A Whole New Twist

Confrontation

[ Author's note: I'm about to start singing the "be prepared" song from the "Lion King" because this story about to get hella fucked up! "So bE PepAreD!!"

P.S. that art isn't mine!]

3ed POV-

Tobi sat out on the porch of the inn, watching the sun rise with a small cup of tea. He normally didn't get hangovers but when he did, like today, he found that tea helped soothe the headache.

"Tobi!"
A stern voice, called the masked man.

Tobi let out a deep sigh, knowing what was coming. He turned his head to look at Itachi. Who was leaning up against one of the wooden pillars that held up the roof of the porch with his arms crossed.

"Yes weasel-chan?"
Tobi said in his high voice, trying to play dumb, but he knew what was coming.

"I'm not ignorant nor am I a child that can easily be fooled."
Tobi knew he had been found out again. Not that he was trying to hide it, well he was hiding it from Naruto, but that was really it. Everyone else in the Akatsuki knew.

Tobi looked down at his reflection in his cup. Trying to do anything to avoid his brother's gaze.

"Tobi, you have to stop. This can't go on. Not like this!"
Itachi said as he walked over to Tobi, now standing beside him.

"...We need the money. How do you think we are paying for this place, instead of sleeping on the ground out in the woods? How do you think we were able to pay for food? We need the money! Besides, it's the only thing I'm naturally talented at. "
Tobi stated in his real voice. He mumbled the last part but Itachi still heard it.

"Tobi look, I get it. You want to provide for Naruto, but this! This isn't the way!"

"It's the only way! The money we get from bounty isn't enough."
Tobi slightly raised his voice.

"Well then we can find another way. But Tobi you can't keep doing this! You're tearing yourself apart!"

"You're one to talk about tearing yourself apart! You should be in a wheelchair or bed bound for the rest of your life, but instead you're out here. Putting stress on your body that it can't even take-!"
Tobi turned to look at itachi when he said this.

"I am no example to follow, and you know I don't have any other choice!"

"Neither do I!"
Tobi almost yelled. Itachi and him were both silent for a moment, Itachi was slightly surprised by Tobi's outburst.
"You know, Itachi, you've seen what happens when I stop. I can't stop."
Tobi leaned down, resting his forehead on Itachi's.
"Please. I have to do this."
He almost whispered, but Itachi still heard him.

"There is no winning with you in this fight."
Itachi said, more thinking aloud.
"I just don't want to see you get hurt. So please, for mine and Naruto's sake. Be careful."
They both fell silent. Their foreheads rested against each other and their eyes closed. They rested in the silence for a moment. Finally Tobi stood up straight again.

"We need to be on our way back soon. I'll go wake Kitsune."
With that he passed Itachi and disappeared into the small inn. Itachi was left standing on the porch with an almost sad expression. He released a heavy sigh as he slowly leaned against the railing. He wished for Tobi to stop, but Tobi was right, he knew what Tobi would do if he stopped. He would do anything not to have to see his brother like that again. So for now, at least until he could find a way to help, he would just have to let Tobi have his way. As much as it hurt him to know.

~~~~~~~

In the woods a few miles away!

Sasuke jumped from tree to tree, anger practically fuming from his body. He was close, he could feel it. So close. Close to the man that ruined his life. His own brother. Itachi.