For those who want only fighting, you got what you wanted this week. The past few weeks have been to build up to this point. The bond between Sasuke and Itachi has been restored and it appears that Sasuke is at a point of being changed yet again. Itachi has been showing more and more emotion - and his speech has been becoming less and less vague - indicating he's being more open, honest and upfront with his thoughts and emotions. Just in these past few chapters, Itachi as the big brother has taught a great deal to little bro Sasuke and I'm sure Sasuke realizes it. Most important, that Konoha, their home, is less than perfect politically, but it is still their home.
I also see that Kishi is making a very strong political statement with his depiction of Konoha. The old guard is filled with and is ruled by fear and misunderstanding. The younger generations - including Kakashi on to the youngest shinobi Konohamaru (ESPECIALLY Naruto) are not as much. They are more apt to fight this fear and misunderstanding and replace it with understanding, guidance and trust. Itachi got caught by the old guard and had to follow their orders despite what his personal beliefs were. He sees a chance in Sasuke to turn things around - to turn his little brother around and possibly pull him away from Tobi/Madara. And, Itachi's comments prior to striking Kabuto means he intends to survive long enough for Sasuke to hear the full truth from the person who lived it, his brother.