"So then," Anko asked, pacing in front of him, thoughts clearly racing, "which direction should I focus on for my ninjutsu?"
She was energized now, questions spilling out one after another as if a knot had finally come loose.
Yoru answered without hesitation. "You already have the best guide possible. Follow Orochimaru-sensei's path. Master the snake techniques first."
That wasn't flattery. It was urgency.
Time was limited. Whatever happened later, what Anko learned now would stay with her.
"Snake techniques give you control, restraint, and versatility," Yoru continued. "Once those are solid, branch out. You've got a fire affinity, right? Dragon Flame works well as a mid-range option. Broad coverage, good synergy."
Anko nodded slowly, absorbing it.
"…You really put thought into this," she said. "Alright. I'll let the money thing go."
Yoru froze.
"Wait," he said carefully. "You mean—"
"Don't misunderstand," she added quickly. "You still owe me. I just won't chase you today."
Relief flickered across his face anyway.
Then her expression dimmed.
"Still," Anko muttered, "Sensei hasn't trained me in a long time."
That was the opening Yoru had been waiting for.
"Orochimaru-sensei is handling classified village work," he said calmly. "The kind you don't announce. That's why he disappears so often."
She frowned. "You're sure?"
"I wouldn't lie about this."
And that much was true.
He needed Orochimaru to look indispensable. Tireless. Burdened with responsibility.
A man working in the shadows for Konoha's sake.
"Sensei's reputation at the front lines is strong," Yoru added. "People trust him. That matters."
Anko fell quiet, clearly thinking.
Yoru let the silence sit, then spoke again. "Before we wrap up, let me check you for any lingering injuries. Training injuries that go untreated add up."
She stiffened. "You can do that?"
Yoru raised both hands. Green chakra flared softly.
"Medical ninjutsu," he said. "Advanced."
Her eyes widened.
"Palm Technique?" she blurted out. "That's A-rank. When did you—"
"Keep it quiet," Yoru said. "Not everyone needs to know."
She hesitated only a moment before nodding.
As he worked, Anko stared at the canopy above, thoughts spinning.
Uchiha bloodline.Sharingan awakened.Chosen by Orochimaru.Hidden medical skills.
It clicked.
"This is about your clan, isn't it?" she asked quietly.
Yoru didn't answer right away.
Then he gave a single nod.
That was enough.
Anko smiled, genuine this time. "Yeah. That makes sense."
Orochimaru hadn't chosen blindly.
Talent mattered. But position mattered too.