"I hate this land and everything it holds dear," Orochimaru muttered as he whipped their horse to go faster, its hooves tearing up dirt and snow as it raced onward. Others would call this a winter wonderland, with its many emerald pine trees, distant frozen lakes and regal mountains, but he just considered it a giant icebox that was freezing his ass off. The fact that he was wearing a heavy black fur coat and he still felt like his blood was freezing over, was not something that was helping with his mood.

Hugging his waist, Tsunade laughed, her ponytail madly dancing behind her. Unlike her gloomy boyfriend, she was enjoying herself immensely and felt quite warm in her handsome grey fur coat with white fur trimming. The creamy green scarf he had knitted for her also helped. Just thinking about it made her feel even warmer on the inside, and she lightly touched the beautiful hand made gift before peeking up at her boyfriend.

To go horseback riding in a field of sparkling white snow, under a beautiful blue sky and bright sun felt utterly romantic to her. This was actually reminding her of the time that travelling caravan visited Konoha and they went riding together, until Jiraiya ended the day by having his ninja elephant stampede the village. She pressed her face into his back and said cheerfully, "It's not so bad, Orochi. At least here, we can openly show our affections for each other."

"That is one positive," he admitted, looking over his shoulder at her. "Don't forget, this is still a mission."

"So what's the plan?" Tsunade said, "Some rich merchant owns a mansion in some small snowy village, and he has the talisman we want right?"

"According to the info obtained," Orochimaru replied as he pulled on the reins to have their horse leap over a crisp icy stream, "He's a pretty kind-hearted man and loves helping people. If we present ourselves in some kind of... desperate or helpless situation, he'll most likely let us come close. We can ask for work as servants for example."

Tsunade immediately made a face. "Are you kidding? Servants? I'd break every decorative item he has in his house. And forget cooking, I'd give him food poisoning."

Orochimaru inwardly sighed. Her spoiled lifestyle certainly made it hard sometimes... "Fine, you can come up on how to approach him, Tsunade-hime. I will just follow after you."

Behind his back, Tsunade suddenly smiled wickedly as an idea popped into her head. "Yes." They both froze at her tone of voice and she quickly coughed and plastered a more innocent expression on her face. "O-of course, Orochi. I'll handle it!" She then added, "By the way, you haven't riden a horse in forever... but you're so good at it."

At that, Orochimaru laughed. "Hime, I am good at everything." Turning his head, he kissed her full on the lips and relished in the tightening of her arms around his waist.

Midday...

As they approached the village's entrance that consisted of a high head gate that read 'Tokato Village', all of the people that was bustling to and fro in their thick furry winter coats froze and gasped out loud. Orochimaru stared at them quizzically, keeping a tight hold as he held the horse's reins in one hand. He took a few steps forward and suddenly heard more gasps. Tsunade looked just as confused as he did as she stood by his side.

"THEY ARE SO HOT!"

"I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN MY LIFE!"

Orochimaru's eyes rolled up so high, they were in danger of going to the back of his head. Beside him, Tsunade laughed out loud and waved back. "He's not a girl! He's a guy!"

"What the heck!? But he's even wearing earrings!"

"And long hair!"

"And wearing purple eyeshadow!"

"Oh for god sake." Orochimaru took off his fur coat and dumped it into Tsunade's arms before stripping off his purple shirt with long sleeves underneath, his annoyance dampening the cold that was making his nipples feel like they were icing off him. "Are we done with trying to decipher my sex?" he said in annoyance. He went deaf for a few seconds when the women shrilly screamed.

"LOOK AT THOSE ABS!"

"HE'S GORGEOUS!"

"I LOVE HIS TATTOO!"

Tsunade was also affected by the sight as she slightly drooled over his toned chest. The damn thing looked it was carved right out from a marble statue, with muscles in all the right places.

Shivering as a blast of icy wind swept by him, he hastily put his shirt back on, along with the thick fur coat and huddled against Tsunade for warmth. What looked like the entire village's population rushed out to surround them. One warm-hearted middle aged woman chirped, "We never get visitors here! Did you two dears have to travel far?"

"Oh it was so long," Tsunade put on a dramatic sigh and slumped against Orochimaru, feigning exhaustion. "We've traveled thousands of miles to get here."

"Why?" asked a curious little girl, bundled up in a pink jacket and bunny made earmuffs.

Before Orochimaru could say something, Tsunade quipped, "Because we eloped."

