001 :: Video

[counterintel]

[Wearing an expression very much unlike his usual composed look, Itachi looks something like he's seen a ghost. It fades to something less frantic, a frown as he tries to figure out how to make the device do what he wanted.]

Shisui. Can you hear me?

[A moment, and-- nothing. He sighs, pressing something else which turns the video feed off, leaving only the rustle of sound as he fumbles with the thing.]

Shisui?

[Another frustrated noise, and he manages at least to end the whole feed.]

Comments

[counterintel]

The life of a shinobi is not meant to be easy.

[He knows Sasuke's is probably harder than many, but not most. There's a reason he's done the things he plans to do, or the things he'd done in Sasuke's life.

Just that thinking makes him feel uneasy. Sasuke is here right before him though, fit and well. Alive. Does he need to know the details? Details of a life he has yet to damage. For the good of the Leaf.

For the good of the leaf.

For the time being though, they're here, and it's a need to understand Sasuke that makes him speak up, eventually.]

Tell me.

[hebi]

I'm aware.

[And so Sasuke will tell. What happened at home, overview of what happened in Toshima and in Nesreca.

Everything Itachi could want to know.]

[counterintel]

[It was a conversation that was difficult to hear, but he took it all in, understanding not only the things that he'd done but the troubles they'd both been through. Mostly apart. For Konoha.]

This must feel odd.

[He was unsure of what more to say, really... time to take it all in would be preferable.]

[hebi]

I'm...used to it, by now.

[counterintel]

Right. Of course.

[Still. It's not particularly easy to see him like this. If he could have done it any other way-- if the things they'd tried had worked.

It was pointless to think about it. He was here, now-- with Sasuke.]

So you keep busy here?

[hebi]

[Though, for Sasuke...he probably wouldn't have asked for anything else. Except, well, maybe more people around here that weren't from their world. That would certainly help.]

I try to, yes. [Though it's not easy to find things to do, except clear out overgrown plants.]

[counterintel]

[He hasn't commented on the lacking population, but he would share that hope, too.

So, now is the time for making time.]

What do you spend your time doing? Seems there's not much to do. Training...

[hebi]

I typically just make rounds around the city, take note of who is here and who's left. Help with whatever mundane projects are being picked up, work on learning Russian the traditional way.

Otherwise, I simply just... train, for an hour or two in the morning

[counterintel]

Sounds official.

[That's a smile-- oh my goodness, yes it is. He's proud of you.]

Perhaps you'd like to train together sometime?

[hebi]

[He can't help a slight smile himself, because yes it is indeed rare Itachi ever smiles.]

I'd like that, aniki.

[counterintel]

[It's just as nice to see that on you, Sasuke.]

Mn. You train every morning?

[hebi]

Unless Libitina's events prevent me from doing otherwise, yes.

[counterintel]

Then perhaps soon?

[hebi]

Whenever you'd like.

[counterintel]

I'll let you know, then.

[hebi]

All right.

Shall I show you to the apartments, then?

[counterintel]

Mn.

That would be helpful.

[hebi]

This way, then. [Leading the way!]

[counterintel]

[A nod-- he'll just be following you there, Sasuke, taking a moment to try and get to grips with this height difference.]

[hebi]

[And lead the way he will, telling Itachi of places to note along the way. And when they finally do get there, he stops. Among the multiple apartment buildings, only one looks to be in near perfect shape.]

What room number did Libitina give you?

[counterintel]

[He follows, or more - falls into step beside him, listening intently to the explanations with little to add himself, happy to listen to Sasuke as they walked.]

201.

We have no say in the rooms we are given?

[hebi]

After a month, she's not so picky about where anyone stays. You're free to move then.

[counterintel]

So until then we're to stay where we are. Very well.

Where are you staying?

[hebi]

Pretty much.

My room is 303.

[counterintel]

I see.

Did you move from where she put you?