Visitor
Ouroboros: The Ethereal Snake
Summary: It was not rare or unheard of for a shinobi to get killed during one of their missions. However, death always brought nothing but emptiness and despair to those who they left behind. Most of them did not even know how to cope up with the loss of their loved ones.
Chapter I: Visitor
It was not rare or unheard of for a shinobi to get killed during one of their missions. However, death always brought nothing but emptiness and despair to those who they left behind. Most of them did not even know how to cope up with the loss of their loved ones.
A young child stood frozen and his heart racing from the frantic knock that echoed throughout the quiet house. However, his parents’ words played over in his mind, ‘Never open the door while we are away for missions. Do not trust anyone either, no matter what.’ Hence, he refused to entertain whoever was outside of their home.
"Hey, kid! I know that you are inside! Open up, please. The Hokage needs to talk to you in his office.” The knock can be heard again, more urgent this time which followed by a voice calling out softly from the other side of the door.
His brow furrowed. He knew the Hokage since his parents spoke fondly of him, but he'd never seen or met him in person so why would the man whom he never personally knows would like to talk to him. Realization hit him; he could hear his heart shatters into tiny pieces. There’s only one reason why these ninjas are outside of his house and telling him that the Hokage wants to speak to him in person. Yet, he refused to leave the comforts of his home.
“What should we do now? We were ordered not to force the boy” The knock echoed once more, followed by a soft thud against the door.
“I will tell Hokage-sama. Stay here and do not scare the boy” Another voice muttered.
“...” He stayed as quiet as he could. A chill ran down his spine. There must be something wrong if these strangers are adamant for him to open the door for them. The child slowly backed away from it, his fingers trembling slightly. The knocks continued, desperate now.
He glanced at the kitchen counter where his parents had left a small note earlier this week, before they left for their mission. It was just a simple message, scribbled in his mother's handwriting: If anyone knocks, don’t open the door. Trust no one.
A young child was startled when he heard a frantic knock on the door once again. However, he did not open it just like what his parents always told him whenever they are out for their missions. They made it clear that he must never carelessly trust anyone while they are away from home.
It did not take long for another knock echoes, but this time it was gentler and more calculated as if the person behind it meant the child no harm if ever he opens the door for them.
“Good Afternoon. You must be Orochimaru?” Unfamiliar voice echoed from the other side of the door, before it was forced open. Blood drips from the fresh wound. Sarutobi Hiruzen’s smile did not falter despite the animosity coming from the child.
“Hokage-sama!” The pair of Jonin gasped. Even the ANBU were alerted at the scene before them. There’s no way a child not older than five had managed to wound the leader of their village.
“Do not interfere. He’s just a child.” A warning was sent towards his subordinates’ direction. There’s no need to startle the boy when what he did was to protect himself and his home.
“But-” The pair of Jonin kept their mouth shut when the boy glared at them. Everyone in the room felt the killing intent that was coming from their comrades’ only child.
“Your parents will be so proud of you, Orochimaru. I meant no harm. I just want to talk to you.” As gentle as he could Hiruzen pats the boy’s head. Staring at him, he can clearly see the semblance of his deceased subordinates to their child, pretty yet deadly.
“I do not want them inside, Hokage-sama.” Although reluctant at first, in the end Orochimaru beckoned for the older man to sit on one of their sofas while the others stays outside as per his wish.
“I brought something for you. They were from your parents.” Hiruzen was not surprised when the boy demanded for everyone except him to enter his house. He could not help but to feel proud of this young lad in front of him. He was sure that if his subordinates are here that they would be very proud of their offspring too.
“They’re dead, aren’t they?” Orochimaru wants nothing to do with the Hokage especially after he realized why the man and his subordinates are here to bother him.
“I am sorry for your loss. They were great Shinobi pair.” Hiruzen was surprised that the boy figured out what they are here for even before he could tell him the truth.
“Did die immediately?” It was a simple yet painful question. When the Hokage nodded, the boy stared at his small hands. He did not want anyone’s pity and he wants them gone as soon as possible. Mourning for his loss, Orochimaru can’t help but to feel detached.
If Orochimaru is listening to the older man, he made no effort to show it. He could still remember his parents and their promised to him that they will return home before his birthday so they could celebrate it together just like what they do every year. Now, they are gone, killed while serving their country. An orphan, that is what he is now. He doesn’t even know where to start his life from here.
“...” Hiruzen was not surprised per se to see the boy cry once realization hit him that his parents will never come home just like what they promised. He was with them the last moment before they were killed and the Hokage felt bad for the child sitting in front of him.