Tailed Beast Intelligence (Revised)

A breeze swept through the treetops, setting the leaves rustling.

Orochimaru walked ahead at an unhurried pace. The two of them went deep into the forest, until the sounds from the tents faded away. Only after making sure no one else was nearby did he stop.

He turned, his narrow snake eyes settling on Tsukimi. His tone was flat, giving little away.

"You went out of your way to summon me with the Summoning White Snake just to save a little girl?"

Orochimaru had personally given Tsukimi that Little White Snake before he entered the Forest of Death.

They had agreed that if Tsukimi encountered a ninja with an unusual constitution in the forest, he would use the snake to send word.

Orochimaru would also offer him some help. So treating Rin's poisoning this time fell within their agreement.

"That's right." Tsukimi shrugged. "I'm not exactly good at Poison Art."

A faint smile appeared on Orochimaru's face.

"I thought you'd run into trouble yourself, Tsukimi."

"I don't think anyone in the Forest of Death could give me trouble."

Tsukimi smiled mildly, unconvinced. But when he saw the knowing look on Orochimaru's face, he grew wary.

Could there really be something?

"Looks like you found something interesting while collecting specimens, teacher."

Orochimaru did not answer. Instead, he changed the subject.

"Tsukimi, you must understand. As the Chief Examiner of the Second Exam, I'm taking a considerable risk by entering the Forest of Death without authorization and interfering with the candidates."

"After all, you can imagine the pressure Konoha would face if anyone found out."

Tsukimi nearly laughed at that.

If you were really afraid of being caught, you wouldn't be here.

"So what are you getting at, teacher?"

"That information will cost extra." Orochimaru's smile deepened.

Got it. He wants more!