In The Walking Dead as Itachi Uchiha ?! (TWD)

I stand up, deciding not to worry about it for now. I'll need to figure out how to even activate it before stressing over side effects.

One step at a time.

I should get going to the RV and meet up with Amy, like I promised.

She came all the way over here just to invite me - it'd be rude to keep her waiting.

I walk over to the RV, my steps quiet. And I see Amy standing near the side, chatting with Dale, who's usually up top, keeping watch.

She laughs at something he says, her posture relaxed, comfortable. There's a softness to her, not in a weak way, more like... unspoiled by everything out there.

They both notice me approaching. Amy turns first.

" Hey! " - she says, smiling. " Good timing. "

" I said I'd find you when I was done. " - I nod slightly, a small smile trying to make its way up my face.

I stopped walking when I was a few feet away from her and Dale.

Dale looks at me with a calm, polite smile - gentle even. But his eyes linger, just for a second. Not in suspicion... more like quiet curiosity.

" You must be the quiet one Andrea mentioned " - Dale says with a small smile.

" Itachi, right? "

" That's right. " - I give him a respectful nod.

Amy glances between us, then steps in quickly.

" I was just telling Dale I'd introduce you to everyone. Figured it might help. "

She turns toward Dale, motioning slightly.

" This is Dale, by the way. He's kind of the camp's lookout, always up top watching over everyone. "

Dale offers a warm smile and extends his hand.

" Nice to meet you. Glenn and Andrea mentioned that you helped them out in the city. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't. We're grateful for that. "

I simply nod and accept the handshake.

Amy gestures for me to follow her as we step away from the RV.

" So... " - she starts, glancing at me sideways. " Andrea didn't say much, but... she said you stayed calm the whole time. Like, scarily calm "

I stay quiet for a second.

" Is that how you always are? Or were you just not afraid? "

" Fear doesn't help " - I say, keeping my voice even.

" That's... kind of intense " - she says quietly, her voice lower now.

" I guess I wish I could stay that calm. I'm not really the brave type. When things go bad, I kind of... lose my head. "

" It helps, " – I reply simply, then glance her way.

" Staying calm keeps your mind sharp. Let's you make choices instead of just reacting. It's not easy... but you can train yourself to stay steady, little by little. "

She doesn't respond right away. Just walks beside me, quiet, like she's trying to absorb the words. Maybe even wondering if she could really do that — train herself, change.

That's what most people have to do. Train, struggle, adapt.

Me? I skipped the hard part. One wish, and I stepped into a body built for this world. No fear. No hesitation. I'm not complaining. This is why I chose someone with high mental strength. And it's the reason I'm still alive.

She finally speaks again, her voice a little softer this time.

" You carry yourself differently " - she says.

A pause, then-

" Not like Daryl or Shane, they're rough, sure, but you... I don't know. It's like none of this really shakes you. "

I stay silent.

She glances at me, then looks forward again a little embarrassed. But not retreating. Her curiosity lingers in her voice when she speaks again.

"Ugh - that probably sounded way more dramatic than I meant. Just forget it."

" It didn't. " - I reply.

" I've been trained to keep calm. "

She looks back at me, intrigued.

 Trained? Like military? " - she asks.

" Something like that. " - I say, and let the smallest smile tug at the corner of my mouth.

It catches her off guard. She blinks, then smiles back.

" Huh... you don't look old enough to be ex-military. "

" I started young. "

" That's not ominous at all " - she says with a nervous laugh, clearly not sure if she's joking or not.

I glance at her — just enough to show I'm not offended. Maybe even a little amused.

" So... where are you from? You don't really look American, and your name, Itachi it doesn't sound local. "

" I was born in Japan. Moved to the U.S. when I was ten. "

" Huh. That's actually really cool. I've never met anyone from Japan before. "

" I guess I kind of stand out, huh? " - I say with a faint smile, my tone lighter than before.

