At the table where they had lunch earlier, Tsunade was seated there with between her teacher and Orochimaru. Jiraiya was sitting in Sarutobi's lap, looking completely dazed but not as pale as before. Orochimaru was stoic as usual and she looked over at her teacher nervously. For the first time, she realized that he could be incredibly scary. The expression he was wearing looked like he could crush an entire army in five minutes.

"Marui, Goga," Sarutobi started, the light of the lone candle on the table lighting the shadows under his eyes. "I'm afraid I have something very serious to discuss with you."

"Is little Jiraiya alright?" asked Marui worriedly. "We have no problems if you need to quit the mission halfway to get him treated, Sarutobi."

"I'm afraid there's more to it," said Sarutobi, holding Jiraiya protectively

Orochimaru spoke up in his usual emotionless voice. "He was poisoned by the honey you used to make the yakitori."

Goga's eyes widened. "What?!"

He took out the vial of honey he had collected earlier and held it up with two delicate white fingers. "You collect honey from the hives around here, correct?"

The old lady nodded. "Yes. It's all natural-"

Orochimaru slowly blinked. "The hive was situated around oleander flowers. Every part of the plant is toxic, including the nectar."

Marui put a hand over her mouth in shock. "This is... I'm so sorry. We didn't know-"

"There's even more," Sarutobi said curtly. "You yourself, are being poisoned. And not just from the honey."

The old lady made a fearful sound and clutched onto her husband. "What?"

"Your clothes are soaked in the smell. Your storage room either contains rotting oleander flowers or something else that's soaked in it. I smelled it immediately when I walked past it," said Orochimaru.

"Oleander's fragrance is also poisonous?" asked Goga.

Tsunade spoke up this time. "No, they're actually common as garden plants and many people like the smell. That's why no one noticed there was something wrong except for Orochimaru." She held up a finger, repeating what her friend had said earlier. "But if you burn the flowers, the fumes are hazardous. Either you hung your clothes over the flowers as they burned, or you crushed them and put the extract on your clothes. Your body heat eventually breaks the bonds in the chemicals which produces the fumes from your clothes."

The team let the information sink in for the couple. The two were sitting there, seemingly in shock. In their teacher's lap, Jiraiya dozed off and Sarutobi glanced down briefly at him before saying, "Do you know who is responsible? Or was this just a fatal mistake on your part?"

The old lady immediately put her hands over her eyes and began to cry. "That's... that must be-" She wailed into her hands. "We never knew and wondered all this time. How our three grandchildren died."

Tsunade gasped. "Your grandchildren?"

Beside her, Orochimaru also realized. "Your storage room. The stuff in there belonged to them." If he had to guess, her grandchildren's clothes must have also been soaked in oleander.

"I'll kill that bastard!" Goga stood up, his face beet red and his eyes bloodshot.

"Goga!" shouted Marui, standing up and pulling at his arms, her face wet with tears.

"What's going on?" Tsunade asked loudly.

The old lady began sobbing even harder. "Goga's brother... he was the one who sent our grand-kids the clothes and bottles of perfume." Tears cascaded down her cheeks in rivers. "My son and daughter in law died from illness and left them in our care. But a year ago, all three died in their sleep. I-I didn't know. They puked and seemed under the weather for a few days, but they were completely fine after and even played. When I went to wake them up..." She choked and shook her head, completely heartbroken. Touching her kimono, she whispered, "They loved the smell. So even now, I kept using the perfumed extract to remind myself of them."

"Why would he do this?!" cried Tsunade, horrified by what she was hearing.

Marui's husband wiped harshly at his eyes. "That bastard never got over the fact that I inherited the farm instead of him. When he got all quiet and tried to make peace, I knew there was something not right." He slammed his fist down on the table. "He just wanted me to put his name into my will should something happen, and then he was just waiting for my family to die to get the farm and then sell it. With the way we're being poisoned, no one would suspect him."

Orochimaru bit down on his lips, feeling his throat burn. Why was life so fragile and unfair? His slender brows dipped down in quiet anger.

Sarutobi looked up at the old couple and said, "I'll have to terminate this mission, for the safety of my students."

