Ocular adaptation is the eye's ability to adjust to various levels of darkness and light. The physiology of this particular organ is truly incredible. The spectrum in which the eye can adjust is phenomenally vast; this can range from the softest of lights to the blackest of blacks. Dark adaptation has been proven to be not only quicker but deeper in the young opposed to the old. Yet the question to be asked is whether this adaptation and adjustment is applicable in a social context.
Are the young more adapt at seeing the light and dark in people?
The process of light adaptation takes around five minutes. Could it then be said that a person is able to judge another within five minutes? First impressions are risqué. There are so many variables that could influence the decision - especially in such a short time period. Yet would this manner of thinking apply for judging someone you already knew, but were a stranger all the same?
This was the adjustment period Tomo found herself in.
Tomo knew Itachi when he was a child. He wasn't the easiest book to read; but one thing she was certain about was his good nature. Even before Sasuke, Itachi had a brotherliness about him; he was the elder brother everyone wanted. Although distant, he was never cold.
And although a shinobi, he was not a cold blooded killer.
Tomo held the Itachi close. Reciprocating the embrace Itachi savoured the gesture; it was warm and genuine, things he hadn't experienced in a long time. Tomo smiled to herself, her cheeks stained with glittery tear trails. After what seemed a lifetime Tomo released him, drinking in his appearance.
The air hitched at the back of her throat; she suppressed the urge to gasp. Itachi did not question her sudden shock, instead he squeezed her hand in gentle reassurance. Tomo couldn't help but stare. Deep down she always knew who Kohaku's father was, but seeing Itachi in the flesh- the uncanniness between the pair was unsettling and heartwarming at the same time.
"My boy." Tomo spoke softly, holding his face as she planted a dainty kiss on his forehead, his scored headband nowhere to be seen. She smiled again, wiping her eyes with her kimono sleeve before she turned her attention to the other silent Uchiha. "And you, don't you think you can slither your way out of this one - get here."
Itachi couldn't help the chuckle that rattled in his throat at her choice of words. Weary, Sasuke did not move at first; he shot a glare at his brother, fully aware of her wording. It had been so long since Sasuke had experienced any sort of affection let alone motherly love that the concept was alien to him. Instinctively he froze when Tomo pulled him into her arms; like winter melting into spring he slowly eased into the hug, gingerly wrapping his arms around Tomo.
"As much as I'm moved by all this, can someone explain to me what the hell is going on?!" Tsunade interrupted, her voice cutting the sentimentalities short. Tomo didn't rush the reunion, she took her time and savoured the moment. "Tomo-san just what do you think you're doing here? You can't just barge in here as and when you like. This meeting is strictly confidential and on a need to know basis."
Tomo dusted Sasuke off, adjusting his tearaway hair and wiping his forehead where she had previously placed a kiss. Sasuke attempted to swipe her away but was simply pushed back into the chair by Tomo.
"If it's on a 'need to know basis' Tsunade-sama then you might wish to reconsider that as the whole village knows these two are back." Tomo replied, resting her hands on Sasuke's shoulders as she spoke. Upon hearing her words Itachi's stomach lurched. He turned his gaze towards Tomo discreetly, the action unnoticed by Tsunade who was too busy holding her head in her hands.
"Great, just great. They're not even back a day and every bloody person knows. What did I tell you Kakashi?!" The blonde roared in exasperation, slumping back in her chair.
"You told me to collect them. Which I did." Kakashi retorted from his place at the office door, he deeming it a safe distance from the agitated Hokage. Tsunade clenched her fists, narrowing her eyes; before she could reprimand Kakashi, Itachi spoke.
"Forgive me for interrupting Hokage-sama but may I ask if Reina knows of our arrival?" Cordial as ever Itachi managed to diffuse the tension with his question. Tsunade quirked a brow and blinked taken back by his enquiry.
"Reina? Reina who? Hitori?" He nodded silently now turning his attention to Tomo. "What does Reina have to do with anything?" Tsunade stared at the trio, her eyes darting between the three who obviously knew more than they let on. Kakashi also watched the trio, his single dark orb alight with discreet curiosity. Tomo, still standing behind Sasuke did not speak right away; slowly she lifted her gaze to Itachi's shaking her head to answer his question.
"No, she doesn't. I wanted to see for myself if the rumours were true." Itachi nodded, appreciative of her actions. He still didn't know how long had passed since their time in Yomi and to rush into things despite the timer ticking down would be foolish.
"Am I missing something here?" Tsunade asked, her eyes focused and determined for answers. Itachi looked to Tomo as if asking permission; she nodded, Itachi offered her the spare chair which she rejected politely continuing to stand behind Sasuke. Itachi was tentative. He was unsure as to how much Tomo actually knew; the same applied to Kakashi and Tsunade who were waiting anxiously for him to speak.
