Hashirama wasn't sure exactly what to do when he saw Itachi struggling to stand. He stepped in front of both of the children, as if he was ready to protect them both as equals.

"... from the look of things," Itachi smiled down to the future first Hokage, "He's already chosen... that perhaps we can all be on the same side."

If he was calling Hashirama brother, then this was the future second Hokage. There was no doubt. This was the man who go on to found the Konoha Police Force and proclaim trust. But Itachi also knew this was a man who would also cause seeds of doubt to be planted, setting up tragic consequences that wouldn't play out until long after he was gone.

"Perhaps... that could be something you're... interested in as well?"