"Ugh... my head. Did something HOLY TITS!"

At Jiraiya's loud outburst, Tsunade slowly opened her eyes and groaned. "Keep it down pervy no brain. It's way too early for you to shout about boobs-" She froze when she realized she was sleeping against Orochimaru when she saw the purple silk shirt. Blushing madly, she scrambled to sit up but when she raised her head, she also screamed. Half of his hair that was tied into a low ponytail was snow white and worst, he was missing an arm. Pulling him into a half sitting position, she tried to wake him up. "Orochimaru! Orochimaru! Wake up! Can you hear me?" She checked his pulse and temperature and noted that while he wasn't sick, he seemed to be rather weak. When he began stirring in her arms, she cried out in relief to Jiraiya who was beside them.

"Tsu...nade? Jiraiya?" Orochimaru suddenly clamped one hand over his right eye and hissed. "It hurts. What's-" He let out a loud sound, clearly shaken when he saw the state he was in. Turning towards the medical ninja of the team, he panicked. "My arm! My eye! M-my hair! Tsunade, what's happening to me? What's going on?"

Jiraiya looked around, trying to analyze the place to figure out what happened. They had only been in Uzushiogakure for a few days and were supposed to go to some tower to give that little girl the red crystal Sarutobi had told them to keep safe. What the hell was going on? Seeing the cold pot and food, he deducted that they had been eating before something interrupted them. There was glass shards in a corner but all the windows didn't seem broken. So did someone disguise themselves to get into the room without alerting him, Tsunade and Jiraiya's suspicion? While Tsunade worked on checking up on the condition of the rest of Orochimaru's body, he rummaged through their bags. "Orochimaru, Tsunade! Our red crystal is gone!"

Orochimaru's lips were thin with anger and he pulled his shirt back up after Tsunade finished checking his chest and notified him that there was no damage to his internal organs. There were tears in Tsunade's eyes as she clutched at Orochimaru's hand. "Your beautiful hair... eye and arm."

"Hmph."

Tsunade gave a start as she realized that he might be thinking that she only cared about his looks. The way he was holding his head low and acting like he wanted to dig and hide in a hole, tore at her heart. Squeezing his hand, she whispered, "What I'm worried about most is your arm. Your dream to learn every technique in the world..." She burst into tears and hugged him. "How the hell can you make hand seals with only one hand?!"

Jiraiya watched the two, his heart also heavy. Since they were kids, his friend had dreamed of obtaining every technique that was out there. This was the equivalent of seeing a singer lose his voice. That dream was practically his life.

His cheeks was slightly pink as he returned the hug, feeling suddenly warm on the inside. "Tsu-Tsunade, it's fine. I know a regeneration technique that can restore my body. But it consumes an abhorrent amount of chakra and it hasn't been perfected yet. At the very least, I have to be healthy again before I can use it."

Suddenly, there was insistent knocking on the door that startled all three of them. Drawing out a kunai, Jiraiya walked over to the door and asked, "Who's there?"

"Lord Kage's Anbu. It's time to head out for your interrogation and we're here to escort you."

The silence in the room thickened like butter, so thick that even a knife could slice through it. All of them were utterly confused as to what was going on. The door suddenly flew open as they took too long and they were all seized and unceremoniously dragged out of the room. "H-hey!" Jiraiya shoved them off him and said angrily, "I can walk myself, thank you very much!"

Meanwhile, Tsunade just kneed one in the stomach and shoved another away from Orochimaru. Putting herself in front of him protectively, she cracked her knuckles. "We aren't going anywhere without an explanation. What the hell did we do wrong to be dragged off like criminals?"

Behind her, Orochimaru suddenly grew fearful. Had they been discovered on sneaking into the archives? It can't be. He had taken every precautions and triple checked when they did. Not only that, they've only been to the archives two times. How could they be discovered? Lifting up his one remaining eye as the animosity grew, he lightly touched the back of Tsunade's hand and slightly shook his head. Reluctantly, Tsunade moved back over to his side and said, "Fine. Take us. We can have an explanation after."

At Mitsurugi's office, the Kage slammed his hand down on his desk furiously. "No memories of the mission? That's not possible."

The Anbu bowed down on one knee. "My lord, the interrogation squad's best members have tried everything. The only thing we can say is that they only have memories of Uzushiogakure up to three days from their arrival. From that, the one thing they can be punished for is sneaking into the restricted archives."

He grinded on his teeth. "We don't even have enough guards to watch over the prisoners. I don't have time to punish them with all the people currently heading this way and trespassing onto our land."

The Anbu bowed even lower. "My lord, those three have been informed of the current situation. They have offered to do all they can to help, as a way to apologize and be forgiven for sneaking into the archives. Without their memories of the mission, they are useless to us. If they died, it would be no loss."

