If Uchiha Itachi's eyes had known all the unintended consequences, all the permutations of fate, the causal string created by beginning an enmity with Orochimaru, he thinks he might have done things differently. He thinks he would have killed him sooner, Akatsuki or no, because leaving his dear brother under that man's care was too much. Yes, it was liable to make him strong but Itachi had no desire to see him grow up twisted. His was the only hand that could shape his little brother. Itachi resented any unknown variable. If only. If only he had seen their paths converging earlier than expected.