Chapter 9: Tsunade

At dawn, an elite team had gathered at Konoha's main gates.

The team was composed of three Sannin, five Jounin, and three Chunin, namely: Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, Inoichi Yamanaka, Fugaku Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, Anko Mitarashi, Might Guy, and Shisui Uchiha.

Everyone was fully equipped with weapons and ninja vests, as well as sealing scrolls filled with supplies for the journey.

As everyone exchanged greetings, Orochimaru stepped forward, "Listen everyone, first we will head to the border with the Land of Earth and meet with the main troops stationed there."

"When we arrive, we will discuss the details to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and Minato Namikaze." he said, glancing at everyone.

"It's hard to believe Kushina and Minato have defected, especially Minato-sama, I thought he was a hero," murmured Anko to herself in a disappointed tone, though loud enough for others to hear.

Her words caused several members of the group to exchange uneasy glances, but no one said anything, some, like Shikaku, seemed to be pondering silently, while others, like Fugaku, frowned deeply.

In a single day, rumors of Kushina and Minato's defection spread like wildfire, probably even the pets heard about it, of course, part of this was due to the appearance of the Nine-Tails in the heart of Konoha and what was said at yesterday's meeting.

But beyond that, the Anbu team carried out a secret mission to spread more rumors, such as the reason Kushina defected being that for years, Kushina Uzumaki had been marginalized and treated as a weapon, a disposable and replaceable tool.

Orochimaru smiled, recalling Hiruzen's face when he suggested leaking this information, perhaps he felt guilty, or simply didn't want to shatter the villagers' bubble.

As for Minato, it was only said that he was in love with Kushina, so he decided to defect with her, this was done to not tarnish his image too much as a hero of the village.

Orochimaru, who had been observing Anko's discouraged expression, approached her, raised his hand, and patted her head gently.

"Anko, I know it's hard to accept that someone you admired betrayed your trust, but you shouldn't rush to judge him yet, maybe there's a reason of value and honor behind what he did," Orochimaru said in a soft voice.

"Really, Orochimaru-sensei?" Anko asked, regaining a bit her spirit, looking at her teacher with hopeful eyes.

"Hm," Orochimaru nodded.

Tsunade opened her eyes slightly, raising her eyebrows, while Jiraiya's reaction was more exaggerated, for a moment he thought he was caught in a Genjutsu.

"Alright, it's time to go, stay alert and don't lower your guard for a moment, let's move!" Orochimaru commanded, taking the lead.

"Yes!" Everyone responded, but a voice made them stop dead in their tracks.

"I will accompany you as well," Danzo Shimura's grave voice thundered behind the group.

Everyone turned in unison, surprised by his presence, Danzo, dressed in his usual black robe and leaning on his staff, stepped toward them with a firm gait, flanked by two masked Root Anbu who made no sound.

Hiruzen, present to see the team off, frowned slightly, "Danzo, I don't recall assigning you to this mission."

Danzo inclined his head slightly, his expression unchanged, "Hiruzen, capturing a Jinchuriki hosting the Nine-Tails and an S-rank ninja like Minato Namikaze is no small task."

"The security of Konoha depends on the success of this mission, and my presence ensures that no loose ends are left."

The group exchanged nervous glances, Fugaku Uchiha looked at Danzo with a mix of distrust and barely concealed resentment, while Shikaku Nara rubbed his chin, clearly analyzing the situation.

"With all due respect, Danzo-sama," Orochimaru interjected with a polite but sarcastic smile, "wouldn't it be better for you to remain in the village to manage internal security? After all, we can't dismiss the possibility of infiltrations or conspiracies while we're away."

"I agree with Orochimaru," Tsunade added, crossing her arms, "someone with your experience should be here overseeing the defense preparations and filing paperwork, not on the battlefield, it'd be quite bad if you were to die suddenly," she said, her tone openly hostile.

Danzo remained unfazed, "My roots are already in place to protect Konoha in my absence, my experience will be far more useful in this critical mission."

"Additionally, my presence guarantees that no detail of this operation will be overlooked due to negligence." He said looking at Orochimaru with disdain.

The exchange further heightened the tension, until Hiruzen raised his hand to interrupt, "It's decided, Danzo can accompany them, but remember, this is Orochimaru's mission, he has absolute command!" Hiruzen declared firmly.

Danzo inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, "Understood, Hokage-sama."

Orochimaru barely managed to suppress the sharp smile forming on his lips, "Of course, Danzo-sama, it will be an honor to count on your 'expertise'."

Without further words, the group finally set off, their footsteps echoing in unison as they advanced along the path to the border, an uncomfortable silence enveloping them.

...

A few hours later, the team stopped momentarily to rest in a clearing in the forest, Shikaku unfolded a map and began reviewing routes and strategies, while Jiraiya rested under a tree, and Anko and Kakashi checked supplies with Choza and Inoichi.

Danzo stayed on the sidelines, observing the group with a sinister gaze, his eyes fixed intently on Orochimaru, who was sitting on a nearby rock reading a book.

Suddenly, Tsunade approached him, "Medical Chakra is the application of the Yang element with precision to treat injuries," Tsunade said, looking at Orochimaru.

"Interesting, continue," Orochimaru said, raising his gaze toward her.

