Most people have lost the true definition of heroism, and think that any brave act earns teh title of 'Hero'. There is a man who lives in the underbelly of Oasak, Japan who know the meaning of the word. Whose multiple selfless acts have earned him the monicker 'Hero of Japan' and whose modesty on the subject makes most believe his tales to be fantasy.
Problem is, there are situations in life that make even this man shudder, and beads of sweat to form at his brow. As he sat outside the back entrance to 5178 Orchid Lane, he turned to his friend and partner, needing some advice.
'Kisame, how are we going to do this?'
Kisame looked up at him, their voices barely above a whisper. The less people whom have to be hurt in this process, the better they'll feel.
'The only thing I can say for sure: If Hyamoto knows we're here... if he can find us in this building... this will be our burial ground.' The severity of the statement was too important to be sugar-coated.
Itachi nodded as he crouched, hugging the wall as he peaked around the corner. Kisame looked concerned as his partner prepared to turn the corner. 'Itachi... what are you doing?'
Itachi, now taking a grasp on the situation looks back and confidently tells Kisame, 'I'm getting us a bit of help.'
With those words... Itachi was gone. Kisame always hated this part. The part where Itachi took matters on himself and went on his own. The seconds hung in the air... taking up much more than just a moment in the mind of The Rising Son, Kisame. While he had every bit of confidence in Itachi's judgement and ability... these were odds that not even he should face alone.
~*~
Itachi was a phantom. If there was anything he became known for, it was showing up where you least wanted him, when you least wanted him. The only way he can do that is by learning to embrace every dark corner, and become a part of every shaded wall.
The man he was staring at was about to become very aware of this fact. Standing less than fifteen feet from the Hero of Japan, the sentry, whom didn't look anywhere near prepared for an actual fight, took a deep breath, growing very tired and stale of pacing this same hallway.
'Why did he put me here? I'd rather watch the yard, at least I'd get some fresh air. I'm useless here... nothing's gonig to happen.' The man was obviously aggrivated at the lack of action in the job. Guess he never heard the phrase 'be careful what you wish for.'
'I wouldn't go as far as to say you were useless... you just haven't discovered your potential.' The voice boomed from behind the bored guard, who's face turned pale, as if he had just seen a ghost. In his defense... he was close.
'Y-y-you shouldn't be here... I need to tell-'
'You're gonig to tell me what I need, and nothing more.' Itachi obviously wasn't presenting the man with any other options.
'What...what do you need?' The question was just as good as if he had just admitted defeat.
'Simply point me in the direction of Hyamoto... and if you choose to leave a door or two unlocked, then we'll know who to help, and who is with Hyamoto.' Itachi moved a step closer, looming overhead. The man gave him directions to HYamoto's office... and Itachi left without another word.
After he was gone, the sentry, whom ha dbeen so broed before looked around, not even sure if what had just happened was real. He shook his head and moved back down the hallway, looking for someone to reassure he was still in the real world.
~*~
The relief of Itachi's return by his side wasn't enough to cloud his judgement when Itachi relayed the message from the guard.
'How do we know he told us the truth... or will pave the way for us?' The question was filled with doubt, yet Itachi stood tall, ready to fight.
'We don't, but has it ever mattered if a plan went off without a snag for us? If he doesn't come through, we'll find a way to get to Gai. I'm not leaving him in there. Now, the only real question is this? You coming with me?' Itachi turned the corner, not wanting a verbal response from his partner.
Kisame shook his hea din disbelief, as he followed step with Itachi. The two had no idea what they were in for, as Kisame's hesitation grew fyrther still as Itachi's fist grasped the handle to the door, and it turned gently, the lock undone, waiting for their arrival.
Kisame and Itachi looked towards each other as they pulled the door open, no reason to beleive they would make it through the next five minutes with their well-being. Something tells me Itachi wasn't concerned about his own welfare or even survival, as a confident grin filled his face... He always did love a big entrance.