Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

Page 252

He paused for a moment, then picked up the soldier's ration pill in front of him. Instead of eating it, he took out a clean, soft silk handkerchief from his pocket, carefully wrapped the pill, and solemnly put it back in his pocket, seemingly intending to keep it as a souvenir.

As for Shisui, looking at the soldier's rations on the table, and then at your dark eyes that were calmly watching them, I wonder what was going through her mind.

Perhaps out of curiosity, perhaps out of some inexplicable impulse, or perhaps simply to show something through action, he reached out, picked up a soldier's ration pill, and, to the slightly surprised looks of the other two, put it directly into his mouth.

It has a slightly firm texture and a unique, faintly bitter taste that melts in your mouth. It seems... nothing special, just the most ordinary kind of soldier's ration pill.

Just then, you, who had been silently watching them, suddenly spoke up.

Your gaze fell on Shisui, a faint hint of doubt flashing in your dark eyes. "Want more?"

The ration pills you gave out before, whether to Kabuto or occasionally to other people who tried to approach but quickly left, were never eaten. They were either discarded or, like Kabuto, collected.

This leads to a cognitive bias: they are not hungry, so they don't need to eat.

Now, seeing that Zhishui was the first person to actually eat it, based on my simple logic, I subconsciously thought that he probably hadn't eaten and was very hungry, and one piece wasn't enough.

"Huh?" Shisui was clearly taken aback, her chewing motion stopped, and she looked up at you in surprise.

In the dim light, your pale face remained expressionless, but in your unfathomable black eyes gazing at him, there seemed to be a pure, almost bewildered question.

Shizuku's heart skipped a beat uncontrollably under your questioning gaze.

An indescribable emotion, a mixture of bitterness, curiosity, inquiry, and a certain fatal attraction, crept up on me like vines.

He knew that from this moment on, some things had begun to change.

Shisui quickly waved his hand, his smile becoming somewhat embarrassed but much more genuine, "That's enough! Thank you so much! I'm... not hungry anymore."

You looked at him, as if to confirm, before slowly withdrawing your hand.

Itachi Uchiha's gaze slowly swept across the living room. The furnishings here were extremely simple, even sparse, but exceptionally clean, exuding a sense of self-discipline akin to that of an ascetic.

His gaze swept over the walls, the floor, the old furniture... and finally settled on the slightly mottled wall behind the sofa.

At first it was just a casual glance, but soon his gaze froze.

That wall bears not only the marks left by time.

Upon closer inspection, it is covered with countless fine marks, as if carved by some kind of sharp instrument.

This is not a child's random scribbles, but rather... an extremely complex and precise diagram of jutsu techniques, an analysis of chakra flow, and the transformation and derivation formulas of various ninjutsu hand seals!

Some patterns have been covered or modified by new engravings, showing the owner's continuous process of deduction and optimization.

The lines are sometimes smooth and precise, sometimes wild and scribbled, as if recording the different states of the artist when he was immersed in thought.

Although it was just a draft, the understanding of the essence of ninjutsu it showed, the bold and almost unorthodox ideas of modification, and the wisdom and... a kind of obsessive focus it contained that far exceeded what should be expected of someone its age, greatly shocked Itachi.

He was so engrossed in watching that it was as if he had been sucked into that labyrinth of thought, constructed from countless engravings and filled with whimsical ideas and dark potential.

After a long while, he slowly withdrew his gaze from the shocking wall and looked back at you, who were sitting opposite him, still expressionless.

This time, the way he looked at you was devoid of the initial scrutiny and the aloofness born of rumors, replaced by a genuine, undisguised appreciation, and even a hint of understanding as if he had met a kindred spirit.

"You excel at modifying ninjutsu." Itachi spoke, his voice calmer than usual, yet carrying a tone of admiration. This was not a question, but a conclusion.

When you meet his gaze, Itachi's words sound flat and straightforward to you, making it impossible to tell whether they are praise or sarcasm.

