Wow. I have to admit, Itachi Uchiha's taunting isn't particularly skillful. He's just completely maxed out on hatred. Otherwise, lines like "Hate me, you foolish brother" would fall flat. In the troll world, even a one-versus-seven smackdown wouldn't let him blend in.
But then again, Itachi's so aloof. Maybe piling on the insults was the only way to push Sasuke far enough to kill him. Maybe he had to pretend to be the villain so Sasuke would grow stronger. Suddenly, I find myself sympathizing. Mocking your own brother to motivate him, while secretly shielding him so he doesn't die... what a twisted role.
Elsewhere, a lone figure sat quietly, watching the video. The Paths of Pain were gone, and the image flickered. Edo Tensei... pathetic. Even I can die?
On Screen:
Itachi turned to Naruto with a rare seriousness.
"I have a question for you."
Naruto, surprised, pointed at him. "Actually, I've got something to ask you too."
Before anyone could blink, Itachi weaved a hand sign and launched a massive fireball straight at Naruto's face.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Naruto grunted and raised his chakra cloak, blocking the searing flames. Just then, Killer Bee calmly pulled a strange bandaged creature from his back.
With perfect timing, he tossed it forward. The creature extended a long appendage, slicing the fireball clean in half.
The creature gently tapped Bee on the head.
"Oh, too hot? Sorry I kept you waiting…"
Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Kisame… but Kisame's already…"
Off-Screen Commentary:
Kisame: "What? I'm dead?! Hey!"
Itachi: "…"
Deidara: "Pathetic. One death and everyone crowds around. Embarrassing."
Nagato: "…"
Konan: "…"
Poor Deidara hadn't realized how dire things really were.
Suddenly, the image of Itachi and Nagato vanished. A shadow clone.
Nagato shouted, "Above!"
Naruto jumped just in time.
High in the air, Naruto and Itachi clashed.
Itachi used the opening to speak.
System Prompt:
Quick Answer Time!What question does Itachi Uchiha want to ask Naruto?A. About the situation in KonohaB. About the AkatsukiC. About Sasuke's whereabouts
Correct answer wins 10 million gold coins. No skipping. You have thirty seconds.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and Killer Bee all prepared to buzz in.
Hiruzen Sarutobi grinned. "Hurry up. I want to keep watching Naruto look awesome."
Naruto beamed. "Right? I'm super cool, huh, Uncle Hiruzen?"
Hiruzen laughed. "Indeed. Maybe next time let the Nine-Tails show me that form too."
Naruto: "Sure! I'll talk to Kurama about it!"
Yang-Kurama: "You idiot…"
Yin-Kurama: "And there he goes again."
Tobirama: "Even if he insults my brother, I have to admit it's true."
Kushina Uzumaki: "Minato, if you let the Nine-Tails out, I'll beat you up."
Minato Namikaze: "…"
Yin-Kurama: "I'm not that bad!"
System: Time's up! Start buzzing in!Itachi Uchiha buzzed first!Danzo Shimura buzzed second!Hiruzen Sarutobi buzzed third!
Buzz-in phase over. Answer in order.
Tobirama muttered to Itachi, "You ignoring my messages, brat?"
Hiruzen chimed in, "Yeah. When will you explain Konoha's affairs to us?"
Bee trembled. That prize was too tempting. Ten million coins...
Killer Bee took a deep breath.
"Teacher, listen to me. This goes back to Danzo founding the Root division. Anything I opposed, he forced me to do the opposite. He ignored advice, botched decisions, betrayed his people. When Orochimaru attacked, if Danzo had shown up, I might still be alive! Maybe that defeat was his fault. If the village fell, I take responsibility, but I already died out there fighting with all I had!"
His hand shook. He had never spoken like this before. Damn you, Danzo. Even in death, you're dragging me down.
Itachi Uchiha: "The answer is C."
System: Itachi's answer is correct! You earn 10 million gold coins.
On Screen:
Sasuke burst out laughing.
"So you really did kill me. Otherwise you wouldn't be so eager to ask where I am. Seeking revenge? Come at me!"
Itachi thought to himself. Good thing my brother's a fool...
Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha watched in disbelief. This wasn't the Sasuke they raised. Where were the tears? The anguish? Shouldn't he be shouting, "Why, brother?" Not this smug nonsense.
Fugaku sighed. "Maybe I need another child."
Mikoto: "Can an Edo spirit give birth…?"
Tobirama shouted, "Hold on, let Danzo finish his explanation!"
Itachi: "…"
Sasuke: "Mind your own business!"
System: Danzo Shimura answered incorrectly! Forfeit one Mangekyo Sharingan.System: Killer Bee answered incorrectly! Lose all Fire- and Earth-style chakra plus every ninjutsu.
Danzo's face twisted.
Explain? How could he? Bee dragged him down!
Danzo shouted in desperation.
"Teacher, have pity! Bee's lying! Every decision passed through me, yes, but it was the Third who let frontline elites die. He manipulated Hyuga Hizashi into exile. He drove White Fang to suicide. He caused Minato's death during the Nine-Tails attack..."
Now it was all damage control. What more could he say?
Tobirama asked, "Bee, anything to add?"
Bee nodded.
"Danzo conscripted all Konoha elites into Root, leaving only chuunin and genin for battle. The Uchiha genius, Shisui, vanished after meeting Danzo. White Fang's suicide followed Danzo's rumors. Hizashi's exile came from Danzo's peace talks…"
Itachi threw a sharp glance at Bee. When did he learn to talk like this?
Bee thought to himself: Damn you, Danzo. I died for this village, and here you are, still dreaming of becoming Hokage. Not today. You're going down with me.