Chapter 44: Unknown Depths
Positioning my head in such a manner that the wind wouldn't blow my hood and remove it I stand on the cliff edge posing as stoic as I could manage. Slowly I tilt my head up, the wind catches my hood pulling it off, my somewhat long hair waves in the wind. I hold this position until I can no longer keep the smile working its way onto my face and I all at once my body relaxes as I couldn't take myself even remotely serious.
"Are you done?" Orochimaru spoke behind me, sounding disappointed.
"Let me do it one more time," I say, composing myself.
Pulling my hood back up I see if I can hold a straight face for longer this time.
I did not.
Taking a seat on the cliff edge I look off into the distance. A temple looking structure sat on top of a mountain all around it tall spikes made of rock.
I wonder what that place is for?
"Put this on," Orochimaru said dropping a bag next to me.
Inside the bag was a rather bland looking outfit.
"A disguise?" I say holding up the shirt.
"Yes. We are boarding a ship."
"Couldn't I just use chakra?" I ask looking up to Orochimaru.
"Have you improved your ability to suppress your chakra?
"Depends on the situation." I say.
"Sozo."
"No." I say removing my gear.
"Put your things in the bag."
Doing as im told i remove everything before drawing the disguise.
Walking up behind Orochimaru i saw he had transformed while I was changing. One look at him and I it was quite clear what our relationship was supposed to be. Those green eyes don't leave much to interpretation.
"Let me guess I'll be calling you father?"
"If necessary. Will that be a problem?" Orochimaru's spoke looking down at me.
"Oh no, not at all… father," I say amused by this situation.
As we made our way down the cliff and onto the established route stopped suddenly turning to face me.
"Sozo." Orochimaru said.
"Yeah?" I responded a little put off by how much he looks like Akinori's dad.
"No chakra," he ordered.
"Yes… father."
Orochimaru pauses for a moment looking down at me before continuing towards the port. I follow a few steps behind like I always do.
The Land of Lightning was quite different form The Land of Fire. Gone were the expansive forests, instead the land was rocky with many rivers and lakes that dotted the land.
If it weren't for the massive trees back home I think I would like this place better.
The closer we got to the port the more Shinobi I began to pick up, coincidentally it also became a bit more difficult to keep my chakra in check for whatever reason. I most definitely wasn't nervous. And hypothetical even if I was, which I wasn't, I had nothing to worry about. Even if we were discovered I would be fine im with the Orochimaru the Snake Sannin after all.
The idea of being nervous is absolutely ridiculous.
The port was uneventful thankfully and soon enough we were on a ship going somewhere. The destination didn't matter as we wouldn't be on board. But we still had sometime before we hoped over board. I really wanted to reach out into the ocean with my chakra sense but I was still forbidden from using chakra, plus who knows what I'd feel if started picking around down there.
Perhaps it's for the best I remain ignorant.
…
"Sozo it's time." Orochimaru says standing up.
"Huh?" I say half asleep.
Standing up I stretch before Orochimaru suddenly picks me up then proceeds to hop overboard.
Once we are far enough Orochimaru sets me down on the ocean surface as I now have permission to use chakra.
As I take my first few steps on the ocean surface I look down into the unknown depths.
"Don't suppose you'd be open to carrying me the whole way?"
"You're afraid of the ocean?" Orochimaru says, amused.
"I wouldn't say afraid, thats much to strong of a word, more like… apprehensive," I say looking away from the depths, "so is that a yes?
Orochimaru walked right past me.
Choosing to look at the sky instead I followed a few steps behind.
The sun was just beginning to rise when we reached our destination, which was an island.
Finally back on wonderful land my things were returned to me.
"Don't put on your forehead protector," Orochimaru said."
"Alright."
With mostly everything back on i took my position behind Orochimaru.
"So why can't I wear my forehead protector?"
"The only Shinobi allowed here must either have an invitation, or belong to someone with and invitation."
"Belong? What is this place?" I ask.
"Koroshiamu. A safe haven for the elite of the underworld to do business along with other illegal practices," Orochimaru explained.
"Sounds fun."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone