'I absolutely hate being lied to. ' Kisame took a seat at the small desk in Itachi's sleeping quarters. The man looked so confused, so lost. 'You know more than we do, don't you? You always see things others can't. '

Sitting down on the edge of his bed, Itachi took in his blue teammate. Contrary to popular opinion, Kisame wasn't a stupid one-track-minded killing machine. Being a strong, talented ninja, although helping immensely, wasn't the only thing that kept him alive all this time. He had a knack for battle strategy and reading a situation. Itachi had to admit that Kisame was reading this one perfectly. 'I have no solid proof, Kisame, other than what I've noticed. '

'As I said, Itachi, your eyes see more than others do. ' Kisame waved him on. 'I will take everything you say with a grain of salt. '