It was finally autumn. The cold wind and vibrant hues on leaves were the largest indicators of winter's creeping presence. Farming villages were beginning to harvest their hard work from the ground and festivals were being planned.

Orochimaru shifted Keiko in his arms. The small girl was sound asleep after babbling nonstop and reaching out to all of the colorful leaves floating down. He sighed when he recalled how she really did try to eat the leaves. That habit of eating anything she could get her hands on wasn't going to last was it?

"Hello there!" Orochimaru's gaze fell to a waving woman with a basket of freshly picked vegetables. Her brown hair was in a low bun, a simple yellow yukata with an orange obi adorning her waist. If he hadn't been a skilled shinobi, he wouldn't have noticed the faint laugh lines or the warm and curious glow in her gray eyes. The Snake Sannin figured she had just visited the fields. After all, the dirt path he was traveling on led to the only village for about 500 meters.

He nodded in return, mentally patting himself on the back for putting on a genjutsu. This time, he kept his male form and changed his skin to a darker hue. His eyes were now matching Keiko's golden color, and he even pulled his long black hair into a ponytail. He'd rather not have to deal with rude interruptions during his outing with Keiko.

"Are you and your daughter staying for the Reunion Festival?" Orochimaru would never admit it, but he preened at her comment. Of course he wasn't Keiko's biological father, but he was the one who gave her life. To hear someone tell him that he and Keiko were family, it made his chest swell in pride and happiness.

In response to her, he nodded politely (because even if he had defected from Konoha, he still knew his manners). "Yes, we're headed there right now. Unfortunately, she fell asleep."

"Well then, why don't we go together?" She happily suggested before woman's eyes glowed with adoration as her eyes landed on Keiko. "My! How cute!" Walking over, Orochimaru stiffened slightly, but made no other movement. "How old is she?"

"Just turned one a few weeks ago," he answered, hiding his surprise at the woman's small talk. It had been quite a long time since he last did such a polite, civilized thing. Akatsuki doesn't do small talk.

Well unless it was about Keiko.

Walking along the dirt path, he continued his conversation with the woman whose name was Nozaki Nanako. Apparently, she had gone to visit her sister out in the fields with a bento and in return, got vegetables back.

And her favorite color was green.

She also hated the cold, but loved snow.

Her birthday was in a month and her husband had no idea what to get her, so he's been talking to her friends.

And she really liked talking to strangers about her life story.

By the time they reached the village full of wooden houses, colorful banners, stalls, and loud chattering, Orochimaru had fabricated the story that—yes, his "wife" was dead, no, he wasn't looking to find a another wife, and he certainly did not want to settle down in the village.

Giving up with a small sigh, Nanako smiled wryly. "Alright then Kenji-san, I understand. If you keep heading down this road, you'll come across the local inn. Tell Akemi-san that I sent you there and she'll give you the room with the best view. You'll find her right away, she's the one with a loud voice and big grin."

Orochimaru nods, as she addresses him with his "name." He doesn't say much, and shifting Keiko in his arms again, heads his way. He takes five steps before Keiko wakes up, her little hands rubbing her golden eyes. She gurgles unhappily, and he wonders if she woke up from the hustle and bustle of the village.

For a village located in the mountains, it was full of people moving from place to place, carrying props for what he presumes is for the renactment later that night. Stalls were already set up, the owners busy setting ingredients up to their preferences. He spots game stalls and is reminded of a time where Jiraiya dragged him and Tsunade to play a few. Orochimaru could win every game but the goldfish game. He remembers how frustrated he always got when Jiraiya would win it. Every. Single. Time.

He holds himself from giving an accusatory glare at the man setting up the goldfish game. He almost succeeds, and no one questions him about the smug smirk on his face as the man shudders.

Keiko forgets why she wakes up and coos, lifting her fingers to play with the weird face Orochimaru was making.

Nanako's description of Akemi was vague but more than enough for Orochimaru to identify the owner of the inn. Akemi was tall, almost as tall as he was, and the air shook around her, almost as though the air was affected by her excitement. She was giving orders to the many helpers around her, checking final details, and at the same time greeting customers.

Shifting Keiko in his arms, he walks to her, remembering Nanako's advice. The busy woman notices him straight away, her grin still large and eyes bright with excitement. "A customer?" she asks.

He nods, stepping out of the way as a few workers carry delicate dishes to the kitchen. "Yes, I was told by Nanako-san to come here for the best view."

Akemi's eyes sparkle even brighter at the mention of her friend. "Is that so?! Well Nanako always knows what's best! I usually let my daughter take care of handling customers but a friend of Nanako's a friend of mine!"

She walks over to the wooden counter, decorated with flowers and lucky cats. Grabbing a book and pen, she quickly takes his information before leading them to the room Nanako had promised. True to the friendly woman's word, the room Akemi led them to was definitely charming and the veranda showed the lush, green forests and mountains.

