SO SORRY! I work nights. Set an alarm to make sure that I uploaded the chapter on time. Uploaded it then passed out again! Woke up to about 10 PMs and 15 Reviews that I had uploaded The Crow's Message a second time. Tried to update the chapter... didn't work. Deleted the chapter and reuploaded. Didn't work.

Hopefully waiting this extra day works!

Darksaber14 - The fact that you even SUGGEST that I accidentally uploaded the incorrect chapter as some means to "annoy" you all is the most offensive and rude thing I've ever seen on this site. And I've seen some shit.

Get off my story and go find another. I don't want people like you reading my shit and commenting. How freaking childish and immature are you?

BYE!

HERE IS THE REAL CHAPTER ENJOY!

Morning Folks!

Big News! We've officially reached the 300 Club!

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A Tree in a Forest

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Let's get into this weeks chapter.

Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 26: The Oath

"Before we begin, I must insist that we extend this invitation to Lord Jiraiya. If he knew we were meeting and didn't inform him, he and Konoha would be most upset."

Orochimaru clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. "If you insist."

Mei smiled cordially at the Snake Sannin before nodding to one of the Cyphers. A second later, they were gone, and an awkward silence quickly filled the room.

Percy cleared his throat. "Uh, um. Orochimaru?"

The man turned toward him, piercing him with those golden eyes. "Yes?" "While we wait, I wanted to ask you something."

Orochimaru perked up and smiled. "Oh I do enjoy my apprentices having an inquisitive mind. Ask away, my boy."

Percy shot the man a dubious look. "I'm not your apprentice."

"Yet," was the man's singsong reply.

A wave of deja vu slammed into Percy hard enough to leave him dizzy. "Wha?" Orochimaru simply chuckled in reply and motioned for Percy to continue.

Percy cleared his throat and nodded. "Right. Um, well. When you handed me the Bingo Book, you said that was the reason for Yagura attacking Inoue. But I still don't get it. All of us had entries. Why was Inoue targeted? They labeled me as the biggest threat, you would have thought he'd want to take me out first while I was away from the main force. That's what I would have done."

Orochimaru pursed his lips and studied Percy for several moments. "Hmm. A strong tactical and military focused mind, but lacking in critical thinking and imagination. Hmm…"

"What was that?" Percy asked.

Orochimaru shook his head slowly. "Nothing, Percy. Simply thinking out loud. Now, I want you to think about the evidence presented to you and formulate your own hypothesis. I will not have my apprentice be a lazy bum who simply wants others to think for him. That just will not do, I tell you!"

Percy scowled, though someone would say it was more of a petulant frown. She would be wrong. It was a ferocious glare.

However, Percy caved and began to seriously consider the entire situation. The minutes stretched on and on. To Percy's shock, the longer he considered the problem, the happier Orochimaru seemed to get. Percy thought for sure the man would have snapped after the first ten seconds. But here he was, surprising Percy for the umpteenth time by being something completely different than what he had assumed.

"I know what you are thinking," Percy jumped at the sound of Orochimaru's voice. "While you may think I expect others to be as much of a genius as I am, you would be mistaken. When a problem presents itself, it is better for all those involved if you take time to seriously consider the situation and formulate a well-thought-out hypothesis, rather than a rushed one."

He sighed. "Alas, many of those who follow me think that the way to please me is to utter the first nonsensical thought that appears in the limited space between their ears. Those are followers - lackeys. For my apprentice, I want someone who isn't afraid of me and my name. Someone I can challenge on a daily basis. Someone like you, Percy."

Percy eyed the man warily. FInally, he nodded slowly. "I have a theory-"

"A hypothesis, my apprentice. A Theory is something that can be proven with substantial evidence. A hypothesis may become a theory if you can prove it through experimentation that can be manufactured on a repeatable basis."

Percy glowered and stuck out his tongue, which simply caused Orochimaru to chuckle once again. "Fine, a hypothesis."

