She didn't pay much attention to where she was going. Her legs just moved on her own as her mind had completely glazed over and her eyes were dry and burning. By the time she realized it, she had somehow made her way to an empty beach. The Land of Whirlpools was an island surrounded by treacherous waters that made travel difficult. But closer to the land itself, the waters were calm and serene. The village was two hours away, far and distant, along with a certain someone who had closed off his heart to her.

Tsunade wiped harshly at her eyes and jumped down from a rocky cliff, her feet hitting soft white sand. With a shuddering breath, she hugged herself and looked up at the crescent moon. The sound of the waters crashing in and out along with the blowing wind brought her little relief and she found herself thinking back on their conversation.

You fear me.

Tsunade bit on her lips and felt her throat close up again. "You idiot..." she choked out. She wasn't afraid of him, she was afraid for him. On one hand, she had Jiraiya who was too kind and generous, making him a prime target to be taken advantage of. Because of his big heart, he was also too giving and she feared that one day, he might just end up dead for trying to be a hero. On the other hand, Orochimaru was very self-centered and selfish, putting those around him, including himself, at risk. He was rarely happy and almost everything was a battle for him. If he didn't get what he wanted, he would grow irritated. He HAD to win, no matter what. His happiness was always fragile and short-lived and this saddened her because she wanted him to find some semblance of peace and content. He wanted so much and if he couldn't have what he wanted, he'd try harder and he'd push. He'd keep on pushing until either he breaks or whatever else breaks.

Touching her necklace, she looked down at the jewel and watched as a tear dripped onto it. She just wanted him to be happy and to be safe. It didn't matter to her if he couldn't become Hokage. It didn't matter if he lost all of his techniques. It didn't even matter if he lost his handsome appearance. She'd still want to be with him and help him. He was always so cold and scared of death and decay, never being able to fully appreciate life. She wanted to heal and change him so that he could actually appreciate what life has to offer. If he can actually care and see the village as a family, and feel the Will of Fire, perhaps then he'd find even more happiness than with just their team. She worried constantly about his future. Once they were Jonin, what if she and Jiraiya were sent away on long term missions? What was Orochimaru supposed to do? Lock himself away to research and become a hermit?! Worst, what if she and Jiraiya died? He'd be all alone and only have Sarutobi-sensei.

Tears were now freely flowing down her cheeks and she punched down on the ground so hard, a straight line of water exploded up into the air and she screamed. "I just want you to be happy! Why won't you even let me explain?!"

"So just explain later."

She immediately readied her fists and slowed down her breathing. "Who's there! Show yourself!"

From behind a large boulder, a large fat man with a patch of volcano red hair and the bushiest mustache she's ever seen leaned out and yawned. "Girl, it's like four in the morning. Must you be so loud like all the women back in the village?"

She turned red and huffed, "Who the hell are you calling loud?"

He plugged his ears and winced. "Even if you don't have the red hair, you're just as rowdy as all of the women in my clan geez." Standing up, he brushed sand off his brown hakima pants and tanned long sleeved robed shirt that was tied with a white belt. On the side dangled a large gourd with a red stopper that had liquid sloshing around in it. Walking towards her in a heavy set gait, he peered down at her and said, "Some more stupid teen lovesick drama I'm guessing?" He fell backwards when she punched him, blood gushing out of his nose. "What is wrong with you girly?!"

"Listen here!" Tsunade raged at the big man. "I'm so pissed off right now I could throw you into the ocean!"

"No, you listen here idiot girl!" He got back up in such a hurry that his stomach bounced. "Is your lover boy going to die tonight or something?"

"Don't jinx him! He's going to be perfectly fine!"

"Then why the hell are you making it sound like you'll never be able to explain whatever it was that you're thinking to him?" The red hair man scowled. "Go get some sleep, wake up, then tell him. Jeez, can kids these days not even fix their problems?"

Tsunade stared at him with wide eyes. "Oh... you're... right." She crossed her arms and pouted. "It's just that being rejected and being yelled at just really hurts and-"

"Yea yea I get the drill." The man the cork off his gourd and took in a deep drink. Wiping his mouth, he said, "Let me guess, you two argued and he shuts off like a rock and plays the 'I'm going to be a big baby and just hide' card."

