-

Disclaimer: "Naruto", and all canon characters and characteristics remain the property and rights of Kishimoto Masashi. All I own is the writing itself, and any original features and / or attributes portrayed within said writing.

A/N: Oddly enough, I had a lot of fun writing this one. Here's hoping it's just as much fun to read!

I--I

Sasuke had Itachi pinned to the wall.

The former's right hand still emanated from the tremendous power of his Chakra-based attack. His lightning had torn through his enemy's flesh like paper; his hand, driving itself under the area where Itachi's 'heart' was meant to be. Where they were, how it happened, who was watching, none of that mattered anymore. This man had caused him a lifetime's worth of unimaginable pain, as he forced his own sibling to survive through the indescribable agony of emotional solitude.

He didn't intend to make this quick.

"How does it feel?", the younger one asked icily, his menacing whisper assumed torture to his lifelong adversary's ear. "How does it feel to know that my power has finally surpassed your own?"

He shoved his hand deeper through his brother's chest, smirking as he felt the limp body writhe upon reflex.

"How does it feel...Aniki?"

The two Shinobi remained voiceless for a moment, until an unexpected sound broke the prideful reticence that had befallen the two, a sound that sent infuriated shudders down Sasuke's spine. And yet, for that eternal lapse in reason, Sasuke was left, frozen in guarded suspicion whilst a satisfied chuckle escaped from behind Itachi's quiet smile. Sasuke's glare became laced with enraged bewilderment, a flicker of unsolicited nostalgia striking him as he searched once again for an answer within his brother's eyes. This man had been defeated after years of cowardly evasion, the clan he slaughtered finally avenged, the very sting of karma itself piercing his heart in the form of a Black Chidori. This was his death.

Why was he laughing?

The grin didn't seem to fade as the Akatsuki member choked on his breath, his raspy inhale hitching from the red fluid flowing into his lungs. He could feel the last of his life draining from him, but he didn't care. He would perish with nothing more than a smirk on his face, a smile that would linger long after death closed his eyes. Itachi knew that he may have been killed physically, but Sasuke had died a long time ago.

The elder Uchiha rested his hands upon his younger brother's intruding wrist, using the arm as support to lift his weary head. Thick streams of blood trailed down the corners of his mouth as he lowered his neck enough to level Sasuke's ear, utilizing all of his remaining strength to mutter a final declaration. This was something he needed to say.

More importantly, this was something he needed to hear.

"You've betrayed your friends...", he whispered. "You ran away from your village in search of power. You've eliminated the only family you have left. You've become the very essence of that which you despise the most."

The radiating glow from Sasuke's Chidori died down.

"I couldn't be prouder of you...foolish little brother."

And with those words, Itachi's final breath escaped him.

-