"Let us hear it then, apprentice."

Percy sighed, resigned to his fate for now. "The one thing my mind keeps going back to is a single line in Inoue's entry."

Orochimaru's smile widened. "Yes?"

"Well… It said, 'in illegal possession of the Kiba Blades' didn't it?"

Orochimaru nodded, eyes alight with excitement. Percy knew he was on the right track, which emboldened his response.

"Well, I'm thinking that once word got out that we would all be splitting up, Yagura targeted Inoue. It would not only have been a blow to our morale, since Inoue is one of the strongest shinobi in the army, but he would get the Kiba Blades back on his side. He was counting on it being an easy win for their side."

Orochimaru laughed and clapped delightedly. "Oh, exceptionally good, Percy! Those were my thoughts exactly!"

Percy's face ignited in crimson. One reason, he was incredibly pleased with himself for impressing Orochimaru of all people.

The other reason? He was embarrassed he was feeling pleased from impressing someone like Orochimaru!

What a conundrum. Maybe he should have Haku scan his brain.

"Unfortunately for Yagura, Inoue wasn't as easy prey as he initially assumed." Mei said, saving Percy's life with her quick save!

Percy smiled gratefully at the woman. "Damn right she wasn't. Kicked his ass, didn't she?"

"Kukukuku. Oh, that she did. Most impressive that young lady. I might try and recruit her as well. I assume the two of you come as a package deal?"

Percy glared. "Stay away from Inoue."

Orochimaru smiled unabashedly. "Touched a nerve, did I? I'll assume that is a yes."

Percy growled low in his throat, but before he could snark back, the door to Mei's office banged open.

"I swore up and down there's no way in the Sage's sweat nut sack could some whelp kill you. Color me surprised when the autopsy confirmed your slimy bastard self was in fact dead. Now, I somehow have to belief that either Tsunade was wrong, which isn't likely. Or you somehow crawled your way out of the dirt and survived somehow. Tell me, which was it Orochimaru?

Percy couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down his spine. The Jiraiya that stood before him was nothing like the Jiraiya he had come to know. His face was thunderous; murderous even. The amount of killing intent he was radiating was stifling. For the first time since Percy had met the man, he could completely understand why this giant of man was feared across the world.

However, Orochimaru wasn't fazed in the slightest. In fact, he looked even more at ease than when he was teasing Percy.

"Well, Toad. For those of us with… no, not even class. Those whom have basic manners know that if they want an answer to their inquiry, they should ask nicely."

"Count your lucky stars I haven't gutted you where you sit. Start talking." He turned to Lady Mei. "Is your alliance with Konoha worth so little that you would invite our greatest enemy into your office and have tea with him?!"

Percy was impressed. If Jiraiya had screamed at him like that, he'd be a blubbering mess most likely. Mei simply arched a single eyebrow before sliding the folder that Itachi had given to her across the table.

"I understand your anger and confusion, Lord Jiraiya. However, do not ever speak to me in such a tone or I will have your head, alliance be damned. You should be thankful that Kiri even still wants an alliance with Konoha after learning what we have."

Jiraiya took the folder, flipped it open and began to scan the documents. Second by second, his skin quickly began to match his snow-white hair. "W-W-What is this?" He managed to croak out.

Orochimaru cackled madly. "Oh, how I live for moments like these! To see the faces of those who follow blindly simply crumble upon the revelations that their perfect world isn't so perfect. Tell me, Toad. How can you claim to be the world's greatest spy master when you didn't even know of a single skeleton in your own home's closest?"

Percy couldn't help it. Whether the situation was actually funny, or if it was just a nervous tick due to the stifling atmosphere, he didn't know. But he began to giggle.

Orochimaru turned to him, eyes alight with pleased madness. "Even my apprentice laughs as you come to terms with the fact that your perfect Konoha is far and away from perfect."

Jiraiya gasped and turned a betrayed gaze on Percy. "Apprentice?" He asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Percy controlled his giggles and rolled his eyes. "I'm not his apprentice."