"Sensei!" Tsunade protested. "We can't just leave like this." She cracked her knuckles. "I won't let a dirty scumbag go running around without breaking both his legs."

Orochimaru's voice was low as he said, "I am in agreement."

The old lady cried, "I'm so sorry for dragging you all into this mess. I just wanted to see kids run around this lonely place once more and see you all have fun. But instead, I put you three in danger."

Sarutobi paused briefly before saying to his kids, "Get ready, we're going for our first C-rank mission."

"Eh?" Tsunade was confused. Where did this new random mission come from?

"We'll bring him to justice, for the sake of Marui's deceased grandchildren." Sarutobi stood up, carrying Jiraiya on his back. "That, and I won't let anyone who hurts any of my students get away with anything."

"It will be difficult to wring out a confession," noted Orochimaru.

"Which is why it's a C-rank mission," Sarutobi said with a smile. He said to Goga, "Your brother is Kazuko Aminai, correct? If I remember, he owns a herb shop in Konoha."

"Yes. That's probably why he knew about the effects of that flower." Goga said angrily, "If you can bring him to justice, I'll pay the price for this C-rank mission." He looked away and said bitterly, "If he wasn't my brother, I'd rather you just wring his neck."

Matsui wiped at her eyes and choked. "It will not bring my grandchildren back, but it will give me peace to know he'll be behind bars. Please..."

Tsunade ran up to her and hugged her. "We won't let you down."

"Hime."

Everyone turned as Orochimaru spoke up. "Now will be a good time for your ghost stories."

"Eh?"

Two days later...

"Tsunade, your friends are here."

Hopping off the bed, she ran to the door. "Thanks, mom! I'll let them in myself!" Opening the door, she pouted at the two. "You're both late!"

Orochimaru showed little to no emotion at the statement. "Idiot here managed to walk into a pole and had a bleeding nose for twenty minutes because he stared at girls. So I had to wait with him in the bathroom as he cleaned up."

Jiraiya shot his teammate a dirty look. "Why didn't you tell me I was walking towards a pole!"

"I assumed that at this age, I didn't need to hold your hands," Orochimaru replied, calmly walking into Tsunade's room.

Jiraiya stuck his tongue out at the pale boy before walking in. His jaw dropped when he saw the large bed with the transparent gold canopy, mountains of stuffed animals in one corner, the seating area with three large gold and white sofas around a glass table, and a giant painting of her as a kid hanging up on the wall.

"You can stop staring now," Tsunade said, hopping onto the sofa and hugging her blue and white stuffed slug animal.

Jiraiya pointed up at her picture. "Wow, you look really good."

She grinned and patted her cheeks in delight at the compliment. "My grandmother got it done for me when I graduated." Pointing to her mountain of stuffies, she said, "My grandpa and parents bought those for me. My study table was made by my grandpa as well. My grand-uncle got me the bed with the canopy. He also found really nice curtains for the two windows." Giggling, she held up the slug stuffie that was in her lap. "And this is my favorite stuffed animal. My grandpa got it for me so I can give it to Orochimaru. He didn't like it though, and returned it."

Jiraiya grumbled, "Why did give him a present?"

"She punched me in the head on our first day of school and knocked me out," Orochimaru replied dryly, sitting beside her. "That was her attempt to apologize for it."

Jiraiya pulled on his hair. "But you punch me all the time. How come I don't get anything?"

Tsunade stuck her tongue out at him. "Unlike Orochimaru, you deserve it."

"Enough," said Orochimaru curtly, drawing out a scroll from his sleeve. "Let's get started."

Still grumbling, Jiraiya sat down beside Orochimaru and pulled out a piece of paper from his bag. "I've mapped the location of the road he'll have to take if he wants to get your order in on time."

As the paper was placed down, they all went quiet and stared. A few awkward seconds passed before Orochimaru said dryly, "This is a picture of girls in swimsuits." It kind of looked like that one school trip he skipped out on back at the Academy, where they got to go swimming. He didn't care for it and Tsunade could not persuade him to go no matter how many days she offered that he could study in her family library. In the end, they ended up going out for ice cream.

"Oops," Jiraiya said sheepishly.