Mitsurugi chewed over the proposition carefully, his face impassive. After several minutes, he said, "Fine. But have a summoned animal keep an eye on them. If they attempt to flee or do something suspicious, have them killed. I can't afford any leniency when our very culture and way of life is being threatened."

"That smell." Jiraiya sniffed at the air as the three of them soared through the air and skipped across the tall trees. "It's smoke."

Orochimaru narrowed his remaining gold eye and glanced up at the sky. "There's a fire happening."

In the middle of the formation, Tsunade said, "How can there be so many invaders in such a short period of time?"

"There have been people searching for this place for years," Orochimaru explained emotionlessly. "With the collapse of the whirlpools as well as the hidden sealed paths, the chakra coming out of this place is like honey to bees. A good sensor would be able to detect the place for miles, thanks to the chakra saturated air. Even if there are some who aren't intentionally seeking out Uzushiogakure, they would wander in this direction, attracted by the chakra."

"Wait, exactly how many people have been searching for this place?" asked Jiraiya.

"Every single village in the world," replied Orochimaru. "This is a legendary place, Jiraiya. They have carved themselves into history with legends and stories of heroism by sealing away so many demons. The reason they eventually hid away, was because the rest of the world coveted their strength. It's a known fact that Konhagakure is the only known ally of Uzushiogakure. Those who search, would definitely be close enough to swarm in once the defences failed."

After another half an hour, they all came to a stop and looked at the scene with a grim face. Trees were burning and crumbling to the ground, the wildlife was fleeing in panic and the waters were heavy with soot and blood. Landing down, Orochimaru kicked over a body and said with distaste, "A ninja from Iwa." He had a kunai buried deep into his eye socket, spilling out gelatinous fluid, blood and some brain matter. "Tsunade, Jiraiya, be on guard. We've finally found a trail. Let's hurry before the entire place burns down."

Tsunade bit down on her lips. The people of Uzushiogakure needs this forest. It was a huge source of food for them and held a huge assortment of rare medicinal herbs. They can't let this place be destroyed at all cost.

"Tsunade!"

She dodged to the left and kicked out at the blur that had lunged out at her. Her eyes widened when she realized it was a grey wolf as it warily circled them, its fangs glinting. Jumping up a burning tree for safety, Orochimaru watched as five ninjas ran towards them. Below, Tsunade and Jiraiya got into an offensive stance.

"You there! You don't have the hair like these bugs. Have you found the village where the Uzumaki clan resides?" asked one of the ninjas. "We'll split the spoils with you!"

"More dogs," Orochimaru muttered, showing very little expression on his face. "Take a good look at how cruel the world is, Jiraiya, Tsunade."

The two looked to see further up ahead, three of Uzushio's ninjas had been captured, along with two that looked like civilians and a small red hair boy. They all looked half dead, chains had been lopped around their ankles and arms and were watched over by two guards. If they had to guess, the three innocents were just enjoying a hike or picnic before they were captured. Enraged, Tsunade shouted, "Those are people! Not trinkets to be sold and shared!"

"Uzumakis have tremendous life force. Even if they know nothing about ninjutsu, their blood, and even organs can be sold off for a very high price in the black market," Orochimaru said calmly. "I've even heard a rumor that some, just being bitten by another, can transfer chakra and heal, becoming something like a snack bar."

Jiraiya shook at the information. "That's..."

The head ninja of the group shouted, "They're not helping. Kill them all!"

Orochimaru raised a hand and hissing green snakes shot out to tear out the man's throat, spraying out a fountain of blood. Down below, Tsunade jumped and grabbed onto a branch. Swinging herself, she heel kicked at another's head and killed him in one shot. As three ran to attack her, Jiraiya formed a few hand seals that sharpened and hardened his hair, and he sent it through their hearts.

"Damn you people!" The summoner called forth a pack of more grey wolves that lunged at them. Jumping down, Orochimaru crushed the back of a wolf with his landing before drawing out his Kusanagi to move in for close combat, taking over for Jiraiya who had run off to rescue the hostages. Finished cutting down two of the mongrels, he jumped back and said, "We'll have to split up to cover more ground, Tsunade."

She looked at him with concern. "But your condition..."

"I'll be fine. Now go tell Jiraiya when I head off." His golden eye shimmered with an unspoken emotion as he looked down at her. "Time's not on our side. Understood?"

"I'll kill all that have trespassed," she said in understanding.

At the resolve, an icy smile crept over his face. "It has been awhile since we've washed our hands in blood. Make use of the experience and sharpen your skills, Tsunade-hime." With that, he leaped off, heading deeper into the blazing forest.

