Orochimaru on the Verge of Tears

Night shrouded the Uchiha Clan Compound. Buildings loomed in the darkness, with only faint light spilling from a few windows and vague figures moving inside.

No one knew that someone had slipped into the compound.

"Where does that brat live?"

It was Tsunade. Of course, she had not come to kill Uchiha Yoru.

She wanted Uchiha Yoru's help rescuing Shizune.

She could not let Danzo keep threatening her like this!

If it happened once, it would happen again. Better to strike first!

Despite their unpleasant encounter, she still believed Uchiha Yoru would agree to her request.

After all, Danzo's methods were downright disgusting!

Tsunade crept farther toward the back. She figured the clan leader would live in one of the larger houses.

Sure enough, behind one house, she spotted two figures.

"One is Uchiha Yoru, and the other is Orochi—"

"What's Orochimaru doing here? Was Uchiha Yoru really involved in old man Sarutobi's death?" A frightening suspicion rose in Tsunade's mind.

Step by step, one scheme feeding into the next—it might all have been Uchiha Yoru's plan.

Sunagakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi's death, Orochimaru's appearance: Uchiha Yoru might have had a hand in all of it.

"Did you bring it?"

"I did!"

"I believe this will change the entire Shinobi World!"

Hearing them, Tsunade wondered, What is it? Some terrifying weapon? Some horrifying Forbidden Technique?

"Who's there?"

Her emotions surging, Tsunade had accidentally made a sound.

She stepped openly out of the shadows.

"Tsunade. Long time no see!"

"Uchiha Yoru, I never thought you'd join forces with Orochimaru to kill the Third Hokage!"

The Third Hokage might have behaved terribly at times, but he had still been her teacher!

"What do we do?"

The two exchanged a glance.

They decided to subdue Tsunade first.

Tsunade turned and ran. She had to reveal the truth before Uchiha Yoru deceived everyone any longer.

A giant white snake suddenly lunged at her.

Without hesitation, Tsunade struck it with a Steel Fist.

But when her fist hit its belly, all the force of the blow somehow dissipated.

The giant snake's slick body coiled around her.

No matter how she struggled or how hard she pushed, her strength drained away. She had power, but no way to use it.

"Orochimaru, is this your handiwork?"

Looking at Tsunade all tied up, Uchiha Yoru felt a rush of heat rise to his face.

"I stationed some specially bred white snakes around here as guards. She was unlucky enough to run into one designed to counter Taijutsu." Orochimaru spread his hands helplessly.

Does that mean he has ones that counter Ninjutsu and Genjutsu too? Uchiha Yoru thought.

Orochimaru was living proof that science was power.

"Tsunade, they say there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. You must need something if you came looking for me in the middle of the night." Uchiha Yoru looked at her furious, embarrassed face.

"Let her go!"

Seeing how readily Orochimaru obeyed Uchiha Yoru, Tsunade's eyes flickered.

Perhaps the two were more than mere partners. It almost looked as though one answered to the other.

And of the Sannin, Orochimaru had always been the hardest to control.

Tsunade flexed her limbs. With Orochimaru's help, her chances of rescuing Shizune would be much better.

As for her grievance over the Third Hokage, that would have to wait.

"Shizune's been captured! I need you and Orochimaru to help me rescue her!"

"And the payment, Princess Tsunade? You can't expect us to do whatever you say."

"We need something in return. We can't work for nothing!"

"Then I'm leaving!"

"Not so fast. I want you!"

Tsunade blushed. "You little brat! What are you saying?"

She stamped a foot, cracking the ground.

Orochimaru gave Uchiha Yoru a peculiar look. So that was his type? Should he clone one for him?

"Ahem!"

Uchiha Yoru seemed to realize how that had sounded.

"I mean I want you to stay in Konoha and become director of Konoha Hospital! And bring over some Forbidden Techniques and treasures from the Senju Clan!"

"Don't tell me the First Hokage and Second Hokage left nothing behind!"

"Look, we're all doing this for Konoha, right? Your grandfather would want Konoha to prosper, wouldn't he?" Uchiha Yoru added hurriedly when he saw Tsunade clench her fist.

If he did not explain himself, he might lose his head!

Judging by Orochimaru's expression, he might even enjoy watching Uchiha Yoru get beaten up.

"Fine!" Tsunade forced the word through gritted teeth.

The three discussed the details and settled on a plan.

"Pleasure working with you!"

Uchiha Yoru yawned and went back to bed.

He had not expected their discussion to run so late. There went his Lazy Points for getting to bed on time.

"I'm leaving too, Orochimaru!"

Orochimaru licked his lips and prepared to leave as well.

"Orochimaru!"

"Itachi!"

Orochimaru had not expected to run into Uchiha Itachi returning from work at the Hokage Building.

But his expression remained calm. He and Uchiha Yoru were on the same side now, so he greeted Itachi pleasantly and made to leave.

What he did not know was that Uchiha Itachi merely thought Uchiha Yoru had learned of Orochimaru's plan in advance and wanted him to stay out of it.

Itachi had no idea the two were already working together.

"What are you doing, Itachi?" Orochimaru's arm had been severed in an instant.

Uchiha Itachi said coldly, "Arresting Orochimaru, the rogue ninja who killed the Third Hokage!"

"I... I..."

Orochimaru's anger flared. Uchiha Itachi had not even been born during the Second Shinobi World War! How dare the brat treat him like this?

Then Orochimaru's eyes went vacant and lost focus.

Little Yoru should still be asleep. I won't disturb him. I'll let him decide what to do with Orochimaru, Uchiha Itachi thought.

He picked up the vacant-eyed Orochimaru, bound him, and tossed him aside.

The next morning.

"Itachi, what are you doing?"

"Didn't you want to catch Orochimaru? I caught him." Uchiha Itachi's expression was calm, as though it had been effortless.

"Release the Genjutsu first. I'll explain in a minute!"

I hope Orochimaru isn't angry, Uchiha Yoru thought.

He had not told Uchiha Itachi about his relationship with Orochimaru, fearing Itachi would have trouble accepting it. He had planned to wait a while before bringing it up.

But of all the rotten luck, Orochimaru had run straight into Uchiha Itachi.