So, um, I just unearthed this old omake! I actually wrote this four years ago after an adoption idea from a reviewer GraceHeart27, but never posted it because I was planning to expand on it more but never got around to it lol. So I guess I'll just chuck it out there if any of my old readers are still around.
Btw if anyone's interested I'm currently working on my other fic called Crackpot-sensei which will involve an Orochimaru characterized similar to this one ;) And Anko as a sensei LOL (u can tell already it's gonna be a ride)
For context, this omake starts just after Orochimaru finds out he's not going to be hokage.
Here's the happy ending we all wanted (:
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He was not going to be Hokage.
Why he bothered to attend the inauguration, he knew not. Yet here he was, watching as Minato waved to the thousands who watched him don his ceremonial garbs.
The sun shone upon him and the crowd cheered at the sight of the great Minato Namikaze, an orphan who had risen from the dark depths of this village and overcame all the hurdles that stood in his way.
Such a glorious day.
(It should have been him)
Orochimaru's attention drifted. Beside him his wife, Kushina Uzumaki, watched her husband with obvious adoration. Her eyes were full of warmth, a smile that promised nothing less than unconditional love.
Orochimaru almost scoffed at the blatant show of love the kunoichi didn't even bother to hide even in front of-
She touched her stomach. A subtle movement that would have gone unnoticed had he not happened to look at her in that exact moment.
Immediately Orochimaru's gaze sharpened. That single movement, absent-minded in nature… but no… kunoichi of her ability did not make such thoughtless gestures unless… was she… there was simply no other….
Kushina Uzumaki was pregnant.
It was an odd revelation. The timing couldn't possibly be worse for one who is to become Hokage. Orochimaru refocussed on Minato. When he thought about it…
Minato never pursued the title of Hokage. Orochimaru could not recall a single thing that pointed towards Minato actively striving towards that goal.
Yet he had been a candidate due to his strength, charisma and his loveable demeanour that made the entire population of Konoha roar happily as he waved with that confident, slightly bashful grin. The boy was loved and trusted.
But... could it be that he never wanted to be Hokage at all?
Orochimaru resisted the urge to laugh. Oh, how the gods had forsaken them both.
After all, one cannot simply turn down the title of Hokage. To do so would be to betray the trust of the village, for if one was not willing to lay down their life literally or metaphorically for the village, then are they truly loyal at all?
This… changed things. Changed everything.
Kushina was pregnant. Kushina would have a child within nine months.
But Minato, Orochimaru was certain, would not be the type to choose to rule a village when he could be caring for his child.
Likely he would remain Hokage just long enough that him stepping down wouldn't be viewed as odd. A year, maybe two, maybe even three. But Orochimaru was nothing if not patient.
It was a gamble, but…
A tiny smile pulled at his lips.
This changes everything.
And why had he not considered this before? With Minato in power, he could inform him of Danzo and Sarutobi's little 'agreement'. He could paint himself in an innocent light, could explain exactly how their skewed relationship worked and how he had been caught up in it. How he'd had no choice but to follow orders from a man who had been given power over the shadows. He could explain how there was an entire legion of mindless drones beneath their feet that existed because of Danzo Shimura, and Sarutobi Hiruzen's deliberate ignorance.
After all, Minato was the Hokage now. He ought to be informed of the inner workings of his village. And a boy like him, naïve and inexperienced... wouldn't understand why Danzo existed, and certainly wouldn't stand for such corruption.
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Minato accepted his request for a private meeting.
Hiding the grin that threatened to ruin his projected image, he stepped into Minato's office.
"Hokage-sama," he bowed to the tired man who looked up at him from a stack of paperwork. The boy was young but there was no denying he was worthy of respect, if only for his genius on the battlefield.
"Ah, Orochimaru-san. Please, come in."
Orochimaru obliged, gliding into the middle of the room and dropping into a respectful crouch, head bowed. As much as such deference towards another was galling, it was necessary should he wish to remain in the boy's good graces.
