Author's Notes: I really enjoyed writing 'Hide and Seek' and it seemed like people liked reading it, too, so I decided to write another story featuring Kakashi and Orochimaru during 'playtime'. This was originally going to be a one-shot, but I decided against it. Anyways, hope you enjoy.

Just to note, this occurs after the events of 'Hide and Seek'. You don't have to read that to get this one, though.

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING!

Chapter 1

The six-year-old let out rapid, shallow breaths as he took in the much needed air. His heart was thumping loudly and much too quickly for what was normal. He took a moment to clear his head as he crouched behind a bush in an attempt to be at least partially hidden from his pursuer. He held his breath and tried to cover his chakra as much as possible when he felt that calm and collected chakra getting closer. He couldn't help the nervous twinge when he caught sight of the older shinobi. He gulped inaudibly as the snake-like eyes flashed to his temporary hiding place. The long tongue emerged from the Sannin's mouth and brushed his too white lips causing the little chuunin to shudder. The boy forced his lungs to stop their demands for the life-giving oxygen as he waited for the black-haired ninja to leave. He knew from experience that even the slightest sound which seemed out-of-place to the Snake would capture his attention immediately. And when that happened, he was pretty sure he'd be a goner. The Snake narrowed his eyes and observed his surroundings for what seemed like an eternity to the young shinobi, yet it only took him a few seconds, before pursing his lips and bouncing to the nearest tree. The silver-haired boy watched the man until his figure was out of sight before finally indulging his demanding lungs and taking in huge gasps to supply the desired oxygen. Once the light-headedness faded and he could think clearly again, only one thought crossed his mind.

What exactly had he gotten himself into?

Earlier that day…

"I still can't believe that Orochimaru of all people actually played with a kid!" The white-haired man exclaimed loudly for the whole world to hear, "And 'Hide and Seek' no less!" The blond rubbed his temples as he exhaled loudly in frustration. It was the second day since the Toad Sage's return, yet there they were, already going back to the front lines.

"Why are you so angry anyways? I thought you wanted your student to play games," Jiraiya asked inclining his head slightly. The silver-haired Hatake nodded and hummed in affirmation.

"Don't get me wrong," Minato said, "I do want Kakashi to play and have fun, it's what kids are supposed to do! But when I say play, I mean with other children… not with him," Jiraiya rolled his eyes as he let out his own exasperated sigh.

"It was good for both of them. Kakashi got to play with somebody, and Orochimaru got to interact with someone," The Sannin protested in a quieter tone.

"It was dangerous!" Minato disapproved, flailing his hands wildly in the air. The white-haired man could do nothing but shake his head and curse his former student's melodramatic tendencies. If anything, he was thrilled that his ex-teammate was able to get out of his cold shell and actually do something, that didn't involve training, killing or sparring, with other people. Maybe interacting with children like Kakashi was the exact thing that his friend needed. Silence ensued upon them as they made it to the village's gates. It was time to leave the village and the problems inside it to get rid of the troubles outside its borders. Jiraiya kept on walking while Minato stopped to bid his student farewell for the time being.

"You remember what I told you about a week ago, right?" Minato nodded after Kakashi confirmed his assumption, "Well, it seems like you forgot what I told you right after that training session that Orochimaru watched, so I'll repeat," he gave his student a pointed look, "Make sure you don't go anywhere near Orochimaru. Promise me, Kakashi,"

"I promise," Kakashi didn't even hesitate, not when sensei was using that tone of voice.

"Good," Minato attempted a smile, but it seemed a tad bit too forced. His hand shot out to ruffle the child's hair, but it was pushed away before it got even close. He chuckled and this time, it didn't seem as strained, "See you when I return!"

After his sensei's departure, the chuunin didn't know what to do. He was supposed to be training with Minato-sensei today, but the Hokage sent for him and produced a front-line mission out of nowhere. Kakashi wasn't a moron; he knew his sensei was that important. He also knew that without Konoha's Yellow Flash, the Village Hidden in the Rock would have won long ago. It was still fairly early in the morning, so he made his way to one of his most frequented training grounds to practice his katas. Just because his sensei wasn't there didn't mean that he didn't have any training to do.

From afar, his movements were nothing but a fluid, harmonious dance. Each punch or kick was followed by others, not once letting up the deadly, graceful dance. However, the beautiful display was not lacking in strength if the sounds emitted from the hit making contact with nothing but air were anything to go by. The boy continued his practice, changing katas and formations every now and then, until sweat glistened and flowed freely from his forehead. He used a previously packed towel to dry the liquid off of his person. He drank a full bottle of water and proceeded to start with the next when the sound of clapping reached his ears.

