Darkwings13: Reference to episode 114 of Naruto Shippuden when Sarutobi visited Orochimaru's parents grave with him.

Wherever he was... he was comfortable. Cool fresh wind caressed his cheeks and hair and he could detect the scent of fresh flowers. He was wrapped up in warm thick sheets and laying on an even fluffier pillow. A large hand brush at his forehead gently and he turned his head towards the gesture, struggling to open his eyes. His vision was hazy, but he could feel the warmth on his head and hear the affection when his name was called out. The wind picked up gently and he rubbed his cheek into the hand. He squinted as best as he could and he smiled when he saw who it was. "Dad?"

"Orochimaru."

The voice cleared his vision as he realized who it was. "Sensei..."

Sarutobi could see the moonlight lighting up Orochimaru's disappointment and he swallowed uncomfortably, wondering how he should reply. But to his surprise, Orochimaru gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're not my dad, but you're here for me anyways. Thank you, sensei."

"Orochimaru..." He looked at his student sorrowfully as he fell back to sleep, still looking utterly exhausted.

Sitting beside Orochimaru's hospital bed, Sarutobi wore a slightly sad expression as he rubbed his thumb across his student's pale cheek. He loved all three of his students but he could not deny that Orochimaru held a special place in his heart. Orochimaru's view on life was pessimistic, but he clinged tightly to it and valued it no matter how hard his situation got. He was smart but he never let that stop him from working hard. He was afraid to trust, but when he did, he gave it everything he had. He was eager to shape and control his future, but he also treasured his past no matter how painful it was.

Every day of every month, Orochimaru would put aside everything to visit his parents grave. He would bring flowers, dutifully clean the tombstone and pick at the weeds growing around it, keeping it in the best condition possible. The first time Orochimaru had asked him to come with him to visit his parents grave, he was speechless and asked why.

Orochimaru had replied 'Because my parents would want to meet the only adult in the village who cares about me.'

This raw, pure duality and fragility of human nature, enchanted Sarutobi. It also saddened him to see how little everyone else thought of his favorite student, with even some thinking that he was just weird or scary. Despite appearances and a sometimes cold front, Orochimaru's feelings were genuine and they ran deep. He knew that better than anyone when he had gone with him to visit his parents grave.

It was a quiet morning for few people were up at such an early time. However, Sarutobi didn't mind getting up this early if it meant he got a chance to visit the graves of Orochimaru's parents with him before he had to head out and continue training Jiraiya and Tsunade for the Chunin exam. As he arrived at Orochimaru's modest house and climbed the small porch, he knocked on the door. Less than a minute, the door opened up and Sarutobi said lightly, "Good morning, Orochimaru."

"Good morning, sensei."

Sarutobi could see the brief flicker of relief that flashed across Orochimaru's face. It was almost as if he was expecting him to have forgotten. Sarutobi looked at the neatly wrapped dark blue skyflowers, green ivy, and white Baby's breath filler in the bouquet Orochimaru was holding, and noted that they seemed almost like they've just been recently picked and cut. The only thing to undercut their loveliness was the dull white wrapping paper.

Orochimaru seemed to notice and he said awkwardly, "The flowers came from my mother's garden. But I don't have the money for real wrapping paper so I made do with what I had at home."

Sarutobi rubbed his head affectionately. "I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful bouquet," he said gently. Orochimaru lowered his head, uncharacteristically shy, and he cradled the small bouquet in his arms.

"Thank you for coming, sensei. I know you're very busy," said Orochimaru as they headed off into the empty streets and for the cemetery.

Sarutobi smiled. "No matter how busy I am, I will always have time for my students." He put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Especially when it comes to paying respect to the parents of my favorite student."

Orochimaru perked up slightly and he looked at him with his large golden eyes. "Favorite?"

"Don't tell Tsunade or Jiraiya," laughed Sarutobi.

Orochimaru looked down at the ground and said, "You... don't think I'm weird?" His cheeks turned slightly pink. "I don't know what overcame me when I asked you to come here with me, Sarutobi-sensei. Now that I think about it, I-"

"I was very happy when you asked me to," Sarutobi replied reassuringly. "I am honestly touched, Orochimaru. There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

"Really?" Orochimaru asked, his shoulders relaxing at the words.

