The Village Hidden in the Clouds is well known for its intense focus on studying secret techniques. Right now, they're particularly invested in researching ways to control their Jinchuriki.
The last time the Third Hokage requested assistance from Kumo, one of their sensory-type ninjas had visited Konoha. Initially, their visit had no ulterior motives. However, during their stay, this perceptive ninja made an unexpected discovery: Uzumaki Kushina, a young girl with the unique ability to suppress the chakra of tailed beasts.
When they returned, this revelation was reported to the Third Raikage. After discussing the matter, Kumo's leadership made the decision to take advantage of their alliance with Konoha and visit again, this time with the intent to capture Kushina to aid in their research for controlling Jinchuriki.
What about the consequences of such an action on the alliance? At this point, they didn't care. Kumo's ambition to strengthen their power trumped any political ties. If their Jinchuriki could fully control the tailed beasts, then alliances were inconsequential.
Thus, they came back with a plan already in place.
In the original timeline, this event would lead to Kushina being kidnapped by the Kumo ninja, only for Minato to heroically rescue her. That act of bravery would spark a deeper bond between them, eventually leading to their marriage and the birth of Naruto Uzumaki, the destined hero of Konoha.
But Orochimaru wasn't going to let Minato have that opportunity. This situation was too valuable for him to ignore. He could use it to his advantage to get closer to Kushina. If someone else was going to attempt the kidnapping, why not leverage that situation?
With that thought, he had made his move. Orochimaru found the perfect chance to bug and place hidden cameras in the Kumo ninja's guest room, all under their noses. For extra insurance, he had even planted a couple of invisible monitoring insects for a complete view of their plans.
Kumo ninjas, focused on conventional surveillance techniques, were clueless about Orochimaru's advanced, subtle monitoring methods. Every detail of their plan had been recorded by him.
As night fell, the tension grew. The Kumo ninjas were preparing for their mission, while Orochimaru was already one step ahead. After a hot bath, he wrapped himself in a towel, grabbed some bread and milk, and settled into his control room to watch the events unfold.
The surveillance setup now displayed eight different camera feeds. Orochimaru, fully at ease, sat back, taking his time. He relished the anticipation, mentally allowing them to feel a false sense of security before intervening.
At 8:30 PM, Kumo's team had gathered, equipped with weapons and ready for action. Orochimaru noted their movements and, with a wry smile, stood up to grab more food. But before he could, he heard the soft click of footsteps in the next room—the sound of high-heeled sandals on the floor.
A voice full of surprise called out, "Orochimaru? What are you doing?"
Turning, Orochimaru saw Tsunade standing at the entrance to the control room, wearing a white T-shirt and a purple jacket. Her dark green eyes were wide as she took in the array of surveillance screens, a look of astonishment on her face.
"Tsunade? Why didn't you knock before coming in?" Orochimaru's voice was steady, but there was a slight furrow in his brow.
The control room was always locked, and until now, Tsunade had never been inside.
"Well... I wanted to surprise you," she said, her voice faltering as she saw the subtle shift in his expression. She felt a pang of guilt. Orochimaru had never looked at her like that before, and it unsettled her. Was he really that upset?
She mustered a sheepish smile. "I mean, I used to walk in all the time..."
Orochimaru sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Alright, never mind. Come in and shut the door behind you."
"Okay," she said, quickly stepping inside and closing the door. Her eyes were drawn back to the screens. "Orochimaru, what is this? Surveillance equipment?"
"Something like that," he replied casually.
"Wait... are you spying on someone? Is that...?" Tsunade's eyes widened as she focused on one of the screens. "Kushina? What... Are you serious, Orochimaru? Are you spying on her sleeping?"
Tsunade's voice rose with anger, her expression a mix of shock and betrayal. "I can't believe you! And here I was, so cooperative with you, and this is what you're into? Watching some girl half your age? Have I been just a tool to you this whole time?"
Her emotions surged. "And Kushina? She's just a child! How could you—"
"Tsunade," Orochimaru's voice was sharp, cutting through her rant. His eyes were narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Enough. Do I look like the kind of man who'd do that?"
She blinked, finally seeing the screen he had been focused on. It wasn't even Kushina's room.
"Oh... I—maybe I overreacted," she said, flushing with embarrassment. "You're not... mad, are you?"
Orochimaru exhaled, the irritation fading from his features. "Just watch," he said, gesturing to the screens.
"Watch? Watch what?" Tsunade's eyes followed his gesture, finally noticing the figures on one of the screens. Her brows knitted in confusion. "Wait, those are... Kumo ninjas? What are they doing here, fully geared up like that?"
A smirk crept onto Orochimaru's lips. "Shouldn't you first ask where I got this equipment?"
***
Support me on patreon to read 55+ advanced chapters: /Blownleaves.