A/N: Hey, sorry for such a short chapter after such a long wait! ...And sorry it sucks -_-' I know this story is moving along really slowly, and it's probably hard to keep track of my OC's names and stuff (especially after this chapter -_-'), but just bear with me. And don't worry, we'll be seeing some more canon characters soon, I promise. So anyway, thanks a bunch to all of you who reviewed the last two chapters, I really appreciate it!
"As you know, I have been planning an attack on Konoha for some time now."
"Yes." The air around the kneeling figure seemed to buzz as he spoke.
"That time is drawing very close. Your mission is an important one."
The bandaged ninja waited patiently for his instructions, head bowed. No need to rush the Sannin.
"I'm not expecting much from Dosu's team. I trust you to keep them in line. Make sure they don't forget their mission."
"Yes."
"Of course," the Sannin said, a twisted grin forming on his face, "your mission is much more important. You remember it, right?"
"Yes."
"Good," the pale ninja purred. "I expect much from you. Do not disappoint me."
Just then the doors opened. In walked two young ninja escorted by a black-clad shinobi, his face hidden behind a loose mask. Upon entering, the two genin fell silent, having previously been arguing with each other, and bowed their heads respectfully toward their leader. The black-clad ninja did the same.
"These will be your teammates for this mission," the Sannin informed the one kneeling before him. "I trust that you'll be able to handle them." He turned his attention to the two newcomers. "Ikko will be your leader on this mission. I expect you to follow his orders and carry out the mission successfully. Do not," he said, "disappoint me."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," the two said in unison.
The Sannin glanced at the older shinobi that had escorted the two to him. "Erikku, you will act as their sensei during the Exams."
"Yes, of course."
"You are dismissed," he said, waving his hand. He watched as Ikko led his team out of the room, their "sensei" following close behind.
Orochimaru smiled; a twisted, cruel smile that would have made anyone shrink away in fear. That young one would make a fine underling, indeed. If only his body had been worthy enough…then he could have really made something of himself.
A/N: ...Again, sorry it's so short...and sorry I didn't update last week! D: ...I have no excuses, though, I just forgot -_-'
Because of school and my laziness, I'm only a few chapters ahead. I might update next week, or I might change my updating goal to every other week rather than every week -_-' I'm getting more into my writing, though, so hopefully I'll end up getting motivated to write the chapters fast enough ^_^
But in the meantime, please review! :D
Oh, and thanks to madin456 and SaigeDarklyn for reviewing/beta-ing chapters, you guys are awesome! :D