Chapter 78: Anko - No, We Can't Betray Kurenai  

Actually, it was a coincidence.

Not long after Sasuke left the Root Base, he spotted Anko Mitarashi rushing through the forest. Remembering the original story, Sasuke knew that Anko had encountered Orochimaru during the Chunin Exams and nearly sacrificed herself against one of his clones.

Sasuke suspected that Anko had sensed Orochimaru's presence. After all, the Heaven's Curse Seal on her neck only seemed to serve as a way to sense him. So, Sasuke followed Anko closely, just in case she attempted to take her own life while confronting Orochimaru's clone.

After all, Anko was an absolute beauty.

The moment Orochimaru saw Sasuke, he cursed internally. 

*How do I keep running into Sasuke whenever I come out? This is too unlucky,* he thought before turning around and fleeing without hesitation.

Sasuke watched Orochimaru's retreating figure and didn't bother chasing him. It was too much trouble. He knew Orochimaru would show up during the Chunin Exams anyway, so he decided to let him live a little longer.

When Anko saw Orochimaru running away like a frightened mouse, she was extremely shocked. She couldn't help but mutter to herself, "What's going on? Orochimaru, didn't you say that Sasuke was the body you chose? Why aren't you fighting him? Why are you running away like a rabbit?"

With her mind full of doubts, Anko asked, "Sasuke, why does it seem like Orochimaru is afraid of you? Have you two met before?"

Sasuke scratched the back of his head and answered casually, "No, I just accidentally roasted his pet during the second exam."

He shrugged his shoulders, indicating that it wasn't a big deal.

Hearing this, Anko widened her eyes in disbelief. She remembered the scene of Manda's death, its body emitting a burnt smell as if it had been roasted. She stammered, "You mean... Manda, right?"

Sasuke pretended to be innocent, blinking as he replied, "Manda? Oh, I think that's what it was called."

He then added, "It suddenly appeared and tried to eat me. I panicked and accidentally roasted it with my Lightning Release. But I really didn't mean it."

After hearing this, Anko suddenly felt that the Sasuke standing before her had grown incredibly powerful. She murmured in awe, "So the mysterious Lightning Release user was you? That's amazing!"

"I didn't expect your Lightning Release to be so powerful that you could easily defeat Manda."

"It's okay; Kakashi-sensei taught me well," Sasuke said modestly.

"Oh, come on, we all know Kakashi's chakra levels. He couldn't possibly sustain such a powerful Lightning Release," Anko said jokingly, referring to Kakashi's well-known chakra limitations.

"By the way, are you okay?" Sasuke asked, looking at Anko's neck where the Heaven's Curse Seal was located.

Hearing Sasuke's concern, Anko touched her neck and tried to appear strong, saying, "Hey, it's nothing. I've been dealing with this for years now."

But Sasuke could tell she was in pain. He stepped forward and hugged Anko.

Anko was taken aback by Sasuke's bold action and didn't know how to respond at first. Just as she was about to push him away, she heard Sasuke say, "Don't worry, I'm here. No one will hurt you from now on."

Sasuke's voice was so gentle that it made Anko's body tremble slightly.

She couldn't hold back anymore. As Orochimaru's former disciple, Anko had once been considered a promising ninja with a bright future. However, after Orochimaru's defection, people started looking at her differently, suspecting she might be a spy left behind by him in Konoha. Because she had been Orochimaru's apprentice, she knew she would never rise to the rank of Jonin. Her future seemed bleak.

But today, she felt a warmth from Sasuke that she hadn't felt in a long time. His embrace filled her with a sense of comfort and strength that made her feel relieved.

The hand she had intended to use to push Sasuke away gradually relaxed and gently rested on his back.

The two of them embraced quietly, and time seemed to stand still.

Anko closed her eyes, savoring the tranquility and warmth of the moment. Sasuke held Anko tightly, feeling her soft body against his, and his heart was filled with care and love for her.

*No, Sasuke is Kurenai's boyfriend. I can't do this with him!*

Thinking this, Anko suddenly pushed Sasuke away and, pretending to be angry, said, "You jerk, how dare you take advantage of me! Believe it or not, I'll tell Kurenai about this!"

She wanted to remind Sasuke that he was with Kurenai, and they couldn't do anything that would betray her.

However, hearing Anko's words, Sasuke couldn't help but laugh. He slightly raised the corners of his mouth and said with a hint of teasing, "Then let's go and tell Kurenai together and see what she says."

As he said that, he even pretended to grab Anko's hand.

"No, no! We can't do anything that would let Kurenai down!" Anko quickly dodged, a blush spreading across her face as she spoke anxiously.

But Sasuke wasn't one to back down easily. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Anko's waist, not giving her a chance to escape.

As Anko felt Sasuke's warm, strong hands gently caressing her, her body seemed to lose all strength, and she fell softly into his arms.

Sasuke was secretly pleased. This was exactly the moment he had been hoping for. He didn't waste the opportunity and leaned in without hesitation, kissing Anko's delicate lips.

"Mmm!"

Feeling Sasuke's agile tongue exploring her mouth like a little snake, Anko felt like she was running out of air. Fortunately, Sasuke knew her limits and pulled back just in time.

As soon as he did, Anko started gasping for fresh air.

"You're going to be the death of me!" Anko complained.

"Really? I thought you were enjoying it," Sasuke teased, noticing the enticing blush on Anko's face.

Hearing Sasuke's words, Anko felt a mix of embarrassment and pride. After all, she was Anko Mitarashi, known for being the one to tease others, not the other way around. So, she quickly thought of a comeback, determined to regain the upper hand.