"PERVERT!" Tsunade sent him flying out her opened window with a strong punch. Sitting down heavily, she said, "Honestly what kind of kid has those thoughts at this age?"

"You were four when you went around gambling," he said listlessly, opening his scroll. "Let's just continue while he walks back."

"I'm done my part." Tsunade walked over to her closet and pulled out three outfits. One was a pink and cheery blossomed kimono with a bright green obi. The second was a beautiful night blue yukata, with light purple rope-like obi. It was simple but elegant in design. The last outfit was an orange yukata with falling autumn leaves and long broad sleeves. She sniffed the pink one. "They're all thoroughly washed by my servants as you asked." She gave the outfits a sad look. "Kind of ironic that we're using the outfits he gave those kids, to catch him."

"You reap what you sow, hime." He made a hand sign. "Release." A small obsidian black box appeared. The surface gleamed and shone and he gently unclasped the lock. Inside were a variety of vials, all neatly labeled and he delicately tapped on a vial with bubbling green liquid. "Just like I'm using the herbs he's selling."

"What is it?" asked Tsunade, laying the outfits and walking over to his side.

His golden eyes raised up to meet her own hazel orbs briefly before he snapped the box shut. "Something that will make you hallucinate. It's an incomplete recipe from my father, though, so I'm not too sure of the side effects."

Tsunade was surprised. "Your father?"

"He was talented with chemistry and biology," Orochimaru answered, stroking the surface of the small box. His eyes then grew sad as he murmured, "Once... he made me glow sticks with a chemiluminescence reaction. I helped him add in cobalt to catalyze it."

Tsunade didn't understand what the words chemiluminescence or catalyze meant, but she was disheartened to see the shadow of pain that haunted his eyes. Patting his shoulder gently, she smiled and said, "I can't wait to see you use his sciency stuff in action, Orochimaru."

He nodded briefly and resealed the box, his gaze lingering on the smooth paper. "It's sad, isn't it?"

"Hmmm?"

"How a whole and complete family, can be broken so easily," he said, slowly rolling the scroll back up.

She nodded. "It's terrible. Poor Marui and Goga. They must be so sad."

Orochimaru closed his eyes tiredly. The pain of seeing the ones you love, dead before your eyes. That pain could not be described by any words. To go back home and feel like a part of your life had been ripped out without good reason, was tormenting. Happiness was a fickle thing, he thought. It was so hard to maintain and so fragile.

"Orochimaru," she said worriedly. The door to her bedroom and Jiraiya walked in with leaves sticking in his white hair.

"You're so bad tempered, you'll never find a boy-" He stopped his sentence when he caught the look of sadness on Orochimaru's face. "Hey, you alright?"

He turned his head away. "Just hurry up with the map, Jiraiya."

"Ok... here." Laying out a piece of paper, Jiraiya pointed to a badly drawn road. "Once he leaves, he'll have to cut through this part of the forest to reach these hills. That's where the flowers you wanted, Skimmia grows." Tapping on his chin, he said, "I guess we'll need to plan out the attack spot."

Orochimaru peered closely at the paper before holding out a pale hand. "Pencil." When it was handed to him, he slowly drew a circle around a cluster of trees that was adjacent to the road. It was about more than three quarters way to the destined hill and he said, "The dense trees provide good cover for us and for Sarutobi-sensei to work the effects for this plan. It's also far enough that on one would accidentally stumble upon us." He looked over at Tsunade. "You'll need to run ahead and plant a few explosives. Block all paths of escape just in case."

She nodded. "Ok."

He then turned his eyes on Jiraiya. "You've perfected your transformation technique yet?"

Jiraiya leaned back against the opposite sofa and propped his legs up on the table. "It took a whole day, right after I recovered, but I'm sure it's perfect now."

Orochimaru gave a curt jerk of his head before saying, "I have my own concoction readied." He touched his sleeve. "Before we start, I'll hand you both an antidote."

Tsunade kicked her legs back and forth in thought. "We'll attack at night yea?"

Orochimaru nodded. "He can't rest anywhere besides outside as there are no inns or place to rest, so it's guaranteed if we attack at that time. Anyways, now we need to notify Sarutobi-sensei so that he can back us up and be ready for the capture after that man confesses everything."

