Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

“It’s late,” you finally spoke after being silent all this time. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow.”

You stand up, straighten the slightly wrinkled hem of your clothes, and glance at the deep night outside the window.

After you reminded them, everyone realized that it was indeed getting late and they had to get up early for class the next day. So they didn't linger any longer, said goodbye to each other, and dispersed in their respective directions home.

On the way back, Sakura was walking side by side with you when she suddenly stopped and took out a specially wrapped paper bag and handed it to you.

"Here, take this." Sakura's face showed a hint of shyness and anticipation. "It's a yukata I prepared for you! But... you can't open it now! You have to wait until the summer festival to see it!"

You look down at the exquisite bag, surprised to find that Sakura had prepared it for you.

You didn't ask any questions or refuse; you simply reached out and took the bag, giving a soft reply, which was considered an agreement to this special request.

Seeing you accept it so readily, Sakura felt an indescribable joy and satisfaction welling up inside her.

Looking at your profile, which appeared exceptionally fair and serene in the moonlight, she suddenly remembered Neji's birthday tomorrow.

“By the way, Nagi,” Sakura’s tone became a little troubled, “tomorrow is Neji’s birthday…we don’t usually interact with him much, so it’s a bit difficult for us to prepare an expensive gift, and the time is also too tight.”

"But, after all, he is Hinata's brother, it wouldn't be right to go empty-handed... It should still be possible to prepare a thoughtful gift."

She looked up, her emerald eyes sparkling in the moonlight, filled with a hint of dependence and anticipation, as she gazed at you. "Will you stay up all night with me... to prepare a gift?"

Faced with Sakura's request, you nodded as you had countless times before.

It was decisive and straightforward, without any questions or conditions.

Seeing how readily you agreed, Sakura felt that strange feeling resurface.

She inexplicably felt that you seemed exceptionally easygoing towards her, even indulgent.

Compared to how you treat others, you seem to be excessively gentle with her.

As night deepened, the villa fell into a deep sleep, even the sound of breathing became soft.

Just then, a knocking sound with a specific rhythm, like a code, rang out on your door.

The moment the sound faded, the door was silently opened from the inside.

You stand behind the door, still dressed in your daytime casual clothes, your dark eyes clearly reflecting Sakura Haruno outside, dressed in pajamas and carrying a small basket full of materials and tools, looking like a thief.

Without a word, you exchanged a knowing glance.

Sakura's face showed a mixture of excitement from staying up all night and a hint of nervousness. She quickly slipped into her room and gently closed the door behind her.

Using the dim, warm glow of the nightlight on the table, they began their secret operation.

“I want to make a music box for Neji,” Sakura said in a low voice, her eyes sparkling under the light as she showed the basket containing wood, gears, a small sound tube, and a blank record to be burned.

"I feel that things I make myself are more meaningful than things I buy." She was in charge of assembling the outer structure of the music box, which was her specialty.

“As for the music…” Sakura looked at you, her tone filled with trust and expectation, “I think Neji-kun would like it if you composed it. You two… um, you seem to have similar temperaments, both quite composed.”

She tried hard to find the right words, not wanting to offend you.

If you have no objections, pick up the blank record waiting to be given a sound. Making a music box is not difficult. Your strong learning ability and observation skills have already allowed you to understand the basic principles of music boxes through casual reading.

A piece of music needs to be composed. What kind of music would suit that genius from the Hyuga family, that boy who also carries a sense of alienation from those around him?

The image of the Nanga River involuntarily came to mind, its waters clear and flowing endlessly.

The sound of the river water crashing against the rocks is a solitary, continuous sound with a certain cold rhythm.

This voice seemed to resonate strangely with the cold and repressed aura of Hyuga Neji, who was like a caged bird.

Seemingly inspired, you picked up a specially made small carving knife and began to carve little by little on the blank record.

The blade tip rubbed against the surface of the record, producing an extremely faint hissing sound.

Sakura, meanwhile, was on the bed, carefully following the blueprints as she assembled the wooden outer shell of the music box.

She'll glance at you every now and then, and the thought of doing something with you, even if it's just staying up all night to do crafts, makes her feel incredibly precious.

Time slipped away quietly in the stillness.

When you finally manage to perfectly replicate the musical composition of the Naka River in your mind onto the record, put down the carving knife and let out a soft sigh of relief.

Turning around to check on Sakura's progress, I found her still holding an unfinished gear, while she had already slumped onto my bed and fallen into a deep sleep.

Pink hair was scattered on the pillow, her cheeks were flushed with a healthy blush from deep sleep, and her breathing was even and long.

