The years went easily. Jiraiya learned to henge as soon as they could and pleaded Orochimaru to help ensure it was a good one. Only once positive she could hold a male form if needed when the mandatory graduation year physicals would occur -thankfully still years off and done by civilian medics for the orphans who didn't have clan secrets to conceal- did she pull Orochimaru off to the park as usual.

He couldn't complain. He had an adoration of making clones that was nuts and used Jiraiya to help inspect them. Getting the back of a clone to match was a lot harder than it seemed.

"So what is it?" Orochimaru's expression was flat, bored. It was the typical one. Jiraiya half expected this to not be a shock to her friend at all but had to inform him anyways. Especially because they'd been having a fight about how even with Oro teaching her to read and write she was not putting out effort in class. Something that he could not understand.

"Something only you are gonna know. The matron's never bothered to ask.." Jiraiya rubbed her ear but looked at him. If you didn't meet Oro's eyes he got funny. "I'm a girl."

Orochimaru opened his mouth to refute it..and then paused. Slowly his eyes trailed over her face, the spikey hair kept so short and the clothing. He crossed his arms and noted that Jiraiya was just waiting. Not even anxiously, trusting him to draw his own conclusions as always. It was nice to have someone understand your brain was vastly superior.

"You always did refuse to mingle like the cretins or bathe in the river in summer.." And with that he simply accepted it. The yellow gaze sharp again, waiting.

"Typical Oro, I mention that and you figure it's gotta be something important.."

"Am I wrong?"

Jiraiya smiled. No he wasn't. "I'm barely passing on purpose. I checked the old records in the library, I'll show you. When graduating they do the teams based on grades. One is always the best kunoichi and ninja, one the worst. All the teams vary then for an even mix of good and bad so they can work on each others weaknesses."

Orochimaru blinked once.

"There's only one kunoichi slot per team..but two chances for us to pair up if they think you're a boy..."

"And let's face it you're insanely smart and I am not up to that level even if I went for the girl's part so the only option I have is to be the dead last in class..which if I only do the last year is going to be suspicious."

Orochimaru tilted his head and actually giggled. "That's halfway intelligent of you."

The thank you was unsaid.