Jiraiya sighed. "Isn't there a way we can make a truth potion? Or you know, hire someone who knows genjtusu to do this? Or someone from the interrogation force to break into his mind?"

Orochimaru was pleasantly surprised by the offered suggestions, despite them being out of the question. It meant Jiraiya had at least put in the time and effort to do some research. "Jiraiya," he explained. "No truth potion has been made yet. Using genjutsu means we're giving the mission away to another team. Also, the interrogation squad has more important things to do. That, and they'd charge a fortune for their skill." When the white hair boy pouted in resignation, Orochimaru said coldly, "Quite frankly, the quickest way would have just been to kill him."

Jiraiya stared at him in shock while Tsunade said loudly, "Orochimaru! How could you say that?"

"Why not?" he asked simply.

"Because it's... it's wrong to kill him!" Jiraiya said vehemently.

"How?" When the two couldn't answer him, Orochimaru said in distaste, "Then I stand by what I said." Standing up, he made to head out. "I'll go tell sensei. Get your stuff ready-" When Jiraiya grabbed onto his wrist, his eyes narrowed. "Don't touch me."

Jiraiya glared back at him. "I'm not letting you go until you realize that what you're saying is wrong. You're talking about killing a human life! Argh!"

"Jiraiya!" Tsunade ran over to him as he hit the floor hard, a bruise blossoming over his cheek.

Orochimaru said flatly, "Better people than him have died for far nobler reasons. Why should a worthless man who has ruined an entire family be allowed to live?"

Jiraiya shouted back, "Who are you to judge?!"

"And who are you to question me?" spat Orochimaru. "You who barely managed to pass graduation, failed the bell test and fall behind me in everything we do." He turned on his heel and said angrily, "You don't understand anything."

"Shut up!" Jiraiya launched himself at the pale boy and gagged when Orochimaru ducked his punch, elbowed him in the chest, and then followed up with a heel kick to his stomach. His white yukata settled down elegantly as he dropped his offensive stance.

"Stop it both of you!" Tsunade shrieked as Jiraiya hit the back of her sofa and fell to the floor.

"You're not even worth my time," he said as he left.

"Why you-"

Tsunade pushed him back down and glared at him. "I said stop it."

"Why are you defending that jerk?" asked Jiraiya angrily. "You agree with me, right?"

Her chestnut colored eyes turned slightly sorrowful as she looked over at the opened door. "Because I understand what he's been through and what he's going through." When Jiraiya stared at her in confusion, she said quietly, "He's probably really mad about this whole thing. He's... an orphan, Jiraiya."

The word shocked Jiraiya. "Orochimaru is..."

Tsunade nodded, rubbing her arm unconsciously. "I don't think he used to be like that. I've seen his family photo and sometimes, he mention the good times he used to have. But ever since his mom and dad died, he's become withdrawn." Her lips trembled slightly. "When I first met him, he pushed me away. He was lonely but he told me he'd rather bear that pain, then form bonds with others since he's afraid of how much more painful it'd be if the relationship ends."

Jiraiya crossed his legs and said with some regret, "It's not much of an excuse for what he said but... I guess I didn't understand him at all."

"He can empathize with Marui and Goga's pain at losing someone precious, so that's why he's acting this way," Tsunade said. Hesitantly, she looked over at the bruise on Jiraiya's cheek. "Please don't tell on him to sensei, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya nodded briefly. "I still think he's wrong, but I guess now isn't a good time or good way." Pouting, he gingerly touched his cheek. "My handsome face is ruined. How can I talk to cute girls now?"

Tsunade smiled and jokingly punched him on the arm. Softly, she said, "Thank you, Jiraiya."

"Oh hoho." In his office, Sarutobi nodded and smiled proudly at his student as he leaned back in his plush purple chair. Tapping a finger on his crystal ball, he said, "You've really planned this out well, Orochimaru. I'm impressed."

"The idea was inspired from Tsunade wanting to tell ghost stories earlier," Orochimaru replied simply.

Sarutobi noticed his deadpanned expression. "Are you worried about the mission?"

"No, it won't fail," he said with absolute confidence.

"Sarutobi-sensei! We're here!" The door opened and Tsunade walked in, dragging a reluctant Jiraiya by the hand. "Everything is ready!"

