That night, once all the children were tucked into bed and the demons were put away, Itachi slowly made his way to the third floor. The teen knocked on the door politely, his arms falling to his sides afterward.
The door opened after a moment, Konan facing him in the doorway. She looked over at the young teen, pressing the door open for him to enter. He was surprised to see Tobi was also in the room, sitting across from Nagato.
He noticed the masked man loosen his sitting position so he looked more casual, but set this aside for now. He knew something was off about Tobi, he had known that since the first time he saw him. Right now he needed to focus not only on Sasuke but all the children.
Itachi entered the room, standing a few feet away from Nagato and Tobi with his hands resting carefully by his side. Konan moved to Nagato's right side, glancing up at the Uchiha. Nagato asked, "Is there something we can help you with, Itachi?"
Letting out a small breath, Itachi nodded. He paid Tobi no mind as he spoke. "Yes. A few things I feel need to be addressed. For one, that boy Gaara needs something done with that demon inside him. If he continues to let it roam free, someone will be hurt much worse than a few broken bones."
Nagato nodded a bit in agreeance as Itachi continued. "We also need a good medic for Sasuke. There are many good medics around such as Lady Tsunade and Lady Chiyo. However, both are incredibly powerful and would be hard to take in. I know of a healer in Kusagakure who may be able to help. She has a special healing kekki genkai which will work perfectly. She is also a poor ninja however, with little use past her kekki genkai and medical knowledge. So it would be easy to take her away. If you would permit me, I believe I could convince her to come here willingly. She supplies my eye medication despite my mark as a missing ninja so I believe she would be willing to come as she holds an indirect connection to Sasuke through me."
Konan nodded a bit. "I see. Kusagakure isn't too far away, but I hear they've been suffering an economic crisis. People there may be rougher than you remember because of poor times. I agree to you going, but only if you bring Kisame with you. I also wish for you two to use your better judgment. If a situation arises where you aren't sure whether to push on or not, do what you think is best." she agreed.
Nagato nodded in agreement. "Yes, you're right. It's too risky to go after ninja which are too powerful. Just come back intact. Is there anything else besides the demons? We are looking for a solution to that as well."
Glancing out the window Nagato usually looked out of, he nodded. "Sasuke saids he and the other children were invited to a classmates home. Amai, to train with him and the other classmates. Amai belongs to the Chudoku clan. I told him I would ask you for him."
The other three in the room could tell Itachi had a 'but' on his mind. Nagato asked, "I would be fine with this, but Konan is technically their mother so to speak. Is there something you want to add first though, Itachi?"
Pressing his lips together, Itachi asked, "Is it a good idea for them to be by a clan so soon though? Sasuke lost his less than a month ago, Neji's enslaved him, Hinata's verbally abused her, then Gaara and Naruto both have the demons in them. Several things could go wrong and no one would be there to help them."
Konan came up behind him, putting a hand on his shoulder. The teen tensed a bit, reminding himself these were dangerous criminals who could come after him for speaking so softly. It was hard to remember this when Konan and Pain acted as his parents had at one point, even a bit softer really. Then with Deidara acting as a sort of brother to him and the others being so casual or joking with him, it was hard to imagine he would have to kill them all one day. Even Kisame, as much as the thought made his insides turn.
He was pulled back to reality when Konan pulled a piece of his hair behind his ear. "Itachi, it's okay to care about your younger brother. Nagato and I have spoken about this before. We're sure you had a larger reason for ending your clan than it is a test of your strength. You love Sasuke. I've settled on the conclusion they were planning to hurt him, that's why you did it. I don't know the full truth, but that's the best guess I can think of. If you ever need to speak about it know I'm always here. Love isn't a weakness."
Itachi blushed a bit at the last part, refusing to look over at the older woman as she continued. "You love Kisame. Kisame loves watching Neji be a little bodyguard. Neji loves protecting Hinata. Hinata loves Sasuke as an older brother. Sasuke loves Naruto as a rival. Naruto loves Gaara as a fellow broken soul. Gaara loves Sasori as an older brother. Sasori loves creating art with Deidara. Deidara loves being able to relax with Tobi. Tobi loves killing with Hidan. Hidan loves working with Kakuzu. Kakuzu loves working in the Akatsuki along with Zetsu. Zetsu loves looking over the city with Nagato. I love Nagato as he is my old friend. Nagato loves you all like family even if he won't admit it. The Akatsuki is a family."
