"I need a team," Sasuke announced one morning.
Orochimaru looked up from his research. "Oh? Getting bored of solo training?"
"I need people I can trust. Subordinates who'll follow orders without question." Sasuke had thought this through carefully. "There are three candidates I want."
"Names?"
"Suigetsu Hozuki. Karin Uzumaki. Jugo."
Orochimaru's eyebrows rose. "You've done research. Those three are powerful but... problematic. Suigetsu is arrogant. Karin is obsessive. And Jugo is barely stable."
"Which makes them perfect. They're outcasts with nowhere else to go. And their abilities complement mine."
"Explain."
Sasuke pulled out notes he'd prepared. "Suigetsu has the Hydrification Technique. Makes him nearly impossible to kill with conventional attacks. Perfect for frontal assault or distraction."
"Karin has sensory abilities and healing through her Uzumaki blood. She can track targets and provide support."
"And Jugo has his curse mark transformation. Raw power when needed, plus connection to natural energy."
Orochimaru studied the notes. "You've planned this carefully. Why these three specifically?"
"Because they're strong enough to be useful but not strong enough to challenge me. They need direction. Leadership. I can provide that."
A slow smile spread across Orochimaru's face. "You're thinking like a true leader, Sasuke-kun. Very well. Suigetsu is held in the northern facility. Karin is in my employment already. And Jugo... finding him will be your first team mission."
"Where is he?"
"Last reported in the Land of Sound, near the western border. Small village. He goes there periodically to try controlling his urges." Orochimaru pulled out a map. "Recruit him. Then return with all three."
"And if he refuses?"
"Then beat him into submission. He respects strength above all else."
Sasuke gathered supplies and left that same day.
Suigetsu was first. The northern facility was a prison, essentially. High-security cells for dangerous prisoners.
Sasuke walked in with Orochimaru's authorization. The guards led him to Suigetsu's cell.
The Hozuki heir lounged against the wall, looking bored. When he saw Sasuke, his eyes sharpened.
"Uchiha," Suigetsu said. "Heard about you. The Sannin's new pet project."
"I'm forming a team. You're joining."
"Am I?" Suigetsu grinned. "And why would I do that?"
"Because otherwise you rot in this cell." Sasuke activated his Sharingan. "Or I kill you. Your choice."
Suigetsu's grin widened. He liked the directness. "Fine. But I want something in return. Help me get Zabuza's sword. The Executioner's Blade."
"Deal. After our first mission."
"Then I'm in."
One down.
Karin was easier. She was already working in Orochimaru's organization. When Sasuke found her, she was cataloging medical supplies.
The moment she sensed his chakra, she turned. Her eyes went wide.
"Your chakra..." she breathed. "It's incredible. So much power..."
Karin's Uzumaki abilities let her sense chakra in detail. And Sasuke's hybrid nature apparently fascinated her.
"I need a sensor. Someone who can track targets and heal injuries."
"Yes," Karin said immediately. "Whatever you need. I'll do it."
That was... easier than expected. But Sasuke wasn't complaining.
Two down.
Jugo took three days to find. Sasuke tracked him to a remote village. Found him sitting alone in a forest clearing, visibly struggling with his curse mark.
"Jugo," Sasuke called out.
Jugo's head snapped up. His eyes were already turning darker—transformation beginning.
"Stay back," Jugo growled. "I can't... control it..."
"I don't need you to control it." Sasuke walked closer, deliberately. "I need you to unleash it. But in the right direction."
"I'll kill you!"
"You'll try."
Jugo's transformation completed. Massive, monstrous form. He charged.
Sasuke didn't move. Just activated Sharingan and released chakra—Hashirama-enhanced, massive and overwhelming.
Jugo stopped mid-charge. The sheer pressure made him hesitate.
"You're strong," Sasuke said calmly. "But uncontrolled. I can give you purpose. Direction. Let you fight without guilt."
Slowly, Jugo's transformation receded. He returned to normal, looking stunned.
"You... didn't run."
"I don't run. Join my team. Channel your power properly instead of fearing it."
Jugo stared for a long moment. Then nodded slowly.
"...Okay."
Three for three.
Team Taka was formed.