The Link

Chapter IX: Confessions over Sake

A plan had already coalesced in Naruto's mind. He lay beneath his blankets, chuckling quietly to himself as he repeated the plan inside his head. Come to think of it, he had all the chances in the world to become Rokudaime Hokage. Why? It was simple logic, really. He had Kakashi for a mentor, who was once taught by Yondaime himself. And then there was Jiraiya, who in turn mentored both him and Yondaime. And if it wasn't enough, a little more poking would turn Orochimaru into one of his mentors as well.

Naruto cackled with glee as he thought about the marvelous things Orochimaru could teach him. True, he was fascinated by the Serpent's jutsus, forbidden or no, but he would be content with the legal ones if he succeeded in bullying Orochimaru into teaching him. He would want to learn Senei Gyashu and Katon Karyuu Endan, if he could choose what techniques he'd like to study. Naruto wondered vaguely if Orochimaru knew Chidori – might as well add that to the list.

I WILL become Hokage! Naruto giggled inside his own head. Imagine being taught by two of the Legendary Three...wow! Not even Sasuke could do that! Buhahahaha!

There was a sound of doors sliding open, and Naruto pulled down his blankets to see Orochimaru enter the 'universal bedroom'. Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and sat down beside him. The Serpent placed a bandaged hand on Naruto's forehead. Then he grunted in satisfaction before moving away to rummage in the closet.

That was another of Naruto's plans starting to flower. Soon enough and it'd bear fruit. When Tsunade had sent him alone to the Hidden Sound, he had pondered about things for most of the journey. He stood by what he'd seen long ago when he'd been a Genin; during the 'reunion' between Tsunade, Jiraiya and Orochimaru. He'd seen them go for one another's throats, yes, but he knew he saw something in the Serpent's eyes. Back then he too believed that O-chan was simply beyond salvation, but as years gone by, Naruto started to think otherwise. O-chan only became impossible because nobody really put enough effort into steering him away from evil.

Naruto watched silently as Orochimaru changed clothes (with great difficulty of course). Sandaime never took time to talk to O-chan when he'd been younger. He just let his precious student get on with whatever plan he had. If Naruto had been his mentor, he would have none of it. And Jiraiya and Tsunade never did anything too. So much unlike him and Sakura. But now, Naruto was happy to see the effects of the Link. Truth be told he didn't regret it a single bit.

Orochimaru might not admit it, but he did smile more often now. And he laughed too – not the evil, chilling laughter he used to have – but just plain laughter with plain happiness in it. And...he looked tired. Naruto furrowed his brows for a bit. Maybe he's so tired of being a missing nin. Goodness knows how hard it is with practically every ninja nation clamoring for your ass. Or maybe he just wants to...

"Your fever's gone." Orochimaru said suddenly as he fumbled with his belt. "You don't know how queasy you made me. Take more care of your health, Naruto."

Naruto grinned. Yet another side effect of his grand plan. He had a slight fever two days ago, and Orochimaru very nearly went berserk when he found out. He insisted that Naruto remain in bed and even delivered food himself. Oftentimes Naruto had wild glimpses of Orochimaru's thoughts. It was impossible, but there you were. He had access into the Serpent's thoughts! For the past two days, Naruto was the sole focus of those thoughts...Naruto and his speedy recovery. It was weird.

"I will, I will." Naruto replied, trying hard not to smirk. "Look, I'm well now, can I get up?"

Orochimaru nodded and made to leave, but not before Naruto gave him a very warm hug from behind. The Serpent froze, eyes wide. Naruto's next words would be etched in his mind forever.

"Thank you for taking care of me."

Neji looked up from the simmering pot of miso soup he was cooking when Naruto bounded into the kitchen, looking as hyperactive as ever. The Hyuuga shook his head. They were seventeen now, but Naruto never really grew up.

"What's for dinner?" Naruto demanded as he followed his nose to Neji's side.

"Ramen for you and some miso soup." Neji grinned.

"All right!" Naruto said eagerly as he inhaled the delicious scent of the cooking.

"You know, Naruto, I was thinking..." Neji said as he stirred the soup gingerly. "We'll be missing the Academy's Christmas Party this year. What do you say to my idea of having our own party in this house instead? I'll be happy to do the cooking, of course."