Nagato growled out with a glare, "Konan! That is enough. I've told you before, love does no one any good. It only gets people killed. Itachi is smart not to want to attach himself to his brother. People die at the most unexpected moments. Spreading pain is the only way for everyone to understand each other."
Konan sighed, making it clear to Itachi this was an age-old argument between the two. Konan glanced at Nagato with narrowed eyes. "You say that, yet you allow Naruto in here. You allow him to babble in your ear, sit in your lap, and cuddle into your side. Not once have you complained. Deny it if you wish, but you're growing to love the boy." she spoke in a matter-of-the-fact tone.
Nagato covers his eyes with his hand, letting out an annoyed grunt. He knew she was right. The child had been worming his way into his heart. Tobi jumped in easily. "Naruto has nine tails in him. Nine tails in a fox. Foxes are sneaky, he's being a sneaky boy and trying to trick Pain! He is not a good boy."
Itachi noticed his want for them to stay on the path of hate, and became interested. If he was desperate enough to pop in at even the small notice of a possible side plan, perhaps Nagato was less set on his path than he let on. With someone as close to him as Konan against it too, it made it difficult to imagine he could go on without at least a little doubt.
Itachi couldn't help but let his tongue loose for the moment, not liking how upset Konan seemed to be by her lack of support. He could see on her face the look on unsureness over if her views were as wrong as they said. Itachi couldn't afford for her to quit the argument. If there was a way to end this all without death, he would try.
"If I may say so, Pain, I doubt Tobi knows what he's talking about. Naruto is a six-year-old boy who has no reason to be manipulating you. He has had a hard childhood since his parents passed away mere hours after his birth. He's been mistreated by the people of the village. He has been refused the reason why he is hated and alone. He still smiles on though. I believe this is only a sign."
Nagato frowned but didn't interrupt him. "He smiles on and shows love to all he meets even after they mistreat him. This is only proof love will always shine through the pain. Neji, despite being abused and mistreated by the main house, still shows love for Hinata. Just as even though she's been raised to make Neji kiss the dirt she walks on, she shows him affection. Sasuke still moves to protect Naruto, Hinata, and Gaara despite the recent pain. Gaara has suffered a lot too. His father tried to have him killed, he's known no one's touch for years, and he seems convinced he is a monster. Still, he shows affection for Sasori and tries his hardest to make others hold no hate for him."
Tobi frowned in disagreement. "They're children! Children don't know the truth of the mean, mean world. At least these were prepared, but taking them in and being so soft on them is going to get them hurt. You're a child too, that's why you don't get it. You should leave this to the grown-ups, hm-hm!"
Konan narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying we should take them in just to hurt them? That's terrible, even if the world to come is full of pain and misery it isn't right to...to.." she tried to explain, hating how brutally right Tobi was. When Nagato covered the world in pain, these kids wouldn't be ready. Though, she knew the pain of being an unloved child and didn't want that on anyone else.
Itachi glanced at him, Sharingan activated. "Children are the ones who see the world as it is, free of illusions. Children see the world as adults never can. A child's opinions and the world has not yet been warped by the games of the adult world. Children are free of fear. Fear leads to hatred for what you can not understand. With the proper guidance, these children can return to this unfearful world, with a bit of understanding of the true world as well. With this understanding they can see the world at it's most prime, a prime someone older or someone as broken as the rest of us can not see."
Nagato frowned at this. "That sounds well in logic, but would this truly be for the best? If these children do see the world in all it's the truth they may break. If they break they'll surely tumble as many of the other Akatsuki members have."
"The Akatsuki members have not all tumbled. Many of them are the ideal person. They've grown but kept the ideal set of children. Even Hidan and Kakuzu, in a way. They've accepted their true selves. You know exactly who you're talking to, not an illusion. Anyone who can not accept their true self will fail to fulfill their true potential. The more people who act out as they truly are, the easier it will be to see the world as it is. If you look past the first appearance there is much more than meets the eye for each person. By treating children as insignificant, they will only become insignificant. You must mold them if you wish them to grow an exact way. It is my opinion, that children see the world in it's clearest. When was the last time a happy child waged a war?"
