Snake

, also known as, are the signature summons of Orochimaru, his follower, Kabuto Yakushi, and his students: Sasuke Uchiha and Anko Mitarashi. They reside at the Ryūchi Cave.

Overview
They vary greatly in size, from small enough to hide in one's sleeves to larger than most buildings. Appearing first in episode 27 of the anime, Orochimaru frequently summons them as allies in battle, either having them attack for him or instructing them to carry out other tasks. Despite this, he treats them as disposable pawns, typically sending them into battles during which they are likely to be killed. Sasuke is equally unattached to these snakes, often summoning them only for use as a shield. While most snakes are very obedient and do what is instructed of them, the largest snake, Manda, will not help others without payment, demanding a sacrifice of a hundred humans in exchange for helping Orochimaru, yet even then would readily turn against Orochimaru if he thought he couldn't win.

Known Summoners

 * Contract::Orochimaru: The most frequent summoner.
 * Contract::Anko Mitarashi
 * Contract::Sasuke Uchiha: Sasuke mainly used the snakes as shields to defend himself. After Orochimaru and the Cursed Seal of Heaven were removed from him during his fight with Itachi, Sasuke has not been seen summoning any snakes.
 * Contract::Kabuto Yakushi: Learned how to summon snakes after implanting Orochimaru's remains within himself.
 * Contract::Ichi (Movie only): Used snakes mutated by the Chimera Technique.

Trivia

 * It was mentioned by Hiruzen Sarutobi to his grandson Konohamaru that the rainbow symbolises snakes, and is deemed an omen of the coming of evil. This was recalled during the Invasion of Konoha led by the snake-themed Orochimaru.
 * Snakes have long since been associated with dragons a testament to this, after entering Sage Mode, Kabuto stated that he had evolved from being a simple snake into a dragon. Orochimaru's Eight Branches Technique is also described as ascending beyond snakes, becoming a dragon god.