It was only by skill of sharingan that he was able to see the attack take form. It was no surprise, but it might as well have been. As he was, Itachi barely had the energy for everyday tasks. A fight was impossible! But he had little choice.

He stumbled more than avoided the large stones, weaving hand signs for a shadow clone as fast as he could. In fact, it was the clone that pulled the actual Itachi out of the path of the last stone. He focused his chakra, sending the clone back into her katana as she appeared, and then detonated it on impact.

It wouldn't be a big enough blast to hurt her. He couldn't afford to use that much chakra even if he wanted to. But it would at least force her back. It would give him a little time...

"I'm... not..." He called out. His voice was weak. His breaths were heavy. His body was shaking. "I'm... not here... to fight..."