Chapter 238: Meeting with Anko

All plans for Sasuke had to be immediately put aside and escape. At top speed, the Sannin took off and using a lot of snakes began to run away.

In turn, Shikamaru waved his hand away from the falling stones and looked at the fleeing enemy with a smirk.

"What a craftsman... Even the bones barely broke, he's not that bad" - emitting a surprised laugh, Shikamaru jumped out of a huge hole and continued to walk through the forest in high spirits. It is very doubtful that Orochimaru will come here after that. The snake was very smart and extremely cunning, Shikamaru tried to show himself arrogant and arrogant in order to present himself as a brazen and stupid genius. This also played a role. Although, he still did not calculate his strength ...

“Eh, well, it doesn’t look like he was really scared. I hope he doesn't abandon his plans for the Third, otherwise I'll have to look for him myself.

Shikamaru didn't doubt Orochimaru's true strength. He was definitely not a weakling, a fight with him could have been more interesting. Of course, the guy did not doubt the victory. And in fact, Orochimaru did not specialize in pure combat power. If he had the power of a Sage and, like Kabuto, the ability to resurrect hundreds of strong Shinobi, then he would be a formidable opponent. Although - it's up to you, it is still unknown what the First and Second Kage would show in his use. So, if the next skirmish happens, it will be possible to test what he is capable of.

Chuckling, Shikamaru continued to move on.

Meanwhile, while the genin were taking their exams, even after two impressive explosions, no one really reacted to the situation. Only Kabuto tensed up, sensing something problematic... The guy's instincts weren't that bad. He felt something was wrong, but could not understand what it was. Thoughts leaned toward Orochimaru, but he couldn't say for sure without proper information.

In addition, the situation was further complicated by the fact that the corpses of three Hidden Grass shinobi were recently found. Anko quickly realized who stole the face of one of the dead. She seemed to feel his presence and with noticeable anger broke into the Forest of Death. Several Chūnin were already rushing to inform the Hokage of Orochimaru's presence in the Forest. But, none of them knew yet that at an impressive speed, one of the most important apostates had long since left the Forest of Death. Plans had to be changed, Orochimaru retreated!

The sun was setting, a red glow illuminated Konoha, and the Forest of Death was slowly covered with a huge and gloomy shadow.

Shikamaru stopped at a small clearing and abruptly jumped to the side. A volley of kunai immediately passed by and the nearest tree met more than two dozen sharp blades. With a distinct sound, the bark was pierced and the kunai were stuck without moving.

- Ha, what a smart one! - a surprised voice was heard from the side, and then a boy with a Sand protector jumped out of the ground. Following him, two more jumped out of the bushes, one in a gray mask to the very eyes, and the second in dark glasses. The two of them didn't really stand out anymore, just a trio of Sand genin. Although, they didn't have the audacity, even if Shikamaru seemed dangerous to many and they tried to stay away, it seems that these did not take their instincts into account and decided to take a chance.

Looking at these three suicides, he chuckled a little and shook his head.

“Looks like your teacher didn’t hammer the basic rule of any shinobi into your stupid heads…”

— Rule? - the guy in the glasses laughed: - It's not you who tells us about the rules. Konoha allowed one person to enter the exam - they don't care about the rules!

— Ha! My brother is right, but it's only to our advantage. You are one and we are three!

Shikamaru nodded in understanding.

Well said... Sounds reasonable. Only, are you sure there are three of you?

— Pfft! What the hell are you…” The leader of the team turned sharply and immediately shuddered. The third one is gone! They didn't even notice where he went! The guy with the glasses jumped away as well and cast a frightened look at Shikamaru.

- What did you do?!

- I AM? Can you look under your feet?

- A? Aaaah! The hysterical squeal was quickly replaced by a scream of horror, the guy's eyes rolled back, and he quickly lost consciousness, collapsing into a pile of bloody corpses. In the next moment, space warped and in front of Shikamaru lay the trembling trio of Sand shinobi. Horror was visible on their faces, and their pants were soaked with more than just sweat...

- Oh, I could not resist, do not blame the guys. It's rare to get a chance to play with genjutsu. Looking around, Shikamaru chuckled.

- And here she is, I've been waiting for ...

The only reason why he wasted time with these genin was just to relieve his boredom and wait for Anko. In addition, now there will be no curious kids in this area, and no one will interfere with them! The sun has almost disappeared, the whole night ahead ...

Squinting sharply, the guy moved, quickly climbing the tree, reaching the highest branches. A moment later, in the distance, he could make out someone's movements. A few seconds later, Anko appeared right in front of him. She jumped back in shock and squinted around.

- What's happening? Are you here alone?

"Yeah," the boy replied nonchalantly. The moon lit up his face, in the night his eyes flashed with a dangerous gleam:

“I wonder why the second examiner came here?” Are you that worried about your students?

“Shikamaru,” Anko frowned, “There is a particularly dangerous rank S criminal in the territory of the Forest of Death. I don't know why Lord Hokage sent you here, but I think there must be reasons for it. What do you know?

- I AM? Shikamaru shrugged, "Not much." Although, if you're talking about Orochimaru...

- What?! Did you see him?! Anko asked impatiently, coming closer, "Where is he?!

Shikamaru didn't answer, he just tilted his head slightly and grinned.

"I can feel his chakra, it's coming from you... Are you in league with that apostate, Anko Mitarashi?" your neck...

The girl shuddered and abruptly let go two steps back, touching the mark on her neck:

“I… It’s not what you think…”

— Really? Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. Don't you think that's too suspicious?

“D-kicked out?! Anko shuddered. "You? Wait, those explosions... Have you fought yet?

- I told you, - the guy shook his head in displeasure: - Are you listening to me at all? Do you think I can't handle someone who didn't even fight at full strength? Besides, now we're talking about you. Where did you get Orochimaru's Sky Seal from?

“You... You know...” the girl could not understand how he learned about the mark and even its exact name. This guy now seemed to her even more dangerous and mysterious.

“So what are you going to tell?” Don't worry, your sensei has already escaped. It's just the two of us here.

“I…” Anko faltered, averting her eyes, “It happened a long time ago, even before he… Well, left the village…”

- You go on, I'll listen.

Shikamaru sat down and began to listen. Not that he was very interested - rather, he wanted to bring everything to the most important moment of this meeting, and it came pretty quickly ...