"She shrugs, a soft smile on her face.

" A little. "

Then she adds, like she doesn't want me to take it the wrong way 

" But not in a bad way. "

I don't answer. Just walk beside her, letting the quiet settle.

After a beat, she bumps her shoulder gently against mine.

" You don't talk much, do you? "

" Only when it matters. "

She grins. " Well... I'll take what I can get. "

I let out a small, barely audible laugh — more breath than sound, but it's there.

We're nearly at the fire pit now. I hear Jacqui's voice, then T-Dog's low laugh.

" Don't worry. They're nice. You'll like them. " - she says, not realizing or just forgetting that I came here with them.

Jacqui looks away from T-Dog, offering a small smile. T-Dog glances over too, wiping his hands off on his jeans - probably just finished placing some logs to get the fire going.

" You settling in alright? " - Jacqui asks.

" Trying to, " - I say.

" As much as anyone can in a place with no walls. " - I don't say it with judgment, just fact.

Still, I hope the message slips through. They're too relaxed here. In one bad night, this whole place manages to fall apart.

Amy glances between me and the others.

" Wait... right, you all arrived together. I totally forgot," she says, a little embarrassed, not quite catching the meaning behind my words. "

I nod once.

" Easy to forget. You had a lot on your mind. " - My voice is calm, a little softer.

She looked so relieved when Andrea ran into her arms like the weight of the world had dropped off her shoulders. 

She gives a sheepish smile, brushing her hair back.

" Yeah... I guess I did. "

Jacqui smirks knowingly before answering my previous statement.

" We don't go far. Stick close to the quarry, stay out of the city. No walkers've made it down here so far, so... it's been safe enough. "

" Maybe. But safe today doesn't mean safe tomorrow " – I say slowly, trying to plant the seeds of doubt.

" Getting too comfortable… that's when it hits the hardest. "

Jacqui lets out a tired breath, then gives a worn-out smile.

" Fair enough. But most people here... they just want to breathe. Even if it's only for a day. "

T-Dog nods, his voice low.

" Ain't much peace left in the world. You take what you can get. "

I nod once. I understand.

But I also know: this world doesn't give you peace unless you fight for it.

A brief silence hangs between us, only broken by the low crackle of sticks catching fire.

T-dog finally got the flames going.

Amy shifts beside me, then lets out a soft breath, like she's trying to lift the heaviness in the air.

" Well... that got serious, huh? " – she says with a small grin, trying to ease the mood.

She hesitates for a second, then adds with a lighter tone.

" Guess there's no need to introduce you to Morales, huh? "

" Yeah, but we didn't talk much. "

" That makes two of us, honestly. " – she chuckles softly.

T-Dog stirs the fire a little, nudging a few sticks into place.

" Grab a seat if you want man, food ain't far off now, " – he says, giving me a friendly nod and a half-smile that's more habit than warmth.

I glance at Amy, waiting to see what she thinks. She meets my eyes before answering.

" Actually... I just realized I left my hoodie at the RV " – she says quickly, half-turning already.

" Mind walking with me? It's getting kinda cold. "

" Sure " – I reply simply.

" We'll be right back! " – she adds over her shoulder to T-Dog and Jacqui.

" No rush, " – T-Dog replies, laughing a bit with Jacqui as they settle in by the fire.

Amy and I walk a little further away, the light from the flames flickering behind us. She stays quiet for a few moments before speaking.

" I didn't really get to introduce you to anyone, huh? " – she says, a bit sheepishly, like she's realizing it just now.

" Sorry about that. I was kinda... distracted. "

She says it in an apologetic tone, hands slipping behind her back as she fidgets lightly with her fingers.

" But now that the fire's going, everyone'll start gathering soon. It's a good chance to talk, meet people. "

Her eyes brighten a little, voice lighter now.

