The boy, innocent and enthusiastic as he was, telegraphed his motion quite well enough that it didn't take Ibiki by surprise. Rather, it was with a gently growing sense of wonder that he looked down at Itachi.
Definitely tinier; then again, when Itachi had been this small last, Ibiki himself had still been in his teens, and a fair sight smaller.
The thought was bemused, as he looked down at the little child holding onto him so fearlessly. Most children shied away -- ironically, more shinobi children than civilian, better able to sense the quiet aura of danger and blood that Ibiki radiated to the world. But Itachi was, would always be, the exception to everything.
It felt strange to see him as a child again -- the living reminder of an easier time. But that strangeness was a good one, and he welcomed it, reaching down to rest a gloved hand on Itachi's head.
"Been here a while," he rumbled. "It's good to see you again, kid."
no subject
Definitely tinier; then again, when Itachi had been this small last, Ibiki himself had still been in his teens, and a fair sight smaller.
The thought was bemused, as he looked down at the little child holding onto him so fearlessly. Most children shied away -- ironically, more shinobi children than civilian, better able to sense the quiet aura of danger and blood that Ibiki radiated to the world. But Itachi was, would always be, the exception to everything.
It felt strange to see him as a child again -- the living reminder of an easier time. But that strangeness was a good one, and he welcomed it, reaching down to rest a gloved hand on Itachi's head.
"Been here a while," he rumbled. "It's good to see you again, kid."