章節 66: Sister Anko?

"You… it's you!" Mitarashi Anko opened her eyes wide, staring at Lee, who stood before her, covered in blood yet resolute. Her voice was filled with surprise.

She vividly remembered witnessing this boy's miraculous escape from Orochimaru, a feat few could achieve. Yet here he was, standing before her again. How had he managed to return, let alone save her?

"It's me, Examiner," Lee replied with a small smile. He knew who Mitarashi Anko was—the niece of the legendary "Purple Night" from Konoha's "Eight Colors." This connection and her esteemed position in Konoha made her an important ally. Building goodwill with her could pave the way for his future in the village.

"You ran away. Why did you come back?" Anko asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and admiration.

"Well…" Lee hesitated, scratching the back of his head. "I thought about it and realized… I couldn't just leave you here. I was worried you might not stand a chance against that… monster."

Anko blinked, taken aback by his response. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled—a warm, genuine smile that softened her normally sharp features. "You little brat," she said teasingly. Still, she felt a warmth in her chest. This boy had risked his life to return, knowing full well the dangers. It moved her more than she cared to admit.

"Haha…" Lee chuckled nervously, his face flushing slightly.

"What's your name, kid?" Anko asked.

"Rock Lee, Examiner," Lee replied respectfully.

"Rock Lee… are you one of Guy's students?" Anko asked thoughtfully. "Only someone trained by that weirdo would have physical skills as sharp as yours."

"Uh… yes. My teacher is Might Guy," Lee said modestly, though pride flickered in his eyes.

"I thought so," Anko said with a nod. "Alright, kid, stop calling me 'Examiner.' It sounds too stiff."

"Then… what should I call you?" Lee asked cautiously, sensing a shift in her demeanor. Internally, he rejoiced. This felt like a step toward friendship, or at least mutual respect.

"Call me whatever you like," Anko said with a shrug, her tone casual.

"How about… Aunt Anko?" Lee ventured with a playful grin.

The smile on Anko's face froze. Her expression darkened. Before Lee could react, she lunged at him, delivering a swift knock to the top of his head. "You little brat! Aunt? Do I look that old to you?" she yelled.

"Ow! What was that for?" Lee said, rubbing his head with a pout.

"You called me Auntie!" Anko huffed indignantly. "Do I look like someone's old aunt to you?"

"No, no, not at all!" Lee said quickly, sneaking a glance at her. Despite her fiery temper, Anko was undeniably striking. Her flawless skin, toned figure, and commanding presence gave her a youthful charm, though he wasn't about to say it aloud.

"Well? What will you call me now?" Anko demanded, crossing her arms.

"Sister Anko?" Lee offered tentatively.

"Now that's more like it!" Anko said, her mood instantly brightening. She pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank you for saving me, kid."

"Uh… it was nothing," Lee muttered awkwardly, his face turning bright red as Anko's embrace pressed him against her chest. The sensation was overwhelming, and he couldn't help but swallow hard.

"You little pervert!" Anko teased, noticing his reaction. She leaned closer, deliberately exaggerating her movements. "Well? Do you want to touch it?"

"N-No! Absolutely not!" Lee stammered, leaping backward as if scalded. He put a safe distance between them, his face a mixture of embarrassment and panic.

"What's with that look?" Anko asked, her hands on her hips. "I'm not going to eat you!"

"You're scarier than any tiger," Lee muttered under his breath.

Anko smirked, clearly enjoying his discomfort. But her playful demeanor quickly faded, replaced by a serious expression. "Alright, I won't tease you anymore," she said. "Listen carefully, Lee. I have to head back to the village and report this to Lord Hokage. Orochimaru's presence here is a grave threat. You need to stay safe and avoid him at all costs."

"I understand," Lee said, nodding solemnly.

"If you ever find yourself in trouble, come to me," Anko added, her tone firm. "Mitarashi Anko doesn't abandon her allies."

Lee nodded again, feeling a spark of gratitude and respect for her.

Without another word, Anko turned and dashed into the forest, her figure disappearing swiftly into the shadows.

Lee watched her leave, then let out a deep breath. The tension in his body finally eased. "What a woman," he murmured. But his thoughts soon turned elsewhere—he couldn't afford to let his guard down yet. There were still many dangers lurking in the Forest of Death.