Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

Page 169

"Hey?" You felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, so you waved your hand in front of his eyes. "What are you daydreaming about?"

Deidara suddenly snapped out of his daze, abruptly turning his face away, his ears turning bright red.

"N-nothing!" he stammered, scratching his head haphazardly as he tried to hide his embarrassment.

You felt confused, but seeing that he stopped talking, you also fell silent and turned to look outside again.

This quiet atmosphere lasted only a short while.

"What did you and Itachi do on the Ferris wheel last time?"

Deidara suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of jealousy.

You were taken aback, turned to look at him, and asked, "Why are you asking this?"

Deidara stares intently at you, his gaze sharp as if trying to catch the slightest hint of anything unusual.

"Hmph, say it or not, it's up to you!" Seeing that you didn't answer, he felt annoyed, crossed his arms, turned his head to the side in a huff, and began to sulk.

"It was just chatting and making a wish." You didn't mention that you kissed Itachi. If Deidara found out, he would definitely make a huge fuss.

"Make a wish?" Deidara's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this. "I'll give it a try!"

He clasped his hands together, closed his eyes, and muttered something under his breath, like a devout believer, his expression so serious it was almost endearing.

Looking at him like that, I couldn't help but chuckle.

When Deidara opened his eyes again, he found you resting your chin on your hand, looking at him with great interest.

"What did you wish for?" Deidara's face flushed instantly. He turned his head sharply, giving a haughty snort, "I'm not telling you! It won't come true if I tell you!"

You didn't ask any more questions, but you vaguely guessed what was going on.

But Deidara secretly glanced at you, silently repeating his wish in his heart—

"I hope that wicked woman... will always only look at me."

Sitting quietly in the cabin, your gaze is fixed on the sun gradually setting in the distance.

"You wicked girl, isn't this Ferris wheel so boring, turning so slowly?" Deidara suddenly leaned closer, his golden ponytail swaying with his movements. He deliberately put his arm around the back of the seat behind you, a position that almost half-encircled you in his arms.

You tilt your head slightly, a strand of hair brushing against Deidara's cheek. "It's nice to quietly enjoy the scenery."

Deidara pouted, his blue eyes flashing with resentment. He deliberately moved closer, "What's so interesting about the scenery? You'd be better off chatting with me." His voice was low, carrying the clear, boyish tone and a hint of coquettish complaint.

The cockpit swayed slightly because of his movements, and you had to reach out to hold onto the seat to maintain your balance, but your fingertips accidentally touched the back of Deidara's hand.

You both paused in surprise. Deidara immediately grabbed your hand as you tried to pull it back, and the warmth of your interlocked fingers made the air in the cockpit seem thinner.

"So what do you want to talk about?" You try to keep your voice calm.

“For example,” he tilted his head, sunlight casting dappled shadows on his handsome profile, “do you think I look handsome today?” The question was straightforward and childlike, but the expectation in his blue eyes was so sincere that it made one’s heart race.

You deliberately dragged out your words, "You? You're alright, I guess."

As soon as he finished speaking, Deidara dramatically frowned and grabbed your hand, shaking it.

"What do you mean 'okay'? I'm obviously very handsome, okay!" He pressed closer, refusing to let it go. "Look closely, you wicked woman."

You two bickered like that, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and intimate.

“When I was a child,” his voice softened, with a rare nostalgia, “I loved to run around everywhere, searching for beautiful scenery.”

He let go of your hand and gestured, "I would also use clay to sculpt all sorts of things. Back then, I dreamed that one day my work would amaze the world."

You gaze quietly at the profile of his face outlined by the setting sun, and for the first time you realize that this usually boisterous boy actually harbors such a pure dream in his eyes.

"That sounds interesting. So, have you achieved your dream?"

Deidara paused for a moment, then flashed a bright smile. "I guess so. Now, many people know about my explosive art, don't they?" But deep within his smile, a hint of melancholy you'd never seen before flashed by.

“And you, you wicked woman,” Deidara suddenly turned to face you, placing his hands on the seats on either side of you, trapping you between him and the glass window, “What was your childhood like? Hmm!”

The air in the cabin seemed to freeze. After a long while, you curled your lips into a smile, trying to make it look natural. "My childhood... was very unique."

Deidara's curiosity was fully piqued, and he leaned forward slightly. "How unique can it be?"

You lowered your eyes, and just when Deidara thought you would continue, you suddenly looked up outside and said, "The Ferris wheel is about to end."

"Huh?" Deidara turned around abruptly and realized that the cockpit was indeed close to the ground.

He immediately bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, crossed his arms, and grumbled angrily, "Why isn't this Ferris wheel ride as long as the one three days ago! This is such a disappointment, I should never have chosen this one!"

You pretended not to hear his complaints, secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and sealed away the memories that were about to surface.

