The Chunin Exam?
Yes, the semi-annual selection for promoting genin to chunin.
Nawaki had been a genin for nearly two years now, and it was natural for him to take part in the exam. But with success came consequences. After becoming a chunin, he'd be deployed to the battlefield and from there, who could say what fate awaited him?
At Orochimaru's words, Tsunade's expression darkened, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"Orochimaru… do you think… we'll make it? That we won't die out there on the battlefield?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Orochimaru was taken aback by her question. Then, noticing her subtle trembling, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you scared?"
"I…" Tsunade hesitated, searching for words. "I never used to be. But now…"
"There's no reason to be afraid," Orochimaru replied calmly. "As we grow stronger, the odds of survival naturally increase." He paused, then added with a quiet confidence, "And… well, don't worry. We're not going to die."
Orochimaru didn't feel the need to elaborate. Some things, after all, were better left unsaid.
"Haha, you sound so confident!" Tsunade said, her spirits lifting at his steady tone. It was as if his confidence was contagious, helping her shake off her darker thoughts.
Orochimaru gave a slight shrug, brushing it off. "Alright, let's not dwell on this. I need to head out now. I'll probably be back late tonight."
"Should I wait up for you?" she asked.
"Get some sleep. Don't wait up."
"Alright…" Tsunade replied, smiling.
Their conversation felt easy and natural, almost as if they were already living together.
Living together? Well, not officially. But with both of them being orphans and having a certain independence from the usual constraints, they were free to come and go as they pleased. And with Tsunade's deepening feelings for Orochimaru, she had naturally become more attached, especially since their relationship had turned intimate.
After dinner together one evening, she'd even told him playfully, "Once Nawaki's asleep, I'll come to see you."
It was clear from moments like this how much Tsunade cherished Orochimaru. And for his part, Orochimaru saw no reason to refuse her advances. Tsunade was formidable in strength, beautiful in appearance, and unmatched in both charm and intelligence. He'd have been lying if he claimed he wasn't drawn to her.
So, as the days went by, word of their relationship spread quietly through Konoha, until it eventually reached the Third Hokage's ears.
Two days before the Chunin Exam, Hiruzen summoned them both to his office.
---
Hokage's Office
Orochimaru looked calm as ever, while Tsunade seemed slightly flustered.
"So… you two… When did this start?" Hiruzen asked, struggling to keep a straight face. He had suspected something might happen between them eventually, but now that it had, he still felt the need to ask.
"Not too long ago," Orochimaru answered first, his tone nonchalant.
"Not too long ago, huh?" Hiruzen mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Well then… what are your plans for the future?"
"Plans?" Orochimaru echoed, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, you know… marriage, starting a family, raising the next generation for Konoha…"
"Ah… m-marriage?" Tsunade stammered, her face turning red. She'd never really thought that far ahead, and the idea of marriage made her feel uncharacteristically shy.
For once, even Orochimaru was at a loss for words. Marriage was not something he had ever really considered. Not with his current goals and mindset.
Seeing their stunned expressions, Hiruzen chuckled softly. "Haha, I see you're not quite ready to think about that yet. That's fine—no need to rush. But let me offer a suggestion: if you ever decide to get married, it's probably best to wait until after this war is over."
"After the war? You mean there's going to be another one?" Tsunade asked, surprised.
"Yes," Hiruzen replied, his tone serious. "We've received intelligence indicating that the Sand and Stone villages aren't quite done with us. They may not be defeated yet, but they're not content to leave things as they are."
"So Konoha will need our strength," Tsunade said, understanding the implications.
Hiruzen nodded. "Precisely. Konoha needs its best ninja at full strength right now."
Tsunade gave a resolute nod, speaking for both herself and Orochimaru. She understood what marriage and family could entail, especially for kunoichi of her rank. Even if they were ninjas, pregnancy and child-rearing would still impact them. For an ordinary shinobi, it might not be such a big deal. But for the Sannin, for someone like Tsunade who could treat an entire battalion with her medical skills, the village couldn't afford her absence.
Marriage? Children? Those would have to wait.
"Good. I'm glad you both understand," Hiruzen said, visibly relieved. Then he moved on to the main reason he'd summoned them. "Now, about the potential war deployments…"
He looked at them both carefully. "Considering your outstanding performance in the last conflict, it's likely that if war breaks out again, the two of you might be assigned to separate missions. I want you to be prepared for that, don't think I'm deliberately keeping you apart."
"What?" Tsunade asked, frowning. "Teacher, don't you think you're underestimating us?"
Hiruzen chuckled at her reaction. "I'm only giving you a heads-up. I wouldn't want either of you thinking I'm pulling any strings. But… enough about that. Let's discuss the upcoming Chunin Exam."
"The Chunin Exam?" Tsunade repeated, surprised at the shift in topic.
"Yes," Hiruzen said, nodding. "You two have grown into reliable ninja, and while you're still in the village, I want you to take a look at the next generation. Observe the selection process, and if you see any promising candidates, consider taking them under your wing. The village could benefit greatly from the mentorship of both of you."
"If they're trained by us, they'll be outstanding," Tsunade said, smiling proudly. She was always one to get swept up in praise, and Hiruzen's words had visibly lifted her spirits.
Seeing her reaction, Hiruzen couldn't help but laugh warmly. The tension in the room lifted, and the atmosphere turned relaxed and light-hearted.
Orochimaru, however, was lost in his own thoughts, only half-listening to the conversation. A single thought lingered in his mind:
It's about time for the Uchiha to seek me out.