" I think they'll like you. "

She hesitates for a beat, then adds in a lower, more cautious tone,

" Well... most of them, anyway. Just maybe steer clear of Ed. He's... not exactly family friendly. "

She says it with an awkward little shrug, like she's trying to downplay something she doesn't really want to get into.

I nod slightly, filing the name away.

" Got it. I'll keep my distance. "

My voice is calm, nonchalant - but in my head, something clicks.

She gives a small nod back, relieved I don't ask more.

Ed.

I'd honestly forgotten about him. Just another minor character from early in the story.

Yeah. Now I remember.

And when the camp eventually burns... I won't be wasting my time saving him. And if the walkers don't get the job done, I will.

[Small time skip]

We walk in easy silence towards the RV. Amy slips inside for a moment and comes back with a white hoodie, putting it on and rubbing her arms like she's shaking off the cold.

We don't rush to head back. The fire crackles in the distance, but out here it's quieter. Calmer.

She asks if I've always liked the quiet.

I say I don't mind it.

She tells me a few stories about her and her sister, pranks they pulled when she was a kid, how Andrea used to sneak snacks into movie nights and always blamed Amy when they got caught. I listen quietly, letting out small chuckles from time to time, the soft sound of her laughter filling the space between us.

Simple words. Small talk. But it fills the space between us without feeling forced.

By the time we return, more people have gathered around the fire, chatting in small groups.

Amy walks a step ahead, pulling her hoodie tighter. She catches Andrea's eye and gives a little wave. I hang back slightly as we approach.

Rick's voice is the first thing I hear, low and uncertain.

" Disoriented. I guess that comes closest. Disoriented. Fear, confusion… all those things, but… Disoriented comes closest. "

He says, sitting and hugging both Lori and Carl.

We find a spot near the fire, and I sit down beside the others, quiet but present. Amy settles next to me, tugging her hoodie sleeves down over her hands like she's trying to hold onto a little warmth.

To her side, Andrea sits with her knees pulled in close.

Dale responds softly to Rick, like he's quoting a scripture.

" Words can be meager things. Sometimes they fall short. "

I catch the look in Rick's eyes. Hollow. Like someone still trying to wake up.

The group is quiet for a moment, the fire crackling softly in the center. Then Morales shifts his weight, glancing over at me.

" You been on the road long? "

His tone's casual, more curious than intrusive — like he's just trying to include me.

I answer simply.

" No, I've been in Atlanta since the start of the outbreak. "

That gets a few looks, most of them surprised. Shocked, even. Atlanta wasn't just dangerous. For someone alone, staying there long enough could be a death sentence.

Glenn leans forward slightly.

" Seriously? You've been in that hellhole the whole time on your own? "

I nod once, keeping my tone even.

" Wasn't much of a choice. I stayed ahead of the worst of it. Kept low, moved smart. "

Glenn lets out a breathy laugh, shaking his head.

" Yep, yep. 'Kept low, moved smart' - says the guy who charged a walker horde with nothing but a sword, some knives, and a death wish. "

That earns a few reactions.

Dale lets out a soft chuckle, shaking his head like he's heard enough crazy for one day.

Morales raises his eyebrows - part impressed, part unsure.

Amy looks over at me with real concern in her eyes.

Carl, hearing that, stares at me like I just stepped out of a comic book.

Even Andrea looks up, surprise flickering across her face.

And Shane? He shifts slightly, arms crossed, studying me with a hard-to-read expression. Not smiling. Not frowning. Just watching like he's trying to figure out whether I'm a danger, an asset… or both.

I just offer a faint shrug

Nearby, Ed puts another log on his fire.

Shane doesn't miss it.

" Hey, Ed, you wanna rethink that log? " he calls out, with a firm voice. 

Ed grumbles, eyes still shut.

" It's cold, man. "

Shane doesn't respond right away. The silence stretches. Around the fire, everyone shifts uncomfortably.

Carol wrapped her arms tighter around Sophia.

Then Shane speaks, his voice calm but cutting.