Sarutobi couldn't help but think that Orochimaru was rather adoring this morning. He had to grow up too fast, and rarely showed this more childlike innocence he had inside him. After so long though, Sarutobi had noticed that he only reveal this particular quirk when it was related to his parents. Till recently, Orochimaru had started to show this side of him when he was around him as well. Sarutobi chuckled and nodded. "Even if my wife was to make me breakfast in bed, I'd still choose to be here with you, Orochimaru."

They continued the walk in comfortable silence. Once they arrived at the cemetery and walked past the many white headstones, Sarutobi came to a stop as Orochimaru pointed. "There." A sad expression crossed his student's face as he kneel and gently placed the flowers down. Sitting there, he stared at the tombstone silently and Sarutobi felt his heart go out for him. Even after so long, the pain and anguish was still so raw. He was once again amazed and awed by how much love Orochimaru had for his parents, and he stood behind him respectfully, hoping that his presence there, could offer some comfort and support.

"Huh?" All of a sudden, Orochimaru made a sound and reached forward for something.

"Hmm?" Sarutobi looked down in puzzlement, wondering what had caught his student's attention.

Orochimaru stood up and carefully held out his hand. "What's... this?"

Sarutobi's eyes widened as he realized what it was. "My, this is quite a nice find." He said brightly, "This is the shed skin of a white snake."

"This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this," Orochimaru said in half wonderment and half puzzlement.

Sarutobi chuckled and replied, "Truth be told, same here. It's something unusual you'll rarely ever see."

"Why is it white?" Orochimaru asked in curiosity. He had seen many types of snakes before, under many different color of skin. But he had never seen a white one before.

"Who knows? I don't really understand it myself," admitted Sarutobi. "No one ever gave it much thought. However, since ancient times, a white snake is said to be a symbol of good luck and rebirth."

Orochimaru looked back down at the fragile white snakeskin and slowly pointed to it. "Good luck and rebirth..." he repeated softly, almost as if he was doubting the words.

Sarutobi noticed and knew that his student was very scientific and rarely believed in things like this. Nonetheless, because it was found at his parents grave, he was open to this belief about the white snake. Trying to cheer and comfort him, Sarutobi looked over to the tombstone and said, "It might also be fate that we found it here. Maybe your parents have both been reborn somewhere so that you can meet them again one day, when you've grown up."

The words made Orochimaru lift his head up and he asked, "When will that be?"

Sarutobi smiled and replied, "Well... it's hard to say."

Despite not knowing when he'd meet his parents again, Orochimaru smiled hopefully and watched as a sudden warm wind rustled the snake skin in his hand. The sight was touching and Sarutobi felt his adoration for Orochimaru grow even stronger.

Holding the snakeskin to his heart, Orochimaru relaxed under the gentle touches of the wind and said, "I can feel it. I believe you, sensei." He closed his eyes and murmured, "No matter how far, if a bond is true, it will remain strong."

"Orochimaru?" Sarutobi asked, curious by what he was saying.

"No matter how long, the windmill will always wait for the wind." Orochimaru paused before continuing. "The wind may change, but it will always return... forever. This was a quote my parents always told me whenever they had to leave me." He smiled and said, "My parents will be reborn and they may be different. But I know they'll come back for me." He pressed the hand with the white snakeskin closer to his heart, full of hope for that day to come.

"Yes, yes they will," Sarutobi said, patting him gently on the head and shelving away this memory of Orochimaru's brightest smile, deep into his heart. It was then that he realized, how much he loved him.

Standing up, he pulled the covers up to keep his student warm before sitting back down. The simple gesture made Orochimaru stir and Sarutobi rubbed him on the head affectionately. In a way, he loved this child like nothing he's ever loved before. His heart melted to see a peaceful expression overtake Orochimaru's face as he snuggled deep down into the blanket. Leaning back in his chair, he smiled and fell asleep, not wanting to be anywhere else but here, beside his precious student.

Morning...