It wasn't long before he found a group of Kiri ninjas, standing victorious over the defeated bodies of at least ten red haired ninjas from Uzushiogakure. Since they were so valuable in blood and organs, as well as secret fuinjutsus, the invaders were trying hard not to kill them. Landing down into the pool of mud and blood, he watched them silently as they all turned to face him.

"Who are you?!" shouted one of the Kiri ninja, whirling around with her group.

Orochimaru eyed the floating water bubbles that was hovering around the place ominously. Probably best not to get too close to them. Stabbing his sword down into the ground and biting his thumb, he let blood drip down onto the blade. "I don't introduce myself to the dead." Making a single hand seal, he said icily. "Slaughter." His sword glowed blue as it absorbed his blood. In a circle, eight gigantic white snakes exploded out of the ground, devouring the surprised ninjas and sending blood raining down as they snapped them up hungrily. Three of the snakes snatched up Uzushiogakure's ninjas and slighthered off at his intrstructions, trying to bring them out of danger and keep them safe.

"You won't get away!"

The bubbles exploded, sending super dense pressurized water out. It was so powerful, that it cut through trees and rocks as he dodged the jets. They were at least coordinated, he had to give them that. The jets formed a web of dangerous cutting water that was definitely getting harder and harder to dodge. With one eye missing, his field of view was hindered and he grunted as a jet of water cut at his waist. His giant white snakes were being shredded to pieces and he mourned their loss. Snapping his finger, his sword rose up into the air and split into twenty. With another wave of his hand, they soared through and hunted down his enemies with relentless ferocity. "The throat." A sword flew through and cut through the throat, sending the man falling forward and choking on his own blood. "The heart." His sword lodged itself to a burning tree with the organ that stopped beating when torn out of the body. "All the limbs." His other swords flew in a coordinated fashion and lodged the remaining four to the trees, holding them back by impaling their hands and feet.

Landing down in the middle, Orochimaru pressed a hand to his bleeding waist. "If I was a second slower, I could have been bisected. Now let's see..." He eyed them all before he spotted the blonde ninja with vibrant sea green eyes. "What pretty eyes you have." To the remaining two giant white snakes that had survived the jets of cutting water, he motioned for them to come to his side. Laying a loving hand on one, he said, "You can have the others, my pet. That one is mine." His snakes hummed as he stroked their heads before they slithered off to feed. Amongst the screams, he walked forward to the one he had set his eye upon and tilted up the girl's head. Seeing her trembling, he grinned. "Afraid?"

"What are you going to do to me?" she squeaked.

Orochimaru laughed. Wasn't it funny how quickly a predator can become prey? Something that was taking will now be the one being taken from. As he reached to pluck her eye out, he suddenly stopped. If Tsunade and Jiraiya saw, what will they think of him? Wouldn't they be horrified? He gnashed on his teeth, disturbed by the sudden conflicting emotions in him. Before, he wouldn't have given a second thought. Logic would dictate that he needed a second eye, and the most obvious solution would be to take it from someone. But now, feelings and stupid sensitive morals was involved and it pissed him off at how soft he's suddenly become, ever since Tsunade declared her feelings for him. Thrusting his hand into her chest, he snatched out her heart and crushed it, spraying blood all over his hair and clothes, trying to remind himself that the weak and soft meet bloody ends and to be merciful was to be cruel to yourself. "I will find a better eye," he promised himself as he flung away the organ and headed off, not allowing him to take the eye as a way to punish himself for being hesitant in the first place.

"Ninja Art: Poisonous Fog!" Standing on her giant slug, Tsunade spewed out a large volume of toxic mist to poison the ninjas she had ambushed on lower ground. Katsuyu and her three clones followed suit and also released a large quantity of acid to form a dangerous pool below. At least twenty of the invaders drowned in the acid, their flesh burning to reveal bones as they clawed at their faces and screamed from the agonizing pain. Those that managed to ran away from the waterfall of acid, succumbed to the poisonous mist and they didn't run far before they keeled over, their faces purple and their mouths foaming.

"Mistress, what's happening exactly?" Katsuyu asked. Her two clones bobbed in rhythm with her speech. It was oddly kind of cute.

"Uzushiogakure is under attack. All of their barriers and defense are down," Tsunade answered. Hitting her head a few times, she added, "To be honest, this whole day has been confusing. When we woke up, we were dragged off to be interrogated for some fucking mission that I don't even remember. Orochimaru lost an arm and an eye and had to undergo purification for some reason. While waiting for him, Jiraiya demanded to know what's going on and so here we are now, trying to protect this place."

Katsuyu's eyestalks wiggled. "Is it related to you helping Lord Orochimaru against Master Jiraiya's protest, my lady?"

Tsunade blinked. "What?"

"You know, when you summoned me to keep guard over Master Jiraiya." Katsuyu then curled in on herself in shame, and the two other clones copied her. "But I failed you, mistress. I'm so sorry."

