If I must

With my new found confidence, and half of Kakashi's chakra reserves, I went back to work for the rest of the day and a decent chunk of the night. Only stopping because my sensei wanted to see me after weeks of no communication.

In the middle of the night no less.

Not that I minded, it's not like I was planning to sleep anyways. Plus I have been meaning to speak with Orochimaru in regards to my ongoing project.

Hopefully this doesn't take longer than two hours, I was planning to make breakfast.

As I was walking down a hallway I spied someone unexpected at the other end of the hall.

Danzo.

"Fancy running into you here," I spoke as I came to a stop in the center of the hall.

Donzo continued to walk, showing no signs that my existence had registered with him. He approached until finally he stood directly in front of me.

I gave him a friendly smile.

He looked down at me, finally acknowledging my presence.

"We should be friends… or form an alliance if having friends is not something you're comfortable with?"

Still no communication of any kind.

"Now I know what you're thinking. 

Why would the handsome and wise Danzo need an alliance with some kid who thinks they have more power than they actually do?

And the answer to that is quite clear. You don't. I unfortunately can't really offer you anything. You have an entire organization at your command after all what could you possibly need from little ol' me.

But myself on the other hand, well I could use some assistance. You see I have recently started on a new project and… well I need some things that are quite expensive.

I have one maybe two big paydays a month, it's a decent amount, but it won't last forever. I could use some financial assistance. So if you gave me a decent chunk of oh so  essential ryo I could obtain them and continue my path to become a Fuinjutsu master ready and willing to use his talents for the benefit of the Leaf."

Finishing my pitch I go back to smiling as I await his response.

It did not come.

He walks right past me.

I take one last glance at him before muttering, "Unfortunate," before continuing the hall disappointed.

I was hoping to not need to resort to Orochimaru. Sadly it seems he's my last hope before I have to get the money myself because I'm sure as hell am not asking the Hokage.

That would reflect negatively on me. I can't have that. 

I'm trying to impress him.

…

"Three months. That's what you said, I had the next three months off. I refuse, take Anko and Taki if you really need additional hands. I have much better things to do than follow you around for once," I said, gesturing to Anko who was currently in a Genjutsu for whatever reason.

Apparently she's been hanging Orochimaru, probably trying to get him to train her if I had to guess. Hard to tell if Orochimaru is testing her or simply got annoyed.

"Oh. pray tell?" Orochimaru said

"If you must know. I've requested Lord Second's research on The Sword of the Thunder God. I intend to create a copy of the weapon," I explain as I poke Anko face," I actually wanted to speak to you about my project. You see I require some rather expensive materials and was hoping you'd be willing to help out your favorite pupil who you care for deeply?"

"No," Orochimaru responded, shooting down all my plans, "you are coming on this mission."

We didn't speak much after that. Orochimaru continued his work and I assisted him as I always have.

And likely will for sometime.

You know, ever since I truly became Orochimaru's student I haven't really figured out what exactly he expects from me now. He already expects me to become the strongest of my generation, which was quite the daunting task given who's in my way. 

I Stopped what I was doing, which was preparing some equipment. An idea poping into my head,

If I leverage something Orochimaru wants I can probably get out of this next mission. 

Only issue is I only have one card.

I was hoping to hold onto this pretty much forever but I really don't want to go on this mission, Orochimaru. likely has a reason he wants me to join him.

Additionally, who knows how long the mission will last. 

"Sensei let's make a deal," I say, breaking the silence, "you let me off this mission, take Anko and Taki in my stead, provide me with some funds, and in return I will kick Kakashi down to second place.

Sounds good?"

"Are you trying to use something you already have to do as leverage? He said, sounding unimpressed. disappointed even.

"Yeah. I am so we have a deal? I have plans with Kakashi later today so if I fail I'll just go on the mission, when are you leaving?"

"As soon as I receive word from the Hokage."

"Did… he personally approach you?"

"Yes. He actually expects me to take on this mission alone s-."

And that's when I stopped paying attention to Orochimaru as the conflicting interests battled it out in my head took precedence.

Maybe I should take on this mission?

You see I've been a little aimless these past six months, just kinda doing whatever peaks my interest. It's not often I go on missions, which I am totally fine with, so I just sometimes end up going all-in on something before immediately moving on to sometime else.

That's really all I've been doing. 

This whole becoming a shinobi years quicker then I planned has kinda left me restless.

I have this… drive in me now, a side effect of my new found strength likely. I should still be in the Academy, but instead I'm a shinobi and have been one for sometime now. 

Hmm… 

Never mind I should curb this false confidence before I do something stupid.

"Sozo."

"Yeah?" Returning to reality I noticed an Anbu was present.

Whose they were I did not know.

Tossing me a vial Orochimaru spoke, "don't disappoint me," before leaving with the Anbu.

Catching the vial I held it on my palm as I examined it.

It was the same size as the one I used against Orochimaru.

A little much for Kakashi in my opinion.

Hopefully I don't need it.

Releasing Anko from the prison of her own mind I vanish unsure if she came back to her senses fast enough to notice.

Not that it matters.

…

After making breakfast and acquiring the location of where Kakashi was going I entered my study to prepare.

Opening my pack I took out my gear. 

I've been walking around without anything to identify myself as a shinobi, just an ordinary kid as most were concerned.

Can't forget my cloak of course.

With all my gear on I jumped out the window.

Truthfully I had very little to do.

I was planning to ambush Kakashi so I'll wait for him near the 6th training grounds.

I'll need to speak to Minato first though.

...................