Orochimaru gets one more chance. Just maybe, it will be enough to save him—and the entire world as well.

It had to be Soul Society affecting him. There was no other explanation for the way he found himself looking at their resident hero, the soul-reaper-who-shouldn't-have-been. Ichigo. But...he couldn't really bring himself to care.

Zabuza steels himself, breathes out. Remembers he can move, that he can speak, and slowly, carefully slides to his knees. Not a position he would take for anyone else, even Mei if she ever wore the Mizukage's hat, not after a lifetime spent clawing his way up from the streets and into a place of his own power. But—gods are something different. They have to be, or they can't offer miracles, and Zabuza needs that miracle right now. “I was told that you help those seeking justice,” he says.

“Look at you,” Shisui says admiringly, rocking back on his heels and surveying his prize. Sequel to 'if you can find that leap of faith', but entirely plotless.