Anko looked in all directions. This was the real thing, a spar with her sensei. Orochimaru swooped down but missed her as she flipped away. Orochimaru dodged the kunai blades and went for a punch. Anko blocked but was dragged across the ground. Orochimaru swooped downed and tripped her with foot. Kicking her above the ground he punched her a few yards away from him.
Anko sent out four snakes from her sleeve at Orochimaru. Grabbing a hold of him she tossed him aside and slammed him into a tree trunk. The wood shattered and cracked as he hit. Orochimaru chuckled as the replacement splattered into nothing. Orochimaru phased above her in the trees. He moved so fast she could barely see his movements. And then his body began to stretch like a snake. Anko jumped away as Orochimaru slammed his fist into the ground. Orochimaru wrapped around her pinning her.
Orochimaru felt a replacement take the form of his student. Anko stood a few yards away from Orochimaru. She put her fingers up in the air. Orochimaru gave her a confused look as a smiling Anko revealed only four, then three, two, one finger. Orochimaru braced himself as the bomb exploded. Anko felt her trench coat ruffle in the wind.
Orochimaru phased behind her a little battle torn. Anko quickly turned around and sent a snake right at his neck. Orochimaru grabbed the snake's head as it came an inch from his neck. Orochimaru pulled Anko into the air and in a quick movement kicked her to the ground. Anko fell to the ground with a thud.
Orochimaru raised his hand and blew fire at her. Anko stared stunned as the fire came towards her.
"Perhaps I was mistaken about this apprentice idea," Orochimaru said. As the fire cleared he saw some sort of shell. He walked over to the strange shell. "Snake skin?" he wondered as the shell crumbled in his hand. Anko burst out of the ground and punched Orochimaru to the jaw. Orochimaru touched his jaw annoyed. Anko went for a second strike. Orochimaru cupped it and kept her in one place.
"It seems the fight in you is not over yet," Orochimaru noticed. He stared into her eyes, his illusionary techniques activated.
Orochimaru and Anko were alone in another world. "I thought this the only way to teach you a new skill," Orochimaru said.
"What kind of skill?" Anko said still in a fighting stance.
An illusion of three musical notes appeared in her mind. They rotated like in a trance. "This seal will grant you powers beyond your current abilities. It will change you but improve you," Orochimaru said. "Let me demonstrate for you," Orochimaru said in her mind.
Anko felt a new sensation as the seal spread all over her body. It glowed red before turning a constant black. Her eyes became yellow. Anko looked at her arms confused, but she did experience more physical strength that she could imagine.
"There is a second stage," Orochimaru said. Anko felt her body change again as her skin turned gray, a cross formed on her forehead, her purple hair became white and longer, and wings took form on her back. Anko looked at herself in amazement.
"You look like an angel," Orochimaru complimented. Anko felt herself go weak; she fainted in Orochimaru's arms.
Anko woke up, the room was somewhat lighted up with candles. Orochimaru sat in a chair watching her. Anko checked her neck, nothing was there.
"No need to worry about that, it was all inside your head," Orochimaru stood up.
"I want what you showed me," Anko said.
"Why?" Orochimaru asked.
"I want to be more like you," Anko said with admiration.
"Before you enter the Chuunin exam, I will make sure you are ready," Orochimaru said.
Orochimaru walked outside, it was a full moon. "You called me, Orochimaru-sama," the ANBU fighter addressed.
"Yes, the other ANBU members don't think you are meeting your quota," Orochimaru said.
"That can't be true, I am as good as anyone on the squad," the ANBU fighter said defensively.
"Show me," Orochimaru said.
"What?" the ANBU fighter asked confused.
"Fight me," Orochimaru ordered.
The ANBU fighter took out his sword. "I'm not afraid to fight anyone but you are my commanding officer," he protested.
"Slash my cheek and I will promote you," Orochimaru said.
