~4 years later~

I found myself at a food stand in the streets of Konoha with Hayate and Anko, her munching and the sound of me tapping my foot on the ground out of frustration the only sounds at the table.

We all hadn't changed much, besides Anko's even more promiscuous clothes in the form of her mesh and only her jacket over it, normal pants in place, the only major change was that I got a shinobi combat glove on my left hand, the metal plating on the back of my hand engraved with the symbol of the leaf.

"Anko, do you mind eating like a normal human being?"

She paused her ravenous onslaught, glaring at me, "I am eating like a normal human being, You guys are just slow eaters."

Staring at her, I put a hand to my face, massaging the bridge of my nose, "Sure Anko, sure."

Hayate, ever the peacekeeper, jumped in, "Guys, let's just eat, alright?" He seemed to deflate, "It's already stressful enough as it is with the team placements tomorrow."

I propped my head up on my hand, thinking. I had made a lot of progress in the few years I'd been in Konoha, my taijutsu was average, ninjutsu was fine as I could do the transformation and substitution jutsu without any trouble, and my genjutsu, I don't really have a scale, but I think it's at least above average, and I even nailed low ranking earth techniques.

Anko finally stopped eating to speak, "Yeah, I guess you guys might be worried, but I already know who my Jonin teacher will be."

Hayate gaped while I glanced up interestedly, "And how is that?"

She grinned, "Because he's been teaching me for about two years now!"

WHAT.

I started choking on my own spit, mimicking the voice in my head, "W-what!?"

Hayate just let his head hit the table with a resounding thunk.

Placing my hand on my neck, I massaged my throat, "you've been getting lessons from a Jonin for two years? Without telling us?"

No wonder she beats my ass whenever we spar.

Anko at least had the decency to look sheepish, "Well, you guys never asked."

I inhaled deeply and admired the sky around me, scrutinizing the orange leaves drifting in the wind.

That's fine.

Turning my gaze back to Anko, a small smile on face, "How could we have known if you never did anything suspicious Anko?"

She leaned back with a confused look on her face, "First of all, what was that? And second, I dunno, you guys are supposed to be ninjas."

I tilted my head, "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean."

She narrowed her eyes, "Ton…"

I kept staring at her, "Yes?"

Sighing, she facepalmed, "You're weird."

Hayate rose from his defeated state, seemingly tired, "Well, who is it?"

Anko turned to him, "Hmm?"

Gesturing with his hand, he continued, "Who's your teacher?"

Wow, how'd I forget to ask that?

Practically glowing with pride, Anko put a hand to her chest, "Only one of the Sannin of course!"

My eyes widened slightly, "Oh, so it's Orochimaru?"

Hayate dropped his head back to the table.

She blanched, "Why're you so unimpressed?! And how do you even know it's- if it's him!?"

"Well, Tsunade left the village after the 2nd Shinobi world war, and although you're just about as perverted as Jiraiya went off to travel soon after her. Oh, and I didn't really grow up here, so I don't really have any connection to him, although from what I've heard, he's an exceptional shinobi."

Anko glared at me, "You're damn right he is, and I'm not perverted, I'm sexy."

"You're twelve."

Her eyes became half-lidded, and she started to crawl over the table, a husky tone to her voice, "So?"

Hayate started blushing, turning away while I settled for deadpanning, "You're aware that I gave you the nickname the Purple Prostitute when we were younger right? I'm not getting any sloppy seconds."

A torrent of red flushed through her face, her eyes dangerously narrow, "You dick! I'm still a virgin!"

"I'd hope so, although you do hang around Ibiki a lot…"

As hard as I tried, it just slipped out, whatever she was yelling at me was drowned out by my laughter, Hayate soon joining in.

"On team 9, we have Anko Mitarashi-."

I guess team 9 is Orochimaru's team then. Wonder who'll get stuck with her.

"Hayate Gekko-."

I started to sweat.

Sorry Hayate, I suppose someone had to take one for the team.

"And Ton'neru Iburi. Your Jonin teacher will be Orochimaru, of the Sannin."

The class quieted at that, whispering rising throughout the class about how lucky we were to have a Sannin as our teacher.

All I wanted was a break from Anko's attempts at being sexy, but I suppose even my thoughts jinx me…déjà vu huh?

I leaned back in my seat, staring at the ceiling.

Oh well, at least I won't be bored.

I decided to tune out the sound of Meinu listing off the rest of the teams, it wouldn't help me anyway. Turning to the right, I saw Hayate with a hopeful smile on his face, although he was sweating, and when I pivoted back to my left, I haven't seen Anko that happy, well, ever really.

Maybe it won't be so bad.

