Within the faraway walls of the secluded compound, he hears the thundering roars. The culmination of joy, laughter and a vast trail of ignorance that terminates by the Uchiha grounds.
He does not openly attune to the sounds. Itachi's mind is fixated on the scenario before him. Uchiha Fugaku is in opposition to his son's increasing rebel and the disconcertment that follows as the coup nears its fruition.
"Itachi, what is the meaning of this? Have we not discuss the matter? Is the Uchiha's dignity a paltry element of your existence?" Fugaku pauses, as if suppressing a barrage of raucous words, "have you no desire to reassert the clan's former glory?"
Reassert? Perhaps his father's idea of reassert is just another veil for power and control.
Itachi does not answer. His stance on the matter is clear, yet Fugaku's refusal to acknowledge the circumstance is perhaps out of the desperate desire to excuse his son of future accountabilities.
He sighs, then speaks evenly.
"The police is in need of an extra hand. Whilst you are not an official part of the force, I have made an exemption. You will be relieved of your shinobi duties for the next month."
Fugaku's change of topic and alternate orders may be two sides of the same coin, but Itachi does not refute the command. He may have differing views when it comes to the Uchiha's resurgence, yet he does not question the injunction imposed on him by his father.
"Is there a particular area that requires assistance?" Itachi asks.
"Cold cases. The area is heavily neglected."
At his words, Itachi forcibly withholds the questioning. The cold case division is severely limited in resources, and often requires experienced investigators. And whilst his father's initial reasoning proves pragmatic, instinct alludes to an underlying motive that consists of elements related to the curtailment of his views.
"Itachi, do not disappointment me this time," Fugaku continues.
His tone is suffused with heavy layers of caution. But when he speaks again, his voice deviates between specks of softness and intensity.
"Please go and enjoy the festival."
x
Forgive me, Izumi but I couldn't keep my promise.
By the resounding falls, and between scattered murmurs of a distant festival, he awaits Shisui's arrival.
Fixation may not be the exact definition that discerns his state of mind, but the impending rumination persists like parasites. Though the Uchiha's affair occupies a portion of his concerns, there is an unknown element of apprehension that holds a significant amount of space within his conscious. He cannot fully elucidate the unease. Perhaps it amounts to the multitude of recent events?
No.
The apprehension has a physical and it sits within his core like a growing tumour. Fear, guilt, remorse - they are the emotions that manifest within a tangible sphere. And the feelings are pre-meditated, as if his body is an empty shell that disseminates fractured memories.
No matter its origin, the Uchiha's approaching proposition takes precedent.
"Itachi."
Shisui's presence is often an allayment to his trance-like state. His approach displays a component of acknowledgement, as if he is already attuned to Itachi's concerns.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Shisui continues, "there's been a bit of a problem near the chambers."
"Is everything okay?" Itachi asks.
At the question, Shisui is looking perturbed.
"The spores are spreading across the chamber. I've temporarily sealed the area, but it's only a matter of time before it breaks through. I believe this may lead to some issues if we are not careful."
When Shisui steps close to the cliff edge, Itachi sees the discomposure that skirts his tired features.
Is this the reason for the escalating unease of his physical?
"Itachi, are you feeling the effects?"
Shisui is watching with a slightly dubious expression. His question is perhaps seeking an affirmation rather than anything that disputes his theory.
"The feeling is similar to when I was trapped in that invisible space with Izumi. But this time, the physical sensations are more intense," he grips the side of his abdomen, then speaks assertively, "sorry, Shisui, regardless of theses experiences, there are more pressing matters."
Shisui does not require an elaboration. Their unstated comprehension of the matter is mutual.
"I see. How did it go with Fugaku?"
Without hesitation, Itachi divulges the details.
Even in his explanation of Fugaku's rationale, Shisui's expression yields a parade of concern that corresponds with Itachi's speculation of an underlying motive.
"For now, heed his instructions. Even if you must attend to it, mitigating further suspicions is your best bet," he places a reassuring hand on Itachi's shoulder, "in the meantime, I'm strategising an alternative, so let's work with what we've got."
For the very minuscule chance they have left, Itachi remains deeply conflicted. His ability to assist may have stagnated, but at this point, his faith in Shisui is all that is left.
"Don't worry too much," Shisui's astuteness is an indicator of his understanding, "we should enjoy the Fireworks Festival. Izumi is probably still waiting for you."
"I already broke my promise that I would meet her at an organised time."
The lingering guilt returns to the forefront.
"I wouldn't put it pass Izumi that she would be upset about it," he continues lowly.
"You know what would fix this situation?" Shisui gestures towards the village centre, "that you actually turn up instead of bailing altogether."