"Excellent work, Kakashi-kun," Orochimaru complimented whilst walking towards the six-year-old. Kakashi thanked the Sannin politely. I'm not breaking my promise, he thought, I didn't go anywhere near Orochimaru… he came by his own accord. He nodded to himself, convinced.

"Did you need anything Orochimaru-sama?" he questioned respectfully.

"Well… now that you mention it," Orochimaru paused, "That last game we played was entertaining… I would love to play another game, if that's alright with you, of course,"

"Another game?" he repeated dumbly. Would sensei approve? Of course not. Should he risk his sensei's wrath? He'd rather not, to be honest.

"Yes. It'll be even more amusing and a whole lot more enlightening than the last one," Orochimaru continued, "By the time we're done with this little game, your skills would have improved greatly," the man tried to convince the younger boy with the idea of training. It worked before, there's no law saying that it won't work now. However, the brat still looked uncertain. Jiraiya's pupil definitely reprimanded him for accepting his game proposal last time.

"It won't take that long," he promised, "Just until the sun comes down and its noon now," he added. Kakashi shifted his weight from foot to foot, a nervous habit he has got to yet outgrow. Orochimaru seemed dogged to get him to play this new game. He knew for a fact that if he agreed to partake in this game, his sensei would be disappointed and constantly looking wholly betrayed and not a little angry. On the other hand, Orochimaru was also determined to force him into the game, so he realized that if he didn't agree, the Sannin would find some way to make him; plus, if no such ways were found, he'd have an irritated legendary ninja on his hands. All in all, this was a lose-lose situation for the kid. It's time to choose the lesser evil.

"What kind of game is it?" he prodded carefully, controlling his voice so that he didn't sound too interested or too indifferent.

"It is similar to the game we played last time, but with a twist," Orochimaru paused, smiling that abnormal grin of his, "Last time, you were the one hiding and I was searching. This time, however, you will be looking for seven objects that are already hidden somewhere here,"

"Sounds simple enough," Kakashi muttered.

"Oh, but that's not all," Orochimaru chuckled as he shook his head, "You will be looking for these items while also evading me," Kakashi wondered if it was too late to refuse.

"Wouldn't that be unfair? You're the one who knows where the objects are, so you can easily wait for me at their places and attack," he remarked.

"That would be true if it was really me who hid them," Orochimaru said, "I never said it was me," he continued, "If you so wish to know, it was Jiraiya who did," Kakashi thought for a moment. Jiraiya did seem glad when he learned about their game, it would be normal if he decided to aid Orochimaru in starting another game. Therefore, Kakashi chose to trust the other man's words, at least for the time being. Only once the game started would he know if that was the truth.

"Well, what are these items?" Kakashi asked.

"If I told you, it would be too easy," Orochimaru said.

"I have approximately six hours to find seven unknown objects while also avoiding one of the Legendary Three," Kakashi stared at the older nin, disbelief coloring his usually stoic face of a mask, "How is that fair?"

"I never mentioned anything about the game being fair," Orochimaru noted, "You already agreed to play, so you can't back out now," Kakashi wondered when he said he would play. He realized he was right when he thought the Snake was a little too determined to get him to play. Was this really just a test of skill?

"Well, I think it's okay if I tell you what these objects are," The pale-skinned ninja asked, lips again taking the form of his usual twisted smile, "You'll be searching for bandannas, each a different color. The colors are red, green, yellow, blue, white, black and purple. Every one of them has a symbol of a snake printed on it. If you find one, finding the others will be easy," Kakashi nodded, storing this new, vital piece of information, "Now that that's settled, I'll give you ten minutes before I join in the game starting now," The silver-haired boy didn't need to be told twice; he quickly leapt out of sight.

Author's Notes: And that's the end of Chapter 1! I hope everyone is enjoying this story so far and continue reading it as updates come. Thanks for reading!

I will now answer the reviews of 'Hide and Seek':

Prescripto13: Yup, Kakashi is one dogged shinobi, even during childhood! I'm glad you liked it!

JigokuShoujosRevenge: Thanks! Well… maybe he'll lose this time… who knows?

The Shifting: Here's a new one featuring dear old Orochi and lil'Kashi, hope you like!

You-Know-Who: Arigatou ;)

Lightingsnake: I'm really flattered! Thanks a bunch :D

fluffpenguin: I hope you find this one enjoyable as well!

kakashifan7: I'm a Kakashi fan myself! Thanks and this is a kind-of but-not-quite sequel, so your wish came true! ;)

Till next time! ^^