Snakes, Wolves, and Locked Doors

'''Note: This is an AU Orochimaru, mental scarring will follow. you have been warned... This is all hypothetical of course'''

Twas the ninth day of spring, and the scent of rotten leaves and budding flowers filled the air. It was the end of a long winter in the Land of Lightning, and the land looked grateful for the end. Despite the finally improving conditions, there were still nary a soul in sight on the long road to Kumogakure, the Village Hidden in the Clouds. There were a few peddlers hear and there, and a few travelers and shinobi making their way to and from the village.

Most of these travelers were in twos and threes, while the shinobi were in their standard groups of fours. However there was one who simply seemed out of the ordinary, even though no one knew quite why. He was of average height, maybe a bit short however. His face was lined, and his skin was brown. He simply looked like a peddler trying his fortune in Kumo. But he looked too normal, and it was unsettling to even the shinobi, as everyone went to the opposite side of the road to avoid him. But the man didn't react, he just kept putting one foot in front of the other as he went on his way. For he had a reason to head to Kumogakure, and it was one visit they wouldn't soon forget.

The Snake Sage in the Land of Lightning
Orochimaru had been to Kumogakure many a time. He had caused his fair share of problems, even releasing their tailed beast once. But his role here was different, he wasn't here to cause trouble, he wasn't here to kill anyone. He was simply here to retrieve a pot and a gourd, then leave as quietly as he came. He knew it wouldn't be as easy as that though, the Kumo ninja were far more vigilant than they were in the past, and the treasures were under heavy guard. But he wouldn't have much of a way in terms of problems, even Kages knew of Orochimaru, and would not trifle with him lightly. As he reached a fork in the road, he took the path less traveled. This lead him around the much less populated backside of the main kage building, as there was a small entrance hidden in the rock back there. There would be less guards, and it would be a much quicker and safer escape route. Once he left the village in its entirety, he would be home free to one of his many hideouts. Whether they knew it or not, the land of lightning would be losing two of its treasures tonight...