Oblivion

Chapter VIII: New Beginning

By the time Kakashi and Yamato’s group left, Hiruzen sighs. He is well aware that Yamato is still conflicted about his new duty as the Three Legendary Sannin’s sensei and by extension their second guardian. However, Sarutobi has no other choice but to let go of his students and make sure that they will have someone who can teach and keep them safe when the conflict arises. Staring at one of the photos on his table, a sad smile adorns his old face.

“Hopefully, this time all of them will have a better life. Maybe this time Naruto and the others could be a positive influence to Orochimaru.” Hiruzen mutters under his breath.

Despite his lack of memories beyond the age of 10, Orochimaru has been conscious of his surroundings. He was not surprised to see civilians and ninjas alike flinch whenever he stares at them. After all, Konoha was not subtle with their prejudice when it comes to his clan.

“Good morning! You’re early as usual, Maru. Did you have any trouble sleeping?” Ever since they were younger, the Yashagoro heir was known for being punctual. Hence, Tsunade expected to see Orochimaru upon her arrival to their meeting place.

“Good morning, Hime. No, I did not have any nightmares.” Curious, Orochimaru stares at the kunoichi. Ever since Tsunade found out that she is older than her teammates by a couple of months, she always tends to check on them every now and then.

“Hmmm…” As if contemplating, Tsunade stares back at her friend. She was aware that ever since Orochimaru lost his parents, the younger ninja started to become more distant, and he tends to lie to them most of them time too especially when they want to check on his well-being.

“...” Orochimaru tries not to squirm under her gaze. Tsunade has always been good at reading them like a book, but he did not lie when he told her that he did not have any nightmares last night.

“Okay. If you don’t feel well or you are sleepy and you are embarrassed to tell Yamato-sensei about it, you can tell me or Jiraiya instead. We’ll let him know that you need to rest.” The Senju princess cheerfully grin. She has developed fondness for Orochimaru ever since he lost both of his parents during an important mission and her grandma Mito used to tell her stories about the Yashagoro clan. As far as Tsunade is concerned, the civilians and some ninjas were bunch of rude imbeciles for fearing something that they could not understand. Yes, snakes are scary but that doesn’t mean their summoners are monsters. If his grandpa is still alive, he would be very upset at how Konoha treated the Yashagoro clan. Heck, they were one of the founding families and were loyal not just to her family but to Konohagakure as a whole. Yet, they were ostracized because of their unique abilities and ethereal beauty.

“You do not need to worry about me, Hime. I can take care of myself.” He reminded her that he is very much capable of fending for himself and responsible enough to keep himself breathing.

“I refused. You heard me, Maru? I know what you are trying to do. Just because we cannot remember anything beyond the age of 10 doesn’t mean that I will not have to worry about you or Jiraiya. We are friends. Your clan and my clan have been friends even before grandpa founded Konoha. I am sure that if my father is alive, he would have gladly made you my fiancé and my mother will insist that you stay with us. He always tended to speak about preserving bloodlines and whatnot.” Tsunade gently soothes Orochimaru’s pale cheek before smiling brightly once he saw him the pink tinge on his cheeks and ears.

“Hime” Orochimaru shook his head. There’s no way that he could win against Tsunade if he is adamant to keep an eye on him. Although he hates the idea of being a burden to others, he cannot really despise her for looking after him.

“What? It is true that mother and father were very fond of you. I believe they are best friends with your parents too. Plus, Grandma Mito likes you a lot. You are very polite, smart and talented. Although you look pretty but not prettier than me, you are no doubt a boy.” Tsunade huffed. She hates it when Orochimaru is doubtful of her, but she did not call him out for it.

Tenzo maintains his distance from the two children. Already informed of the habits of his charges by the Hokage himself, the former ANBU could not help but to shift his attention to them. Funnily, Sarutobi Hiruzen was not wrong when he said that Orochimaru and Tsunade were always the closest. Yamato was expecting that the Snake Sannin is friendless as a child. After all, he was nothing but a sadistic bastard as an adult.

“Ah! Yes, young love. I heard from my father that they were supposed to get engage but Tsunade Hime got herself a boyfriend named Dan Kato, Shizune’s uncle.” Kakashi whispered to Tenzo’s ear. He was curious at first to what has distracted his younger colleague that he did not sense him coming. Staring at the two children, he chuckled. If he did not know that these children were Tsunade and Orochimaru, he would find it adorable that Hime of all people was trying to get into Orochimaru’s good grace.

“?!” Yamato almost slipped from the tree branch where he has been observing his students. He was glad that his reflexes are good, and he managed not to embarrass himself in front of the two de-aged Sannin.

“Woah! Careful there, Tenzo. We do not want to startle your adorable students, no? Anyway, where is Master Jiraiya?” Kakashi could not see or even feel the Toad Sage which is why it concerns him that the boy might gotten himself into trouble.

“Probably peeping the bath houses. The Hokage said that he always tends to be late.” Exasperated, Yamato mumbled.

Lo and behold, Jiraiya showed up a couple of minutes after the two jounin spoke about him. The white-haired shinobi was sporting a bruise on his face which did not seem to surprise both Orochimaru and Tsunade, as if the pair knew that is meant to happen. Begrudgingly, the Senju princess healed Jiraiya after she was coaxed by the Yashagoro heir to help their teammate before their sensei decides to leave his hiding place.

“You’re late, Baka!” Tsunade scolded her other teammate. She hates it when Jiraiya cannot even show up early and to respect their time.

“Sensei, when will you join us?” Orochimaru stares at the direction where he senses both Kakashi and Yamato. He is not a sensor type ninja, but his senses are sharp enough to keep tabs on their surroundings just to make sure that no one will harm him or his friends.

“Shit. Don’t tell me that he knew all this time that we are here watching them?” Yamato muttered, annoyed at the idea that he could never hide from Orochimaru despite the Snake Sannin’s de-aged state.

“Snakes” Kakashi reminded his young colleague that Orochimaru may be young right now, but they should not underestimate him or the other Sannin for the matter. After all, the memories are the only one that they do not have while their skills and talents are still with them all this time. There is a reason why Hanzo the Salamander took interest in the three ninjas and later on named them The Three Legendary Sannin.