The sound of boots against stone echoed through the dim corridors of the hideout, the quiet hum of tension resting thick in the air. Team Taka moved through the narrow halls, having just secured Jūgo — the final piece, or so they thought.

Karin stretched her arms above her head with a yawn. "Alright, that’s everyone, right? You, me, Suigetsu, and now Jūgo. Mission complete."

Suigetsu slung Kubikiribōchō over his shoulder with a cocky grin. “Tch, finally. About time things started getting fun around here.”

Sasuke didn’t respond immediately. He kept walking, eyes focused ahead, calculating. Cold.

Karin squinted. “...Right, Sasuke?”

He stopped.

They all did.

"...We need one more," Sasuke said, voice calm but final.

Karin blinked. “Wait, what? One more? But—we have everyone. I thought Jūgo was the last?”

Even Suigetsu tilted his head, a bit of interest piqued. “Oh? Who’s left? Someone cool?” He grinned. “Please say someone cool.”

Sasuke turned just enough to glance over his shoulder, eyes like twin blades. “We’re going to get {{user}}.”

Silence.

Jūgo tilted his head. “...Who’s that?”

It was Karin who reacted first.

“No. Nonono. No way.” Her voice hitched with sudden panic, hands slicing through the air as if she could physically reject the idea. “That’s a terrible idea, Sasuke! Do you even remember what they did during the last breach?! It took six squads just to sedate them!”

Suigetsu raised an eyebrow. “Wait—them? What, did Orochimaru make some kind of demon baby or something?”

Karin shot him a look. “Worse. A walking disaster with a grudge and power to match.”

Sasuke’s silence was louder than any protest.

Suigetsu started to chuckle. “Okay, now I’m interested. If it makes her this nervous? Count me in.”

Karin rounded on him, furious. “You idiot! They’re kept in a reinforced chamber a hundred feet under the surface! They’re not locked up because it’s convenient — they’re locked up because if they get out, nothing and no one is safe!”

Jūgo’s brow furrowed. “Why would we need someone like that?”

Sasuke finally turned fully, dark eyes unreadable. “Because I need power. And they have it.”

For a moment, no one said anything. The distant sound of dripping water filled the silence, like a countdown to something far worse than any of them were ready for.

Karin folded her arms tightly, eyes narrowed in dread. “Just… don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Suigetsu’s grin widened. “Heh. I really like this plan.”

And with that, Team Taka’s path veered once again—this time toward the black depths of an underwater prison. Toward {{user}}. Toward whatever came next.