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Southern Land of Rivers.
"Has the shinobi world suddenly gotten way too lively lately?"
Sasuke and Neji walked side by side along a narrow country path.
"Probably because the Five Kage Summit is about to begin," Neji replied, wiping blood from his fingers with a handkerchief.
"Tch. We ran into three separate bounty hunter groups on this mission alone," Sasuke muttered irritably.
"Can't be helped. Both the Sharingan and the Byakugan are listed on the underground black market's bounty board," Neji said, unfazed. "Besides, I've told you before—places like the black market can never be fully eradicated."
Sasuke shot Neji a glance before looking up at the sky. "Hurry up. We should try to reach the southern outpost before dark."
"The person Orochimaru wants us to meet this time is named Karin, right?" Neji asked. "Are you planning to recruit her into our team?"
Sasuke thought for a moment. "According to Orochimaru, this Karin specializes in chakra sensory abilities—which overlaps with your role in the squad."
"Hmph. No sensory technique can compare to the Byakugan," Neji declared with pride.
"But Karin also has healing abilities. We could use a medical ninja," Sasuke added. "If her medical ninjutsu is advanced enough, she might fill a gap in our team."
Neji nodded. "In that case, we'll decide after meeting her."
As they spoke, the two simultaneously quickened their pace, swiftly crossing the inhabited fields and disappearing into the mountains.
After traversing several ridges, Sasuke and Neji arrived at the sea.
They walked across the water's surface as if it were solid ground, soon spotting a desolate island ahead.
Speeding up once more, they landed on the island.
"This is the place, right?" Sasuke glanced at Neji.
Neji instantly activated his Byakugan.
"This way."
He leapt into the air, clearing several massive boulders before leading Sasuke to the entrance of a hidden cave.
"It's here. There are quite a few people imprisoned inside."
"Then let's go in."
Sasuke gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist and stepped into the cave.
The two first passed through a stretch of natural cavern before entering an artificially carved tunnel.
The pitch-black environment posed no issue for the Sharingan and Byakgan users.
Tap… tap… tap…
Their footsteps echoed faintly in the empty, silent passageway.
After several turns, light finally appeared ahead.
At the same time, another set of footsteps—not theirs—approached from the opposite end of the tunnel.
Sasuke and Neji stopped simultaneously.
"Sasuke and Neji, I presume?"
A woman's voice rang out as a figure emerged from the darkness into the dim glow of a wall-mounted oil lamp.
A girl with wild, fiery red hair, dressed in a cropped top and shorts, adjusted her glasses and stared unerringly at the two in the dark.
"Come out. Orochimaru-sama informed me of your arrival."
"You're Karin?"
Sasuke stepped forward into the light.
"First time meeting. I'm Uchiha Sasuke. Your sensory skills are impressive."
Neji followed. "Hyūga Neji."
"Nice to meet you. Follow me."
The red-haired girl's expression remained indifferent as she turned and led them deeper into the base.
Passing several prison cells, each holding groups of people, they entered a relatively well-lit stone chamber and sat on a couch.
Ahem. Karin adjusted her glasses again, her gaze fixed intently on Sasuke.
"Orochimaru-sama already told me your objective. But I don't have any reason obligating me to join your team."
"Is that so?"
Sasuke leaned back casually on the couch, glancing at her.
"Well, we don't have any reason forcing you to join either."
"Wh—what?" Karin's voice rose involuntarily. "Then why are you even here?"
"Simple. To relay Orochimaru's orders—this outpost is to be abandoned effective immediately." Sasuke's gaze drifted away dismissively. "And to casually evaluate whether you're qualified to join our squad."
"Y-you—! Looking down on me?!"
Karin gritted her teeth, visibly angered.
"Also, if we're abandoning this place, what happens to me and the prisoners here?"
Sasuke looked at Neji.
"Per Orochimaru's orders, the prisoners are to be released," Neji took over. "As for you, you either join our team or report to Orochimaru's current base."
"I wasn't asking you!"
Karin shot Neji a glare before pulling a set of keys from her pocket and tossing them at him.
"If that's the case, you handle releasing them!"
Neji reflexively caught the keys and looked at Sasuke for confirmation.
Sasuke gave a slight nod.
"Fine."
Neji turned and left the chamber.
Hmph!
Karin pretended nonchalance, pacing the room before stopping near the door—her hand hovering as if to lock it.
"Pointless." Sasuke's voice cut in. "Neji's from the Hyūga clan. A mere door won't block the Byakugan."
Karin yanked her hand back, stammering, "I—I was just… just adjusting it!"
"Whatever." Sasuke's attention shifted away again. "So? What's your decision?"
"I… suppose I could reluctantly join your team…"
Her voice trailed off as she slowly moved back to the couch. Removing her glasses subtly, she sat close to Sasuke, leaning in.
"So… Sasuke, you really want to test me, huh?"
"Stay back."
Sasuke pushed her away.
"Your sensory skills are decent, but they overlap with Neji's Byakugan. I'm more interested in evaluating your medical ninjutsu."
"What?!"
Karin stubbornly latched onto his arm.
"Sasuke, have you completely forgotten about me?! You even said it was our 'first meeting' earlier!"
"I don't remember you." Sasuke frowned, pulling his arm free.
"You saved me during the Chunin Exams in Konoha!" Karin lunged closer, her face flushing. "Ever since then, I've… I've…"
"Tch. Don't get near me."
Sasuke swiftly shifted to the other end of the couch, studying her face as he searched his memories.
"…There might have been something like that." After a pause, he added, "I don't remember trivial things clearly. But your hair is distinctive, so I guess it rings a bell."
"R-really?!" Karin's face turned crimson as she touched her hair. "I'm so glad you remember…"
Click.
The sound of the door unlocking made Karin instantly snap back to reality, hurriedly putting her glasses back on.
"Dammit, I got too excited and forgot to sense him…"
She scowled as Neji re-entered.
"Well, Sasuke?" Neji ignored Karin. "Does she pass?"
Before Sasuke could answer, Karin shot to her feet.
"Of course I pass! I'm not just any medical ninja!"
She whipped out a kunai and slashed it across her own palm, then bit her arm.
Within moments, the wound on her hand closed up completely.
She triumphantly raised her healed palm, glaring at them.
"Well?!"
"…Alright." Sasuke raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You're in."
Neji nodded. "No objections here."
"Then let's go."
Sasuke stood and walked out without another word, Neji following.
Hmph!
Karin adjusted her glasses again, shouting after them:
"Sasuke! Since you clearly need my help so badly, I'll gracefully accept!"
Sasuke didn't turn or respond, already rounding the corner out of sight.
"You—!"
Karin stomped her foot furiously before rushing after them.
Those two jerks hadn't even waited for her!