Earlier that morning

This was supposed to be her big day, her biggest and most brightest day, but that wasn't how Risu felt when she left her bed that morning, since she had not slept in the master bedroom of the Orochi Estate ever since she had been a kid and slept with her parents after having had a nightmare. Her uncle Enaka had never slept in that room, prefering his old room over the one her parents used to occupy, but Risu herself was almost obliged to use that room, since she was an actual White Snake and thus a true heir of the Clan's blood.

Yawning loudly, the young lady managed to walk down the stairs towards the groundfloor of the large house, just desiring to find herself a quick morning snack in the kitchen, but alas it wasn't going as she had wanted, as she was being swamped by the servants, who quickly pushed her towards the private baths of the house, telling her that today was not a day to laze around like a dog. The sound of a snake chuckling with a hiss from out of the garden didn't help lighten Risu's mood, for she knew damn well which snake dared to laugh at her: Uraeus.

However, the torment didn't stop with just the baths, where some of the female servants made sure to rinse, clean and scrub Risu until she was shinier than the shiniest of pearls. Rather, that was just the start, as right after the bath, Risu was quickly being dried by a few handmaidens with towels and pushed and pulled towards the wardrobe in the next room.

After several trials and tribulations, the servants seemed to have decided on dressing the young lady in a silky, white yukata with a silver magatama pattern and a lavender sash. They made her wear her jade magatama earrings and almost forced her to remove the heartshaped pendant she was given by Kyohei, but after much refusal and some loud wailing screams, the servants gave up on that and made no more attempts to force her on that subject.

The dressing however was not yet the end, as soon Risu would find herself almost laying down in a chair, being pampered by several servants combing her hair, putting her make up on and even massaging her feet. When all was done, the young orochi lady found herself standing in front of a mirror, with her nails polished in a soft lavender color, the usual lavender markings on her eyelids and her long black hair made into a long single braid topped off with a lavender silk ribbon wrapped through it and used as a bow on the end.

Standing on her strapped sandals, looking at herself, she was actually quite pleased, only to be shocked when she saw Reika-oba appearing behind her.

"You remind me so much off your mother when she first took the seat as clanhead," The old Hebi family servant smiled widely, while pressing her hands on the young woman's shoulders. "But you also make me remind why I hated you and your kind so much..."

Before she could even grab for the dagger hidden in her sleeve, the old woman could feel Risu's polished nails touching the skin of her throat, forcing the old woman to look straight into the Orochi lady's golden, snakelike eyes.

"Reika-oba, I suggest you do not try to take that dagger," The young woman's voice sounded cold and monotone, completely different from how she usually spoke. "I respect you as being my family's oldest servat, but do not forget your place. I'm not as soft as my mother was and unlike my uncle, I AM a snake, rather than trying to be one. Get out of my sight and do not show yourself in front of me ever again without bowing your head as deep as where your feet are."

Releasing the old woman from her grip, Risu glared at the woman's back until she had scurried away from the estate in fear of retaliation. After having cleansed her hands with a silk tissue, the young lady grinned for a moment, though quickly changed her expression to a bright smile. It was almost time for the ceremony at the Hebi Family's shrine, after which Risu was supposed to start off the festivities, a tradition in which her clan opened up their doors for various representatives of other clans and a large crowd of commoners to join in on various pleasantries, which would end in a great, feastly dinner at the Orochi Estate for all the village's clanheads and their representatives.

Present time:

The ceremony was about to start, with the gates of the shrine having opened up so that each clan and their representatives could withness the approval of the new clanhead. With the eldest of the Hebi Family's council reciting the sacred words of 'The Dragon' to Risu, while putting the two bracelets with the white and the black dragonscales on her wrists to symbolize the union of the Hebi and the Orochi family into the Ouroboros clan.



With those words spoken, the elder man kissed Risu's fingers gently, though it should've been obvious to everyone that the young woman was sort of iffy because of this ritualistic gesture. However, since it was mandatory, Risu didn't squeal as she actually wanted to, but kept herself calm and gave a bright, warm smile.

With everything in order, the Hebi Family elders exclaimed Risu as the new White Snake of Konoha, head of the Ouroboros clan. With the ceremony done, Risu simply raised her left hand a bit and made a soft coughing sound to draw the attention of everyone present at the ceremony.

"Well, without further ado," She laughed pleasantly loud. "There's fun and games to be had in our compound's streets and there're foodstands all over, so go ahead and enjoy yourselves. All clanheads and representatives are welcome to join me in the evening for the closure of the festivities."

When she lowered her hand again, laughs and screams arose from the large crowd, as adults and children went out of the large temple to enjoy themselves, while the Orochi lady herself made some time to greet and talk to everyone who came her way.