"Well Kenji-san, I'll be leaving now, but don't be shy! I'll be in the main lobby, still many things to do before the sun sets! You'll be going to the festival right?" She doesn't give him a chance to respond. "I would suggest you get there early to watch the parade and reenactment! It's our pride and joy here!"

The red-haired woman leaves, the air slowly calming down with her departure. Orochimaru sighs, feeling drained of energy after being around Akemi for so long. He looks at the room again, at the low table with an elegant decoration of flowers, the tatami mats, and the sliding paper door. He doesn't remember the last time he stayed in such a warm, traditional room. Deciding to get a closer look at the veranda, he walks over, Keiko cooing at the sight of so many trees. Their room had a nice view of the mountains and the rest of the bustling village.

The inn was the tallest building and from their spot, they could see all the villagers moving from place to place. Keiko giggled, hands grabbing at nothing but was still happy. He smiles at her show of happiness. There was nothing better than watching her smile and laugh from the bottom of her heart. The sun was beginning to set and people were stringing up paper lanterns.

"Why don't we head down and get a spot for the parade?" he asks Keiko. She giggles back, babbling happily.

Walking down the street, he hears someone call for his fake name. "Kenji-san! Over here!"

He turns around and finds Nanako waving frantically, a man Orochimaru guesses to be her husband, and two twins in yukata. The family walks over and he meets them halfway.

"Good evening Nanako-san," Orochimaru greets, Keiko cooing as her way of greeting the nice lady.

"Hello again! Did you meet Akemi?" He nods and she grins, clapping her hands together. "That's wonderful! Oh, and let me introduce you to my husband and children! This is Tetsuya, my wonderful husband! He's a bit quiet, but very romantic and generous. This is my daughter Minako and my son Minato, both are twins! Minato's similar to his father, and Minako takes after me! Isn't that just amazing?!"

Orochimaru nods, feeling his energy drain as Nanako continues talking about her family. Her husband becomes flustered at his wife's praise and gets straight to the point. "Would you like to join us? We have a good spot for the parade."

Grateful for his intervention, Orochimaru nods. He knows it would be good for Keiko to interact with people not involved in the shinobi world. They walk to a clear spot just as soon as the parade begins.

Keiko bounces in his arms, pointing at the bright colors and all the decorations. Her hands catch fluttering confetti and flower petals, but Orochimaru is careful that she doesn't eat anything. He turns to Tetsuya, deciding to be cordial. "What is the festival celebrating?"

Tetsuya looks surprised when he talks to him. He stutters at first before he's able to collect his thoughts. "The Reunion Fesitval celebrates the reunion of three gods. There was a legend that the three mountains that surround our village used to be inhabited by the gods. Simply put, they are able to meet each other when the crops are ready and we celebrate with the battle they used to have, followed by a week of feasts. The gods are represented by flowers which are why there are so many around."

As soon as he finishes his explanation, he nods proudly at himself. Orochimaru nods, not quite interested but taking the information for a possible story he could tell Keiko later. It was one of the things she loved when it was nighttime. That and any nursery songs he barely remembered. Of course there was no way he'd ever let anyone else than Keiko hear him sing. He's not sure how to feel about her giggling and wide golden eyes when he sings because he knows he can't sing, but nonetheless she still loves him singing.

Was there anyone that would love and adore him like she does? A small smile tugs on his lips and he can't help but nuzzle her plump, rosy cheeks. She giggles again, the sound filling up his ears and for few seconds he forgets about the noisy crowd around him. Instead of a parade full of people in lavish kimono and masks, there was only Keiko. Her head was covered with tufts of blonde hair which he tied up in a small ponytail. Currently, she was wearing a jinbei with a red kasura leaf design, one of the gifts he prepared for her birthday.

It brought back memories of her birth. Under the Konoha sky, being chased by his sensei, becoming a traitor and an uncle in one day, it was a day full of surprises. He recalls the bitterness of defeat he felt that day and the feeling of hope that flooded his chest when she opened her bright eyes for the first time. It had been decades since he last felt such warmth flow through his chest. The last time he felt such a thing was when he first began dreaming of happiness.

He's brought out of his thoughts by Nanako, a question on her lips. "Did you need to use the restroom? Tetsuya's going right now, we usually take turns so one of us is with the kids," she explains.

As much as he wants to stay with Keiko, he knows he's in a precarious situation. If he leaves, she'll be left with strangers. Usually he'd leave her with a clone but this time, he was undercover as a regular man. He couldn't summon a clone without suspicion.

Taking his silence as hesitation, Nanako adds with a comforting smile, "Don't worry. I'll bring the children to one of the restuarants. We won't move one bit and there'll be other people to keep an eye on her. We'll be at Shin's Barbeque."

