Tsunade is shocked. Of all things to happen today she certainly wasn't expecting that.
"Jiraiya, this isn't a time for games. That certainly didn't sound like a question, and the headache I'm fighting off isn't ready to argue with you"
"It wasn't a question, it was a proposal. I accepted the Hokage position and I can't think of anyone better to support me in this new endeavor than you. Please Tsunade, I'm not getting any younger and I feel like I'm going to die before I get to be with the one woman I sincerely love in this world"
She hasn't hit him yet. To Jiraiya that's a good sign, but her silence is beginning to unnerve him. Tsunade lets Jiraiya's words sink in. She thinks back to the other day when she witnessed Sakumo's flirtations and how jealous she felt, and she also considers what Jiraiya said about how he's not getting any younger. Being honest with herself she isn't getting any younger either, crossing the threshold of thirty opened her eyes a bit. As Tsunade opens her mouth to speak again, Jiraiya waits for another crushing rejection
"Yes"
"Okay Tsunade, I'll leave you alone then. You sure know how to keep a man on the line..."
Jiraiya turns to sadly leave when Tsunade puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him
"Jiraiya, I just said I would marry you"
His face lights up and he pulls her in for a kiss. Tsunade puts her arms around his neck and for Jiraiya, to date it is the most satisfying gesture she's ever done towards him. As her lips are still pressed against his, she thinks to herself
"If I'm going to stick by someone for the rest of my life, he might as well be my best friend..."
:::::
A few days later, Jiraiya descends the depths of the Konoha prison facility. On his way down he passes Danzo who gives him a curious look that sets Jiraiya's skin crawling but he presses on with his mission. Orochimaru's cell is heavily guarded by three ANBU soldiers and a member of the Hyuga clan twenty-four hours a day. Everyone rotates out of their position in shifts at varying intervals throughout the day so that never more than one person is entering or leaving and the random times prevent Orochimaru from predicting when the next shift change will be. The rotating members of the Hyuga clan maintain constant surveillance of Orochimaru through use of their Byakugan. They utilize their gentle fist techniques to block the chakra from entering Orochimaru's arms, rendering those limbs completely useless. Orochimaru himself is bound by chains at the neck and the waist and the chains are used to direct and restrain him when it's time for another application of the gentle fist. Also, he is kept in almost complete darkness save for the torches by the guards at the front of the cell. ANBU commander had hoped that the isolation along with the darkness would eventually break Orochimaru but Orochimaru has held out so far. Jiraiya hates seeing his old comrade treated like a wild animal, but with his violent and sinister nature revealed, and after already killing two guards, there were no other options left.
Today as Jiraiya approaches the cell, he nods at the masked ANBU and at Hyuga Hizashi before calling out to Orochimaru. Initially there is silence but then Jiraiya hears the sounds of heavy chains being dragged across the ground. Orochimaru's pale face looms through the darkness towards Jiraiya, and he has a wicked glint in his eye. He hisses
"Jiraiya, how good of you to visit me in my solitude"
"I hope they're treating you well"
"As well as can be expected towards a traitorous criminal convicted with treason of the highest degree"
That last statement stings Jiraiya. As much as he loves his village and having grown up with Orochimaru, Jiraiya simply can't comprehend why Orochimaru would betray his own home
"Orochimaru, I'm going to ask you again, what were you trying to accomplish at your hidden fortress?"
"I was just trying to have a little fun."
Orochimaru finishes his sentence with a haunting laugh, but Jiraiya maintains his straight face
"I'm prepared to offer you a deal, Orochimaru"
"Oh? And what could you possibly have that would be of interest to me?"
From behind his back Jiraiya pulls out a worn and weathered looking scroll. He blows the dust off and Orochimaru only catches a glimpse of the scrolls label; he reads the word "Reincarnation" and his interest is piqued.
"Oh Jiraiya, you couldn't possibly have done that for me..."
"It wasn't me. It was Hiruzen sensei. He's willing to barter with you five minutes of reading this scroll in exchange for five minutes of your true confession"
Orochimaru smiles and turns his face at an awkward angle
"Jiraiya... do you know what it's like to lose someone?"
"Yes, I've lost many of the same soldiers you have"
"No, I mean someone close to you. Someone who takes your heart with them when they go... Such as how I was raised as an orphan or how Tsunade lost her little brother and her lover..."