Naruto looked like he had just been offered the Hokage's title. He gave Neji hug enough to make the white-eye choke. "Neji! My hero! Of course we'd all love that! And complete with those kris kringle things, too!" he cackled.

"Naruto, you wouldn't want me to die before the party, don't you?" Neji grunted.

"Oops, sorry!" Naruto smirked. He was bouncing eagerly on his heels. "Oh, this will be way more fun than the Academy party, I can't wait!"

"I know you do." Neji replied. "Do fetch me that bottle of soy sauce, will you?"

"Okey-dokey!"

"Oh yeah, I thought you might want to know. Orochimaru reads Icha Icha."

Naruto stopped dead in the middle of reaching for the soy sauce bottle. "WHAT?"

Neji nodded and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Yeah! I saw him the other day when I was waiting for my turn on the john...he came out all giggling and clutching a book that I would readily bet my life to be Icha Icha!"

"What did he do when he saw you?"

"He cleared his throat and tucked the book away into his yukata."

Naruto shook his head in disbelief. "I thought he was way beyond that! Good lord, now all we need to see reading perverted hermit's books would be Sasuke, Shikamaru and you!"

Neji clamped his mouth shut at that statement. Naruto had no idea...

Jiraiya frowned as he reread the chapter he had come up with for that day. It was crappy. He'd have to rewrite everything later. He desperately needed some inspiration if he wanted his 100th book to be a blockbuster hit in the bookstores. Drat, if only Naruto didn't remove the Sexy no Jutsu from Orochimaru! The perverted Sannin started nibbling the end of his pen when Orochimaru entered the room, looking highly disconcerted.

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. The Serpent seemed oblivious of his presence. Orochimaru sat down by his favorite spot by the window and looked out of it to the snow. He was frowning heavily, too. Jiraiya cleared his throat and Orochimaru jumped.

"You don't want to catch a cold, do you?" said Jiraiya. "Close the window, I'm freezing."

Orochimaru spared him a withering look before obeying without a word and sliding the window shut with a snap. Jiraiya, on the other hand, couldn't help but stare. Did Orochimaru just obey him? Without questions? Easing himself from his lounging position on the tatami floor, Jiraiya removed the pen from between his lips and took a good, hard look at his former teammate.

"Did you just obey me?" he asked jokingly.

"Think I did," Orochimaru snapped back.

The white-haired Shinobi blinked. Frowning, he looked hard at Orochimaru again. It could be Naruto playing a prank on him, but...come to think of it Naruto never copied Orochimaru's form, so why do it now? Besides, there was a careworn expression on the Serpent's face that Jiraiya had never seen before. Orochimaru looked...tired. But tired of what? Could that boy Naruto be actually succeeding on his mad plan of changing Orochimaru?

"You look troubled." Jiraiya said. This was a delicate topic; he had to tread carefully. "Want to...ah...talk to a...ahm...former friend? I'm willing to listen."

The frog summoner blinked again. Did he just say that? Orochimaru turned to look at him. For a moment their eyes met, inky black and golden. Orochimaru was the first to break the gaze and took a deep sigh.

"I'm tired, Jiraiya."

That simple sentence hit Jiraiya like a flood. It contained all the burdens and troubles of the one who said it. Jiraiya could feel his jaw dropping. Since when did Orochimaru admit he was having difficulties? He never did, even when they were Genins. He rarely cried as a little boy, too. He just watched on, impassively, ramming head-on into any problem he might encounter. Why did the snake-brain sound so different now?

Was this all the effect of the Link and being with Naruto?

Smiling, Jiraiya stood up and procured a bottle of sake from his satchel. "I hope you haven't forgotten this important thing Sarutobi-sensei taught us. Nothing helps a troubled mind the most except a willing listener and a good draught of sake – directly from the bottle." I can't believe I'm asking him to drink with me!

Orochimaru took the sake bottle and took a careful sip from it that made him wince and shudder for a moment. Jiraiya got the bottle back and drank deeply. He moved closer to Orochimaru and placed the bottle on the floor between them. For a moment it was silent. The only sound to be heard was Naruto and Neji's clamoring in the kitchen. Not even the cicadas decided to interrupt.