"Yet."

"Stop that!"

"Never."

Percy gripped his hair and pulled.

Orochimaru grinned.

Percy groaned.

Musical laughter cut the tension like a knife. All eyes found the source.

Mei smiled gently at Jiraiya and placed a comforting hand on top of his. "Let me pour you a glass of tea and we will explain everything you missed."

Percy exchanged sympathetic looks with Mei as they watched the Toad Sannin's face stare blankly at the wall behind her desk.

Orochimaru leaned toward Percy and whispered loud enough for the entire room to hear. "I would almost feel bad for the Toad, but then I remembered he's an idiot who will more than likely still try to deny all the allegations even with concrete evidence shoved under his nose. A blind follower, that one. People wanted him to be Hokage? Pah! Konoha would have fallen within his first month."

"I'm not going to pretend I didn't see the evidence, Orochi-Idiot." Jiraiya snarled, snapping out of his daze. "Doesn't mean I have to like it, but it also doesn't mean I'm going to suddenly lose my loyalty to my home. Now that I know, I can fix things; change things."

Percy shot Orochimaru the look before he could snark back. "That's great, Lord Jiraiya! I'm sure you and Lady Tsunade can make Konoha into what the world thinks of them as."

Orochimaru harrumphed before settling into glaring at Jiraiya.

If you asked Percy, it almost looked like the man was pouting.

Anyone else, he would voice his thoughts aloud. However, Orochimaru was a psychopath who they still didn't know what to do about.

So Percy would keep his big fat mouth shut for once.

Mei must have read Percy's mind because she shot him a 'I'm proud of you for acting like an adult for once' look.

Percy harrumphed before settling into glaring at the floor.

"This still doesn't change the fact that he has no business being here and you need to toss him out on his ass this instant." Jiraiya barked suddenly.

Mei glared at the elder man. "Lord Orochimaru has saved the life of my top kuniochi. He is here as my guest. Until he takes aggressive action towards me or my people, I will not be so uncultured as to throw the man out on his ass after all he has done for us. Besides, he is here to talk to Percy. He hasn't done anything to receive Kiri's ire."

Jiraiya spluttered momentarily before finding his voice. "He invaded Konoha! Your future ally! He killed Sensei!"

"And I would do it again in a heartbeat." Orochimaru hissed.

Percy shivered. A transformation had overtaken the eccentric man. To sum it up in a single sentence, Orochimaru looked like Death himself.

"After what he did to me; betrayed me! I'm glad his soul is rotting in the pit of the Shinigami's stomach for eternity! He deserves far worse!"

"How can you say that?!" Jiraiya shouted. "After what you did? Experimenting on and murdering children?!"

"WHO DO YOU THINK ORDERED THE EXPERIMENTS?!" Orochimaru roared, breast heaving and eyes wild.

Percy's eyes widened in shock. He knew everything there was to know about Orochimaru's defection thanks to Konoha. If what Orochimaru was saying was true…

"You're lying."

Orochimaru scoffed and sat back down. "Of course, you think that Dead Last. Even with everything presented to you, you still believe Sensei was the kind old man he personified for the world. Your delusion clouds your mind. Sensei was ruthless. He and those friends of his came from a different era. They would do anything to make sure Konoha came out on top. Granted, Sensei wasn't half as bad as Danzo. However, he wasn't the benevolent father-figure you believed him to be.

"The mission that ignited the third war? Staged. They sent Sakumo on that mission purposefully because they knew what kind of man he was. They saw the sparks already beginning to ignite, so they threw tinder and kerosene into the inferno so that they could control the outcome as best as they could. As for my experiments? The order came from the top."

Orochimaru paused and glared at Jiraiya. "The children came from the top. They were provided for me. Danzo had come to me years before with a hypothesis involving cells and DNA from Lord First. Tsunade has always been the better medic, but I was the better scientist. I took that sample and made leaps and bounds forward for modern medicine. However, Danzo saw things differently. He saw how the cells could be weaponized.