The jonin teachers entered, dragging their new teams alongside them as they left until it was only us three in the room, even Meinu left, although, she seemed a bit to excited to leave after getting some flowers delivered to her desk.

Just as I was about to say something, the door slid open, and a pale man wearing a light-yellow robe along with typical ninja attire. His long black hair swung with his movement, and he was just barely taller than I was strolled in, piercing yellow eyes surveyed the room.

He's shorter than I thought he'd be.

I was sitting down at my seat, my head propped up on my hand as it usually is, a disinterested look on my face, Hayate was polishing his sword, and Anko…I've never seen her fangirl before, but now?

She jumped up from her seat, an excited look on her face, "Orochimaru! Can I help you with anything? Oh, these are my-."

He rose his hand, a smirk on his face, "Calm down Anko, the theatrics although amusing, is unnecessary."

He even sounds like a snake.

Hayate realized that someone else had entered the room, jumping back in surprise.

Orochimaru placed a hand on his chest, feigning sadness, "Oh I know I'm a little intimidating, but that just hurts Hayate."

Hypocritical huh?

His gaze turned to me, and for a moment he just stared, and then he smirked, "Why hello there, you must be Ton'neru, the one that's a part of the new Iburi clan correct?"

I nodded absentmindedly, "Yep."

This guy's kind of creepy, the way he talks in all. I swear if my new teacher's a pedophile I'm going to be pissed.

He hummed in thought, continuing to stare me directly in the eyes, unblinking.

Definitely creepy…

"Are my eyes really that pretty?"

Pausing, he stared into the distance surprised before breaking out into full-on laughter, "Oh my, it seems we have a comedian on the team."

I shrugged, standing up, I reached out a hand, "It's nice to meet you."

Silence reigned over the almost empty classroom, Hayate and Anko paling in my peripheral vision, and Orochimaru staring at my hand like I just handed him an Ichi-Ichi novel.

Nonetheless, he slowly brought his hand up to mine, giving me a firm handshake, a grin breaking out on his face, "Oh, you'll definitely be interesting."

Nodding, I returned to my seat in between my two new teammates.

And that seals it. A pedophile for a teacher, great.

Walking to the middle of the room, he placed a hand on his hip, analyzing us with a serious look, "You all will report to me at the perimeter of training ground 44 at 0400 hours tomorrow, understood?"

We resembled a line of bobbleheads.

"Wonderful. Dismissed."

Much like he strolled in, he strolled out, charisma and confidence oozing off his person.

We all sat in silence.

"Am I the only one who didn't know if he was really a guy until he spoke?"

Hayate smiled, although hesitantly, and Anko lunged at me.

"I can't believe you disrespected Orochimaru like that!"
I rubbed the back of my neck in frustration, "Anko, it was just, a handshake."

She stamped her foot to the ground, killing intent leaking out of her, "You were supposed to bow Ton!"

Raising my brow, I deadpanned, "Really? Killing intent? Do you really want to do that?"

I'll give her credit, she remained steadfast in her temper tantrum, that takes some dedication, especially after some light childhood scarring. I narrowed my eyes, letting out enough KI to just overpower hers.

As quick as I could blink she jumped back startled, "Why does none of my stuff work on you!?"

Irked, I shot back, "I practically live with an overgrown three-year-old already, so you're not so difficult."

Anko settled for growling at me this time.

"C'mon guys, could you just stop arguing, I'm going crazy just listening to you guys speak!"

Well, that's surprising, Hayate almost never gets mad.

I looked to the sky, focusing on each and every detail I could find, the dying leaves, the breeze, nature in general.

It's fine, the argument isn't important.

"Alright," I stood up from my seat, my hand slipping behind Hayate's chair as I did so, "I'm going to go train. Find me if you need me."

Ambling my way out of the academy, I admired the sword in hand. High quality, nothing too special, but durable and sharp, I suppose that's all you need.

Perfect. Going to have to return it though.

Noticing a cart going by with a whistle on it, I took advantage of the surrounding food carts, and blended my transformed hand into the smoke, snatching it away from the cart. I quickly molded my chakra into a needle as I'd done countless times before, creating a genjutsu and infusing it into the whistle. A small grin wormed its way onto my face.

I turned outward to the crowd of people rushing around, selling, eating.

And I blew.

Almost immediately I noticed a change, none of them responded to the whistle, they merely swapped directions as if nothing happened. They also seemed to look through me, not noticing me. I smirked.

Like. A. Charm.

I swept through the crowd, nabbing small bits of merchandise, some snacks, and one, suspiciously worn Ichi-Ichi book. Sauntering my way into an alleyway, I floated up the side of the building, lying on the shingles face up.

