Disclaimer: Naruto does not in any way belong to me, it's the property of Kishimoto, etc.

Three Little Words (i didn't say)

04. Itachi

What is love?

Devotion to a steadfast comrade? The bond of affection shared between parent and child? The desire to protect a younger, weaker sibling from all harm?

Itachi's Sharingan first activate when a foreign shinobi managed to infiltrate Konoha and attempt to kidnap himself and Shisui. He's only eight years old.

His father trains him and his mother tends his bruises from training, and Itachi's Sharingan gain three tomoe.

(He saved them for last, which was a mistake; he hasn't cried since the night of the massacre, and it was only his parents' calm acceptance of their fate that managed to break through the psychological barriers he had erected to carry out his final mission for Konoha.)

Itachi helps Shisui die (he kills Shisui) and his Sharingan bleeds, tomoe merging together to form another shape entirely.

(He told Shisui I don't love you but it was a lie; Itachi lies like breathing and it is only easier after that because nothing hurt quite as much as saying I don't love you to Shisui.)

He goes blind, struggling to stay alive and give Sasuke the fighting chance that his younger brother needs and deserves.

(He had thought to save Sasuke from their clan's cursed fate; if the boy's bonds were formed with other villagers, rather than rooted in his own clan, surely he would not fall prey to the same hatred.)

Itachi failed to account for the love of a younger brother forever chasing his older brother's shadow.

Hate me, Itachi had told Sasuke. What he'd meant was, remember the bonds you had, and cherish the ones that you will make.

Sasuke stands before him, alone. He glares at Itachi with fully-formed Sharingan (but not the Mangekyou; not yet, perhaps) and there is such hatred in his gaze.

Itachi tastes copper on his tongue, and he isn't certain if it's from his failing lungs or something else entirely.