"Jiraiya," Sarutobi said worriedly. "What happened to your face?"

"Oh, this?" Jiraiya grinned sheepishly and poked at his bruise. "I accidentally walked into a pole." His teacher sighed while Tsunade looked at him appreciatively. But it pissed him off that Orochimaru didn't seem to care that he was not ratting him out.

Standing up, their teacher said, "Let's get going."

What the hell?" Kazuko Aminai pulled the hood of his cloak over his head alittle more from the chilly air and creeping fog that was surrounding him. The trees stood tall like ominous dark blots against the dark night sky, where only a crescent moon shone down upon them. A sudden light fragrance wafted up his nose and he sniffed the air curiously. His square jaw tightened slightly, feeling creeped out by the sudden fog and cold.

Behind the tree, Orochimaru slowly put the stopper back into the empty vial after he doused his blue yukata with it. His golden eyes shone like a cat and he jerked his head at Tsunade and Jiraiya, who were also hiding. The three of them made rapid hand seals and quickly transformed.

Tsunade's hair was now a soft dark green and her eyes were now as golden as his was. Her tanned skin contrasted nicely with her pink kimono and she was the identical image of the old couple's granddaughter. As for Jiraiya, he now had a chipped tooth, stylish brown hair that was cut short and a band-aid over his right cheek and was wearing the orange autumn leaves yukata. Without having to check himself, he knew that his transformation was successful. His skin had more color, his hair was still black but tied into a high ponytail and his eyes were midnight blue. The fog around his legs thickened and he slowly walked out from behind the tree. "Grand-uncle."

The man whirled around and said, "Who's there?"

Tsunade ran over to Orochimaru's side and said sweetly, "It's us grand-uncle!"

"Hey hey!" Jiraiya ran out and put his arms around his teammates shoulders. "Long time no see! I've been dying to see you again." His voice was a ghastly deep echo that tinged with malice and he laughed at the look of fear on the man's face.

He trembled and stepped back in shock before wiping at his eyes.

"It's no dream," Orochimaru said, tilting his head and letting a strand of his hair drift across his face. Slowly, his eyes turned blood red.

Tsunade giggled and hissed, "Remember how you used to scare me with stories that some monster lady would catch and eat me if I didn't go to bed on time like a good girl? Why are you out this late?"

"Tha-that's-" The fog suddenly rose up and blocked off everything from sight. In the next second, she popped up before him in an adult form.

"Maybe I should eat you for not being a good little boy!" Her green hair was now wild, her eyes shining red and her face skeletal like a hag, trying to pull him into her grasp, her teeth clacking at his ears.

Screaming, he made to run for it but then Orochimaru appeared from behind him and looked up at him coldly. "Why did you give us these clothes?"

Jiraiya walked up beside him slowly and said, "They made us feel terrible grand-uncle."

Kazuko shook his head rapidly and backed away. "No! I-I didn't do anything wrong. Why are you three bothering me!?" He screamed when Orochimaru moved in front of him. Slowly, his lips curved and he opened them to reveal fangs as he smiled.

"Don't lie to the dead, grand-uncle."

"Hey hey," said Jiraiya, brushing back his brown hair. "You were always the type to hold a grudge. If he kisses my feet and confess, I don't mind forgiving."

Orochimaru said darkly, "You were always the weaker one. No wonder you died first." He reached and grabbed onto a fistful of the man's cloak and hissed, "This person here killed us all for some coins. Why can't I bite off his head?"

"He's right," moaned Tsunade, still wearing her hag-like appearance. She grabbed his hair and said bitterly, "You promised to buy me more beautiful kimonos, grand-uncle. Come with us to the other side and keep that promise!"

"I'm sorry! Please!" The man's eyes were wide with fear and he was trembling as the three of them surrounded him.

Orochimaru could tell from the dilating pupils, sweat and rapid heartbeat, the effect of his poison was working well. By combining the hallucinatory effect of psilocybe, a toxic mushroom with eucalyptus oil which weakens the mind through inhalation, the concoction would produce visions, exaggerated or disorienting effects on everything one would see, depending on their current state of mind. With the way they were scaring him, what he was actually hearing and see was probably ten times worse. Raising his hand, he pressed his sharp nails across the man's face. "Say it louder. I can't hear you, grand-uncle."

