Orochimaru didn't go in for the kill. Instead, he suddenly leapt back, vanishing into the darkness without so much as a glance behind him.
Because of that, he didn't see the moment after his departure when several snakes slithered out from the sleeve of Neji's robe snakes that quickly devoured those Orochimaru had left behind.
But Anko Mitarashi saw everything. Her bright eyes sparkled with confusion.
To her knowledge, only Orochimaru and herself could control snakes. How had Hyūga Neji learned it?
Once Orochimaru was gone, Neji didn't give chase. He knew he wasn't in peak condition and didn't have the confidence to face Orochimaru in his current state.
He'd let him go on purpose. Orochimaru was cautious his every move had been within Neji's expectations.
Though he hadn't extracted everything from Orochimaru, there was no rush. Time was on his side.
"Orochimaru… next time, try not to use a man's body again," Neji muttered under his breath.
"Hyūga Neji!" Anko rushed over to him.
Now that Orochimaru had fled, the power of the cursed seal restraining her had weakened significantly. Although there were still lingering aftereffects, they were minor.
"Neji, are you alright?" she asked anxiously.
Neji waved a hand. Though he'd burned through a fair amount of chakra, he was otherwise fine.
Without missing a beat, Anko continued, "How can you control snakes?"
Neji met her gaze directly. "Everyone has their secrets."
"Oh." Seeing that he wasn't going to elaborate, she let it go.
But now it was Neji who grew curious.
"You're not going to ask why I didn't kill Orochimaru? I had the chance."
Anko smiled and tilted her head. "Would you tell me if I did?"
"I would."
His firm, unwavering tone caught Anko off guard. Before she could ask more, he added:
"Because he's still useful to me."
Anko nodded. She'd realized something by now if Neji didn't want to say something, there was no forcing it out of him.
"You're going to report this to the Third Hokage, aren't you?" Neji asked suddenly.
"Yes," Anko nodded. "After everything that's happened, I have to."
Neji understood. "Then can I ask you for one thing?"
"What is it?" she asked.
"Don't mention anything about me."
Anko fell silent. Neji's abilities and jutsu were far beyond ordinary normally, this would have to be reported. But…
"Alright. I promise."
"Oh, and one more thing don't let them cancel the Chūnin Exams."
Anko chuckled. "Now you're asking for two things. But I can't promise that one. Only the Third Hokage can decide that. And once he learns that Orochimaru is involved, he will shut it down."
"That's fine," Neji said confidently. "Just tell the Hokage it's part of Orochimaru's demand. He'll agree."
Anko didn't buy it but nodded anyway. Honestly, she thought the idea was absurd.
After a short rest, they both left. Anko headed for the Hokage's office to report what had happened, while Neji went off in search of Orochimaru's trail.
It was a moonless night, the wind whispering secrets between the trees perfect for growing stronger in the shadows.
Perched high on a towering tree, Neji flicked his wrist, sending out dozens of small snakes. They weren't strong in battle, but for gathering information and tracking enemies, they were second to none.
"Find Orochimaru's trail. Report back."
At his command, the snakes slithered off in all directions.
Neji wasn't worried about Orochimaru discovering them. As far as he knew, only he and Anko possessed this technique there was no reason for anyone to suspect him.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened gravely as Anko gave her report, his brows furrowing deeper with each word.
"So, Orochimaru has already infiltrated the village…"
Strangely, Anko noticed that the Hokage didn't seem as alarmed as she had expected.
As if sensing her thoughts, Hiruzen gave a faint smile. "Don't underestimate the Leaf, Anko."
"But… his speed caught me off guard," the old man murmured to himself.
All this... for Uchiha Sasuke? Hiruzen mused. I did make a promise to Itachi… then the best course of action would be…
"Anko. Cancel the Chūnin Exams," he said.
Anko suddenly remembered what Neji had told her. She wasn't hopeful, but she wanted to try for his sake.
"Hokage-sama, Orochimaru told me… if we stop the exams, he'll launch a full-scale attack."
She forced the words out, steeling herself for a scolding.
This is it. I'm going to get an earful… Neji, you owe me for this.
But instead, Hiruzen let out a sigh. "Is that so… Then let them continue. I want to see what he's really after."
"…What?" Anko's eyes widened in shock. He actually agreed?
At that moment, Neji became even more mysterious in her eyes.
As for Neji himself, he was still high up in the trees, meditating and waiting for word from his scouts.
But by dawn, none of the snakes had found any trace of Orochimaru.
Instead, they'd discovered something else Sakura's group.
Orochimaru really knows how to hide… no matter, there's always another day.
"Perfect. I can go see how Sakura is progressing."
And besides, there was a little experiment he wanted to try.
Deep in another part of the Forest of Death, beneath a hollow tree, Sakura was tending to the unconscious Sasuke and Naruto.
To keep them safe, she'd even set up some makeshift traps. Ironically, those crude traps ended up giving away their location.
It wasn't long before the Sound trio found them.
"Only one of them's still standing?" Zaku scoffed. "Seriously? And Lord Orochimaru still felt the need to send all three of us?"
"Don't come any closer," Sakura warned, raising her kunai. Determination was written all over her face. "Even if I'm alone, I'll protect them."
Sasuke and Naruto had always been the ones fighting while she stood helpless in the back. They'd gotten hurt because of her weakness.
But things were different now. Thoughts of Neji filled her mind. She'd made up her mind to change to stop crying in the shadows and start catching up to him.
Otherwise, how could she ever hope to walk beside someone like him?
"Hmph. Brave words, girl. Pity you don't have the power to back them up," Zaku sneered.
He stepped forward, ready to finish her off, but Kin suddenly held him back.
"Leave her to me. Just look at that hair… that soft, pink hair. Makes you want to rip it right off her head," Kin said with a soft voice that somehow sent chills down the spine.