"He brought my research to Sensei. He explained how with some tweaks to my findings, we could create an army of Wood Release users. Sensei, without a second thought, ordered the research to begin in earnest. So, as the ever-loyal shinobi, I obeyed. For years I dedicated my life to creating those super soldiers for Sensei and Danzo. However, Danzo got careless. He got greedy after my first success. People began to notice the children disappearing. They began to question Hirzun; demanded answers. And guess what Sensei did?"

"He threw you under the bus," Percy guessed in a quiet voice.

Orochimaru nodded. "Exactly, my apprentice. He came to me that night. Told me that he was canceling the experiments. I was thrilled. I wanted to get back to my research. The things I was passionate about. However, that's when I noticed the ANBU. I noticed their sealing tags and chains. I gave forty years of my life to that village. But because someone else dropped the ball, I was to be their scapegoat. How could the people ever trust a Hokage that ordered experiments on his own people?

"So I fought. I fought tooth and nail and managed to escape. The outcome was the same for Sensei, so he didn't really care. I was labeled a traitor and a monster. I was chased out of the village I grew up in. The village I loved and cared for for four decades. That was the end of my legacy and the beginning of my notoriety."

Percy was speechless; everyone was, really. Finally, Mei spoke up. "Is this really true, Lord Orochimaru? Have we been wrong about you this entire time?"

Orochimaru let out a fluttery laugh. "Don't get the wrong idea, Lady Mizukage. I am no saint. I am very much the monster the world thinks me to be. I do not subscribe to the notions of good and evil when it comes to science. There is only the truth and the path to find that truth. However, nothing I do is without merit. I do not dissect people simply to please my murderous desires. I do not experiment on the living as some kind of sick sexual pleasure, as some have said. My experiments all have a purpose. Mainly, I find I do not really enjoy experimenting on children. Genin are one thing. But children who cannot even use the latrine without adult supervision? Not my cup of tea."

Percy giggled, drawing all eyes toward him. He glared right back. "What? He said "latrine." That's a funny word."

Orochimaru sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I certainly have my work cut out for me."

"You're lying!" Jiraiya suddenly yelled, causing everyone in the room to jump. "There's no way any of that is true. You're a criminal. A known liar and master manipulator. You'll say anything."

Orochimaru sneered. "Whether you believe me or not is your prerogative, Toad. However, if you want unquestionable evidence, bring me the Shinigami Mask from the Uzumaki Clan's mask storage temple. You can find it on the outskirts of Konoha in the northeastern quadrant. Do that, and I'll bring you someone who can answer all of your questions."

Jiraiya gaped. "What are you talking about."

Orochimaru threw his hands up in exasperation. "Spy Master my backside! Go live up to that reputation and find the temple yourself, moron!"

Jiraiya grunted and shot to his feet. "Lady Mei, Fish Boy. I need to go." He grabbed the folder. "I'm heading back to Konoha. Kakashi will inherit all my duties."

And without waiting for a reply, he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"Uncultured, bumbling baboon that one is." Orochimaru murmured.

Mei sighed and shook her head. "That could have gone better."

"It could have gone worse as well!" Percy chirped.

Mei chuckled. "That is true." She turned toward Orochimaru. "Lord Orochimaru. Based on everything I've learned today, until you give me a reason to mistrust you, you may consider yourself a tentative ally to me and my people."

Orochimaru rose gracefully and bowed deeply in respect. "A chance is all I ask for, my lady."

Mei nodded in acceptance. "But if you harm anyone that is allied with me, I will melt the flesh from your bones. Immortal or not, I will make you suffer before you die."

Orochimaru straightened and smirked at her. "A woman after my own heart it seems."

Mei let out a surprised snort before breaking down in laughter. "I never knew you were a jokester, Lord Orochimaru."