"He wouldn't even let me explain," Tsunade grumbled in agreement. "But... he's just really hurt." She kicked at the sand and returned to looking at the waters. "Don't judge him too harshly. He's been orphaned since he was four and has suffered through a lot. He doesn't get close to people since he's so afraid of loss. I grew up with him and knew him since we were kids. He reacted badly just because he's so wounded and scared."

"Sweetie, then you gotta be the one to be more grown up and try to fix this." He plopped himself down in the sand and yawned. "A new day brings a new start. Misunderstanding is the biggest threat to relationships. Try not to be another victim."

She sniffed. "You can't be truly happy with someone who will never bat an eyelash if someone dies before his very feet. That's what he said. He has so little confidence in himself and in this relationship." Tsunade sat down in the white sand beside him and pressed her face into her hands.

"Well... can you be happy with someone like that?"

"I can." Tsunade replied honestly. "Because I understand that he's just trying to protect himself. I do hope that he can grow to care for others though, because it will help heal him." When she saw the look of disbelief, she said firmly, "He is a good person. Back when we were kids, during the Chunin exam, I and my friend almost died. To save us he ate a special pill that gave his blood poison and paralysing abilities to defeat our opponents. But it came at the cost of heavy damage to his entire airway. How can I not love someone who would go so far for those that he does care about?"

"Meh." He took another swig out of his gourd and held it out. "Here, take a sip to calm your nerves."

Tsunade leaned down and took a sniff before wrinkling her nose. "That's alcohol! I'm not legal yet."

The man laughed heartily and said, "Girly, now you show some levelheadedness. Maybe you're not like the women of my clan after all."

Just to spite him, she grabbed the gourd and gulped in a mouthful of the drink. Immediately, her eyes teared up and it felt like her throat caught on fire. Coughing and spluttering, she shoved it back into his hand. "Eargh! What the hell is this?! It burns!"

"Bwahahahah!" The man corked the gourd and grinned in his success in tricking her for his amusement. "That was hilarious and it makes up for you waking me up in the middle of the night." He got up and plopped back over to the rock where he had been earlier. Laying on his back, he quickly fell asleep and snored.

She huffed at the strange man in indignation before looking over to see the first rays of dawn. Her stomach clutched up when she thought of having to face Orochimaru and explain. She prayed that he would understand and give their relationship the chance it deserves.

Next morning...

"Hey..."

"Why are you scuttling around like a rat?" Orochimaru asked as he sat at their table and took a sip of his tea, eyeing the spiky hair poking through the door like a white porcupine.

"Are you and Tsunade still mad at me?" Jiraiya asked quietly, coming in with a humbled expression on his face.

Orochimaru looked back down at his book and continued reading. "What you've done have ensured the safety of a very powerful fuinjutsu user. For that, I can somewhat forgive you." His golden eyes peered over to his friend over the top of his book. "But try that again, and I'll let you reap the consequences alone."

Jiraiya was relieved to see that his friend seemed so healthy despite taking such a bad injury. If Orochimaru could have the strength to use his barbed tongue, then he was well. "Yea, don't worry Oro."

"Hmph."

Looking around, Jiraiya asked, "Where's Tsunade? Weren't we all going to go meet some teacher to learn an advanced technique?"

"No idea," Orochimaru replied despondently, his eyes not leaving his book.

"I have a good morning surprise for her," Jiraiya said cheerfully, not noticing his friend's lack of concern for their other teammate. When Orochimaru didn't say anything, he whistled awkwardly and sat down at the table. "Wanna go out for breakfast when Tsunade comes back?"

"Not hungry. You and Tsunade can go together. I'm sure you'll be pleased to finally have some alone time with her," Orochimaru replied tonelessly.

Jiraiya was starting to catch on that something seemed off with his friend. He was even more sour than normal. Staring at him intently, he thought that his friend's eyes seemed duller. Just then, the door opened up and Tsunade froze in its frame. He quickly bowed his head and pulled out a folder. "I am really sorry, Tsunade. Please forgive me."

