Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

He held you in his arms, trembling. You were lifeless, your face as pale as paper, your lips bitten and bleeding. Your body was covered with fine wounds and bruises, clearly indicating that you had been tortured at the root.

His usually calm black eyes were now empty and lifeless, as if they had lost all their luster.

Shisui felt as if his heart was being torn apart. The person he had cherished so much, the one he had never dared to say a harsh word to, had been so cruelly abused by the Root. He had never blamed himself so much, blamed himself for his carelessness, blamed himself for failing to protect her.

"I'm sorry... Nagi... I'm sorry..." he whispered over and over, his voice hoarse and choked with emotion.

Faced with the increasing number of Root members rushing to the scene, Shisui held you in his arms, fighting and retreating.

The threat of death and the sight of the person in his arms dying sent his mind racing.

A bold and insane idea, like a poisonous vine sprouting in the darkness, suddenly flashed through his mind.

He looked at you, your breath faint in his arms, then at Danzo and Root who were closing in, a resolute pain and... twisted determination flashing in his eyes.

He cannot bear to see you suffer any more harm, and he cannot imagine that if you continue to stay in Konoha, you will only be used as a pawn or prey by Danzo and other forces.

The suppressed feelings of 'protection' in reality are amplified infinitely in the illusionary world, ultimately breaking through the shackles of loyalty and rules.

He led you to defect from Konoha.

From a highly respected elite Jonin, he was reduced overnight to a rogue ninja hunted down by his former comrades.

The disparity and risks involved would have crushed anyone, but Zhi Shui felt a strange peace, even a sense of relief.

Because he wants you to be free, and he wants to take you with him to have true, unfettered happiness.

The journey of escape was fraught with hardship.

On a cold, rainy night, some hidden old ailment flares up within you, the cold poison corroding your limbs and bones, leaving you curled up in a corner of a dilapidated temple, shivering with cold.

Shisui held you tightly in his arms, using his body heat to ward off the cold, and continuously channeled chakra into your body without daring to relax for a moment.

Rain pattered against the broken window frames. Outside the temple lay unknown dangers, while inside were the people he cherished like treasures.

At that moment, all thoughts of Konoha and responsibility vanished; his only thought was that the person in his arms had to live.

At dawn, the rain gradually subsided.

Your body temperature finally rose, and you weakly raised your head, looking into Shisui's bloodshot but still gentle eyes, your voice hoarse, "Teacher, you betrayed Konoha for me... it wasn't worth it."

To fall from a bright future into a dark escape, from being admired to being hated by everyone, is truly not worth it, and no rational person would do such a thing.

But because it was you, all these sacrifices and choices became willingly accepted in Shisui's heart, and he never even thought about whether it was worth it.

Zhishui cupped your face in his hands, gently wiping away your tears with his thumb, a forced, lighthearted smile on his face. "Yes, I've lost out big time. So, how do you plan to repay this kindness?"

You asked earnestly, your dark eyes filled with solemnity, "What does the teacher like? Status or wealth? When I become powerful enough, I will definitely get it for you."

In your view, this is the most practical way to repay someone.

Shisui was amused by your grown-up appearance and burst into laughter. The laughter echoed in the empty, dilapidated temple, dispelling some of the gloom.

He gently ruffled your wet hair, his eyes so tender they could melt your heart. "I only wish you peace and happiness. I ask for nothing more."

"Why?" you asked, looking up, puzzled.

Why would someone be so kind to another person without considering the cost? This is beyond your current understanding of the world.

Zhi Shui looked into your eyes, and the words "because I love you" that were almost out of his mouth rolled on his tongue, but he forced them back down.

It was love. From the moment he adopted you, or even earlier, his feelings for you were not pure; they were mixed with too much selfishness and possessiveness.

But he doesn't want his overly heavy love to bring you burden and trouble while you are still immature. He just wants to silently protect you and watch you grow up.

So he didn't answer the question, but simply covered it up with a smile.

From then on, Konoha's elite Jonin became wandering knights of the ninja world.

Shisui took you to many places, showing you the wonders of the ninja world, letting you experience different customs and cultures, dodging pursuit, and enjoying this unique freedom.

You also grew up with Zhishui by your side.

As time passed, the gloomy and frail little girl who needed his protection gradually sprouted, shed her immaturity, and became a powerful ninja with a sharp and domineering aura.