Hearing silence, he pointed out. "This is the reason the Akatsuki was created, you said. For peace. I don't believe one huge push of pain is needed for this. Peace requires not only this generation's understanding but all the ones after it. If you go through with your plan of pain, it will only momentarily stop the wars. Until you die, then the other village will turn on this village and the leaf village who trained you. The leaf will retaliate. Then the circle starts new again. If you treat children with love and teach them affection, they will show that to others just as they would show hate. Love is the way to create peace."
It was only then that he realized he had just spit on every plan the Akatsuki had ever made and gritted his teeth together. Hopefully, Nagato wouldn't be too harsh against his free talking. He knew what a loose tongue got you, from the many disagreements with his father. It got nowhere besides risen stresses in a relationship. He hadn't talked to Nagato much, so he didn't know what the man was like in the face of blunt disobedience.
His face remained neutral, besides the light tint to his face from his rambling. He didn't speak much, but when he got on the topic of peace or life he couldn't help himself. The views of others could just be so...frusterating. He just couldn't help himself sometimes when he became angered. He heard no one speak for a long time, the others shocked by his outburst. Finally, Itachi turned to head for the door. "Apologies. It wasn't my place to speak, Pain-Sama. I'll head out now to leave you three to your discussion. My deepest apologies." he quietly spoke.
The others watched as he headed to the door, Nagato frowning a bit and leaning back in his chair. Before Itachi left, he spoke in a quiet voice. "Itachi, you are a truly intelligent child. You may speak as you wish to me. Some points do prove valid, but for now, it is something that must be rested on. We still have plenty of time. Your opinions will be...taken into consideration."
After all, if both Konan and Itachi thought as much, perhaps he was missing something. It was also a philosophy Yahiko used to follow dearly. Live with love. Nagato needed time to clear his head.
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The next morning, they all sat down for breakfast as they had been the last few days. All except for Itachi, Sasuke, Kisame, and Konan. Itachi was preparing for his mission along with Kisame, the two being rushed to go out as soon as possible. Sasuke's legs were in terrible shape and they only had oh so many pain relievers to give the boy.
Sasuke sat quietly eating his food which Konan had brought up to him, the little boy looking frustrated despite his best efforts to hide it. Sasuke ate the food quietly, feeling Konan reach up to run her fingers through his hair.
At first, the boy startled a bit, not used to the touch of anyone beside Itachi. Even his father and mother rarely did more than touch his shoulders. Konan sat beside him, watching the young Uchiha eat slowly.
Sasuke eventually gave in and leaned against her side, feeling relieved by the soothing feeling. Konan asked "What's wrong Sasuke? You look upset."
He pressed his lips together, muttering, "It's none of your business." adding for good measure, "You aren't my mother." a bit annoyed by how loving she was being. It made his mother's occasional soothing pat on the shoulder seem like nothing. He didn't like his dear mother whom he missed so much being shown up.
Konan frowned a bit at this but knew the boy was probably still unused to such affection from anyone besides Itachi or Makoto. She continued petting his hair gently, however, since he made no move to pull away from it. "I know I'm not your mother. I just want to take care of you. I don't want you to be upset or hurt." even if it was inevitable with Nagato's plan. She knew he didn't think it was right deep down.
After a long silence, Sasuke spoke. He settled for hiding his face in her coat, smothering the embarrassment of his question. She wasn't even in his family! Why should he be asking her such personal questions, let alone think she knows the answer? "Is Aniki mad at me?"
A bit put off by the question, Konan shook her head. "Itachi isn't mad at you. He loves you very much. Why would you think that?" not sure what Itachi might have said to make the young boy think he was angry with him.
"For weeks before everyone..everyone..." he couldn't bring himself to say died. "Was gone. He refused to do our normal training or play games with me. Then he did that. Then when I came here he barely even looks at me. He pays more attention to Hinata than me, and he barely even knows her." he muttered, unable to help the hint of jealousy. "He barely even talks to me besides yesterday when I got hurt. Even then he mostly only paid attention to my leg."
