Knowledge is power... bit if you lack the will to use it then that power will never be yours.
He had not expected this.
While he knew she held information… this… he did not expect her to tell him that Madara Uchiha was alive and in control of the Akatsuki. She was holding something else back, he knew that much, and given on her detail focusing on the Akatsuki's backstories, recalling it as though she'd seen it herself… That and her detail on Madara, made him suspicious.
He had to give it to her though, this tale of her was interesting. He could not be sure it was entirely true, though she showed no signs of lying. He did have questions, ones that he did not trust her to answers.
He could tell she was hiding something, she wouldn't reveal it now. He underestimated her, however, if this was a lie then she was quite good at it. He knew she dodged and manipulated the conversation into one of the Akatsuki's backstories, and he had no idea if the bit about Madara was true. She was stubborn, she wouldn't tell him without the proper motivation.
He was in another world, if he wanted anymore information then he would have to harm her. He needed to know more, however he needed to get back to his realm, and get back on his feet. He would have to adapt to this world before pressing further, at least he would learn the language first.
However… he needed someone to teach him, and he didn't know if his host was quite so willing to do so, she already disliked his presence in her home based of her body language alone. He'd need leverage perhaps if he offered her power? He didn't have chakra but did not make him defenseless. He could still use Taijutsu, and weapons. He wondered what the weapons of this world were.
He supposed he would have to find out, deciding to perhaps gain the girl's trust before pressing further.
Aria found Orochimaru with a smug grin on his face like he was planning something. She looked at him blankly, wondering what on earth this man was up to.
"Aria-Chan... it has come to my attention that learning this world's central language would be greatly beneficial." Aria raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. "And... you expect me to... what? Teach you?" Orochimaru looked at her with an amused smirk.
Aria stared at him in disbelief. "You attempted to kill me, twice! You threatened me, you went through my room and my things without my permission behind my back, and then demand information from me while threatening me with my own sword- or did you forget all of that?!" Aria ranted, the anger built up in her chest threatening to boil over. She wanted to curse at him for invading her space.
But she knew that might not be the best idea, he was still Orochimaru. She needed to be careful.
"You hate being weak, no? What if, in exchange for English lessons, I teach you something in return? Would that be a suitable price for your efforts?" The offer made Aria pause to think for a moment, looking back at the Sannin suspiciously.
"What could you teach me?" She questioned. She knew perfectly well what he could teach her, but she wanted him to say it just to be sure. He could teach her how to fight, or more specifically, Taijutsu.
"I can make you stronger, I can teach you skills I doubt anyone in your world even possess." Orochimaru told her. Aria stared at him, weighing her options.
On the one hand, she could except his offer and get probably the best combat training she could ever receive, it would truly be out of this world. If she accepts then this could be very useful for her.
On the other hand, was it really a good idea to teach him English? He might decide her usefulness has expired once he learns the ways of this world.
No, she had to accept. If she refuses him it would mean creating a possible enemy of him, and she definitely didn't want that because it would most likely result her death. Now was the time to seem cooperative, if he thinks he can control and manipulate her with power then he'll be less likely to turn on her later, especially if he's training her.
"You have until tomorrow to decide." Orochimaru's words make Aria snap out of her thoughts, looking back at the snake. She nodded, acknowledging his words before leaving the room to collect her thoughts... and more information on Orochimaru.
Orochimaru watched Aria, she was hesitating. How irritating, though that was to be expected. It was still something he found irritating but nonetheless he didn't expect her to answer him immediately.
He'll give her until tomorrow to properly decide. He was confident she would accept, after all.
Then again, she might deliberately refuse to spite him, though that would be uncharacteristically foolish of her. Perhaps he was overestimating her intelligence..? Though it wouldn't be entirely unreasonable for him to assume she desires power, based off what he's seen of her little collection of weaponry, that is.
Nevertheless, if she refused, he would simply change his tactics to one of demands instead of offering her something. He was being generous.
He could just force the information out of her, after all.
Reviews are love! Tell what you think of the characterization of Orochimaru, I hope he isn't off. I really do hope he's in character. Sorry about the shortness of the chapter.