She looked over at Orochimaru briefly before closing the door and walking in. Sitting down, she took the folder and opened it up. Seeing what was inside, her throat constricted from emotions. He had... written up the report for her. Not only that, it was perfect. There was plenty of details and it was all very organized. Jiraiya, for the most part, hated writing reports, saying it was a waste of his time as he'd rather work on his story. So every time he did write a report, she or Orochimaru had to do a quick edit. His best report still took half an hour to finalize. But this was... perfect. He had done his best in writing it and she knew that he had done it as a way to apologize. Despite her harsh and cold words, he wasn't mad and he actually tried to do something to mend his mistakes. Dare she say it but he was growing up.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Thank you." Awkwardly, she asked, "Does your shoulder still hurt?"

"I popped it back in. Should be fine," Jiraiya said happily. His heart soared when she moved closer to him and beckoned him to pull down his shirt.

"I'll help it heal faster. Hold still."

Jiraiya was delighted to see that she really wasn't angry at him anymore and he joked, "I get the chance to have the village's princess caressing my skin. What a great start to the day!"

Tsunade rapped him on the forehead. "Don't push it or I'll pull your arm."

"Hmph." She and Jiraiya jumped slightly when Orochimaru placed down his cup of tea and stood up, adjusting his purple shirt. "I'm going to take an early morning bath. When I come back, be ready so that we can head out to Mitsurugi's office for our teacher."

"Wa-wait, Orochimaru," Tsunade protested. "You can't get your wound wet."

"It's all healed." He pulled down his mesh undershirt to show perfect porcelain skin. Without another word, he swept out of there.

Tsunade was disheartened at his haste, knowing that he was ignoring her. She glanced over to the door and her shoulders sagged in dejection. Trying to steal a moment of his time alone was probably going to be harder than trying to win the lottery.

"Tsunade, niceeeeeee! How'd you heal him up so well so fast?" Jiraiya gaped in admiration. He thought he knew her healing abilities but apparently he didn't. Normally, it should have taken at least a week. Perhaps she's been improving without his knowledge.

Tsunade's eyes widened in realization at how fast Orochimaru had healed up. That wasn't normal. His healing rate had more than tripled. She knew all of his and Jiraiya's medical data like the back of her hand and something like this should be impossible. She blinked in confusion. "It wasn't me."

"Don't be bashful," Jiraiya said, sucking up to her and trying to stay in her good book. "You're a great healer Tsunade."

She just continued to look puzzled.

At Mitsurugi's office...

"Orochimaru, you're already healed up?" Mitsurugi asked in surprise, turning away from the view of his fragrant garden that showed through his open back wall. He rinsed his hands with the water coming out of the walls to crash down below into the foliage and sat down.

They stood before his desk politely and Orochimaru said, "Tsunade is a talented healer and the injury wasn't that serious, my lord. Thank you for your concern."

The Kage nodded. "That is good to hear. I was going to send a note for you three to have the day off to rest. Well, then, we shall proceed as scheduled. Today will be a learning day and we'll see how long you three takes to learn that new advanced technique before I send you on a mission." Noting the look on their faces, he said, "Sarutobi has praised all three of you very highly but I never imagined that you were even more capable than I thought. The mission I had in mind is difficult but now I have faith you three should be fine."

"Thank you, my lord," the three said in unison.

"Now, I introduce you to your teacher for the next little while. Goro Uzumaki. He's my second cousin. He's abit eccentric but he's a good man and an even better teacher."

When the person opened the door and walked in, Tsunade's jaw dropped to the ground. "I-It's you!"

He guffawed. "Oh your expression is hilarious. So which one is lover boy?"

If it was possible to die from embarrassment, they'd be burying her six feet under. Worst, Jiraiya decided to pipe up, "I am the king of romance. Must be me!"

"The most romantic thing you've ever done was tried to croak a mating call to Tsunade," Orochimaru replied, reminding them all of the time Jiraiya was dumb and desperate enough to take advice from his toad sages back at Mount Myoboku. To be fair, he was only eight at the time. But being woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of something that sounded like it was dying and choking, and then receiving an explanation that it was a frog's love song, Orochimaru was never going to let Jiraiya forget it. It was made even worse when the call attracted bandits and Sarutobi had went on an hour lecture about stealth to Jiraiya, before tying him to a tree for the rest of the night.

Jiraiya turned red immediately and scoffed, "Well it can't be you. You don't know the first thing about romance!"

