My Techniques are a bit off

Half an hour later, the Forest of Death, Central Tower, Medical Room.

"I never thought I'd see you again like this."

Anko Mitarashi clutched her shoulder with one hand while her other, pierced by a kunai, rested on a bandaged table. Sweat beaded her face as she spoke.

Link calmly pressed his hand against hers, releasing a steady flow of chakra to treat her injuries. His tone was measured: "You're a Special Jōnin and the proctor for the second stage of the Chūnin Exams, right?"

Yes, that was a jab. The person who'd randomly struck up a conversation with him last time wasn't going to get his goodwill so easily.

"Hey, you have no idea what I—" Anko started, then remembered the boy in front of her had survived an actual fight with Orochimaru. She sighed. "You really are a hateful brat."

She hesitated before continuing, her tone turning serious: "That man… Orochimaru has infiltrated the village. Be careful."

So it's just like in the manga. He's targeted Sasuke, huh…

As Link continued healing her hand, he replied nonchalantly: "Don't worry. Judging by your condition, maybe you should worry about yourself first."

"Tch!" Anko let out a pained grunt, her whole body trembling. The veins on her hand bulged as she pressed it against her shoulder.

"In your state, are you still fit to fulfill your duties as an examiner?" Link inquired.

"Stop nagging," Anko snapped between labored breaths.

The injury—a simple puncture wound—was soon healed. Link released her hand and said, "You seem to be in a lot of pain. Do you mind if I check your shoulder?"

"It's pointless," Anko said, visibly struggling. Still, she moved her hand aside, revealing the three dark, comma-shaped marks of a curse seal.

Despite her resistance, she decided to trust the boy who had faced Orochimaru and lived. "It's one of Orochimaru's forbidden techniques. It corrupts the user's body. Only a sealing jutsu can… ugh!"

The moment Link's chakra-infused fingers touched the seal, Anko trembled violently, her neck muscles spasming as if in a seizure.

"The curse mark is rejecting external chakra," Link observed.

He already knew the truth about the curse seal—it was an incomplete version of Sage Mode. But he wanted to test if he could dispel it, knowing from the Fourth Great Ninja War that Orochimaru could resurrect himself through it.

If he could sever that lifeline early, it would be a significant blow to his enemy.

He gathered chakra, forming the translucent Chakra Scalpel in his hand.

"Hey, you're not planning to cut my shoulder open with that thing, are you?" Anko, dazed from the pain, snapped back to focus at the sight of the glowing blade.

"It's a special technique," Link said, demonstrating by passing the scalpel through his own hand without harm. "It can cut chakra without damaging physical tissue."

Anko exhaled in relief but still muttered: "Even so, it looks dangerous."

"Don't worry. In a couple of days, the Third Hokage can use the Evil Sealing Jutsu… " she trailed off as the curse mark flared, pushing her to the brink of unconsciousness.

"The seal is leaking a unique chakra," Link noted.

Ready to make his move, he instinctively activated Mystical Palm Technique, ensuring his hands were faster and steadier. He placed his free hand on the curse seal.

"Huh?"

Even before cutting, he felt something under his palm—a distinct, tangible sensation. It was as if he were pressing against a flowing liquid encased in her skin.

The curse mark, previously erratic, immediately ceased its activity.

"Interesting…"

He adjusted his palm to fully cover the seal. It felt like he could effortlessly manipulate the strange energy, pushing it away from her shoulder.

"Ugh~" Without the curse mark's interference, Anko regained consciousness. She quickly assessed the situation, her voice tinged with disbelief: "You… can suppress the curse mark?"

"Not entirely," Link replied, though inwardly he was astonished.

What exactly was this curse mark? At its core, it facilitated a transformation akin to Sage Mode, absorbing natural energy.

If his hand could suppress this transformation… then the energy he had just displaced…

He restrained his thoughts, gripping the Chakra Scalpel tightly. "Are you ready?"

Despite her initial refusal to let the boy tamper with the seal, the tangible suppression of the curse mark changed her mind. Even the Evil Sealing Jutsu couldn't fully neutralize it.

After a moment of internal conflict, she resolved: "Do it."

There was no hesitation. She wanted nothing more than to rid herself of Orochimaru's torment.

Link partially lifted his palm. "I'll begin now. Please endure the pain."

The translucent scalpel silently pierced into her shoulder.

…

Konohagakure, High Platform.

"Sunagakure is prepared, Lord Orochimaru."

Kabuto knelt on one knee, delivering his report with deference.

Leaning against a pillar, Orochimaru gazed at the bustling streets of Konoha in the distance. He remained silent.

Kabuto rose, smiling slyly. "You've returned so soon, Lord Orochimaru. Aren't you going to play with Sasuke a bit more?"

"Hmm…" Orochimaru's tone was playful yet menacing. "With Link-kun around, being too reckless could be dangerous."

He turned slightly, eyes narrowing. "Kabuto, I'll leave Sasuke to you."

"Understood. You can count on me," Kabuto replied, bowing deeply.

Orochimaru's gaze returned to the lively streets below. "This place hasn't changed. A stagnant windmill, so detestable. Just thinking about its imminent destruction…"

"Hehe, Lord Orochimaru, are you hesitating?" Kabuto asked with amusement.

To him, the ruthless and calculating Orochimaru showing any emotional wavering was a rare and fascinating sight.

"…" Orochimaru turned to his subordinate, preparing to retort, but his expression suddenly shifted.

"Hmm?"

~~~

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