Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

Your gaze swept over Sakura's bright, expectant green eyes, where pure joy shone like a small, warm flame.

The thought that I had subconsciously wanted to refuse quietly disappeared when I met those eyes.

You hummed in agreement, then returned to your room and carefully hid the scroll containing the ANBU uniform and mask before following Sakura out.

The barbecue restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with the aroma of smoke and the sizzling sound of oil dripping onto the charcoal fire, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.

Haruno Chika and Haruno Mebuki were already seated. They smiled and waved when they saw you come in.

The four sat around the grill table, the warm yellow light shining on each of their faces.

Haruno Chika skillfully flipped the meat slices on the grill, while Haruno Meibuki busied herself filling your glasses with juice.

“Since Nagi joined our family,” Zhao began, his tone filled with genuine emotion as he looked at the two girls sitting side by side across from him.

“Our family seems to be getting more and more lively and better!” he said somewhat subtly, but his acceptance and recognition were clearly evident.

Yabuki nodded in deep understanding, then picked up the conversation with a wistful sigh, "Yes, when I found out that Sakura had taken it upon herself to 'adopt' a child, I really thought the sky was falling!" As she spoke, she gave Sakura a reproachful look, but her eyes were full of love.

Sakura immediately puffed out her chest, her face beaming with pride, "So, Mom and Dad, I guess I turned a misfortune into a blessing in disguise! Right?"

As she spoke, she chuckled and gently nudged you, who was sitting quietly beside her, with her shoulder.

You were sipping your juice when Sakura bumped into you, causing you to pause for a moment. You looked up at the smiling Haruno couple across from you, and then at Sakura beside you, who was beaming like a little sun.

This overly noisy and warm atmosphere may seem a little unfamiliar to you, but it's not entirely unpleasant.

You've never been one for words, so you calmly picked up your glass, reached out, and gently clinked it against the glasses of Haruno and Sakura.

The crisp sound of the collision was drowned out by the noise inside the store, yet it was like a silent response and a fusion.

This small gesture deepened the smiles on Haruno and his wife's faces, and Sakura's eyes crinkled into crescents with joy.

In these situations where no words are needed, you can actually feel a rare sense of comfort.

The aroma of barbecue filled the air, and the conversation became more relaxed.

As Haruno Chō placed the grilled meat onto your plates, he asked casually.

"Speaking of which, you'll be going to the Ninja Academy next year. It's time to think about your future direction. Sakura, Nagi, do you have any initial ideas? What kind of ninja do you want to become?"

You paused slightly while chewing, then shook your head, indicating that you were still unsure.

Your path is destined to be secretive and arduous. Your identity as an ANBU member, the mysteries surrounding you, your pursuit of power... these are all things that cannot be spoken aloud. The ordinary path of a ninja may have been out of your reach from the very beginning.

Sakura, on the other hand, seemed to have been ignited with passion, and suddenly slammed her hand on the table, attracting the curious gazes of several other tables of guests.

She stood up abruptly, her emerald eyes burning with a resolute and fervent light.

"I want to become a medical ninja who can protect everyone!" Sakura's voice was clear, loud, and full of power.

"But on that basis, I also need to become very strong, strong enough to face battle head-on and never hold my comrades back! I want to become a ninja who can both save lives and protect my comrades!"

This declaration is full of passion, tinged with idealism, yet brimming with an unwavering determination.

She wanted to protect, to become useful, and to stand firmly by the side of the people she cared about.

You listen quietly, not surprised by the answer; it is indeed the kind of choice Sakura would make.

Looking at her flushed cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes, you tighten your grip on the cup slightly.

This dazzling light... makes you want to... possess it.

"That's a brilliant idea!" Haruno Mebuki didn't think her daughter's idea was impractical at all; on the contrary, she gave her generous encouragement and support.

"The path of a medical ninja is very tough. You need to learn a lot of knowledge and have very precise chakra control. Sakura, you have to work hard!"

"I definitely will!" Sakura nodded vigorously, full of confidence, as if she could already see herself in a medical vest, fighting bravely in the future.

After she sat down, she excitedly leaned closer to you and whispered, "Nagi, what do you think?"

Looking at her vibrant and warm face so close to yours, and her green eyes reflecting the lamplight and your own shadow, you remained silent for a moment before uttering two words very softly.

"...very good."