"I agree," Orochimaru replied coldly. "I know nothing of romance and have no wish to. Love is just another word for foolishness."

Goro said, "Oh. So then you're-"

"Ack!" Tsunade jumped and punched him in the face, causing another nosebleed.

"Will you stop that girly!" He clutched at his red nose that was gushing out blood.

"Shut up and mind your own business you drunkard!"

"I'm your teacher now! How dare you speak to me like that!"

"I punched my teacher on my first day of school when I was five! What's your point!"

"Mitsurugi I quit this job! Find someone else!"

Uzushio's Kage put his face into his hands and just stay very quiet.

Orochimaru decided to speak up. "I don't require a teacher anyways. Instead of an advanced technique to learn, I would like this." He pulled out a scroll and handed it over to a surprised and curious Mitsurugi.

Opening it up, he scanned through it briefly before rolling it back up and said, "Do you know what you're asking for? This has been banned for years for a reason." His two teammates immediately grew concerned but the pale one showed no hint of his emotions. Thinly, Mitsurugi said, "To get this tattoo, you must go through excruciating pain. The summoning ink used will be ingrained into your very soul. Once you start, you can't stop either. People's minds have broken under this."

"Pain will last only an instant. That tattoo and the power it brings will be eternal." Orochimaru gave him a half bow and said firmly, "There is nothing else I want, my lord."

Mitsurugi leaned back heavily and sighed. "Go back and think about it. I will also think about this and send a letter to your teacher and leader. He should know of the risk involved, especially since he considers you to be his successor."

Tsunade watched helplessly as Orochimaru gave another bow before sweeping out of the room. She looked over to Jiraiya, who was also sharing the same worry. "Go talk to him. He listens to you," urged Jiraiya. "Don't let him do this."

She nodded, grateful for his encouragement and understanding and she gave a quick bow to the people in the room. "I'm sorry."

Jiraiya could feel his chest tightening up as she ran off and he said to himself quietly, "It's always him, isn't it, Tsunade?

"Orochimaru, we have to talk." Tsunade closed the door and gave him a hard look. Sitting on the windowsill, he moved his head away from the potted purple orchids and turned his yellow eyes on her. Tsunade gulped slightly. It was like being stared at by a snake. She could feel a drop of sweat sliding down the back of her neck but she forced herself to be strong as she walked across the room and up the three small steps towards him. "I don't want you to get that tattoo."

"And I should care about what you want because?" he said coldly.

"Orochimaru!" She said in frustration, "About last night, just let me explain."

He said emotionlessly, "There is nothing to discuss further and I don't want to be reminded of it.

"I am not afraid of you," she insisted. She almost fell backward when he stood up and leaned in close to her.

"Don't lie to me. I can smell your fear," he said, narrowing his eyes at her. "Even now, you're trembling." He smirked as she backed into the wall as he stepped forward. Placing a firm palm on the wall, he said coldly, "For all your claims of loving me even though I'm not perfect, you only wish to change me. You can't accept the fact that I don't care about others and that I only care for my self-interest. You can't love a selfish man like me, Tsunade. Be honest with yourself for once." He put a hand over his face and she could hear the hurt in his voice as he said, "Just stop. I am so tired of all of this."

Tsunade's eyes teared up and she pulled his hand away so that their eyes could meet. "I am afraid for you, not at you. I know you don't care for many because you want to protect yourself but I still hope you can learn to. Because if something happened to me and Jiraiya, you'll be all alone. I want you to have more support." She moved herself closer so that their bodies touched. "The only reason your selfishness frightens me is because I'm worried about how far you'll go to get what you want. You gave up the rules and risk Sarutobi-sensei's approval if you were to be discovered sneaking into our restricted archives back home, all for the sake of knowledge." Her hand tightened over his, making him focus on her as he tried to avert his eyes. "You will become Jonin, and one day you'll be Hokage. You will have people under your wing. You will even have a Genin team you have to watch out for. I'm afraid you might sacrifice them for power. Then you'll be shunned, hated, and make enemies. I am so afraid for your safety and happiness, Orochimaru." Her voice cracked and she choked, "Even today, you dumbass! For the sake of more power from that tattoo, you are risking even yourself. Do you know the true definition of selfish? For one's gratifications and desires, one can sacrifice anyone and anything for it. Even themselves."