"I have no idea what you're talking about Katsuyu. Ummmmm... tell me the details later. We've got more ninjas to track down."

"Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!" Jiraiya turned a large field into a deep and dark swamp, ambushing another thirty trespassers. The ones smart and quick enough to use chakra to keep themselves from sinking, he whistled for his toads and they shot out huge jets of dense water to knock them off their feet and into the hungry swamp. With more than fifty of Uzushiogakure's people under his guard, he waved a hand and made his toad formed a protective circle around them to hurry them home and for healing. Picking up two kids, he carried them himself and he tried to cheer them up. "It's going to be ok kiddos."

"I can't find my mommy," sobbed the girl, her hair, and dress in a smoldering mess. She buried her face into his bushy white hair and continued to cry.

Jiraiya felt his stomach churned and he patted her back in comfort. When reinforcement showed up, he breathed a big sigh of relief and hurriedly handed them over so that he could be free to help look for more wounded. After some time, he came to the top of a roaring waterfall and he squinted against the light of the fire. The skies that were once so blue and clear, was now smoky and red. How much longer was this going to go on? Jiraiya sighed, hoping that Orochimaru and Tsunade would be alright. But then he scolded himself. Tsunade was a raging fireball in battle. If someone was dense enough not to run for it when she started throwing boulders, then they deserved to get beaten to a pulp. As for Orochimaru, just one glance from his serpent-like eyes and an intimidating grin was enough to make even the most stalwart warriors shat their pants. They were probably just fine.

He reached down to splash some water from the edge of a waterfall on his face before he paused. Down below, he could see a young red hair woman floating in the water, seemingly unconscious. Without a second thought, he jumped down and into the water with a splash. Bobbing to the surface, he sucked in a lungful of air before he swam over to her. Dragging her out of the water, he laid her down on the ground and shook her. "Hey! Hey you alright?" Jiraiya couldn't help but notice that she was a very beautiful girl. Her long hair was a flaming vibrant red, her skin was sun kissed and he once thought Orochimaru had thick lashes, but this girl's lashes was even thicker and longer. Not only that, she was quite curvy. The soft pink yukata hugged her form in a very attractive manner. Since it was wet with water, it emphasized her curves even more. He quickly shook his head and tried to focus. Pumping down on her chest, he tried to force the water out of her. After a few more pushes, water spilled out of her mouth and she coughed violently. "Hey! You alright?" Jiraiya asked kindly. When her eyes opened, he was slightly stunned by the pretty green eyes blinking up at him.

"Who... are you?"

He flashed her a wide grin. "The most handsome devil of Konohagakure! Jiraiya, the number one student of the third Hokage and I'm also-

"Chosen of the frogs."

Jiraiya facepalmed as Tsunade and Orochimaru landed nearby. "Thanks for ruining my introduction, number one housewife."

"Hmph." Orochimaru looked down at the girl and said, "I believe we've managed to secure this area of the forest. But the little hamlets and outpost further on are still under threat. We need to head back for more orders and most importantly, a fucking map of the place."

Both Tsunade and Jiraiya's mouth dropped at Orochimaru's curse. They could count on one hand how many times he ever swears. Actually, it was only the two times. One was when he was returning home from his grocery trip to find his house on fire due to Tsunade's mishap in the kitchen (she had wanted to impress him and show him some feminine charms). The second time was when Jiraiya mis-aimed his fireball technique and set Orochimaru's hair on fire instead of the enemies.

Noticing their looks, he said impatiently, "I'm half blind, crippled, and we're in the middle of a forest on fire. I'm not a very happy snake at the moment."

"What we've done so far should buy us some of their trust once we've returned," Tsunade noted.

At that, Orochimaru rolled his eyes in annoyance. "I still don't know what nonsense they're rambling on about. Some mission that we failed and apparently have no memory of that led to this whole mess."

"Do you think we went through like some time paradox?" Jiraiya piped up.

"Don't be stupid, Jiraiya," the two said at the same time. Orochimaru was annoyed when the girl began coughing again, falling limply into Jiraiya's arms. "Hmph. Looks like she'll need to be checked up on. What a frail Uzumaki."

Jiraiya joked, "If you want me to carry you in my arms, you only have to ask Oro."

"Please, I'd much rather have hime carry me."

Tsunade grouched, "Funny how the girl on this team is the one who usually ends up carrying the boys."

"Tsunade-hime, you won't let Jiraiya physically touch you for fear of him groping you. The one time you hurt your leg and I tried to carry you, you knocked me out."

Flashback...

"IT HURTS!" Tsunade wailed, clutching at her bleeding leg as the three of them tried to find their way down the forested hill.

Jiraiya said worriedly, "Can't you heal it?"