Orochimaru forced his eyes open and an image of a clean white ceiling popped up. Turning to the side, he could see tubes coming out of his arms, attached to an IV drip. The bed he was in was next to a window, showing a bright blue sky and shining sun. It was a private hospital room... he realized. Who could have paid for this for him? A large vase holding a beautiful bouquet of lilies stood on the bedside table, along with two get well soon cards from Tsunade and Jiraiya and he wondered how long he had been unconscious for. Did he miss the third stage of the exam? Did that mean he failed?

"So, you're awake."

He looked over, surprised to see Danzo, the second stage examiner opening the door to the large room and walking in. The man sat down on the chair beside his bed and gave him a hard look. "You've done quite well. You're one of the six participants that managed to pass the second stage."

"Did you come to tell me when the third stage will take place, sir?" asked Orochimaru, maintaining a polite tone as he was speaking to a higher up. On the inside, his stomach was doing flip flops, wondering if he was being told he missed the third stage and had failed.

"No." Danzo said curtly, "I'm telling you to drop out and forget about being Chunin." Other than the slight widening of those golden eyes, Danzo could see nothing else that could give him any hint to how the kid was truly reacting to those words. Carefully, he said, "From your performance, you're eligible to starting training to become an Anbu with my foundation, Root. Of course... that means you'll be quitting Sarutobi's team and training directly under me and the rules of my foundation."

Orochimaru instantly realized who this man was. He said darkly, "You're the one who sent those three recruiting." He sat up with some difficult and glared at him. "Did you not see what I left back there, to even come and ask me about this?"

"That's because you didn't know who was recruiting," Danzo replied calmly. "Now you know, an elite organization from your own village is interested in you."

Orochimaru's lips curved. "Hmph... straight to Anbu from Genin. It's unheard of." But then he raised his head in disdain. "But your offer is not worth my consideration. Why would I train under someone else who's lower in rank than Hokage." He couldn't help but feel a vindictive sort of satisfaction to see that he had clearly hit a nerve with Danzo, judging by his expression.

"So you're going to give up on the chance to skip years of work to become Anbu?" Danzo asked thinly.

Orochimaru smirked slightly. "Why settle for Anbu, when I can become Hokage instead?" He was delighted to see Danzo's composed face fall away completely and his voice grew silkier, deadlier. "From Sarutobi-sensei, the one called The Professor who has mastered every technique in this village, I will learn it all and even more." His eyes grew deadly. "You have no right to come and ask me to join you, when you've nearly killed two of the three people I have left in this world."

Danzo said lowly, "You should know, you don't have a choice in the matter. Selecting recruits to the Foundation is solely under my jurisdiction. Even the four noble clans, have no say and must offer me a recruit. You're nothing but a talented orphan the village happened to keep fed until now. If I want you recruited, you will be recruited."

He tugged his arms forward and ripped out the tubing from them. "I am not joining."

Both of their chakra level rose up. It was enough to rustle the sheets as well as tug on their hair and clothes. But then another rise in chakra slammed the door open and Sarutobi stood there, his eyes blazing. "Danzo."

He took a step into the room and Orochimaru immediately found it difficult to breathe. The air was incredibly heavy and almost choking. For the first time, he understood why Sarutobi-sensei had been bequeathed with the title 'God of Shinobi'. Even Danzo seemed unnerved by the display of raw power that was seething underneath.

Sarutobi dug his hands into his pockets and said lowly, "Orochimaru will not be joining Root unless it's of his own voluntary free will."

"You gave me your word that you would not interfere with anything relating to my Foundation," said Danzo, standing up to face him. "Recruitment is necessary for my organization and you gave me the right to recruit whoever I deem necessary."

"I gave you that right and I can take it away if I wish," Sarutobi threatened. "Don't make me do that, Danzo."

"I didn't see you show any emotion when children are parted from their families for my Foundation," Danzo said coldly.

"Call me a hypocrite if you wish, but I won't let you take Orochimaru." Sarutobi put a hand on his student's head and said, "I've decided to train him to become my successor. He will inherit the Will of Fire and my legacy."

Rage burned in Danzo's eyes, just as Sarutobi expected it would. His friend had always sought the position of Hokage and to hear this, would definitely boil his blood. Danzo said stiffly, "So your excuse to protect him, is to say that he will become the next Hokage?"