This simple recognition made Sakura feel as if she had received the most important affirmation in the world.

The meat slices on the grill continued to sizzle, and amidst the swirling smoke, the four continued their cozy dinner. At this moment, the future seemed clear and full of hope, at least for Sakura.

In this overly bright warmth, you quietly guard your deeply buried darkness and secrets, as well as your increasingly obsessive possessiveness towards the 'warmth' around you.

Their future paths may be completely different, yet at this moment they strangely converge at this barbecue table amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Uchiha Shisui stood against the wall, dressed in standard Anbu attire, his animal mask pushed up to his forehead, his gentle smile concealing a barely perceptible anxiety.

He is waiting for his new partner for this mission.

The footsteps approached from afar, very light, yet carrying a unique rhythm that almost blended into the shadows.

A slender figure appeared at the end of the passage, also dressed in a well-fitting ANBU uniform, with a white fox mask covering her entire face.

His heart felt like it had been suddenly squeezed by something; surprise, worry, confusion... all sorts of emotions surged into his heart in an instant.

How did you get here? You joined the Dark Side? When did you do that? Why?

You calmly walked up to him and stopped.

Even through the masks, their eyes met in the air. Shisui could see her own reflection in those dark eyes, but she couldn't see any emotional fluctuations beneath.

Shisui had so many questions he wanted to ask, but there were other silent members of the Dark Guard around him, and the cold walls seemed to have grown ears. He could only suppress all his questions and remain silent.

Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared to the side, looking at Shisui and you standing side by side, a very satisfied smile on his aged face, as if he saw two perfectly matched weapons.

"Shisui, this is your new partner." Hiruzen's voice echoed in the enclosed space. "With the two of you working together, you will definitely be able to complete this mission successfully."

His tone was full of trust in Shizuo's abilities, and... a certainty of having you under his control.

Shisui paused for a moment, suppressing the turbulent thoughts in his heart, and respectfully bowed his head in response, "...Yes."

"The mission details will be given to you later. Today, you can practice together and get to know each other's personalities and fighting styles." Hiruzen waved his hand, indicating that you could leave. "We'll depart first thing tomorrow morning."

The moment he stepped out of the Dark Side base, Shisui could no longer contain himself.

He suddenly reached out and grabbed your wrist, pulling you to a relatively secluded corner with a somewhat out-of-control force.

"You..." His voice was hoarse with urgency, "Why did you come to the Anbu?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Shisui immediately realized they were too direct and blunt, so he quickly changed his words, his tone filled with barely concealed worry, "What I mean is... it's too dangerous here! Do you know how dangerous this place is..."

"I know." You interrupted him, your voice coming through the mask, sounding somewhat muffled, yet still calm and composed.

You slightly raise your wrist, which is being held by Zhishui, to signal him to let go.

Shisui reacted as if he had been scalded and immediately let go of his hand.

You slowly removed the fox mask from your face and looked at Shisui, "With your kaleidoscope here, I won't be in danger."

"..." Shisui fell silent instantly.

He didn't expect you to know this! Did the Hokage tell you? Or did you find out yourself?

Although you are only referring to his ability known as the 'strongest illusion,' it is an objectively existing power.

But to Zhi Shui, it sounded like a heavy trust in him personally, a belief in his strength.

Even if it was just wishful thinking on his part, it still made his chest feel warm, and all the words of dissuasion vanished instantly, replaced by a surging, strong sense of responsibility and protectiveness.

He vowed to himself that he must not betray this trust.

Shisui took a deep breath, trying to restore his usual gentle tone to his voice, "You've just joined the Anbu, so there are probably many rules and details you don't understand... The Anbu's mission style is also different from that of regular ninjas."

He paused, as if making a great decision, his ears turning slightly red, and tentatively extended an invitation, "Wait a minute... how about we go to my house? I have some books and notes on this topic that might be helpful to you."

This is the first time Zhishui has formally invited you to his home.

Chapter 261 The Question

You glanced at Shisui, weighed the value of the suggestion, and realized that the internal intelligence about the Dark Division was indeed needed at the moment. "Okay."

Shisui was taken aback, seemingly not expecting you to agree so readily.

Immediately, his smile dispelled the gloom that had settled between his brows due to worry, as if sunlight had pierced through the clouds.

"Now?" he confirmed with delight.

You just nodded.