"How can being selfish hurt yourself-"

Tsunade cried, "I'll explain it in a way even you can understand. I love you and I want to keep you with me. If I'm selfish enough, I can pull out my own eyes to force you to be with me through guilt or pity. My actions will hurt the both of us but what does it matter if I get what I want." She grabbed onto his shoulders and pleaded, "Orochimaru, can you understand? Being selfish hurts all. I'm not changing you so that I can love you. I already do. I'm just worried about you."

"Tsunade." His throat tightened up and he watched as tears trailed down her cheeks. She was his first and best friend, and the one who's always tried to heal him both physically and mentally. Her intentions were kind. Had he been wrong to have doubt her and think that she feared him? "So when you saw my selfish intent when I looked at Kushina..."

"I saw you standing at the edge of the cliff," she said quietly. "One step from going too far. One step from doing something you will regret and drowning in your own selfishness. The willingness to jump is as horrifying as the willingness to pull out your own eyes."

Orochimaru let out a long hollow breath. "But still... can you really be happy with me? If you are continually fearing for me and hurting for me like right now? Is that really a good thing?" He shook his head. "I'm going to get that tattoo and I'm going to keep being selfish. I will always be selfish because that's what required to be a survivor." He bit down on his cheek and said softly, "The only thing I can ever grant you if we were a relationship, is the promise to not die on you. There is not enough happiness in that-" He froze when she hugged him, pressing herself as close to him as humanly possible.

"That is enough for me." She pressed her face into his neck, remembering the emptiness and sorrow she felt at losing her grandfather and granduncle. Sorrowfully, she said, "I know you're not going to change your mind on getting that tattoo. Other than knocking you out, my only option is to hold your hand while you're in pain." She pulled back slightly so that they could be face to face. "We can make this work, Orochimaru. Please, let's try."

"Can it really?" he asked, his heart doubtful.

"I am not a saint. I gamble and go into debts but you know that it makes me happy so you never stopped that about me. You only chide me when I'm wracking up too much loss and you come to help me with your luck." She smiled prettily up at him. "So I can do the same. I can also be by your side and make sure you don't go too far. We can do this together."

He could feel her breath dance across his lips as they moved their faces closer to each other. "You can accept my selfishness then?"

"If you can accept my short temper, my addiction to gambling and my spoiled attitude despite disapproving of them, I can do the same." She placed a hand on his cool cheek, brushing her thumb across the skin. He was so vulnerable and so hesitant, her heart went out to him. "Orochimaru... I am your windmill," she murmured, hoping that he'd understand and remember.

His eyes widened and he remembered the conversation he had with her years ago. Not only that, he remembered his mother's words.

Like how a magnificent windmill would stand, quietly, proudly, never wavering. It spins beautifully against a soft summer breeze, and it stands strong against a cutting cold storm. No matter the good or the bad, the windmill will always wait for the wind.

He made a pained sound in the back of his throat and pressed his forehead against hers. "I understand now, Tsunade. A relationship can work with a balance of both acceptance and push to be better than who you are."

She nodded rapidly and pressed her face back into his chest. "I promise," she tried to joke as she used his shirt to wipe her tears. "If you tell me that my gambling was going to run us out of house and home, I won't be too angry at you."

He hugged her and suppressed the tears trying to burn past his eyes. "Don't worry. As future Hokage, I should be able to pay off your debts," he said, his voice quavering. He then chuckled lightly, still full of overwhelming emotions. "You really deserve your title of Legendary Sucker. Still going after me despite everything."

"I love you," Tsunade cried, her hands tightening up a fistful of the fabric of his shirt. "But sometimes I really do want to punch you, you lovable snake."

"I'm sorry for everything," he replied, holding her close to his heart, his hand running through her thick ponytail. Slowly, he said, "Tsunade I... I lov-"

Tsunade gasped as he stumbled backward and yelled out. "Orochimaru!" He fell heavily to his knees and was clutching at his head, his teeth gnashed together. Falling to his side, she reached out for him and panicked, sensing his chakra heavily fluctuating. What was happening? His voice had dropped by five octaves and he was nearly curled up from the pain. But she couldn't sense at all where it was coming from. The only hint was his head that he was clutching so hard, that his hands were snow white. "Orochimaru lay down! I'll help-"

"I don't need your help!" He pushed her away and forced himself to his feet, bowed over with pain and his eyes glazed over. "I can't believe I almost fell for your lies."

