66-70

Chapter 66: The Examiner

"Touji-kun, you can open your eyes now."

Touji slowly opened his eyes and, seeing Hinata Hyuga's room, couldn't help but give a wry smile.

Last time, even though he slept in this room, at least there was a bit of distance between the two beds.

But now, there was no distance between the beds at all.

If either of them moved too much in their sleep, they could easily end up on the other bed.

This is dangerous! What kind of situation is this?!

Hinata Hyuga was also conflicted, her face already flushed bright red.

"Touji-kun, you should rest first. I'll go take a bath!" she said, covering her face as she hurried into the bathroom, soon followed by the sound of running water.

With Hinata gone, Touji felt much less awkward.

Just in time, as Touji had just gained the Byakugan and needed to practice.

He gathered chakra into his eyes and softly muttered, "Byakugan!"

Suddenly, Touji's surroundings became incredibly clear.

Not only could he see everything next door, but he could even make out Hinata's rapidly beating heart.

And he could see the chakra flowing inside her body with perfect clarity.

Comparing his chakra with Hinata’s, Touji couldn't help but feel inadequate.

They were the same age, yet Hinata's chakra reserves were several times larger than his.

Plus, after all her training, her chakra pathways were significantly wider than Touji's.

Next, Touji extended his Byakugan's vision outward.

When he reached a kilometer out, he stopped.

It wasn't that he couldn't see further, but his chakra wouldn't allow it.

Using the Byakugan at short distances didn’t consume much chakra.

But extending its range made the chakra consumption skyrocket.

With Touji's current chakra level, he wouldn't be able to maintain it for long.

No wonder the Byakugan is used in short bursts for long-distance reconnaissance—it’s simply too draining.

After practicing enough with the Byakugan, Hinata Hyuga emerged from the bathroom.

She had changed into a fitted nightgown, and Touji couldn’t help but give a thumbs-up in admiration.

Hinata blushed, running straight into bed, only leaving her head exposed.

"Touji-kun, go take a bath, then let's sleep!" she said.

Touji shrugged.

Although he could use his ice-release ability to freeze the sweat on his body and shatter it off, he chose not to reveal his abilities and headed into the bathroom.

As he soaked in the tub, Touji finally understood why so many people loved taking baths.

It felt amazing, a comfort that ice-release couldn’t replicate.

With his entire body submerged in the warm water, his pores relaxed, and the exhaustion from the day melted away.

Still, Touji didn’t soak for too long—passing out in the tub would be a terrible idea.

After his bath, he changed into soft pajamas, feeling the simple pleasure of being alive.

When he stepped out of the bathroom, he saw only Hinata’s little head poking out from under the blankets.

But then he noticed something—there were two thin lines of blood dripping from her nostrils.

Touji’s eye twitched, but he didn’t say anything.

After all, he had done the same thing earlier.

The next morning, Touji was still asleep when he felt a hand lightly tapping his face.

Annoyed, he opened his eyes, ready to lash out, but before he could, a voice interrupted him.

"Wake up, Touji!"

Touji winced, rubbing his head in pain.

"Morning, Hinata..."

Hinata Hyuga smiled and handed him a small box.

Touji quickly opened it and found a pair of black contact lenses inside.

His eyes lit up as he hurriedly put them on.

Once the lenses were in, his pupils returned to their normal black color.

Though they were uncomfortable, Touji preferred wearing them to avoid any unknown dangers.

"Touji-kun, are you ready? Kakashi-sensei is here to see you."

"Alright, I'm coming."

Touji followed Hinata to the living room. As soon as they entered, Hinata’s father, Hiashi, stood up to greet them.

Sitting off to the side, Kakashi couldn’t help but frown.

Given Hiashi’s status, he didn’t need to go to such lengths for anyone, let alone a 12-year-old kid.

Hiashi had always been vocal about wanting Touji to marry his daughter, but now it seemed like Hiashi was the one acting like a prospective son-in-law.

"Kakashi-sensei, you’re here to see me?"

Hearing Touji’s voice, Kakashi remembered the reason for his visit.

"Yes, that’s right. The Chunin Exams are coming up, and I’d like you to participate."

Touji looked at Kakashi in surprise.

The Chunin Exams were an invaluable opportunity.