1142

Whenever a new clan leader was named, it was always made into quite the affair. The Senju had celebrated for a week straight when Chisaki had been named clan head. The Senju were an ancient clan, as old as Konoha itself, and their roots were embedded deep into the infrastructure. The title held much renown, and could be traced back to Chisaki's ancestor, Hashirama Senju. Therefore, Chisaki conducted herself as best as she could at all times, for the sake of her clan. Clans were your family, your heritage and for shinobi, their livelihood at times. The Senju compound was a small village within the capital itself. Families worked, lived and played inside its walls. Chisaki Senju was currently sat in a loose silken robe in her house. Her home was one of the largest buildings within the compound itself. Most clans had servants and many other folks in their homes, but the Senju didn't operate like that, almost everyone was equal and held the true equilibrium of nature. With a small smile, Chisaki watched as the Senju milled about. Laughing, talking, playing and just... living life to the fullest. Many of them, she knew, would be discussing Risu's appointment as the Ouroboros' Clans new head. Chisaki could still remember the Genin she had once come across in the woods, by the Shinobi Monument many moons ago. At that moment, Chisaki had seen the power that Risu would grow to master one day, and that day it seemed, was coming to pass. Her skills matched, maybe even beat her own to some degree or in one aspect or another. Chisaki's hair hung damp behind her, brushed back. Chisaki smelled of lilac primarily, with several underlying tones of the natural worlds. Flowers of various scents mixed together to create a beautiful smell. With a small smile, Chisaki rose from the window seat of her bedroom and walked barefoot over to the vanity in the corner of the room. Carefully, she began to towel down the rest of her hair while brushing it carefully, until it hung like spun sapphire. With deft movements and a steady hand, Chisaki applied the minimal amount of make up she always did. Standing up once more, Chisaki walked over to her walk-in wardrobe. Once inside, she procured her undergarments from one of the many drawers. Hanging the robe on a nearby hook, exposing her pale flesh albeit briefly, she slipped on the undergarments. Walking back out into the bedroom, she took the green dress from it's hook and carefully dressed herself. Then, she put on a necklace inlaid with several small diamonds and a white bracelet on her left wrist. Smiling, she also put on a pair of high heels. Walking over to the far wall, Chisaki looked in the larger mirror. Making a few final adjustments to her attire, she nodded somewhat and flashed a dazzling white smile at the mirror. Nodding again, more confidently this time, Chisaki left the room, closing the door behind her gently. The house beyond her bedroom was as silent as the grave. Only Sousetsu and herself lived in the house so it was usually very quiet if they both weren't home at the same time. Chisaki walked down the corridor she was in and headed down the large staircase into the bottom floor of the house. Then, with her heels clicking against the wooden floor, she exited the house, closing the door behind her.

Chisaki began to walk out of her home's expansive grounds, eventually exiting her homestead entirely. The Senju compound was a lot more alive out here than it was from her window seat. A lot of people, like herself, were making there way to view Risu's coronation as the clan head of the Ouroboros clan. Many people greeted Chisaki as she meandered out of the compound. To each, she spoke with briefly, smiled with, before moving on. The throngs parted way for their own clan head as she made her way out of the compound. It took roughly ten minutes to exit the compound, since Chisaki lived at the far back of the compound. The compound itself was somewhat detached to Konoha itself, it being a part of the forest itself. After a brief walk in the forest, the gleaming sunlight shone down upon Chisaki's face. Smiling somewhat at the warmth she felt, she began to make her way towards the compound. A path of stone tiles led the way back to the streets of Konoha. Walking through the streets of the village you could tell that the spirit of festivities had spread everywhere. Almost everyone was discussing the coronation here as well, even though the festival itself would be in the Ouroboros compound. Smiling, Chisaki continued to walk, greeting anyone who spoke to her. Everyone in the village knew who she was. Senju Clan Head, Medical Corps Leader, current companion to the Hokage. Tales of her deeds in battle had spread quickly as well, and the name "She-Devil" was known most everywhere.

Eventually, Chisaki arrived at the gateway to the Ouroboros compound. The entire place had been decorated for the occasion. Many people, both from the clan and not were gathered her. All officials from the village had been invited here for this event. Chisaki smiled as she entered the compound. Knowing Risu as she did, she was tolerating the festivities for the sake of her people but wouldn't be most thrilled with them. Giggling somewhat to herself at the thought, Chisaki smiled as she saw a group of four elderly folk. These folk in question were all shinobi once upon a moon, but now they merely served as the elders of the Senju clan. The four of them, Amaya, Kaede, Makoto and Seiji advised Chisaki in all matters of governing her people. Smiling, she bowed to each of them in turn, and each smiled and inclined their head in return.  "Hello my friends, shall we go make an appearance?" the assembly was made up of three females including Chisaki and two males. All of them nodded in response, Kaede spoke to her "This reminds me of your coronation, Chisaki-sama, all those months ago" Chisaki smiled and responded "It was quite the event my friend." The small party entered the throng of people, making their way forward to view the ceremony.

It was a short affair, but grand nevertheless. Chisaki stood in the centre of her small part, the four elders backing her. She was taller than most of them, except one of the males. They had a respectable space around them, having been easily discerned by the Senju symbols on their clothing and Chisaki easily stood out from the crowd anyway. With one hand on her hip, she observed the ceremony. Once the address was done, Risu turned to the crowd and spoke. Chisaki smiled again and clapped along with the elders. Smiling at the four of them in turn, and each of them nodding, they made they way forward to greet Risu. After a short time, they arrived before her. Bowing her head somewhat, Chisaki put on a broad smile and spoke "Hello Risu my dear, congratulations on your appointment!" Uncivil and undignified maybe, but Chisaki gave Risu a quick hug. The four elders each congratulated her in turn as well. Smiling still, Chisaki spoke again "It seems ages since we last spoke, how have you been?"

1247 WC
1247/9000 SS-Rank Med

"Shall I notify them of your arrival, Lord Hokage?" the assistant asked curiously with a stack of papers pressed against her.

Sousetsu rushed from counter-top to counter-top, every viable surface that could have held something he thought was important. A curled lip gave a thoughtful mind as he searched deep within him for the missing object he wished to obtain. A scratch on the cheek before widened eyes turned his attention to the bookshelf at the side of the room, there he rummaged through the various books that resided there.

"Not at all. It is not a day for any attention to be forwarded onto me. This day is for her. Now where did I... Put that..." he trailed off as his teeth were beginning to grind the further up he reached. His hand feeling its way around the surface of a shelf in search for what was lost. The assistant sighed and made her way over to his desk, relieving herself of the papers as the stack piled onto the oak before she made her way over to the Senju. She came to his side and peered her head over to look at his before opening the drawer at her waist.

"Is this what were you looking for?" she retrieved a small box and opened it to reveal a piece of jewelry, a necklace with little serpents acting like the chain. It was thin, not noticeable from a distance except for the silver that could give off a shine from the suns rays.

With a sigh of relief, Sousetsu tilted his head forward before returning to his normal posture and took the box from his assistant. "Thank you!" he gave a grateful smile in return. He seemed to forget at times what her job was. Anything he was unsure about he could confirm with her as she accompanied him through his many daily activities. "I'm not sure if she is a woman of jewels..."

"The sentiment is what matters. It is a beautiful one at that." she assured him with a wide smile.