The ANBU fighter put his mask on and ran towards him. He took his sword and slashed at Orochimaru. The sword sliced through three trees but missed Orochimaru as he phased away. Orochimaru grabbed his arm breaking his wrist. The sword fell to the ground.
"Orochimaru-sama," he shouted distressed.
Orochimaru grinned and sliced into his gut, Orochimaru then sliced to the side gutting him. "Indeed, you shall meet the qualifications," Orochimaru said.
The next week
"Another missing person," the Chuunin aid told the Third.
"This it's an ANBU squad fighter," the Chuunin added.
"How could this be," the Third rubbed his hands over his face in frustration. "Alert the Uchiha police, I want a search," the Third ordered.
Orochimaru was in his private chambers reading the forbidden scrolls. "This is the last one, Orochimaru-sama," a Genin informed him. Orochimaru took the scroll from him.
"Thank you," he said touching his forehead. "Now die," he said. The child fell to the floor. "It is complete now," Orochimaru grinned.
Winter BN1
Orochimaru contacted a fellow scientist in Sea country, Amachi. He was an ambitious researcher hoping to create a new sea weapon. Naturally this drew Orochimaru's attention. Taking Anko with him the two set off towards the Sea Nation.
Orochimaru and Anko approached the docks and were greeted by Amachi. He was a tall, white haired young man in a white lab coat.
"Welcome Orochimaru-sama," Amachi said pleasantly.
"And who is this?" Amachi asked looking at Anko.
"The child is one of recruits," Orochimaru informed him. Anko looked at Orochimaru not understanding.
"Yes, of course. The others are ready as you requested. I found the most talented bunch," Amachi said.
The three took a sail boat to Amachi's island. Upon reaching the island Orochimaru entered the lab facility inside the mountain. Amachi gave a tour of the facility and the progress of his work.
"The results show the very real possibility of creating an underwater ninja military," Amachi began.
"Our first subjects suffered horrible mutations, unfortunately they died days after the experiment but the newest one managed to survive," Amachi said.
Orochimaru frowned concerned with Amachi's progress. "Just one success?" Orochimaru asked.
"Well, a partial success," Amachi confessed.
Orochimaru turned to Anko who was listening to their conversation. "Let me take you to your room," he offered.
Orochimaru and Anko walked outside the lab facility to the log cabins. Upon entering the cabin Anko examined the room. It was not much different than the apartments at Konoha but there weren't any windows and the only source of light was a burning oil lamp. Anko proceeded to put her books and scrolls away. She was given a desk and chair and the bed looked as though it had been carved out of the wooden walls.
"I will come for you in the morning," Orochimaru told her leaving to organize her room.
Orochimaru and Amachi went into the aquarium to see the new subject.
The creature was half girl, half fish with long brown hair that swayed in the water. "The transformation was a success but she can't change back fully to her human form," Amachi explained.
"Can she pass as human?" Orochimaru asked.
"I suppose, but she would be an outcast to the others," Amachi considered.
"Do you have the children here?" Orochimaru asked.
"Yes, I was about to work on them but then I heard of your arrival," Amachi said.
"Our plans must be accelerated, bring them to me," Orochimaru ordered.
"As you wish," Amachi replied.
Anko was unable to sleep as nightmarish images flooded her mind. Motivated to act she went outside and walked toward the lab. Something or someone was calling her. She entered the lab walking on the stone floor.
Orochimaru was with Amachi discussing future plans when they heard someone enter the facility. "Should I have her removed," Amachi asked.
"No, let her see," Orochimaru allowed.
Anko walked wide eyed and looked into the aquarium. A half fish, half girl was in the tank not moving. Anko tapped the tank glass but there was no movement. Anko was so stunned with the image that she didn't realize two figures entering the room.
"How unfortunate Amachi, it seems the subject died after all," Orochimaru commented.
Amachi frowned confirming what Orochimaru already knew. "A minor set back I assure you," Amachi said.
"I hope so for your sake," Orochimaru said still somewhat annoyed. "Anko, let's go back to your room," Orochimaru suggested.
