There wasn't a sound in the room.
The silence was unnerving.
You could have heard a pin drop.
Uchiha Itachi's hands stopped moving.
He froze halfway through making the tea.
What was he supposed to make of this mess?
But the boy was quick on the uptake.
From the few words the two had just exchanged, he had pieced together most of what had happened.
If he wasn't mistaken, the teapot, the cups, and even the tea leaves in the tin all belonged to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Last night.
His master had been holed up in the Sarutobi Clan's compound.
Right. That explained it.
Even an idiot could figure out that when his master had left at daybreak, he'd thought, Might as well take it, and carried the whole set home.
Knowing his master's character, he could absolutely see him doing that.
Itachi couldn't help rolling his eyes.
His master really was an unpredictable one.
Was he impressive? Absolutely.
Strength, intelligence, an eye for the bigger picture, lofty principles, dealing with people—he could explain any of it to you.
He understood how the world worked better than anyone.
So yes, he really was impressive.
The trouble was, he was far too outrageous.
Stealing the Hokage's tea leaves was one thing, but couldn't he at least put some thought into it? Bringing them out right in front of their owner was practically slapping the Hokage in the face.
Hiruzen Sarutobi really was about to burst.
He kept forcing down the anger in his chest, afraid that one lapse in restraint would have him swinging at Yan Uchiha's face.
Fuck.
Have you no shame?
You picked up something this valuable outside your door? Go out and find me another set, then.
*If you're going to lie, at least have the decency to make