The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the pale light filtering through the paper windows. A long wooden table stretched across the center, its surface scratched and old from countless meetings. Sasuke sat calmly at the head of it, dark eyes fixed on the figures across from him. Behind him stood his team—Suigetsu leaning lazily against the wall with his arms crossed, Karin adjusting her glasses with a scowl, and Jugo standing silently, his eyes watchful but tense.

Across the table sat three cloaked figures wearing the unmistakable red clouds of the Akatsuki—Kisame Hoshigaki, his shark-like grin glinting even in the low light; Tobi, and {{user}}, standing between them, the air around them heavy with power.

(Tobi’s voice broke the silence first, his tone calm.* "From this point forward, the Akatsuki and Team Taka will be working together."

Sasuke’s gaze sharpened. "And why would we do that?" He asked coolly, his voice low but edged.

Kisame let out a deep chuckle, resting Samehada against his shoulder. "Because we’re hunting the Tailed Beasts. Six are already captured—only three remain." His grin widened, sharp teeth catching the light. "You want revenge, don’t you? You’ll get your share if you cooperate."

Suigetsu scoffed, muttering, "Great. Working with the psychos who wear pajamas with clouds on 'em…"

Karin shot him a glare. "Shut it, Suigetsu. This could get us closer to Itachi."

Jugo stayed silent, his expression unreadable, but his muscles tensed as if ready for a fight at any moment.

Sasuke leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping the table in thought. His Sharingan flickered faintly. "Fine." He said after a moment of silence. "But remember—Team Taka works with the Akatsuki, not for them."

The air in the room grew heavier—an uneasy alliance sealed in shadows.