This is simply an objective fact. As an orphan, the ninjutsu he could access was limited and incomplete. If he wanted to become strong, apart from tapping into the vague instincts of his own bloodline, this was the only way.

By constantly analyzing, dismantling, recombining, and optimizing those limited ninjutsu techniques, changing their form, attributes, and even effects to adapt to different needs, one can broaden one's 'weapons'.

This was driven by the need to survive, and by instinct. You remained silent, neither admitting nor denying it.

As Itachi looked at your calm and composed face, he could almost see the surging thirst for knowledge and power beneath, as well as the astonishing talent that had been suppressed by the environment yet was now flourishing.

A sense of appreciation for talent, perhaps mixed with a touch of understanding and resonance as fellow 'geniuses,' quietly rose in his heart.

He paused for a moment, then continued, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable weight, “The Uchiha’s library contains a vast collection of ancient and complete scrolls of ninjutsu, genjutsu, and even forbidden techniques. The quantity and depth of these scrolls are far beyond what outsiders can imagine.”

Itachi noticed that when he mentioned "a large number of ancient and complete scrolls," your dark eyes, which had been like the surface of a frozen lake, rippled extremely subtly. Although it was fleeting, it was definitely there.

"If you're interested in this..." Itachi only said half of his sentence, leaving a tempting opening.

Hearing this, you shamefully became tempted.

The Uchiha's library! It's a treasure trove of secret techniques renowned throughout Konoha and even the entire ninja world. The value of any single scroll within it far exceeds the total value of all the fragments unearthed from the orphanage ruins!

It is the best way for you to truly and systematically learn ninjutsu and quickly become powerful; it is what you urgently need right now.

The constraints of reality immediately tightened around this feeling of attraction, and you lowered your eyes, "Without the dean's approval, I cannot leave here freely."

This is an invisible confinement jointly set up by the root organization and the orphanage, ostensibly for 'protection,' but in reality for surveillance and isolation.

Itachi understood your implication and the limitations behind it almost immediately.

As the young clan leader of the Uchiha clan and the future successor to the clan head, he wields considerable influence and power within the clan.

Helping a member of the Uchiha clan who had been living away from home but whose bloodline was confirmed to be genuine to obtain temporary permission to leave the orphanage was not difficult for him; in fact, it was extremely easy.

“I can take care of it for you.” Itachi said without hesitation, his voice steady and reliable. “You can come to the Uchiha clan compound to see me every Friday.” He gave a clear promise and a specific time.

Chapter 227 Sweets

You looked up at Itachi again, and this time, a flicker of emotion finally appeared in your usually empty and desolate black eyes.

There was no question of "why are you helping me?", nor any polite words of thanks. You didn't need to know the reason or care about the underlying motives. All you knew was that you needed those scrolls, and this person could provide the way.

That's enough; the essence of trading is pure and clear.

"Okay." You replied with just one word, but it carried immense weight.

Your conversation, however, made Sasuke's eyes light up slightly. Every Friday? Does that mean he'll have a chance to see you at home every Friday from now on? This realization made his heart beat a little faster for no reason.

He subconsciously clenched the hard soldier's ration pill in his pocket, as if it were some kind of token.

His gaze grew even more intense, almost unable to leave your pale, delicate profile.

The presence of their gaze is so strong that you can't completely ignore it.

You can sense the complex emotions contained in those eyes that belong to Uchiha Sasuke, emotions that you cannot yet fully comprehend.

But whatever the reason, at this moment, your heart is filled only with the desire for power.

Becoming stronger, becoming stronger at all costs, is the only meaning and way out for your survival; nothing else matters.

So you chose to ignore it, completely and coldly shutting out Sasuke's burning gaze, as if it were just the movement of air.

This deliberate, almost cruel disregard, like a tiny ice spike, gently pierced Sasuke's heart, instantly stirring up a mix of resentment, grievance, and a competitive spirit.

