I'm sorry it took so long!

True to her nature, Risa was extremely angry when Itachi finally spoke with her. She didn't leave him any choice and now he was sitting in her apartment in Konoha with the Hokage as she went shopping around the village. The silence stretched between them as Itachi refused to even make eye contact. Finally, Sarutobi sighed.

"Would you like some tea?"

"What?" Itachi glanced up in bewilderment. Definitely not what he was expecting.

"Tea. I believe your mother always keeps a good stock."

"My… mother? Risa is not my mother."

"She adopted you. Don't you see her as a mother?"

"She is a mother… But not mine. Any adoption paperwork would have been solely for Sasuke's benefit, and perhaps it was simpler."

"Simple? Do you really think Risa would adopt you just because it would be easy? She didn't have to for you to be taken out of the bingo book. Or to keep you over there with Sasuke."

"Why am I out of the bingo book? Just based on her word? What if I had lied?"

"Did you?" Sarutobi calmly asked as he went to get himself some tea.

"Well no, but-"

"And I doubt she would have been so easily swayed if there was no evidence. So tell me; how did you manage it? She told me why all ready, but I don't think it was a lone effort."

"It was."

"Then how did you find out about the plot? And why did you not report it?" Sarutobi sat down, putting a mug in front of Itachi as he sipped his own tea.

"… I found out through them. They tried to recruit me. And…"

"And?"

Itachi sighed, "I did report it."

"What? But I-"

"I reported it to Danzo… who then ordered me to remove the threat, or else he would. Sasuke most likely would have been killed then as well." Sarutobi's mug shattered on the floor as he stood.

"You became a criminal for following orders?! Is that what you're telling me Itachi? That Danzo is working behind my back?" Itachi watched him in shock.

"… Y-yes sir." There was a pause as Sarutobi calmed himself down.

"Unfortunately, I believe you. But that does not explain why you are still willing to be labeled a criminal."

"Orders or not… it was my own clan that I massacred. I left Sasuke to find it and to fend for himself."

"… And then the one person you couldn't predict entered the picture and ended up adopting you both. At least now there is no worry about having to kill your family this time." Itachi finally smiled.

"I wouldn't be able to… Speaking of her, where is she?"

"Odd… I thought I sensed her at the door a while ago." Itachi went and looked outside, coming back with a few bags.

"Perhaps she forgot something."

"Or was giving us more time to speak alone." There was a pause before Sarutobi got up and looked out the door as well. "Well… I'm sure she'll be back soon. Until then we really should discuss the Uchiha estate."

"It should go to Sasuke."

"I was thinking you all could use it while in the village. It definitely is nicer than this apartment. As for the money… I will put it in Risa's name. I doubt she'll use it, but then it cannot be taken away."

"The estate… might not be the best place for us to stay."

"I'll have it cleaned up for you, but talk it over with Sasuke and let me know."

"… Yes sir. Thank you."

"It's only fair Itachi. Do you know if you and your mother… sorry, I mean Risa, will be staying long?" Itachi shook his head.

"I'm not sure, but I doubt it will be very long."

"Very well. I suppose I'll leave now. Let her know that she doesn't have to check with me before leaving."

"Of course sir. Thank you again." Sarutobi smiled and opened the door.

"You should be thanking Risa." With that he disappeared, the door shutting quietly behind him. Itachi smiled and went to put the groceries away. He was just finishing cleaning up the shattered mug when he heard the door shut. He went and saw Risa leaning against it with her eyes closed. As soon as he stepped toward her she cracked one eye open to look at him. She didn't say anything and Itachi shifted awkwardly, wondering if she was angry. After a moment she pushed away from the wall and patted his shoulder.

"Go pack up. We're leaving." She walked past without another word.

The trip back was silent and, to Itachi, uncomfortable. He couldn't figure out what was wrong, and didn't want to be the one to break the silence. Just past the barrier he had to though, when he saw her release a soul into the water.

"Who…" He trailed off as she glanced at him, but tried again. "Who was that?" She considered him for a moment before a smile touched her lips.

"That was Danzo." At his stunned look she looked back at the water and continued. "I see you as my son, whether you consider me your mother or not. And as such I could not just let him go after such an abhorrent crime." Itachi opened and closed his mouth several times before finding the words.

"You… you killed him for me?"

"In a way. I stole his soul. The cause of death will be considered a heart attack. But yes, it was for you." They bumped against the shore and Risa stretched slightly. "Head back to the others. I'll be gone for a few days." She disappeared and Itachi turned to the ferryman.

"Where is she going?" He just shook his head and pushed Itachi onto the shore before pulling away. With a frown Itachi went back to Sesshomaru and the boys.

Hope you enjoy.