A coin appeared, and I mentally flipped it. I calculated the exact force that was used, the lack of breeze in the forest, and the air pressure around us. I watched it soar through the air in an arc, and then it hit a rock.
Heads- stay in Konoha.
Tails- go with Orochimaru.
The coin bounced, flipping once more before hitting the ground again, rolling in a flat patch of dirt, and finally resting.
Tails.
Such a simple, symbolic end to my time without a true way to kill the Hokage. But now, things would change.
“I accept, Orochimaru... Sensei?” He gave a small smirk of approval, stepping back nimbly. I noted that his foot now rested on the place where the imaginary coin was. Yet even more symbolism. He watched as I got up and dusted myself off before holding something out to me.
It was a sound Hitai-ate.
My had reached out and gingerly grabbed it, allowing me to look at it closer. The music note engraving on it shone boldly as a replacement to the swirly leaf engraving. My heart skipped a beat; I was really doing this. This wasn't just a dream, to leave Konoha, anymore.
“Do not wear this just yet. It will replace your Leaf one when Konoha is finally razed to the ground,” his smile was serpentine, borderline threatening, but still maintaining a cordial mask. “I’ve decided that I will leave Sasuke here, and have you act as his replacement. Do not make me regret this decision.” I nodded in answer. He didn’t even pause, continuing on as if I hadn’t shown my agreement. “Now then, continue on with this pathetic Chuunin exam. Finish this, win the final exam. Prove to me that choosing you was the correct and most beneficial choice. I will defeat the old man, and destroy Konoha, but I will spare your... darling sister.”
”Hai, Orochimaru-Sensei.” I bowed at the waist, knowing full well that I would have to keep a very close eye on the man to ensure Sakura’s survival. Knowing full well that what he said is most likely a lie.
75% certain that he would not keep his word.
I thought back to Hiruzen's last request for me cynically.
"All I ask for you, my final request to you heart-to-heart... please, take care of the village. I have a feeling that I will not be alive for much longer, so I do not wish for us to be on bad terms even in my death," he requested. "Just- understand that I need to to watch over the village. Be the protector that I know you are."
...He truly knows nothing.
...
The Shinigami has been oddly silent throughout this whole ordeal, hasn't he.
〰️➿〰️
??? Orochimaru
Age: ...old, but not as old as the Hokage. I should get my hands on a bingo book to figure out his age.
Trustworthiness: -100. He is Orochimaru. While he is certainly a better choice to trust than Hiruzen, he is just as crafty and manipulative(if not more so) than said Hokage. At least he is able to admit when what he does is not morally up to standards.