Why is it that you at least have basic conversations and responses with Nii-san and Shisui-san, and even tacitly allow that guy named Kabuto to get close, but you completely ignore him...?

Is there something wrong with him? Or did you simply not see him? For the first time, the young Uchiha master tasted the bitterness of being completely ignored by someone he cared about. The feeling was sharp and astringent, stirring up the undeniable pride and stubbornness in his bones.

Sasuke pursed his lips, a bright flame igniting in his dark eyes as he locked onto you, determined to make you see him.

"The rain has stopped." Kabuto's voice rang out, still gentle, but with an undeniable air of farewell. "You should leave now." His gaze swept over Shisui and Itachi, finally settling on Sasuke, who was still staring intently at you.

Shisui subconsciously looked at you, trying to catch a trace of reluctance or other emotion from your calm and expressionless face.

However, there was nothing.

You just sat there quietly, as if Dou's words were merely stating an objective fact, and you tacitly approved of this "driving away" behavior. Your dark eyes remained unfathomable, reflecting no one's image.

A faint sense of loss, like a delicate vine, quietly entwined around Zhi Shui's heart.

But he quickly suppressed his emotions, and a flawless, warm smile returned to his face. It's alright, he thought. You're not familiar with each other yet, so this farewell is just right and won't annoy anyone.

When the spring outing begins next week, he'll have plenty of time to slowly get closer and understand you. One day, he'll be able to stay by your side naturally, just like this boy named Dou, or even... go further.

"I apologize for bothering you today, but thank you very much for your... hospitality," Zhishui said with a smile, her tone sincere.

Itachi nodded slightly in acknowledgment, his demeanor as composed and polite as ever. Sasuke, though somewhat reluctant, was pulled along by his brother and nodded rather subtly, his gaze still stubbornly fixed on you.

You didn't respond at all, just calmly watched them turn around, and under Dou's 'polite' guidance, you walked out of the living room, across the small courtyard where the rain was gradually drying, and finally disappeared outside the low courtyard gate.

Once the three figures were completely out of sight, Dou gently closed the living room door, shutting out the once-silent world.

He walked back to your side, but did not sit down immediately; instead, he remained silent for a moment.

"Why did you agree to go to the Uchiha's library?" Kabuto's voice lost its usual gentle demeanor when speaking to outsiders, revealing a hint of barely perceptible grievance and confusion.

“The headmistress also has a considerable collection of books at home. Although it can’t compare to the Uchiha family’s, you can still browse through them freely.” He was referring to Yakushi Nonou’s private collection of books. As a medical ninja and the headmistress of an orphanage, her collection was quite impressive for an ordinary ninja.

Upon hearing this, you glanced at him indifferently, and then did something that made Dou freeze in shock. You raised your hand, which was always hidden in your wide sleeve, and very naturally touched Dou's hair.

The movements were somewhat clumsy, even carrying a hint of trying to soothe the pet, but it did happen.

You didn't explain or answer his question; you just patted his head, then withdrew your hand and turned your gaze back to the window, as if that brief moment of tenderness was just a figment of your imagination.

But because of this sudden contact, Dou's heart skipped a beat, and all her unease and grievances were instantly replaced by a surge of warmth.

He obediently stopped asking questions and simply sat down quietly beside you, feeling the slight coolness lingering on your hair.

He will never know the truth behind your silence.

Long before you came to this orphanage, you had already sneaked into the director's study countless times using various unknown methods.

He read through, memorized, and even copied all the valuable books and scrolls inside, including the medical notes and unfinished surgical studies hidden in the secret compartments.

That knowledge has already been absorbed and digested by you, and has become part of your power.

This is a secret that belongs only to you.

Time flew by, and the day for the Konoha Orphanage's spring outing soon arrived.

The day was sunny and the breeze was gentle.

The children, dressed in their uniform, slightly worn but clean school uniforms, gathered in the yard chattering excitedly, their faces beaming with smiles of anticipation, like a flock of birds about to be released from their cages.