The boy was growing more physically upset. "Now he only popped in to say he was going away on a mission for a bit. He doesn't even want to be around me anymore. I don't know what I did wrong. I-I- looked at what happened yesterday from Gaara's perspective. He always saids to look from many perspectives. I did what I was supposed to, why is he leaving again so soon?"
Konan gently rubbed the small ones back, pulling him up so he sat on her lap, but careful not to hurt his legs. She pressed him to her chest, lightly rubbing his back as he nuzzled into her. She allowed him to let out small muffled noises until he relaxed. "Itachi just needs time. I'm sure he doesn't mean to ignore you. Try to remember, killing the clan might have affected him too. He told us it was simply to test in strength, but I have a feeling there's more to it. If you know the real reason why perhaps remember. It was his family too."
Sasuke glanced down. So it was his fault? Itachi wasn't looking at him because he looked like the clan. That had to be it. Before he could ponder on it too much, Konan added, "Itachi isn't running off either. He's going on a mission to find a healer for your legs. He saids he knows a very good one and asked to do it himself. He wants the best for you."
Hearing this, Sasuke smiled only to falter soon after. It seemed he wasn't doing as good of a job at seeing many perspectives as he thought. Konan lightly patted his head. "Don't worry. You're still young and have a lot of mistakes to make. Itachi won't hold it against you."
Nodding a bit, Sasuke sighed and handed her his homework to give to the others to turn in since he wasn't going to school today.
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As the kids all headed to school with Deidara, minus Sasuke, they had a few different mood sets. Neji was calm, having filled out his entire packet. He understood most of it, he thought, so he expected a good grade as always.
Hinata was nervous, not having known barely any of it. Even as the heiress to the clan, she was only five and couldn't be expected to know some of it. She comforted herself with the fact Neji wouldn't let anyone yell at her for it. After all, he was the strongest ninja she knew. He would keep her safe.
Gaara felt guilt-ridden at the lack of Sasuke and was carrying his homework in for him. His new guilt was from his new reasoning. His uncle had once said pain was like what he felt in his chest when people mistreated him, only in the form of a wound. Gaara decided last night he didn't want Sasuke to have any wounds, physical or in his chest. He had done his packet but wasn't sure how well he did on the ninja moral section.
Naruto wasn't too sure himself, Nagato having told him the packet was to test his base knowledge. Which had ended up being absolutely nothing? After the letter tracing he had put it away, not sure how to do it. Now he was regretting it. In his mind, he was sure he would be the only one with a poor grade. Neji and Sasuke were sure to get perfect marks. Hinata would probably do well too, she seemed smart. Then Gaara. He was the Kazekage's son, surely he had an amazing education.
As they arrived, their Sensei led them in, taking their packets. They all headed over to sit by their classmates, noticing everyone except Totsu was already there. They settled down quietly, waiting for their classmate while the older ones chattered.
Kichona was the first to address them. She asked curiously, "Where's Sasuke? Did he not walk with you all today?" she questioned. Where could the little ravenette be, it was only the second day of class!
Gaara only stayed quiet, guilty despite the adult's many assurances he wasn't in trouble. He was on high alert, just in case the Akatsuki decided to send out someone to kill him. After all, that's what his father had done when he couldn't control his demon.
Seeing is guilt, Neji spoke for him. "He got hurt and couldn't come today. He'll be back soon though, his brother is getting him a healer from another village, I heard."
Amai tilted his head. "He got hurt? It must be pretty bad if he couldn't come today. We have some decent healers in the village too. So I'm assuming that means it's pretty bad if his elder brother had to leave the village to find one."
Naruto nodded slightly. "There was an...accident at the house. Both his legs got completely crushed. He's alright though. His brother said he'll have the healer at the house by the end of the day so that means he'll be good to go by tomorrow." smiling largely with optimism.
Tsuyoi nodded slightly, frowning a bit. Seeing the guilt-ridden look on Gaara's face it was fairly obvious he was responsible. He glanced down at his wrists, glad it had only been his wrists rather than his entire leg that was crushed by the sand. He could only imagine Sasuke's pain.