"Orochi-kun..." Jiraiya began. He blinked. Good heavens! I haven't uttered that name for more than thirty years! "...do you remember that particular time when we had been Genins and I asked you to accompany me to go see what kind of panties Tsunade wears?"

There was a small laugh. "Yes, I do. I had been busy reading a study scroll for the Katon techniques when you came and asked me to go with you."

So he does remember, does he? Jiraiya nodded, a reminiscent smile forming on his lips. "True, true...you even refused, but I managed to convince you because I mentioned the rumor that you were gay."

There was an affronted pause before Orochimaru said, "I'm not gay, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya gave a chuckle. "I know, I know, you needn't be offended, Orochi-kun!" somehow the name seemed very familiar on his lips. "And do you remember how we sneaked up on Tsunade when she'd been bathing in the river?"

"We stole her clothes." Orochimaru added.

"Yes, and we tried to see what panties she used."

"But it turned out she didn't wear such."

"HA HA HA HA HA!" Jiraiya cackled. "Yes, she didn't!"

Orochimaru took his sip, Jiraiya closely following. Then they both tried to find a more suitable position for a long conversation ahead. Two bottles of sake were consumed in loud silence. At some point Neji stuck his head through the door to announce that dinner was ready, but sensing the somber mood, the Hyuuga very wisely kept his silence and left the two Sannin to their own devices.

"Do you recall that great blunder you made in the Chuunin exams?" Jiraiya asked.

Orochimaru smiled. "Yes. I used Katon Karyuu Endan and missed. I was rid of all of my Chakra so had to rely on my fists."

Jiraiya laughed. "Imagine that, you actually missed!"

There was a sigh. "Do you remember the first mission we had?"

"Yes. I got pummeled by that kunoichi's lizard summon real bad."

"And Tsunade was hard put healing you and me together."

"She fainted..."

"...and Sarutobi-sensei finished the mission by himself."

"Heavens, what blunders, eh?"

"True..."

Jiraiya opened a fourth bottle and pushed it toward Orochimaru. The Serpent took it and drank deeply. He was never a drinker, Orochimaru. Jiraiya was only just beginning to hiccup, but his pale cheeks already had a beautiful tinge of pink on them. When he laid the bottle back onto the floor he actually hiccupped but did not seem to know so.

"Do you know why she refused me?" Orochimaru asked suddenly.

Dear, dear...already drunk? Jiraiya smiled as he took his turn on the bottle, closely looking at Orochimaru. The Serpent was already swaying this way and that, but he still looked sane...at most. Jiraiya decided to play along.

"She? Who's she?" he inquired.

Orochimaru grabbed the bottle from him and drank two large gulps. Wine slopped down his front when he lowered the bottle from his lips. "Who else, you moron! Tsunade!" he shouted.

A ringing silence ensued in the house. Even Neji and Naruto became quiet in the kitchen.

"Tsunade?" Jiraiya repeated, all traces of drunkenness leaving him.

Orochimaru hiccupped and jabbed a finger into his chest. "Yesh! I only became like this because of her! I only – hic – told her that – hic – she was really pretty – hic!" Then he turned to face Jiraiya. The latter did not know whether to gape or to shudder in fear as he saw Orochimaru actually...crying. "You see – hic – I didn't understand her! I got annoyed and..." Orochimaru made a grabbing motion and kissed the air in front of him. "And then she...slapped me." He rubbed his cheek. "Ouch."

Jiraiya licked his lips anxiously. Maybe he's allergic to wine? He made to pack up the sake bottles but Orochimaru shot him a glare. The Serpent grabbed the bottle and emptied it in one wet gulp.

"And then...I dunno." Orochimaru shrugged. "She started...being mean. She ignored me – hic – you know I don't like being ignored, Sarutobi-sensei!" Then the Serpent started swaying heavily on his seat. "And next thing I know – hic – she and that...that puny pretty boy were – hic – holding hands!"

