"Unfortunately I'm just passing through on my way from here to there," Itachi apologized. Itachi noted the man was standing withing striking range, but not too close. Interactions with ninja had different rules than civilian interactions, and it was almost soothing to shift back into these rules of conduct.

It was hard to feel threatened by someone who peered through their hair like that. Itachi wondered what he was trying to hide. "I'm heading back to Konoha," Itachi admitted, which carried the subtle message that he was going home and people would miss him if he didn't show up. It wasn't needed here, Itachi was sure.