The Test (Pt. 2)

Anko stared towards Orochimaru with a look of shock and surprise in her eyes.

Somehow their sensei had been able to shrug off the assault of countless paper bombs that they launched towards him.

They even were able to have the element of surprise on their side as Mizuki used Earth Style to burrow underground in order to have an easier time of stealing the bells.

And yet he was standing before them, both bells at his hip and seemingly unscathed.

Anko: {How the hell did he do that?}

Contrasting Anko's panic, Mizuki was still relatively calm.

Having seen the anime, he had a general idea of what Orochimaru's power level was at.

And it was significantly larger than theirs.

Regardless, both Mizuki and Anko we're now significantly disadvantaged compared to before.

They lost the element of surprise, used up a significant portion of their paper bomb supply, And if that was not bad enough, they also lost their terrain and home turf advantages.

Not to mention the fact that they had both had used up a portion of their chakra in the attack that ultimately failed.

They were out in the open. Exposed.

Orochimaru ended up being the one to break the standstill between himself and the two genin.

Deciding to get more serious than before, Orochimaru rushed forward before extending his sleeve, causing several long snakes to jump out aimed at Anko.

Orochimaru: {Hidden Shadow Snakes}

She quickly body flickered away alongside Mizuki, although not before dropping what appeared to be a bunched up roll of paper at her former location.

As soon as the ball hit the floor, it detonated in a cloud of smoke, blocking any method of finding the genin using sight.

Orochimaru: {Smoke Bombs?}

The Jonin had a light smirk on his face as he closed his eyes as the smokescreen passed over him.

Orochimaru: "Naive."

Whilst blocking his sight was hindering, Orochimaru knew of several other tracking methods.

He closed his eyes focused on his other senses. Only waiting a brief moment before hearing the rustling of grass.

He bolted in the direction and extended his hand, catching his opponent by surprise by grabbing them by the neck and slamming them into the ground.

Orochimaru glanced downwards to see Anko staring at him.

Orochimaru: {How Disappointing. Now onto the other one.}

Sending his chakra into the ground, Orochimaru confirmed that he wasn't hiding underneath him using Earth Style.

Orochimaru: {Where is he?}

Immediately after that thought, Orochimaru sensed someone approaching him from the air, aimed directly at him.

However, just as he was about to get away, he realized he could not.

Anko was holding onto his arm like her life depended on it, not even loosening her grip the slightest bit.

Orochimaru: {So that was your strategy.}

However, just as Mizuki was about to seize the bells, Orochimaru turned to mud and sunk into the ground.

Mizuki: "Shit! It was a Mud Clone!"

Anko: "Damnit. I didn't even see him cast the jutsu"

Just as they were about to make their next move however, both felt the touch of cold steel.

There was one Orochimaru behind either of them, both of which were most likely shadow clones. Each of which had a kunai which was resting against their necks.

Anko and Mizuki sighed as they raised their hands in surrender. There was no way that they could win this round without revealing their trump cards.

However, Orochimaru surprised both of them by taking a step back and dispersing one of the clones.

Orochimaru: "I have to admit I am impressed, Both of you are easily strong enough to qualify passing for this test and with more combat experience you will both be ready to take the Chunin Exam soon."

Mizuki and Anko reluctantly accepted their teacher's praise. Whilst they were relieved that their strength was up to par, they never forgot This was Orochimaru they were speaking to after all, he would most definitely have a motive behind this praise.

Luckily, Orochimaru decided to get straight to the point with Mizuki rather than playing mind games with him.

Orochimaru: "So tell me boy, What do you think of the Will of Fire"

Mizuki looked at Orochimaru before breathing out and putting his all into his acting.

Mizuki: "I totally agree with the Will of Fire, it is our duty as Shinobi to protect everyone in the village from harm."

Mizuki tried his hardest and was able to keep up a childish demeanor as he talked to Orochimaru.

Regardless, this effort was for naught as Orochimaru shot him a playful teasing look, clearly seeing through Mizuki's effort to hide his actual opinion.

Orochimaru: "The teamwork between you two is uncanny. Regardless of that I can't pass you unless you get teammate number three to participate as well."

Mizuki and Anko sighed as they muttered about how they needed to get Idate involved in this as well. Even Orochimaru could only flash them both a look of pity as he sat down and opened a book full of notes about his research.

Orochimaru: "I will be here if you decide to attack."

Anko and Mizuki could only curse at how useless Idate was as they walked towards the location where he fell unconscious.