Orochimaru gave a strangled sob and started weeping openly, wiping his eyes and nose on his yukata's sleeve. Jiraiya was struck dumb. He loved Tsunade! The information alone was enough to send his thoughts reeling into chaos. I never knew...I had no idea...he had always been aloof and kept to himself...who would've guessed! But come to it...he did remember seeing Orochimaru one day with his cheek swollen. Orochimaru insisted he fell off from the hammock he'd been taking a nap from. Could that be...?

"I'm sure...if you told her..." Jiraiya tried to say anything. Anything, at all! But he ended up patting Orochimaru's head. "She would've...ahm...well..."

Orochimaru gradually quieted down, but he was still sniffling. "I tried to vent out my spleen on something else. Hic! I tried to...keep myself...busy..."

So you decided to start being obsessed with immortality? Jiraiya guessed.

Orochimaru nodded. "Tried to make...myself...immortal...but..." and then he started bawling again. "I don't know what happened to me! It was like...sleepwalking...and then...when I woke up...I was banished from Konoha...I was so scared, Jiraiya! I was so scared of being alone and..."

"Y-you weren't alone." Jiraiya tried. "You had Kabuto and the others..."

"HAH!" Orochimaru said thickly. "Little cheating sons of bitches – hic – they are! They only came to me out of – hic – trying to learn – hic – my jutsus! They were never my friends, Sarutobi-sensei! My friends were..." he lunged forward and grabbed Jiraiya by the collar. Jiraiya swallowed nervously. Who am I really! Do I look like Sarutobi-sensei that much!

"...my friends...they were...they were..."

Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru's face. His golden eyes were lit with a crazy spark, his usually sleek hair was a mess – he looked insane. And his breath starting to reek of wine was not exactly helpful. Jiraiya tried to pry off his bandaged hands but Orochimaru had a surprisingly strong grip.

"Look, Orochi-kun, you're drunk – it was a bad idea after all...will you let go of me!"

"LISTEN TO ME, SARUTOBI-SENSEI!" Orochimaru shouted. Jiraiya shut up.

The Serpent raised a single finger and started wagging it in a slow and creepy manner. "They...were...not...my...friends..." He took a deep breath. "The only friends I had...were...called...Tsunade...and...Jiraiya..." He hiccupped. "Tsunade...was...my inspiration...and Jiraiya...he behaved...like an idiot...most of the time...but he was like...the brother...I never had..." Jiraiya's eyes widened. "I'm willing...to die...for them..."

Silence.

"I only wanted to become Hokage." Orochimaru said. "I was frustrated because of Tsunade and that fluffy-haired blonde...I tried to forget it...to make myself numb..." he clamped his mouth for a moment and exhaled loudly. "But that boy...do you know him, Sarutobi-sensei? That boy showed me...showed me that..."

Who? Naruto? Jiraiya thought.

"I want that boy to live..." Orochimaru continued. "...I want him...to become Hokage...for me...for himself...and for the people of Konoha...I have failed..." Orochimaru looked up at Jiraiya beadily. He was still crying. "Sarutobi-sensei...I'm sorry...I'm sorry that I became...such a stupid asshole...I disappointed you...I let you down...I...I..." he started howling yet again.

"It's okay!" Jiraiya said hurriedly. "I forgive you!" And then he realized that he meant it. "I forgive you..." he whispered.

"I'm sorry...I...I killed you!" Orochimaru gave a tragic sob. "I KILLED MY OWN SENSEI! NOOOO!"

Jiraiya ran out of things to say. He just sat there, allowing Orochimaru to sob his heart out on his clothes.

"I will...help that boy...become Hokage...teach him...what you taught me...I promise...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..."

Jiraiya shut his eyes as Orochimaru kissed him on his head protector. And then there was a thud. He opened his eyes and found Orochimaru lying spread-eagled on the tatami floor, finally asleep, drops of tears clinging to his curling lashes. Jiraiya dropped on all fours and peered at Orochimaru's face. His friend actually looked peaceful, lying there. Slowly, Jiraiya rose and fetched a blanket for Orochimaru. Naruto and Neji were already in the bedroom, asleep. Jiraiya gave Naruto an admiring look.

Damn you boy. I underestimated you badly. And I always thought Orochimaru was beyond any help... the frog hermit shook his head and exited the bedroom, blanket in his arms. What will Tsunade say?