He nodded in return. Reassured by her opinion he set off to fit himself with formal attire. An ceremony such as this called for such an outfit. The inauguration of a new clan head was quite the event having grew up with the Senju. Many days would pass in celebration in hopes for a long and fruitful leader to guide them on the correct path true to their name. He could not help but think about recent events however. The relations between Risu and her close relatives have been edging further and further to the brink of falling. Orochi Enaka would linger in his mind so long as he lived. He would not fill his mind with darker thoughts this day however, as he said, this day was for her.

He smiled and gave off a small giggle as he inspected the clothing in front of the mirror. A nice fit of a white kimono with blue decal along the edges of the attire rested on his body. He turned to view the outfit in all angles, assured the fit was right and the feel was still comfortable. Satisfied with the result he resumed to take his leave with the gift placed within his kimono and relieved the staff within the Hokage quarters to take the remainder of the day off. The many smiles and thanks he received gave him another reason to wear the smile along with the outfit.

With the ceremony underway, Sousetsu watched from a distance in slight awe. It was beautiful. The outfits, the words spoken, the peoples cheer, all for that individual who came this far, Risu, who stood tall and proud. The Senju clapped along with the people who surrounded him as he continued to dwell within the crowds. With a raised hand for further attention, her voice then carried throughout the mass crowd. She spoke of festivities, clan-heads and representatives but above all to enjoy the day. It warmed him dearly that this day was hers and she wished only for it to be shared.

Soon, the children could be seen playing with sparkling fireworks and bags of sweets, the many various attractions and games accompanied by the smell of warm food that filled the air by the nearby vendors sent the Senju into a bliss wonderland. He was greeted by many whose eyes he caught with formal bows and joyous laughter. He was happy that the people were too. A treat he could enjoy rarely as he had other matters to attend to. He could do nothing but only savour the moments when they came.

A small girl, that reminded him of Risu as they hailed from the same clan, caught his attention as she stood motionless. She was in awe at the sight of a rather large and pink bear that hung from the rafters of a small stall. Upon further inspection, Sousetsu seen that this was a prize from the game the stall had to offer.

"...Three kunai, one target! One target with three kunai..." the man rolled on and on with showmanship. Sousetsu looked down at the young girl once more who seemed to still be transfixed on the prize. The Hokage knelt down so that they were eye level. Looking up at the prize alongside her she turned in slight shock and surprise.

"Would you like that?" he smiled with that same warmth he carried with him this day. A nod in reply, a shy girls response as she only dared speak the truth. He giggled slightly before standing and taking his place. He placed the money on the counter before him where he received the three kunai.

"Has the Hokage still got it? One target with th-" his sentence was cut short as the first kunai nestled deep into the bulls-eye.

"May I have this one?" he asked as he pointed to the child's favoured prize. A small cheer escaped from the showman as he collected the item and gave it to Sousetsu before he, in turn gave it to the little girl. She bowed as she hugged her new companion before running off to what seemed to be her mother. He smiled and waved to the family who returned the gesture.

Enough time was consumed as the Hokage would finally approach the young woman bearing her gift and congratulations. It was only a short distance away to greet her when a familiar face caught his attention also. Chisaki, his significant other and a close friend of Risu's, was standing by her side. Another warm smile etched on his face as he could see her during his work hours. The Clan heads of the Senju and the Ouroboros were close, something that Sousetsu could not help but feel proud of just to witness. He continued his short journey towards them and bowed formally before the two with grace.

"Congratulations, Risu. Your leadership will no doubt shine in the village." he stood tall and stoic before her. He reached into the kimono and withdrew the box containing the silver he had prepared for her.

"A gift from Chisaki and I." he smiled as he stood closer to Chisaki's side and placing and arm around her waist.

White kimono’s and the sounds of wooden sandals in mass signified the entrance of the Hyuga Clan, Ryuhiko, his wife Kumiko, his son Madahiko, along with an entourage of Branch House “bodyguards” and their families. The Hyuga had come bearing gifts, in Ryuhiko’s hands was a single box within it was a small Ouroboros Clan symbol, it was crafted from pure gold and was designed as a token of friendship between the Hyuga and Ouroboros clan. His wife, Kumiko carried a white kimono that she had spun herself from the finest silks within Konohagakure as a more personal gift to the Lady Risu. Finally, Madahiko had come with caramelized snacks for the Lady and her Clan, his father deciding that a child offering food was an appropriate gift.

Madahiko’s eyes watched as dozens of shinobi and kunoichi from various clans and various ages played games, watched the entertainment, and danced about to the minstrels. The young teen turned his eyes up at his father, almost pleadingly, begging him to excuse him to enjoy the festivities. However, Ryuhiko’s eyes never fell upon Madahiko’s instead they were locked onto Lady Risu’s position, his lips slightly moving as he recited his small speech to the woman under his breath.

With a sense of defeat, Madahiko pulled his eyes from his father and continued to gaze longingly at the crowd as the Hyuga made their way to Lady Risu. Taking the slow deliberate steps that one might expect from a family of privilege, Ryuhiko and his family reached Lady Risu in twice the time it would have taken anyone else who traveled at a normal pace. When the Hyuga family arrived, the Lord Hokage and his beloved Chisaki, the Head of Clan Senju, were already speaking with Lady Risu.

“Lord Hokage.” Ryuhiko stated in a monotone voice before giving a bow at the waist to his Lord.

“Hokage-sensei!” Madahiko exclaimed in a far more excited voice then that of his father’s.

“Madahiko!” Kumiko cried out in shock over her son’s lack of respect towards the Hokage.

“Apologies…” Madahiko stated in reply to his mother’s words. “Lord Hokage.” He grumbled, his voice losing the excitement it once held as the boy gave a bow to the Hokage.

“Forgive my son’s impudence Lord Hokage, Lady Senju, Lady Orochi.” Ryuhiko stated, his eyes falling coldly towards the boy. “He sometimes forgets his place.” The man continued. “However my Clan comes bearing gifts in celebration of your rise Lady Orochi.” Ryuhiko continued before extending the box within his clutches towards the woman.

