His recent missions had been getting longer and tougher, he could see no end to the reconnaissance. One more rumor to confirm, another whisper to follow. The drag of his feet on the soil of Konoha was drown out in his thoughts.

He often walked with his head down when he came home from missions for the ANBU. He hated meeting the villagers eyes, especially those in the Uchiha. Did they know what he had to do? He only hoped that they would never have to worry, to know the things he knew would destroy any ordinary person, shinobi or not.

Itachi's body felt icy when he thought of his father's words of anger and retribution. Nothing could stop them... except him. Overwhelmed in his unsolvable conflict, Itachi did not notice the shuffle of small feet behind him. He finally realized that someone was behind him as he heard a breathy, childish giggle escape his little brothers lips.

"Hello Niichan, you're home already!"

Before he knew it, Sasuke's hand was grasping his. Itachi smiled down at him and swung him on his back in one swift motion.

"While we walk home tell me what you learned from Iruka at the Academy today."

Itachi let Sasuke babble on about the transformation jutsu and the clone jutsu for a bit, pretending like he had only just learned them too. Itachi made little comments of feigned wonder and amazement while zoning in and out of Sasuke's excited monologue. Itachi felt so much stronger when he heard Sasuke's young, clear voice; realizing this he drew Sasuke closer on his back, walking with his head a little higher.

Sasuke stopped his chatter abruptly. Itachi turned his face up to his younger brother to see what was wrong and he realized that Sasuke was staring at something on the corner of the street. Itachi followed Sasuke's gaze and his eyes met a small boy about Sasuke's age. The boy was leaning against the wall of a building with his blond head in his hands.

"Who is that boy, Sasuke?"

"His name is Naruto and no one likes him."

So this was the Kyuubi. No wonder he was alone.

"Why does no one like him?

"I think they're afraid of him, besides he acts like such a loser in class. It's because he does not have a Niichan like you!"

You will not always have me.

How long will I be able to hold on to you?

As they passed the blond boy on the corner, Itachi gave him a smile. The boy stared after them a long time as they walked farther away.

When they finally reached the steps of their house Itachi leaned down to let Sasuke climb off of his back. Itachi felt a small ripple of grief as Sasuke's warmth left, perhaps for the last time.

"Niichan will you teach me something that even Iruka-sensei doesn't know today?"

"I can't Sasuke, there are so many things I must do before dinner."

"You never want me around."

I want you with me always, little brother.

"I'm sorry, Otouto."

With a poke on Sasuke's forehead, Itachi turned away.