Orochimaru sat back down and waved his hand dismissively. "I am a man of many talents you will find."

Percy cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "Well, it's a bit overdue, but your entire reason for coming here was to talk to me, was it not?"

He nodded. "I did. I have come to offer you a… mutually agreeable alliance and proposal."

Percy leaned forward. "I'm listening."

"Well, as you know, in my quest for true immortality I struck a deal with the God known as Jashin. In exchange for your life, he would grant me what I seek. However, he did not give me all the relevant information I needed for such a task. The way Jashin spun his tail, you were simply some random Jonin who had angered him somehow. He played down your heritage and powers. In short, he tricked me, and that led to my downfall."

His face became thunderous. "He played me like a fool. I do not like be played like a fool. In our exchange, I couldn't help but notice that you have less than optimal feelings for the man you call your uncle. This is what I propose. You and I join strength. I will train you and your friends. In exchange, you will help me kill that pompous ass who made a mockery of the Great Orochimaru!"

Percy sat back and blew out a breath. He had a feeling this entire ordeal had something to do with Hades. Everything always somehow came back to that man.

Orochimaru continued. "I am willing to do anything in my power to rid the world of that… thing." He hissed. "I will train you, your lady, and any friends of yours that you believe would help us in our task. I will give up any resources at my disposal to see his head roll at my feet. Do you accept?"

Percy sat forward and studied the man. "I hope you don't expect me to just drop everything and go gallivanting with you to Gods know where to kill my uncle."

Orochimaru's calm mask fell back in place and he chuckled. "Of course not. I understand you have obligations you must see to first and foremost. I wouldn't ask this of you." He turned toward Mei. "Which is why I'm offering the services of myself and a few of my strongest subordinates to join you in your campaign against the false Mizukage."

Mei's eyes widened in shock. "You are serious?"

Orochimaru nodded. "Quite. As I said, I will do anything to have Percy's help in my revenge."

Mei hummed in thought before speaking. "If you truly wish to throw your lot in with us, I will certainly not refuse. In less than an hour, we lost the wisdom and strength of one Sannin, then gained another."

Orochimaru nodded graciously. "Consider me your temporary General then, Lady Mizukage. You have already met Kabuto, I will introduce you to the two others I brought with me later. I can assure you, both of them are quite powerful and capable shinobi."

"You said training for me and my friends. What did you mean by that?"

Orochimaru turned back to Percy. "Kabuto will be joining the medical corp while here. During his time, he will train your little Yuki and the pink haired girl in everything he knows. I can assure you, only Tsunade herself knows more than my Kabuto."

He smiled at Percy. "For your lady friend, I'll personally take her under my wing. People know my strength in swordplay, as well as the various techniques I acquired from the Snake Clan. What they forget when they think of me is that I am the strongest Wind Release user in the world, bar none. I will take Miss Inoue's wind training to an entirely different realm."

His smile became predatory. "As for you, my dear apprentice, I have something sssspecial for you."

Percy shivered despite trying to repress it. "What does that mean?"

Orochimaru shrugged. "Oh a little of this, a little of that."

Percy glared. "Fine. I want something else."

Orochimaru spread his hands. "Name it."

"Remove Sasuke's curse seal." He paused. "And Anko's."

Orochimaru nodded after a slight pause. "It will be done."

"Last thing."

Orochimaru smirked. "Greedy little thing, aren't you?"

Percy smiled toothily. "Milk the cow for all its worth, right?"

Orochimaru scowled. "Are you comparing me to a bovine?"

Percy chuckled. "It's a saying back where I'm from."

Orochimaru held his scowl but nodded. "What is the last thing you want?"

"Well, I guess it's two things. An oath from you that you won't betray us, and your sword."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow at that. "My sword?"

Percy nodded vigorously. "Yeah! The one that extends, and you can control from afar!"

Orochimaru opened his mouth. From within his bowels a serpent rose. The serpent's skin then melted away, leaving the Kusanagi in Orochimaru's hands. He held it out. "This sword?"