Almost in tandem behind Ryuhiko both Madahiko and Kumiko extended the gifts they had also brought to symbolize friendship towards the new Head of the Ouroboros Clan. After this, both Madahiko and Kumiko would take a step backwards behind Ryuhiko as he spoke with Lady Orochi. A wave of Ryuhiko’s hand dismissed his family, along with some of the Branch House guards who followed both Kumiko and Madahiko as they wandered away from the head of their family.

---

Madahiko had wandered off to explore the festival grounds, on his side he carried what little ryo his father had given him to spend on knick-knacks, treats, or small games. In total it was about four hundred ryo, not a fortune by any means but certainly more than enough for the boy to purchase or play as many games as his heart desired. As such Madahiko’s white eyes leapt from game to game, toy to toy, treat to treat as he decided what he would like to play with or eat first.

That was until the small coin purse that hung loosely from his sash was ripped off by some small child who had come charging through the crowd. While Madahiko didn’t actually FEEL the purse being ripped from his sash, he did notice the weight of the small leather bag disappearing from his side. As an instinctive reaction, his hand flew to his side, checking to ensure that what he felt was correct, that the coin purse had been stolen.

“Hey!” Madahiko shouted as the realization that he had in fact been pick-pocketed set in. “Bring that back!” The young boy shouted as he tore off after the small pick-pocket.

---

“Your Clan’s grounds are admirable, Lady Orochi.” Ryuhiko stated, a small disarming smile appearing on his face. “And the festivities you are holding show not only your generosity but the great power of your clan.” He continued, complimenting the serpentine woman. “But I cannot help but wonder, if your clan will live up to the last Orochi who lived within the Hidden Leaf generations ago. Or if you intend to take the clan on a more…noble path.” He continued, his strain of compliments becoming slightly underhanded as he invoked the name of the long dead Snake sage, Orochimaru, the traitor and questioned Lady Risu’s motives as a Clan Head.

While what he had stated was not entirely intended to insult the woman there was no other way to question what pushed her forward to this position. As a loyal, Konohagakure Shinobi and Main House member, Ryuhiko was curious about why the woman had seized control over her clan. To Ryuhiko there was something odd about this entire clan, he didn’t trust those who adopted the name of Orochi so easily despite the ancient Sannin’s betrayal centuries ago.

If Ryuhiko was honest with himself, he would realize that he was simply placing suspicion on a clan for a man they may or may not have had anything to do with. That the clan’s kinship with the serpent didn’t necessarily mean anything sinister was afoot, but Ryuhiko’s moral compass had long been skewed. The Hyuga’s eyes might be able to see everything around him but his inner eye couldn’t see through the clouds of suspicion, haughtiness, and prejudice that had guided him for so long. As such the Hyuga noble questioned Lady Orochi without hesitation, without remorse, and while maintaining a placid almost uncaring facial expression.

It wasn't an everyday thing for any clan to have so many important visitors, let alone the most dignified and important members of the village's society. There were people from all classes and all ages, but still, for Risu it was the fact that the Senju were at the ceremony which made her feel like she could rule the world. After all, this was a sign that the Ouroboros hard-earned standing had not waned under Enaka's regency, on the contrary, despite that man's sudden downfall and imprisonment, he seemed to have garnered a lot of respect and most likely fear as well from the other clans.

Obviously, this was simply because the Ouroboros clan with its two families, never seemed to have anything genetically special to them, apart from the Orochi family's apparent mutation. However, despite all this, the clan had brought forth hundreds of powerful shinobi, ranging from outstanding ANBU agents to splendid and almost miraculous medics. It was the one thing Risu's clan could be proud of, the fact that none of their members could ever be seen as a failure, for they learned from young age, that strenious work and tedious training could overcome the most impossible of hurdles.

With arrival of the Senju clan's representatives, Risu gently and politely smiled at the elder men and women forming that clan's advisory council, greeting them with a slight bow befitting their status, yet only to be surprised by the Senju's clashed: Senju Chisaki to wrap her arms around her in an invigorating hug and greeting the new Ouroboros clanhead with nothing but the most friendliest of tones.

"Chisaki-sama, how good to see you as well," The young Orochi lady responded with a smile, but otherwise with a dignified bow and composure. After all, Risu could not risk the Hebi elders look at her as some spoiled brat without the dignified manners and stature like her uncle. "I have been good enough, I'd say. Some matters did turn out to be rather annoying, but with all that behind me, I am able to turn a new leaf and guide my clan to a more prominent and more beneficial position than they had during my uncle's regency..."

Not even close to finishing her words, Risu managed to see the current, seventeenth Hokage appear from behind the Senju clan's envoy, greeting her surprisingly friendly given the fact her uncle had been manipulating not only him, but many of the clans in Konoha for his own benefit.

"Lord Hokage, I am honored to be in your presence," The new Lady Orochi said, though her smile was slightly off. After all, despite the fact her uncle was a bad man, a man who had done unspeakable crimes, he was still family, close family that has been taken away from her yet again. "I thank you both graciously for this gift."

The most surprising thing however, was the appearance from some representatives of the Hyuga clan. The fact that they came to the ceremony was already rather strange, since they had not been on good terms with the Ouroboros clan ever since the accusations made towards the former Ouroboros Regent: Orochi Enaka. However, since most of the crimes he had avoided, had now been proved to be comitted through his command and/or his hands, it seemed the Hyuga really did want to reconcile with the Ouroboros clan, given the fact that their new clanhead was someone known to be more tolerant towards the village's sacred dojutsus compared to most of her predecessors.

"I am deeply moved by your presence, Lord Ryuhiko," Risu spoke calmly, giving a picture perfect smile, accepting both the gift from Lord Ryuhiko as well as the beautifully made kimono from lady Kumiko. While accepting the candy from the younger Hyuga, who apparently was the son of the older Hyuga and his wife, Risu quietly pressed a kiss on the young man's left cheek, even though she probably wasn't that much older, it was still fun for her to be the one acting all grown up now. "I hope none of you will be bored until the time has come for dinner. If possible, I'd like all of you to follow me to the Orochi estate, where we can all have some tea and discuss the possibilities to form a better synergy between our clans."

