Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat bewildered by Danzo's barrage of angry rebukes.

He exhaled a smoke ring, his brow furrowing even more deeply, his tone filled with genuine confusion, "I don't understand what nonsense you're spouting. When did I ever let a five-year-old girl adopt her? My previous plan was for Hiashi of the Hyuga clan to handle this matter. Isn't there some misunderstanding?"

Chapter 244 Pride

"Misunderstanding!" Danzo was so angry he almost laughed, his single eye filled with mockery. "Monkey! You still want to lie to me now?! The Hyuga clan hasn't made a single move! On the contrary, the Haruno family went to the orphanage to pick up people first thing this morning!"

"Now the whole of Konoha probably knows about this absurd thing! You came up with this idea just to infuriate me, didn't you?! To suppress me, you've even disregarded Konoha's interests and reputation?"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo's resolute yet furious expression, his doubts deepened.

He understood Danzo. Although the two disagreed on political views, Danzo wouldn't fabricate something out of thin air that could be easily verified.

He raised his hand, making a gesture to calm down, and his tone became serious, "Danzo, calm down first, let me figure out what's going on."

Pressing a hidden button under the table, several ninjas wearing animal masks silently appeared in the office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi whispered a few instructions to one of them.

The ANBU member nodded and vanished in an instant once more.

A brief, suffocating silence fell over the office.

Danzo glared coldly at Hiruzen, his chest heaving slightly with anger, while Hiruzen, with a solemn expression, smoked his pipe, the smoke obscuring the turbulent thoughts in his eyes.

In a short while, the ANBU member returned, leaned close to the Third Hokage's ear, and quickly reported the investigation results in a very low voice.

As the Anbu reported, Hiruzen Sarutobi's composure gradually disappeared, replaced by extreme astonishment and bewilderment.

He even subconsciously removed the pipe from his mouth, as if he doubted that he had misheard.

What did he hear?

Hiashi Hyuga... he actually lost the top-secret adoption application form that he personally approved and stamped with the Hokage's seal? And, by some twist of fate... a five-year-old girl named Sakura Haruno, who happened to be picking up her ninja academy application form... signed it?

And the orphanage... just tacitly agreed and carried it out!

This...this is just how outrageous, dramatic, and absurd a development is! Even novels wouldn't dare to write something like this!

He finally understood why Danzo had been so angry that he had kicked the door open and shouted that Danzo was crazy and deliberately humiliating him. It seemed that Danzo, as the Hokage, was abusing his power and acting recklessly!

A tremendous sense of powerlessness and absurdity instantly overwhelmed Hiruzen Sarutobi.

He had managed Konoha for many years, believing himself to be infallible and adept at balancing various forces. However, he never expected that at such a crucial juncture, he would lose control entirely due to such a ridiculous accident.

“Danzo…” Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in his mind, attempting to explain, “I already know what happened, but this wasn’t my intention. This was entirely a…”

"Enough!" Danzo didn't want to hear his explanation at all, and interrupted him sharply, his face showing a cold and mocking look that seemed to see through everything.

"Whether it was your original intention or not is no longer important! The Konoha leadership, the major clans, and even intelligence agents from other villages will soon find out about this!"

"They only see the results. You, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, would rather hand over a 'weapon' with immense potential value and even danger to a five-year-old commoner girl than let her fall into my hands, Danzo Shimura!"

"Hiruzen, you'll regret this foolish decision today! You can't control Uchiha Nagi at all; you'll only create an even bigger monster!"

"Danzo!" Hiruzen Sarutobi, also enraged, slammed his fist on the table and stood up, his sharp gaze fixed on Danzo. "Watch your words! I am the Hokage! Konoha's decisions are none of your business! I will handle this!"

"Hmph! Fine! So this is what you call 'I am the Hokage'!" Danzo laughed in fury, a sinister glint in his single eye. "Then I'll wait and see how you handle this mess! How you face the Elders' questioning! How you... clean up this mess!"

After saying that, he didn't look at Hiruzen again, turned around abruptly, his wide robes whipping up a gust of cold wind, and slammed the door shut as he left!

The office door slammed shut again with a loud bang, shutting out Danzo's overwhelming rage.

The office returned to silence, leaving only wisps of smoke and a mess.

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly sat back down in his chair, looking as if he had aged several years in an instant, and wearily raised his hand to rub his aching brow.

How could it... have turned out like this?

He could imagine how fiercely the advisors and elders, led by Koharu Utatane, would criticize his childish and arbitrary actions in the Konoha high-level meeting room.

The intention was to achieve a balance of power through the Hyuga clan, and Hiashi Hyuga was thought to be cautious and reliable... but now it seems that not a single one of them is trustworthy!

The Hokage seal has been stamped, and the die is cast. Faced with this absurd and fait accompli, even he could only grit his teeth and swallow his pride, accepting the situation head-on.

The residential area of ​​Konoha Village is completely different from the remote and desolate environment of the orphanage.

The streets are narrow but full of life. Clothes hanging out to dry sway gently in the breeze, potted plants sit on windowsills, and the air is filled with the aroma of dinners being cooked in each household.