At least the new Hokage put his pen down and gave him his full attention. The two had done the occasional mission together and knew of each other's prowess, and they'd always treated each other with polite respect.
And Orochimaru was pleased to know that Minato knew to take his request for a meeting seriously, which was reinforced by his next words.
"The room is sealed. Speak freely."
And so Orochimaru spun his tale, surprised to find that he did not, in fact, need to speak a single lie.
Danzo had dug his own grave. Danzo never would have expected him to out him so easily, but then he never expected he would figure out how to remove the curse seal on his tongue either.
Minato's icy blue eyes were all but glacial when he finally finished.
"I will have this matter looked into. And Orochimaru-san…"
Suddenly blue eyes softened slightly as they focussed on him.
"I believe you speak the truth. I am sorry that you were used in such a manner, by those should have been able to trust."
Orochimaru blinked slowly, feeling a sense of amusement rise within. Just as he had been used, he had used in turn. There was no reason this boy should pity him, not that he would know it.
He smiled in response.
"You are most kind, Hokage-sama."
But Minato wasn't finished.
"However…"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed at that ominous tone.
"Despite the corner you were forced into, you are a shinobi of the Leaf. You will have to be held accountable for your actions. I will have you monitored, and you will be on a probationary period until this situation is dealt with."
A period of probation… that was to say he would be village-bound until the Hokage deemed fit, until this 'situation' was over. And monitored, too. It could take years for ROOT to be completely dismantled.
Orochimaru felt fury rise within him. He understood Minato's reasoning, but as he had just stated, he hadn't had any choice. Had he become Hokage, he could have escaped this mess entirely, but no.
Yet he remained silent, for he kept his eyes on the bigger picture. This was only a setback. A major one, but in the scheme of things it wasn't going to hurt his chances with Minato, because the boy clearly felt sympathy for him. And his opinion was the only one that mattered when it came to him being elected as the next Hokage.
Plus, if he was being monitored, he would be able to show exactly how loyal he was to the village.
In fact, this could even be to his benefit.
He felt himself relax.
And this, at least, would even give him more time to train and study, rather than be forced to take mission after mission outside the village.
The thought almost made him smile, and his rage dampened.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
It was still a net positive outcome.
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ROOT was uncovered and Danzo, slippery as he was, managed to escape the village. Hiruzen was pardoned for his negligence, but that was to be expected. After all, he could claim plausible deniability, being that he turned a blind eye to Danzo and his organisation.
Now, Orochimaru only had to gain the favour of the villagers. He had their respect, their admiration, but now he needed to gain their trust.
It was too late to take back his actions in dropping the peacekeeping duties he had done away with the moment Minato had been named Hokage. He knew, if anyone were to look, those actions would be deemed suspicious.
So, since his plans had changed, he simply needed to adapt once more.
And there certainly was a way he could explain his strange actions, to explain why he had cleared his schedule. And, simultaneously, enforce a positive public image.
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Sarutobi was there when he asked for the papers, watching over the administration in the Hokage tower. When he heard Orochimaru's request to the front desk chuunin, his eyes had almost bulged out of his head.
"You- Orochimaru- are you certain you have the capacity to…?"
While he still hadn't forgiven his sensei for being so easily swayed against him, he still needed the man's favour should he wish for another attempt at becoming Hokage. Hiruzen still held great sway in the village.
But ever since Hiruzen had found out about the orders Danzo had forced Orochimaru to comply with under threat of death, the man had sought forgiveness for turning a blind eye.
It had helped, even if he didn't like to admit it, to lessening his anger at the man.
He allowed himself to raise a brow, wanting to laugh at the man's clear shock.
"Of course, my dear sensei. Since I am village-bound for the foreseeable future until my name is cleared, and since Anko is going to be a chunin soon, I am going to have plenty of time on my hands."
"You know that's not what I mean!" Despite the words, there was a wide smile straining Hiruzen's lips as he watched his pupil receive the papers.