Never thought I'd become a kleptomaniac, but here I am, goodies in hand, and a smile on my face. This is the life.

Looking out across the village, it's usually green foliage now differing degrees from yellow to brown. Crossing my arms behind my head, I closed my eyes, letting out a breath of pure contentment.

"Ton'neru Iburi."

My eyes opened slowly, "Why hello there Fugaku, how's the wife?"

The man sighed, hanging his head ever so slightly, "Why are you on the roofs again Ton'neru?"

I never looked directly over to him, settling for the peaceful view I had, "For this," I gestured towards the village, the Hokage Rock in sight.

He walked up next to me, "Although it is a beautiful view, you aren't allowed up here unless you've become a fully-fledged ninja, which based on your lack of a headband, you aren't, although I've told you multiple times."

I gestured to my glove.

A grunt was all I got in return, "Very well, however, if you vandalize or destroy anything up here," He glared at me, KI flooding my surroundings, and his Sharingan activated, spinning threateningly, "I'll find you."

Nodding, I shooed the man away, if there was one thing I learned while training with Meinu, it was that I had an absurd resistance to KI, no clue why, it just seemed muted to me, and also, I know he isn't going to do anything, he's the Uchiha clan heir, and based on his age, he'd soon become the clan head, so he wouldn't risk his reputation on me.

The sound of a Body Flicker activating was all I heard behind as the wind rushed.

Good thing I'm not transformed.

Sitting up after he left, I jumped down back into the alleyway, "Release."

Shouts were immediately heard along with crashing carts.

Sighing, I turned to the deepest part of the alley, I swiped a B-ranked earth technique from the restricted section and started going through the hand seals as quickly as possible, I whispered.

"Earth Release: Golem technique."

I waited in anticipation.

I definitely felt a drain on my chakra, so maybe it'll work this time?

A small golem began to rise out of the ground, maybe one foot in height, began forming itself out of chakra alone, its legs propping up a large bulky body, and club-like arms attaching themselves to its sides.

Come on, all that's left is the head!

A stone started rolling up the torso.

Is it actually going to work!?

The whole structure froze as the head reached its destination.

…

It started to turn to dust under my gaze.

Tsk, really? Getting my hopes up… at least the lower level stuff works.

Sighing, I stood up and strolled off out of the alleyway. The commotion from before had settled down to only a few people whining about their lost cabbages or something. Looking to the sky as I walked, I clenched my hands in my pockets.

Throwing open the door, I walked in ignoring Jak-Jak's greeting and promptly falling face first onto our couch. I closed my eyes, focusing on the silence throughout the house.

I heard Jak-Jak's footsteps grow closer to my downed form. A reassuring hand pressed into my back, "Are ya alright Ton'neru?"

My fingers twitched, and I shifted my face on its side, "Nothing you need to concern yourself with, ninja stuff."

She sighed, rubbing my back, "I deal with the council at least once a week, I think I should concern myself."

Glancing back to her face, I picked my self up from the softness of the cushions, "It's fine Jak-Jak, I'm only frustrated about something I was assigned. I simply need to practice more," I lied.

Jak-Jak stared me in the eyes for what felt like minutes, trying to decipher if I was telling the truth, "Alright, but let me know if ya need some help Ton'neru."

I nodded and then stood up, "Anyway, I was given an order by my new teacher to wake up early, so I'm off to bed."

"Alright, sleep well."

I smiled at her, although it was forced, and walked towards my room.

KNOCK KNOCK.

Turning to the door confused, I ambled over to it.

I wonder who that could be?

Just outside my doorframe was Hayate, with a less than pleased look on his face.

Ohhhh… probably should've expected this.

"Hello Hayate, what can I do for?"

"I need my sword back Ton."

I tilted my head, "What makes you think I-d have it?"

He facepalmed, "I can see it on your back Ton," he glanced up at me, "Also, this isn't really unusual."

I turned to look at the scabbard on my back, "Hmm, wonder how that got there," grabbing it I handed it to him, "Here you go."

Snatching it out of my hands, he marched off.

That took him longer than normal. Point, me.

The sounds of nature in the clearing just before the forest was relaxing, leaves rustling, birds chirping, and my own breaths were all I could here. Even so, the forest certainly had a dark aura surrounding it, as a few small animals downright avoided entry, running away. I found solace in the lack of people, no one to try to talk to me, no one to annoy me with their chatter, just my own thoughts flying through my head.

I'm early, not completely unheard of, but not commonplace either. Sleep came quicker than expected, and to my disappointment, I couldn't fall asleep again after I'd awoken. So here I was, sitting on a large rock outside training ground 44 also known as the Forest of Death, alone.