When Kakashi and Shisui Uchiha, both wearing animal masks, arrived on time, they were greeted by this noisy scene.

Amidst this somewhat noisy and vibrant atmosphere, one figure stands out from the crowd.

You were still wearing a high-necked black cloak that covered you from head to toe, standing alone in the shadowy corner at the far edge of the yard, as if you were an observer who had nothing to do with this joy, or rather, an indifferent passerby.

The sunlight seemed to deliberately avoid the small area where you were, casting only a short, lonely shadow at your feet.

Kabuto stood among the children, but his gaze remained fixed on you. When he saw the two masked members appear and walk straight toward you, he instinctively wanted to go over to them.

But a gentle yet firm hand pressed down on his shoulder. It was the head pharmacist, Nono, who gently shook her head at Kabuto, her eyes gentle yet carrying an undeniable sense of obstruction.

"Kabuto, don't go over there. The people next to Nagi are elite ninjas sent by the higher-ups. They have their own missions. Don't cause her any trouble."

Kabuto's body tensed instantly, his fists clenched quietly at his sides, his nails digging deep into his palms.

He understood what the dean meant. His approach might be interpreted as interference with the mission, or even bring unnecessary attention and trouble. A strong sense of resentment and powerlessness welled up in his heart, but he finally slowly loosened his fist and lowered his head.

"Yes, Headmistress." He replied softly, suppressing all his emotions. It's alright, he told himself. If he can't get close, he'll just watch over you from afar, as long as you're safe.

On the other side, Shisui and Kakashi stood on either side of you, forming a protective formation that was neither too close nor too controlling.

Even through the masks, you can almost imagine their expressions. Kakashi's is probably that of a highly vigilant scrutinizer beneath a lazy mask, while Shisui... perhaps has a gentle, inquisitive smile that even the mask can't hide.

You've long been used to this state of being closely 'watched'.

From the time you can remember, you have never lacked surveillance in various forms. The only difference is that the two people sent this time are far more capable than those useless people in the past.

Especially this silver-haired ANBU member, he exudes an aura of pain from having experienced the battlefield.

You didn't react at all, not even shifting your gaze.

The orphanage's large group set off in a grand procession, the children's excited laughter echoing through the streets and alleys of Konoha.

You quietly followed at the back of the group, keeping a distance that was neither too close nor too far, neither breaking away from the group nor trying to join in.

Kakashi and Shisui were inseparable.

As you walked, Kakashi and Shisui secretly observed you. You walked steadily, your eyes never wandering, and you showed no reaction to the bustling streets, the tempting food stalls, or even the curious or fearful glances from other children. There was absolutely no sign that you might take the opportunity to escape or make contact with the outside world, which Root was worried about.

On the contrary, you act too rule-abiding, even overly meticulous, as if an invisible chain has already bound you tightly, and you have already accepted this setting.

Kakashi's vigilance only increased. This excessive compliance, in his experienced eyes, was more like a clever disguise, a false image used to lull the observer into a false sense of security.

Although his Sharingan beneath the mask was not activated, all his senses were heightened to the extreme, not missing even the slightest muscle twitch or fluctuation.

Meanwhile, Shisui, standing to the side, observed from a slightly different angle.

As he looked at your back, completely covered by the cloak, and at your utter indifference to the joy and noise around you, a strange and inexplicable sense of unease arose in his heart.

His gaze swept over the tricolor dumpling shop by the roadside, which was filled with a sweet aroma, and he saw several children pestering their parents to buy some, their faces beaming with happy smiles.

A sudden question, completely unrelated to his mission, quietly surfaced in Zhi Shui's mind: Do you...like other children, enjoy eating sweets?

The spring outing group finally stopped on a wide meadow on the banks of the Namga River. Lush trees grew along the banks, and in the distance, the foundations of some remaining stone buildings could be seen, silently telling the story of how this place was once inhabited by an ancient tribe.