However, just as she wanted to show the group of important guests towards the large house at the end of the mainstreet of the compound, Lord Ryuhiko posed a question which was rather dangerous in many ways towards Risu, for his words could've implied towards not only her uncle Enaka, but also some other of her family's ancestors and members in the past.

"Lord Ryuhiko, I can assure you," The young lady spoke on a completely different and colder tone than she had done moments earlier, a state of mind only known to those who knew her well enough. "I'd like you to refrain from making such dubious insinuations and realize that I am not my uncle or anyone else who has hailed from my clan. I am me, I am Orochi Risu and I am now Lady Orochi, the leader of the Ouroboros clan and I do not wish to be seen as anything less or anything more in this matter."

908/2050

Ever-present was the figure which lingered completely shrouded beneath a black robe, with his spine lashed against the furthest circular pillar which supported that majestic shrine. His presence wasn’t really the main attraction on that day, as such he was standing in the back where most of Risu’s servants were located; concealed by this cheap-looking piece of clothing that covered his fiery attire. With his two jet-black eyes buried deep within that dim shadow casted upon his face by that hood which perfectly laid upon his head, the man was watching how the event was being unfolded beneath his craving orbs. Foreseeing the man’s face was rather hard due to the scarf which stood wrapped around his neck, covering up the lower part of his face as well, and leaving only that small upper part naked. His role was rather ambiguous, although it was clear as day that he wasn’t the Uchiha clan leader, nor a representative of his clan in that moment. Just like a needle in the haystack; there wasn’t really that much which made him stand outside of the background.

Spending only a few nights inside the compounded didn’t made the Uchiha familiar with this place at all, especially since the first ones were dedicated inside the library. It stood quite against his being to roam around the place aimlessly, and his access was probably also restricted in some of the compartments. Due to the eerie nature of their clan leader and to the fact that they were constantly behind heavy guards, it wasn’t really that hard to deduce that this organization had its own fair portion of secrets which were not for everybody’s eyes. However, they quite excelled in this domain, covering up their tracks seemed to be a thing at which they were good at. Despite the rare information which may lay hidden inside this place, Tenzō didn’t showed any kind of enthusiasm regarding their own affairs, as such he did not scour deep inside these manors.

Both ancient and new clans were approaching and entering the Ouroboros’s compound, even the famous Senju clan which once had a conflict with the Uchiha clan was there. However, that was a long time ago, and Tenzō didn’t yet seem to portray the belief of his ancestors. He did not share any kind of hate towards them, although there was no love as well. There were no expressible features on his face which hinted anything different on him; however, deep inside there was probably something which snarled his well-being.  With his everlasting gaze, the Uchiha scattered both of those jet-black eyes against each and every representative and leader that entered the court. Even the hokage had made his presence just a few moments after the Senju clan members have arrived. This event was probably in the Uchiha’s interest as well, since this represented a good occasion for him to memorize the features of those who were truly strong and important inside the village hidden by the leaves.

“It seems like even the Hyūga clan are doing quite well, although they seem quite out of their place.” the Uchiha mumbled towards himself on a low tone while crossing both of his arms. Suddenly his body had jerked once his eyes were stolen for a couple of seconds when the kid’s shout had managed to assault his ears. Both of his  bracelets had jiggled a couple of times due to his sudden reaction, although just before he was about to answer that call, the guards had made themselves noticed and determined him to reconsider his actions, and reach the conclusion that his hands were no longer needed. Without further ado, the young Uchiha regained his composure while darting his eyes and feasting once more on the formalities that were occurring. A small flame had awoken deep inside of him, one which made him wonder if any members from his clan were about to arrive at this festival.

Despite this question which remained unspoken upon his lips and mind, Tenzō knew that most of the few clan members that remained inside Konohagakure were quite prideful and arrogant, as such their abstinence would have not been a surprise at all. A clan which once held an important role within the village was now probably nothing more than a memory left behind and almost forgotten. Their roots were held tightly inside this village; however, now they were nothing more than scattered leaves carried by the wind upon this wretched world. There was needed for someone capable to take a stand and reunite the clan once more beneath the walls of this village, someone which held not only strength, but respect and knowledge as well. Violence has always shown us that it was capable of keeping order only for a small amount of time, before people would eventually gather up and revolt against their ruler. A different method was probably needed this time, unless history was about to repeat itself.

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845 Words

The festival was really picking up now. Shinobi from clans great and small were gathering within the compound, along with ordinary people. Most clan members supported their sigil on them somewhere, so it was easy to see who was who amongst all these people. Chisaki smiled as she looked at all the people who had gathered here to celebrate Risu's ascension to the title. Out of the corner of her eye, Chisaki noted the elders of Risu's own clan. The look they gave her was one that Chisaki had herself seen on a few occasions: Judgement. The elders would decide what kind of leader Risu was today, noting her every move. The Senju elders had done something similar with her, though the intensity of their stares was no where near as intense the looks Risu got from some of the members. With a small sigh, Chisaki turned back to the sea of people. So many faces, each with their own issues, ideologies and much more. Smiling, Chisaki nodded a little bit. Life itself was perhaps one of the most wonderful fairy tales, something a Senju could see more than others. Almost every single member of the clan was attuned to the natural world around them in varying degrees. Senju who became Sages knew the tree depths of nature. The vast expanses of untamed wild chakra, the tiniest bugs and the fiercest of predators.

