she called from the courthouse phone. Soon Neji called.

"Hello? Neji...What happened?"

"I failed. The judge is giving Hanabi seven years for accidental man-slaughter and intention to withold evidence, since she lied about who had posession of the gun in earlier reports. I-I-I don't know what to do. They just took her to the back and then they will ship her south to the State Farm facility for women. I can do a plea deal, but that's going to be in a couple of weeks."

The group was solemn. Though things would look up, past events would continue to haunt them all.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was three weeks after the announcement of Itachi and Hinata's engagement. It was settled after Mikoto left back to Japan, and Hiashi left to Colorado. Neji and Hinata stayed at Hanabi's home, and Kiba actually moved in with Sasuke in one of his lavish hotels in Vegas. Itachi signed contracts with Sakura and Ino and began working on the cottage in Japan while watching over his mother as she went into her chemo treatments again.

Fugaku realized when he was shot at leaving the hotel in Virginia Beach that there was a hit out for his life, and he and Danzo began a game of cat and mouse. With Mikoto's name change Danzo's men had difficulty tracking her. Kakashi made sure his eyes were always watching the backs of Mikoto and the boys to keep them safe. He would be the trump card Fugaku would never realize Mikoto played. After Itachi left they consentrated on Fugaku's business partners to get their payment. This would lead them on a chase of Fugaku around Japan as his businesses began to liquidate and close.

Kakashi was sent to check on Asuma on occasion per Itachi since he sent the church a settlement check from a case his father lost in a lawsuit. The four million dollar gift to the sanctuary granted them the ability to open a center for the needy, which was a dream of Kurenai. For his home church, Sasuke became an anonymous donor, sending them eight million dollars to buy the land beside the temple and in front of it. The space in front of the church was made into a three-tier restaurant and it was named 'Mizz Cookies'. She was at a loss for words when the building schematics, design, and lay-out was sent to her with pictures of Itachi and Hinata and a note that simply read,

'I can't repay your kindness or blessings, but please cook me some grits when I come home again.'

She started shouting praise.

The city tore down Hinata's house and it was strange that the construction workers found the gun buried in the bushes along the fence. The workers simply threw it in the back of one of the trucks since none of them wanted to deal with the police and paperwork for finding the weapon. It would later be ground up in the garbage in the junkyard.

It wa almost the end of January and everything was falling into place yet the drama was not over. The family received a call that Fugaku was found shot and they all rushed to a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where all tables would turn.

In the lobby Kiba, Sasuke, Itachi, Hinata, and Mikoto arrived in separate vehicles. Itachi laid eyes on his brother and mother and felt a mix of happiness to see them again, yet disappointment for the reason. When Hinata walked in Itachi almost knocked Kiba down to hug his wife. He hadn't seen her in four days.

"Oi! Ita!' She muffled after he closed her mouth with his own. He was waiting to tell her he was looking over papers to get a loan to break ground for their restaurant. Even though it would be one year, the planning was still his first step.

"Don't forget you two aren't alone please." Mikoto said tapping him on his shoulder.
"S-ssorry mom." A blushing son bowed out of embarrassment while Mikoto hugged Hinata.

"Well, you look great sis." Sasuke said hugging Hinata also while Kiba gave her a low growl and a wink.

"Well thank you brother. How's business?"
"Well I will start building my ship this coming fall and that wacky dude name Gai from Virginia is going to back my fleet. Ya know that dude that had the really bushy brows. Yep, I actually called him up while in Vegas and settled my deal. He loved it and we will get started in April with all the logistics. I even secured old Shriveled Blossom to do a couple of gigs on board."
"Hey, hey, don't talk about my employer like that man. She pays great and even got me hooked up with Deidre again. Ya know that art show you guys did for me in Virginia."

"The Uchiha family?"
A surgeon came from the back and approached the group.

"I need to see immediate family only."