Not only would the Sand Village be represented by Gaara, but both Orochimaru and Jiraiya, two of the legendary Sannin, would also be there.

If he could gain favor with them, it would greatly boost his strength.

Plus, the main storyline of Naruto was about to unfold.

Just as Touji was about to agree, Hiashi cut him off.

"No, Touji can’t participate in the Chunin Exams—it’s too dangerous!"

Kakashi looked at Hiashi in surprise.

He had expected Touji to decline, but he hadn’t anticipated Hiashi rejecting the idea before Touji even had a chance to speak.

"Lord Hiashi, don’t you think this is something the boy should decide for himself?"

Hiashi frowned.

He had once found Kakashi quite agreeable, but now the man seemed particularly annoying.

Still, since Kakashi had raised the issue, Hiashi had to ask Touji for his thoughts.

"Touji, do you want to go?"

Touji nodded slightly.

An opportunity like this was too good to pass up.

"I think the Chunin Exams are a chance to prove my strength."

"If that’s the case, I’ll help you sign up."

Hiashi’s face darkened as he glared at Kakashi, making the man shiver.

"Fine, you can participate, but not as a regular candidate!"

"If not as a candidate, then what? Are you saying Touji should go as a proctor?"

Hiashi smiled.

"Exactly. Touji doesn’t need to compete—he just wants to be part of the event. So why not go as an examiner?"

Touji’s eyes lit up.

Being an examiner was even better than competing in the exams.

As a proctor, he could freely move around, which would make it much easier to build relationships and earn reputation points.

"Alright! If it's just as an examiner, I’ll allow Touji to go."

*Chapter 67: Mitarashi Sweet Potato*

The first part of the Chunin Exam, the written test, did not include Touji.

Instead, he was directly assigned to the second part.

Originally, Touji planned to check in on Orochimaru and the others beforehand, but he was summoned by Kakashi Hatake.

"The second part takes place in this large forest. You don’t need to do anything—just wait for the examinees to come out. Another proctor will explain the specifics to you," Kakashi said weakly.

Touji couldn’t help but frown.

He remembered that the proctor for the second part was Anko Mitarashi, but she didn’t seem to have the best temperament.

Sure enough, when Touji and the others arrived at a wooden shack, a delicate-looking female ninja was sitting under the canopy, leisurely eating dumplings.

"Anko, I’ve brought the other proctor," Kakashi said.

Anko Mitarashi put down the dumpling in her hand. When she saw Touji, she frowned.

"Someone this young—is he really a proctor, not a participant?"

"Don’t underestimate this kid. He gave Lord Hiashi quite the headache," Kakashi whispered.

Touji rolled his eyes.

At first, he thought Guy was the one with the unreliable mouth. Turns out Kakashi was no better.

"Hi there, Sweet Potato! I’m Touji!"

"Sweet Potato?" Anko’s brow furrowed, a trace of anger rising on her face. "My name is Anko, not Sweet Potato!"

Touji shrank back.

It just slipped out naturally, but clearly, Anko wasn’t fond of the nickname "Sweet Potato."

*Ding! Mitarashi Anko! Affection points: 49. Warning!!*

*Affection points at 50 unlock: Fireball Jutsu!*

*Affection points at 60 unlock: Dragon Flame Jutsu!*

*Affection points at 70 unlock: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!*

*Affection points at 80 unlock: Striking Snake Frenzy!*

*Affection points at 90 unlock: Multiple Striking Snakes!*

*Affection points at 100 unlock: Twin Snakes Mutual Death Technique! Also, ‘Enjoy my dumplings!’ Infinite sign-in feature activated (seven-day interval)!*

Touji shook his head.

There was nothing in Anko's arsenal that particularly interested him. But she was still Orochimaru's apprentice, and her strength was not to be underestimated.

"Kid, that head shake of yours is really getting on my nerves! I think I'll test if you're qualified to be a proctor. If not, you can go take the exam!" Anko's face showed anger, but there was a strange smile on her lips.

"Anko! Lord Hiashi personally assigned him. If you do this, you’ll upset him," Kakashi quickly interjected.

Anko's brows furrowed.

Hiashi Hyuga was a man of immense power now, having taken control of some of Danzo’s forces in addition to the Hyuga clan. Very few in Konoha dared provoke him.

