Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. We know who the epic mangaka master is.

A/N: This is Chirushi's New Years gift! Actually, I consider this all a New Years gift since it's still January. It's for everyone, who is still around and reading, I just wanted to point out that Chi was the only one to review after my update. I hope you guys haven't forgotten I'm around! If you read, please review, that way I will know how many fans there are. After all, I do this for you guys. Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 5

"Being defeated by these guys?" Sasuke scoffed, his distaste was evident.

"T-That's not it Sasuke-kun. I told her to go ahead because I was like this...her snakes accidentally caught me were going against Iwa." Karin mustered the energy to say.

"Hmph. I don't think you have to worry about her. She won't give in just from a mere scratch, venomous or not." Sasuke commented.

"Sasuke did you come out because you were worried about Emiko?" Karin question.

"Baka." Sasuke muttered, turning his head away from the kunoichi.

Karin sighed. "I'm glad."

"What?" Sasuke asked, confused at Karin's reaction. "I-I just thought that maybe you came to help Emiko." Karin explained.

"And what if I did?" Sasuke asked, smirking at the other.

"U-Um, then I'd tell you that she can take care of herself just like you said. " Karin commented.

"Right. What does it concern you?" Sasuke asked, rendering Karin silent. The Uchiha turned his back on the kunoichi and began to walk away. "I'll get Kabuto to take care of your injuries." Sasuke was brief and to the point. His voice seemed distant as Karin finally reached her limit and passed out.

Karin's orbs fluttered open to face the grim ceiling of the hideout, her hand twitched as she imagined herself reaching out for Sasuke as he left her on the cold forest floor, waiting for Kabuto to come. She looked down at herself and saw that she had been bandaged and healed quite thoroughly. Not only her snake bite, but all of her other injuries as well. She slowly sat up, almost afraid her body would reject her movements. Surprisingly, all of the pain and weakness from earlier was gone. Kabuto had done a good job. She groaned as the events from earlier still lingered in her mind.

Karin had to give it to Emiko, she was learning a lot of skills from Orochimaru. She wasn't just being the master's pet for show like she thought. Karin wasn't jealous of Emiko and Sasuke being the most cherished pets of Orochimaru. However, she was jealous that Emiko seemed to have some interest in Sasuke, and Sasuke was going along with it. That was her assumption anyway, even though Emiko denied it. Why else would Emiko get so close and favored by Orochimaru? She couldn't see any other reason than an ulterior motive for being close to Sasuke.

Karin wondered how she stood in the competition. She had never liked the thought of Sasuke being close to another woman. Sasuke in fact, was never close or interested in any woman, until Emiko came along. Emiko's personality towards Sasuke was completely different from how Karin acted. Karin was captivated by Sasuke's handsomeness and cool air. She couldn't help acting like an admirer.

Emiko however, seemed to acknowledge Sasuke only on a fellow protege level. She had never seemed to succumb to Sasuke's looks or tough, independent personality. Why would Sasuke even glance at someone who doesn't give him much thought, while there are girls like Karin who would die for his affection? The kunoichi sat wondering what qualities she was missing to capture Sasuke's eye.

Karin was brought out of her thoughts when there was a poof of smoke. When the smoke settled Kabuto had appeared, giving her a message that Orochimaru-Sama had requested her presence. "Ugh," She groaned. "I should have been prepared. I'm in for it, aren't I?"

Kabuto didn't respond directly to her question, he only smirked and pushed his glasses further up on his nose with his forefinger. "Orochimaru-Sama will be waiting." Kabuto announced, disappearing as soon as the words left his mouth. Karin sighed, and made her way to the parlor room, knowing their was no way to avoid facing Orochimaru.

Upon entering the room chills ran along her spine. She was receiving multiple cold stares. One, from her sannin master and another from the male she admired. The two didn't really look as if they were in cohorts with each other, but they seemed to be giving her both the same gaze.

'Failure'. The look seemed to chastise the kunoichi. "It seems you met with unpleasant circumstances in battle Karin. I don't know whether to be proud of Emiko or to punish your ineffectiveness." Orochimaru broke the silence, pretending to contemplate over what could be a difficult decision.

Karin hung her head low during the statement, and gradually rose it to cast her gaze not at the sannin, but at Emiko who was beside him. Karin didn't express her feelings, but she felt highly accusing of the other kunoichi. After all, she was the reason she was getting scolded. First she was humiliated in front of Sasuke, whom almost confirmed that there was something going on between him and Emiko. Now, she was being scolded in his presence.

Emiko gave her a remorseful look and opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say a word Orochimaru gave her a look that Karin couldn't read well. It was almost a bit scolding.

"You were in charge of watching of Emiko-san, and you fail halfway through. Luckily, Emiko-san is safe and sound. That would be the only thing saving you from being severely punished, but still a failure is a failure." Orochimaru stated, coldly.

"Orochimaru-sama." Emiko addressed, turning towards him with an uneasy look. "What is it Emiko-san? I'm busy dealing with Karin at the moment. You will feel justified if you wait just a few more minutes." The male shinobi responded.

