Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

Page 300

The premonition was so strong that with a flick of his fingertips, the sharp blade easily sliced ​​open a thin, long gash in his palm, and a bead of bright red blood instantly seeped out.

Just then, the ward door was pushed open, and Sakura walked in carrying breakfast. She was startled when she saw the bright red mark on your palm.

"Oh dear! How could you be so careless!" Sakura snatched the kunai away, her tone filled with reproach and concern. "You really are a handful."

She immediately took out her first-aid kit and skillfully bandaged your wound, all the while muttering to herself about being careful.

Looking down at Sakura, who was busy for him, he felt a slight stinging sensation in his palm, but the panic in his heart did not subside. On the contrary, it became more intense, like a stone pressing on his chest.

What exactly is going on?

Is something overlooked?

My brain raced, scanning for all possible risks: Konoha's higher-ups? Danzo? Or...? The image of that gray-haired boy flashed through my mind.

Yes! We haven't heard from Dou since you were hospitalized. Given his personality, if he knew you were injured and hospitalized, he would definitely come to visit you, or at least send someone to deliver a message.

This unusual silence was eerie in itself!

You immediately grabbed Sakura's hand, which was bandaging herself, with a bit too much force, making Sakura pause for a moment.

"Sakura," your voice carried a barely perceptible urgency, "could you go and check on Kabuto's condition?"

This is the first time you've asked Sakura for help. You look directly at Sakura, your eyes filled with clear worry.

Although Sakura didn't know why you were suddenly in such a hurry, seeing such a serious request, she immediately nodded, "Okay! I'll go find out right away! It's always right to listen to you!"

You breathed a sigh of relief when you saw Sakura put down the gauze and rush out of the ward to inquire about the news, but your heart was still hanging in suspense.

Leaning back against the headboard, looking at your bandaged hand, you realize that although the pocket itself has no monetary value, it is special to you.

The clumsy following and protection that began in the orphanage is one of the few warmths you can feel amidst the cold calculations.

Especially as a companion, Kabuto is someone you implicitly accept as 'one of your own'.

You do not allow anyone to touch him within the designated area.

Night soon fell again.

In the ward, Naruto was already snoring loudly. You continued to use genjutsu to envelop the ward, and then headed to the edge of the Uchiha clan's territory.

Itachi stood there, seemingly having waited for a long time; his figure appeared somewhat lonely in the night.

Tonight, Itachi's gaze towards you held a more suppressed intensity, more complex than last night, as if he had gone through an inner struggle.

You don't understand what he's thinking, and you have no intention of finding out; you're just here for the results.

You stared at each other in silence for a moment, and finally Itachi spoke first, his voice low and hoarse, yet carrying a resolute tone, "I will not lay a hand on you."

This statement sounds like a promise, or even a vow.

Whether it's the bloody scenes in his dreams or his true feelings, he doesn't want to do anything to hurt you; this is perhaps the only bottom line he can be sure of.

"So you chose to protect Konoha," you stated, without any surprise in your tone.

Itachi's choice was expected; his Will of Fire was deeply ingrained. He closed his eyes in anguish, saying, "I am powerless to change the conflict between the village and the clan."

He tried to find a way to have the best of both worlds, only to find that there was only a dead end ahead.

Looking at him like this, you feel no sympathy, only a calm assessment. What you need is a collaborator, not a coward crushed by pain.

He gently touched his arm, and this subtle contact made Itachi's body tremble slightly, and he opened his eyes.

“I do,” you said, looking at him. “But the question is… are you going to team up with me?”

Itachi opened his eyes and looked at you. Your serious expression didn't seem like you were joking. You actually said you had a way to solve this seemingly unsolvable predicament?

If anyone else had said that, Itachi would have thought it was arrogance.

But coming from you, considering your powerful ability to unlock a kaleidoscope of insights, your composure and wisdom far beyond your years, and even the unsolved mysteries surrounding you...

Itachi didn't question you; you're one of the few geniuses he acknowledges. Your method might truly offer a glimmer of hope.

After a few seconds of silence, Itachi took a deep breath, "...What should I do?" This was tantamount to agreeing to join forces.

You subtly curved your lips into a smile, signaling him to lower his head.

Itachi obediently did as he was told, bowing slightly.

