There was no way Itachi could argue with Tajima. He'd lived through war once, he knew what was to come, even though he would have given anything to put a stop to it. He would stand between them... he would... except, he had been entrusted with the two children - not by a clan head, but by a father who feared for their lives.

When he went inside, he found Izuna already awake and clinging to his brother. "He won't wake up! What'd he do?! He won't wake up!!!"

Renji didn't wake up either, but the elder medic was already rushing to his side.

"He exhausted... his chakra..." the sharingan told him that. "Must have... used his new eyes..."

Izuna mumbled something about being in their mother's arms, still angry, but realizing that it was his wish that made his brother pass out. Itachi didn't waste time on that. He was too busy trying to gather Madara in his arms, straining, stumbling as he desperately tried to lift him.

"Not... not safe... Under attack... Your father said... take you to where... women hide... cave... Where?"