Wow, that bit about having to be the adult for a much older Itachi has to be a special kicker. No wonder he's frustrated about Itachi backing out on him. Did the dying affect things on all between the two of them?

Hmm, that's hard since your characters show pings from all around. I think you'd like Tsume though. >> Or maybe Zero's other Hunter dad, Yagari, who is bitchy but still wants what's best for his pupil. And kind of resembles a pirate with his eye-patch and sometimes plays with whips!