"But," Emiko objected. "I don't really feel unjustified. Karin did try to fill your orders, and her failure is actually partially my fault I should have assessed the situation better before putting Karin in danger."

"My dear Emiko there is no reason for you to take the blame."

"It's just I would feel guilty if you were to do something extreme when it was my fault."
Orochimaru smirked, amused at Karin's defensiveness. "So you intend to go against my decision?" He quizzed. Emiko looked down at the ground, feeling scolded for having given her input. She did not seem as if she wanted to defy Orochimaru, yet she was anxious about Karin.

"I think she has a point." Sasuke spoke for the first time since their gathering had begun. The statement caught all three other occupants off guard, and both Karin and Emiko looked surprised. Sasuke ignored their response and continued, "Although Karin did fail pitifully, it could have possibly been avoided if Emiko acted differently."

Emiko's let out a soft sigh, her attention now on their leader. She gazed at him expectantly, hoping that the additional input Sasuke gave would sway him. "I never would have guess both Sasuke-kun and Emiko-san would show such concern." The sannin chuckled.

Sasuke scoffed. "You are just dragging this on longer than it should. I was only here because you asked."

"My, my, you are impatient." Orochimaru remarked.

"Hmph." Sasuke turned and made his way out of the parlor room. Orochimaru's slitted eyes followed the back of the raven haired boy's head until he was out of sight. "Heh, I suppose I will let it be this time, but next time I won't be so lenient. I will leave Karin in your hands Emiko-san." Orochimaru said, and let out a sigh.

Emiko let out a sigh as well, but hers was out of relief. She gave a bow. "Thank you, Orochimaru-Sama."

Karin looked from Emiko to Orochimaru and also gave a bow. "Emiko-san may not be able to save you in your forthcoming failures. Be aware of that." Orochimaru hissed. Karin attempted to grip the stone floor, but only succeeded in gently clenching her fist. "I understand." Karin muttered. She stood and gave another bow, asking to be excused.

"Who would have thought you would become friendly towards Karin? I am a bit surprised by both you and Sasuke-kun." Orochimaru stated.

"I can't say anything about the Uchiha, but as for me I felt a bit connected to one of them for the first time, even though it was the sort of connection as a team. Also, it would have been wrong to punish her under the circumstances." Emiko admitted, referring to Karin, Jugo, Sasuke, and Suigetsu as "one of them".

"I see, well those kinds of feelings may not do for you in the future my dear Emiko." Orochimaru advised.

"Those kinds of feelings? I'm sorry, but I don't understand your meaning. But, it seems they may not be as bad to be around as I thought." Emiko said, glancing at Orochimaru once more before she swiftly walked off in the direction Karin had left.

"My Lord, is it really necessary to keep pampering her like that? She seems to be abusing the freedom you give her." Kabuto spoke, appearing from the black shadows of the room.
"You shouldn't be concerned Kabuto. After all, Emiko-san is my special creation." Orochimaru said, snickering.

"Special indeed, but she shouldn't forget just who created her." Kabuto claimed.

"You seem concerned about the way I treat her? Could it be jealousy Kabuto?" The elder shinobi asked. "Of course not. If you enjoy the way that you handle her, then I am fine with it, my lord. I thought I would just advise you." Kabuto said, lowering his head in a submissive act.

"There is no need for you to meddle too much Kabuto. I can read my creations and subordinates quite well." Orochimaru commented.

"Indeed you can Orochimaru-sama."

"My Emiko-san seems to have transformed physiologically, but mentally she still behaves like an ordinary kunoichi who has yet to see the word in a dark light.

Emiko jogged down the hallway until she ran upon Karin, who looked over her shoulder curiously as she approached. "What is it?" Karin greeted.

"About today-" Emiko began. "There's no need to say anything. I know I pretty much screwed up, and you probably think so too, but you're just protecting me from Orochimaru. I don't really understand why though." Karin interrupted.

"What? I did it because I thought it was right." Emiko explained. Karin looked surprised and questioned Emiko. "Right?"

Emiko nodded. "I don't think Orochimaru needed to go very far with this. After all, I'm here and not hurt, it seems cruel to punish you just because you were brought down."

"That's a nice way of thinking you have there. What makes you think Orochimaru-sama won't hesitate to be cruel?" Karin asked, a cold tone in her voice.

Emiko seemed almost taken back by the comment and took a moment to gather her thoughts. "You are right I suppose. I'm not like that though." She finally spoke.

"Eh? Why do you care so much about me? After all, we are technically rivals for Sasuke." Karin stated, causing Emiko's eyes to widen.

"Huh? Didn't I already explain this? There isn't any sort of rivalry. I feel that way about that guy." Emiko urged.

"You say that but, it's too hard to believe otherwise. The way Sasuke acts, is just different towards you than he does towards the rest of us. He seems more overly concerned in your case, and interested instead of indifferent." Karin spoke, folding her arms behind her head.

"Really? I didn't notice that. I guess you really take notice about things that happen with Sasuke." Emiko said, still surprised at Karin's statement.

Karin nodded proudly. "Yeah, so that's why I know somethings weird. What is even weirder is that although you're one of Orochimaru-sama's followers, you haven't really been considered Team Hebi." She mused.