"After taken by the Akatsuki, Reina entered into my care..." Itachi began, his voice placid as he retold the series of events that followed Reina's capture. Everyone listened in awe. Neither Kakashi or Tsunade had, had any inkling that Reina was literally linked to the elder Uchiha; the fact that she risked her life performing the technique struck a chord with Kakashi. Reina could have killed herself attempting to save Neji. She had tied herself to one of the world's most infamous ninja without a second thought.
He had a newfound respect for her.
The tale continued and grew darker with each of Itachi's words. The mission objective came to light, it becoming crystal clear why Reina was chosen in the first place. The thought of a weapon, regardless whether it belonged to myth or legend, so powerful and destructive unnerved them. Sasuke listened wordlessly, the pieces of the jigsaw coming together as he was carried by his reveries whilst his brother continued to retell the tale.
Itachi conveniently left out the part about his and Reina's tryst - he deeming it safer on her part. Tomo watched him carefully, knowing what had occurred between the pair. However she was caught off guard when Itachi mentioned Hidekazu.
"You...you saw him?" Tomo asked, her voice cracking. Itachi nodded offering a solemn but grateful smile.
"Hai, Hidekazu-sama was the one who saved me after I lost Reina. Without him, everything would have been lost." Tomo choked up. Hearing about her late husband was the last thing she expected to hear. To think that her husband was still looking out for their granddaughter beyond the grave made her heart swell with pride. It became clear that Reina had inherited her heart of gold from her grandfather.
Itachi's words ended with he and Reina parting ways through the mirror. Having previously mentioned their parents, Sasuke visibly stiffened; it ailed him that Itachi had gotten to see them again. And the fact that they had long forgiven his sins and didn't resent him, all the while he was walking a fine line of love and hate. It galled him.
"I...I don't know what to say." Tsunade exclaimed, slumping further into her chair; Itachi smiled slightly understanding how preposterous it all must sound. Suddenly Tsunade straightened in her chair, her entire demeanour changing in an instance. "Itachi, I am prepared to give you immunity, given the truth that has recently come to light. However, given the circumstances of your brother, I am not prepared to let him walk freely." Sasuke narrowed his eyes, his fists clenched so tight they threatened to crack under the pressure of his grip.
"Am I to be thrown in chains like some common criminal then?" Sasuke retorted, his gaze visibly darkening. Before he could open his mouth to speak Tomo clipped the back of his head, glaring down at the raven haired male when he gazed up in irritation.
"Watch who you're speaking to." Tomo motioned for Tsunade to continue. Itachi remained silent, he knew Sasuke was still acting in his interest. They were back in the village that was responsible for their family's death penalty, coming back was never going to be easy. Sasuke glowered in his chair, tearing his eyes from Tomo to Tsunade.
"Believe me Sasuke I understand why you're angry. I do, truly. But consider this from my point of view. I have a person sat in front of my desk, who previously threatened to render the village I love to the ground. How else am I to proceed but cautiously?" Tsunade was sincere. It caught Sasuke off guard. He had expected to meet a full brigade of shinobi, kunai blazing; instead he was met with diplomacy.
"I'll vouch for him." Everyone looked to Tomo. Her smile was defiant but by no means disrespectful. "I will take full responsibility for him if you will let me. Too many people have been hurt because of this village's bad decisions, including this boy here and I'll be damned if I let you lock him up like a petty thief."
Itachi stared at the Hitori elder, an incredulous expression visible in his dark eyes. He wasn't the only one who was stunned; everyone gawped at Tomo. Considering that he was meant to be teaching today, Kakashi found that the day just kept getting more and more interesting. Tsunade did not give her answer immediately, she contemplated the offer thoroughly. Itachi was the reason Sasuke derailed. The pair had come full circle, they reunited after a lifetime of playing cat and mouse. There was an obvious connection between the trio. Regardless of the indenture that Reina had pact with Itachi there was something that ran deep between the two families, something that exceeded mere chakra bonds- that much was clear.
"Alright. I accept your offer. But one peep out of him and you hand him over - am I clear?"
"Of course." Tomo nodded and smiled; she had a sense of achievement that oozed from her demeanour. Tsunade nodded, satisfied with the outcome of the situation. "Forgive me Hokage-sama but I must excuse myself for now. Would you send these two on their way once you're done with them?"
Tsunade, mid-sip of her sake, waved the Hitori elder off, smirking when Kakashi glowered.
"And make sure they aren't late for dinner."