Quote Originally Posted by Assertn
No....it sounded more like something happened to itachi prior to his battle with Sasuke...

I wonder if Tobi was manipulating him during the fight?

If I remember correctly, in chapter 366 Naruto fights a clone of Itachi. Also not to mention Sasuke fights a clone of Itachi as well. I would believe that, just like Naruto used his clones to learn oodama (?) rasengan, the pain was transfered to Itachi through these fights.

And also, Naruto and company cant be so far behind as to not see the amaterasu, which would tip off Madara to make his next move perhaps. Also, really Madara has something to gain out of this fight, if he's stalling Naruto for this long.