The whole crowd gasped out loud and Orochimaru's eyes went as wide as saucers. Tsunade hurriedly push on with the story, ignoring her boyfriend's eyes on her. "My parents refused to let him marry me because he was poor. We had no other choice but to run away to be together." She cried and wrapped her arms around his neck, faking her tears. "We spent every last bit of coin to get here, hoping to find a place that's far away from the eyes of the world, where we can settle down and get married." When Orochimaru opened his mouth, she discreetly pinched his butt to make him shut up. He was a good liar, perhaps even better than her. But she knew that when he was feeling flustered, he sucked at everything. "Oh, and we plan to have babies in a few years too."

"CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW BEAUTIFUL THEIR KIDS WILL BE?!"

"LIVE HERE LIVE HERE!"

Right and left, front and back, people immediately began offering suggestions of help but the both of them quickly hopped onto the offer that they actually needed. Tsunade put a hand to her cheek and gushed, "You really think Mr. Makito will accept us?

The village's head elder nodded and said in a grandmotherly voice, "Oh that man is a saint. I'm sure he'll help you two sweethearts."

"Wonderful! Which way is his mansion?" gushed Tsunade

After they were given the directions, she dragged Orochimaru and the horse along, humming a merry tune. He said dryly, "The next time I offer to let you handle things, remind me not to."

"Oh shut up," she said as she stuck her tongue out at him. "Sarutobi-sensei gave us this mission so we can have a chance to be a couple in public, remember?"

"I was thinking of girlfriend and boyfriend, not runaway fiance and fiancee."

"Well, this is close enough."

"You're one step from making us husband and wife."

At that, Tsunade paused and wore a thoughtful expression on her face. "You're right... why didn't I say that instead?"

"Hmph."

She said grouchily, "Why are you so moody anyways? It's like you hate the idea of being with me."

Orochimaru could detect the hint of hurt in her voice but he was still annoyed by the situation she had put them in. "You're being ridiculous, hime. I'm still with you aren't I?"

"Publicly no." She fumed, "You had an excuse back in Konoha because of my reputation. What's the reason now? What's so wrong with people thinking we eloped?"

"Maybe if you think with your head instead of your heart, you wouldn't have to ask me that," replied a ticked off Orochimaru. "Eloping means we're literally just one step away from a marriage ceremony and there's a lot of drama involved. Do you think many will question a couple that's just going around sightseeing? Or will they hound on one that is eloping? We will also have to act much more intimate than just being girlfriend and boyfriend. If that merchant suspects something is up, we will be putting the mission at risk."

She grabbed onto his arm and stopped him from walking. "And what's wrong with being more intimate? This is not an act, it's real. We love each other don't we?" When he didn't say anything, she said, "You don't want to be closer to me?"

"Of course not." He said that with an air of great fragility as he cupped her face. "I do love you, Tsunade. Every coin I save up is for you, and every mission that boosts my rank within the village is also for you."

"Then why are you acting like this? Like you don't want to be seen as my fiance?" she sniffed, some doubt still evident in her heart. "I miss you... you know? To be honest, I want us to elope. I'm so tired of waiting and worrying about you putting your life out there and working so hard."

"I don't deserve you if I make you sacrifice for me." He pressed his forehead against hers comfortingly. "Right now, I am just worried that people will try to pry into our relationship and that we will give something away. We could easily break in and steal the talisman right now but I want to drag this out as long as possible so that I can be with you."

Her eyes widened in realization. "Orochimaru..."

He kissed her on the lips and nibbled gently on the bottom. "I supposed that as long as I am true to my feelings, everything will be natural anyways. If being a couple that just eloped pleases you, I will find a way to make it work."

"You sweet tongued snake," she gushed, hugging him tightly and opening her mouth to let his tongue in.

In the very fancy lobby that showed off beautiful paintings of mountains and rivers, hugging an open living room with thick red sofas and a roaring fireplace, along with a grand staircase that led up to a second floor, they could both tell that the man had money. Lots and lots of money. He also seemed to be a rather modern man, as he shied away from traditional paneling and wood. Instead, he opted for thick white carpeted floor and rustic red walls. It made sense as the land was freezing cold and things like a Shoji door would completely let out all the heat inside a home. A few maids bustled to and fro while they stood and waited but for the most part, they were left alone.

Finally, a very jolly and slightly chubby, but still good looking man came out, smiling widely at them. His orange hair was starting to gray but right now it was tied into a neat short ponytail, embellished with a satin red bow. He wore a midnight blue haori that went to mid thigh and had a lavish lining. It came over a more simple pale gray kosode and long loose dark pants. "Greetings, I'm Asuita Makito. I..." His voice suddenly trailed off and he stared at them. All of a sudden, he jumped and pointed, "Are you two Tsunade and Orochimaru from the village of Konohagakure!?"