He nods once, also deciding that while he went to the restroom, he could complete his mental map of the village. His gaze falls to Keiko and automatically, his eyes soften. "I'll be away for a bit, be good Keiko-chan."

She babbles a little, almost like she was saying "I understand~!"

Orochimaru hands her over to Nanako, making sure the other woman had a firm grasp of her before he left, following Tetsuya. As they leave, Nanako brings the children to the restaurant. It was a familiar establishment, the place she first met her beloved husband. She smiles brightly as Keiko coos at the new sights and smells.

The restaurant was a medium-sized building with low tables all set out, cushions with flower designs were placed carefully. The floor was made of polished wood and the walls were covered with pictures of patrons and paintings of landscapes. Nanako nods to one of the waitresses before taking her usual table. She sets Keiko in her lap before ordering a few snacks so her kids don't become impatient.

However, with twins it wasn't as smooth as she hoped. As the plate of dango was set out, they immediately began bickering. She knows it's the excitement in the air fueling their fight as well. With a frown she immediately begins breaking their fight up, only for Minako to stand up and run away at her twin's refusal to make up.

Nanako sends him a disapproving glance before setting Keiko in another cushion. "Minako!" she shouts, watching as her daughter gets swallowed up in the large crowd.

Her motherly instincts scream at her to follow, and she looks to the table next to hers. It's far too dangerous to move through a hustling crowd with a baby in her arms. "I'm sorry, but do you mind watching the children for a bit," she asks, bowing once. "I need to find my daughter!"

The only one sitting there was a hunched over woman, but her mumbled voice was taken as a yes and Nanako hurried out, not seeing her son follow in worry and guilt.

Keiko tilted her head curiously at the lady hunched over. Grabbing the table for balance, she pushes herself upright and begins walking towards her. The lady had long hair and she knew she had to pull on it! With one foot in front of the other, she makes her way to the end of the table and taking another look at the lady, lunges towards her.

The woman straightens up, eyes wide and mind swirling from the excess alcohol she had. Then she notices a small bundle of white and red fabric on her arm. Blinking a few times, she realizes there's blonde hair as well.

"Wha?" she mumbled, her cheeks flushed and red lips barely moving. "When did you get here?"

Hearing the voice, Keiko looks up, eyes wide at the strange lady. "Bweh?"

"Bweh?" the lady repeats, mind slowly recovering from all the sake she had. Then she halts as her mind processes the face. And when she realizes that there's a baby clinging onto her, she feels her face pale. As the alcohol leaves her system like usual, she watches in shock as the baby crawls into her lap. Then the baby grabs one of her pigtails and gives it a tug.

She feels a sliver of annoyance enter her body as the baby giggles and narrowing her eyes, she grabs the chubby hand and pulls it away from her hair. "Pulling people's hair is not polite brat."

Keiko's brows furrow and she pouts. She feels the lady's annoyance and irritation in her stern voice. Oro didn't use that voice unless he was really upset with her. It meant she was doing something wrong. Something that made him scared and worried for her. She can't help but begin to sniffle. She just wanted to play, she didn't want to make the big person mad.

At the sudden tears gathering in brown eyes, the lady's mind screeches to a halt. She furiously scrambles to calm the child down. It had been decades since she held a child that didn't need medical attention. However, she lifts up the little girl and rubs her back. The little brat still cries, and she winces at the loud cries right next to her ear. Taking a deep breath and remembering it was a baby, not even old enough to understand her words, she begins talking in a soft voice. "There's no need for you cry over that. You're okay now. Your parents should do something about that habit of yours though. I'm not a child psychologist but you should get that out of your system."

Keiko quiets down, feeling the irritation of the woman fading away.

With a sigh, the woman sets Keiko down on the cushion to her left. "There, no more tears."

She takes a closer look at the child and her mind pulls a few images of a rushed woman leaving the baby in her care. The baby had suddenly grown interested in the sake cup on the table, and she pushed it away. "Nope, I'm not having you touch that."

The baby's eyes meet hers and she pauses at what happens next. The brat begins to giggle! Was it playing a game with her? Clapping her hands happily, the baby falls back on her bottom and plays with the jinbei. There's an air of innocence around the girl, something the woman no longer has. She feels a tug of bitterness to think that she was once like that and look how she was now. Self-exiled, a gambler, an alcoholic, and pitiful.

Watching the girl play and laugh to herself, the woman felt a little tired as she rested her head on her propped up arm. When did she lose hope? When did she fall into despair? Was it when her fiance died in her hands? Her brother's passing? Being a part of the wars ever since she could remember? She felt like she was being crushed at the heavy thoughts filling her soul. Even drowing herself in sake and gambling didn't help, it just numbed her.