Percy bounced in his seat and made grabby hands. "Yeah! Gimme, gimme, gimme!"

Orochimaru chuckled and shook his head. He held the blade out toward Percy, hilt first.

Percy launched himself out of his seat and in a second wrapped his greedy paws around the hilt.

Percy screamed in agony as soon as his hand clasped the hilt. He released the sword and fell back on his butt. He looked at his hand, expecting it to be a mess. However, his skin was unblemished. His gaze snapped to Orochimaru and he glared.

"What the hell was that?!"

Orochimaru's eyes flashed with pleasure. "Did I forget to mention? Silly little bovine me. Only a summoner of the Snake Clan can wield the Kusanagi."

"You're evil!"

"I'm petty and I hold a grudge. Completely different from being evil."

Percy shook his head and sighed. "Well, this sucks."

Orochimaru chuckled. "You will wield this blade one day."

Percy started and stared at Orochimaru. "Seriously?"

He nodded. "Part of your training is to fix those… pathetic reserves you have. Once adequate, you will sign the Snake Contract and I will then relinquish the blade to you."

Percy jumped to his feet and bounced excitedly. "Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's get to work!"

"In due time, my apprentice. We have a war to win first, do we not?"

Percy pouted. "Yeah. I guess so…"

"I believe you wanted some type of oath from me?"

Percy nodded. In a cloud of smoke, Earthshaker appeared in his hand. "You have to get down on one knee. Make it sound all important and official like."

Orochimaru glared. "You expect me to get on a knee for you?"

Percy grinned. "Do you want my help or not?"

Orochimaru's glare intensified. "I will remember this, child."

Percy snickered and motioned with his sword. "Remember, make it sound important."

Orochimaru, cursing all the Gods in existence, bent a knee and knelt in front of Percy. He eyed Earthshaker. "What is that for, child?"

Percy looked at Earthshaker. "This? Oh! I saw the Queen do this once on TV when she knighted someone. Felt like it's like… symbolic, you know?"

Orochimaru scoffed. "Whatever. Let us see… Something "official" like?"

Orochimaru murmured to himself for several moments before nodding.

"I, Orochimaru Kujira, do hereby swear on my life and soul, to not bring harm or death upon Percy Jackson, Mei Terumi, nor anyone under their command, except in self-defense or to save the life of one of my subordinates. I will not work to actively undermine their plans, nor work against their interests. I pledge my loyalty to the Kiri Rebel faction from now until this war is won. On my life and honor, this I swear."

He felt Percy's sword tap him once on each shoulder. After several seconds of silence, he looked up. "That's it?"

Percy nodded. "See? Wasn't that easy? That sounded really good! In the best interest of our new alliance, I'll give you the same oath, k?"

Orochimaru rolled his eyes. Such a trusting and naïve child. If he thinks some silly oath would keep him safe, who was Orochimaru to judge?

He didn't plan on betraying Mei and Percy anyway.

Yet, at least.

Percy knelt and placed Earthshaker point down on the stone floor. He folded both hands over the hilt and began to speak.

He gave the same oath, just modified slightly. Once he was done, Orochimaru sighed. "Are we finished? It's been ages since I had a proper bath."

"Almost."

Orochimaru gasped and took an involuntary step back. Percy stood, tall and proud. Eyes glowing ethereal blue.

The very air around Orochimaru shimmered as some type of unseen energy seemed to vibrate all around him.

Percy spoke, voice much deeper than usual. "I've been in this world now long enough to know to not trust anyone. In my world, an oath actually means something. I will make sure your oath means something too!"

Orochimaru shivered as he felt something touch the crown of his head. He continued to shiver as it felt like ice-cold molasses slowly traveled down his body; covering every inch of skin.

"What are you doing to me, boy?! We had a deal!" He screeched.

Percy smirked. "Just bringing your words to life."

The creeping sensation reached the very tips of his toes.