Falling to his knees and squeezing his eyes shut, Kazuko screamed. All three of them had morphed into hideous monsters and whatever was happening now was real. He could feel the warm flow of blood rolling down his cheek and he looked up in terror. Everything was so dark, with only the unnatural fog around him, a skeletal like hag with red eyes and wild green hair, a snake-like small demon that had the eyes of the devil himself, and the other one may look the most normal, but his voice was harsh like gravel and whenever he spoke, it felt like sharp nails were being dragged across his very skin. Was this what had become of his grandniece and grandnephews when they died? "Get away from me!" He scrambled back from them and shouted, "You should all just stay dead! If it's anyone to blame, blame your grandparents for being idiots in trusting me! I was just looking out for myself and getting back what I deserved!"

Tsunade exploded. "How could you-"

Orochimaru immediately dug his nails into her arm and gave her a warning look. If she said anything out of line, it'd blow their cover. But to his horror, Jiraiya punched Kazuko in the face.

"What are you saying you geezer!? What kind of person is willing to kill his own family for some money!"

"Idiot!" Orochimaru hissed. From his emotional outburst, his voice completely reverted back to normal and Kazuko also realized that he didn't sound like a monster or grand-nephew either.

"What the hell is going on?" The man grabbed at his pounding head, struggling to see past his disorientation.

Cold sweat popped over his skin and Orochimaru decided there was no choice left but to use that move. His eyes flashed as he extended his neck to a long length and came up close to the man's face. "What do you think is going on?" he hissed.

Tsunade almost screamed until his hand tightened over her arm once more and Jiraiya's jaw literally dropped to the ground. Back to the situation, he said threateningly, "If you don't want me to bite off your face, apologize and confess to everything you've done right now."

"I... I..."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "I what?" Sticking out his tongue, he lengthened it to twice the normal length and lashed it around his neck, slowly strangling him.

In the next minute, Kazuko screamed and sobbed profusely about what he's done and begged for forgiveness, looking like he was going to wet himself. Finished, he returned his head and tongue back to its normal length. "Mission complete."

"Good work everyone," said Sarutobi, dispelling the mist and fog as he came out from behind a tree. Without another word, he threw a kunai attached to a rope and efficiently tied up Goga's brother. "I've recorded his confession. So just gag him while we return to the village."

Jiraiya glared down at the man and shoved a rock into his mouth, not really caring that he cracked a tooth or two in the process. The three then dispelled the technique and resumed their normal appearance. "Hey!" he said excitedly to his pale teammate. "What's that technique you just did?! You didn't even use any hand signs!" He pulled at his neck. "It was super freaky but cool."

Orochimaru opened his mouth to speak but then his long tongue lolled out. His cheeks turning bright red, he immediately pushed it back in and said behind his hand, "Ish incompete." Hiding his eyes with his hair, he looked over at Jiraiya, unsure as to how he could have forgotten so quickly about their fight and act like nothing happened.

Tsunade swallowed and asked hesitantly, "Uhhh... when will it be back to normal, Orochi?"

"Day ork so."

Sarutobi walked over and peered down at him. "I have to say, you're a genius for coming up with that, Orochimaru." He rubbed his head. "But I've never seen that technique before. Who taught you that?"

"I ad surkery when ittle," explained Orochimaru, still keeping his hand over his mouth in embarrassment. "Isha yamily techniq dat needed it. I've veen pracking but not purfec yet." When they kept staring, his cheeks turned even redder and he said curtly, "I vant to go ome."

Back at home, at he looked at himself in the bathroom and stuck out his tongue. Staring at his reflection, he knew he probably looked quite scary back there. Would they think he's weird from now on? As fast as the thought came, he immediately scolded himself for caring. This was a technique, like any other. Aesthetic held no importance, usefulness was the only thing that mattered. Shutting off the light, he exited the washroom and began walking to his kitchen for a cup of warm milk before he went to bed.

