A/N: unBETAed. I welcome any constructive criticism. 12/08/21
1. Bringing Him back
It was time they brought him back.
Sasuke was a lost case, even if Orochimaru had died by his hands. After he had formed his own group, even Naruto couldn't have made him change his mind. And after nine years of spying, there should be enough information Akatsuki to act on. Maybe even the foolish little brother would stop and think, after He came back. To His rightful place.
Tsunade pondered a bit more on her decision. Would there be problems? Surely. But after she got to know the truth of the Uchiha massacre, she knew she'd call Him back, and she knew everyone would understand after she told them too.
So what kind of party to send? And how to let the man know of her decision?
They'll have to deal with His partner too, so it'll have to be a powerful team too.
Naruto was an obvious choice. He was strong, and a Jinchuuriki. This would guarantee the group a chance to make their intentions known. But this also meant the others had to be at least neutral towards the blonde, so as not to endanger the mission.
Another obvious choice was Shikamaru. With his intelligence and stalling capabilities he could come up with the best strategy depending on the situation.
They would need Sakura as a medic-nin. She could also provide backup with her strength. But she should stay just that. Backup. And if needed, she could snap the active members out of Itachi's genjutsu. After all, she was genjutsu-type from the start.
Now, for Kisame's abilities, and how to counter them. He had enormous chakra reserves and with Samehada, he could suck out others', providing virtually impossible to exhaust, more so with Naruto present. And even without this, the huge sword is enough to crush or skin anyone.
To battle the chakra, Neji could close his tenketsu. But for that, he'd need an opening. To provide that, Lee would be the perfect person, with his strength, speed and lack of chakra whatsoever.
With the five of them, there weren't really much ranged-types, well, apart from Shikamaru, but they wouldn't need to fight the Uchiha, at least hopefully. And she trusted Shikamaru, to make themselves clear.
If they were successful, Akatsuki would only have four members, five, if Kisame survived. And now was the time to act. Scouts confirming Itachi and Kisame's location in Fire Country.
The last hurdle before the ball could roll is to tell the team Itachi's story and their purpose.
Tsunade groaned. 'This'll be quite a long and difficult briefing.'
-: : :-
They stood there in silence. Utterly shocked, eyes wide and more than one mouth left open.
Lee's reaction was predictable, his tears flowing freely, most likely thinking how brave and selfless Itachi was, with 'youth' and 'brightness' and who knows what else coloring his inner monologue.
Sakura seemed like her brain froze on the spot, and couldn't comprehend all the new information. Tsunade would bet anything, her thoughts will relate strongly to Sasuke, when she gained the ability back. It wasn't love anymore, but he was part of Team 7, and a driving force in her life, just like in Naruto's.
Naruto. He looked sad, hurt, cheated and so much more. Emotions flicking in his eyes one after another, but his face didn't show any change other than this. He thought of Itachi's situation, his decisions, feelings, and how this affected both Sasuke and consequently him too. Placing himself in Itachi's shoes in one moment, then wondering what would have happened and how would have things gone if he had decided otherwise.
He had conflicting emotions, but he didn't blame the brothers. It just wasn't him. He understood Itachi's reasons and admired him somewhat, even if he believed the situation could and should have been settled peacefully. He hurt terribly for Itachi's pain and for the first time after Jiraiya's death, he felt furious, he hated and despised the council and above all, Danzo. He wasn't sure he could stop himself this time. He wasn't sure he wanted to after all they've done to everyone.
Shikamaru was calculating. Detached, mind racing a mile a minute. The circumstances of the massacre, the possible decisions and outcomes, the best and the worst scenarios flashing before his mind's eye. And after reaching his conclusions, his brain started anew, sketching their mission, his eyes closed, face and stance relaxed. The only indication to his brain racing was his hands, fingertips touching in his thinking position.
Neji didn't show his reactions. After getting over his initial shock, he assumed his usual appearance, looking alert, but respectful. His mind calmer than the previous two, but processes far more complex than Lee's. After all, he was part of a clan similar to the Uchiha's. He could grasp the elder's previous situation the best. Him being a prodigy helped, even if their places were different, the family mechanics, the principles and clan-structure weren't the same either. He felt supportive of the Uchiha, understanding him, but his controlled self didn't let him ponder further, they were there for business after all.
After they seemed to calm down, Tsunade spoke again. "I want you to bring Uchiha Itachi back to Konohagakure. This is your primary mission. If you have the chance or forced to, eliminate Hoshigaki Kisame, Akatsuki member. We don't want him alerting the organization if possible."
Here, she handed Shikamaru a folder. "This is their estimated location, and other information you might need. Neji, you are the captain as senior member and jounin of the group, and Shikamaru is co-captain and strategist. Get going as soon as you can!" Hearing this, the teens bowed and exited the room.