The two felt their hearts slide down to the pit of their stomach. Was the mission going to be over so soon? Tsunade said with a weak smile, "Yes."

"How do you know us?" Orochimaru asked emotionlessly.

The merchant beamed. "One of my friends once came to Konoha to request a mission. When he came back, he told me of some ninja stories of your village. Like the great Hashirama that started it all, and then to the current generations of talents such as you." He laughed and gestured to Orochimaru. "You have a most distinctive appearance in his stories so that's why I recognized you. Tsunade Senju is also known as the most beautiful kunoichi in the five nations and I've seen pictures." He then paused and asked, "Why are you two here? Out on some mission in this land? Do you need my help?"

Tsunade quickly shook her head. "No actually, we have eloped!"

Asuita gasped. "Eloped?"

She nodded and looked up at her boyfriend. "I'm from a noble clan and Orochimaru... is clanless and an orphan. As I'm also the granddaughter of the first Hokage, if I was married off to someone important from another village, it would be a powerful alliance. Unless we eloped, there is no chance for us to be together."

"But," Asuita looked at them with a bit of confusion. "Did you both really gave up everything back home just to be together? I've heard rumors even, that Orochimaru was one of the best in your village and quickly rising up in ranks. And you yourself would be giving up a life of reputation and wealth by leaving the esteemed Senju clan, the only clan to have ever rivaled the Uchiha."

"We were running out of time," Orochimaru said, putting an arm around her. "Her parents were considering in marrying her off next year. It's common knowledge that most Shinobi don't live past the age of forty, and she is of marriageable age. This was the only way out."

Crossing his arms, Asuita peered at them worriedly. "This is a very serious decision, to be eloping. Are you certain about it?"

Orochimaru slowly looked over at Tsunade, his expression unreadable. Finally, he said, "She is brilliant. The smartest woman I've ever met. Her wit and cleverness delight me and I am never bored in her presence. I could talk to her all day and only grow more fascinated with her. I admire her strength and vitality. The way she lives her life is filled to the brim with passion." He took her hand and grasped it firmly as she listened with wide eyes. "What made me fall in love with her, however, was the fact that she was always there for me. Even when I'm cold and spiteful, she still cares about me. When I work on a poison, she is there with an antidote. When I'm researching, she's my partner. When I'm hurt, she's there to heal me." He put a hand on his heart. "When I'm not with her, she waits for me. She is my windmill and no matter how far or long, she still waits. How could I not love her?"

"Even if the windmill isn't spinning, it still remembers when it did and it will continue to wait" Tsunade whispered the words he had given her back during their Chunin exam together. "He is the only man that makes my heart beat fast. It doesn't matter if this relationship is hard, it is real and worth it."

A demure and bell-like laugh pealed through the air as a woman wheeled herself into view. Locking down the wheels of her wheelchair, she said, "Isn't it obvious, husband? They really love each other to go this far."

Asuita went over to her with a smile. "Let me introduce to you my wife, Yanona."

Orochimaru quickly took in her appearance. Soft brown hair curled to her midwaist, and she wore a warm pink dress with a dull strawberry red shawl. Kind brown eyes outlined by thick lashes, coupled with a soft smile made her look both vulnerable and angelic. Beside him, Tsunade was staring at her legs and she asked, "Is it temporary or..."

Yanona gently dipped her head. "It's been three years." She looked up at her husband and held his hand. She then picked up some cards on her lap. "Please take a look."

"Hush, I don't want to hear more about that," he said, stroking her head and beckoning for a maid. "You need more rest, you're so pale. I'll get you for dinner, sweetheart."

When she was wheeled away, Orochimaru glanced over at the cards and read what he could from the distance. "You're looking for a concubine?"

"I have no interest in one," he said, handing the cards off to another maid to be thrown away. "But my wife feels guilty for not being able to bear children now, and for being crippled. It breaks my heart really."

Tsunade pursed her lips and said, "If you don't object, I can take a look at her legs. Perhaps there is a chance at salvaging them. If some of the nerves are still alive, there is a possibility."

"You mean it?!" The man's eyes lit up with hope.

"Don't think too much on it," Orochimaru said solemnly. "Nerve regeneration is incredibly difficult. The prospect is grim if she has lost all feelings in the legs. The cases where a patient can't move their legs but can still feel pain is more hopeful."

"She... can't."

A grim silence enveloped the room before Tsunade shook her head and put her hands on her hips. "Let's not give up until I even look at her legs."

