Izumo facepalmed. "Sure, because Sasuke will kick my ass just as bad for letting his brother get clobbered by the Akatsuki. And he could do it, too, brat." This more affectionately than annoyed. Izumo didn't mind Team 7 all that much; they were brats but they were good-hearted brats, in his opinion. "You, breathe and please do not die because I like my life. I'll go talk to the old lady and her creepy cats."

One final rub along Itachi's back and Izumo went to run his errand at the fastest possible pace he could manage with his ribs aching like they did. Despite his words, he did not send for Team 7: next Sannin in training they might be, but they were still inexperienced kids, and Izumo wanted somebody with a little bit more experience and firepower (oh that was a good pun, he'd have to try it on Itachi at some point) to help them out. Fugaku it was, even if Izumo was not looking forward to seeing or living through the response to "hi we damaged your genius clan heir a lot." The Uchiha were only slightly more laid back than the Hyuuga, but not by much.

Izumo came hurrying back and pattered up to Itachi to make sure he was still breathing, as ordered. "Hey, hey, okay?"