"They've been quiet lately. I believe it'll pick up once the Winter Festival is over," Shisui says.
There is a pale greyness to his features, a sombre aura reminiscent of heightened anxiety that was the Third Ninja War.
"I have no qualms about that," Itachi agrees, "Father has not spoken about it for quite some time, and I believe there have been no meetings conducted."
Shisui is looking troubled, as if he knows more than he lets on. But he softens and the familiar brotherly look he gives is synonymous with assurance.
"Lets play it by ear for now. It's worst if we rouse suspicion by asking or interfering with the clan's progress," Shisui says.
The agreement is portrayed in a discomforting silence and neither speaks for sometime.
"The Winter Festival is tomorrow. I'm keen to see whether you will take the Council's Mission for the fourth year in a row," Shisui grins.
"It would be unfair if I keep taking the title," Itachi answers honestly.
"Always the humble one you are," Shisui replies, "Lets hope it will be awarded to Izumi then."
"Yes, she does deserve to take this year's title."
A momentary silence, then Shisui speaks with sudden sarcasm.
"About Izumi, what's going on between the two of you?"
"I don't understand," Itachi says.
There is not an ounce of dishonesty that doubts the veracity of his statement. But the way Shisui speaks of Izumi brings forth a strange yet distant feeling of protectiveness he finds difficult to fathom.
The look on Itachi's face sends a spiralling level of amusing energy towards Shisui, who is now grinning broadly.
"If Izumi does not win tomorrow, be nice to her. She has targeted you as a rival long ago so a defeat would crush her," he pauses, "And also, girls like being appreciated by their admir…er…rivals," he finishes hastily.
Itachi's response is a slight grimace that surfaces his smile, an act that is perhaps associated with minute levels of friendly derision.
"You seem knowledgeable and experienced about these things," he says quietly.
At the comment, Shisui's face turns a faint shade of red.
"Well, I am older than you," he replies sheepishly.
"That isn't necessarily an accurate depiction of someone's level of experience."
Shisui laughs.
"You are brazen today. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact we are not training?"
They both grin in silence. Another minute of quietude before Itachi speaks again, this time with a steely edge.
"Shisui, this Honoka woman, please be wary."
He expects mild protest at the very least, but Shisui does not stir at his comment. The stillness persists with an element of adversity, but he does not answer for some time.
"What are your speculations?" He asks ruefully.
His tone is surprisingly harsh for the softness its volume is projecting.
"She is from Root," Itachi states frankly.
Shisui turns to him in puzzlement. There is a look of genuine interest at the sudden revelation.
"I see."
But he appears unconvinced despite the flicker of apprehension that lines his watch.
"I won't question your private life, but Honoka's association with Root warrants a higher level of vigilance. Considering Danzo's hostility towards the clan, it feels too convenient for Honoka to have met you."
Shisui answers with forced reassurance.
"Itachi, don't worry I'll handle it, and besides, I was the one who offered my friendship to her, so I don't think there are any suspicions relating to Honoka's sudden appearance."
The comment is implausible to his speculative mind. Though Honoka herself may not present with ill-intentions, her association with Root is undoubtedly a cause for concern.
But Itachi trusts Shisui. He will not refute the assuring statement, despite lingering doubts.
Even if Shisui disagrees with such ideas, Itachi will not hesitate to keep information secret if it means protecting the clan and the village.