Real self(BONUS!!!)

Konoha…

Hokage Headquarters.

The Kage was looking after the kids playing and training in the Training institute, he had a hopeful gaze:

'The seeds of the will of the fire, are already growing…'

More than anyone else…He loved this village. And his will to protect it will never cease.

But lately…He had a bad feeling in his heart. A feeling he never experienced before.

'Since that snowy day…'

That day, the snow in the world, like a mirage and a token of despair to the world.

He felt it…That sensation of suffocation…As if he was playing in the jaws of a vicious beast. Shinobi were indeed gifted in mysterious ways. Their instincts were not to scoff at.

And the mysterious changes that ensued only reinforced his feelings.

First that snowy night…Then the overnight changes in Daiymos. Then disappearance of all the spies. And the destruction of the all the bases of the root in those countries.

Then the rapprochement between the Water and the Whirlpool.

It was like they were all walking step by step into the jaws of a monster. The World wasn't safe to begin with…But now…That he felt blind…It was insufferable.

He sighed deeply, only observing the future Shinobi could calm the waves in his heart.

The Door opened up, as a pale youth with long hair made his way. His vicious serpentine eyes could sway even the soul of the most righteous.

The Kid as he grew, seemed to have the ability to invoke darkness in the world just by his simple presence. His hoarse voice, had a hint of familiarity but still kept some courtesy:

"Did you call for me? Sarutobi-sensei…"

His simple voice, his simple demeanor, his indifference toward the world, his faked poise and grace.

The Greed and Gluttonny hidden deeply into each corner of his eyes. This kid wasn't just a poor orphan that needed guidance.

This was something that should have been seen since the beginning. The Nature of most Humans is good. But they are vulnerable and attracted to evil.

But….There will always be exceptions in the Multiverse. Sometimes…There would be people born evil, greedy and glutenous from the start.

Maybe they could develop good in their heart.

But their real disposition…Will be always evil.

This was something obvious and that should have been obvious as one looked at the young Orochimaru.

But this…The Kage didn't seem to see it…

…No, he refused to see it.

The eyes of Sarutobi only saw what he wanted to see and ignored what he wanted to ignore.

Orochimaru, the newly, outstanding genius of this generation kept a respectful and a kind gaze as he spoke his words.

He was still the pre-war Orochimaru. so he still held feelings for his comrades and even more powerful ones for his Sensei.

Like good could be swayed by evil. Evil could also be tainted by good.

But even then…He always felt uncomfortable….

Uncomfortable around them.

Around those people.

The Villagers, the shinobi, and most importantly…

…His Sensei and his comrades.

From where does the discomfort stem from?

It is easy to say…He was simply…Different…

He wasn't talking about talent. But about…Something much more profound…Something like nature.

He will never say it. Because it was unnecessary.

But when he met their gaze, the young Orochimaru always held on to that feeling…

…That neither Sarutobi, Jiraya or Tsunade were actually looking at him.

At, the 'real him'.

It was never something he tried to hide. But these companions chose to see what they wanted to see.

Hiruzen wanted to see his most talented disciple and his named successor.

So this was what he saw.

Jiraya wanted to see, his companion and rival. So this was what he saw…

Tsunade wanted to see her companion and confident. So this was what she saw.

Everyone gazed at him…But not at him really.

And deep inside he knew exactly the reason why…Only he didn't have the courage, or didn't find the power to admit to himself yet.

And this is already created frustration in his mind. But it was something extremely subtle that will only continually grow with the advance of time.

Yet one could see from that time… That deep in the heart of the young genius…

…He didn't really belong here.

Hiruzen spoke in his millennial sage voice:

"I will give you a secret mission of the highest importance."

"All the information's that are about to be revealed are top secret."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes:

"Yes, Sensei."

Hiruzen sighed:

"The Daimyo of the Water will meet with the Daiymo of the Whirlpool."

"I am afraid Danzo may act too rashly after he lost his forces in the region."

"I need you to look into this more deeply."

"Get into the Water Country, and the Water Capital…"

"Also…avoid getting caught by the Root."

"Gather as many information about the Daiymo of Water as possible."

Orochimaru sighed.

'Spying on civilians. Normally this kind of mission will be given to Chunnin or experienced Gennin.'

Hiruzen sighed:

"Keep a cool head and be cautious. This Mission is much more difficult than it sounds."

The Future Sannin narrowed his reptilian eyes, before smiling:

"I see…I will do my best."

And just like that…

His disciple disappeared. The young Orochimaru disappeared, and started his preparation for his mission.

He did already understand…This was a high-risk mission.

And he could only give it to someone he 'trusted'. The Moment the name Danzo was mentioned. He already knew that this wasn't going to be a piece of cake.

He strolled leisurely as he fused in the atmosphere of the village. He shut his eyes as he seemed to wallow in this place.

How did he feel…? About this place…

Not the Orochimaru that everyone knew…How did the 'real' Orochimaru feel?

The Real him…Felt…Empathy, attachment and little bit of affection.

He could at least bring himself to admit that. He still felt like an Alien.

But he was alien who at least had a home.

He looked at these kids strolling and the villagers…Did he feel the same drive, the same will of fire as them?

The reality is that he didn't and he never tried to.

He only know that his survival here was guaranteed. And for now…This was enough for him…

…For now….

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Here I am back!!! my friends!!! After a somewhat long hiatus!!

Sadly....No matter how much I love writing I can't escape from exams!!

I will try to compensate by publishing a Chapter once we gather 50 ¨Powerstones this week!!

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Hey!! Readers!! To rack some Powerstones I came up with( copied hhh) a good idea!!

Let's set some goal reward system!!!

200 Powerstones EQUAL 1 Bonus Chapter!! CHECKK!!!

300 Powerstones EQUAL 2 Bonus Chaptere( with the first one included, ofc.) CHECK!!!

400 Powerstones EQUAL 3 Bonus chapters(with the first two included!!)

That means that for each 100 powerstones cap this week I will add an extra chapter!!!

So please!! POWER ME UP!!!

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ALERT!!! I SET UP A PATRON ACCOUNT!! WITH MORE THAN 15 CHAPS AHEAD!!!

I also set up a Patron account, so that I don't get burned out as easily as last time.

https://www.patron.com/ThunderDawn

There is up to 15 Chapters of advanced chapters there!!

My discord is available too!! Let's interact more!! I know my readers have some great opinions to share:

https://discord.gg/NDDP4KCX2D

I had this idea while writing my work!! I hope you will like it!!

Support me on Patron and get more chapter and spoilers too hhh!!

AND ALSO POWERSTONES!!