"Very well. I am perfectly well-versed in childcare. As a doctor with a background in psychology and biology, and my experience with a terror like Anko, I am a prime candidate. I am ready for this, sensei."
Sarutobi's face transformed as the man positively beamed at him.
"I am proud of you, Orochimaru. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that you… any of you…"
He couldn't help his own small smile in response. Jiraiya, he knew, was sentimental and would undoubtedly make a good father-figure, but he would never take on the full responsibilities of a parent. He was a wanderer; unable to devote himself fully to one thing.
Whereas Tsunade was simply too broken; too scared to love again, unable to give proper care. But she yearned to be close to someone; after all why else had she spirited away that niece of Dan's. She might deny it, but it was obvious to anyone that looked a little closer. And as a result that poor girl had ended up becoming a caretaker for Tsunade, who couldn't pull herself together even when that girl's potential wasted away as a direct result.
He never would have imagined it himself, yet here he was. If only to further his ambitions.
And he even allowed his old mentor to embrace him in a fit of elation on his behalf.
Mission accomplished.
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"Ayako! Wake up!"
I yelped, jolted into wakefulness by the feeling of a body slamming into my own. There were a couple of groans as the other kids sharing our room tried to block out the ruckus Tenzo was making.
"What're you doin' Tenzo!" I demanded, but I was grinning as I shoved him off.
"It's your birthday!" he reminded me, proudly presenting me with a small wrapped gift.
I gasped. I'd forgotten!
"You're wight!" I said giddily, snatching the gift from his hand. It had a pretty bow tied around it.
"You got me a pwesent! Thank chu!"
I lunged him and we tumbled onto the ground giggling happily.
"Go outside!" The boy that slept nearby on a futon as ragged as my own, whined.
I laughed but pulled Tenzo up and we dashed out without preamble. We sat on the grass in the yard in the early morning, the air damp with mist that had yet to be dispersed by the sun. It was eerily quiet at this time.
I hurriedly opened the gift, my fingers trembling with anticipation. I wondered how he had got the present; I vaguely remembered waking earlier to him leaving the room.
The ribbon came away and the wrapping joined it a moment later.
It was a simple silver necklace with a heart pendant. I stared at it with awe.
"Wow… tis so pwetty!"
I had never owned something so special. Something of my own, to love and treasure. My body shook with elation and despite my efforts, I couldn't fix the clasp around my neck with my shaking fingers.
Tenzo smiled and gestured for me to turn around. Then, he carefully looped it around my neck and did it up.
"Happy birthday, Ayako," he said softly.
"Best birthday ever!" I cheered, jumping to my feet. "Now we hafta pway all my favourite games t'day!"
"Ayako!"
It was Aiko, calling me over. Tenzo and I abandoned our game of ninja to hurry over.
I beamed up at her. Could it be? Could it be she remembered my birthday?
"Your doctor's here to see you. He's in the tearoom," she told me the moment we arrived before her. She wrinkled her nose at the sight of us covered in dirt, but I didn't care.
Sensei was here? To see me?
Tenzo and I looked at each other with wide eyes. The elation began to rise in me like an unstoppable torrent.
I grabbed his hand and dashed off, dragging him after me. My face felt like it might break apart from the force of my smile.
I can introduce my bestest friend to Sensei!
I paused and turned back to consider Aiko. But last time I had tried to set her up with sensei, he got mad at me.
I shook my head at my train of thought and continued rushing towards the tearoom, almost breaking several pieces of furniture in my clumsy haste.
The tearoom was a room reserved for guests to the orphanage. Us orphans weren't allowed to enter because the room was always really neat and tidy and had some nice furniture.
But now I was allowed to go in for the first time because sensei was visiting me!
I barged into the room with Tenzo clutched tightly in my grip and immediately spotted sensei, lounging on the nice couch with a herbal tea set on the glass table before him.
