In the previous Chapter: Hinata was astounded by how eager he was to indulge with her. Never had he been like this before. It was obvious to her that he was yearning for her warmth. Before she thought that she was being reliant on him, always wanting his affection. But right now it was him that needed her.

Orochimaru zipped through the forest quickly. He had given himself a lesser chance to recruit his former subordinate, assuming he would need convincing. The previous session with Hinata had been a record brief by their standards. Quality over quantity he sulked to himself. Today was rather full of upbeat events. He had managed to get away with an unplanned, quick and extremely rough session with the Hyuuga. Though the bottle he drank was still on the back of his mind.

After a short distance he could hear noises coming from ahead. He stopped and stood there a moment listening as the noises turned to the voices of children laughing and shouting in joy. It seems like things are going well. It's a shame I have to pull him away from here for some time. Orochimaru thought quietly. He cast a disguise over himself, one he used the last time he came before walking into the clearing.

He sensed the one he was looking for almost immediately. It seemed he had been expecting him as well. Next to a rather generous sized home three cloaked figures were looking in his direction. Always in a trio...some habits are hard to get rid of I suppose. Orochimaru chuckled quietly. There was a handful more children now than the last time he had come, no doubt orphans from the previous war. It wasn't long before they all noticed him and ran to surround him. Orochimaru reached for a small bundle in his backpack full of sweets and tossed it towards them. Their shouts escalated as they happily began to pick and grab.

The woman among the three went to the children to help them organize themselves in distributing out their treat leaving the three men in peace. "It is rather unexpected of you to come unannounced like this. I had heard you were re-assimilating into Konoha society. I didn't think I would see you walking outside its gates so soon, Orochimaru-sama." There was a gentleness in his tone, no doubt adapted from having to care after all these children.

"I had no time to give you a notice. Im in a bit of a hurry." Orochimaru emphasized the seriousness of the situation. "Im here to make a personal request." The other one shifted uncomfortably and looked at him scrutinizingly. His dark eyes then turned to his brother who remained motionless. "Its alright Urushi, please help Midori with the children." The man walked past Orochimaru, shooting him a dirty look but ultimately kept quiet.

Orochimaru stared directly at the one that remained. The peaceful life has dulled him down and the spark from before was barely a flicker. "Don't take it personally. He is just concerned for me." He straightened himself up ready to listen to Orochimaru. "You said you are in a hurry? I hope this doesn't mean you caused some sort of trouble with the Leaf." Orochimaru let out a loud chuckle at the remark.

"No, thankfully I have been doing a good job in finding...entertainment for myself not heavily condoned. However the issue I have come to talk to you is quite serious and time is of the essence. I have no doubt in my mind that I am being targeted. Naturally it wouldn't be a problem but it seems they are using rather indirect methods-"

"Im sorry. I don't think I can be of use..." The cloaked man turned around, his head hanging slightly. "I don't have any reproaches towards you Orochimaru-sama...but there are some things in life we have to repay. If you are looking for refuge you can stay here for a small time but no later than tomorrow morning. You understand I also have amends to make and I can't let these children suffer because of my past actions. Not even for you." Orochimaru kept a careful gaze on his former subordinate. It seems he is still lost. Even after coming here he hasn't moved on... Orochimaru thought sadly. He still had plenty of time before Sakura would come back. He needed to get him to cooperate as quickly as possible though.

A small sneer spread on Orochimaru's lips. "Im rather happy to hear that. Because making amends is exactly what I am trying to do as well." Orochimaru watched the other as he still stood there motionless uncertain of the truth in Orochimaru's words. Orochimaru walked slowly closer to him. "It seems you are unaware of the tragic events happening in Mist." The man perked up in curiosity. "Someone is going around targeting carriers of the curse marks."

The news was visibly shocking to the former shinobi who stared directly into his former masters eyes. He wasn't lying. "I-I have nothing to do with this." Orochimaru's chuckles made him weary. No doubt he has something up his sleeve to try and convince me. However he can't really think I am the one responsible? He thought to himself.

"Don't worry I don't suspect you. However, if you wish to make amends then help me. Who ever it is, isn't just releasing the curse marks. They are murdering them. Men, women, and even children are turning up dead. There is truth in paying the price we deserve, but some of them didn't deserve death. Whoever this is they must have worked closely with us because they know exactly who are carriers of the mark. I have to track who ever is responsible down as quickly as possible before more turn up dead." Orochimaru pulled out the envelope with all the data from the victims and held them out for him. "I don't want to seem like Im bending your arm in helping me. Its your choice. This contains all the information you will need along with a generous donation on my part."

Orochimaru turned to make his way back. He heard shuffling from behind, no doubt he was opening the envelope. "Do you remember the little girl that could sprout flowers? We worked on her for some time hoping she could develop into a Wood style user." Orochimaru felt the stare on the back of his head. "If it helps you clear your conscious, she lived happily with an adoptive family. Please let your answer be known no latter than tonight...Kabuto."

With that said he vanished in a sudden gust of wind. The two other adults turned to look at him from the group of children as his eyes lingered at the spot where his former master had stood. Kabuto let out a deep sigh as his hands shook with the envelope in a tight grasp. He wasn't the same as before. That much was obvious but now he felt weaker than before, at first he took it as a sign he should resign from the shinobi life.

With trembling hands he pulled out the contents. Orochimaru-sama, this is beyond generous. He thought to himself but didn't count the money. He looked through the pages seeing face after face. He recognized every single one. His heart dropped as he found the one he was looking for. He wasn't lying. He pulled out the page to get a better view at the smiling face. Her blonde hair was always a mess. The picture didn't go beyond her face but he remembered how she refused to let it get cut making her locks drape to her waist. He couldn't resist laughing a little at Orochimaru's methods. 'Lived'...still as dark humored as ever in your words Orochimaru-sama.

Plot? I think its plot...I hope it reads as plot...why would I have a plot for this? Because I don't know. Stay Awesome! :3
Update: Edit on 6-6-13