Asuita went down on his knees, his heart leaping at having the legendary medical ninja look at his wife. "I'll pay anything to have her cured. Please, please help my wife." He gestured to his home. "You are both welcome to stay for as long as you wish. If you decide to elope here permanently, I will even buy you a house."

Tsunade smiled and went over to help the man stand up. "It's much appreciated."

"You're welcome. Anyways, would you like one room or separate rooms? You both look tired from the journey," their host said eagerly, wishing to make them as comfortable as possible.

"One room."

Tsunade was surprised when Orochimaru said that. When he glanced over at her and smiled, she felt her cheeks turned pink and she leaned into him. With a wink, she said, "I need to stay close to my betrothed and make sure he doesn't get sick. He's sensitive to the cold."

Orochimaru teased back, "She just wants me with her so that she can wake me up to make her something if she gets hungry." Tsunade giggled and nodded rapidly at the truth, for she did wake him up quite often for that reason. It was something that he strangely did not mind, and she eventually learned that most snakes were nocturnal when it came to feeding.

Asuita laughed at their closeness as he beckoned for a maid. "I'll have you shown to your room and if you need anything, just let the servants know. I'll also send a letter to Konoha to persuade your family to see to your situation. If they change their minds, all the better for you."

Orochimaru and Tsunade immediately panicked. "It's not necessary-" they both started as he began to walk away. But their protest fell on deaf ears when Asuita just laughed and wave away their concern, thinking they just didn't want to bother him.

"We're going to have to deal with that later," Tsunade whispered.

"Hmph."

As the door closed behind them, they both admired the beautiful guest bedroom they had been given. The deep dark chocolate wallpaper was especially lovely. A king size bed with a translucent purple and red canopy hung over the bed, shot through with sparkling silver threads. The headboard was solid black wood, that practically gleamed like a mirror and was engraved with pictures of ivy and flowers. Big plush deep purple pillows with ruffles piled up against it and the blanket was heavy, luxurious and a passionate red color with edges of gold. Two tall windows showed a beautiful snowing sky and the curtains were also the same red. To the left was a door that led to the bathroom, to the right was a seating area with a roaring fireplace and deep red couches, circling a glass table with a vase of red roses. A black wardrobe sat beside the door to the bathroom and Orochimaru went over to put away their bags and packs. A few more was strapped to their horse which was probably being settled into the stables, and the rest of their belongings would be fetched later.

Tsunade had run over to jump on the bed, and she stretched luxuriously out on it. "This thing is softer than my own bed! Come over and see Orochi!"

"In a second," he said, folding his clothes into the clean smelling wardrobe. It took a few minutes but when he finished and turned around, he nearly had a heart attack to see her posing on the bed, with part of her white half shirt pulled down to reveal a tempting soft shoulder, enhanced with the image of long loose golden hair. "What are you doing?" he said, sounding like he was witnessing the end of the world.

Tsunade batted her eyelashes at him. "Getting comfortable," she purred. "And I'm slightly turned on knowing you and I-" she made a show of running her hand along the velvet soft red blanket, "Will be sharing this for awhile."

He had actually wanted to take a nap, but now he was definitely having second thoughts about it. Clearing his throat, he said, "I... I think I'll take a bath first."

As he went over to check out their bathroom, Tsunade jumped off the bed and hurried to his side, wanting to see it too. Her feet rubbed against the soft white carpet as she rested her chin on his shoulder and let out a whistle. There was a huge bathtub in the center, with more than five different gold faucets on it, and some unlit candles even lined the edges. It looked like it could comfortably fit four people. A fetching long white marble counter with couple styled sinks and a mirror that stretched the entire length, along with lights on top of the mirror, made the bathroom shine elegantly. Tilting her head, Tsunade whispered, "Wouldn't it be nice for us to take a bath together in there?" When he blushed and tried to move away, she hugged him and laughed. "Enjoy your bath." She pecked him on the cheek before leaving and closing the door for him.

"Dear god," Orochimaru said with a smile, touching his cheek. "Sarutobi-sensei, you pervert. At this rate, you really might be a grandfather," he muttered as he stripped off his shirt.

Tsunade brushed out her hair on the bed and gazed out at the quiescent village below while Orochimaru took his bath. The mansion was on a higher plane than the village and offered a stunning view. She couldn't wait to explore its snowy gardens and the forest area around the place. If she was right, there should even be ice caves. The water there was of the purest of quality, untouched by human contamination. It would be perfect in cooking up medicinal drinks for her new patient.

After half an hour, Orochimaru finally came out, back in his usual purple silk shirt that was tied with a white belt and gray pants. It was just in time as well, as a maid knocked on their door to bring in a covered tray of their late lunch.