He stopped when he heard the knocks at his door. No one else would visit him besides his team. He looked up at the clock on his wall. It was nearly two in the morning. Why would they be here anyways? He briefly considered going to bed and just pretending to be asleep. The knocking continued and he let out a long breath as he headed for the door. Opening it, his round golden eyes widened slightly to see Jiraiya.

"Hey!" Jiraiya grinned and said, "Did I wake you?"

"Bout to co to bed," said Orochimaru.

Jiraiya said awkwardly, "Yea, ok. Ummmm..." He struck out his lips and said, "I just wanted to come and tell you something." When Orochimaru stared at him blankly with his hand still covering his mouth, he swallowed. "I... ju-just wanted to say, I'm sorry."

Orochimaru was surprised. The 'great' Jiraiya came to his house at this time, to apologize?"

"And to say thanks," Jiraiya said solemnly, "If it wasn't for you, I and Tsunade would have bombed that mission and then those grandkids would never have gotten the justice they deserved."

"Hmph."

He could see from the annoyance on Orochimaru's face that he still thought it would have been better if they had just killed that man. In a way, Orochimaru was right. That terrible man had no regrets about what he did and was nothing more than a greedy bastard but... Smiling slightly, he said, "That man didn't deserve to be spared. But... but we're better than him, aren't we?"

Stunned by his words, Orochimaru couldn't respond. He resigned himself to a look of exasperation that was mixed with mild disbelief, trying to hide the fact that he was partially moved by what he had said.

"I don't want my rival to stoop to that level," Jiraiya said firmly. "He is ugly and pathetic by his hate. You're smart, a genius like Sarutobi-sensei said. You are too great to be anything like him." He then joked, "Course, you're not as great as me but you're still kinda great."

Orochimaru couldn't help but think that Jiraiya was silly, foolish, and stupid even, for saying things like that. Yet... the words somehow remained stuck in his head, despite how dumb he considered them to be. When Jiraiya smiled, said goodnight and made to leave, he said, "Vait."

Jiraiya paused and waited as Orochimaru disappeared back into his home. A few minutes later, he came out with a small jar. "What's that?" he asked curiously.

"Ur alveady ugly normelly," Orochimaru muttered as he shoved the jar into his hands. "Ose this. Halps vith bruises." With that, he closed the door shut and turned off the lights.

A wide grin spread across Jiraiya's face as he said, "Remember to get up early! We have to go back to the farm to bring that old lady and guy the good news! Then we'll have to continue training!

"Oh to ged!"

Jiraiya laughed and skipped away merrily, his hand clutching the ointment Orochimaru had given him.

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.-Bernard Meltzer

Darkwings13: NOTICE. WILL BE UPDATING AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK EITHER ON THURSDAY OR SATURDAY

First, yay I've reached ten favorites! :D So excited and grateful that my story is good enough for it. So much huggles and thanks to Jay Scythe, Joysay, OLASZKECSKE, pinksakura17, Aznereth, BlackLady777, doggy bye, TheAcceptance, drazenburn, and huluputamus!

Hi JigokuShoujosRevenge! I was actually wanting to go with a nice funny farming chapter but since last chapter was already quite humorous, I decided to have this situation to have them bond. Especially with this chapter in showing more of how Orochimaru felt about the situation, how he thinks about life, and it was a good opportunity to further deepen the relationships with the three. Glad to hear that you liked the surprising choice I've chosen. :) Hope this chapter delivered as well. Thanks for reading and for the review as always.

Cheerios Lord Creator! *holds up girly cocktail* you're too kind my friend. I tried to update quickly so that people won't be mad at the cliffhanger ahahah xD Hope this chapter is ok to match up with the plot twist last chapter. Thank you again for your time and review friend, I appreciate it greatly. :)

Oh good to see you BlackLady777! Glad you found the plot twist interesting. I hope I updated fast enough xD Yea no doubt out of the three, Orochimaru was more willing to choose a means to an end approach and I'll actually explain why Tsunade thinks rather badly of Orochi when they're grown up. It won't be for a long many chapters though. I actually think I'll be bawling my eyes out for it. :'( The good thing is that deep in all of their hearts, they still miss each other. Like how she wanted him back in the village in her infinite tsukiyomi and Jiraiya still holds so much regret in being unable to stop Orochi from leaving.