"I will keep him, no matter what," Sarutobi said with a final edge to his voice. "If I have to disband your Foundation to protect him, I will."

Orochimaru's eyes widened at the bold declaration. Even Danzo look stupefied to see how far Sarutobi was going to go for him. He pointed at him and said, "Do you hear yourself, Sarutobi? You're putting the sake of the village beneath a mere child. You know how important and necessary the Foundation is for the village, which was why you agreed to let me create it."

"I am Hokage," Sarutobi replied. "My word, is the village's will. Now leave here with our friendship and your Foundation intact, or test me further and reap the consequences."

Danzo shook his head and said quietly, "I've known you since we were kids. I cannot believe what I'm seeing or hearing." When Sarutobi didn't reply, he said thinly, "So be it. Keep him. But from what I saw, you may be very disappointed in your choice in the future, Sarutobi. He does not have your compassion, and is more suited under my ideals."

Sarutobi closed his eyes tiredly as Danzo left. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he gave his student a weary smile. "Are you alright, Orochimaru?"

"Why?" Orochimaru stared down at his lap and said in confusion, "Why would you go so far for me, sensei?"

"Didn't you want to be Hokage?" Sarutobi asked.

Orochimaru said hesitantly, "But I'm young, it doesn't make sense why you're so convinced-"

"I truly believe that you have the potential and strength," Sarutobi said, rubbing his head. He then added gently, "I also didn't want to let you go because... I... I think of you as a son."

"Don't." Orochimaru pressed his lips tightly together and slowly shook his head.

Sarutobi drew back in puzzlement. "What's wrong, Orochimaru?"

"I don't want to see your disappointment when you've learned what I've done." Orochimaru's eyes grew cloudy. "To be your pride and joy, and then see it all taken away, would hurt too much."

Sarutobi pulled Orochimaru into his chest and hugged him. He could feel Orochimaru stiffening up at the gesture and he said soothingly, "With Root involved, I do not blame you for having to kill them. It is a merciless organization. Tsunade and Jiraiya explained to me how dire the situation was."

Orochimaru blinked and slowly lifted his head to look at him questioningly. If Sarutobi didn't mention anything about the cruelty of his methods... then Tsunade and Jiraiya must have worded it in a way to protect him. Hesitantly, he touched the arm that was around him and he asked, "Do you really think of me as a son?"

"I do."

"Why?" he asked in confusion.

"Does a parent question why they love their child?"

Orochimaru shook his head. "But... I'm not your..." He closed his mouth and looked down bitterly. "I'm just an orphan who got the chance to be your student. I know my place, sensei.

Sarutobi asked gently, "What are you so afraid of, Orochimaru?"

He drew inward and murmured, "Hope only brings disappointment. I don't believe that you can see me as a real son, no matter how much you care." He pulled his knees up to his chest and hugged them. "But what really scares me is how painful it would be if this is a lie that I choose to swallow, and then one day come to see the truth. Maybe what you're feeling, is just pity. Or you're just really fond of how smart I am and how much I can contribute to the village. Or-"

"I love you more than this village. I don't think a feeling this strong can be a lie, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru's eyes widened and he looked up when he heard those words. To hear a Hokage say something like this was almost inconceivable. Something warm and wet was trailing down his cheeks. When he touched it, he realized he was crying.

Sarutobi smiled, holding him closer and letting him cry into his shirt, occasionally patting him comfortingly on the back. "No matter what happens, I will always love you as if you were my very own flesh and blood." He then paused and said thoughtfully, "I don't know why, but I probably will love you even more than my own flesh and blood."

"Sensei, do you remember that day we found that white snakeskin together?" he said into his teacher's shirt.

Sarutobi looked down at his student and nodded. "I do."

"Do you think my parents' love has been reborn inside you?" Orochimaru asked hesitantly, his heart vulnerable.

Sarutobi smiled. "Let me tell you something, Orochimaru. My father once told me, I'd know true love once I look down into the face of my child for the first time. On that day we found that white snakeskin together... when I saw you smile, I knew from that moment on, you were my son.

Orochimaru thought his heart stopped beating. His lips quiver and he looked up with tears trailing down his cheeks. "I... I have a family again?"