Jiraiya tries to block out the last part of his statement. Orochimaru knows as well as anyone else that he, Jiraiya, is in love with Tsunade. By mentioning a time in the past when Tsunade gave her heart to another, Jiraiya understands it's a ploy to get under his skin. Recognizing Jiraiya's pause, Orochimaru continues
"Or maybe even how you received word of the death of those Amegakure orphans you trained..."
"That's enough Orochimaru!"
"There, right there. That pang that you're feeling? I'm striving to find a way to prevent that pain from ever happening again"
"Oh yea? Well what about all the people you've killed at your prison?"
"They were all horrid creatures... Only pawns to play on my route to a higher learning... I made sure they didn't have families to grieve for them..."
"You're sick..."
"No, not at all! I'm just on a path to greater enlightenment... Now, if I may take a peek of that scroll I do believe I've held up to my end of the bargain..."
Although Jiraiya is uneased again and became lost in the play of Orochimaru's words he realizes he did get some information. Remembering Orochimaru's inability to use his own arms, Jiraiya holds the scroll for him. Orochimaru occasionally mumbles as he reads.
"Living Corpse Reincarnation!?... My, my Jiraiya, you're so thoughtful... Hmm, yes... Oh this is so ingenious!... The sheer awesomeness of this unbelievable..."
When Jiraiya feels enough time has passed he closes up the scroll. Orochimaru responds by licking his lips then slinking back into the darkness, his burning yellow eyes the last thing Jiraiya sees before Orochimaru completely fades back into the darkness. Jiraiya shakes off the menacing feeling and nods at the ANBU and Hizashi again before leaving.
:::::
Returning to the Hokage's office, he walks in as Hiruzen is dictating something to Sayonakidori and she is furiously writing notes. Upon Jiraiya's entrance, the Third Hokage stops, then hands some coins to Sayonakidori
"I think it's time we took a short break. You know, I'm having a craving for something sweet, how about you fetch us some popsicles from that street vendor down the way and make sure you get something for yourself."
"Yes Hiruzen-sama"
Sayonakidori quickly bows and exits, recognizing the Hokage's need for privacy. Hiruzen waits a few moments after she closes the door before he speaks
"Did our plan work?"
"I believe so. At least Orochimaru spun his words and was interested in reading the scroll"
"What did you learn?"
"From the best I could gather... Orochimaru wants to cheat death."
"That is an abomination! Everything on this earth has a cycle and humans are not exempt! Did he give a reason why he'd want to do such a thing?"
"He didn't allude to anything beyond that."
Hiruzen only sadly shakes his head. There are so many things one could achieve if one could live forever. The Third Hokage interlaces his fingers and speaks with a furrowed brow.
"I believe I'm beginning to understand Orochimaru's human exploitations now..."
"What do you mean sensei?"
"Sayonakidori told me about how he tried injecting different DNA into herself, Tenzo, and her clone. Tsunade found the DNA of Senju Hashirama in the boy's blood when she ran tests on it. At first I thought perhaps Orochimaru was trying to create a weapon out of Tenzo, and perhaps he was but the Senju clan was known for their long life spans due to their extraordinary life force, and Hashirama himself was widely regarded for his immensely strong chakra... Perhaps more than just a weapon, Orochimaru was seeking a way to extend his life indefinitely through experimentation with Hashirama's DNA..."
Jiraiya remains silent and thoughtful listening to his master's words. The hush is interrupted by a timid knock at the door which Hiruzen immediately recognizes to be Sayonakidori's. She hands a frozen confection to each of the men and they all enjoy the treats quietly. Finishing his, Jiraiya clears his throat
"Hiruzen-sensei... I know you are busy with the Hokage ceremony barely more than 3 weeks away, but I was hoping to ask a favor of you before my appointment."
"What may I help you with"
"I proposed to Tsunade and she accepted. It would honor us if you would officiate the marriage"
The Third Hokage is stunned and almost drops what's left of his popsicle out of his mouth
"Are you serious Jiraiya?"
"Yes sir"
"Sayonakidori, please pause what you're doing and begin drafting a marriage certificate for me. Jiraiya, when would you and Tsunade like to be married?"
"Anytime before the ceremony"
"How about on the eve of your appointment?"
"That would be excellent Hiruzen-sensei"
"It is settled then. Sayonakidori please order a humble flower arrangement and some simple refreshments to be brought to my office on that day. Jiraiya, I believe we are finished discussing for the time being, please feel free to meet with your bride and let me know if there is anything else you would like me to provide for you"
At the last half of Hiruzen's statement, Sayonakidori rolls her eyes and thinks "what he really means is let him know if there's anything else I can run around and take care of". Jiraiya catches her expression and knows exactly what she is thinking so he chuckles, the Third Hokage notices how pleased his former pupil is and he smiles. As Jiraiya exits and Sayonakidori steps out to fetch a fresh scroll to prepare the certificate, Hiruzen looks fondly at the photo on his desk of his old team. Their faces are are fresh and innocent... They certainly didn't end up the way he thought they would and for as much as Orochimaru broke his heart this recent development between Jiraiya and Tsunade overfills him with happiness.
