Anko Mitarashi

Anko is loud, playful, intimidating, and much less formal than many Konoha officers of comparable experience. Her entrance as the second-exam proctor immediately establishes her preference for dramatic intimidation over calm procedure.

She has a taste for sweets, especially dango, and often approaches routine situations with an easygoing attitude. That casual exterior changes sharply whenever Orochimaru is involved.

Her history as his student leaves Anko with anger, shame, and a need to prove that she is not defined by him. Encountering him in the Forest of Death therefore becomes much more personal than an ordinary security breach.

Despite her recklessness, Anko takes her responsibilities seriously. She is willing to fight opponents beyond her level and participate in dangerous reconnaissance when Konoha's security is threatened.

Anko is a skilled kunoichi specializing in tracking, infiltration, and techniques associated with snakes. Her status as a tokubetsu jōnin reflects specialized expertise rather than broad equivalence with standard jōnin in every category.

She uses Hidden Shadow Snake Hands, producing snakes from her sleeves to restrain or attack a target. The technique originates from her instruction under Orochimaru.

Anko can also use Twin Snakes Mutual Death Technique, a forbidden technique designed to kill both user and target. Her willingness to attempt it against Orochimaru demonstrates how seriously she regards the threat he poses.

She is proficient in Fire Release, including Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique, and has strong tracking and survival skills suited to dangerous environments.

The Cursed Seal of Heaven remains on her body after Orochimaru's experimentation. She does not rely upon it as a source of combat power in the same way Sasuke later does.

Anko enters during the Chūnin Exams as the proctor assigned to the Forest of Death. She explains the second test's survival rules and sends the teams into an environment designed to test both combat and mission judgment.

When unusually violent deaths occur inside the forest, Anko recognizes signs connected to Orochimaru and realizes he has infiltrated the examination.

Her confrontation with her former teacher reveals the personal history behind the curse mark on her neck. She attempts a suicidal sealing technique rather than allow Orochimaru to continue operating freely.

In Part II, Anko's expertise becomes useful in reconnaissance operations connected to Orochimaru and Kabuto.

During preparations for the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kabuto captures Anko and uses the residual connection to Orochimaru's chakra within her cursed seal to strengthen his Edo Tensei.

Sasuke later uses Anko's cursed seal as part of the process that restores Orochimaru, demonstrating that the mark retained far greater significance than Anko herself had wanted.

Orochimaru is Anko's former teacher and the person most responsible for her trauma. Orochimaru taught her snake techniques and branded her with the Cursed Seal of Heaven before their paths separated.

Hiruzen Sarutobi is Konoha's Third Hokage during Anko's career and the village leader responsible for responding to Orochimaru's infiltration of the Chūnin Exams.

Ibiki Morino serves as the proctor immediately before Anko during the Chūnin Exams. Anko's chaotic entrance contrasts comically with Ibiki Morino's controlled interrogation style.

Kabuto Yakushi becomes a later enemy tied to Orochimaru's legacy. [Kabuto Yakushi captures Anko and exploits the chakra linked to her cursed seal to enhance Edo Tensei.](#spoiler)