Wow. Just wow. I'm.... actually amazed with this so far. Not too much depth is given in the actual manga about Orochimaru's terrible past, but your writing makes it seem as though this actually happened. I'm really impressed. This gives a whole new perspective to the dark and evil Orochimaru, showing the readers that he wasn't always bad. Nice work, I look forward to more. Keep up the good work with this story.

Author's Response: Thanks a million! That really means a lot to me. I'm hoping to get the third chapter done this summer (after I finish some lemons). Orochimaru's never struck me as just some evil monster. (If he did, I probably wouldn't like him as much.) Especially after the fleeting image Hiruzen has as he dies of Orochimaru as a boy, looking so innocent and sad. I really wanted to explore what might have happened. Glad to know I've been able to capture it. Thanks again!