Speaking of predators. A head that stood above most was weaving its way through the crowd. One that could be easily noticed amongst even this large crowd. Hair, soft and as white as freshly fallen snow. Sousetsu Senju, the Hokage. As he made his way towards them, she felt a small bubble of happy emotions swell in her chest and a smile spread across her features as it so often did. As he stood next to her, and wrapped his arm around her waist she subconsciously pressed herself into his side a little. Chisaki looked up at him briefly and flashed another perfect smile before turning her attention back to the others. Behind her, the elders chuckled amongst themselves before they drifted away like leaves into the crowd. They'd no doubt disperse and great old friends from other clans. Thinking about it, what would happen to her when she grew to be that age? Chisaki pondered the thought for a moment. An aged look wouldn't suit her, nor would being frail. She had the perfect solution in mind for that. A certain technique one of her ancestors had practised and was well renowned for. Only this time, she'd throw her own spin onto it.

Another group was approaching them now as they all stood. Even without their attire and clan symbols all around them, you could tell just who they were from the looks in their eyes. The eyes that held one of the great Dojutsu: The Hyuuga had arrived. Chisaki hadn't expected to see them here, after all their clan relations weren't exactly the greatest. Chisaki had brought the Senju as their Clan Head, and they'd followed her with a smile on their faces. Yet the Hyuuga? This would either end really well, or really horribly for one or more parties. Chisaki leaned into Sou a bit more, her head on his shoulder as she watched the other clan approach. Currently, the leadership of the clan was unstable, what with Rinshi of who knew where. With a small sigh, Chisaki watched the group arrive to greet them. Common mannerisms, the congratulations were quickly passed around. Yet all at once, like an instrument being played, the tension in the air quickly escalated as one of the Hyuuga, Lord Ryuhiko, posed a question that Risu apparently did not enjoy. Chisaki had heard rumours about members of the Aisu clan whose hearts were so cold they literally gave off freezing temperatures. Yet somehow, a non-Aisu was doing the same thing in the metaphorical way. Chisaki watched Risu, her head still on Sou's shoulder as she did so with a curious look in her eye. Sighing somewhat, she lifted her head and spoke with a cheery tone "Now now everyone, there is no need to raise tensions on such a happy occasion is there? Today is a day for celebrations and whatnot. Lets leave political ramblings for a more private location, no?" Chisaki sighed again as she rested her head on Sou's shoulder again. Carefully, she watched both parties, attempting to gauge the reaction she might expect from either of them. Hopefully, she had managed to diffuse the tension and events could proceed without bloodshed. After all, civilians would get caught up if the clans began fighting here.

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2041/9000 SS-Rank Med

As his arm laced around Chisaki, she leaned in and felt a smile gazing upon him. With a small smile of his own, Risu gave thanks to the gift and his presence, although her smile was not as convincing as it could have been. It was understandable to the male Senju however, since her uncle was the man behind many of the dark tidings the village hidden in the leaves had seen as of late. He was still her family, yet, maybe the forced curl of her lips were ones in hopes of forgiveness rather than being the man who put one of her own behind bars. It was not easy to tell which one of the conclusions were true, and still, he would not push further into the matter. Sousetsu would still look at this day as Risu's alone and leave any matters at the doorstep to this festival. It was a day for celebration after all. He looked down at Chisaki. He could smell lilac, a personal favourite of Chisaki's that the Hokage had grown quite accustom to also. Another smile etched across his face as he continued to gaze before his attention had been taken away by an unexpected guest.

The Hyuga Clan's appearance was another proud moment in a way for Sousetsu. Another clan that would offer their respects despite history. An era of change and peace could lift anyone's spirits, but to see it before them was something only dreams could muster. They greeted each of them with formalities they were well-known for keeping within the branches of the family, yet their son, whom Sousetsu had recently been sharing his own beliefs and words too, seemed more than happy to find him once again. An eager approach to him with a rich voice that stood out from the remaining family members led the young man to a small scolding in front of the small forming party.  

"An apology isn't necessary. We were all young once." he grinned as he began his persuasion to keep the calm and eager atmosphere alive.  

It wasn't long before the Hyuga had gone their separate ways, along with the Senju prior to that, when the father of the young man, Ryuhiko, decided to question the leadership of the now Lady Orochi. Her words were fluent and well thought as she tackled the argument to reside in her favour, but the small confrontation still created tension between the small crowd. A stern look appeared on the Hokage. His jaw tightened and his back began to creep up straight as he prepared to show his authority, that was until, Chisaki intervened of course. Her words were kind-nurtured, delicate with how she approached the situation which allowed the male Senju to relax once again slowly, reverting back to his soft demeanor and smile once more.

"Chisaki is right. Risu had just spoke of some tea and a discussion of how to better our connection as clans. This is not the time or the place to be speaking ill of another, eh Ryuhiko-Sama? Risu, if you would be so kind to lead the way..." he used his free hand to gesture that the party belonged to her. A cocked eyebrow and the return of the stern look reached the hyuga from Sousetsu, as if to question his actions, almost daring him to try again in his presence.If such a matter arose, Sousetsu's curiosity may get the better of him, but he trusted his significant others judge of character. Risu did seem unlike her uncle. She was kind, there was no aura to be wary that expelled from her presence. She was a loyal leaf ninja as the head of the ANBU which alone, was enough to keep Sousetsu content.

He took another look around, scanning the area once more before their departure. He could see the many families enjoying their time, the lights, the attractions, all seemed to go hand in hand. Their smiles were contagious as the Hokage would reflect them back to the open sea of people. He looked to Chisaki and felt his heart warm further. He leaned his head onto hers as he reminded himself of her promise when he became who he was now. She wouldn't leave him. She would stay on the same path and accompany him to see a fruitful village content with him as head. Was this a taste of what was to come? There were no burdens here, no saddened faces, no foul odors. There was only cherished memories, laced with the smell of lilac.

Lord Ryuhiko’s placid face remained intact, expressionless as Lady Risu, Leader of Clan Orochi berated him for his comment which questioned the loyalty of her clan. However, she had missed the true insult that was layered beneath his verbal slap to the face. The Hyuga Lord had openly compared her entire clan to the dead traitor known as Orochimaru, the Snake Sage who had betrayed the Hidden Leaf a century ago. He had openly questioned her loyalty in front of the Hokage, he had belittled her in front of her peers, and made his distrust of her publically known to everyone in attendance. It was something he wouldn’t apologize for, it was something he wouldn’t recant, he knew his opinion and his suspicions of the woman were his own and could possibly be unfounded but the Hyuga trusted his gut.