I could barely believe my eyes. He really was here. He came to see me!
And I was smiling so hard that there were tears forming in my eyes. I blinked to try and get rid of them as I scrambled towards him.
"S-s-sensei! Dis T-Tenzo, my b-bestest fwiend!" My speech was so garbled but I couldn't stop. "Di-did chu wemember? Are chu here cos- cos my bir'day?"
Sensei's eyebrow rose in amusement. Tenzo was gaping at meeting sensei in the flesh. He had heard all my stories, after all.
"Hello Ayako-chan, and… Tenzo-kun?"
Tenzo nodded dumbly at his address while I jittered in place, blood pounding in my ears. This was happening! Really!
"Come. Sit." He patted the cushion beside him and I raced over and threw myself down on it, Tenzo following at a more sedate pace.
Could I hug him?
No, no I didn't dare push my luck. He might disappear if I did!
Still, I sat as close as possible without touching him and looked up at him with awe.
"Now then, Ayako-chan, I did indeed come here to congratulate you on your fifth birthday…"
His eyes twinkled with amusement as I beamed at him and vibrated in place.
"Thank chu sensei! Thank chu!"
My vision was really blurry for some reason. I wiped at my eyes. Best birthday ever!
Would he come and play with us? The idea was so very tantalising, but I didn't dare ask. After all, he was a big important ninja! And Aiko had taught us that adults didn't like to play. They had better things to do.
So I settled for another topic.
"Look! Look sensei, Tenzo got me dis!" I proudly presented him the silver heart necklace.
I noticed Tenzo blush and look away, but a smile was pulling at his lips. He was being so shy.
Sensei inspected the necklace and smiled.
"My, such a wonderful gift. I am impressed, Tenzo-kun. Ayako-chan has spoken about you a lot."
Tenzo ducked his head further.
"Hehe, he's not dis shy always sensei!" I giggled, wrapping my arms around my friend happily.
I pouted when he flashed me a glare, but he still didn't speak. He really wanted sensei to like him, I could tell. Maybe he would be allowed to visit sensei with me in the future.
I opened my mouth to ask, but before the words left my mouth Sensei spoke.
"I have a present for you too, Ayako-chan."
I jolted, letting go of Tenzo who seemed equally as curious. Then I looked at him with wide eyes.
"F-for me? A pwesent!?" I gasped.
Sensei had gone out of his way not only to visit me, but he got me a present too? A really important person like him?
What could it possibly be? My mind drew a blank, but my excitement was palpable as my body quivered in place.
He smirked down at me as he reached into the folds of his kimono and withdrew some papers.
Unable to contain myself, my hands whipped forward to snatch them from his grip.
But he was faster. He laughed as he drew them away from my clutches. I followed the motion in my excitement, desperate to get at them.
Until I toppled into his lap with my eager attempts. I squeaked, quickly remembering myself, and drew away guiltily.
"Oops, s-sowwy sensei!" I apologised, feeling the blood rush to my face. I accidentally touched sensei, and I tried to steal his present from him! Would he be mad?
But he didn't seem to mind at all. He grinned, golden eyes glowing as he turned his body so he was facing me, holding the sheets before him and not letting me get a peek.
"Perhaps I ought to rethink this. Such impatience should not be rewarded."
The blood drained from my face and I gaped at him with utter horror. He was going to take my present back?
Tenzo grabbed my shoulder comfortingly. But he was staring at the papers with growing wonder. His eyes flickered up to sensei, looking him in the eye for the first time.
Did Tenzo know what the papers were?
Sensei glanced back at him knowingly and something was exchanged between them, causing Tenzo's breath to hitch.
His grip was so tight on my shoulder, it kind of hurt! But my attention was jerked back to Sensei as he spoke again.
"Alas, I suppose I shall go ahead with this."
He placed the papers carefully down on the table and I eagerly leaned forward to look.