The situation turned back to the reason they all gathered. As they approached the IC Unit Sasuke found himself remembering the days of his youth, when the family was unified and happy. Mikoto took a long deep breath when they got to the room ending her trip of memories with the man she loved that ended as soon as he became overly rich. Itachi saw a vision of Kurenai in the window for a second and felt a cool swoosh of air on the wrist he wore her bracelet.

When they entered the equipment was noisey. Fugaku was swolen from his injuries and almost unrecognizeable.

"Fa-father..." Sasuke croaked.
They rushed to his side as only one eye was exposed. The other bandaged due to a bullet plucking it out.
"Oh God, Fugaku. What has happened? Who, who would do such a thing."

The solemn man could not speak much. It was too taxing but his eyes spoke to all of them. He looked into each of their eyes but stopped on Mikoto's with a darkening frown. His fist balled up and the instruments beeped faster. His lips trembled and he took a deep breath and said.

"I...hate...you...all."

They stood stunned.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kakashi hustled out of the door of his car and ran into one of his operatives at the hotel that the family checked in for their quick stay.

"Are you sure?"
"Yes, they're sending the guy to the hospital to finish the job. Danzo is waiting to make sure the debt is done. I should have a line to him directly in about eleven minutes sir."
"Make that connection. I'll try to call and warn Mikoto's assistant."

The rogue bounty hunter was out for blood since he wasn't able to pay his own debt due to Mr. Uchiha double crossing Danzo. Danzo didn't care as long as his nemisis was killed, just to prove to others never cross him. Time was of the essence. But back at the hotel...

"-I can't believe that after all of what has happened you'd say such a thing you crazy ole-"
"Sasuke stop!" Itachi said gripping Sasuke before he hit his father. The emotions boiled in them all and Fugaku coughed trying to say more but his words were not too clear. Mikoto wiped a lone tear from her cheek, turning towards the door and saying to him before she left.

"When we meet again, I will be burying you."

She left down the hall. Sasuke wrestled free of Itachi's hold.

"Fuck you old man. I thought you'd changed, but guess I'll never see my real father again. He really did die years ago. Wish I could've told him then how much I loved him."

Sasuke left holding back tears of hurt, not allowing his feelings to be seen by the scornful monarch. Itachi leaned over his father and in a split second he could remember his life. He leaned over and kissed his father's forehead.

"I love you father. I forgive you for all that you did to me and for the family. I hold no harshness towards you anymore since you won't be really judged here but with Kami. Forgive me for my transgressions against you, but no matter what happens from this point on between us...I will always remember our bond and love as father and son. I will always love you for giving me so much and thank you for raising me to be who I am now."

Fugaku was dumbfounded. Itachi felt the burn of his tears behind his eyes as he bowed to his father. When he turned around he could see a vision of Kurenai smiling back at him.

Thank you for the extra courage Kurenai to forgive my father. I had to set things right so I can continue my lifes journey with a clear mind and unburdened spirit. Whether he holds a grudge or not, I will no longer harbor ill-feelings to the man I call father.

With his head bowed he left. Fugaku simply stared at the ceiling before frowning again. With what strength he had he yanked the tube that assisted his breathing. The nurses ran to assist him but he struggled with them. In a last ditch effort he snatched at them managing to rip out the tubes that his IV were in and he began to bleed. The staff tried to gain control, yet it seemed that it caused him to have a heart attack. The family had just reached the ground level. Sasuke started out the door as did the others when a car screeched into motion. Bullets sprayed out from the window of the black sedan.

Kiba was shot in his shoulder, Sasuke was grazed but Itachi was shot in the chest. Blood stained the sidewalk as Hinata worked feverishly to save her husband. They rushed him into the hospital and it was there that Hinata was in full play. She commanded the staff to follow her lead as she worked to pull the bullet that was lodged in his chest cavity. Kiba wouldn't allow them to work on his injuries, until he called Neji and Hiashi, the moments were intense and the situation was now critical.

