Crow's feathers - Naruto fanfiction

Extra: The might-have-been - Itachi

"And your point is?"

Kakashi shook his head. "Of all the people you could be friends with."

"We understand each other," Taryn bit at him.

"I didn't mean anything by it."

"Yes you did." She shifted the swords on her back, "I'm off. See you later." She turned to leave, but was cut off by a shinobi that appeared in front of her.

The man grinned at her. "Ah good, you're here too. Saves me time."

"Asuma," Kakashi acknowledged the man, "what brings you here so early?"

"I was about to find you two to go on a mission with me and Lance."

"A mission?" Taryn asked.

"What kind of mission?" Kakashi asked curiously.

"There's been trouble with Grass," Asuma explained to them, "Danzou-sama wants to dispatch a team to investigate. We are to leave immediately."

"Danzou?" Taryn questioned.

Asuma shrugged. "He is in the council and the mission has the Hokage's approval. Come. I'll brief you along the way. We need to pick up Lance."

"I'm supposed to meet Itachi at the training grounds," Taryn said, "I'll meet you at the gate."

"Sorry, can't do," Asuma said, "we'll send someone to give him a message, but we have to leave now."

Taryn glanced at Kakashi, who shrugged. "You heard him. Let's go."

***

"There is no other option," Danzou paced up and down in front of a kneeling Itachi, "we have tried negotiating, but they would not listen."

"I'm sorry, my boy," Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Itachi, "we would not ask this of you if there was still hope to overthrow the rebellion. I know the burden we put on you."

Itachi looked down. "I am the one that is sorry. It grieves me that my clan would take such action. I will do what is necessary."

"You understand that we can spare no one," Danzou said, "every man, woman and child. Even Sasuke."

Itachi's head snapped up. "He is innocent. He knows nothing. I've made sure of it."

"If we let him live, he'll ask questions. We can't allow retaliation. You know this, Itachi."

"I'll make sure it doesn't happen."

"You can't guarantee anything like that," Danzou said coldly.

"I'll find a way."

"It has been decided," Danzou held firm, "you accepted this mission, Itachi. You knew what it might come to."

"Danzou," Sarutobi kindly interrupted.

"No Hiruzen," Danzou cut him off, "you know this needs to be done. We can't have sentiments now." He paused. "Which leads to the next issue. Your involvement with Taryn of Suna."

"We've talked about this," the Hokage said in a warning tone.

"She sees too much," Danzou countered.

"My lord Danzou," Itachi spoke up, "Taryn is not an Uchiha. She has nothing to do with the rebellion."

"She is too familiar with you. She will ask questions."

"I'm certain we can divert her," Sarutobi said calmly.

"It is not enough."

"With all respect," Itachi said, "banished or not, she is still the Kazekage's daughter."