After Meihui explained his plan, even Itachi couldn't help giving him a thumbs-up. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
"Let's follow the plan from here on out. But, Itachi, is your body up to it?"
Meihui knew that Senzu Beans could only heal injuries, not cure illnesses, and Itachi had a bloodline disease.
Itachi shook his head, indicating that he was fine.
"What? You're sick?" Sasuke was stunned. How could Itachi possibly be sick?
"Of course he is. What did you think? Why else would Itachi rush into a fight to the death with you? He felt he couldn't hold on much longer. And Sasuke, you still need a lot more training. You're too weak right now. Tsk, tsk, tsk. If Itachi hadn't gone easy on you, you'd probably be dead already."
Sasuke insisted that it was impossible. He had defeated Itachi with his own hands. How could Itachi have gone easy on him? But when he saw Itachi's evasive gaze and the way Meihui looked at him like he was an idiot, he knew Meihui was telling the truth.
Sasuke's face alternated between anger and pallor, but he soon calmed down. It's fine. If I can't beat him yet, I'll take it one step at a time. At the same time, he was deeply worried about Itachi's condition.
"Don't worry. It'll be fine. I have a way to save him."
"All right, Uchiha Sasuke, next you'll go with Itachi to find your squad. Oh, and try to 'invite' Kisame over to our side."
Meihui put extra emphasis on "invite," and Sasuke got the gist. Poor Kisame.
"Oh, and if you can, sneak over in Akatsuki robes and give Kumogakure's Eight-Tails a beating. Just pretend to take him away. You definitely won't be able to take him for real. Give them a little