You lean closer to him and whisper softly in the weasel's ear, your warm breath mingling with your cool voice as you reveal your plans and schemes.

As you spoke, a glimmer of hope quickly appeared in Itachi's lifeless eyes.

This plan is bold and audacious, but it's not entirely without merit; if it were to succeed...

While rationally analyzing the plan, he could clearly feel the coolness of your breath on his ear, that ticklish touch, as if it were sweeping across his heart, bringing a strange shiver.

The faint, cool fragrance emanating from you lingered around his nose, creating a strange contrast with the heavy topic concerning the survival of his family, causing his heart to skip a beat for no apparent reason.

Itachi forced himself to concentrate on listening to the plan, but his ears turned slightly red uncontrollably.

Chapter 281 - Locked Affection (3)

You stepped back slightly, increasing the distance between you two from being too close. "Do you understand?" you asked Itachi, scrutinizing him in the night to make sure he understood every step of the plan and the risks involved.

Itachi nodded slightly. He not only understood, but was also shocked by your boldness and perfect planning.

By exploiting information asymmetry and human nature, they found an extremely difficult, but not entirely hopeless, way out for the Uchiha clan.

But he hesitated. That mysterious man who called himself Uchiha Madara was unfathomably powerful, his motives unclear, and a variable in the plan. Should he tell you about the masked Madara?

His hesitation did not escape your notice.

"Are you hiding something from me?" You narrowed your eyes, your tone carrying a hint of danger. You didn't like others holding things back from you, especially on such a crucial matter.

Before Itachi could answer, you suddenly reached out and grabbed Itachi's collar. The force wasn't strong, but it carried an undeniable authority, bringing the two of you closer together once again.

Too close.

Itachi was so close that he could clearly see deep within your dark eyes, where, besides the calmness, there seemed to be faint golden patterns flowing within.

The weasel's breathing became rapid, and his heart began to beat faster uncontrollably.

He finally understood why everyone treated him differently.

You are so beautiful, not in a soft, gentle way, but with a unique beauty that has sharp edges.

Especially those eyes, which seemed to contain endless secrets and power. Once you looked into them, it was easy to become deeply engrossed and never want to look away.

Seeing Itachi staring at you blankly with a complicated look in his eyes, as if he were struggling with something, you frowned.

You don't like this feeling of being out of control. Since Itachi is unwilling to talk about it, you don't want to force him for the time being. Some secrets are counterproductive if you push too hard.

So you gave up on finding out the information and let go of Itachi's collar.

When you let go, the lingering coolness at your collar and the sudden distance between you made Itachi realize he was somewhat disappointed.

The tension and excitement brought on by that close contact actually made him feel a little... nostalgic?

You didn't notice his subtle emotional change, and your tone returned to its usual calm, "We'll discuss the specifics later, after we see what the higher-ups in Konoha do."

You were about to leave after saying those words when Itachi suddenly reached out and grabbed your wrist.

You look at him with suspicion, wondering what else he might want to do.

Itachi could feel the pulse in your wrist, transmitted through your cool skin. He took the opportunity to step closer and took something out of his ninja tool pouch, keeping his voice as steady as possible.

"Your kunai has fallen into my hands."

It's the kunai you used to attack Itachi last night.

I glanced at it and realized it was indeed something you had accidentally dropped. Just as I was about to reach for it, Itachi suddenly pulled the kunai back into his sleeve, his movements so fast that you were caught off guard.

Their fingertips inevitably touched in the air, separating almost instantly, yet leaving a distinct tactile sensation.

"!" You didn't understand what Itachi was doing, and your gaze became inquisitive.

Itachi feigned composure, meeting your gaze, "I suddenly feel I need this kunai, would you mind giving it to me?"

Even he himself found the excuse somewhat clumsy.

It was just a kunai; the Uchiha clan had no shortage of such things. His desire to keep it was more like an excuse, a wishful thought.

You shook your head, of course you didn't mind, it was just a kunai. It was just that Itachi's behavior was too strange, it was hard not to wonder about his motives. You looked at Itachi, trying to find clues on his face.

Itachi knew when to stop, understanding that going too far was as bad as not going far enough.

He quickly released your wrist, but his fingertips still savored the slightly cool touch, as if addicted.

"Sweet dreams tonight." Itachi bid you farewell, his voice a little softer than usual.