:::::
It's afternoon as Tsunade sits inside the Dango Shop sipping tea. She doesn't notice the people passing by as she becomes absorbed in her own thoughts. ...no, she's not euphorically in love with Jiraiya as she was with Dan, but does that mean it's not true love? She shakes her head. Love for a friend is just a real as any other. She tries to quiet the doubts in her minds by arguing that Dan wouldn't want her to grow old alone and her best friend is the most ideal candidate to accompany her into her twilight years. But still...
For an unknown reason, Sayonakidori catches Tsunade's eye. She strolls down the street with Tenzo in one hand and the other hand on her ever expanding belly. Tsunade has been supervising her prenatal care at the hospital because of the special circumstances Sayonakidori and her clone have gone through, Based on the medical studies Tsunade has read, she wagers that Sayonakidori will be ready to give birth in anywhere from six to eight weeks. Her pregnant form seemed large already when Tsunade rescued her a few weeks ago, and even now Sayonakidori seems to be pushing the limits of the human body... But what does Tsunade know for sure about that? She's never observed a pregnancy before nor has she been pregnant herself.
Perhaps that's another things Tsunade is secretly envious of. Sayonakidori may not have a man in life, but by adopting Tenzo she's already assumed a mothering position and despite initial adversity, she seems to be thoroughly enjoying growing another human life inside her own body. Tsunade continues her surveillance as Sakumo stealthily sneaks up behind Sayonakidori and covers her eyes, then when she stops and turns her face to look at him, he playfully pecks her on the cheek and she blushes. Tsunade takes back what she said about Sayonakidori being alone and thinks to herself what she wouldn't give to have someone put a smile on her face the way Sakumo does for Sayonakidori. Tsunade can only sigh as she watches the trio turn back towards the academy, presumably to pick up Kakashi for the day. Finishing her tea she thinks to herself she needs a real drink, and just as she stands up and puts her money on the table, Jiraiya arrives. By the expression on his face she can tell he's happy to see her. She also notices how he refrains from any public displays of affection despite how much he wants to.
"Hey there lovely, I've been looking for you"
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really. After I finished with Hiruzen this morning I meant to come find you, but I had to check in with my team first. That Minato is really going to do things that change the ninja world, I tell ya... anyways I took off searching for you when I realized how I lost track of time with them, sorry."
"It's fine Jiraiya, what did you want to talk about?"
Jiraiya's voice drops very low before he answers
"Hiruzen-sensei said he would marry us on the eve of my appointing ceremony, is that okay with you?"
"That's great Jiraiya..."
"We should go pick out rings today. Do you want a dress?"
"Sure Jiraiya"
Jiraiya is slightly perturbed at her flat answers, so he speaks in a monotone, sarcastic voice
"Please contain your enthusiasm, I don't think I can bear much more of it"
"I'm sorry. Yes, lets go by a jewelry shop and a new kimono for the wedding would be nice. If it's simple enough perhaps I can wear it at your appointment to Hokage as well"
"Alright then! Let's go!"
Leaving the Dango Shop with Jiraiya, Tsunade can't keep herself from sighing and thinking she should be at least as equally excited about this as he is.
:::::
The next three weeks fly by. Sakumo has a hard time remembering how long it's been since the last time he's been this happy. When he really puts his mind to it though, he supposes he hasn't been this way since before his late wife passed; even when he considers her though, he knows that she would want him to be happy and not alone. He spends most of his time with Sayonakidori, Tenzo, and Kakashi, and even on the one mission he was gone for, most free moments he had to himself were spent solely thinking about her. Home in Konoha, he's invited her over to the Hatake estate several times, introduced her to his housekeeper and sharecroppers, strolling through the village or at various public outings he proudly walks with her on his arm, and on a recent visit by her parents, he met them and secured their blessings. Today he is on extra sentry duty for the Hokage ceremony but he's still feeling extremely enthusiastic and confident after last night's events.
