"If you talk to me, I see no reason why I should tell anyone else Itachi." His tone was very gentle then, and his expression softened as he watched him. "I won't ask around to others, but I need to know from you. Need, not want. If you can't speak to me, and you won't, or can't, take care of it on your own, known limitations or not, then I have to act in interests I do not know the extent of. I do not want to take you from what makes you feel secure as a shinobi."

He met his gaze, held it with steady confidence. "Whatever is happening, you know you'll never have my pity, don't you?"