And Kakashi wasn’t threatening, just offering friendly advice.

But Anko was not one to bow to authority.

So what if he’s Hiashi’s guy? Even if he were the Hokage’s grandson, Anko would still beat him up!

"Kakashi, stay out of this. This is personal between me and this kid!"

Touji chuckled bitterly.

He hadn’t expected to offend Anko so badly by calling her "Sweet Potato." He wondered if she had some visiting relatives to explain why she was so irritable.

But Touji wasn’t one to back down either.

Anko might be Orochimaru's apprentice and a special Jonin, but Touji wasn’t going to be pushed around.

"Alright, let’s see what you’ve got, Sweet Potato!"

Kakashi frowned.

Anko was different from Hiashi. Hiashi had always been mindful of Touji’s potential, treating him kindly during their sparring. But Anko wouldn’t hold back.

Her impulsiveness meant she’d fight anyone, even the Hokage himself.

And being Orochimaru's disciple, her unpredictable techniques were something Kakashi himself had to take seriously.

But then Kakashi sighed.

Touji had been undefeated for so long—whether against Hiashi or Zabuza—that he’d grown a little arrogant.

Maybe it was time for him to lose. Better to lose to an ally than an enemy.

Anko was momentarily taken aback that Touji accepted the challenge.

But once the challenge was issued, she wasn’t one to back down.

"Alright, here I come!"

The toothpick in her mouth was spat out with force, instantly transforming into a sharp projectile aimed directly at Touji.

Touji didn’t flinch, casually catching the toothpick in mid-air.

But in that split second, Anko vanished, reappearing directly behind him.

"Kid, I don’t know where you get your confidence, but you’d better go take the exam!" Anko smirked, reaching out to grab him.

But midway through, Anko froze, her outstretched hand stopping abruptly.

Because at that moment, a toothpick was pressing against her throat.

One more inch, and the toothpick would pierce her skin.

Kakashi, too, was shocked.

Anko’s speed was incredibly fast, yet Touji had anticipated her movements perfectly, using only a toothpick to threaten her vital point.

His perception and ability to predict distance were at Jonin level.

"This kid’s a monster. His growth is unbelievable!"

Sweat dotted Anko's forehead.

She couldn’t believe she’d lost—and so completely—to someone so much younger than her.

"You lost. This should prove I’m qualified to be a proctor, right?"

Anko paused, then smiled mischievously.

"Lost? You’re the one who’s lost! Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"

From her sleeve, several snakes shot out, binding Touji in an instant.

Anko smiled smugly, removing the toothpick and placing it back in her mouth.

Her face was full of pride.

"Here’s a lesson for you: Never get cocky before you’ve finished your opponent!"

Touji showed no anger, only a soft smile.

"You’re right—never get cocky before you’ve finished your opponent!"

---

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 68: The Shuriken Formation*

Anko Mitarashi furrowed her brow.

Being taught with her own words annoyed Anko Mitarashi to no end.

But at the moment, two snakes had indeed wrapped Touji up.

Suddenly, Touji's body transformed into a piece of wood.

"A substitution jutsu! When did that happen?!"

Anko's pupils shrank sharply, and she quickly turned her head, only to see Touji's hand reaching out swiftly toward her.

Instinctively, Anko closed her eyes.

She then felt the bamboo skewer that was in her mouth being taken away, prompting her to open her eyes in confusion.

She saw Touji mimicking her, holding the bamboo skewer in his mouth.

For a moment, Anko's face flushed red.

"How can you just put that bamboo skewer in your mouth?!"

Touji immediately realized his mistake.

Earlier, he found the way Anko held the bamboo skewer in her mouth annoying, so he imitated her.

But he completely forgot that it was the same bamboo skewer Anko had been using.

Anko’s face turned redder, clearly feeling a mix of embarrassment and anger.

"You brat! I'm not letting you off today until you beg for mercy!"

Anko shouted in anger, then bit her finger. After forming several hand signs, a massive snake appeared on the ground.

"A summoning jutsu!"

Touji's pupils shrank again. Although it wasn't as huge as Orochimaru's summoned snake, any summoned beast meant an additional enemy.

The advantage he had moments ago vanished in an instant.