As the cockpit came to a complete stop, you quickly stood up, but Deidara grabbed your wrist the instant you stood up.

“Next time,” his eyes shone brightly, with an unwavering determination, “you must tell me about your past.” With that, he gently placed a kiss on the back of your hand, its warmth almost unbearable.

You didn't answer, but simply withdrew your hand and strode out of the cockpit. Deidara grinned and quickly followed, his golden ponytail bouncing merrily behind you.

Walking alone through dappled light and shadow, suddenly, a whooshing sound came from behind. I reached out and grabbed, feeling a smooth, cool touch on my palm.

"We meet again, pretty girl~"

A clear, spring-like sound came from above. You looked up and saw Mei Terumi leaning against the branches of a century-old cherry tree, her long, reddish-brown hair cascading down like a waterfall.

She was biting into a bright red apple, the juice staining her lips glistening. When she saw you looking at her, she deliberately licked the juice from the corner of her lips with the tip of her tongue, smiling like a triumphant cat.

"How about this apology?" Mei Terumi shook the remaining half of the apple in her hand, the cross-section of the flesh still bearing fine serrations.

Your eyes narrowed slightly, your fingertips unconsciously caressing the apple you caught, the residual warmth from the peel spreading from your fingertips.

She was wearing a dark blue yukata, her crossed legs revealing a pearly sheen from the slit, and the wooden clogs on her toes dangled precariously.

"What's up?" You sit down under the eaves and place the apple on the moss-covered stone lantern.

The wooden clogs tapped crisply on the stone slabs as Mei Terumi gracefully landed opposite you, the hem of her yukata fluttering as she revealed the kunai straps tied to her thighs.

"Can't I talk to you if there's nothing wrong?" She leaned forward, the scent of apples wafting towards me. "After all, we were once 'lovers'~"

The final, lingering tone made your eyes twitch slightly, and the blunder involving that couple's milk tea was still replaying in your mind.

"Click——"

Mei Terumi deftly finished eating the apple, the core arcing through the air before falling into the stream. She slowly and methodically wiped each finger with a handkerchief. "Let me formally introduce myself, Mei Terumi, an elite Jonin from Kirigakure."

The stream suddenly became rapid. You looked at the hand stretched out in front of you, the lines of your palm still damp with undried juice. You loosely grasped it and said, "Akatsuki, Tanuki."

As soon as she finished speaking, Mei Terumi suddenly pulled her hand back as if she had been electrocuted, took a few steps back, covered her mouth, and stared wide-eyed with her emerald green eyes. "So it was you!" Her voice trembled slightly with surprise.

"you know me?"

"Who hasn't heard that the Five Great Nations have a nemesis, Tanuki-sama!" Mei Terumi suddenly burst into laughter. She quickly stepped forward and affectionately took your arm, the soft touch immediately coming your way.

Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, "You're someone who strikes fear into the hearts of those high and mighty lords!"

"Shall I take you somewhere fun?"

You glanced at Mei Terumi indifferently, without objecting, and let her pull you through the bustling streets.

They stopped in front of a luxuriously decorated building with a huge neon sign that read "Scarlet Room". Several well-dressed, handsome men stood at the entrance, smiling and greeting the guests.

Your gaze calmly swept over the signboard before returning to Mei Terumi's face.

Mei Terumi blinked, somewhat surprised. "Why are you so calm?"

"I've been here," you replied casually.

Mei Terumi was taken aback at first, then smiled more meaningfully and gently tapped your chin with her fingertip. "Oh~ so you're a regular! Looks like we have common interests."

You didn't explain, you just let her lead you into the store.

The moment he stepped into the Scarlet Room, Obito, wearing a vortex mask, clenched his fist tightly in the shadows at the street corner.

"How could she go to a place like this?" His voice was deep and dangerous, his Sharingan staring intently at your back through the holes in your mask.

The next second, he followed without hesitation, his black robe billowing behind him like ink.

Inside the crimson room, the lighting was dim and enchanting, and the air was filled with the scent of a mixture of high-end fragrance and alcohol. The soft sofa, the low-hanging curtains, and the hushed laughter created an atmosphere of hazy ambiguity.

Terumi Mei was clearly a regular customer; as soon as she entered, several handsome male escorts greeted her, affectionately calling her "Lady Terumi Mei."

She smiled and waved, then pulled you straight to the innermost VIP area.

"I'm not the main character today~" She gently pushed you forward, "This is a rare and distinguished guest, so you should treat him well."

Several male escorts immediately focused their attention on you. You were dressed in a black kimono, with long, ink-black hair and snow-white skin. Your deep black eyes were calm and aloof, yet inexplicably captivating.

“Sir…” one of the silver-haired gigolos approached with a smile, his slender fingers picking up a wine glass, “Nice to meet you. May I have the honor of offering you a drink?”

