Deep in the forest behind the Konoha border camp, two figures faced each other beneath the canopy.
"Your hand seals are correct," Yoru said calmly, Sharingan active as he observed her chakra flow. "But the timing between seals is uneven. Shadow Snake techniques aren't just about speed. They're about rhythm."
Anko frowned, concentrating as she repeated the sequence.
"Tiger. Rat. Snake. Rat. Tiger."
"The order is standard," Yoru continued, tone patient. "But everyone's chakra circulation is different. Muscle density, stamina, even gender all affect how chakra moves through the network. You can't copy my pacing, and you definitely shouldn't copy Orochimaru-sensei's."
Anko blinked. "Even Sensei?"
"Especially Sensei."
Yoru lowered his hand, stepping back to give her space.
"Ninjutsu isn't just memorizing seals. Each seal redirects chakra through specific pathways. The more pathways involved, the higher the difficulty and the greater the strain. Some techniques need three channels. Others need eight or more. Same seals, completely different outcomes."
Anko's expression shifted from irritation to understanding.
"So that's why my Shadow Snake Hands always feel a bit… sluggish."
"Exactly," Yoru said. "Your output isn't low. Your control is good. But your build favors sustained chakra use, not explosive bursts. That's not a weakness. It's information."
She crossed her arms, grumbling. "Still doesn't mean you get to outpace me in techniques I learned first."
Yoru smiled. "You're still my senior."
"Hmph. Don't forget that."
Then he tilted his head. "Have you ever thought about what kind of shinobi you want to become?"
That made her pause.
Most of her training so far had been simple: follow Orochimaru, master whatever he taught, keep up.
Yoru continued, "Look at the great shinobi. Jiraiya focuses on broad ninjutsu versatility. Orochimaru pushes depth and experimentation. Tsunade specializes in medical combat. The Fourth Hokage built everything around speed and precision."
He gestured lightly. "No one reaches the top by spreading themselves thin forever."
"And you?" Anko asked.
"I've decided," Yoru said without hesitation. "I'm focusing on taijutsu reinforced by ninjutsu. Sharingan observation, lightning-enhanced movement, minimal technique overlap."
It wasn't pride. It was calculation.
Resources were limited. Time was limited. And power came cheaper when built efficiently.
"For me, it's the most cost-effective path," he added plainly.
Anko stared at him. "You plan like a merchant."
"I train like one too," Yoru replied. "Strong returns, minimal waste."
She snorted despite herself.
Then her expression grew serious. "So what about me?"
Yoru studied her for a moment.
"Why do you think Orochimaru chose you?"
She hesitated. "…He said my chakra reserves were unusually high. And that my control was good."
"Exactly," Yoru said. "You're built for ninjutsu. Sustained output. Technique chaining. Taijutsu should support it, not replace it."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"So… I'm not doing it wrong."
"Not at all," Yoru said. "You just needed direction."
Anko let out a long breath, tension easing from her shoulders.
"Guess I really was overthinking it."
"Most people do," Yoru replied with a faint smile.