When Kakashi arrived and found out he was too late, he made sure he got throught to Danzo.
"Hello?" Danzo answered hoping for good news.
"Leave the Uchiha clan alone, or else I will hunt you myself."
Danzo sat straight up.

"Ka-kakashi? What, what..."
"They are under my protection. The goon that just shot at them is on his way to Hell. I warn you. Call off the hits since Fugaku is now dead, or I will dismember you myself with my bare hands...Do you understand?" Kakashi was feeling rage as he watched the look on Mikoto's face, praying her son doesn't die.

"Fine. If Fugaku's dead his debt is paid." Slamming the phone down Kakashi didn't have relief, but he knew Danzo would stop hunting the others but now what would happen to Itachi.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The spring would bring not only new flowers but new life for all.

After saving Itachi Hinata realized he would not be able to work in Japan, so they flipped the roles. Sasuke hired an assitant for Itachi while he and Neji worked on Hanabi's case. Hinata left for Japan in Itachi's absence and Mikoto was declared to be once again free from her cancer. On the morning of Hinata's trip back to Virginia Itachi sat outside of Hanabi's house reminiscing about all that was happening. Asuma pulled up in his truck.

"Well, glad to see you're doing much better son."
"Thanks dad. I feel better too."
"Well you've got an amazing partner and friend. She's taking great care of you."
"Well, I'm glad you approve, and thank you for being in the wedding for me."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I know it's going to be a grand day and the angels are practicing now for the moment to come."
"Well, I know momma Kurenai will be directing them."
"Yep. Well I need to get going but there's a couple more of those contracts you wanted to review."
"Thanks."
"You know, working as a legal consultant is a heck of a job son. Sure you want to keep doing it for free? I mean it's a tremendous blessing for everyone that you've spoken to."

"It's the least I could do for people that have done so much for me. I met you as a stranger and now look. I call you dad. My wife came here as an outcast from her family and now she is being honored at the next family meeting as a true leader. Her sister even calls for prayer while she's in prison. I mean this girl hated religion till she got locked up, but even now she's no longer as depressed. She finally owned up to what she'd done. There's so much that has happened to me in a year's time and well I have to say that Kami has kept me all the way."

Hinata pulled up in her car and Itachi stood up quickly.

"Well, you go on and hug your misses and I need to hug this road. I gotta a lot of work to do at the new center."
Asuma walked Itachi to the car meeting Hinata halfway.
"Hey there Mrs. Sweets."
"Hey, paw."

They chuckled and he left. Hinata embraced Itachi tightly.

"Oh I love coming home to you." She said before kissing him gently.
"Yes, I love seeing you too."
Rubbing the tips of their noses for a moment a warm breeze blew around them and the birds sang in the distance. Itachi cupped Hinata's chin gazing into her eyes, as she tightened her hold about his waist.

"I'm glad you stuck with me through the good and bad baby."
"Well you said that I was your soul's mate, right. Besides, I want to find out how our life's journey will end."
"End?"
"Yes. We have come a long way in our life and our lives are best told in a story. Through our adversaties we still manage to love each other with an undying strength and a faith that gets tested but not broken."
He hugged her and kissed her again.

"Yeah, guess you're right. As long as I have you and Kami leads my every steps nothing will deter us nor break us because if knocked down and stomped, you and I will always rise above.

THE END

Author's Note: I thank everyone that has helped keep me going with this story. It bears so many real facts of life for me, I will make sure I never forget it. I so love all of you that have reviewed, logged on, sent emails, Private messages, or heck just made it a story favorite. I was heartbroken, and someone told me I was loved, I was hungry and a stranger fed me, I was cold and unsheltered, and someone gave me a home, I was down trodden, and someone told me at least I had my life, I was depressed, but someone told me I wasn't alone, and I was great.

I have had many issues in my life, but well, I have found a way to rise above them all and I thank all of you again for helping me do so. Take Care!