The Third Hokage presided over the intimate wedding ceremony which was attended by no more than a dozen people who witnessed the exchange of two simple gold bands. Jiraiya was his usual gallant self while Tsunade played the part of the blushing bride - whether or not she was already intoxicated was debatable. None the less, Tsunade was cordial and well behaved in a silk, cream colored kimono patterned with peach blossoms and her hair elegantly pinned up. Minato served as Jiraiya's witness and Sayonakidori as Tsunade's at the signing of their marriage certificate. Sayonakidori planned and executed the events of Jiraiya's & Tsunade's small wedding, and Sakumo attended as her escort. Biwako, the Hokage's wife, was there keeping an eye on their son Asuma, along with Kakashi and Tenzo. The other two members of Team Jiraiya were there as well because Jiraiya felt things would have been amiss without them. There were many toasts, lots of joy, and much laughter that carried on late into the night. Sakumo managed to carry both of the sleeping boys boys while walking Sayonakidori back to her home, and through that he was still feeling extremely amorous. After laying them both down he couldn't wait to get his lips on Sayonakidori again for another goodnight kiss that left her with goosebumps and him with swelling feelings in his chest...
Focusing back on the matter at hand, Sakumo keeps alert watching for any unusual movement in the crowd. Not noticing anything he looks forward and watches the Third Hokage make his speech. At the conclusion, Sayonakidori steps forward with a haori and a Hokage's hat. Hiruzen takes the haori first and drapes it over Jiraiya's broad shoulders. Embroidered down the center are the characters for "Yondaime Hokage", Fourth Hokage. Next Hiruzen takes the hat and Jiraiya bends so it may be placed on top of his head. Straightening back out to his full height, Jiraiya faces the crowd and throws both of his fists up triumphantly to which the crowd responds with hooping and hollering. Tsunade flanks him at his side and he makes a short acceptance speech filled with thanks. At the end, fireworks burst overhead as the crowd erupts with cheers and noise makers. Now that the two Hokages have stepped out of clear lines of sight, the security has already been arranged to scale down to just ANBU.
Sakumo uses the tops of buildings to rush towards where the Hokages should be, and more importantly where Sayonakidori is. She is walking the hallway outside the Hokage's office when he catches up to her. Without saying a word, he takes both of her hands and kisses her. When he pulls back she's smiling at him
"Why hello handsome, it's good to see you too"
"Sayonakidori, please do me the privilege of being my bride"
Sakumo moves his hands from hers and when she opens her palms she finds a delicate band of white gold threading a simple pearl. Her eyes glimmer and she covers her mouth with her hand for just a moment before she speaks
"Oh gracious Sakumo, it's beautiful! Yes of course I'll marry you"
Sayonakidori leaps up as best an extremely pregnant woman can, and throws her arms around Sakumo's neck. He spins her around in a joyous circle before setting her back on her feet. He kisses her sweetly and with his forehead pressed against hers, he tells her
"I love you Sayonakidori. I want to take care of you. I want you, the baby, and Tenzo to be a part of my family"
"I love you too Sakumo..."
Leaning away from him slightly, she reaches for something inside her sleeve
"Before my parents departed this last time, my father left me this, he said it was just in case I needed it..."
Opening her hand again, she reveals a wide, heavy band, made of a highly polished black metal. Sakumo places his hands on either side of Sayonakidori's face then presses in to kiss her. After a few seconds they are interrupted by the polite "ahem" of a female voice. They both look over and see Tsunade peeking her head out the office door. She had witnessed the entire exchange and felt a tinge of jealousy again, but she swallowed it down in an effort to be happy for them. Smiling at the couple she says
"Come now, Sayonakidori. They're ready for you to notarize the seal for the new Hokage"
"Oh, yes of course!"
With their fingertips intertwined, Sayonakidori leads Sakumo into the office behind Tsunade. Crossing over the threshold, Sayonakidori lets their fingers part as she retains an air of professionalism, but neither Hokage in the room mistake the enamored looks on their faces for anything else. As soon as Jiraiya is officially sworn in and legally documented, Tsunade shoots a look to the impassioned couple
"Are either of you two going to ask or would you like me to do it for you?"
Both are surprised and take too long blushing about it, so Tsunade cuts to the chase for them
"Dear husband, now that you are officially Hokage will you please marry these two lovebirds and get them out of here?"
Jiraiya in his jovial manner chuckles and says
"Of course! Do you two have rings?"
Each of them pull out the rings they've already presented to each other, and swap them back for just a moment before formally giving themselves to each other forever. Jiraiya has never been the type to drag things out, so he keeps his words short but meaningful. Sakumo and Sayonakidori exchange their rings and kiss. Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Tsunade applaud, then jokingly shoo the newlyweds out of the office.