"Sir, my lady," said the maid as she bowed. "As you arrived after lunch was already served, we could only make some more right now. We hope it's to your satisfaction."

Tsunade and Orochimaru sat down on a couch as their food was laid out. A bowl of soft white rice, chicken that was marinated with some kind of golden amber sauce and some fried green beans. Orochimaru picked up a knife and fork and deftly cut into it, popping a piece of it into his mouth. Immediately, he made a face. As he was able to both taste and smell with his tongue, it was his most sensitive sensor and he was quite picky with his food. "Shoyu chicken. This recipe is made with a sweet and spicy soy sauce but the sauce went overboard on sugar." He drunk some water to wash away the taste. "It's like diabetes on a plate. Ghastly."

Tsunade picked up her chicken with her fork and said with the blunt force of a hammer, "This thing is burnt like a sun tanner's fat asshole. Are you kidding?"

Behind his cup, Orochimaru nearly snorted the water up his nose, immensely amused by her colorful language. As she was spoiled from birth, her princess tongue and eyes was also quite good in differentiating between quality food and garbage. When the maid profusely apologized and made to have the food recooked, they both just shook their heads and decided try again at dinner instead. After the food was cleared and the door closed, he looked as Tsunade stood up and yawned, heading over to the bed. He followed after her and chuckled, drawing her attention over to him. "I have to say," he whispered. "That was abit of a turn on, Tsunade-hime."

She laughed cheerfully as she kissed him and tackled him to the bed. Laying on top of him, she said demurely, "You know, I was really pleased when you said one room for us."

He lazily stroked her cheek with one finger. "It's not right that you're always the one taking the initiative. This mission... I feel like it's just the thing to have us grow even closer but I have to make some effort for it."

Tsunade beamed and kissed his finger before sitting up. "Let's take a nap. You look tired, Orochi."

"It's this accursed cold weather," he yawned as they moved to pull the blankets over themselves. He opened his arms and scooped her into his embrace, humming at the comforting warmth she offered.

Knowing what he was thinking, she said in a sultry voice, "I can help you be even warmer, Orochimaru."

He drowsily tweaked her nose and flirted back, "With you beside me, I'm always warm."

Snuggling into his chest, she closed her eyes in delight. "I love you." When he fell asleep and was calmly breathing his sweet breath of gentle green tea over her head, she hugged him closer to her and smiled. This was a golden opportunity for their bond to grow even deeper, and she was not going to pass it up for anything. She sighed happily and fell asleep as well, listening to the comforting crackle of their fireplace and the heart he had given her.

Perhaps the journey was more tiring that she thought, because when she woke up, the skies were already very grey, with incoming paint of dark blue in the distance. She yawned and stretched out, blinking the sleep away from her eyes and sat up to find her boyfriend sitting in a lotus position to meditate, his breaths even and his form completely still. She knew better than to disturb someone who was meditating so she just flipped over to her front and decided to watch him instead. Like someone appreciating a work of art, she decided to use the opportunity to enjoy the view.

She could never tire of admiring him. He was stunning, perfect, and best of all, exotic. There was no one out there who looked like him and she liked that. Perhaps it was because she grew up spoiled, but she liked having things that others couldn't have. One hundred percent, she had his attention like no others and she delighted in this fact, basking in it like a cat would to catnip. His feelings for her showed that she was special, had talent, was great. She liked being put first and she liked being given things that she wanted. Orochimaru met her needs perfectly, as he always put their team before everything else, and in this circle, she was first place.

One clear golden eye opened and his lips curved. "You're making me blush, Tsunade-hime."

"You know you're a hunk," she said with a smile, rolling over and onto her back. Her heart skipped a beat when he smoothly moved to put both hands flat down by her head, supporting himself as he leaned over her.

"And you know you're... oh what's the word I'm looking for?" He pretended to mull it over before saying, "Hot." He laughed, his voice washing over her like the finest of silk, making the hair on her arms stand up and her stomach clenching inward in arousal. "We really are perfect together," he mused, bearing down on her, his long hair brushing her bare collarbones. "We can do anything together."

"And if anyone so much as scoff at us, we'd roast their ass," Tsunade said, making his smile widen to show a glimpse of his sharp teeth. The both of them were rude in their own ways, and while his words were cold and cutting, hers were hot and scalding. She remembered the one time one of the staff at the laboratory screwed up the synthesis of her antidote and Orochimaru's poison at the same time, and the both of them sent the man running out of there, crying like he just lost his entire house to a freak tornado in the blink of an eye. She still had to say that the man was lucky that Orochimaru didn't strangle him and she didn't beat him to a bloody pulp because they were both in a good mood and eager to get on with their dinner date at his house later.