The Haruno family's house was at the end of an ordinary street; it wasn't big, even somewhat cramped, but it was...

It was clean and tidy, exuding a warm and inviting atmosphere.

You follow the Haruno family into this overly lively and crowded house.

My gaze swept calmly across the living room: the slightly worn sofa, the gleaming low table, the heartwarming family photos hanging on the wall, and the ninja tools and miscellaneous items piled up in the corner... everything was filled with the trivial yet real traces of life.

It was completely different from the cold, rigorous, and calculating surveillance point one might imagine.

I never imagined that one day you would come to such an ordinary place...

Haruno Shō, Haruno Mebuki, and even Sakura—the family of three—stood somewhat awkwardly at the doorway, their eyes following your scrutinizing gaze intently, their hearts pounding and their palms slightly sweaty.

It's as if you're not an adopted child, but a high-ranking official who's come to inspect the country, and they're afraid that something might be done wrong and displease you.

You quickly noticed the family's financial difficulties; the furniture was simple, the decorations were plain, and you could even vaguely sense that the Haruno couple had hurriedly tidied up to make room.

Adopting another one like you would undoubtedly add an extra burden to this already impoverished family.

This realization caused a fleeting, almost imperceptible, ripple in your dark eyes, but you didn't say anything. In the end, you simply walked to the sofa with a blank expression, sat down quietly, and slightly concealed the cold, aloof aura that clashed with your surroundings.

Your gaze fell on the half-filled ninja academy application form on the coffee table, next to which lay the pencil Sakura had just used.

Haruno Mebuki followed your gaze, then suddenly seemed to remember something important, and gently patted her forehead. "Oh dear! Look at my memory! I was so busy tidying up that I almost forgot the important thing! Nagi's reached the age to go to the ninja academy!"

She turned to her daughter and said in a light tone, "Sakura, take Nagi to the Hokage Building and get another application form for next year! Hurry back before dinner!"

Sakura blinked her big, bright green eyes, first looking at her parents, and then cautiously glancing at you sitting on the sofa.

Seeing that you did not show any obvious disgust or rejection, she felt a little relieved.

She walked up to you, forcing a friendly smile, and extended her hand. "Nagi, shall we go together?"

Your gaze swept lightly over her outstretched hand, and without responding, you simply stood up in silence.

Sakura's hand hung awkwardly in mid-air. Somewhat dejected, she withdrew it and muttered under her breath, "How arrogant..."

The voice was soft, yet it clearly reached your ears. Your steps faltered almost imperceptibly, and your dark eyes suddenly turned to Sakura.

Sakura felt a chill run down her spine and quickly forced a bigger smile, trying to cover it up with a laugh. "Ahaha... um... let's hurry! I heard today is the last day for handing out registration forms! If we're late, we might not get any!"

And so, Sakura led you out of the Haruno residence, one after the other, and blended into the bustling crowd of Konoha in the evening.

Sakura tried to start a conversation, but your silence frustrated her. Just as they were walking through a bustling commercial street, a figure like a golden whirlwind suddenly darted out from a nearby alley!

Naruto's face was filled with immense joy, his blue eyes shining brightly, like a puppy that had discovered a treasure, instinctively reaching out its arms to pounce on you!

Sakura was startled by the sudden attack. Seeing that the dirty-looking blond boy was about to touch her, she didn't know where she got the courage from, perhaps her sense of responsibility as an adoptive parent suddenly surged, she took a step forward, grabbed Naruto by the back of his collar, and shouted at him.

"Hey! Who are you, you rude guy! How dare you pounce on a girl like that! It's so disrespectful!"

Naruto stumbled as he was pulled, turned around in annoyance, sniffed, and glared at the pink-haired girl who had suddenly appeared. "Who are you! Let go of me! I'm Nagi-chan's friend!"

"Friend?" Sakura paused for a moment, then subconsciously turned to look at you behind her, her grip loosening slightly.

Naruto took the opportunity to break free and angrily straightened his clothes.

Sakura leans closer to you, lowers her voice, and asks softly with a hint of uncertainty and curiosity, "You...know him?"

You glanced at Sakura, who had approached you with a protective stance, somewhat surprised, but you answered truthfully in a calm voice, "We've met once."

"???" Sakura was a little confused. They'd met once? A single meeting and he was already calling himself a friend, and rushing at her so enthusiastically? Was this blond kid an idiot? Or was he just talking nonsense?

A strange feeling of defending ownership welled up inside me.

Sakura puffed out her still-flat chest, stood in front of you, and declared to Naruto, "You need my permission to see Nagi-chan first!"

Naruto tilted his head, looking puzzled. "Why? Who are you? Why do I need your permission?"

"Because I'm Nagi's adoptive parent! Sakura Haruno!" Sakura said this with a sudden surge of pride and a heavy sense of responsibility.

Naruto tilted his head in confusion, as if trying to process the meaning of the word. Then, as if he had heard a huge joke, he suddenly clutched his stomach and burst into a loud, unrestrained laugh.