"I can't! I'm out of chakra and I've torn a muscle. It's too hard!" cried the eleven-year-old. She stopped crying when Orochimaru bent down to look at her.

"Can't be helped. I'll carry you, Tsunade."

Her heart leaped out of her chest when he moved an arm under her legs and picked her up bridal style. But then...

"Oof. You're heavier than you look, hime," Orochimaru noted as he tried to adjust her in his arms, not noticing that he had just given himself a death sentence. He only caught a glimpse of her death glare before she socked him straight in the eye and sent him rolling down the hill.

Tsunade plopped down on the ground when he let her go and she rubbed at her tush, all the while, sticking her nose straight up in the air in an imperious manner. "Maybe you're just really scrawny!"

"Uhh... I don't think he can hear you. He's at the bottom of the hill."

"Oh shut it Jiraiya."

The memory made her blood boiled and she growled at Orochimaru. For a 'genius seen only once in a decade', he was incredibly dumb sometimes. "Let's just go before I crack you a good one, Orochi."

"Hmph. Women," Orochimaru said under his breath as he followed after her. "Come on Jiraiya."

He sighed, picking up the girl and trailing behind. In his arms, the girl said shyly, "Thank you for saving me."

Giving her a charming boyish grin, he said, "Saving pretty ladies is just the right thing to do. No worries. Anyways, what's your name?"

"Cut the womanizing and move it, idiot."

"Screw you Oro!"

Back at Uzushiogakure, the three of them were showered with praises for their performance and for saving a great deal of people. Jiraiya was humble, Tsunade eager to help heal the wounded. But Orochimaru took advantage of the situation, perceptive as ever. Requesting a private audience with the Kage, he found himself before the rigid and cold man. A smirk tugged at his lips as he gave a half bow. "It looks like the situation is abit more under... control now."

"The barriers are still down, the forest is still on fire, and there are still a great number of enemies docking to our shores in waves ever since the whirlpools collapsed. I can hardly find any peace in that fact," Mitsurugi replied, leaning back in his chair, eyeing Orochimaru suspiciously. Despite his current conditions, the young pale man held himself with confidence and regality.

Orochimaru smiled. "I have a solution. Although I and my comrades have trespassed into your archives, I've discovered something very useful. Not only that, my years with talking to Lady Mito, Tsunade's grandmother, have also armed me with very dangerous but practical knowledge." His smile widened. "She's a Jinchuuriki. She became one to gain power for Lord Hashirama. But what power can one gain simply by locking up the creature? It was then that I've learned, she can use it as a chakra source, thereby strengthening all of her techniques. If I have to guess, Uzushiogakure relied on a similar method. This place is famed for sealing demons. You must have used them as batteries to power your barriers and used their chakra to give this place such life." His golden eye flashed. "In the archives, shelf 634, volume 13, edition 53 of Unspeakable Fuinjutsus and Barriers, there is a passage that confirms your accomplishments in sealing the demons, and also the sacrilege in using them."

"They're vile monsters. The one I sent you and your team to destroy was the strongest and was going to break out of her seal soon. I have trained my people to put up our own barriers these past years-"

Orochimaru shrugged and chuckled. "Well, your new barriers certainly aren't holding up. I have no clue as to what mission you're talking about, but I theorize that there are errors in your barrier technique that will take alot of time to readjust. What we need at the moment, is time. There is a barrier you can use in that book, while you try to perfect your own 'moralistic' barrier technique."

"Everything in that book is banned."

"And everything on this island will burn," Orochimaru said with amusement. "Pick your poison, my lord." He watched as Mitsurugi battled with his options and it didn't take long before he won.

"What is your suggestion, Orochimaru?"

He put his hand on his heart. "Only a master of fuinjutsu can use it. I'm afraid I only have the pleasure of knowing the technique at such short notice. But essentially, you will summon an ancient demon that one of your founders have sealed away to protect the waters that surround your island."

Mitsurugi was appalled. "I cannot summon a demon! That's everything our people fought against."

"And secretly used in the shadows," Orochimaru reminded. He smiled. "There is nothing to fear. Surely you must know, humans are even more terrifying than simple demonic beings."

Uzushiogakure's Kage scoffed. "A boy who has not even seen eighteen years of winters, dares to say such things?"

A slightly sad look misted Orochimaru's golden eye. "The most beautiful and wonderful woman in the world used them. They were not evil." He paused slightly before saying, "We are short on time. Allow my team to aid in wiping down the vermin trespassing, and allow me to demonstrate the treasure trove of power this island is sitting on. Once we've cleared out your enemies and you decide not to use the technique I've mentioned, that is up to you, my lord. We will take our leave and notify Konohagakure of your plight." A wicked smile crossed his lips. "But who knows how many will be left to save once we return."