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Itachi walked alongside Kisame, both quiet for some time. The larger of the two finally spoke. "So this is where you get the medication for your eyes, huh?" glancing around the small beat up village. He noticed the cemetery, which was a bit larger than served for comfort. "Doesn't look like they're too good in their field." he frowned.
Itachi did his best to not look at the cemetery where so many surely laid. "The healer has only a limited amount of chakra and energy. She can't be expected to heal everyone. This village only has two healers, a woman, and her daughter. From what they tell me they're only allowed to stay because of their special healing abilities. Or rather, they're forced to stay." he frowned.
Kisame blinked, "Two healers? No wonder the village is going to shit. With all the war that's gone on in the last few years it isn't a surprise so many get injured." he scoffed. "Such a foolish village. How do you plan to get the mother away from the village and her daughter? I doubt she'll want to leave her daughter alone in case of an emergency, and you said the village is making them stay."
As they came up to the hospital, Itachi headed in. "We'll take them both if need be. As far as the village goes, I doubt they're in a position to fight two high ranking ninja such as us." he easily spoke.
The hospital had a worn and tired look to it, clearly being used a lot. There was no receptionist, well unless you counted the little girl at the counter. She had bright rosy hair which came down to her shoulders, tired pink eyes, red glasses, and a small purple Kimono.
Kisame headed over, slamming his hand on the counter carelessly with a large smirk. "We're here to see the healers, kid. We need to speak with them and pick up some medication." figuring they could get Itachi's medications while they were here.
The little girl peeked around Kisame, pointedly ignoring him. A smile graced her lips as she greeted with excitement, "Itachi-san!" jumping down from her chair and charging over to the older man. Kisame blinked at her ignorance of him, watching as she practically leaped into Itachi's arms.
Itachi chuckled a bit, picking the seven-year-old up. "Hello, Karin. I know we're a bit early for my normal pick up time, but does your mother by any chance have my eye medication ready? If not, that's alright. We need to speak with her anyway."
Karin slumped a bit at this. "Oh, um. Mother, um." she wasn't sure how to say it. "She, she died a few weeks ago. We had a rush of people hurt in an accident near town and she had to use up too much blood." biting her lip with her sharp teeth. "But I got your medicine made, I think I did it right."
Seeing her point towards the back room, Itachi and Kisame both went as directed. She pointed to a filing cabinet, and sure enough inside was his medication. Itachi frowned, "Karin if you're mother is gone why are you still here? I know you assist with a lot of the medication crafting, but I hope you aren't letting them take your blood. If they didn't monitor your mother enough to know she was running dry I doubt they'll do it for you. You don't have as much blood to give. You're still young."
Karin nodded a bit, "I took over as the only medic in the village. It's my job to make sure everyone is healed up, now that mother is gone. If I die at least it'll be helping others." she decided, having used this as her comfort. After all, she didn't have a choice.
Itachi frowned, "What about school and your training? I thought you wanted to be a ninja when you got older?" he asked. Seeing her shrug a bit, he sighed. "Well, since your mother isn't here we'll have to ask you then. Can you come with us to our hideout? My younger brother had his legs badly wounded and I think your power would be best for the job. We'll make sure to monitor how much blood you use, too."
He wasn't completely sure if she could help Sasuke, but he knew her mother's blood had been unbelievably powerful. The woman had been able to heal anything from knives directly through the heart to the most deadly poison. Not to mention, her medical knowledge was amazing. The woman had held healing powers rivaling Chiyo herself. Itachi knew she had been training Karin, though how far along they were he didn't know. Her blood itself should do wonders though, even if she wasn't skilled in medical practices. The only real issue would be convincing Sasuke to drink it. That would be a challenge.
The small girl considered it for a moment before asking "Who will look after the village then? I can't leave or they won't have a healer to fix up their wounded."
Kisame snorted, flinging his sword over his shoulder. "They'll let you out, Itachi and I will make sure of it. As far as the village goes, they don't need your help as his brother does. Come on, your help will be much more appreciated in the Land of Rain."
Karin nodded a bit in understanding, before deciding. "Alright, but I should bring my medical herbs in case. I don't know if he'll need my blood or herbs. It depends on the specifics of the break." she spoke, Itachi letting her down so she could bag up all her herbs. After all, a good medic was always prepared!