She was clearly exhausted.

You looked at her quietly for a few seconds, then slowly walked to the bedside, carefully pulled up the thin blanket beside you, gently covered Sakura with it, and carefully tucked the corners of the blanket in.

Picking up the half-finished music box casing, I returned to my desk and, under the light of the night lamp, took over the work that Sakura hadn't finished.

When the last small gear was properly installed and the music box casing was completely finished, the sky outside the window was already showing the faint light of dawn.

The record, carrying the sound of the Namka River flowing, is placed in the music box, the lid is closed, and then the spring is wound up.

"Ding-dong... Lingling... Chug-chug..."

The ethereal, cool sound of flowing water, like a mountain stream untouched by sunlight, flowed continuously from the music box, echoing in the room gradually bathed in the morning light.

This music lacks the usual cheerfulness or excitement of melodies; it possesses only a pure, solitary flowing quality, as if it could wash away the dust, yet also carries a profound sense of loneliness.

The music woke Sakura from her sleep.

She groggily opened her eyes, blinked somewhat blankly, and then realized that she had fallen asleep in your room!

She sat up, and the thin blanket slipped off her. Then, Sakura saw you sitting at the desk, and the music box that was already finished.

"Is it ready?!" Sakura exclaimed in surprise, immediately jumping off the bed and running to the desk. She carefully picked up the exquisite music box and examined it with great affection.

"I never imagined you could be so good at handicrafts!" Sakura looked up at you, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration and joy.

In her heart, you are omnipotent.

You didn't respond to her praise, but instead glanced at the increasingly bright sky outside the window and calmly reminded her, "Hurry back to your room, Aunt Yabuki will be getting up to make breakfast soon."

If Aunt Meibuki finds out that Sakura disturbed you all night, even if it was your own choice, she will still scold you.

After being reminded by you, Sakura immediately realized the danger and nodded quickly.

She carefully placed the music box into the gift bag she had prepared beforehand, gave you another smile that was both grateful and slightly apologetic, and then, just as she had come, tiptoed out of your room and gently closed the door behind her.

When Sakura's footsteps completely disappeared at the end of the corridor, you went straight to the bedside, bent down, and buried yourself in the bed that still retained the warmth and scent of the young girl.

He hugged the blanket tightly, burying his face deep in the soft fabric.

The blanket still clearly retained the fragrance and warmth left by Sakura when she lay down.

You follow behind the crowd. The corridors are deep and the courtyards are quiet. The occasional Hyuga clansmen who pass by are all dressed in simple kimonos, walking slowly with calm and expressionless faces. They even lower their voices when they talk.

A solemn, almost stagnant atmosphere permeated the air.

This didn't look like a birthday party; it looked more like a meticulously planned funeral.

You know this description is inappropriate, even a bit harsh, but that's how the scene before you directly reflects your feelings.

Naruto Uzumaki, who was originally excited to attend his classmate's birthday party, now seemed to have his neck choked, his smile frozen, and his blue eyes wide open.

He looked around somewhat helplessly, and subconsciously shrank back into the crowd, clearly intimidated by the eerie atmosphere that made him feel out of place.

Hinata Hyuga stood at the front, her fair cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and explained, "I'm so sorry... This is a rule of the Hyuga clan. If we haven't been hospitable, please... feel free to do as you please, don't be shy..."

As she spoke, she timidly pointed to a corner of the courtyard.

Everyone looked in the direction she pointed and saw Rock Lee and Tian Tian there. One was walking upside down with his fingers, while the other was leisurely feeding the koi in the pond. The two looked completely at ease, obviously used to this scene, and had their own little world.

"Now I finally understand why Hinata gets shy so easily..." Kiba Inuzuka whispered, hugging Akamaru. Akamaru whimpered in agreement, "Growing up in this kind of environment, how could she not feel repressed! Making her birthday like this is just too much!"

Yamanaka Ino also frowned her delicate brows. She was good at livening up the atmosphere, but she was at a loss when faced with such deeply rooted family rules.

"Yes, the atmosphere is too heavy. How can we cheer Neji up?" She looked around, feeling that her ideas were useless here.

Just then, Hyuga Neji, the birthday celebrant of the day, arrived hurriedly from the depths of the mansion, dressed in a neatly pressed white kimono.

He still wore the headband that symbolized the fate of the family division, and although his expression was slightly gentler than usual, his brows still carried the weariness and coldness caused by family affairs.

"Sorry everyone, I've kept you waiting." Neji's voice was as calm as ever, carrying the politeness and aloofness befitting his status.

