Realisation struck. And it struck hard. For the faintest fraction of a second, imperceptible to mortal eyes, Asami’s eyes widened. Her near impeccable countenance yielded, the slightest traces of shock plainly written across her face. “You are seriously telling me ... that ...”
Itachi merely nodded. “He is. The man is Uchiha Madara, hiding in plain sight.”
“... ... ...” Asami folded her hands, sunk in thought. For once, it was she to have fallen silent.
Itachi continued, “Our ends might differ, Asami, but I am convinced that an understanding might be beneficial to the both of us.”
“...” Asami raised her gaze. Her eyes were blazing with fury. Hell hath no fury like a woman deceived. “Know that I will take your suggestion into consideration. Even then, you have my sincere ... gratitude, Itachi.”
“... ... ...” Itachi maintained his blank expression, much satisfied with the outcome. He had achieved his goal, turning Asami into an irreconcilable enemy of Madara. “The day is already late. I will take my leave then. Before we part, though, you made it quite clear that you intend to move against Orochimaru sooner or later. As you are certainly aware, the man has taken my little brother under his tutelage … Should the need arise, I do not wish for any harm to befall him, if you understand what I mean, Asami.” She would. And she did.
“...” The princess scrutinised him with care. Nevertheless, she readily assented, an amused smile flashing across her lips. “Rest assured, such can be certainly arranged, especially in consideration of all that you have taken upon yourself and sacrificed to protect him. I will extend my courtesy to him, within my capabilities, albeit I must confess that Sasuke’s character has never been an easy one to manage as far as I am able to recall. Though I would say that such is hardly surprising after what you did to him that night, Itachi.”
“... ... ...” Itachi fell silent, only far too well aware of the sins that he had committed. Time had not lightened the guilt resting on his conscience. The years had merely taught him to live with his sins. The rıghtful source is 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩✶𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚✶𝕟𝕖𝕥
“...” Asami resumed, her words calm and slow. “I still remember Sasuke from before. Kind. Innocent. Cheerful. With a trace of Uchiha arrogance. The massacre has changed him. His kindness turned to vitriolic hatred. His innocence to an insatiable thirst for vengeance. These days he is brash, irascible, obstinate, not to mention far too prideful and confident in his own abilities, even for an Uchiha. I doubt that he has changed for the better. His hatred for you must have driven him to side with Orochimaru.”
“... ... ...” Itachi lowered his gaze. Each of her accusations weighed heavily upon him, and yet he found her words difficult to refute. He was the one responsible for Sasuke’s suffering and pain. “It is how it is. It is a burden that I will have to carry for the rest of my days. It is the path that I have chosen all these years ago, and I will see it through to the bitter end. I will take all his hatred upon myself and take it with me to my grave.”
The princess observed him, indifferent, yet doubtful. “I see, so that was your intention all along ... Quite the ambitious undertaking, I must say. Have you never considered the possibility that your brother might deserve the truth.”
“... ... ...” Itachi exhaled, a grave sigh escaping him. He had. Many, many times. Yet the verdict remained the same. “He would not understand. The truth would destroy him.”
Asami merely smiled in response. “More than your lies already have?”
“... ... ...” Itachi closed his eyes in contemplation. “Only time will tell.”
“If you say so”, Asami conceded. “You are walking a dangerous path, Itachi. The human mind is fragile in nature. If he ever were to find out the truth ... I doubt that I need to tell you.”
“... ... ...” Itachi met her words with silence. It was a risk that he had been prepared to take. Even then, he had long since crossed the point of no return.