Before you could answer, Mei Terumi had already taken the glass, smiling alluringly, "She's not the type to be easily pleased, you know~"

The silver-haired gigolo chuckled, "That's perfect, I'm good at challenges."

Obito, in the form of a black-haired host, stood at the doorway, his kimono collar wide open, revealing his muscular chest, but his taut jawline betrayed his anger.

"Oh, you've come to the wrong room, haven't you?" Mei Terumi's emerald eyes narrowed dangerously, and the hand on your shoulder tightened defiantly.

You simply swirled the glass in your hand, the sake leaving amber tear stains on the cup, reflecting your calm profile. "Sitting down now that you're here."

Obito knelt heavily on your other side, the tatami mat dented dangerously under his weight, and he stared intently at Mei Terumi's fingers lingering on your neck.

"What...what a fine mood you're in." Each word was imbued with the chill of chakra, causing the porcelain dish on the table to tremble slightly.

Just then, the silver-haired host entered carrying a wine jug, but froze on the spot when he met Obito's murderous gaze. Wine dripped from the tilted spout, leaving dark stains on the silk cushion.

"I'm so sorry!" He hurriedly put down the wine jug and rushed out the door, his wooden clogs tapping out a chaotic rhythm of escape in the corridor.

Mei Terumi leaned lazily against the cushion, her slender fingers casually twirling a strand of your black hair, her red lips curving slightly. "Why is this new guy staring at me?"

You still didn't look at him, but simply took a sip of your wine and said calmly, "The wine is good."

Mei Terumi chuckled softly, her fingertips sliding down your shoulder to your chin, gently lifting it. "If you like, I'll have them send a few more pots?"

"No need," Obito interrupted coldly, taking the wine glass from your hand. "Drinking too much is bad for your health."

Mei Terumi narrowed her emerald eyes, her red lips close to Nagi's ear, her breath warm, "Your 'friend' is quite nosy~"

You finally turned your head, your dark eyes sweeping lightly over Obito's tense profile, and the corners of your lips lifted almost imperceptibly. "He's always like this."

Chapter 157 The Lover

Obito's breath hitched, his eyes nearly bloodshot. He suddenly grabbed your wrist, the force almost leaving a finger mark. "Do you come to places like this often?"

You let him hold you, your expression remaining calm. "Occasionally."

Does it matter?

Obito was speechless, his chest heaving violently. Seeing this, Mei Terumi deliberately added fuel to the fire, practically pressing herself against him, her red lips almost touching his cheek. "Oh dear, looks like someone's got a sour grapes~"

"Shut up!" Obito finally lost his temper. His chakra surged, and his genjutsu disguise instantly collapsed, revealing his original vortex mask and black robe.

The temperature inside the private room plummeted.

You suddenly raise your hand and gently touch his mask with your fingertips.

Obito froze instantly.

“Since you’re here,” your voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable air of authority, “you’ll finish this pot of wine with me.”

Under the lamplight, your eyes were as deep as ink, reflecting Obito's bewildered face.

Yahiko stood in the hotel lobby, tapping his knuckles on the table. His orange hair stood out under the lights. He had been waiting for far too long, so long that his patience was almost exhausted.

He had searched all the other members' rooms.

“Tracking Technique…” Yahiko suddenly remembered something and took out a special kunai from his ninja tool bag. The inside of the hilt was engraved with runes as fine as hair, which were emitting a faint blue light.

The direction the kunai pointed to caused Yahiko's pupils to shrink sharply. The most famous Scarlet Room sign in the Land of Water shimmered alluringly in the night, and the well-dressed men at the door were giving perfect smiles to the passing noblewomen.

A host club?! In a place like this?!

His fingernails dug deep into his palms, and blood dripped from between his fingers. Yahiko closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his eyes beneath his orange hair were now tinged with darkness.

Inside the VIP box, the dim lighting cast dappled shadows on your profile. You were being half-embraced by Mei Terumi, her red lips almost touching your earlobe. "What's your decision? We at Kirigakure can offer you even more..."

Before she could finish speaking, your back suddenly stiffened, and a familiar chakra fluctuation made you abruptly turn your head—

The paper door was opened a crack at some point, and Yahiko stood there quietly. His orange, tousled hair was still conspicuous in the darkness, and his handsome face was expressionless. But you could clearly see that his right hand, hanging by his side, was slowly dripping blood.

"Yahiko...?" You instinctively tried to stand up, but Obito pressed your knee down.

"Looks like we've got a lot of guests tonight," he said sarcastically, his Sharingan gleaming a dangerous red in the shadows.

There was no smile on Yahiko's face, and his eyes were terrifyingly cold, like the calm before a storm. You were slightly taken aback, and your fingertips unconsciously tightened.