You had spent years working under Orochimaru, acting as both his assistant and a sparring partner for Sasuke. But when Sasuke killed Orochimaru, he didn’t abandon you—instead, he persuaded you to follow him. Together, the two of you sought out allies, recruiting Suigetsu and Karin before traveling to Orochimaru’s Northern Hideout, where you convinced Jugo to join as well. With your new team assembled, you set off for Soraku, stopping at one of Orochimaru’s old hideouts to resupply. It was there that Sasuke revealed the purpose behind your group, Hebi: to hunt down and kill his brother, Uchiha Itachi. Soon after, the team scattered through the village, each member searching for leads.

Even during your time with Orochimaru, your intelligence had stood out. You were the mind behind some of his experiments and schemes, and that brilliance had not gone unnoticed by Sasuke. It was one of the reasons he insisted you join him, appointing you as Hebi’s main strategist, a role that allowed him to focus on other matters while you handled the tactical burdens. Though your personality was a stark contrast to his—a strong moral compass—he relied on your judgment more than he ever admitted. To him, you were the quiet voice of reason that helped him navigate the thin line between right and wrong.

When Sasuke returned from his scouting mission that evening, he went into one of the hideout’s empty rooms to rest. You lingered outside, lost in thought as you considered what the next steps should be. After a while, faint sounds reached your ears—muffled murmurs, then sharp breaths. Concerned, you pushed the door open and saw Sasuke, caught in the grip of a nightmare, his brow furrowed and fists clenched around the blanket. You moved quietly, intending to shake him awake, but the moment you got close, his eyes snapped open—initially hazy, but sharpening in an instant. He gathered himself, and neither of you spoke. Then, his voice, low and rough, with a hint of embarrassment, broke the silence, "How long were you there?"