Leo

Brother's report

A chilly breeze received the older brother as soon as he stepped into the hideout. It was now apparent to him why that town was so appealing versus how his current home was; a place that on the surface was colorless and brusque. Where did all that life he previously witnessed reside in his place? 

"What am I thinking?"

Log placed a hand over his forehead feeling confused and a little dizzy.

"Is your state of mind in the right place?"

While they crossed arms, Orochimaru questioned.

"I wonder..."

Log was now paying attention to his parent when their hand rested on his shoulder

"Let's discuss this further in the lab."

The blue-haired man tiredly nodded.

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Orochimaru removed the several braces and cables adhered all over Log's now naked torso.

"You seem alright physically, though I wonder if this discomfort could be caused by the lack of some of your original internal organs."

There was a pause before Orochimaru continued with a tint of pride in their voice

"Not that can be possible, after all, I fabricated replacements for you."

"I don't believe it has to do with my body. More like my thoughts."

Orochimaru raised a brow

"Then let's check them out-"

Log calmly shook his head, he wasn't in the mood for these things. He didn't want to admit he was dead tired, as Orochimaru would translate this as if he was ill.

"What about I provide my report as planned first?"

A small glint could be seen within Orochimaru's eyes

"Very well..."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"..................."

Orochimaru displayed a thoughtful mannerism all the time Log gave his report. As if what has happened were out of their expectations

"Akimichi... Chouchou, huh?"

Never in all the lives Orochimaru has gone through the need to research the noble clan passed through their mind. It was then a small memory crossed their mind

"I believe I know that child."

The remembrance of 10-year-old Chouchou hiding behind Lord Seventh with wary eyes popped into the sannin's head. A small chuckle could be heard in the cold, gloomy room

"To think my son would choose from all the Konoha people, an Akimichi to fall in love."

Log raised a brow

"...Love? Is Mitsuki in love?"

It wasn't a concept Log didn't know about, at least in theory.

"Your report made it sound as he was."

Then they narrowed brows

"Or could it be you have been keeping information from me?"

With a faint smile, Log shook his head

"No... It's just..."

"I find it interesting someone like you could immediately tell what was going on with him."

He continued

"It never crossed my mind a thing like love would be something of your expertise."

"Keh-"

"KUKUKUKU..."

Orochimaru's characteristic laughter could be heard even beyond the room they occupied

"Only fools would ignore the immense driving force that love has."

And they smirked even wider

"And even bigger fools will let them be driven by it."

With faint concern but bigger curiosity, Log asked

"What are you going to do about it?"

Orochimaru looked directly into Log's eyes, taking some steps further they cupped his cheek as he would usually do with all his valued... creations

"Nothing."

Not convinced, Log took their hand apart and said

"That's hard to believe..."

But Orochimaru said almost immediately, not leaving more room for Log to doubt

"I didn't consider this could happen, because I conceived Mitsuki to be not only the strongest, but also to be pure-minded."

"He isn't fully familiar with the whole concept of love and what means and involves."

"If I were to force these experiences into Mitsuki, his essence would be lost. It wouldn't be Mitsuki, but the Mitsuki I want him to be. That would ruin all the purpose of my experiment, making him nothing more than an automata."

With a long smirk, Orochimaru added

"I am thrilled to see the outcome of this experience, whenever he decides to go further with the Akimichi heir or not."

And as they said that, the sannin took their lab coat and had the means to leave if it wasn't because Log questioned

"Are you going to the lab this late?"

"Yes."

Again, a small glint could be seen inside the eyes of the snake

"I'm making a pedigree chart of the Akimichi."

Log crookedly smiled thinking after all his parent was going to do something. He looked for a cigarette inside his pocket and lit it with his trademark lighter. He exhaled in a relaxed way when he decided this day was finally over.