Nara Shikamaru immediately seized the opportunity. He rubbed the back of his neck and suggested in a seemingly casual but actually defusing tone, "It's alright, but it's not very convenient to talk here. How about we go somewhere else?"

A hint of gratitude flashed in Neji's eyes, and he immediately understood what he meant. "Alright, please come with me."

He turned and led the group through several corridors to his private courtyard and study.

Although the place remains clean and tidy, it now contains more ninja tools, books, and traces of personal life, making it quite different from the overall solemnity outside.

Upon entering this private space, it was as if an invisible shackle had been removed, and the atmosphere instantly eased considerably.

Naruto took a deep, exaggerated breath, patted his chest, and exclaimed, "Wow! I can finally breathe! I almost suffocated!"

Sakura breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile returned to her face.

She stepped forward and handed the carefully wrapped paper bag to Neji with both hands.

"Happy birthday, Neji-kun! This is a birthday present that Nagi and I made for you together! Although we made it together, Nagi did most of the work!"

Chapter 330 Summer Festival Dance (4)

Everyone was somewhat surprised upon hearing this, and all eyes turned to you, who was standing quietly to the side.

You don't seem like the type to put in the effort to prepare gifts for others.

Even Neji himself, after hearing Sakura's words, subconsciously looked at you. When he saw that you did not deny it but just looked back, he knew that what Sakura said was true.

He carefully took the paper bag and, under the curious gazes of the crowd, took out the small and exquisite wooden music box.

The box is polished to a very smooth finish, with simple lines, exuding an understated elegance.

He gently wound up the side of the spring.

The music has no festive melodies, no cheerful rhythms, only a pure sense of loneliness.

The distinctive music is indeed a style that only you could create.

"Wow! What a thoughtful gift!" Kiba Inuzuka exclaimed first, hugging Akamaru and looking at you expectantly.

"Uchiha Nagi! My birthday is this Sunday! What birthday present have you prepared for me? Tell me quickly!"

You glanced at him expressionlessly, then silently looked away, gazing out the window, expressing your rejection through silence.

Kiba Inuzuka was thick-skinned enough that he didn't interpret this as a rejection at all. Instead, he confidently thought that since Kiba was too embarrassed to take it out in front of so many people, he must have prepared an even bigger surprise for him!

He chuckled twice and didn't press the matter further, but he was already absolutely certain in his heart.

At this moment, Nara Shikamaru spoke lazily, as if it were just a casual remark, but his gaze swept over you almost imperceptibly, "My birthday is September 22nd."

He was reminding us, or rather, making a reservation.

“I’m only one day younger than Shikamaru! I was born on September 23rd!” Ino immediately chimed in, not to be outdone, and gave you her birthday, her eyes also glancing at you.

"My birthday has already passed, it was on May 1st, it looks like I'll have to wait until next year!" Choji Akimichi added with a hint of regret as he munched on some snacks.

Naruto Uzumaki immediately realized what was happening and loudly reported, afraid of being left out, "I was born on October 10th! Nagi-chan, you absolutely mustn't forget my birthday!"

Seeing this, Hinata blushed and whispered, "I...I was born on December 27th."

"January 23rd," Shino Aburame added succinctly, adjusting her sunglasses.

"I am November 27th!" Rock Lee shouted passionately, as if the fire of youth was burning.

Although Tian Tian found the scene a bit inexplicable, she still cooperated and said, "I am March 9th."

Even Uchiha Sasuke, who had been observing coldly, parted his thin lips slightly under everyone's intense gaze and uttered a few words in a cool tone, "July 23rd."

In an instant, everyone announced their birthdates, and a silent sense of competition filled the air.

Everyone craves your unique attention, and a gift you make by hand seems to transcend the value of the gift itself, becoming a symbol of being seen and remembered.

Faced with this unexpected situation, Sakura felt a little confused and embarrassed, but she still subconsciously gave her date, "March 28th."

"Oh, right! Nagi-chan!" Naruto seemed to suddenly remember the most crucial question, eagerly leaning close to you, "When is your birthday? Tell us quickly!"

You paused for a moment, then answered with a hint of uncertainty, "...It should be in May."

It's simply that I can't remember, or rather, I've never tried to remember.

"When exactly in May?" Naruto was very dissatisfied with the vague answer and pressed for details.

You really forgot, you hardly ever celebrate your birthday.

Just then, Sakura spoke up to help, recalling, "It should be May 29th. I saw this date when I filled out the adoption forms for Nagi."