Your beauty is like a drawn blade, with a chilling and captivating allure.

As you've grown up, you seem to have become less 'cute'.

You started showing a lot of concern for Zhishui's marriage, and would occasionally ask in a casual tone, "Why isn't Teacher in a relationship yet? Are your standards too high? Do you need me to help you find someone?"

Every time he heard this question, Shisui would get angry and embarrassed, his ears turning red as he retorted, "Kids shouldn't be so gossipy!"

Then he secretly thought to himself: You were definitely more fun when you were little. You would obediently let him hug you, and you could be sarcastic but you wouldn't ask such heart-pounding questions. Now that you're grown up, you're no longer easy to deal with!

“I’m an adult now,” you would answer him calmly, a hint of mockery in your dark eyes.

"You don't recognize your teachers anymore now that you're an adult?" Zhi Shui joked, arms crossed, trying to intimidate you with his authority as a teacher. "In my eyes, you'll always be a child."

He thought this trick would work as well as before.

This time, however, you suddenly approached him.

The distance between the two of them instantly shortened, and your cool, refreshing fragrance wafted towards them.

You tilted your head back, your increasingly captivating dark eyes staring directly into Zhishui's somewhat flustered eyes, your voice carrying a strange, seductive power.

"Teacher," you ask softly, "do you have someone you like?"

Upon hearing this, Shisui felt as if her heart had been gripped tightly by an invisible hand! Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of her chest, and blood rushed to her cheeks.

He didn't dare meet your overly direct gaze, his eyes darting away, his voice stammering, "No...no!"

He denied it so quickly and urgently, as if a second's delay would reveal his deepest secret.

Your next words, however, struck like a thunderbolt, shattering all his wishful thinking and pretense: "But I have."

His tone was calm, yet carried a certain assertion.

“…!?” Shisui was stunned, his mind went blank.

Was it some talented young man he met on the road? Or a ninja he befriended during a mission?

An unbearable bitterness instantly filled Zhishui's heart, like the most potent poison, corroding his reason.

The panic from before vanished instantly, replaced only by fear.

A deep-seated fear, as if one were about to lose the whole world.

He dared not imagine what his world would become if you left him, if another, more important person appeared in his life.

It will probably be a desolate wasteland, a perpetual darkness more terrifying than defection or death.

Just as Zhi Shui was lost in endless reverie, you had already taken action.

Without giving him any time to react, he suddenly reached out, grabbed Shisui's collar, and pulled it down forcefully.

At the same time, you tiptoed, tilted your head back, and kissed him forcefully, your movements swift and decisive, with your usual domineering and unyielding attitude.

At that moment, all of Zhi Shui's thoughts, fears, and bitterness were shattered by this sudden kiss.

The soft, slightly cool touch on his lips, carrying your unique, refreshing scent, made him feel as if his brain exploded with a "boom," as if fireworks were exploding, and his entire soul was about to melt away!

The person you like... is him!

This realization was like the most intense sunlight, instantly dispelling all the gloom. Surprise and joy surged into his heart like a tidal wave, leaving him stiff and helpless, only able to passively endure this awkward yet incredibly firm kiss.

When the brief kiss ended, you stepped back slightly, innocently tilting your head to look at Shisui, who was still frozen in shock. "Teacher, how about a nurturing romance?"

Zhi Shui's heart was pounding wildly, almost bursting out of her chest.

He opened his mouth, but found himself so excited that he stammered, unable to utter a complete sentence. "You...when did you...have...this idea?"

He simply couldn't believe that the feelings he had carefully hidden for so many years had already been discovered by the other person, and even received a response?

Looking at Shisui's silly expression, you smiled casually, with a hint of teasing, "Guess?"

Zhi Shui no longer cared whether people guessed or not! All reason, concerns, and the dignity of being a teacher were thrown to the winds. He no longer wanted to hide his overflowing emotions.

He suddenly reached out and pulled you into his arms again, as if he wanted to meld you into his very bones and never be separated from you again.

Shisui buried her face in the crook of your neck, her voice trembling with excitement and sobs, "I love you very much, Nagi."

It's not the affection between a master and disciple, but a man's love for a woman, a desire to spend his life together.

You nestled quietly in his arms, feeling his rapid heartbeat and burning body temperature. "I know."

You paused, then added something that nearly made Shisui explode on the spot: "I knew it from the first time I saw you."