"Hahahaha! You?! Adopt Nagi-chan?! No way! That's hilarious! You look even younger than me! Hahaha!"

"I'm telling the truth!" Sakura's cheeks flushed red from his laughter, and she stomped her foot hard.

Naruto kept laughing, tears welling up in his eyes.

Sakura was both angry and anxious. She grabbed your arm, and this time you didn't pull away. She shouted at Naruto, "If you don't believe me, ask Nagi! Did I lie to you or not!"

Naruto's laughter stopped abruptly. He blinked his blue eyes, looked at you with a cautious, questioning expression, and his voice weakened, "Nagi-chan...is what she said true?"

Under Naruto's gaze, a mixture of expectation, confusion, and a hint of barely perceptible disappointment, you nodded.

Naruto froze on the spot, his mouth agape in an "O" shape, as if struck by lightning. "Huh?!?"

Seeing this, Sakura finally felt triumphant, raising her chin smugly. "Hmph! Now you believe me? I didn't lie!"

Naruto was stunned for a few seconds, then his amazing brain suddenly started working again. His blue eyes lit up, and he excitedly shouted, "Ah! I know! Can I adopt Nagi-chan too?! That way we can play together every day!"

Sakura rolled her eyes at him, hands on her hips, and said, "Dream on! I'm personally recognized and stamped with the approval of the Hokage! One of a kind!"

"Grandpa Hokage..." Upon hearing this, Naruto deflated like a punctured balloon, his head drooping dejectedly, even his golden hair seemed to lose its luster. "This is so troublesome..."

But he quickly cheered up and asked you with concern, "By the way! Nagi-chan! Where are you guys headed?"

Sakura immediately blocked your way again, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, "We're going to the Hokage Building to get the registration forms! Don't you dare come along and cause trouble!"

"Hey! You're really nosy!" Naruto complained.

You really didn't want to watch these two argue and tug at each other anymore, so you expressionlessly walked past Sakura who was blocking your way and headed straight for the Hokage Building without pausing.

"Hey? Nagi-chan, wait for me!" Naruto was the first to notice you were gone, and immediately forgot his argument with Sakura, happily following after you like a little tail.

Sakura then realized what was happening, quickly turned around, and found that you had already walked several meters away.

"Nagi! Wait for me!" Sakura quickly ran after her.

Chapter 245 Goodnight

After filling out the ninja academy application form and returning to the Haruno family home, they had a simple dinner, and before they knew it, it was late at night.

This is the first time you've spent the night away from places other than the cold, empty rooms of the orphanage.

Haruno Mebuki tidied up another makeshift bed in Sakura's room, laying out clean but slightly worn bedding.

She looked at the two girls standing side by side. One had pink hair and green eyes, and her nervousness was obvious, along with her attempts at friendliness. The other had black hair and black eyes, and her expression was blank. She exuded a cold aura that was completely out of place in this cozy little room. She couldn't help but sigh softly in her heart.

"Nagi, Sakura, it's getting late, get some rest, goodnight." Meibuki tried her best to make her tone sound natural and warm.

"Goodnight, Mom!" Sakura replied immediately, her voice clear and bright.

The door to the room was gently closed, shutting out all outside noise.

So, in this small room filled with a little girl's atmosphere, only you and Sakura were left standing face to face.

The warm yellow light shone softly, but it couldn't dispel the suffocating, awkward silence that permeated the air.

Sakura fidgeted nervously, her gaze darting around, unable to look directly into your overly calm black eyes for long. She tried to find a topic to break the silence.

"Um... Nagi, aren't you... going to rest?" Sakura's voice carried a hint of cautious probing.

"I'm not used to it." Your answer was still brief and stingy. Standing there, your gaze swept over the room's furnishings: cute animal posters, plush toys piled in the corner, colorful crayons scattered on the desk... everything was completely different from your usual environment.

"N-no, it's okay!" Sakura quickly waved her hand, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm a very quiet sleeper! I definitely won't disturb you! Really!"

You didn't reply, you just looked at her in silence.

Oh no...it seems like there's been another awkward silence. Sakura's inner voice sheds a long, tearful sigh.

But she took a deep breath, clenched her little fists, and silently encouraged herself: I absolutely cannot give up! I must melt this iceberg with my enthusiasm! This is someone she adopted, even though it sounds strange!

"Nagi... is there anything you like? Or... anything you like to do?" Sakura persisted, her bright green eyes filled with anticipation. "Like... eating sweets? Reading storybooks? Or... training?"

You simply shook your head silently, your dark eyes devoid of any emotion, seemingly showing no interest in the things that ordinary children are enthusiastic about.

Sakura is completely defeated by you; she has never met such a... cold person.

The surrounding environment and other people's emotions seem to have no effect on you, like an isolated island, isolated from all the waves that try to get close.

A mix of curiosity, frustration, and inexplicable heartache welled up inside me.

Sakura hesitated for a moment, but finally mustered up her courage, got off her small bed, put on her pajamas, and carefully sat down next to you.