"You three may be skilled, but you're all Chunin. How can you be so confident?"

At that, Orochimaru almost laughed. "Truth be told, we should have been promoted to Jonin ages ago. The only reason why we're still Chunin, is because my teacher, Lord Third, didn't want others to think we were promoted just because we're his students. We would never have respect unless we grind into the head of the others, accomplishments and skills they only wished they have. Trust us in this, my lord, we have been waiting for a good chance to prove once and for all, we deserve the title ofJonin. Nothing better than a mountain of corpses to prove that."

Standing before the burning forest, Orochimaru rested his hand on his hip and said, "Jiraiya, I know you dislike deaths. You can use your toads to put out the fire. I and Tsunade will handle the killing."

Jiraiya gave him an incredulous look. "Are you kidding me? I'm not playing gardener. I'm a part of this team and I'm going to contribute."

The answer seemed to please Orochimaru and he smiled. "Do your best, the both of you. We have an audience." The three of them glanced upward to see twenty of Uzushiogakure's best ninjas stalking in the shadows, serving as the 'clean-up' crew for their sweep.

Bending down on one knee, he slowly opened his mouth. "Formation... of ten thousand snakes!" An enormous number of serpents came forth from his mouth, slippery with liquids. The flow of serpents brimmed with power and they rushed into the forest, eagerly searching for prey. As Orochimaru recovered, beside him, Tsunade took out a kunai and stabbed it down into her palm. "Ninja Art: Mass Summoning Jutsu!"

A colossal size Katsuyu appeared, sending a wave of slug slime sloshing towards their feet. 'Lady Tsunade," the slug said, bowing her head respectfully.

"Split apart. Half of you, go back inside the village and use my chakra to heal. The other half comes with me. Find the intruders, melt them and eat them."

Jiraiya blinked. "Wait a minute. Katsuyu... can eat people?!" He scowled when both Tsunade and Orochimaru gave him a dumbfounded look. "What? It's a totally legit question."

Sighing, Orochimaru put a hand to his face and muttered, "Katsuyu lives in the SHIKKOTSU forest. The forest of damp BONES." He rolled his eyes when Jiraiya still seemed confused.

Katsuyu squeaked, "I melt down my prey with acid to consume them easier, Master Jiraiya. By controlling the acidity, I can leave the bones unscathed and only melt the flesh. Bones make for a nice home so I like to keep them intact."

Jiraiya gasped and pointed to Tsunade. "All this time you have a man-eating slug?!"

She stuck her tongue out at him. "Orochimaru's snakes also eats people. How come you never said anything?"

"Cuz... it's Orochimaru and he's freaky about everything."

"Excuse me?" Orochimaru quirked a slender eyebrow at the comment.

Tsunade rolled her eyes and just stayed silent as the giant slug split into hundreds of smaller size ones. Half of them slithered back to the village and another half squirmed and wiggled in masses on the ground around Tsunade, puffing and cooing. "Your turn, pervy no brain."

Jiraiya grinned as he rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. Taking Tsunade's kunai, he also stabbed it into his palm. "Ninja Art: Mass Summoning Jutsu!" All around them, appeared a variety of toads and five gigantic ones, including Gamabunta."

"What's going on?" he grumbled.

"Bunta!" Jiraiya slapped his side jovially. "Head out there with me and save people."

Gamabunta gave the forest one look and said bluntly, "That forest is freaking on fire. "

"We're going to help put it out, crush our enemies and save pretty ladies."

"Why did I ever let you sign the summon contract again?"

Orochimaru snickered behind his hand before saying, "One more thing before we move in." Opening his mouth, he pulled out a scroll that was neatly tied with a silk green ribbon. Opening it, he bit his thumb and smeared blood across the summoning sign. A silver hand bell appeared and he grasped it in a loving manner before he rung it twice. The scroll unraveled ominously and the blood from his thumb dripped down the bell and landed on another seal. With an explosion of smoke, three hideous giant looking creatures appeared before him. One wore a dark green full-body suit, its long hair covering its entire head and face. It wields a giant studded metal club. The other is blindfolded, shirtless and wears dark pants. It is bald and has scars on its head and has a thorn-like weapon tied to each arm. The other has its upper body covered in bandages and wears brown pants, completely armless, it had no weapons. Its head is in an awkward position and has several needles pinned on it. The few things that was similar was that each creature wore a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow, had their mouths sewn shut and they were all very large and muscular.

"What are those?" Jiraiya asked, his hair standing on end.

"Demons."

"You summoned demons?!"