He kissed her forehead gently before sitting up, and pulling her up with him. "I've been thinking," he said softly, looking down into her amber eyes, marveling at how they reflected the dim light of the fireplace in the background. As the room was dark since it was evening, it just further enhances how bright her eyes were.

When he didn't say anything further, she tilted her head and looked at him questioningly. It wasn't hard for her to notice that he seemed to be struggling for words and she moved to rest her head against his chest, seating herself comfortably between his legs. "If you don't feel ready to say whatever it is you want to say, I can wait."

"You're always waiting," he muttered, stroking her long untied hair. He stretched his arm to grab the hair brush she had left on the bedside table and began brushing it out. His hands were gentle, not a single strand of her hair broke under his touch and she purred as she relaxed under his careful ministration.

"Prettying me up for dinner?" she asked.

"It'll be in half an hour. I got the message while you were still sleeping," he replied, working on a knot.

She said amicably, "Let's hope the food will be better than lunch." She added with good humor, "Well, at least it wasn't cold food right?" He chuckled and nodded while she breathed in his clean scent of soap and tea, enjoying the feel of his solid toned chest. "Hey Orochi, what's that other reason you dislike cold food besides the fact that it makes you sleepy? You said you'd tell me one day."

For a brief second, his hands froze at the question. It was only due to years of training that he managed to regain his composure in the next. Splitting her hair in half, he began tying them into pigtails as he replied quietly, "For all my claims in wanting to restore past glory and knowledge, I sometimes do not wish to look back on mine. Cold food to me, is a reminder of how little I and my family had. We couldn't afford it. It costs less to simply prepare cold dishes like salads and cold noodles. It bothered me greatly how something simple like a hot meal was out of reach."

"Were... was your family really that poor?" she asked, moving her hand up to rest on his heart.

"Hmph." He said bitterly, "My father took on the work of three men. It costs coin to become a citizen of Konohagakure and immigrate there. As a foreigner and with looks like mine, he wasn't trusted yet. They gave him work that required alot of effort but few rewards. Research takes time as well, time he tried to buy so he could rise up for our family's sake. My mother's main talents were curses, demon summons and auditory genjutsu. But she could only use the latter, because curses and demons were abhorred and feared by the world. She couldn't work as efficiently as she could." He let out a long breath as he finished tying her hair into two low pigtails.

Tsunade looked up at him, remembering stories of demons that would eat her if she wasn't a good girl. They were terrifying things, evil, and cursed. Everyone told her so. Even her grandmother, of the renowned Uzumaki clan followed that belief, as they themselves were famous for sealing so many of them with their legendary fuinjutsu. Stories of dazzling golden chains, holding monsters deep down in the earth was a favorite amongst the people. "What do you think of demons?" she asked.

"They're a tool, like any other," Orochimaru replied with a shrug. "A blade can cut you if you don't know how to wield it, but does anyone blame a sword? Why do so for demons? Hypocritical, really." He let go of her hair and moved off the bed to walk over to the fireplace, crossing his arms in thought. "Now, I experience the same thing. Some are wary of me studying kinjutsu. But... it's human nature to associate anything as 'good' if they bring them benefits. Sooner or later, I believe that eventually the village will understand my research and my kinjutsu."

"But they're so risky," Tsunade said worriedly, reaching out to him as she went over to his side.

Taking her hand, he kissed the top of it and replied with a smirk, "For you, it's worth it. My dream is to keep you and our team safe and happy forever. I refuse to lose my loved ones ever again."

She hugged him tightly, her heart going out to him. "Soon we will get married," she said thickly. "We'll have a big happy family, you'll be Hokage and I will be there for you through everything."

"Thank you," he said appreciatively, basking in her love and warmth.

A few knocks on the door pulled them away from each other as a maid said, "Dinner is ready, sir, miss."

"Let's go," he said with a smile, offering her his arm. The gesture seemed to make her happy as she hooked arms with him as they headed out.

It was sad to say but their joy was short-lived when they saw the food they were to partake in at dinner. Which was quite a shame really, as the dining room was gorgeous. A long oak table, draped with a grape wine colored tablecloth that reached to the ground, was seated before a wall of grand windows that showed a breathtaking view of the starry night sky. The view outside was enhanced by the gentle falling snow that contrasted with the windows' red curtains. Up above was a glowing candle chandelier, extravagant and elegant. Asuita's wife sat at one end of the table, and he on the other. Now that he and Tsunade was here, they took the other side of the tables so that all four side was now occupied.