"About that. . .I don't really know what to say. I just didn't really involve myself and Orochimaru-sama didn't force it." Emiko muttered.

Emiko had been rather distant since her initiation as Orochimaru's subordinate. She was around Team Hebi a minimal amount of the time. Orders usually consisted of Team Hebi or Emiko separately. They did have some time together as being in the same hideout and having meetings with their mutual leader, but they never really acted much like comrades. She was always around Orochimaru and Kabuto the most, so it was easy for others to get the impression she was a master's pet.

"So even though you haven't really been considered my partner until today you would do that much for me?" Karin questioned.

"Yeah, I would. Just seeing you today made me feel a bit different about you. Honestly, I never thought much of you since I only did a couple missions with you, along with Team Hebi before, but like you said I wasn't really part of your team, I was more distant. But today I saw another side of you than just you infatuated side, you seemed to really be into working alongside me today and helping me." Emiko said, turning and flashing the other kunoichi a smile.

Karin blushed at the accusation. "I-I was just following orders. I wasn't being friendly or anything you know."

"True, you didn't want to fail Orochimaru-sama, but I think you were doing it for my sake too. Even if it was just for a bit, or only once or twice." Emiko said.

Karin turned away her head. "Whatever, don't think too much of it. We're not friends as long as Sasuke is between us."

Emiko sighed. 'How long is she going to be disillusioned by this? Maybe she is really seeing something odd going on with Sasuke that I'm missing.'

"Oh no, what if Sasuke-kun is infatuated with you? No, that can't be possible." Karin spoke, trying to convince herself more than Emiko.

Emiko laughed. "You're right, now you're thinking too much."

'Karin makes it seem more constant or bigger than the incident that happened. Maybe she is just exaggerating it. Maybe. . .maybe I should find out.'

They were walking in step with a relaxed pace until Karin stopped in front of one of the exits. "But seriously Emiko. . .I don't think it's a good idea to defy Orochimaru-sama. I know you're like his special pet and everything, but the only one who's been able to defy Orochimaru-sama without consequences is Sasuke-kun." Karin's tone of voice changed as she completely rotated the conversation.

Emiko chuckled at this. "There's no need to worry Karin."

"I don't know how he sees you on that matter, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I just have a weird feeling." Karin spoke.

Emiko caught Karin's gaze and stared at her curiously. "Why so serious? I don't think there is really anything to worry about." She reassured.

Emiko knew Karin was not only infatuated with Sasuke, but was very loyal to Orochimaru and showed him much respect. Maybe that's why she was wary on Emiko going against his decisions. Emiko was different though, she was special, although no one knew just how special. She wasn't worried about it since it seemed trivial in her case.

"Just my advice for you." Karin said, sliding through the exit in the wall, leaving Emiko to stare at the ashen wall. Emiko put her hands on her hips and sighed. "I wonder what was that about. The air seemed to get tense when she brought it up." Emiko whispered to herself.

Deciding that going out may also be a good idea for her after today's events, she exited the hideout as well. Orochimaru wouldn't be happy that she was leaving without notice, especially after being pursued earlier. 'I'll only be gone for just a bit. It shouldn't hurt anything.'

Emiko made her way out of the same exit that Karin had used. She inhaled and exhaled deeply as the fresh air hit her lungs. Her slitted eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness and she easily walked through a hand-made pathway of broken limbs and brush. The atmosphere was slightly warm, which Emiko didn't notice before due to her eventful day. She wondered where Karin had wandered off to. She had no clue where the kunoichi, nor the rest of Team Hebi disappeared to throughout the day. Except when assigned missions, Emiko was often inside the lair with her master. Emiko had almost forgotten how to have independence.

The serpentine kunoichi approached the sound of running water until she came upon it's source. Standing at the water's edge she stretched her arms above her head. For some reason it felt like relaxing like this was a bad choice. Maybe she should be training, or back in her master's arms, but her mind didn't want to process either of those right now. With a swift motion she discarded her clothing and shuffled into the water until it was up to her knees.

She gently sank to her knees so the water was now above her belly button. Looking down at the water, she saw a reflection of herself. She scooped water into her palms and splashed it onto her face. It was the face that she had gotten used to in only a matter of months. However, she admired it. She ran her fingers down her arm, feeling the skin that had yet to be marred after her initiation. Perfection, or at least perfection in it's nearest snake-like form. It's what Orochimaru was aiming for.

Emiko moved farther into the center of the water until she began to float. She rolled onto her stomach, holding her breath and putting her face under the water. It was silent, yet loud, and the perfect atmosphere to think. Emiko had been thinking of Karin and Team Hebi since earlier.

She wondered if she would have more exposure to them now after successfully—in her opinion—cooperating with Karin. More exposure to them would also mean being exposed to Sasuke. She contemplated if that were a good idea. She was interested in seeing why Karin had so many ridiculous assumptions for herself, but then again it may just clear up their misunderstanding about Sasuke if she is exposed to him more.

Suddenly, Emiko felt a rush of water enter her nostrils and ears as something grabbed her by the neck and shoved her into the water.