She's brought out of her thoughts when a little hand is placed on her calf. The girl babbles some more incoherant words, but the rosy cheeks and big smile soothe her crushed soul. She reaches out with her free hand and gently cradles the soft cheek. Her touch was barely there, almost like she was afraid of tainting the girl with the heaviness of the world. A small, barely there smile tugs at her red lips. In this despicable world filled with hatred and death, here was this little girl who giggled and smiled brightly, seeing the world through a pair of innocent eyes.

There's a sadness in the grown woman, growing every second she watches the girl play. To think that this girl would be growing up in a sadistic world. The thought that this innocent child could become a second version of her, filled her with dread. It was strange really. In front of her was a girl that was just beginning her life while she, as a grown woman, was ready to throw her life away. "Don't change," she mutters softly, for the first time ever, praying that this girl is spared from the hardships she's lived through.

And suddenly, she feels a flicker of something worm its way to her chest. It's a soft, warm feeling that feels like it could erupt at any moment or would stay there, calm and hanging on. It's fragile like thin glass, yet it manages to pull someone crushed from the weight of the world to see how the world could be, rather than what it is.

"Keiko-chan!"

The woman looks up at the abrupt call and the baby looks over as well, a happy gurgle leaving her mouth. "Oro!" she replies, clapping her hands.

A man walks over, a look of relief on his face. He walks over to the baby, picking her up and craddeling her in his arms. "Thank goodness you're okay."

The man had long black hair in a ponytail, skin-kissed skin, and brown eyes like the little girl in his arms. Yet, there was something familiar about him as well. His eyes grow wide, and she sighs, she's been through this before. When people recognize her, it's always the same thing. "You should keep a better watch on her. The world's full of terrible things," she adds.

He nods and bows a little, careful to keep the girl from falling. "Of course. Thank you for watching over her."

She nods, bringing a cup of sake up to her red lips with a sigh. "Such an innocent child shouldn't be left alone in this world."

He nods, and thanks her again before leaving, yet she almost feels like he means something else. The little girl, Keiko as he called her, looks from behind his shoulder and smiles, waving with her arm. For a moment, she loses her grip on the sake cup and it falls, the rice wine spilling.

When she's joined by her faithful student, the black-haired woman worries over her teacher's silence and eyes glued to the table. "There was a baby girl left for me to watch," the blonde woman explains tiredly. "When her father picked her up, she...she smiled at me."

The younger woman waited for her teacher to continue, the pig in her arms worried as well.

When her teacher's gaze lifts from the table, there's a mixture of bitterness and sorrow all wrapped up. "She looked just like Dan when he leaves on missions."

"Tsunade-sama," the other calls out softly, eyes narrowed at her teacher's anguish. She moves to the blonde's side, helplessly watching her teacher suffer.

"Let's go Shizune," Tsunade decides after a few minutes. "I hear there's a casino opening nearby." With a heavy heart and constricting silence, the two pay for the drinks and leave.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru watched as the two women left. It had been such a shock to see his old teammate, especially when she was watching Keiko with such soft eyes. His blonde teammate never made such a gentle face once Dan had passed away. In his mind, a voice worries if Keiko preferred spending time with her biological mother more than with him. Truly, together they had looked picture perfect. And here he was, keeping this child full of innocence and hope away from the woman who needed it the most.

Yet, he calms that insecurity down as the girl nuzzles against his shoulder, presumably tired from the day. He reminds himself that Tsunade wouldn't benefit from having a baby with her. The woman was stuck in a state of loathing directed at herself and the world. It would do no good to have her care after a child who needed proper attention and support when she needed it as well. His gaze was filled with gratitude as he watched them leave.

If it weren't for Tsunade and Dan, he never would've found something even more precious than his own life. Keiko was much more important than his experiments and his desire for power. He knows that the little girl in his hands is worth protecting, and with his blood-stained hands, he would do everything he could to prepare her for reality. And even then, he knows that his little girl full of joy and hope would still have many precious memories in this cruel world. He would make sure that she spends her life to the fullest.

He won't let her become another Tsunade.

With a smile, he looks over at Keiko before his gaze drifts to the night sky. "Let's go back home tomorrow. I think the others have found out we're gone by now. I'm sure this was quite the birthday you've had. For now, we can enjoy the kid-friendly hot spring coupon Nanako-san gave us."

xXx

Yep, guess who's back and still alive after two years! After dealing with real life stuff (and getting to work with kids the same age as Keiko!), I'm back! I apologize for this extremely long (unplanned) hiatus! Honestly, I've had trouble writing for Naruto once it ended but after playing the online game, listening to the amazing soundtrack, and watching the movies, I'm ready to write again.

I'm extremely grateful for your kind reviews which also fueled me! And as to what I'm going to write, you'll just have to wait and find out! But rest assured, there's going to be a lot of fluffy shenanigans with Akatsuki coming up!