Yanona's meal was prepared by her own nurse as she had to adhere to a more 'healthy' diet for her health. Right now, Orochimaru was seriously considering her meal for the sake of their own health. He glanced over to his girlfriend sitting across from him, knowing that he didn't need to say anything the moment she opened her mouth. "Mr. Makito," Tsunade said grumpily. "Not to be rude or anything since we're pretty much intruding on your hospitality but..." She scooped up some of the gooey sauce for her fried vegetables and let it dribble back down on the plate. "The food is inedible. This has a worst texture than the snot my baby brother sprayed over our nanny when he was two." She then pointed to the bowl of miso soup, where crumbly sad black tofu swam around in the broth. "And how the fuck do you burn soup?"

Orochimaru had to stare down at his lap to suppress his laughter. Resting his chin in hand, he said, "I'm afraid to say, but the cook or cooks you've hired are inadequate. Surely you must have noticed."

"It's a shame but yes," Asuita admitted. "The cooks are... inexperienced."

Standing up, Orochimaru said, "I can't even eat the food so I might as well go and prepare something so that we don't all starve. When Tsunade-hime gets hangry..." He let that trail off with a chuckle while she pouted.

"But you're guests, I can't-"

Tsunade shushed and said bossily, "Just let Orochi teach your cooks how to turn on a stove properly, Mr. Makito. It's for the sake of your health." She poked at her dying salad. "And my fiance's health. This stuff will kill him faster than the cold would."

Orochimaru covered his mouth with a hand to stop his laughter as he walked out of there to head for the kitchen.

It only took a few gestures and direction guide before he found the kitchen. Pushing open the door, he said curtly, "Do you all realize how foul the food tastes?" His eyes widened slightly to find three doddering old ladies, decked out in full chef clothes, blinking at him in puzzlement. All three had hair that was pure white, soft blue eyes, and were wobbly in-stance. He wouldn't even trust them to bake cookies, let along full-size meals as they seemed to be teetering on the edge of life and the afterlife. Maybe it's because they ate their own cooking and it was killing them. In a corner, a pot of something was bubbling over and hissing out steam, further proving his point.

"Ello," said one of the old ladies, her wrinkled face scrunched in a friendly smile. "Need something dearie? We couldn't quite hear you."

"Wah!" One of the old ladies as she walked towards the bubbling pot, slipped on some egg yolk and he was afraid she was going to break something before she quickly steadied herself again.

Orochimaru leaned against the door and covered his eyes for a moment, not quite sure on what to do for the first time in a long while. In the distance, he heard Tsunade yelling for him.

"I'M HUNGRY OROCHI! FEED ME!"

"Did you hear something?" asked one of the old ladies.

Orochimaru let out a long breath before he reached out and pulled an apron over himself, deftly tying the strings into a practiced bow behind his back. Crossing his arms, he said, "You three, follow my orders. I've got a hangry princess out there and there's no time to waste."

The three clapped their hands in delight. "Oh we got another friend in the kitchen."

"And she's such a pretty girl too."

"Kinda scary but pretty! But wait, is it a girl? Or just a really pretty boy?"

Orochimaru scowled as he strode over to wash his hands to begin preparing dishes, wondering if he was going to have to deal with this problem for the rest of his life.

Darkwings13:

-Happy birthday to Orochi yesterday! I finished a picture of him on my deviantart account so this chapter came a day later than I would have liked lol.

-Thank you to all the readers who are thanking me for writing this. No really, I must thank you for reading and your kind thoughts :)

（＊＾ω＾） Ah yes, OLASZKECSKE! You're actually the third person to ever favorite this story. Thank you! I think the same. Dan isn't rotten on the inside or anything, but he's... ridiculously naive. When he says he wants to be Hokage, I just shook my head and wondered if he's super sheltered or something, not to notice he was competing against people like Orochi, Jiraiya (offered the position 2x) and even Sakumo (before he killed himself). Also, in no way will I do some silly love triangle thing so don't worry. That is something I consider cheap drama. Which reminds me of a fic I read where Tsunade cheated on Dan cuz he was boring with Jiraiya. That actually disgusted me. Dan, and everyone deserves better than that. But anyways, thank you so much for your kind words and following this from day one. I will keep doing my best.

