Surely many would wonder why an accomplished ninja would take the role of a guardian of a child, what more a bloodthirsty ninja such as Orochimaru. Many, would find it ultimately baffling that the child who holds within him a demon is worth the time, and the attention of the snake lord. Ultimately, in a time where betrayal is perhaps the most rampant and murder is most common, why would one who loves to dabble in both discard it for a person hated by many.
Yet, for one as mighty as him, there are things that still doesn't change. He still feels compassion, a sort of dismay and sorrow for the young blonde, who seems to draw hatred wherever he steps. Albeit such compassion is slight and almost unexisting in a legendary figure, Orochimaru's own past experience of and with unshown hatred amplified and reawakened his forgotten emotions. The past, in this case, has influenced, and provoked Orochimaru to take the child into his care. If there is something he could change, it would be the fate of a person who, in many ways are similar to himself. A demon, a person who still wants care despite not showing it. In a way, that was not the sole reason. Orochimaru has always wanted a way to execute his revenge against Konoha, and what better way to do so, by protecting the thing they hated. Inside, a part of him wanted himself to be expelled and kicked out of Konoha, so he may continue his own plans without being labelled a missing-nin.
He knew all to well the capabilities of the Anbu corps, and until his own research can be completed, he would not want a direct confrontation. He too knew that the third Hokage would not approve of any missions against Naruto, and indirectly, him. Naruto would be his shield, his... distraction.
Well, that was the plan anyway.
"Orochimaru-sensei!" The blonde called out, immediately shattering the snake-eyed ninja's contemplation of the future. The young child, barely 7 still wanders around him like the child he still is, unknowning of who he is, and fearless. A part of him feels somewhat disgusted, and yet, since taking full custody of the child, he had slowly grown used to his presence. Maybe it's because he is a child, in which a person's natural instincts to protect the young is awakened.
"Sensei, where we going today?" He said, his grammar bare and speech rudimentary,
"Konoha."
Naruto immediately looked slightly disappointed, perhaps even dismay, but emotions are hard to read when there are all jumbled together.
Orochimaru stood up from his resting spot under the tree, and motioned him closer, which the blonde complied dutifully. He tapped Naruto's shoulder, and tried to make a small smile to signify everything is going to be alright. Unfortunately, children are often very proficient in reading and sensing emotions, and he knew Naruto knew his smile was forced. Yet, Naruto did not show any sadness, or disappointment, as he too knew that his master did not hate hin.
Even for a child, he knew his mentor and caretaker was not a person of giving smiles.
IIIIII
I hope I haven't lost touch after such a long hiatus. I'll probably start writing longer chapters once I gain sufficient momentum and drive.