She thought she saw a flash of red streak across his eyes but once again, it was so fast that she couldn't quite catch it. Standing back up, she shook her head and shouted, "I'm not lying. I-"

"Shut up." He straightened himself and panted, "It's all lies. You defended Akano Uchiha back when we were six. You were horrified to see me twist his arm and break his knee. You chose to defend a total stranger over your best friend."

"I didn't know what happened. All I saw was you putting someone through excruciating pain-"

Orochimaru snarled at her. "You didn't trust your best friend and teammate."

Tsunade drew inward on herself and said, "But we made up. I tried to apologize and show how sorry I was. I and Jiraiya saved you when Akano's teammates attacked you."

He pointed at her accusingly. "During the Chunin exam, you protested against me melting those three attendants who were trying to kill us. You were ready to even fight me. I won't believe you, Tsunade. You will always pick others before me. You want me to change because it's easier for you! It was never for me!"

"I stopped you because I didn't want you to become a monster!" Tsunade cried. "You can kill them, but you shouldn't resort to melting their skin and flesh off their bones."

Orochimaru laughed darkly and said, "Why should I ever show mercy to an enemy? You are a hypocrite. If I was to bring you your grandfather and granduncle's killers right this instant, don't tell me you wouldn't punch a hole into their chest and rip out their spinal cords or try an even more painful method. There is no such thing as becoming a monster by being cruel to your enemies. They deserve it." He clutched at his head again, pulling at the hair he loved so much. "I'll never be with someone like you, Tsunade. You will leave me. I know you will. I won't give you the chance."

"Orochimaru..." She couldn't understand what had gone wrong so suddenly.

Openly glaring at her and baring his sharp teeth, he hissed, "I am your dark mirror. I know you more than you even know yourself. You are also very selfish. You will abandon me when it becomes too hard." Backing away, he shook his head. "I am not going to let anyone hurt me. Not even you. If you ever approach me about this subject again, I will..."

"I will what?" She asked angrily and full of hurt. "You will hurt me? Kill me?"

"I will break your heart before you can break mine," he threatened, slamming the door as he left.

Tsunade screamed and hurled a pot of purple orchids at the door, sending dirt, clay pottery and flowers flying everywhere. Falling to the ground, she put her face into her hands and cried.

An hour or two passed and when she was simply too exhausted to cry anymore, she pulled herself into her futon and threw the blankets over herself. After some time, she heard Jiraiya returning. He cried out to see the mess she had made and ran over to her side, showering her with questions and concerns. She ignored them all and just buried herself deeper into the covers. The only thing she could say to Jiraiya was that were no changing Orochimaru's mind. He was getting that tattoo no matter what.

She didn't remember much after that. She just knew that Jiraiya had went to clean up and go pay for the damage before returning with an order of room service food. He kept trying to wheedle her out from under her blankets to eat. When she finally caved in to keep him from pestering her, she only took a few bites, went to the washroom and returned to bed. Orochimaru didn't return that night and she could easily guess that he had went off to sneak into Uzushiogakure's restricted archives.

The next few days, Jiraiya tried to teach her and Orochimaru what he had learned from Goro Uzumaki. The man had deemed that showing Jiraiya the technique was all that he needed to do, and had sent Jiraiya off to practice on his own after some very basic instructions. She wasn't sure what Jiraiya had answered, but he was taught the Five Elements Seal. It was a powerful fuinjutsu that could disrupt and block chakra flow, and it was also apparently incredibly hard to remove. When one learns its counter, Five Element Unseal, the move could also be used to break other powerful seals. As usual, Orochimaru mastered it before she and Jiraiya did, and spent three days away from them to do his own thing. Jiraiya had tried to talk to him about his tattoo thing, but Orochimaru had cuttingly remarked that there was little logic in listening to a fool who almost got them killed with the Kushina incident, before coldly leaving.