≧(´▽｀)≦ I think as the most beautiful kunoichi in the five nations, alot of guys would be smitten with Tsunade, xxhebi-himexx. Which is quite sweet in the fact that what Oro likes best about her isn't actually her looks (though they're both vain) but her strength and intelligence. As for Dan's age, I believe he's older than the sannin but my notes on it is missing somewhere. Naruto is 17 at the end of part 2, and Orochi is 54. Orochi was 37 when Naruto was born (when Minato died) and he left soon after when his experiments were discovered. Minato died when he was 24 years old, he graduated at 10. So 37 subtract 14 years is 23, the age when Jiraiya became his Jonin sensei. Danny boy died when he was 27, making him at least 4 years older. And thank you! I still feel that Sarutobi and Oro's father/son bond was the most tragic but most beautiful, considering the Third still loved him after everything that he's done. It's easy to love someone who's perfect but to love someone who's so flawed is to really value the bond and show that world that it's real. Team Hiruzen really loved Oro, no matter how bad he got. Same with Team Seven for Sasuke.

(っ・ω・）っAh i see, sinnerlust. Just a suggestion, using periods will help with your writing my friend. And I agree that we never got to see how great Orochi is. He never really went all out. He also comes out victorious because in the end, he doesn't have to win, he just makes sure he never loses. As the years goes by, he just gains more and more knowledge and power. Sooner or later, Naruto and Sasuke dies and no one would be able to stand up to him. Orochi seems to have turned good though, so that's comforting for the world.

(*'▽')ノ＾Thank you JigokuShoujosRevenge.

( ◔ ౪◔)⊃ I actually agree that Dan is abit too much of a goody goody two shoes, lumichan. Funny thing is, not to me but to Tsunade. The Sannin have always been a bit rowdy and crazy, and having Dan there is like having a party pooper for them. Oro likes to sneak into archives and doesn't care about bending the rules if he can get away with things, Jiraiya likes to peek on women and be inappropriate, Tsunade is an alcoholic, likes gambling and is spoiled. The three of them are nonchalant about each other's vices but with Dan... uhhhhhhh... I feel like Tsunade would actually not be true to herself when she's with him. She's a lively and very fun woman, and around Dan while she can be sweet, she can't release her more party kinda side. Very bad pairing, very little chemistry with those two. The man just looks like Oro in a palette swap. He's the same exact height for christ sake. Hehe, this mission will be fun and sweet. But I like my heart pounding moments too so we'll see. Ahhhh, you perverted you. ;D It's ok, im more pervy cuz I'm sticking Oro and Tsu in a wintery landscape lmao!

(੭ˊ͈ ꒵ˋ͈)੭ Hi BlackLady777! Hehe, I think for Oro, most first impression for him is people shatting their pants. That's how I felt when he was first introduced. I kinda miss that amazing vibe he used to have. And with Oro, he really doesn't mince words. If someone sucks, he'll them that. Like how he did to Tsu in the past when they were stuck in that ancient tomb, and even to Nawaki when he couldn't tell him the technique. To have Dan's sister whimpering like that, he would think she's not fit to be a brave kunoichi. But what impresses Oro is if people admit their weakness and put effort into getting better. Like Jiraiya being a joke on their team to becoming a legend with him. Then to Naruto even. If the girl had steel her resolve and taken the ball back, Orochimaru would have approved. Again, this might also be the reason why every girl associated with him is a tomboy cuz he dislikes the more weak/gentle personality and is heavily influenced by growing up with Tsunade, the bluntest woman out there XD I feel like Tsu would talk to her grandma more on the emotional side, rather than the physical stuff. She might be traditional and not approve lol. And you're very right with Tsu thinking of sex to have them be even closer. To phrase it romantically, giving him everything that she had to show how much she trusted and loved him. Orochi is daunted, afraid of looking stupid and disappointing her (some ppl do say sex can ruin a relationship lol). XD oh yea, Orochi trying to look at porn hehe. Which is actually hilarious as HE could actually bend like a snake and maybe that's why Jiraiya chose a specific type of porn to give to his friend ;D He totally expected something more graphic, thanks to Jiraiya again lol. And another one of my pervy readers enjoying my pervy hint at Oro getting warm from the cold thanks to Tsu. I approve! XD Hint, Orochi will be knitting like crazy for a really funny reason in the next chapter. It involves a very pissed off giant purple snake and a frozen cute blue slug.

Edit :Totally forgot to reply to this point of yours blacklady lol. Sorry! While Dan's stats aren't half bad, he was never on a level that would make Orochi give him notice. During his time he was considered a genius and he held exceptional expectations for others too because he's teamed with Tsunade and Jiraiya. Dan graduated at 10, while the Sannin did at 6. The amount of missions the three did, in terms of A and S missions is very very high. Dan did 22 S rank missions, Oro did 108. Dan never even obtained a nickname like Kakashi, Minato, the Sannin. By all means he isn't weak, but with Orochimaru high standards, Dan was nothing special and most certainly a thorn in his side.