Orochimaru

The Effeminate Man was struck by Naruto's "Azure" power, his body instantly and mercilessly torn apart.

Yet he did not fall immediately. Within him seemed to dwell an inexhaustible vitality, and he began a bizarre transformation. Again and again, a new shell crawled out from his mouth, each rebirth making him more effeminate, more eerie, like a phantom crawling out of the abyss.

Naruto watched this unending spectacle of shedding skin, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He had not expected such a secretive ninjutsu to be used consecutively, as if trapped in an endless cycle—a sight to behold.

Just as the power of "Azure" was about to completely consume the Effeminate Man, he finally reached his limit. His body gradually collapsed, leaving behind only an empty shell lying quietly on the ground, as if nothing had happened.

Yet Naruto did not let his guard down. His Six Eyes spun rapidly, scanning the surroundings with vigilance. Sure enough, as the smoke gradually dispersed, he caught the trail of the Effeminate Man's escape, and his brow furrowed involuntarily.

He worried for Sasuke and Sakura's safety, after all, the Chunin Exam was still ongoing. Blindly pursuing would leave them unprotected, so Naruto resolutely decided to first find Sasuke and Sakura.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the forest.

Anko Mitarai was hurrying through the dense woods. The fallen leaves rustled beneath her feet, and towering trees surrounded her, with sunlight filtering through the gaps in the foliage, casting dappled patches of light and shadow.

She sensed an evil yet familiar presence, especially the massive Chakra fluctuation from earlier, filling her heart with anxiety and unease. Just as she was focused on moving forward, a breeze swept by, bringing a chill and an ominous premonition.

Anko Mitarai stopped abruptly, alertly scanning her surroundings. At that moment, her gaze locked onto a large tree not far away.

An Effeminate Man stood there, his body half-hidden in the tree's shadow, revealing only a sinister and eerie face. His eyes were deep, as if they could see into one's soul, and a meaningful smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Orochimaru, how dare you set foot in Konoha!" Anko Mitarai said in a low voice, recognizing the Effeminate Man at once—it was undoubtedly Orochimaru.

Orochimaru chuckled softly, stepping out of the tree's shadow. His body seemed weightless as he drifted lightly before Anko Mitarai. "Anko, it's been a while."

At that moment, Anko Mitarai suddenly launched an attack on Orochimaru.

Her hands formed seals rapidly, and she chanted a low incantation. In an instant, several giant snakes formed from Chakra shot out from her palms—this was the technique Orochimaru had once taught her: Shadow Snake Hands.

Yet, facing this familiar attack, Orochimaru appeared completely at ease.

A cold smirk curled on his lips, and almost simultaneously, he too unleashed Shadow Snake Hands.

The two forces collided in midair, the giant snakes intertwining, but in the end, Orochimaru's serpents, with more refined control, easily neutralized Anko Mitarai's assault.

The battle continued. Anko Mitarai tried various techniques, but each time Orochimaru countered with superior skill.

Just as the stalemate dragged on, Orochimaru suddenly and deliberately revealed an opening, as if baiting Anko Mitarai to strike.

Seeing this, Anko Mitarai seized the opportunity without hesitation, hurling a sharp Kunai straight at Orochimaru, striking him in the chest. However, when the Kunai pierced through "Orochimaru's" body, it only left behind an empty shell—it was merely a substitute created by his shedding technique.

As Anko Mitarai stood stunned, Orochimaru's true body had already appeared silently behind her.

He reached out, his fingertip lightly touching the back of Anko Mitarai's neck, where a mark he had planted long ago lay hidden.

With a thought from Orochimaru, the mark activated instantly, and a surge of powerful energy flooded into Anko Mitarai's body, robbing her of her combat ability in an instant.

Anko Mitarai collapsed weakly to the ground, fully aware that she was no match for Orochimaru. She looked up at him and asked, "What are you after in Konoha? Are you trying to assassinate the Lord Hokage?"

Orochimaru walked over to Anko Mitarai, crouched down, and looked at her. "I came to Konoha to plant marks on promising individuals. I was originally looking for Uchiha Sasuke, but I didn't expect to find an even more talented child."

"It seems you've taken quite a liking to that kid," Anko Mitarai said, a hint of resentment in her tone.

Orochimaru gently stroked Anko Mitarai's face. "Are you jealous? Still holding a grudge over me discarding you after using you?"

Anko Mitarai remained silent.

Orochimaru stood up, spreading his hands. "This exam is bound to become very interesting. Don't you dare stop it. If you take away my fun, then Konoha's end will be just around the corner." With that, he turned and left, vanishing into the shadows of the forest.