"It is related to the body's vital energy and its ability to stimulate and regenerate tissues, with precise control, we can repair almost anything, from superficial wounds to internal organs, but it requires perfect balance, or you could do more harm than good."

"Yang is also linked to physical vitality and biological functions," she continued.

"That's why medical techniques are so demanding, you not only need skill, but also a deep understanding of anatomy and the flow of chakra in the body."

"You're right, worthy of the best medical ninja in the world," Orochimaru said, returning to his book without paying attention to the sexy blonde.

Tsunade frowned, "Orochimaru, we need to talk."

Orochimaru slowly closed the book, his expression neutral, "What is it, Tsunade?" he asked calmly, placing the book aside.

Tsunade looked him straight in the eye and said, "About Mokuton..." but she was interrupted before she could finish.

"Listen, I'm not proud of what I did and I regret it, but I can't change what I've done and will have to live with it, I'm not asking you to understand, just... just don't interfere," he said, frowning.

Tsunade relaxed her expression and crossed her arms in front of her chest, "I wasn't going to say that, although what you did is undeniably inhuman, I can't deny that it's impressive you partially succeeded, you know I also tried a few years ago and failed, but you didn't."

Orochimaru frowned, not understanding where this conversation was going.

"But it's precisely because I know how dangerous it is, you said it yourself, it was an accident, we don't know what could have happened or what the potential side effects are, this is very dangerous for you."

"Concerned about me, Tsunade?" Orochimaru arched an eyebrow with a hint of sarcasm, "Relax, it's unnecessary."

Boom!

A nearby tree was uprooted and flung into the distance, attracting curious looks, Orochimaru involuntarily swallowed hard.

"I can't stop worrying, I can't be like you, after your parents died you became cold and distant, you only care about yourself and no one else, don't be so insensitive!" Tsunade yelled with teary eyes, quickly lowering her head to hide her tears.

Orochimaru's heart stirred, he placed a hand on his chest as he took a breath, then stood up and approached Tsunade, embracing her, to which she didn't resist.

Orochimaru leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I care about you, Tsunade," he said, tightening his embrace, Tsunade's eyes widened, and a shock ran through her mind.

"I care about you, I care about the village, I care about the civilians, and I even care about that idiot Jiraiya, but I'm also afraid, afraid of losing you all because of my weakness, and the only way to prevent it is to make myself stronger," Orochimaru continued as he maintained his embrace.

"But maybe you're right, perhaps my fear has changed me, maybe it made me a disgusting monster who only thinks about power," he said, pulling away from her and turning his back.

Orochimaru continued, his voice breaking, "I'm sorry you had to see that, so you can hate me if you want, but I will continue to find a way to become stronger to protect you and those all who I love, even if it means..."

Before he could finish, Orochimaru felt unexpected warmth on his back, a pair of arms wrapped tightly around him, Tsunade had embraced him from behind, burying her face against his back.

"Idiot..." she murmured in a trembling voice.

Orochimaru stood still, his eyes widened as he tried to process what was happening, the muffled sound of Tsunade's sobs reached his ears.

"You don't have to carry everything alone..." Tsunade said with a broken voice, her hands tightening their grip even further.

"You're not alone, Orochimaru, no matter how much you try to push everyone away, we're still here... Jiraiya, me, even Hiruzen-sensei, we'll always be here."

Orochimaru closed his eyes, allowing himself to feel the weight of her embrace and the warmth it conveyed, for a moment he felt slightly overwhelmed.

He was only venting some of the emotions from the original Orochimaru, but it seems this also affected him, perhaps it's just his way of accepting this world and this body.

"Tsunade..." he murmured, his voice softer than usual. "I'm not like you, I'm not like Jiraiya or sensei, my path is filled with darkness... I can't help it."

"So what?" Tsunade replied, raising her voice. "We all have darkness, Orochimaru!"

"That darkness doesn't have to consume everything, you don't have to become a monster to protect others, I don't want to lose you too!"

An uncomfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the rustling of the wind through the trees, finally, Orochimaru sighed in exhaustion and slowly turned to face her.

"I'll promise you something, Tsunade." His voice was low, but there was an unusual firmness in it. "I'll do what I can to keep myself... in balance, but if something threatens this village or you, I won't hesitate to use any means necessary."

Tsunade looked into his eyes, searching for something within them, finally, she nodded with a hint of resignation, though tears still rolled down her face. "Then promise me one thing, Orochimaru, don't lose yourself in the process."

Orochimaru didn't respond immediately, instead, he lifted a hand and, with an awkward yet sincere gesture, wiped the tears from his friend's face.

"I promise!"

Tsunade sighed and crossed her arms, trying to recompose herself. "You'd better keep that promise, or I'll have to stop you myself."

A soft laugh escaped Orochimaru's lips, surprising even himself. "I'd rather avoid that, I wouldn't want to face the legendary princess of fists."

Tsunade managed a small smile, though her eyes still carried worry. "You're an idiot, Orochimaru."

"And you're too sentimental," he replied, regaining his usual composure.

"Someone had to be," she whispered.

After regaining their composure, they both sat on the rock side by side.

"By the way, Orochimaru, what were you studying?" Tsunade asked, recalling the book he had been reading.

"Well..." Orochimaru's gaze drifted to the worn book in question.