Sarutobi rubbed his head and smiled, feeling his eyes growing wet from the Orochimaru's words and overwhelming feelings.

"Hey hey! You forgot to get Orochi's fruit basket pervert!"

"You forgot to get him that egg special bento box for breakfast, flat chest!"

"Cuz I heard Sarutobi-sensei said he'll most likely wake up today and in my excitement I forgot! Argh whatever! Let's go see him and get the stuff later."

"Hey, why is his door open?"

The two kids ran into the room and stared in surprise when they saw Sarutobi hugging Orochimaru to his chest. "Eh?! Sensei?" Tsunade gaped. She ran over to them with Jiraiya behind him. "What's going on? Is he ok? Why is his tubing not in his arms? Did something-"

Sarutobi laughed and pulled her and Jiraiya into his arms too.

Jiraiya squirmed. "What's the big idea sensei! What's going on? And your shirt is prickly!"

"Just stay still and let me hold the three of you for abit," said Sarutobi. "You're all growing up so fast. One day, you three may be too big for me to hold like this."

Jiraiya piped up. "If you're worried about us going into the third stage of the exam, don't worry. The great Jiraiya has it all planned out."

Tsunade blinked and said, "Wait, are you feeling sad that we're becoming Chunin once we pass? We still have alot to learn from you still, sensei." She then looked at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya isn't getting any older either. He still acts like a two year old."

"Well, you're obviously not growing either cuz you still have no boobs!"

The two yelled at each other for awhile and Orochimaru mumbled something that sounded like a muffled 'Hmph' into his shirt every few minute. Sarutobi smiled and said, "Music to my ears."

One month later...

The deep arena where the third stage of the Chunin exam was filled to the brim with people coming to watch the event. The highest podium seats, with an assortment of servants and food was reserved for the feudal lord. Guards were even assigned to that area reserved for them. The other high seating area was where the Hokage and his advisers were. All were covered by a grand orange tiled roof, keeping them cool and shaded. Down below, Orochimaru stood with Tsunade and Sakumo's team, wishing he could have some shade as well. He disliked standing under the sun for too long. It would ruin his pale skin. Beside him, Tsunade yawned and he noted that it was almost exactly noon as he looked up at the blue skies. Where was Jiraiya?

"You don't think he forgot the time, did he?" Tsunade asked as if she could read his thoughts.

"Hmph." They jumped slightly when three flares were shot up into the sky, noting that only ten minutes was left for all the participants to be there.

Tsunade pulled at her hair and muttered, "Don't tell me he stayed up too late during last night festivities and he overslept..." She looked over and asked, "Did you go, Orochimaru?"

"No." He glanced over at her and said, "I don't like crowds and noisy places. You know that, hime."

She pouted. "Yea but... the festival before the last stage of the Chunin exam doesn't happen very often."

A ghost of a smirk hovered at the corner of his lips. "You're still mad at me for not coming and losing at all the gambling dens."

A vein throbbed on her forehead and she punched him on the arm. "I lost an entire month of allowance. Don't rub it in."

A silky chuckle rumbled in the back of his throat. "I may be your lucky charm, but you know it was rather laughable you'd asked me to come when we have our main matches the next day."

She childishly stuck her tongue out at him before tapping her foot impatiently. "Augh. Where the hell is Jiraiya? There's like three minutes left. If he doesn't come, he'll be disqualified."

Orochimaru squinted against the bright light and pointed. "Jiraiya's parents are here. I assume he's on his way."

Tsunade also squinted and she struggled to see where he was pointing. "Eh? You met his parents?"

"He forgot all of his underwear over at my house when we had that one sleepover. It grossed me out to see them sitting there so I scooped them into a bag and went over to return them," he said emotionlessly. "He wasn't home when I went and his parents invited me in for cake."

Tsunade's jaws dropped when she finally saw where he was pointing. Both of Jiraiya's parents had thick, long, wolfish white hair, and they were both really tall. Even sitting down, they were both a head taller than the people around them. Jiraiya's dad had a bulky build to him under his blue and white outfit. As for Jiraiya's mom... her breasts were huge! The tight yellow shirt and metal mesh underneath were obviously struggling to hold in their girth. Tsunade stammered, "Ca-can breasts ac-actually be that big?"