A distinctive blow of wind and leaves blew by me, letting me know someone body flickered behind me.

"Why hello there Ton'neru, eager for experience are we?"

Turning to the pale man, I shrugged, "I suppose you could say that."

He placed his hand on my shoulder, "Well since you've gotten here so early, how about I teach you something, hmm?"

I stood up, stretching my arms, "Sure, what'd you have in mind?"

Walking in front of the stone, he turned to me and demonstrated a series of hand seals, slowly so I could memorize their order. A puff of smoke later and another Orochimaru was standing by his side, the original bringing back his hand.

Glancing at the man's yellow eyes, I stared inquisitively.

Faster than I could follow, his hand erupted through to the other side of the clone.

Ouch.

However, instead of blood flying everywhere, mud did as the clone degraded, collapsing to the ground.

My eyes widened slightly, "Wow," I walked over to the mess of now unshaped mud on the ground, "That's pretty good for diversion huh? Although most if not all clones are."

"Yess, that technique could be used for diversion, now, why don't you try?"

Looking back at the man, I sighed.

Might as well, it might even be in my range for skill.

Putting myself into the correct stance, I performed the hand seals, molding my chakra and forming the clone.

With a puff much like the usual clone technique, a copy of myself appeared before me.

It worked?

Freezing, I stared at myself, my eyes drifting across the clone, looking for anything wrong, and yet I couldn't find a discrepancy, my glove was on the right hand, the jacket was identical, and even my wrappings were done correctly.

Bringing my hand back, I punched the clone in the face as hard as I could, my image turning to mud.

A manic grin forced its way onto my face, I turned to Orochimaru, "I-it actually worked!"

For a split second I saw him smiling before he became confused, "Of course it would work. Did you expect something else?"

I shook my head, "Not really, I just thought it was too hard for me to do, but I can't complain," my legs transformed to smoke as I got excited.

Perhaps because I see myself in the mirror everyday and my familiarity with the normal clone technique made this one easier, either way, this is a gateway, a gateway to progress!

His eyes filled with an only slightly creepy excitement, "So this is your clan's ability Ton'neru?"

Nodding absentmindedly, I looked at my hands, bringing my legs back to the way they were.

Now if I can reverse engineer the Tsuchikage's Added Rock Weight technique to not have the rocks covering everything it touches…

"Very interesting indeed, the ability to go between smoke and flesh at will."

Ignoring his comments, I turned to him, "Do you know about the Tsuchikage's techniques?"

Seeing the look in my eye, he paused in his musings, "A few, why?"

I told him about the issue with my clan's smoke transformation.

"I see I see, your clan's ability is restricted by an involuntary transformation, which, if I've understood you correctly, is highly susceptible to even the slightest breeze."

I nodded.

"And to fix this, you wish to create a jutsu which will passively increase your density to resist the wind?"

Nodding once more I sat down, tapping my foot.

He stood there with his arms crossed for a few minutes, "You are one well read, and odd child for sure," He smirked, "I like that. Very well, we can start now until your fellow teammates show up in approximately one hour."

Choosing to ignore his tone, I jumped up from my seat, "So how should we start? Condensing the chakra in my system? Covering my self in dust and running chakra through my pores to the dust? Oh, how about-."

Raising his hand, he smirked, "Ton'neru, I expected this of Anko, not one like yourself, although your enthusiasm for learning is refreshing."

I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly, "My bad, I'm just excited about not worrying about my life every day."

Still smirking he pat me on the shoulder, "It's the expected reaction," he gestured towards the edge of the forest, "Come, we start immediately."

Hayate was on the ground crying with laughter while Anko only stared, confused, "W-why're you guys doing that?"

As odd as it sounded, we were in somewhat of a squat, holding the snake seal, and despite my reservations about Orochimaru's innuendos, nothing had gone wrong yet. We were firmly planting our feet into the ground.

"Ah, Anko, welcome, we're currently trying to create a jutsu to help with Ton'neru's performance issues."

Does he even realize what that sounds like? I mean, he must, right?

Clearing my throat, I spoke up, "We're making a jutsu to keep me from dying."

Orochimaru bust out laughing, letting go of his seal to grab his knees, "Oh why do you have to ruin my fun Ton'neru?"

Not going to dignify that with a response.

A/N: Alright, this chapter was the most frustrating to write by a large margin, mainly because of Orochimaru's characterization at this point in the timeline, and the way chakra works in general. Please let me know if he didn't feel right, or if anything was wrong, and feel free to suggest things I could do to improve my writing, the story, or both.

Hopefully, I'll see you next chapter, and I hope you enjoyed.