It wasn't paper for drawing, that was for sure, because it was covered in words. I couldn't read, so despite how I squinted at it I couldn't decipher any meaning. I grabbed the paper and lifted it up, tilting it this way and that.
What could possibly be written on the paper? A special poem for me? A short story? A recipe?
Maybe sensei didn't know I couldn't read. I felt heat crawl up my neck as I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. Would he think I'm stupid?
I quickly looked back at the paper and pretended to read it.
"It's weally nice sensei!" I exclaimed after a moment, shooting him a big grin. Maybe if I just pretended, then I could get Tenzo to help me decipher it later! Whatever it was, I would treasure it!
Sensei chuckled and shook his head amusedly.
"Would you like me to read it out, Ayako-chan?"
His tone was teasing. I giggled sheepishly and nodded my head furiously.
"Very well. It reads… From: Konoha Directory. To: Orochimaru. Registration: 67395NB. Date: May 2nd, 62 years after founding."
I stared at him with confusion. What was this? A letter to sensei? How was that a present? But I didn't dare interrupt as he continued.
"Your application to the Eastern Orphanage has been accepted. Registered orphan 38659DK has been transferred under your jurisdiction. Please note that…"
A sound like a pained breath escaped me, and my hand came up to clutch at my chest. I watched his lips move, but suddenly I couldn't hear his words. I could only hear a fuzzy sound, and I didn't dare speak or move.
This was an illusion. One wrong move and it would shatter.
Tears, sudden and overwhelming. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't breathe.
Tenzo shook me, and I glanced at him with wild eyes. But his expression grounded me; this wasn't an illusion. This wasn't a dream.
He was smiling at me.
This was real. My breaths were ragged, chest heaving with emotion. But I didn't dare talk.
And then he finished reading the letter and grinned.
My body decided that was the best moment to lose control. I spasmed, shaking so much that Tenzo had to grab me before I fell off the couch.
"Ch- rea- can- se- se- sen- se- i-"
What was I saying? I didn't know, all I knew was that the next moment sensei laughed and he reached out and pulled me into his arms.
A sob tore through me. I pressed into his chest, unable to stop my cries.
Sensei wanted to keep me. Sensei had signed a contract already. Sensei was my… he was my…
But wait.
"N-no s-sensei I c-can't," I choked out at the sudden realisation. Sensei leaned back and looked at my red, tearstained face with genuine surprise.
I ignored the pain in my chest, the part of me that screamed at me to shut up.
Because if I said it, it would ruin my chances with Sensei.
But I have to. I have to!
I did.
"I c-can't leave Tenzo," I sniffled, yet I still clung to Sensei for dear life. Just to hold him a moment longer. His body stilled beneath me.
"Don't be stupid, Ayako!" Tenzo spoke up for the first time, sounding horrified.
"'m not leavin' you!" I cried, even as my heart blistered in agony. I shuddered at the uncomfortable feeling.
Sensei hadn't moved. I dared glance up at him and saw that he was frowning, staring at Tenzo with a calculating look.
"Don't listen to her," Tenzo whispered desperately, looking up at Orochimaru pleadingly.
"It's too late for that, Ayako-chan," Orochimaru drawled. "You are already mine."
I stiffened. I felt so horrible, throwing what was meant to be the best gift in the world back in his face. But I had to! I squeezed my eyes shut in misery,
"D-den you hafta take it back!" I cried, lip trembling. I had cried so much today, yet here I was again.
"I have no intention of doing that, Ayako-chan," Sensei said, but his voice was gentle. He petted my hair, but I couldn't enjoy the moment because I was almost in hysterics.
Tenzo all but slumped with relief.
"B-but-"
"I do have a solution," Sensei interrupted. "It wasn't what I expected, but two can't be that much harder than one. I shall just take you both home with me. I'm sure the orphanage won't mind if I take Tenzo home to… trial."
And let's just assume they all went together and lived happily ever after! Unless I come back in five years and expand on this LOL because Oro being kage is such an interesting concept XD