"Kid, I won’t hold back like you do. Even if I offend Hiashi Hyuga today, I’m going to beat you down!"

Kakashi Hatake furrowed his brow.

Anko Mitarashi was unusually impulsive. When she got worked up, she didn't care about anyone’s feelings.

And she had no sense of moderation. If Touji got hurt, who knows how Hiashi Hyuga would punish him?

"Anko, calm down!"

"I am calm. As long as this kid lets me give him a good beating, it’ll all be over!"

Touji snorted coldly.

He quickly pulled out some shuriken and threw them without hesitation.

Anko easily dodged them and smirked triumphantly.

"Kid, your shuriken skills are still lacking."

Touji ignored her taunt and kept pulling out shuriken, throwing them rapidly.

The shuriken clashed in the air, creating sharp metallic sounds.

Anko finally noticed something was off.

The shuriken were changing their trajectories with each collision.

In a short time, dozens of shuriken had formed a web, surrounding Anko completely.

Anko’s heart sank.

Controlling this many shuriken at once required extreme precision. If even one shuriken lost speed or force, the entire web would collapse.

Yet this 12-year-old was controlling the web with ease—an incredible display of talent.

Anko looked around cautiously.

She didn't know when or which shuriken would turn and strike her.

To be suppressed like this by a 12-year-old—it was humiliating.

Kakashi Hatake also wiped sweat from his brow.

At first, he thought Touji was just skilled with the Hatake sword technique. Then he realized Touji’s Body Flicker Technique was also impressive.

Later, he discovered that Touji’s Gentle Fist was just as formidable.

And now, Touji’s shuriken techniques were equally astonishing.

Kakashi felt exhausted.

Wasn’t there a saying that one shouldn't try to master too many things? Touji seemed to be the exact opposite—he excelled at everything.

Kakashi half-jokingly wondered if dissecting Touji’s brain would reveal if it worked the same as his.

Thankfully, Touji didn’t have a kekkei genkai (bloodline limit), or else he really would be a monster.

Kakashi wiped his brow again.

At least he didn’t have to worry about Touji now. His only concern was that Anko might go into a full rage.

Touji looked at the shuriken web he had arranged and then removed the bamboo skewer from his mouth.

He threw it forcefully at Anko.

Anko was so distracted by the clashing shuriken that she didn’t notice the bamboo skewer flying toward her.

Thud!

The skewer struck Anko’s shoulder, piercing it slightly.

Though the bamboo skewer wasn’t particularly deadly, it didn’t diminish Anko's shock.

If the skewer had hit just a few inches lower and with a bit more force, it could’ve pierced her heart.

The bamboo skewer wasn’t exactly a ninja tool, but if it had hit her heart, she would’ve lost the fight or worse—died.

Anko was certain that Touji was capable of doing it!

She never imagined she would lose to a child.

For a moment, she even wondered if Touji had the Byakugan—how else could he aim so well through a barrage of shuriken?

But seeing his dark eyes, she shook her head.

"Alright, I admit you’ve got the skills to be an examiner!" Anko said, pulling out the bamboo skewer and tossing it aside.

Kakashi let out a long breath of relief. Anko had finally given in.

He was surprised she’d admit defeat.

Not even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, could make Anko back down, but Touji had managed to.

Clang!

In the familiar rhythm of shuriken clashes, a strange sound suddenly rang out.

The sound of the metallic collisions grew chaotic.

"The bamboo skewer!" Touji frowned, noticing the shuriken’s trajectory.

Several of them were now heading straight for Anko.

One in particular was aimed at her neck.

If it hit, not even a god descending from the heavens could save her.

Normally, Anko would’ve easily dodged them with her quick reflexes.

But now, she had completely dropped her guard and didn’t even notice the shift in the sound!

"Anko, look out!" Kakashi shouted, realizing something was wrong.

Anko instinctively turned her head, seeing a shuriken just inches away from her. It was too late to dodge.

The shuriken was aimed right at her neck.

Her face went pale as she felt a chill from head to toe.

"Am I going to die?" she thought as she closed her eyes in despair.

But just then, Anko felt something crash into her, knocking her to the ground.

A heavy body fell on top of her.

"Who? Who saved me?!"

