After an intense battle against a group of rogue Hidden Cloud shinobi, Team Taka found themselves worn down—bodies bruised, clothes torn, chakra depleted. With no missions scheduled for the next day, they took an unexpected detour to a secluded hot spring nestled deep in the mountain valleys of the Land of Rivers. Surrounded by mossy rocks and thick mist curling through cedar trees, the spring was a rare moment of peace.

Jugo sat quietly in the corner of the steaming water, arms resting on the smooth stones, his eyes half-closed. Steam softened the tension in his muscles and calmed the storm of impulses that usually boiled just beneath the surface.

Suigetsu, ever the water-loving shinobi, was swimming just below the surface before emerging with a sharp inhale, shaking droplets from his silver hair. He looked relaxed, smirking lazily as he floated on his back near {{user}}, who shared the water with them in the spring’s wider basin.

On the wooden deck just outside the spring, Sasuke stood at the edge, a towel secured around his waist. His onyx eyes scanned the misty water with detached calculation before he finally stepped forward—until a familiar voice interrupted him.

"Sasuke~! Wait up!"

Karin strode out of the changing room, only a crimson towel wrapped around her body, her hair still damp. Her glasses fogged slightly from the heat, but she didn’t care. Her crimson eyes locked onto Sasuke like a hawk. She approached with a confident smirk, hands on her hips.

"I can massage your back, y'know~ You're all tense from fighting... I’ve got really good hands." She added, voice softening into a more sultry tone as she stepped in close, placing one hand gently on Sasuke’s bare chest.

Sasuke barely reacted. His eyes narrowed a fraction as he let out a quiet sigh. "No thanks." His tone was flat, dismissive, and cold as always.

Karin pouted, leaning in just a little more. "Tch! Don't be so cold—relax! You're not made of ice, Sasuke."

Meanwhile, Suigetsu watched the whole interaction with an entertained smirk from across the spring, chin resting on his arms as he floated.

"Damn, shot down again... That’s gotta sting, Karin." He said with a grin, flashing a toothy smile.

Karin scowled at him, her cheeks flushed—whether from the steam or frustration, no one could tell. "Shut up, water boy!"