The next second, Shisui's hand gripped your wrist again, his voice tinged with barely suppressed excitement and an urge to show off, "Then... hold on tight!"

Before the words were even finished—whoosh!

The surrounding scenery blurred instantly.

You only feel a powerful pulling force, the surrounding scenery rushes past at a speed that is impossible for the naked eye to perceive, the wind whistles in your ears, yet strangely you don't feel much discomfort.

Shisui's chakra gently and steadily enveloped you, providing protection.

Is this... the power of 'Shisui' (Shock Wave)?

Even if you are calm and collected, a genuine look of surprise couldn't help but flash across your eyes at this moment.

This speed transcends the realm of mere physical skill, incorporating a profound understanding.

In just a few breaths, the surrounding scenery suddenly became clear.

You are now standing in front of a quiet and tidy courtyard. The courtyard is planted with common flowers and plants, which are well-maintained and make it look very cozy.

But perhaps because only one person lives there, it exudes an indescribable sense of desolation.

As far as you know, Shisui's father died on the battlefield when he was young.

This is his home, where he lives alone.

Shisui released his grip, his face still bearing the confidence and slight expectation of praise he had shown when he used the Body Flicker Technique. He pushed open the courtyard gate and stepped aside to let you in.

"This is the place. It's a bit messy, but don't mind."

He frantically rummaged through the bookshelves and storage boxes, muttering to himself, "I remember putting it here..."

Shisui finally pulled out a book from under a pile of scrolls. The paper was slightly yellowed and the spine was printed with the words "Outline of the Code and Unspoken Rules of the Anbu Ninja".

He brushed the dust off the book with a hint of apology and handed it to you, saying, "It may be a bit old, but the core content inside should be unchanged."

You take the heavy book, and you can feel the rough texture of the paper with your fingertips.

Just as you were about to open and read it, the light outside the door suddenly dimmed, and a familiar figure appeared silently there. You and Zhishui turned to look at the same time.

Itachi, dressed in a plain dark short-sleeved shirt, stood quietly at the door, his gaze immediately falling on you.

Especially seeing the outfit that clearly belonged to the Dark Division, his pupils contracted slightly. Although he had already guessed it, seeing you wearing this outfit still evoked a complex emotion in his heart.

"Itachi?" Shisui's face immediately lit up with a delighted smile upon seeing the visitor. "What brings you here?"

Itachi shifted his gaze from you to Shisui, nodded slightly, and said in his usual calm voice, "I heard you're going on another mission tomorrow, and my father asked me to pass on a message to you."

His gaze seemed to casually sweep over you again, with a hint of inquiry.

"Ah, I see..." Shisui glanced at Itachi, then at you standing there holding the book, a hint of apology on his face. "Itachi and I will..."

"I'll just read a book," you replied immediately, your tone flat. You picked up your book and walked to a chair by the window in the corner of the living room, immersing yourself in your own world.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating half of your body and the pages of the book in your hands.

Seeing this, Shisui quickly gave Itachi a wink, and the two of them walked to the small courtyard outside, closed the sliding door, leaving you alone inside.

In the courtyard, Zhi Shui's smile faded, and he asked in a low voice, "Does the clan leader have anything to say?"

Itachi's expression also became serious, and he lowered his voice even further to make sure you inside the room couldn't hear him. "Father received some vague information. Shimura Danzo seems to have made some unusual moves recently, dispatching a lot of elite members. The operation is very secretive, and the target... is most likely the Uchiha clan."

He paused, his eyes filled with clear worry as he looked at Shisui. "He told you to be extra careful during this mission. You know Danzo's methods."

Upon hearing this, Shisui's handsome eyebrows furrowed deeply, and his expression became serious. The intervention of the Root was never a good thing.

He said in a deep voice, "I understand, I will be careful. Thank you for the reminder, clan chief, and thank you for making the trip."

After exchanging a brief message, the two opened the sliding door again and returned inside.

The sight that came into view made both of them unconsciously slow their breathing.

You are still sitting in the chair by the window, your head slightly tilted, engrossed in reading the book in your hands.

Golden light poured down on you without reservation, making your skin appear exceptionally white, even translucent, and faintly glowing.

At this moment, you possess a fragile and delicate beauty, which forms a strange contrast with the cold and chilling aura conveyed by the dark uniform.

Shisui was somewhat lost in thought, and fearing that a sound might break the tranquility, he cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly, "Ahem..."