*Chapter 69: Orochimaru*

Mitarashi Anko hurriedly opened her eyes, and when she saw Touji's youthful face, her eyes softened.

However, Mitarashi Anko didn’t blush or feel her heart race from being knocked down. Instead, she carefully studied Touji.

"Although he's still young, if you look closely, he's quite handsome!" Mitarashi Anko thought with a secret smile.

She was about to push Touji away, but found that he had firmly grabbed the ground, giving her no chance to push him off.

In that instant, all the good feelings she had for Touji vanished.

And she immediately labeled him as a pervert.

"Don't think that just because you saved me, you can do whatever you want! Get off me right..."

Pfft!

Pfft!

Before Mitarashi Anko could finish speaking, she suddenly felt Touji tremble twice.

Then, the sound of shuriken piercing flesh made her instantly understand Touji's true intention.

"So this kid isn’t a pervert after all, he was blocking those two kunai for me!"

In that moment, Mitarashi Anko was filled with regret.

Why did I say that? Why couldn’t I wait one more second? If I had just waited another second, the truth would have been clear.

Touji got up from the ground, but his face was expressionless.

However, his pale face clearly showed the impact of those two shuriken.

"Don’t get the wrong idea. I just didn’t want others to get hurt because of my mistake," Touji said lightly.

For a moment, Mitarashi Anko felt even more upset.

This wasn’t Touji’s mistake at all—it was her thrown bamboo stick that altered the shuriken's trajectory.

In the end, she’d only trapped herself.

*Ding Dong!* Mitarashi Anko's affection increased by fifteen points! Her current affection level is now 64 points! You can now sign in!

"Sign in with Mitarashi Anko!"

*Ding Dong!* Sign-in with Mitarashi Anko successful! You have acquired the Shuriken Technique! Affection increased by five points! Her current affection level is now 69 points! You can continue signing in!

*Ding Dong!* Since you already possess the Shuriken Technique, the lower level technique has been upgraded to a higher level!

*Ding Dong!* Sign-in with Mitarashi Anko successful! You have acquired the Body Flicker Technique! Affection increased by four points! Her current affection level is now 73 points! You can continue signing in!

*Ding Dong!* Since you already possess the Body Flicker Technique, the lower level technique has been upgraded to a higher level!

*Ding Dong!* Sign-in with Mitarashi Anko successful! You have acquired the Hidden Shadow Snake Hands Technique! Affection increased by three points! Her current affection level is now 76 points!

Touji was delighted—he had drawn two basic ninjutsu techniques in a row.

However, despite obtaining the Body Flicker and Shuriken Techniques multiple times, they hadn’t exceeded the limits like the Gentle Fist Technique, which left Touji a bit disappointed.

"Touji, are you alright?"

Kakashi Hatake ran over anxiously, and upon seeing the shuriken embedded in Touji’s back, he sighed in relief.

Although Touji had been hit by two shuriken, the wounds weren’t very deep—they had only barely pierced the skin.

"It’s nothing, just minor injuries." Kakashi said as he prepared to remove the shuriken.

But before he could do so, Mitarashi Anko jumped forward.

"Stop! Let me handle this! You men are so clumsy, don't hurt Touji any more."

"Touji-kun?"

Kakashi wondered if his ears were playing tricks on him.

Just moments ago, Mitarashi Anko was ready to fight to the death, and now she’s calling him Touji-kun?

And since when did Mitarashi Anko become this gentle, especially after Orochimaru's defection?

Without hesitation, Kakashi withdrew his hand.

He knew better than to anger this woman.

Mitarashi Anko carefully removed the shuriken, fearful of causing Touji any further harm.

After removing the shuriken, she didn’t stop there. She pulled up Touji’s shirt.

"Wait, what are you doing?"

Touji quickly tried to dodge, even though he knew Mitarashi Anko's current affection level meant she wouldn’t hurt him.

Still, having his shirt lifted by a woman felt a bit strange.

"Your wound isn't deep, but it definitely needs ointment. Otherwise, it'll leave a scar!" Mitarashi Anko said as she pulled Touji back to check the wound more carefully.

Kakashi’s mouth twitched.

It made sense to treat the wound, but what’s with all this concern about scars?

Usually, when a ninja gets injured in the field, they just deal with it quickly. Who has time to worry about scars?

