The Serpent's Child

Manami's P.O.V

Three years... Three years have already passed as I was in the hideout, waiting for my master to return.

Is it a long time? I don't know... In some way, it felt like an eternity. During the day time, I was usually busy, I tried my best to put Orochimaru-sama aside of my thoughts. But during nights... It was very difficult, especially at the beginning. I could think only of him. My body wanted to feel only him... And he wasn't here.

'Don't space out, Manami-chan!'

A loud crash rang in my ears and I moved swiftly, noticing the silver haired man try to land a hard punch on my stomach. But I was quick, my speed was much better than three years ago, so Kabuto punched the wall instead and it started to crumble away.

The shinobi frowned, but gave me sly smirk.

'Once again, you avoided me so gracefully... I would lie if I said that I'm not impressed.'

I returned his smirk and glanced at his face. He was breathing heavily, already quite worn out. A few drops of sweat were leaking down his forehead but he brushed them away.

I gazed around only to notice that our training ground was completely devastated... Once again. I said so many times that it would be much more effective to train outside, however, I couldn't.

My own fingers caught my eyes... They were a bit dirty and sweaty. Yes, taking a rest sounds not so bad... We were training for the last four hours after all.

Kabuto's P.O.V

Manami-chan was a truly amazing girl… Though I'd rather call her a woman.

I couldn't help but smirk again as my eyes traveled from her head to her feet. She grew a lot, and not only as a ninja. Because of all this hard training, her beauty bloomed even more. Manami-chan's lean face was still cute, but held this certain elegance that every other female should be jealous of. Pure blood red lips looked especially taunting as they were matched by deep purple orbs, which held an intriguing power within them. Her figure changed dramatically – from one of a brat she became quite a lady. Her curves were perfect and so well sculpted that it was difficult even for me to take my eyes off her, especially when she wore those tight-fitting black ninja clothes. Who could have guessed that she would change so much? I couldn't. If she wasn't Orochimaru-sama's property, I would definitely make her mine, but oh well…

'Would you stop staring, Kabuto?' She snorted at me, crossing her arms and nerviously looking away.

'I would if I could, dear,' I smirked and she blushed slightly, but still look quite annoyed.

'Anyways, that's it for today I guess…'

'Probably,' I murmured. 'We should call someone to fix this place. Ladies first.'

Manami-chan gave me a suspicious look and walked in front of me. I could only chuckle again.

'Kabuto-san, Manami-san. I'm sorry for my rudeness, but we just received an important report.'

We stopped in place as one of the lord's henchmen bowed down before our eyes, holding a small scrool between his fingers.

Me and the girl exchanged glances. What could be so important?

'What is it?' I asked impatiently.

The tall bald man blinked at us a few times.

'Orochimaru-sama and Sasuke-san are on their way to the hideout. They will be here roughly three hours later.'

My eyes widened slightly and I glanced at Manami-chan. She froze the same moment she heard our lord's name.

'W-What are you saying?' She stuttered quietly as I could see her violet eyes light up immediately. 'Orochimaru-s-sama is…'

I let out a deep sigh and pushed my glasses up my nose.

'I see. Prepare everything for his return then.'

The man nodded and bowed down before leaving quickly.

Manami's P.O.V

Am I dreaming? No… Probably not… Could it be true that Orochimaru-sama will be back today?

My heart was already pounding like crazy. After three years… I will see him again. I missed him so much I swear I almost went crazy.

Orochimaru-sama…

'Manami-chan, are you alright?' I heard Kabuto's amused tone and turned my face to him.

A real, huge smile was plastered on my face. I didn't have it in a while… It felt so strange. My whole body was feeling weird.

'Couldn't be better,' I whispered to him, already barely standing on my feet. 'I will go and change now…'

I tightened the towel around my waist and went straight to the mirror. The smile was still on my face. This whole time…

I wonder if my master changed? If so, how much? Did he miss me? Did he think of me? Does he still love me?

All these questions were just fluttering in my head like crazy. I felt such an exciting sensation at the bottom of my stomach… It almost made me sick. This waiting was unbearable.

I brushed my shiny black hair, reaching my waist, and stroked it gently… Orochimaru-sama's hair… I was anxious to touch it again.

I glanced at my bed – the kimono which was already prepared for me. The deep violet work of art with silver floral pattern and a blood red obi. Yes, it was the one my lord adored so much. Of course, my figure changed a lot, so I couldn't wear the old one. I asked Kabuto to find me another one which would be exactly the same.

I will wear it for him. Only for him. To think that this day will finally come…

I stared at my own reflexion and suddenly felt goosebumps on my pale skin. Sasuke is coming back too… I wonder, how strong did he get? Would I be able to beat him? However, his image in my head faded away quickly, because I could only see those snake-like two yellow eyes.

Those amazing, intent eyes… That gaze… Is it still the same? I want to find out. I need to find out.

The clock was ticking calmly till it finally reached that hour which I longed for.

I should be going now. They are returning home soon.