Orochimaru looked at his friend coolly as he freaked out, while Tsunade was staring in shock. "I suppose it's about time you two know. My mother... and her clan are skilled with musical instruments. I've mentioned before that she's skilled in auditory genjutsu." He held up the silver hand bell and began to ring it. In an instant, the skies turned pitch black and a red moon hung up in the sky as he casted the genjutsu. Orochimaru's eye seemed impossibly golden as he bathed under its crimson light. "This here is one of her sealed instruments. A demonic bell. It calls upon creatures not from this world, those who were abandoned and hidden away, left to sorrow in the darkness. She wasn't just good with genjutsu. She was a master at summoning and curses. With my father ability to summon snakes, she summoned demons."

"Why... did you never tell us?" asked Tsunade.

Orochimaru let out a long breath. "A clan that worships snakes and even took on snake-like traits... another clan that uses auditory genjutsu, curses and controls demons with their music... what kind of light do you think the rest of the Shinobi world think of them? And of me?"

"It doesn't matter to us," Tsunade said immediately. "To me, you'll always just be Orochimaru."

He was slightly touched by her words and Jiraiya bobbing his head in agreement with her. Quietly, he said, "My mother loved her clan and was proud of their unique talent. Unfortunately, I mostly took from my father's side. It's a goal of mine, to one day restore her clan. But for tonight..." He looked up at the sky and smiled. "I will have the sound of screams and terror comfort their souls."

Tsunade felt cold all over when she heard a woman singing. In an instant, she realized it was the same voice at her brother's birthday. Orochimaru's auditory genjutsu was bringing back her song. But this song was terrifyingly dark and ominous. She noticed the ogres twitching in response and all of a sudden, their mouths opened and ghost-like tentacles came out, with hungry mouths nipping at the air. "Tsunade." She turned and looked at him as he said eagerly, "Isn't it a beautiful song? Isn't it wonderous?" There was so much adoration in his voice and in his expression, that she couldn't do anything other than nod dumbly and agree with him.

"Are there any risks with using that bell and those... demons?" Jiraiya asked, concerned for his friend.

Orochimaru's lips curled, revealing a hint of his sharp teeth. "Only if they can't be satisfied. But I'm quite certain, there will be no shortage of blood tonight." He walked in front of them and chuckled. "Now, Tsunade, Jiraiya. It's time for the hunt to begin. There is no room for mercy or humanity tonight, understood?"

"Kill all that finds the path to Uzushiogakure," Tsunade quoted Sarutobi-sensei's words, her eyes glinting with resolve.

"I will not enjoy this, but it's necessary. Uzushiogakure and its people must be protected," said Jiraiya.

"Then let's hunt. Afterwards..." Orochimaru murmured wistfully, "I just want to go back home."

"Hey Oro, what's the point with the dramatic night sky and weird moon anyways?"

"I thought it would be good to unsettle our enemies before we even face them."

"I think the village is freaking out too."

Orochimaru stayed silent for a moment before shrugging.

Their sweep was deadly and efficient. Orochimaru's small snakes that scouted on ahead, used their poison and small size for quick strikes that would lay their enemies low. Tsunade's slugs were slow but their greatest strength was the ability to reform. Even if her slugs were crushed, pulverized or grounded to a pulp, they easily reformed. Slowly, they overwhelmed the enemies that couldn't stand against Orochimaru's poisonous snakes and they would munch away at them, leaving behind piles of bones. The giant toads Jiraiya summoned were good for crushing with their massive size and a few even swallowed up their opponents to digest in their acidic stomachs. The smaller toads either helped with putting out the fire, or befuddled the senses with synchronized frog songs. From behind their summons, Orochimaru walked and rang his demonic bell, letting his three ogres wreck havoc and devour the physical energy of the enemies chakra. All the while, he wore a smile of great relish and delight at the destruction. Tsunade danced like lightning through the horde of their enemies summons and dodged every shuriken and kunai thrown at her, as she snapped necks, crushed bones and pummeled everything in her path to a pulp. Jiraiya left a mountain of charred burning corpses behind him with his torrent of fire and rain of fireballs. After a long night, the three stood side by side on top of their victory of blood and bodies, and Orochimaru laughed under the glow of the red moon, still ringing the bell.

Are there any reasons to fear demons, when the Shinobi world produces them every year?

Darkwings13: That last little comment was abit of a reference to the statement Jiraiya/Naruto believed in on the enemies they've faced. Like Orochimaru, Obito, Zabuza, etc.

- (ง •̀ω•́)ง✧ Hint for next chapter. Jiraiya nearly dies from uhh... peeking at a certain someone. *Wink*

- The three ogres Orochimaru summoned up are the three doki (angry demons) of Tayuya. I'm still trying to build up the foundation of his future sound village and how in the beginning (before Kishimoto completely forgot about the fact it's a freaking sound village) there were quite a number of his ninjas that used sound/instrument based weapons. Adding into relation how he actually created some kind of horror dimension and becomes something like a demon/monster himself. Oh and Tayuya used a demonic flute. ;)notice how all that received the cursed seals from Orochimaru actually looks like demons too?

