Hiruzen knew that Orochimaru had a mission in the same direction as the explosion, though he didn't know the details. So, while calling for Danzo, he sent out a scouting party with another directive — to support Orochimaru if necessary.
After reviewing the mission record and seeing Nono's name on it, Hiruzen's worries for Orochimaru lessened. He didn't dispatch a larger force, trusting in Orochimaru's skills.
Still, he was furious when he realized what Danzo had done. Nono wasn't just a skilled spy for Konoha — she was also one of their most talented medics, the closest candidate to lead the hospital someday.
'Sigh... Danzo is getting out of hand. He's even targeting useful people now. Maybe I should start thinking about cutting down his power.'
---
The scouting party consisted of three teams. Their leaders were: a male Inuzuka jōnin, a female Hyūga chūnin, and... Anko, an elite chūnin.
Each had three genin subordinates specializing in rapid support and reconnaissance.
Anko was visibly worried for her teacher. Orochimaru wasn't the most affectionate person, but at that point, he was still a good mentor. She unconsciously picked up her speed again.
The Inuzuka jōnin caught up beside her. "Anko-san, you're speeding up again. I know you're worried for Orochimaru-sama, but conserve your energy. We're already moving fast. If there's a fight ahead, it's better to be at full strength."
Anko understood his logic, though she couldn't help accelerating now and then.
"Stop!"
The Inuzuka suddenly barked the order, his ninja dog growling at a distant tree. "Careful — someone's here!"
The Hyūga kunoichi activated her Byakugan, scanning the surroundings intently.
Anko came up beside her. "Enemies?"
She shook her head, frowning. "I don't see anyone."
The Inuzuka jōnin's tone hardened. "I smell perfume — something's moving among the trees. If even Byakugan can't see it, we're in trouble. Battle positions!"
The teams spread out defensively.
A melodious chuckle drifted from the darkness. "Master was right! Ninjas are full of surprises!"
They turned toward the voice just as a figure leapt gracefully into the air, the full moon framing her silhouette. She landed soundlessly a few meters ahead, with cat-like precision.
It was a sleek obsidian panther, its coat shimmering like the midnight sky. Oddly, it wore what looked like jewelry.
Anko's eyes widened. "A summoning beast?"
The same thought passed through every ninja's mind. A talking animal adorned with ornaments — that could only mean a contracted summon.
"Non non, that's where you're wrong, darling~," the panther said playfully.
Before their eyes, shiny black hair shimmered into existence, swirling around the panther like a cocoon. From within stepped a woman in a provocative black leather outfit and high heels. A long, glossy ponytail floated behind her, moving as though alive. A black mask covered the lower half of her face, but her expressive eyes captivated everyone instantly.
The male ninjas' eyes glazed over. Even the women flushed slightly at her confident presence and revealing attire.
The Hyūga kunoichi heard a few audible gulps from her subordinates and snapped, "Focus! She may be an enemy." Then, turning toward the newcomer, she demanded, "Who are you? Why are you blocking our path?"
"Hehe, don't worry, darling. I'm not an enemy. I'm Chloe. And you are?"
"...Hayane Hyūga."
The others quickly regained their composure and checked for genjutsu, but none could detect any illusion.
"Nice to meet you, Hayane-chan~ You've got a lovely figure! If you changed your dress and hairstyle, you'd be very popular!"
Hayane blinked, completely thrown off.
Anko stepped forward. "That's enough! If you're not an enemy, don't block our way. We're in a hurry."
"Ohh, aren't you cute~ Want me to teach you some dating tips?"
Anko stared blankly. 'Are we even on the same wavelength?'
The Inuzuka jōnin interjected, "Chloe-san, stop wasting our time. If you're not an enemy, step aside. Otherwise, we'll be forced to fight."
Chloe pouted. "Don't be so mean, old man. You'll stay single forever at this rate."
'Old man?! I'm twenty-two! And how does she know I'm single?!'
Chloe leaned back casually against a tree, arms folded. "Alright, alright. My master's making a deal with a snake guy and told me to stop anyone from interfering. So be good and wait here. How about a game of blackjack?"
Anko's expression sharpened. "Are you talking about Orochimaru-sensei?"
Chloe tilted her head, pressing a finger to her lips. "Huh? I think his name was... Ochichi?"
Anko sighed in relief, though she couldn't help but smirk. 'Pfft... Ochichi... what kind of name is that?'
There was something oddly disarming about Chloe. Beneath her sultry tone and teasing manner, she radiated a kind of naive charm — like she was doing it without realizing.
The Inuzuka jōnin spoke again. "Who's your master?"
Chloe blinked. "My master is Master."
"What's his name?"
"Oh, I can't tell you that."
"Fine. Is Ochich—cough—Is Orochimaru-sama safe?"
"Well, that depends. He did get beaten into the ground when he attacked Master, but then he shed his skin with this creepy healing technique. Now they're just chatting."
The ninja tensed instantly. Chloe tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
"Chloe-san," the Inuzuka said firmly, "we insist that you take us there immediately."
Chloe sighed. "Old man, you're killing the mood! Why don't we play rock-paper-scissors instead of a fight?"
But the ninja didn't respond. If her "Master" really defeated Orochimaru, they needed to move quickly.
"Fine, if that's what you want."
Chloe leapt into the air, spinning gracefully with her hands apart. Mid-spin, four black pistols adorned with gold patterns materialized — two in her hands, two locking to her ankles.
She landed lightly, crossing her arms into an X while one leg slid forward. Behind her, a burst of fireworks exploded in vivid color.
She winked, "Let's begin!"