The suggestion startled Itachi a little. He hadn't expected it. Immediately, part of him said no, don't send Shisui. Shisui was far more ruthless and effective than Itachi had ever been. A much better ninja, even if Itachi's skill had technically come to overshadow his cousin's. Obviously Itachi had become too emotionally involved with Ashiko, a deadly failing in a ninja. Making friends outside one's village always meant that you might have to kill them one day. Or turn them in for interrogation. Either way.

"She's intensely loyal to someone who is most certainly a foe of Konoha." How could she be a friend. Itachi resisted for a moment, but leaned a little into the hug. At least, no matter how badly he screwed up, he was certain Shisui would always like him. Itachi also had more faith in Shisui's abilities than he had in a lot of people's. But...did he really want to send his cousin after Ashiko? He knew Shisui would if he asked.

"Thank you, but you really don't have to clean up my messes anymore, Shisui. No doubt the Hokage, if they send it that high up, will decide how to handle the situation."