Orochimaru shrugged with a nonchalant expression before saying, "Tsunade, your family is here too." He pointed to the higher seating area where her parents and grandmother was sitting. They even had servants standing nearby to wait on them. By now, Tsunade's mother's pregnancy was quite obvious from the bump of her stomach, under her light lilac kimono. Beside him, Tsunade cheered in delight and waved as they also noticed her.

A slightly sad expression crossed his face as he saw Sakumo and his team also smiling or waving to their families who were in the stands. Standing there, he couldn't help but feel lonely and isolated, as he was the only one without anyone cheering for them. A gentle tug on his sleeve made him look over at Tsunade, who was pointing upwards. "Look."

He looked up with wide eyes as Sarutobi had gotten off his seat to walk over to the handrails to wave down at him.

Tsunade noticed and she said warmly, "I think he's cheering specifically for you, Orochi." She smiled when he quickly wiped at his eyes and hesitantly waved back, knowing that Sarutobi-sensei's gesture had meant alot to him.

He seemed to notice her staring at him and he said awkwardly, "It's just dusty around here."

She giggled. "Whatever you say, softie."

"Hmph."

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Everyone turned to look as Jiraiya arrived on the back of his frog. "Tis I!" He went into his usual Kabuki pose and grinned. "The legendary and most handsome guy in this village, Jiraiya! Late but only fashionably so!" He puffed out his chest and said, "Place all your bets on me, for I will bring honor and-"

Orochimaru zoned out for the rest of Jiraiya's bragging.

After Jiraiya finished his long-winded speech and was forcibly removed from his toad, Sarutobi stood up and put on his best blank/professional face after the cheering for the six participants had calmed down. "Ladies and gentleman, thank you for coming to the Hidden Village of Konoha's Chunin's Selection exam today! We will now begin the main matches with the six that have passed the preliminaries. So please sit back, relax and enjoy!"

The jonin that was with them turned and pointed to Jiraiya and Momo. "Your match is first. Then, it'll be Tsunade fighting against Juro, and lastly, Orochimaru up against Sakumo. Like in the second part of the exam, there are no rules other than you can't leave the arena. The match ends when someone dies, gives up, or is unable to fight any longer." He then gestured to the exit. "The rest of you, go to the waiting room until it's your turn."

Orochimaru looked back at Jiraiya as he followed after Sakumo. "Jiraiya, remember to guard against low attacks on your blind side. You keep leaving yourself open during feint attacks aimed there."

Jiraiya blinked. "What blind side?"

Orochimaru didn't want to say out loud where his friend's blind side was. With a sigh, he whispered the answer to Tsunade and continued walking.

Coming to his side, Tsunade pouted at him and whispered into his ear, "Your crotch, pervy no brain."

Jiraiya's face turned beet red and he grumbled something under his breath. All anyone could really hear was the 'asshole' part.

Orochimaru and Tsunade watched from above as the two faced off against each other, waiting for the whistle to blow before they could start. After a tense minute, it finally went off.

Jiraiya readied himself, wondering what the girl would start with. But to his surprise, she bowed, her cute brown bob moving from the deep gesture. "Please, go easy on me."

He gulped and turned slightly pink. "Erm... Well, it's wrong to hurt a girl. So don't worry too much," he said, laughing nervously. "So... should I go first? Or do you want to attack first?"

She fiddled with her blue chinese dress with purple flowers awkwardly. "It doesn't matter."

He looked up as Tsunade yelled at him. "What the hell are you doing dumbass?! This is a fight, not a dinner date! Don't ask, just punch!"

"Ri-right!" Jiraiya half-heartedly dashed and drew out his kunai. He slashed forward but to his surprise, she was relatively fast as she ducked the move and brought her knee up.

A loud groan came from the men who were watching the battle. Orochimaru rubbed at his eyes tiredly as Jiraiya clutched at his privates and rolled around in pain. "That was dirty! What the hell!" Jiraiya curled into a fetal position and whimpered.

Orochimaru said blankly, "You'd think that after we told him to guard that spot he would."

"That idiot," Tsunade said, banging her head on the handrail.

