Second chances

chapter 16: inside the forest of Death part 1

Orochimaru was pleased as he observed his prey at a distance. Extremely pleased, in fact, as his plan was falling into place. Kabuto was able to infiltrate Konoha easily and as an added bonus befriended Sasuke.

Of course, there were a few setbacks here and there over the past few decades, such as the failed experiment involving sixty test subjects and the First Hokage's DNA (1), the Kyuubi incident, and the most recent failure to annihilate the Uchiha Clan.

However, there were also some successes to his failures. He had, for example, finally discovered how to be immortal. According to his trusted spy, Kabuto, he found out that the Kyuubi brat was a loudmouth, dead-last idiot with hardly any potential at all. This was good, because it meant that he would be easy to dispose of or maybe tame to make a good subordinate. Knowing the Kyuubi's powers, he was sure that the simpleton would have potential if taught by the right people such as himself.He had also found out that his precious Sasuke was bent on revenge on his brother (2), and, much more to his delight was considered the Number one rookie of his age group.

About two years ago (3) he visited Konoha to see if his future vessel was strong and intelligent, and Sasuke fit the description quite well. Besides, he was handsome to boot - an added bonus.Orochimaru smirked. Now he had his chance to claim his prize. Under the guise of a Kusa-nin (4), he could give the "Present" with little suspicion.

If the Konoha fools were finally able to realise what happened, he still had the Kazekage to fall back to. After all, the real leader of Suna was dead. By the time those idiots found out, the attack would have already happened.

Summoning several large snakes, he quietly instructed, "Go and kill the one with yellow hair and blue eyes when he is isolated. How you do it is up to you."

The snakes replied with a faint hiss of yes and slithered away.Orochimaru frowned slightly. He would have to teach those snakes how to speak in the human tongue later. (5)

Finding a marginally hidden place, Team Seven decided to camp for the night. It wasn't a matter of fatigue; rather they figured that because they were considered weak the majority of the other genin would target them. With Hinata's help, they managed to find a good location.

It was slightly obvious to help give the illusion that they truly were rookies, yet hidden so that they were able to place an extensive amount of traps.

With Naruto's expertise in the area and Sasuke's ingenuity, the campsite was riddled with so many traps one would wonder how they managed to carry so many to scout ahead (And act as live bait), Naruto left the campsite.

He was warned a while ago by his bird/scout that large snakes were in the area and decided to confront them. After all, this time around he had unlocked his bloodline limit of talking to animals. Perhaps they were friendlier than they looked.Or maybe they were just evil bastards.

With this thought in mind, Naruto stealthily wandered around aimlessly. He was not one who had a very good sense of direction, but still had the luck of a God that it pretty much cancelled the two out.Coincidentally, it was the exact place where the summoned snakes were, so a conflict was inevitable.

"It's the kid! That kid Orochimaru-sama mentioned!" hissed one.

"Let's just eat him already. I haven't eaten in days," hissed another.

"He is the one, right?"

"Of course he is, you dumbass! Can you not see the yellow hair and blue eyes!"

"Um... excuse me," interrupted Naruto in animalese (6).

The snakes were surprised. How could this... this human speak their language?