In fact, many ninjas wear their scars as a badge of honor.

So no one really cares about scars.

Mitarashi Anko carefully treated Touji’s wound, wrapping it tightly with several layers of bandages until she was satisfied.

Though Touji noticed that while wrapping the bandages, she seemed to "accidentally" brush against him a few times.

"All done! With my special ointment, I guarantee there won’t be any scars," Mitarashi Anko said proudly, touching her nose and smiling.

At that moment, a ninja appeared, respectfully addressing Mitarashi Anko: "Lady Mitarashi, the candidates have completed the first phase of the exam."

Mitarashi Anko instantly reverted to her cold, aloof demeanor, projecting an air of authority.

"Alright, I’ll be there right away!"

After the ninja left, Mitarashi Anko's expression softened again, looking sweet and gentle.

"Touji-kun, should we let those candidates wait a little longer, or should we head over now?"

Kakashi felt goosebumps all over his body.

He had always heard that women could change their expressions quickly, but this was the first time he’d seen it happen so rapidly. It was hard for him to accept.

This was the same Mitarashi Anko who wasn’t afraid of anyone, who’d take on anyone who crossed her path!

"Let’s go now!"

Touji had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

After all, Gaara’s team, Orochimaru, and Kabuto were all there.

If he missed this opportunity, who knew when he’d encounter them again?

So he had to be on high alert.

Since the exam had officially started, as the teacher of Team 7, Kakashi couldn’t stick around any longer.

Touji and Mitarashi Anko soon arrived at the gathering point.

By then, the area was already crowded with people.

Among them were many familiar faces.

"Touji-kun!" Sakura Haruno called out as soon as she saw Touji, waving her hand eagerly.

Tenten, not wanting to be outdone, also waved her hand enthusiastically.

But Mitarashi Anko, who had been acting so gentle, suddenly furrowed her brows.

"Who are they?"

However, when she saw Sakura and Tenten’s youthful and vibrant looks, a feeling of insecurity welled up inside her.

"Friends. I met them through Kakashi-sensei!"

Hearing Touji’s response, Mitarashi Anko finally relaxed.

But just then, Touji felt an icy cold sensation envelop his body.

Since acquiring the Ice Release, Touji had always felt comfortable no matter the weather, but now he was shivering from the cold.

Following the source of the sensation, Touji spotted a woman staring at him with a sinister smile.

In her eyes, Touji saw a flicker of greed.

"Orochimaru!"

---

*End of Chapter*

*Chapter 70: The Exam Begins (Please Add to Favorites! Please Recommend!)*

Touji swallowed hard to calm himself.

According to the storyline, Orochimaru infiltrated the Chunin Exams only to get close to Uchiha Sasuke, his next target for a new body.

Otherwise, there was no need to join the Chunin Exams—it would only expose himself without any benefit. He could just wait until the day of the Leaf Destruction and kill the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But at this moment, Touji felt something off; when Orochimaru looked at him, there was a greedy glint in his eyes, like a venomous snake eyeing its prey.

“Touji-kun, what's wrong? Why do you look so pale?”

Anko Mitarashi asked anxiously. But Touji didn’t respond, so Anko followed his gaze and felt a familiar sensation from a female ninja.

Anko shook her head and angrily walked over, immediately pulling out a kunai and putting it against the ninja's throat.

“What are you staring at! Just focus on your mission today and don’t look at anything else, or I’ll make you taste despair!”

Orochimaru didn’t respond but just gave a cold smile, sizing up Anko with his eyes.

After warning Orochimaru, Anko turned and walked away.

Orochimaru chuckled.

“Interesting little fellow, seems like you noticed me. As expected of a kid who gives Danzo a hard time.”

Orochimaru thought as he shifted his gaze to Uchiha Sasuke.

Although Touji had exceptional talent, he didn’t have a bloodline limit, making him a bit inferior to Uchiha Sasuke.

Sasuke was Orochimaru’s true target.

After meeting Uchiha Itachi, Orochimaru had been obsessed with the Sharingan and hoped to obtain a body with that power.

However, getting to Itachi was impossible, so Orochimaru set his sights on Sasuke instead.

The Chunin Exams provided the perfect opportunity to approach Uchiha Sasuke.