-The way Orochi summoned the demons (whom he doesn't have a contract with), is similar to Suigetsu summoning Manda from a scroll in chapter 363, and in Naruto Shippuudenn episode 125.

- Uzushiogakure is destroyed in the future. But it makes me think that it must have been sudden and in an overwhelming number since Konoha was unable to help them out and it's one of the five great villages. Like... come on, not even a few survivors could be rescued by Konoha? So I'm projecting that likely situation here in this chapter.

-Sorry for late update. Was going to update yesterday but got called in for work suddenly. :/

(｡o´д｀)o I feel the same way, xxhebi-himexx. It's quite tragic how everything turns out for Orochi. I don't believe that his ambition is wrong. He really wants to conquer death, learn every technique in the world and is saddened by the lost of kekkei-genkai/history. It's his methods that's questionable. Haha thank you! I see Orochimaru in that way very strongly. He doesn't hesitate to sacrifice his minions and view people as chess pieces, but he really cares for his family and friends. Evidenced by his devotion to his dead parents, shedding a tear for Sarutobi (but he was still bitter against him and the village), being sad about Jiraiya's death and holding back against Tsunade even when she betrayed him. He only lost his patience with her when she pushed him too far. But yea, anyone else dare to betray him, he'd set their toenails on fire xD

(´･ω･｀) Greetings guest. Orochimaru is a total dickwad to people he doesn't care about. He may lie, but he only puts efforts into lying when he wants something. He doesn't see the point in lying to Goro to comfort the man since he disliked him in the first place for getting in his way, and he sees the sacrifice as not for them but for the village. Yep the memory wipe works but there's abit of a loophole. Katsuyu gives a hint to it with Tsunade, and Manda has some idea too, since Orochimaru wrote down the details of the missions, and other important notes like the Five Element Seal, and made his snake keep it safe for him. Also, acting confused helps with obtaining the 'get out of jail' free card, as Orochimaru wanted.

(っ´ω｀c) I felt bad about writing Orotsu's tragedy last chapter indeed, BlackLady777. But like you said, they had to pay in some way. Although it was also sort of a bit of an escape for Orochimaru, and he did get the kinjutsu like he wanted, as well as some knowledge on the Oootsuki clan. Cost him an arm, eye and love but... oh well. And of course Orochimaru wouldn't allow the loss and all to go to waste. It's all written down and kept safe by the loveable terrifying snake, Manda. Ahhh you liked the romantic scene? I'm glad! I kinda do better with humor/romance so I was kinda worried. I did have the feels when I wrote the windmill wind part and the kiss. Glad it resonated with you. Will add a final note next chapter on Goro's death and the interrogation.

(￣▽￣)ゞ You're absolutely right, lumichan! Orochimaru's plan is very elaborate and cunning. Will explain more on it next chapter or the chapter after. But he already had his reasons as to why he didn't erase their memories of visting the archives, even though he knew they'd get into trouble for it. And some things, he definitely did not reveal to his frandssssss. Huehuehue.

（＾∀＾）ゞ Oh hiya hxshigaki76. Thank you for your kind words my friend. Sorry for breaking your heart more but sorta fixing it with the Orotsu feels/love. Yea, Orochimaru also has his reasons for doing anything. He doesn't waste words or acts. It was probably pretty hard on his part to act like everything was normal, before dropping the bomb on Tsu about erasing her memories.

(≧ω≦) I'm so sorry for crushing you like that, ileangie23. I think Orochimaru is indeed, a really tragic figure, despite how evil he can be. He only really went crazy when he lost everyone and his ambition of being Hokage, and being rejected like how Sakumo was rejected and driven to suicide. The two were both geniuses, but one went mad and another died, all because of the way the Shinobi world was. I think ever since Orochimaru was a kid and lost his parents, he's seen this part of the world and therefore, is extremely cold to everyone else besides his team. And out of the team, he's obviously closest to Tsu since due to their medical research, intelligence, the fact they've never fought until he looked for her to heal his arms, and that she wants him in her ideal world, despite all the terrible things he's done and even cutting through her lungs. Whoops getting abit off topic XD But yea, I love this ship too for those reasons. But I love most, the unspoken affections Tsu and Oro seems to have for each other. From the way he said she was the last person he wanted to hurt, to saving her life (let's face it, her and the Kage's survival wouldn't have contributed much to fighting off Madara, especially since he summoned five edo tensei legendary Hokages, and he probably knew it but he still went after her to help her), to letting his son go to Konoha, and then for Tsunade, being mournfully sad when she thought he died and reminiscing, to still having enough trust in him to call off Katsuyu to let him help her, and then her infinite Tsukiyomi. :)