"Kid, what's with you…?"
Hearing Itachi's voice, Jūzō froze for a moment. Then, seeing Itachi's completely unfamiliar face, he hesitated and asked.
"It's just a disguise technique, nothing impressive."
Itachi had no intention of explaining further to Jūzō and brushed it off casually.
Mainly because explaining it would be a hassle—it's a bit mysterious...
"Let's go grab a drink."
After hearing Itachi's words and confirming his identity, Jūzō felt relieved. He immediately threw an arm around Itachi's shoulder and prepared to head out with him.
While wrapping his arm around Itachi's shoulder, Jūzō couldn't help but marvel at how much the kid had grown—almost as tall as him now…
---
"I've got a companion with me. Let's bring him along. Just remember to act like you don't know him."
As they approached a large gate, Itachi snapped back to reality and quickly informed Jūzō.
He was having a hard time dealing with Jūzō's enthusiasm.
"A companion, huh… Oh yeah, I meant to ask, why'd you go to Konoha again? What's your plan this time? Don't mess around—I'm trying to form an alliance with Konoha. If you do something that causes their collapse, all my efforts will go to waste…"
Jūzō's teasing tone came through as he processed Itachi's words, sobering up slightly.
But in his mind, no matter what, his bond with this kid was what mattered most.
If Itachi planned to make a move on Konoha, there was no way Jūzō wouldn't get involved.
Whether he could actually help or not was a different matter—he'd definitely bring reinforcements…
---
Seeing Jūzō so obviously excited, Itachi was speechless for a moment.
Was this guy pent up or something? He was talking like a chatterbox…
Then Itachi remembered the nature of Mizukage's duties. As the backbone of the village, many burdens fell solely on their shoulders with no one to share the load. It started to make sense.
"Don't worry. I'm only going to Konoha for some personal matters. Once I'm done, I'll leave immediately."
Itachi explained briefly without going into detail.
Even he wasn't entirely sure about many things, let alone how to explain them.
"I was joking. If you really want to make a move, just tell me. I'll bring people to back you up."
Jūzō's tone turned serious as he spoke.
No matter how strong Konoha was, if Itachi wanted to act, Jūzō would make it happen.
Though his words might sound impulsive…
---
"Alright, for now, call me Asura. My companion's name is Aganzo. Let's go grab a meal together."
Hearing Jūzō's serious tone, Itachi quickly changed the subject.
Of course, he really was hungry…
"Fine. There's a new restaurant in our village. The food there is pretty good. I'll take you to try it out."
Jūzō, usually somewhat tight-fisted, spoke with an unusual touch of generosity this time…
"By the way, are you really thinking about allying with Konoha? What's the situation with Guy and Kurenai right now?"
As they walked out of the office, Itachi lowered his voice to ask Jūzō's opinion.
If Jūzō had any plans in place, Itachi would reconsider his own mission.
---
"Huh, about this time…"
Jūzō suddenly remembered that Itachi was officially here as part of a negotiation team…
"Close enough. Let's finish eating first, and we can figure it out properly afterward."
Jūzō looked around and spoke softly after a moment's thought.
"Alright…"
Itachi had no objections and agreed in a low voice.
Before long, Kakashi was brought over, and the group sat down to eat together.
This time, Mei Terumī didn't show up, much to Itachi's relief.
Mei's intensity was overwhelming. Her warmth felt like it could melt him entirely…
---
The dining table was silent; no one seemed inclined to talk. The three of them focused solely on eating, shoveling food into their mouths.
After they finished eating, Itachi signaled Kakashi to leave first.
It was time to have a proper discussion with Jūzō about the matter at hand and figure out a thorough solution.
"You seem a bit distracted today," Jūzō said softly as they walked along the road, his face hidden beneath his hat.
"It's nothing. Just that good food has a way of consuming all your attention…"
"Always so flowery with your words. What a pain…"
---
Once again, the atmosphere fell into silence…
---
"Are you upset because Mei Terumi isn't here today? She went on a mission," Juzo teased with a smirk as he looked at the little brat's grumpy expression.
"Uh..."
Itachi was at a loss for words. Juzo's constant teasing left him feeling a bit exasperated.
"So, have you met any girls recently? Anyone you like?" Juzo pressed on, refusing to drop the subject.
Itachi's face froze momentarily, prompting Juzo to take advantage of the situation, attempting to shake Itachi's resolve.
If possible, Juzo thought, he would love to arrange something for Itachi. Unfortunately, Itachi's mind was like steel—unyielding. Thus, Juzo had no choice but to try this slower, more subtle approach.
...
"Alright, enough joking around. Let's talk business," Itachi quickly shifted the topic, not wanting the conversation to drift further into uncomfortable territory.
The longer Juzo talked, the stranger his words became.
"Are you here to take those two Konoha shinobi back? Did Hiruzen Sarutobi have anything else to say?"
Seeing Itachi's face twist into a peculiar expression, Juzo decided not to push further and instead changed the subject. After all, wearing someone down was a gradual process, not something achieved in a day.
"What's your opinion on this? I'm no lackey of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Whatever he wants doesn't concern me in the slightest," Itachi responded with a shrug and an indifferent tone.
...
Juzo studied Itachi's calm and unconcerned demeanor, trying to read his true thoughts. But after a while, realizing it was futile, Juzo sighed and gave up.
Trying to one-up this kid was exasperating.
"Fine, take the two with you. But tell Hiruzen Sarutobi this: if he wants an alliance, let's have one. If not, then so be it. Tell him to stop dithering like some overly cautious woman," Juzo said nonchalantly after a brief silence.
In Juzo's mind, Itachi's presence already showed goodwill. He would give Itachi the respect he deserved, even without Itachi having to ask for it explicitly.
...
"Is that really what you think?" Itachi asked after a pause, staring directly into Juzo's eyes through the brim of his hat.
"What else am I supposed to think?" Juzo retorted, rolling his eyes. "If Hiruzen doesn't want an alliance, we'll just go find another village. It's not like Konoha is the only option. The only reason we considered them is that Konoha has historically been a village that values peace."
"That makes sense," Itachi nodded thoughtfully after hearing Juzo's reasoning.
Thinking back to the history of the Hidden Leaf, since Hashirama Senju's time, the village had always seemed peace-loving. Of course, this made sense considering Konoha's fertile lands and abundant resources. The other nations, often in less favorable conditions, naturally wanted to invade and claim Konoha's wealth. Everyone had to survive somehow.
...
What seemed like a complicated matter was settled with ease as the two spoke casually, as if it were no more significant than discussing lunch plans—calm and unhurried.
"Why don't you stay a few extra days this time?" Juzo suggested as they wrapped up their conversation, walking Itachi to the door.
"Forget it. I've got arrangements to handle back in Konoha. You seem busy yourself; I don't want to be a distraction," Itachi replied, pausing briefly before shaking his head.
Even Mei Terumi had been sent on a mission, signaling how occupied the Hidden Mist Village was. Itachi decided against lingering and taking up Juzo's time.
Of course, Juzo's tasks weren't insurmountable. If they had been, Itachi would've helped him resolve them before leaving—or at the very least, sent Kakashi to lend a hand.
...
---