Goro had once dropped by their place to enquire if she was ready to learn a unique technique for herself but she was in no mood and just said she'll tell him when she made up her mind. He seemed to notice her melancholy. His solution? More burning alcohol. She had to admit, despite feeling like her throat was on fire, the after taste wasn't actually unpleasant. She didn't take more than one gulp but she had to admit, it did dull her pain.

After she and Jiraiya finally mastered the Five Elements Seal, the three of them returned to Mitsurugi's office.

Mitsurugi's office...

The Kage folded his fingers together and said, "For this mission, Goro will be accompanying you. Meet up with him at the village's gate and then head towards a ruin that lies deep within our forest. Inside there, you must find five stone tablets that irradiates with chakra. The Head, The Arms, The Legs, The Body and The Heart. Once you have all of them, you can open a door with the pieces. Inside that door, you must defeat the demon protecting a scroll that holds a powerful kinjutsu. All you'll need to do next is burn that scroll and the mission is complete."

Tsunade's heart jumped when she saw Orochimaru stiffening up. He said quietly, "Why must we destroy that scroll? Surely, we can still keep it and just have it locked away, like Konohagakure's Scroll of Seals."

"It is far too dangerous to have even existed in the first place," Mitsurugi said calmly. "It twists the order of nature and it causes great harm to both the user and the victim."

Orochimaru bit his tongue and forced himself to nod, his eyes simmering with dislike at the loss. Slowly, he said, "But why have you decided to destroy it now?"

Mitsurugi sighed and answered, "The seals holding that demon back has weakened over the years. To renew them is pointless. Each time, the renewal time grows shorter and shorter. It's learning how to undo it. To try and destroy it is dangerous but there's no other way. That demon and scroll can't be allowed to escape the prison."

"We will do our best," Tsunade said firmly, keeping watch over Orochimaru in the corner of her eyes.

"Good. Any more questions?"

Jiraiya raised up his hand. "Am I the only one who doesn't really get the 'demon' part. Like what, something with horns and tails?"

Konohagakure...

"Orochimaru..." Sarutobi read through the letter he had received via messenger hawk from Uzushiogakure and found his heart beating with cold fear. It was kind enough that he was at least informed, but he had no final say in whether Orochimaru could get that tattoo or not. He leaned back heavily in his chair and thought of the boy he loved as a son, fearing for his fate. He believed that he was strong, and could probably succeed in this endeavor. Nonetheless, with parental love, he still couldn't help but disapprove and be fearful. He looked over as someone knocked on his office door. "Come in."

When he saw Lady Mito, Tsunade's grandmother, he quickly stood up and bowed in respect. "Lady Mito."

She smiled serenely at him and sat down, her green kimono crinkling at the movement. "I've heard that you've received news about the Kyuubi's potential new vessel. Did it go well?"

"It went very well," Sarutobi said with a nod. "There waa littlele mishap with Orochimaru and Jiraiya accidentally getting involved, but it all worked out. Kushina's powers are incredible, even though she's only two. She will be strong enough to contain the nine-tails."

Mito touched her heart, comforted by the news. "That is good to hear. But of course, even if she's strong, the most important thing is for her to be filled with love. That is the most important component in keeping the Kyuubi under control. The creature does not understand love and the darkness it tries to bring out in the heart can be stopped." She then said, "You look troubled, dear Sarutobi. What is the matter?"

The Third Hokage looked back down at the letter on his desk and said solemnly, "I'm worried about Orochimaru. My poor boy..."

Darkwings13:

-In Naruto Shippuden episode 247, we can see the leader of Uzumaki clan sealing some kind of demon, with Hashirama standing on the side and watching.

-Even though Orochimaru constantly transfers bodies, he always has that tattoo with him. I know he tries to keep his appearance the same, like his purple outline, but that summoning seal is more than just decorative and is always in the same exact spot. So I'm going with it's actually a part of his soul. Sort of like his golden slit-shaped eyes that also never changes.

≧(´▽｀)≦ Sorry for breaking your heart hxshigaki76! Believe me, it also broke muh heart too. So much feelsss. And thank you! I felt so bad writing about Tsunade scolding Jiraiya and how bad he was feeling but I'm glad I got the chance to portray the frog sage's inner turmoil and sorrows about his unrequited love.

