Hiding in the Leaves (смешанная)

In another life, Orochimaru never leaves Konoha, opting to remain within the village that equally reveres and reviles him. Fighting a bitter battle against forces within the village that are more influential and well-positioned, he finds himself gifted with one last shining opportunity: three children, a team of genin, handed to him because Konoha has no better choice. Orochimaru agrees to become a jounin-sensei for the first and the last time, taking on the next generation's Team Seven: Uchiha Sasuke, Nara Shikamaru, and Uzumaki Naruto.
[ A gradual exploration of the author's very liberal Naruto headcanon, with a good!Orochimaru (well, sorta good) who eventually becomes the Godaime Hokage. Lots of chakra theory, cool jutsu, in-depth backstories, character development, political intrigue, and den mother Orochimaru feels! Also featuring: BAMF baby Team 7! Be prepared to suspend your disbelief; this will be another one of my long-running intense worldbuilding AUs. Let's go have fun! ]