As soon as their gone Tsunade sighs, to her their presence represented something she was lacking. She turns to look thoughtfully down at the crowd below who are working themselves into a frenzy. Jiraiya closes in behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. Gazing down at his own beautiful bride he tries to ignore the feeling of something being out of place and kisses her on top of the head to chase away the nagging thought. Hiruzen pipes up behind
"You two should be out celebrating this momentous occasion with your people"
"What about you Hiruzen-sensei?" Jiraiya asks
"Oh give this old man a few moments of peace and then I'll be down to join you"
"Wonderful, we'll see you soon then" Tsunade responds
When they leave his office, Hiruzen takes his seat and sighs. He pulls out a scroll and frowns at it. The scroll requests permission to amputate both of Orochimaru's arms to prevent him from ever using jutsu again and also to decrease the need for so much security around him. The Third Hokage rolls it back up and puts it away for now, today is not a day for such a troubling thoughts. Today is a day for happiness and to rejoice new beginnings.
Closing his desk he stands up and stretches his old body, fixes his hat on his head, then steps out to join the crowd.
:::::
The streets are filled with both civilians and ninjas all feting the appointment of their new Hokage. Children chase each other with noise makers, young men tease the young ladies of their interests, the sides of streets are filled with food and game vendors, even the more stoic clans such as the Hyugas, Uchihas, and Aburames are witnessed laughing and having a good time.
Walking hand in hand as best they can through the crowds, Sakumo notices Sayonakidori is covered in goosebumps despite the heat of the day. He asks her
"Are you alright my dear? Do you feel cold? I've never seen you get goose flesh this bad before"
"No, I'm perfectly alright, I'm just excited"
"Trust me darling, I am too"
"Not more than I am though"
"How do you figure?"
Not wanting to give the secret away to everyone, she brings her mouth to his ear
"Sakumo... I'm still a virgin..."
Sakumo stops dead in his tracks and gets a pervish gleam in his eyes that Jiraiya would be proud of. Shaking it off, he tucks his new wife's hand into the crook of his arm and pats it lovingly as he continues walking
"I promise I'll take care of that as soon as we get home"
The festivities continue late into the night but Sakumo brings his new family home at dusk. Leaving his housekeeper to attend to the boys, he quickly moves to fulfill his promise to his bride.
:::::
A month after Jiraiya becoming Hokage, Sakumo welcomes the birth of his daughter on his wife's birthday. Of course she has her mother's lovely violet eyes, but in stark contrast she has a head full of vibrant purple hair to match. It's quite unusual and Tsunade immediately takes blood samples from mother, baby, and placenta to begin immediate study.
Sakumo names his daughter Uzura, and his whole family are in attendance for Kakashi's graduation from the academy. Sakumo and Sayonakidori are extremely proud of their oldest son and excited to see what the future brings for all their children. By the time of the graduation, Tenzo has already learned how to use a basic water release and he finds great fun in squirting his big brother at opportune moments. It has already been decided that Tenzo will continue his regular tutoring with Kosuke and will begin his chakra blending with Jiraiya once he displays proficiency in both elements. At that time he will also begin studying at the academy.
Jiraiya finds joy in the youth of his village but his heart still aches over his new bride and his old friend. Tsunade seems more than content to keep herself wrapped up in work, and more often than not gives her husband excuses rather than intimacy. Orochimaru on the other is usually a topic of intense discussion. Jiraiya and Hiruzen still battle over whether or not to remove Orochimaru's arms. While yes he is a threat that needs to be neutralized, Jiraiya argues there must be a less sadistic way to remove his powers, perhaps through some jutsu. Hiruzen answers the only jutsu capable of such a feat would require the soul of the one performing it and would not be worth the price of only leaving Orochimaru powerless.
Finally the elders of the village get tired of waiting for an answer from their Hokages, so they put it to vote and Orochimaru loses. The amputation is 'humane' and set to be performed in the sterility of a hospital operating room with Orochimaru under anesthesia. Neither Jiraiya nor Tsunade can bear to take part in, or witness the event, so they take a holiday out in the countryside together for the day.
After the operation Orochimaru is given crude prosthetics, but he remains in a low security jail where his mind deteriorates and becomes increasingly deranged. His saving grace seems to come from his only visitor: Shimura Danzo.
Sitting alone in the corner of the prison yard, Orochimaru talks to himself as Danzo sidles up next to him.
"Be patient my friend, and do not worry. I promise I am working on a jutsu to restore you..."
:::::