Stay (Sasuke x Reader)

ENTER: MEETING THE RAVEN!

Orochimaru sent Y/N outside the hideout to greet the Uchiha. He frequents the training area, a large and open grassy land that lies outside the secret base. Y/N begins walking towards the tall figure as he uses his sword to make strong, purposeful strikes through the trees. He notices her presence and turns to face her, awaiting her next move.

"Afternoon," She says, calmly.

"And you are?"

"I'm Y/N."

"And why should I care?"

"Orochimaru wanted us to introduce ourselves."

"Well?" He says, clearly unamused.

"Let's say—I'm a new recruit. I'm a rogue shinobi from the Hidden Leaf Village and-" He cuts her off.

"Ah, a ninja from the Leaf Village. That's why Orochimaru wanted me to meet you? Pathetic."

Initial impression? He's definitely something; something similar to an ill-mannered, rude, arrogant, bastard.

"Shouldn't you resume your training?" She reminds him, as she walks towards a nearby rock and sits down.

His eye twitches as she gets comfortable. He clenches his sword but reluctantly continues training despite her annoying company. She watches his technique closely, making a few observations of her own.

"Do you always stare at people like that?" He asks, finally breaking the silence.

"Does it bother you?" She questions.

"Yes. Now leave."

"How will you become stronger if you can't even fight with someone watching?"

"Tch. Shut up already." He mutters, becoming more irritated.

He resumes his sword training, returning to his original placement. Y/N stands up and walks towards him. He remains still as he watches Y/N gently place her hand on his arm, positioning it higher.

"This stance is better. This allows further range using your sword, even during close combat." She mentions, walking back to her seat.

He stands there, frozen in place. He's surprised by her casual act and feels slightly off-balanced after. He begins to strike the tree once more, noticing an incredible difference. With that, he sheaths his sword.

"Are you trying to rile me up? I don't think you came here solely to give me some pointers."

"I already told you, Orochimaru wanted us to introduce ourselves, but I guess we'll find time for it later."

Before he could respond, she used her transportation jutsu for an easy exit, leaving him alone in the training field. She finds herself inside the base where she notices Orochimaru roaming the hallways.

"Orochimaru, I did as you said." She calls out to him, grabbing his attention before he could walk away.

Orochimaru turns to look at her, a sly grin beginning to spread across his face.

"Ah, I see. So you've met with Sasuke, did you? How did it go?" He leans against the wall and crosses his arms, curious to hear about her report.

"In truth, I'm quite disappointed. He's not at all as you described him to be. His bad mannerisms reveal his insecurities, and I must say, I don't see the strong-willed ninja that you claimed he was."

"Mmmh...I see, an interesting development indeed." Orochimaru licks his lips, the information exhilarates him. This newfound knowledge could be used as an advantage against the Uchiha. He leans in closer, almost invading her personal space.

"Use that information as you will," she reassures him, slightly turning her head away, avoiding his uncomfortably close proximity.

"Your observations are quite astute. This information will be a very useful asset. There is only one thing I'd like to request; as you continue keeping a close eye on Sasuke, attempt to forge a bond, one that he'll struggle to break. This will create a very, very useful vulnerability on his part. That will be all...and don't forget to report back to me with any behavioral changes you've observed."

"Understood."

Orochimaru nods, a pleased smile forms on his face. He steps back, granting Y/N her personal space again.

"Good. I'll leave you to your own devices for now," he says as he begins walking, eventually disappearing around the corner.

She continues walking to the main center of the base. Still captivated by her thoughts and observations, she accidentally collides shoulders with Sasuke. He looks down at her as she bumps into him and his expression softens ever so slightly.