“I respectfully disagree.” And he could continue to disagree.
He begins to open his mouth to explain why. How he wants peace, how the title will help him. It will open the doors to other countries, allow him to spread his word, to form lasting political bonds that will help cement peace now and for the future.
But he firmly clamps his mouth shut. If the Hokage doesn’t even believe him, why should he explain himself. He will only be met with more ridicule.
“I will attend to my duties.”
Itachi can understand that, then. That does make sense. Certainly wouldn’t want a criminal known for experimenting on humans having access to important records and the ability to make and enforce laws.
“Is the purpose of this to tell me you seek retirement soon.”
“Why accept it then.” He’s on full defense now, not quite wanting to let that statement sink in.
“A Hokage is elected through both popular and Council vote, and Inaugurated soon after. You had time to refuse, and allow another decision to be made.” Itachi knows people like his Father were also gunning for the position, only to be entirely overlooked.
That makes it sound so shallow–
But it isn’t as if it’s untrue.
Minato was certainly an exceptional shinobi. He had great skill for his age, as well as a list of achievements behind him.
But that meant nothing without the title. The title was what set him apart, what made him truly above the rest.
“Hokage is a very important position to hold.” He feels like his own argument is failing him. …Why would someone sat in the seat talk like this? Was he trying to discourage him?
“Nothing?” Itachi voices his first thought aloud, the confusion showing in not just his tone, but his expression.
“You’ve earned the title of Hokage at the youngest record age.” He reminds him, as Itachi knows his history very well. The fact he was Hokage alone earned him a great deal of respect, as it was a title Itachi himself hoped to attain. He’d be on his level one day, donning the hat and doing the work to maintain the peace.
“To be Hokage is…” is something I want.
A “bit” was being lenient–
“I am sure most people in the Leaf admire you, Lord Fourth…” Itachi deflects, gaze aside.
[Taking into account how protective villages are of their own shinobi in general, it’s safe to say that he definitely broke laws teaching children of another village like that. Ofc he’s the Sandaime’s student, one of the Sannin, one of the War Heroes ™, so it’s safe to say those actions were either 1. never brought up after war 2. completely ignored. Or 3. No one even knows what he did.]
[[ I’m safely betting on #3, and that the only people who would possibly know about it are Tsunade and Orochimaru. My knowledge of the manga in this area is admittedly a bit rusty (since I put more of my focus in the itachi v Sasuke fight that comes after this)
I am not sure, but I think Konan ends up telling Naruto that she and Nagato were Jiraiya’s students? And there’s no way Naruto is gonna think that Jiraiya’s a traitor for this, he just thinks Nagato got too caught up w/ hate and he just TNJ’d him anyways. ]]
Send me “Bad Touch” for some randomly generated violence.
“With all due respect, Fourth, it’s been seventy-three hours, forty seven minutes, and-”
“I know how long I’ve gone without sleep, Itachi.” Okay, maybe not down to the hours and seconds, but at least three days running now. Eyes thick with bags squint down at the papers scattered on his desk, and since when did they change kanji? They were legible just about a day, ago, and…
“You need sleep.” Itachi ran like a broken record, and Minato’s patience was wore thin due to the lack of sleep. Itachi was a special kind of hypocrite himself too, the kid had to be forced to take a vacation upon his Chuunin promotion.
Setting his elbows on the table, Minato runs his shaky hands through his hair. Not only has he not slept, but he hasn’t left the office except to relieve himself. His hair is greasy.
“I need coffee, Itachi, not sleep.” If his aide would just…do his job, and bring him the coffee he needed…
“You’ve a tolerance for the caffeine. The brew cannot be made any stronger. Furthermore, Kushina-san-”
Itachi’s interrupted by Minato’s face banging on the desk sharply, denting the poor profile of some Kumo teen attempting to enter this year’s Chuunin exams.
“Coffee.” The demand is clear.
But Itachi has reached his limit.
Minato was a superb ninja. Feared on the lands. With a run-on-sight order during the third war. But three nights with no sleep, and over-stressing himself trying to organize this year’s exam leave him all but defenseless when Itachi grips his face.
Minato’s vision goes red.
He vaguely catches a pair of lips forming a sorry before he slips into sleep.
7) Grabbing your muse’s face
“Mmhm.” Getting just enough sleep, eating on schedule. That’s good for Itachi, at least. He puts his chopsticks away as expected, and stands.
“Mm, I’m alright.” Shouldn’t waste anymore time than they have, already. He will, however, eat the last slice of pepper, just to ensure they leave an empty plate. It’s rude, otherwise.
UchihaSavior 