"You too." You replied casually, your tone flat, and then your figure disappeared into the shadows of the woods again.

This time, looking in the direction you disappeared, Itachi suddenly had a selfish thought.

He clearly realized that you were overly rational, and that everything you did was driven by goals and interests.

Someone like you is destined to attract countless eyes and admirers—Shisui, Kakashi, even that loud and boisterous Naruto, and his own awkward younger brother...

This realization gave Itachi an unprecedented sense of urgency; he didn't want to be just a collaborator in your plans.

He doesn't want to miss out on his chance to be with you.

Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, even if this feeling may never be reciprocated, or may even bring more pain.

Sakura brought back news from Kabuto: "He joined Root and is working for Danzo."

The air froze instantly, and you, who are usually calm, suddenly erupted into a frenzy.

His gloomy face and suddenly sharp, cold eyes were more alarming than any violent reaction. The dangerous aura that had been suppressed around him spread uncontrollably, causing Naruto, who was still grinning foolishly next to him, to subconsciously shut his mouth.

"Nagi?" Sakura was startled by your reaction and called out cautiously.

This time, you didn't even heed Sakura and Naruto's advice. You suddenly threw off the covers, didn't even have time to change out of your hospital gown, and got out of bed, heading towards the door of the ward.

"Nagi! Your injury hasn't healed yet!" Sakura called out anxiously from behind.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was working on documents when he heard the door being flung open without even a knock. He looked up, somewhat annoyed, and when he saw you standing in the doorway with a cold expression, he was surprised. "Shouldn't you be in the hospital?"

You didn't answer his irrelevant question. Instead, you walked step by step to the desk, looked directly at Hiruzen, and stated angrily, "Release Danzo."

Hiruzen immediately fell silent, a hint of embarrassment and guilt flashing across his face. He truly had wronged you in this matter.

Danzo's explanations were contradictory, and with pressure from other high-ranking forces, he ultimately had no choice but to temporarily release Danzo from confinement and instead restrict his movements.

He was about to explain, attempting to appease the villagers with an official tone, "Danzo is, after all, the leader of Root, and regarding the village..."

"What about the pocket?" you interrupted him, your voice even colder.

"Kabuto?" Hiruzen Sarutobi remembered that Yakushi Nonou's adopted son was named Kabuto, the child who was very talented in medical ninjutsu. "What happened to him?" Hiruzen hadn't figured out the situation yet and didn't understand why you suddenly brought up Kabuto.

"Kabuto was taken away by Danzo." Your voice was filled with suppressed anger. "No matter what you think, I'm going to find him."

You came not to discuss anything, but to give a notification, and once you finished speaking, you didn't want to stay a moment longer.

"Wait!" Hiruzen immediately called out to you.

Your current physical and mental condition is unstable. Going to the Root base alone would be tantamount to suicide and would completely escalate the conflict.

He quickly weighed the pros and cons and made a decision: "Your physical condition is not very stable. I will have Kakashi and Itachi help you."

This is the best arrangement he can make right now that can both reassure you and maintain some control over the situation.

After hearing Hiruzen's words, you didn't hesitate at all, and without even saying thank you, you wanted to walk towards the Root base.

You're so preoccupied with the pain that Dou might be suffering right now, you can't wait a second longer.

You were stopped by Kakashi on the way.

"Nagi, calm down!" Kakashi looked at you, who had lost control, with worry in his heart.

At this moment, you only care about Kabuto's condition. Anxiety and anger have made you lose your usual composure. You don't want to pay any attention to Kakashi and try to bypass him and continue forward.

Kakashi quickly grabbed your shoulder, his grip firm and unyielding. "I already know what happened!"

He had to make you face reality: "Kabuto was ordered by Danzo to carry out an assassination mission last night, and he's not at Root base at all!"

He stared into your eyes and spoke the cruel truth, word by word, "The Root base is nothing but a trap set for you by Danzo!"

Danzo knew exactly what you cared about Kabuto, so he used this method to lure you in.

This news instantly cooled your boiling blood, and you subconsciously clenched your fists, your nails digging deep into your palms.

Just then, Itachi arrived beside you.

He had clearly rushed here on the Hokage's orders, and his breathing was still slightly disordered. He said in a deep voice, "Kakashi-senpai and I will help you find him."