Touji finally calmed down.

He hadn’t expected that just one look from Orochimaru would make him so uncomfortable.

A chilling sensation ran from his feet to the top of his head.

Suddenly, Touji realized something.

This wasn’t just from being intimidated by Orochimaru’s presence.

If it were just his presence, Anko and the other ninjas nearby would have felt it too.

So there was only one possibility.

It was genjutsu!

This was Touji’s first encounter with Orochimaru since arriving in the ninja world, and Orochimaru had no reason to provoke an examiner like this.

The only explanation was that Orochimaru already knew of Touji’s existence!

“Shimura Danzo!”

Touji scoffed. He hadn’t expected that even while confined, Danzo could still communicate with Orochimaru.

But at least now he knew who the enemy was, making it easier to handle things.

And Orochimaru might not even be a true enemy!

“Anko, go announce the exam content.”

Anko nodded slightly, her expression turning serious as she looked down on the crowd like ants.

“Attention everyone, I will now announce the exam rules!”

Touji nearly stumbled and fell.

At this rate, “Attention everyone” was going to leave the Leaf Village and spread worldwide.

But right now, Touji wasn’t worried at all.

As the saying goes, when three people spread a rumor, it becomes true.

If the entire ninja village believes “Attention everyone” is just a greeting, then that’s what it becomes.

Touji just needed some time to accept it.

The exam officially began, and all the candidates quickly rushed into the forest. Touji also prepared to enter and make contact with a few people.

But just as he was about to move, Anko grabbed him.

“Touji-kun, you shouldn’t go in. What’s coming next will be a brutal fight; you don’t want to get hurt by accident.” Anko hesitated for a moment before adding, “Also, that person just now seemed incredibly terrifying!”

Touji smiled bitterly.

Terrifying was an understatement—it was extremely terrifying.

Other people might just take eyes, but Orochimaru was after entire bodies.

However, Touji had mastered a Body Flicker Technique that surpassed even Jonin level, combined with the unrivaled detection abilities of the Byakugan. As long as he was careful, there shouldn’t be any issues.

“As an examiner, I have to enter the exam grounds.”

“I sensed something about that woman earlier—something like my teacher’s presence. You definitely can’t go in!”

Anko looked firmly at Touji, gripping his shoulder tightly, refusing to let go.

Touji sighed. It seemed that unless he convinced Anko, he wouldn’t be getting in today.

Touji then put his arm around Anko’s neck and walked toward a corner.

Anko’s face immediately turned red like an apple.

She couldn’t understand why she would feel this way—blushing and her heart racing over a twelve-year-old kid.

Normally, if anyone dared get handsy, she would’ve punched them into next week.

Made them a real woman!

“What are you doing? There are so many people watching!” Anko hissed, pushing Touji away.

Touji awkwardly coughed twice.

He’d watched too many movies in his past life and couldn’t help but mimic them.

But now that they were in the corner, he could speak his mind.

“There’s no doubt about it; that person is Orochimaru!”

Anko’s blushing face went pale as she heard this, her eyes filled with fear.

“Orochimaru-sensei? What’s he doing here?!”

Anko remembered Orochimaru as her teacher, but many of her memories of him had mysteriously vanished.

Also, of those who followed Orochimaru back then, she was the only one left in the Leaf Village.

Oddly, the ANBU had barely interrogated her, just asking a few simple questions.

She didn’t know Orochimaru’s current objective.

But Orochimaru was inherently dangerous.

“If it’s really Orochimaru, then I can’t let you go in. If anything happens to you, I won’t be able to answer to Hiashi-sama! I’ll go, and you stay here on standby!” Anko said firmly.

Touji’s mouth twitched.

Wasn’t she the one who ignored Hiashi and almost beat him up earlier?

And now, not even half a day later, she’d forgotten?

Touji wanted to go in to gain favor, while Anko just seemed to be seeking trouble and punishment.

“This isn’t as simple as it seems, and Orochimaru’s defection had hidden reasons. That’s why I have to go in!”

“He’s my teacher, so I have to go in. But what does he have to do with you? And how do you know about any hidden reasons? Who are you?” Anko stared at Touji suspiciously.

“Who am I? I’m one of the subjects of those experiments!”

---

*(End of Chapter)*