(=￣▽￣=) Thank you Lord Creator! I think I can write Orochi so well since my personality is actually quite close to his. But I love cold food lol. I also tend to study alot of tragic figures like him in other media and people like him has always intrigued me. I'm very grateful and appreciative that you would consider my story as your headcannon. Such high praises!

(*´ω｀*)ノSame here LuckyLefty77. All I can repeat in my head as I wrote the last chapter was Feels Feels Feels omg Punch in the Diagphram feelssssssss. I'm glad I was able to portray it well enough for you. Thank you! And it's a pleasure to write this and to be able to support the Orotsu ship.

(●・ω・) You've brought up great points JigokuShoujoRevenge! Indeed, I tried to show Tsunade's disdain but also sorrow at Orochimaru's selfishness. She cares for him and is saddened that with the way he is; he is always pushing people away and could potentially do something monstrous. Which is kinda true since he experimented on fifty babies with Hashirama's cells. I do agree Tsu is hyprocritical though. This one time she scolds shikamaru for moping over Asumas death but she herself spent years drunk on her ass from losing Dan and Nawaki. Anyways, one reason why the chapter is written so that you sympathize with Tsunade and agree with Orochimaru, was actually because I wrote it in his selfish viewpoint. He raises up very good points and truly believes in the logic. But at the end, it's always 'what can I sacrifice for a b c.' Is it wrong to think of a baby as a disposable thing even though hundreds are dying out there? Yes. If someone crawls to your feet one should help if they're able to, despite knowing people die every minute. But he won't do it unless he has something to gain from it. When orochi decided that she feared him, he immediately gets very defensive and doesn't quite let her explain (I tried to be subtle about it). Another drawback of being selfish. He always thinks he's right and in his head, he will always come up with reasons to justify himself. It's actually kinda scary. But I actually have this flaw too haha. Whew, this was awesome to discuss with you my friend. I love reviews like this! I can write so much on it. Your review has also helped contributed greatly to this chapter in which I now tried to present Tsunade's point of view instead of Orochi.

(≧∇≦) Oh noes! Have a tissue ileangie23. *Passes tissues*. I'm glad though. I was also tearing up while writing this so I'm relieved I managed to pass the feels on. You're very welcome my friend. I just do my best and I'm so glad you thought it was brilliant. Just knowing how emotional you are at the last chapter is more than enough of a review for me friend. *huggles* And omg, you reminded me of what Tsu said to Oro about loving him for being human and real, despite his imperfections. I had to put it in this chapter.

( ´ω｀ )ゞ Blacklady777! I saw your pm. Will reply in a bit my friend. And oh no, I made another person tear up. *huggles* Oh yea I've always tried to be realistic and canon as possible. I just think it helps with believability. Jiraiya was actually the easiest to write for me as he is simply just very loving and kind. Very self-sacrificing compared to Oro. I actually consider that to be his flaw as those around him worries for his safety or gets angry at the mess he drags through. Tsunade was the hardest to write as she is the middle ground between Oro and Jiraiya. I've never liked fence sitters but at the same time, they are more balanced. She does turn a blind eye to Orochi as long as he doesn't do anything bad to their village. Like how she is fine with breaking in Uzushio but is wary about Oro doing that for Konoha. In some way she accept him but she's still fearful about him potentially going too far. Like how you can turn a blind eye to a certain amount of things. That is rather dangerous though, as Orochi can become very confused on what she wants from him. Is being who he is right or wrong? Why does she not care one moment but then object in the next? If she likes my intelligence, why is she angry at me for pointing out the more rational path even though it means sacrifice for example. She has to learn how to be clear and set boundaries to let Orochi understand. Like you can be loud to a certain degree before you receive a complaint lol. Moving on to Oro, he is actually a little too selfish and vain to think he needs improvement. And he's unfortunately very jaded to go out of his comfort zone. As you pointed out my friend, he gave into his fear of suffering. He probably also fears change as that means facing uncertainty and losing control. Still, he has his good points like still thinking about Tsunade and her happiness even in the end. Oh you like the tear he shed? Yay! I wasn't sure about that but I was sorta inspired by Orochi shedding a tear while holding Sarutobi hostage in that one episode lol.