"Orochimaru," Anko managed to ask through the pain, "are you here to assassinate the Hokage?"

"No," he hissed. "I know the old man's power. With only a few subordinates, how could I possibly defeat him?"

"Then… what is your purpose?"

Before she could finish her question, Anko's paralyzed body gave out, and she fell heavily to the forest floor.

"Hehe…" Seeing that Anko had completely fainted, Orochimaru smiled. His face melted back into the features of the Grass ninja before he dissolved into the wind, vanishing from the spot.

An unknown amount of time later, Anko slowly opened her eyes. The forest was now shrouded in darkness.

"Damn it!"

Anko endured the searing pain, forcing herself to her feet and stumbling out of the dense woods. Because of the curse mark's agonizing activation, she was unable to use her chakra, and the nerve paralysis left her without even the strength to run.

"Grrr…"

A low growl echoed through the jungle. Soon, three giant, tiger-like beasts emerged from the shadows, slowly surrounding her.

Under normal circumstances, Anko wouldn't have given these creatures a second glance. But now was different. In her current state, she was no different from a common civilian.

Seeing the ferocious beasts drooling, their eyes fixed on her as they drew closer, Anko backed herself against a tree, with nowhere left to retreat. She took three kunai from her pouch, her only thought to fight to the death.

"ROAR!"

The three beasts leaped as one, lunging for the kill. Anko desperately swung a kunai, but her arm lacked its usual force. The blade bounced harmlessly off the giant beast's hide, not even managing to scratch it.

It's over… A wave of despair washed over Anko. She closed her eyes, surrendering to her fate, and quietly waited for death's embrace.

But after several seconds passed, she still hadn't felt the bite of their claws or the sting of their fangs.

Anko opened her eyes, surprised to find the three beasts frozen in place, trembling with fear, unable to move. No, not unable to move—held in place.

"This… this is the Golden Binding Technique?"

Just as she was wondering, a voice called down from the trees above. "Anko, so you are here."

Anko looked up, and a wave of relief washed over her as she saw two Anbu Black Ops members. Her body finally gave out, and she collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. "Ugh… you're Anbu," she gasped. "What… what took you so long? You're killing me here."

The two Anbu dropped from the tree, their voices apologetic. "Don't say that, Anko…"

"Ugh!" Anko clutched her shoulder, a pained groan escaping her lips.

"Are you alright? Wait… what is this? The curse mark! It's activated! Did you encounter Orochimaru?"

"If that's the case, this is a grave matter. We must take you to the Hokage at once!"

Anko, enduring the intense pain, shook her head. "No. I… I have to go to the tower. The kids are still taking the exam…"

Hearing this, one of the Anbu said anxiously, "You fool, what are you talking about? With Orochimaru in the village, we'll be under martial law! This is no time for an exam!"

Anko completely ignored the Anbu's warning, her voice cold and firm. "Do as I say. I will explain everything when we get to the tower. For now, just ask the Hokage to come to the tower in person."

"Sigh…" The Anbu shook his head helplessly. "Anko, you are truly stubborn…"