Momo bowed once more and shouted, "I'm really sorry! But I have no choice!"

Orochimaru watched as she punched him and sent him flying into the wall. At this rate... Jiraiya can kiss his Chunin title goodbye. In a way, he was terribly unlucky to be facing off against a girl. They were his ultimate weakness after all. Orochimaru sighed before gesturing for Tsunade to lean over to him. "Hime, here."

"Hmmm?" She stood there as he whispered into her ears. When he was done, fire came out from her nose (figuratively) and she screamed, "YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?!"

He put a finger to his lips and glanced behind him, seeing Sakumo and Juro stare at them. He moved them over abit before saying, "It's not like it would hurt or anything."

"I refuse!"

"Tsunade," he started. "Think of it as motivational inspiration."

She crossed her arms and grouched, "No! No no no no! I refuse!" He stared at her with his usual deadpanned expression and she stared back.

Finally, Orochimaru sighed. "Alright. You win this, hime. It's not like I can force you."

She grinned smugly. "Hehe."

"Do you mind getting me some water?" he asked politely. "I don't have any money."

"Eh? Oh... sure."

When she disappeared from sight, he readied a hand seal. "Sorry, Tsunade-hime."

Two minutes later...

"Jiraiya!" Jiraiya looked up as Tsunade waved at him from the stand. "If you win this match, I'll go on a date with you!"

When he heard that, he thought he just died and went to heaven. Tsunade was actually willing to go on a date with him! The fire of determination burned in his eyes and he gave her a peace sign. "It's a promise ok!?"

"Yea! Ok!"

Jiraiya turned back to Momo and grinned. "I'm sorry, but I'll have to go all out now. The love of my life has finally decided to give me a chance. I'm not going to blow this."

Momo blanched at the bold declaration of 'love of my life' line and said slowly, "You're only eight or nine years old..."

Jiraiya leaped up and performed four quick hand seals. "True love has no number!" Up above, he thought he could hear a choir of angels singing for his wonderfully bright future.

Back up at the stand... all someone else could hear was their funeral march.

"OROCHIMARU!" Tsunade crushed the water bottle in her hand when she saw what he had done by wearing her form. She stomped over to him, leaving cracks in the ground from her immense strength. Sakumo Hatake and Juro had the good sense to move far far away for the sake of a long and healthy life while he stood there, wondering if he should run for it.

Orochimaru rarely felt fear. But at this moment, he actually started to sweat from the powerful waves of rage emanating from her. "Tsunade," he said, trying to use his calmest voice. "Really, it's not that bad. You're overreacting-" He doubled over as Tsunade knee him in the crotch. Hitting the ground, he finally understood how painful the move was for men as he clutched at his lower nether regions. "Tsunade," he squeaked, his voice ten pitch higher than normal.

"You're so stupid!" She stuck her tongue out at him, infuriated by how romantically challenged he was to not notice that she liked him. Like how blunt did she have to be? When she saw the terrified looks Juro and Sakumo were giving her, she cracked her knuckles. "What?"

"N-nothing," Sakumo said with a polite smile, not daring to say anything since he didn't want to die young.

His teammate said quietly, "I bet she'll be single forever."

Jiraiya's battle finished up relatively quickly after that. Using a wide variety of fire techniques, he managed to tire out his opponent and stop her from getting up, as the burns were too painful for her, even if she continually healed herself. It was just a pointless cycle of relief and pain and she knew that she had no shot in countering his long range attacks.

"Next match! Tsunade and Juro! Please come down!"

Jiraiya waved in delight and jumped up to the waiting area where Orochimaru and Tsunade was. "Did you two see!" He waved his arms in excitement. "I won! I totally won!" He sidled up to his female comrade. "So where do you want to go on our date, Tsunade?"

A vein twitched on her forehead. Without another word, she socked Jiraiya in the eye and slapped Orochimaru in the face. "Aughhhh! Just pick me up at seven tomorrow." With that, she jumped down to get ready for her match.

Jiraiya rubbed at his black eye. "Owwww." But nonetheless, he was still perky and he said with a wide grin, "She really is one of a kind."

Orochimaru rubbed at the bright red handprint on his cheek and said dryly, "No other girl can make me feel this way, that's for sure..."