Anko just stared into the tank. "Why?" she asked him.
Orochimaru frowned feeling defensive. "To end wars," Orochimaru said softly in her ear.
That night Anko shivered in fear at what she had seen. She had seen death before but not like this, a freakish experiment. In the morning Anko cleaned test tubes, dishes, and other equipment used in early experiments.
In her nervousness she allowed a bowl to fall to the ground breaking it into pieces. Anko quickly moved to pick up the pieces.
"What's wrong," Orochimaru asked behind her.
"I'm sorry, my hand slipped," Anko explained still picking up the pieces.
Orochimaru could sense her fear and uncertainty. As she was about to leave the room he stopped her.
"Anko. You should know that the Hokage knows everything that happens here," Orochimaru lied.
"I understand," Anko said putting the pieces in the trash and leaving the room.
Orochimaru stared at her as she left not convinced that she bought his explanation. He decided to attempt the experiment while he still had a hold on her.
Orochimaru received a dozen children under Amachi. He tested the seal technique on all of them whether they volunteered or not. As he predicted the children became gravely ill with high fevers. Orochimaru approached Anko as she was working in a lab.
"It is time," Orochimaru said.
Anko stared at him fearfully. "I understand," she said trying to act bravely.
"With great power comes great risk. Do you understand this?" Orochimaru asked.
"Yes," Anko replied.
Orochimaru kneeled at Anko's level. He hesitated and then plunged his teeth into her neck. Anki gasped in pain and fell to the floor. Three marks appeared at the base of her neck and upper shoulder.
Orochimaru stood up and looked at the suffering Anko. "If you survive you will have proved yourself worthy," he said closing the door behind him.
The next day Orochimaru and Amachi entered Anko's room. Anko was on the floor twisting and turning in pain. She could feel great pain and the room felt very hot. Her face was tear stricken from the ordeal.
"She's alive," Amachi confirmed.
"She seems to be the lucky one," Orochimaru commented realizing that she was still alive.
"So out of ten only one survived," Orochimaru observed somewhat disappointed.
"What about Sarigi?" Amachi asked.
"It doesn't seem as if there is a reason for staying here anymore so…" Orochimaru began.
"But the experiment is still…" Amachi protested.
"Do what you like with that little branch," Orochimaru allowed. "I have no use for them now," Orochimaru clarified.
As Orochimaru was about to leave Anko grabbed his foot keeping him in place. "Why are you doing this?" she asked still on the floor.
Orochimaru turned towards her and became face to face with the girl. "You are lacking…" he hissed. "The will to seek power….vengence….hate... and everything else," Orochimaru concluded.
"But maybe allowing you to live may be of some use to me," Orochimaru considered.
As Orochimaru saw her tearful expression he put on a warm smile. "Hey, come with me," he offered. "My apprentice."
Anko nodded. "Yes sensei," Anko said struggling to get to her feet.
Orochimaru watched in silent amazement as Anko got to her feet. Now they were forever linked. The three left the room into the brilliant sunlight.
Spring BN 1
Anko put her hands together and instantly another Yondaime appeared in her place.
"Excellent, that passes," Yondaime said giving her a head protector.
"I graduated," Anko said pointing to her head protector. Orochimaru stared at the thing.
"Good," Orochimaru said with indifference.
"How come you don't have a head protector?" Anko asked.
"I do, but a Sannin doesn't need a head protector," Orochimaru said although it wasn't the whole truth. In fact Anko was one of the few things keeping him in the village.
BN 1 Summer
"I want to congratulate you on your son," the Third said pleased. Hizashi smiled feeling the first moments of fatherhood. "Usually the Head family member has the first child," the Third remarked.
"Not this time, this time I was able to decide for myself," Hizashi said. "Hyuuga Neji, despite this curse you will do great things," Hizashi said. Neji was sleeping in the crib, the birthmark lightly formed on his forehead.