However, it would seem that the other Leaders inside the Hidden Leaf were not of the same mindset. Hokage Sousetsu and Chisaki the leader of Clan Senju both appeared rather distraught at the openness of Ryuhiko’s most inner of thoughts. While the Hyuga Lord felt no remorse about stating his beliefs, he realized how improper it was for him to bring them to light while surrounded by guests.

“I do not offer apologies for my beliefs Lord Hokage.” Ryuhiko stated giving a short bow to Sousetsu. “But I will apologize for not stating my suspicions in a less provoking manner.” He continued. “And to you Lady Orochi, I wasn’t speaking of your Uncle…” Ryuhiko stated, his eyes conveying the soul-less nature they often shrouded. “…I was speaking of the traitor, Orochimaru. I find it difficult to trust someone who so openly adopts his surname.” Ryuhiko explained in a cold, uncaring, distant voice.

Ryuhiko would purposefully allow the tension to build for a moment, to allow the weight of his words to settle in on those few who could hear his words. It would be clear to those present that Ryuhiko was not afraid of retribution from Lady Orochi, he had stated his opinions on the woman, something he was within his rights as a Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf to do. However, Ryuhiko wouldn’t allow the tensions to continue to build to the point it would spill over into a physical confrontation, he wasn’t that stupid.

“However, as you stated Lady Orochi, perhaps you can put my suspicions to ease…” Ryuhiko began explaining, the tension in his voice easing from an artic gale down to a cool winter’s breeze. “…after all, you are neither Orochimaru nor your Uncle, correct?” Ryuhiko’s whitened eyes remained fixed on Lady Orochi as he posed his question.

The Hyuga Lord was watching her body, examining her for small “tells”, something that would give away her true emotions, should she have any. The question he had stated to the woman was less of an opportunity and more to make her aware that his eyes were upon her, that he didn’t trust the Snakes Hidden in the Leaves. The Byakugan eye would eventually catch the Orochi Clan, one day they would falter and their plans would come to light, should they have any.

“You, go and fetch my son.” Ryuhiko commanded after he pulled his hardened gaze from Lady Orochi and turned it towards one of his Branch House guards. “Bring him to me, we will be discussing the ‘future’ of our clans with Lady Orochi…” Ryuhiko continued, his voice clearly filled with distaste towards the Branch House member. “…as a representative of that ‘future’ I feel it is appropriate he be present…” He commanded before turning his gaze back to Lady Orochi. “…wouldn’t you agree Lady Orochi?” He asked the serpentine woman.

“Ryuhiko…” His wife stated quietly, the woman was clearly distressed at how direct and confrontational the man was towards Lady Orochi.

The Hyuga Lord’s gaze fell down upon his wife; it was a cold and uncaring stare that bore down upon her. The woman couldn’t possibly understand why he was prodding the new Clan Head of Clan Orochi, but something about this scale-y woman felt wrong to Ryuhiko, everything about her felt wrong in actuality. Perhaps it was his own prejudice that made him refuse to believe anyone who shared in Orochimaru’s bloodline would be of any good to the Hidden Leaf or perhaps it was his own cautious nature but either way, Lord Ryuhiko didn’t trust Lady Risu.

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“Hey!” Madahiko shouted as he ran through the crowds of people inside the Orochi compound. “Those ryo are my father’s! Bring them back!” He continued shouting as he chased the thief’s figure throughout the crowd.

The veins on either side of Madahiko’s eyes were clearly visible, a sign of the Byakugan’s active state within his body. It was through the all-seeing eyes that he had been blessed with, that Madahiko tracked the pick pocket through the dense and moving crowd. However, the young boy was too focused on the bandit and not all of his surroundings about him. Because of that, he never saw the Branch House guard coming until the man’s hand was locked onto his shoulder and Madahiko was spun around to face the guard.

“Lord Madahiko,” The guard stated as he released his grip from the young boy’s shoulder and dropped into a small kneeled bow. “Your father has ordered me to bring you to him. He has stated that you are about to witness how the future is forged and believes it is a lesson you should learn from him, first hand.” The man stated in his kneeling bow towards a child who was simply born into a higher social class then him.

“Please don’t do that…” Madahiko stated in a small shy voice, his cheeks flushed red by embarrassment.

“Do what my Lord?” The man replied curiously, lifting his gaze to look up at Madahiko.

“Kneel like that, it’s embarrassing.” Madahiko explained, his voice still clearly showing the depth of his embarrassment.

“Oh…” The Branch Member replied before standing up and giving a small smirk to his Lord’s son and ruffling his hair a tad. “…come on then Lord Madahiko, your father is waiting.” The Branch House member stated before offering the same hand that had messed up Madahiko's hair to the young Main House Hyuga to hold as they made their way back to Ryuhiko.

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Ryuhiko would be pleased to find his son returned to his side shortly before the small party of Clan Heads moved inwards to discuss the “future” of their relationships and through that the Village itself. However, if young Madahiko thought the missing coin purse escaped his father’s gaze he was completely wrong! The Hyuga Lord leaned down to his son as the boy came up along his left side.

“Once this is finished, you find those coins…” Ryuhiko whispered to his son in a stern voice. “…are we at an understanding?” He asked after a short bout of verbal chastisement.

“Yes father…” Madahiko whispered in reply, clearly defeated by the impossibility of the task.

Gritting her teeth, Risu kept silent while the Hyuga lord kept throwing taunt after taunt towards her, despite the warnings made by both the Senju clanhead and the Hokage himself. The man himself might not have noticed, but his guard most likely did: the entire Hebi guard detail of the place was eying for Lord Ryuhiko and they greatly outnumbered his personal detail. Despite the Hokage and Chisaki's attempt to calm down the heating tension between the Ouroboros clanhead and the Hyuga, things were getting from bad to worse.

