As soon as Juugo realized the presence approaching was not an animal, he tried to change course, to find a different way to the stream. But the presence was heading right for him and he was usually better at avoiding people, so why... Oh. It must be another ninja like Orochimaru had been. He didn't know if he could outrun a ninja. When Orochimaru had wanted to know more about it, and made him... made him fight, Juugo had seen how fast and strong ninja could be. But he didn't want to fight, or hurt--

Before he could make a decision the man was close. Too close. He looked thin and small, and worn. It had broken ninja before.

Juugo went completely still, hardly even breathing. He didn't say anything in response. He wanted to run, but he couldn't be chased. That might make it come out. The only thing that moved about him was the small bird perched boldly on his shoulder.