"They may not have my eyes, they may not have my smile, but they have all my heart."
—Unknown

Darkwings13:

-The way Tsunade hit Jiraiya and Orochimaru, was inspired by Sakura slapping Naruto and Sai. At least, that's what sorta played in my head xD Have to say, Orochi sorta deserved it.

- In episode 317 of Naruto Shippuden, Danzo says he is given the power to recruit anyone he wants, and even the four noble clans must offer someone to his Foundation.

-In episode 114 of Naruto Shippuden when Sarutobi visited Orochimaru's parents grave with him, I actually looked up what Sarutobi said about the white snake. It is indeed, a powerful symbol of good luck in Japanese culture :D I didn't really find anything about rebirth though. But it makes sense since snakes have always been symbolic for eternity in other cultures.

-In episode 214 of Naruto Shippuuden, Kakashi said that 'No matter how low Orochimaru fell, the Third always adored him.' Kakashi also confirmed that Orochimaru was Sarutobi's favorite. During the whole time with Oro's fight against Sarutobi, we see the Third Hokage crying as well, at what Orochimaru had become. But in the end when he's dying, he died with a smile on his face as he saw Orochimaru as a child. I think in a way, he died, happy that he at least got to see Orochimaru again. I also think, that in his entire life, he loved Orochimaru the most. He never shows the same level of affection for anyone else, even with the brief scenes between him and Asuma.

-In episode 352, Danzo even noted the deep love Sarutobi had for his student when Sarutobi made every excuse possible to get his Anbu to bring Orochimaru back alive, a task that's way more difficult than outright killing him. In a way, Sarutobi did indeed, love Orochimaru much more than the village by letting him get away when he caught him red-handed with the experiments. When he finally had to go all out and use the Death Reaper seal, I feel like Sarutobi not only wanted to protect the village, but to rectify his mistakes in letting go and letting him turn into a monster (like a parent regret spoiling their child and ruining them), but also because he couldn't bear to live without Orochimaru, or continue living with the guilt if he did indeed kill him.

(*＾▽＾)／Ooooh a new reader. Hi lumichan! Dawww you're beautiful too. Thank you for reading and reviewing. Much appreciated friend. Hope you'll like this chapter too.

（＊＾ω＾） Awww you would spend your free time to help me research? Thank you BlackLady777. Teehee, I'm glad to see such a positive reaction regarding the darker element of last chapter, with the melting bones and skin thing, and how Orochimaru's inner thoughts worked. It was kinda hard to show that while he was selfish and can be very hateful, his feelings were very true and genuine at the same time. And yes you're right, his perspective of morality is alittle skewered. He thinks the right choices are choices that're made to benefit the select few who he has given priority to. Like... how it's wrong to steal food, but you do so anyways to feed your kids or loved ones, and not care that the merchant might not have the money to feed his own family. That's the best metaphor I can think of regarding Orochimaru's stance on morality. Thanks again for your great support my friend.

o(^▽^)o Ahh! Last chapter was your favorite ileangie23? Yay! I do enjoy writing about sweet sappy moments, funny moments, but I also love writing about dark, angsty and twisted stuff, especially when it comes from deep bonds. Like they say, hate and love comes from different sides of the same coin haha. And I'm so happy to hear you love the part where Tsunade wasn't mad because of the moral quality of his actions, but she was concerned about him in general, something that marks her difference from Jiraiya. And yes, even though both Oro and Jiraiya think so differently from each other, both have insight into each other's ideals. And most of all, I'm just happy to hear that you're enjoying yourself with reading ileangie23.

（*´▽`*) Wow another new reader! Greetings hxshigaki76! Oh gosh, you're being too kind. My fic isn't perfect. Still needs alot of work. But it is very lovely of you to say so. I will do my best to not disappoint you and everyone reading this. And wow what a coincidence about Orochi's mom then! Yes, I intend to expand on that even more in the future. Hope you'll look forward to it friend.

(ㆁᴗㆁ✿) Last but not least, JigokuShoujosRevenge! Hello my friend. Ahaha, of course, I understand what you mean. And I'm so glad to hear you had fun with the last chapter. Thank you again for reading and commenting.