" The cold don't change the rules, does it? Keep our fires low, just embers so we can't be seen from a distance, right? "

Ed opens his eyes and lifts his head, staring directly at Shane now. His tone sharpens, louder, with a bitter edge.

" I said it's cold. You should mind your own business for once. "

Shane gets up and walks over to Ed's.

" Hey, Ed… " he says, voice lower now, the warning clear. " Are you sure you want to have this conversation, man? "

No one moves. A few people exchange glances with each other, nervous, uncertain.

Ed looks away from Shane and over to Carol, his gaze cold and indifferent.

" Go on. Pull the damn thing out, " he snaps, louder now, more aggressive. " Go on! "

Carol flinches, preparing to stand up.

Just as she starts to rise-

I stand.

Amy stiffens beside me, eyes darting to my face, uncertain, nervous. She doesn't say anything, but the question is there - What are you doing?

I don't look at Ed. I don't say a word. I pull a kunai from my pouch in one fluid motion and drive it into the burning log with a sharp thunk. 

Without pausing, I lift the blade with the embedded log and, with a sharp movement, send it tumbling away, detaching it from the kunai as embers scatter across the dirt. Then I turn and sit back down, without saying a word, putting the kunai back.

When I glance Carol's way, she's already looking at me. Her eyes are wide but soft, grateful. She mouths a quiet thank you, and I nod once.

 Sophia clutches her mother's arm, watching everything.

Shane exhales through his nose.

" Christ. "

He stomps out the remaining flames.

He looks over at Carol and Sophia, tone gentle, careful.

" Y'all good? "

Carol nods.

" We're fine. "

Shane gives a tight nod in return, then turns back toward the others. As he passes me, his eyes flick to mine. No words, but he gives the smallest nod. Not quite gratitude. Just acknowledgment.

Then he offers a small, kind smile and a nod, grateful for what I did.

Beside me, Amy leans in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you... for helping her," she says, not looking at me, but I can feel the weight in her voice.

I offer her a small nod, nothing more. Words aren't needed.

Across the camp, Shane finishes his quiet check-in with Carol and Sophia, then walks back to the others.

Their conversation picks up, low but intense. Dale brings up the obvious problem, Daryl Dixon. He's not back yet, but when he finds out they left his brother Merle handcuffed to a rooftop, things could get ugly.

T-Dog admits he dropped the key and takes the blame, but Rick immediately claims responsibility for cuffing Merle in the first place. Glenn tries to keep things calm, pointing out that the group needs to present the truth carefully, especially considering race and how Daryl might respond.

T-Dog refuses to dodge it, standing firm, while Amy, sitting quietly beside me, suggests the group could lie to soften the blow.

The conversation at the fire deepens, voices low but heated.

Andrea doesn't sugarcoat it; Merle was dangerous, reckless, and someone had to act. She backs Rick's decision, saying it wasn't anyone's fault but Merle's.

Dale isn't convinced. He warns the group, telling Daryl that, won't lead to a calm conversation. When he comes back from hunting, they'll have their hands full.

T-Dog finally says it straight. He ran because he was scared; he owns up to it. But he also chained the rooftop door behind him. The staircase was narrow, and with the chain and padlock, it might be enough to hold the walkers back.

Andrea pushes back a little, frustrated. But T-Dog doesn't flinch.His point is clear:

Merle might still be alive.

Still handcuffed.

Still waiting.

--------------------------------------

Author's Note:

Hey everyone! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

This one focuses more on character interactions and gives a glimpse of what Itachi is like from the outside, how he sounds to others, how he moves, without hearing his inner thoughts or monologue.

Feel free to share your thoughts. Did the characters feel real to you? Was Amy portrayed accurately and in-character? If you have any suggestions for future scenes or interactions, I'd love to hear them.

Also, if you spot any mistakes, don't hesitate to comment. I'll try to fix them later.

Thanks for reading!