He had been expecting it, waiting for it, actually. It had all been just a waiting game. So now that the time had finally come, Itachi offered that was still one part of his plans; to rid his brother of that accursed snake once and for all. Of course it was not with out its consequences. Itachi knew, for sure, that he would at least lose his sight after the deed was done, but anything else -specifically that of pushing himself when the illness in his lungs had progressed so far- he was unsure of.

So now he silently approached where he had told Sasuke to meet him. He had left his cloak behind because today he did this not as a member of Akatsuki, but as an older brother. This was what he could do for Sasuke, and perhaps the last thing he would do. A thought that had nestled into the back of his mind. But it was buried, tossed to the side for the moment as he stepped into place, facing Sasuke. his hands rested limp at his sides, his hair pulled back into his usual low ponytail, his bangs free to fall across his face due to the absence of the hitai-ate. All outward appearance spoke of a a focused calmness, ready to begin.

"Are you ready, otouto?"