It was the oddest sensation. It was as if he were wearing an invisible second skin. The seconds seemed to crawl by as Percy seemed to be waiting for something. Percy nodded to himself and opened his eyes.

"It is done."

Orochimaru gasped as the sensation seemed to seep into him. The feeling lasted less than a second, but Orochimaru knew, deep in his soul, that he was forever changed.

His eyes blazed as he stalked forward once he was able to move again. "What the hell was that, boy?" He hissed.

Percy shrugged. "Just made it so that the words we spoke were recognized by the universe."

"And what does that mean, exactly?"

Percy shrugged again. "Break your oath, you die. Simple!"

Orochimaru jammed his finger into Percy's chest. "You tricked me."

Percy grinned cheekily. "I'm a shinobi. Deceit is in the job description, ya know?"

Orochimaru reeled as if he had just been struck before bursting into a fit of laughter. "Oh, there is certainly hope for you yet, my apprentice." He sobered up and sent a frigid glare at Percy. "Just remember, boy. I have been a shinobi longer than you've been alive. And, as I said, I'm petty and I hold a grudge."

He then turned on his heel and marched out of the room. "I'll be in the bath if you need me!" And with those parting words the door slammed shut.

Percy turned toward Mei, smiling without a care in the world. Mei sighed in exasperation. "At this rate, I'll be grey before my fortieth birthday."

Percy laughed. "Aw, chin up, Lady Mei! At least now you can rest easy knowing he can't betray us."

Mei blew out a breath. "That is true. Why must you be so difficult, Jackson? There's a one hundred different ways that could have gone better."

Percy laughed as he threw a hand over his shoulder in farewell. "It certainly could have gone worse!"

Mei's eye twitched at the same time as her hand did.

She could certainly understand Lady Tsunade's penchant for hurling objects at her subordinates.

Fin!

That should be the end of the "set-up" chapters! We're going to get the ball rolling and get this war arc over with!

Tell me your thoughts.

Fun Fact! I got Orochimaru's Family Name by using the name of his Voice Actor!

Reviews are love!

Greer123 - I'm so glad! I worried people might think he'd be OOC. I love Itachi-buns so much!

chimera629 - The curse protects him from a lot, but not everything. If he weren't a child of Poseidon, then fire would be a HUGE weakness for him. So falling into lava might hurt a bit.

bearthekingofhell - A Pertachi bromance will DEFINITELY be happening in the future!

BigBoii225 - I think I'm in love with you! UwU

animeman309 - We shall see :^)

FanficSim13 - Not only did he offer the power of friendship, but also the Snek Contract!

The Hootsman - It's certainly looking that way!

Silverfox72 - I ain't messing around this time. Especially with Guests XD

BB - There will be MUCH more Percy/Oro banter in the future. I love them together.

Guest - Percy is a total Itachi fanboi. If this were a reincarnation fan, the MC would be like "Dammit! This is why they existed in my last world! He's so cool and dreamy!"

Heero05 - Thank you! Glad you're enjoying!

Guest - No he shouldn't have. The only thing Itachi loves more than Konoha is his beebee brover!

SentinalSlice - *eyes* Definite what-if scenario. As I just said to the person above, the only thing Itachi loves more than Konoha is Sasuke. Guess we'll have to wait and see what all Itachi revealed.

Rakuen - Percy definitely got a little starstruck seeing Itachi being all edgy and cool without even trying. Also, if this story were on AO3, I'd definitely add lots of gay (I'm a homo), HOWEVER here on FFN we have to strike a fine balance between the hetero and homo. We've got Haku/Chojuro... I don't know if anyone caught it, but I made Itachi simp for Shisui, so there's a possibility in the future there.

OH! And totally making Kakashi Ace because I swear he is in canon. Dude has never shown interest in anyone.

Perseus appolyon - I try to reply to everyone! The shit storm of the Itachi Wikileaks will be revealed in the future. Stay tuned!