"Well now," The young head of the Ouroboros spoke with a deep hiss, using every ounce of her strength to refrain from lashing out towards the Hyuga lord. The wooden floorboards started to crackle under her feet, while a sinister pruple and black layer of chakra seemed to form an imposing aura around the young woman. "It seems you lack vision despite your powerful dojutsu, master Ryuhiko. Orochimaru was indeed once a member of this clan, but he has never served as its head and has been long since absolved for his crimes after his crucial part for the victory in the fourth shinobi war."

With a victorious and vicious grin on her face, the young woman touched the blue jade magatama earrings she was wearing, earings that have withstood the test of time and have been one of the main family's signature jewelry. While taking a single step closer towards the Hyuga lord, a few more floorboards broke under her feet.

"I wonder how you can dare talk about continuing any conversation on bettering the relationships between our clans, when your so-called beliefs simply blind you from the truth that times have changed," The young woman's replies began to sound harsh and taunting as well. This time it was her turn of putting the older man in his place and she was willing to go through great lengths  to reach that goal. "But than again...just as I said, I am not like orochimaru who betrayed this village long time ago and I am not like my uncle who has managed to control so much of my life and that of many others in the village. I am Orochi Risu, but at the same time I carry the sins of my ancestors, but do mind this Lord Ryuhiko...so do you."

This was ofcourse a hidden taunt of her own, pointing at the various dubious rules in the Hyuga clan regarding the main and the branch family, which had taken the lives of many of the branch family for mostly even ridiculous reasons, not to mention the clan's direct lineage to the Demon Rabbit, who had tried to destroy the world a few centuries ago during the fourth shinobi war.

"Ahum...let's all just...begin with the meeting as planned," Risu suddenly said with a smile on her face when Lord Ryuhiko had requested for his son to be present at the meeting. The aura and pressure coming from the Orochi lady had all but vanished, being replaced by a milder and more radiant appearance accompanied by a bright smile. "Let's keep our beliefs to ourselves until they have been proven to be correct or otherwise."

Snapping her fingers, the young woman gave a sign that the Hebi guard was now allowed to open the backdoors of the temple, so that the group could calmly make their way through the Orochi family's garden and have their meeting at the patio with some tea and refreshments as promised. A single glare from the young woman towards Tenzo, should've made it clear that she expected him to follow the group.

"Lord Hokage, Lady Chisaki, Lord Ryuhiko...if you would be so kind to follow me to our meetingplace." the young woman smiled while saying her words carefully, stepping aside so that the representatives could leisurely stroll through the garden towards the place marked by flags and the buzzing of the servants acting like workerbees in a beehive.

674/2724

entire wc used in training HERE

The atmosphere which dwelt deeper beneath his lifeless and dull eyes was getting tenser with each passing moment; apparently, the clans were getting restless by just bringing up the past into their discussion. Breathless would be the most appropriate word to describe what the young Uchiha was feeling like now; the whole world felt like an ocean, and he was just laying at its bottom. Although, this was not the only thing which bored him, since he was also gifted with an eerie and shivering pain which trembled throughout his body, from that head of his all the way down to his little toes that were barely peeking out of those grey sandals. Both of those hands were quivering before each and every one of them went against and inside their opposing sleeves, concealing his own reactions towards this event that only screamed bloodshed.

It felt like an unpleasant itch...

Even if, a few centuries passed since the occurring of those hazardous events, there were a few villagers beneath these walls which still refused to bury them deep; considering those actions forgotten might have been for the best. It was saddening that a bunch of them were choosing to cling upon their past; however, the Uchiha was no different than them. Indeed, the conflicts were gruesome and horrifying, although there wasn’t really a true reason for them to be brought up again, at least not at this clan meeting which had the potential of turning into something that all might regret, or so the Uchiha thought. And, the only ones who were not actually interested in making this discussions even more fiery, were the members of the Senju clan; without a doubt, the Hokage had approved their words since he was of the same breed.

During the whole outdoor activity, the Uchiha did nothing more but watch over the political events that were being unfolded; even though he wished to add a few words towards their interesting conversations, Tenzō refrained himself from doing so, as such he remained well put in his corner. An interesting name was brought up in their fierce discussions, one which wasn’t really that familiar with the Uchiha’s ears, although he saw his name showing up in quite a lot of history books. The strange fact was that Risu seemed to share quite a lot of common trains if someone were to judge them by their appearance; perhaps, it may be nothing more than a simple coincidence.

Having his eyes and ears fixated on the Orochi Lady, Tenzō acknowledged the gesture which he was given before narrowing those ebony orbs and detaching his spine from that circular pillar. A slight nod was given by him in return, assuring the lady that the message was understood quite well. Without further ado, the Uchiha had dusted off any kind of particles that encased his robe with a quick and continuous sway that was executed with his two bare hands. His nostrils inflated during the whole action, which meant that he either disliked dust, or that vessel of his was probably damaged and the man did not recovered fully from his past interactions.

A small piece of heaven was revealed once those backdoors were hissed open, and inside those gardens there were a few others servants who were specifically appointed there in order to greet the newly arrived guests; almost each and every one of them were holding a specific object. Those who were located nearest to the gates took a deep bow in order to express their respect and discipline, while the others were holding silver plated trays with different kind of refreshments. Most of the drinks were stored upon those plates inside sturdy, but see-through bottles that were meant to resist even if they were handed towards a pair of clumsy hands.

Tenzō went on ahead and relocated himself nearby the doors where he also stood in a bowing position before the guests which were supposed to head in that direction. Once they would find themselves inside the gardens, the young lad will also proceed behind their footsteps in a search for an appropriate place that may suit as his next leaning position, since he did not had any kind of preparations regarding these kind of political manners. His ideal spot would be located somewhere alongside the group so that their words would still reach him. Something inside of him wanted to stand out in order to represent his clan members in these formal discussions, however he did not consider himself worthy enough for such a task; there were still a lot to learn before he could submit himself into a dedicated job such as that.

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783 Words

Total Words ~ 1628

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