Shisui was immediately stunned.

First meeting?

Wasn't that the time he helped you out of that situation at Konoha Square? Was he...was he that obvious?!

The thought that you had been watching him fall for you step by step since so early on, witnessing his clumsy attempts to win you over and his attempts to cover up his feelings, filled Zhi Shui with an unprecedented sense of shame!

Seeing Shisui's face turn bright red instantly, you don't think it's anything, and you even find Shisui's behavior amusing.

You raised your hand and ruffled Zhishui's hair, saying in a tone that was both comforting and slightly smug, "Don't be discouraged. I can share my experience in emotional management. Come on, call me 'teacher' first!"

The shame that had just welled up in Shisui was instantly replaced by a mixture of laughter and tears. His face darkened immediately, and he growled through gritted teeth, "You traitorous disciple!"

Despite the scolding, she held you tightly in her arms, showing no sign of letting go.

From that day on, your relationship in the illusionary world took a qualitative leap. You would fall asleep in each other's arms, kiss under the cherry blossoms, enjoy delicious food together, carry out missions together, and experience all the sweetness and intimacy that lovers should have.

Shisui knew perfectly well that he had fallen hopelessly in love with you.

His heart beats only for you, his thoughts are obsessed with you. This love is intense, pure, and even carries an almost devout desire to protect you.

But he never forgot the ultimate purpose of this illusionary world: to help you unlock the kaleidoscope.

The happier the time, the clearer the worries hidden in one's heart become. He knows that this sweet dream will eventually come to an end, and what awaits you at the end may be extreme pain.

Every time he sees you nestled in his arms, a genuine smile on your face, his heart aches.

However, he will do everything he can to make you have your way.

If this is a tribulation you must go through on your path to power, then he will face it with you, even if the ultimate price is to shatter this hard-won happiness with his own hands.

Chapter 273 - Heartfelt Concern (9)

The sky over the world of illusion has been filled with gloom, so oppressive it's suffocating.

Shisui took advantage of Danzo's deep-seated greed for power, deliberately exposing his temporarily safe hiding place.

He doesn't know if you'll notice.

With your keen perception, you may have already sensed the ominous signs permeating the air, but you did not stop it.

It was as if there was a silent understanding, or rather, a tacit acceptance of a predetermined fate.

You stand by the window, gazing at the deep night outside, and suddenly speak softly, your voice calm yet carrying a power that penetrates the heart.

“Teacher, if one day you can escape the fate that has ordained you,” you paused, turning back to look at him with a heavy sense of farewell, “please forget those responsibilities and missions.”

His gaze was deep, as if he wanted to etch the outline of still water into the depths of his soul.

"I will fulfill your dream." You said each word clearly, like a vow.

Shisui opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but was silenced by the unwavering resolve in your eyes.

What was bound to happen has finally happened.

Danzo and his Root members appear and surround you. Without further ado, the battle is about to begin.

Zhi Shui and you tacitly avoided mentioning anything else, as if that heavy conversation had never happened.

You each fight your own battles, your figures weaving through the enemy ranks.

The longsword in your hand drew a cold arc, each move deadly, forcing Danzo to retreat repeatedly, leaving him in a sorry state. You brought the swordsmanship that Shisui had taught you over the years to its extreme, and also incorporated your own ruthlessness.

Just as you were about to plunge the blade into Danzo's heart and kill him, the scene rippled like water, and you were back in the same spot.

Upon seeing the dense array of Sharingan eyes on Danzo's right arm, you immediately realize that Danzo has used the forbidden technique Izanagi.

Unless all Sharingan eyes are blinded, there is no way to deal with Danzo. You didn't expect Danzo to be so afraid of death that he transplanted so many Sharingan eyes into his body as consumables.

While you were stalled by this shameless tactic, the Root elites began to surround you.

"Nagi!" Without any hesitation, Shisui instantly appeared in front of you, using his body to shield you from the fatal attack. He grabbed your hand and ran without hesitation.

"Chase them! We can't let them get away!" Danzo saw the two figures disappearing into the distance, his eyes flashing with greed and murderous intent. He immediately ordered the elite members of the Anbu to give chase.

As Shisui carried you, his wounds multiplied until he was driven to the brink of despair. The wind howled, whipping his clothes and hair as you stood side by side on the edge of the cliff.