Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

That guy... the way he looks at you, with that programmed, probing gaze, makes you uncomfortable.

After a long silence, you spoke first, "The Nara family head will definitely receive news of today's events."

You turned your head, glancing at Shikamaru out of the corner of your eye, "Aren't you afraid of being blamed?"

Shikamaru chuckled slightly upon hearing this. "What's there to be afraid of?" He quickened his pace to walk beside you. "Even if you come to my house, nothing will happen."

His words came as abruptly as if he were stating a trivial fact.

You paused, turned your head, and finally looked directly at Shikamaru, a clear hint of genuine confusion reflected in your eyes. "Why...why would I go to your house?"

Shikamaru was taken aback by your question, only then realizing that he seemed to have let something slip, or rather, he was subconsciously testing something. He looked away somewhat awkwardly, raised his hand to scratch his cheek, and tried to regain his usual lazy tone.

"Ah...it's nothing, just an example." He explained vaguely, "It means that my parents basically don't interfere in my affairs. They...are quite at ease, or rather, they're too lazy to care."

He tried to use self-deprecation to cover up the implication in his previous statement, suggesting that his family environment was more relaxed and that he could come and go more freely.

You stared at him quietly for a few seconds, seemingly processing his explanation.

Shikamaru felt a little guilty under your gaze, afraid that you would continue to press for the reason.

You turned your gaze back to the distance and gave a faint reply, "Oh."

That single "oh" doesn't reveal whether she believed his explanation, saw through his disguise but chose not to point it out, or simply didn't take his words to heart.

Your reactions are always like punching cotton, leaving one helpless yet even more eager and impatient.

Dealing with you is indeed a super troublesome thing, especially when Shikamaru's thoughts start to become less innocent.

Just as you were about to part ways, you remembered a forgotten schedule: "Oh right, I'm not going to the Ninja Academy tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Shikamaru's lazy expression softened slightly, and he looked at you with suspicion, "Hmm? You're planning to skip class again?"

You shook your head. "It's not skipping class, it's an assignment. I need to receive a mysterious guest from the West."

"A mysterious guest from the West?" Shikamaru tilted his head, thinking for a moment, as if he had gleaned some relevant information from his father, Nara Shikaku's, occasional snippets of conversation. "You mean that fortune teller?"

"Probably." You harbor a skepticism towards divination. If fate can be so easily foreseen and predetermined, wouldn't struggle and resistance become a joke?

Seeing your indifferent attitude, Shikamaru couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean by specifically telling me this?"

He doesn't think you're the type to proactively report your whereabouts.

"Sai should be reporting to the Ninja Academy tomorrow. While I'm gone, could you please... take care of him?"

"Huh?" Shikamaru almost thought he misheard. He picked at his ear, a look of near-amused exasperation on his face. "You want me to take care of that guy?"

Just imagining dealing with that kind of guy made Shikamaru feel his energy being rapidly depleted.

“Sai has only met the two of us so far.” Your logic is simple and direct: “Of course, I can only trouble you.”

You don't see anything wrong with the request at all, and you're even a little puzzled by Shikamaru's incredible reaction.

Seeing your nonchalant attitude, Shikamaru took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to retort. He narrowed his eyes, carefully observing your expression, and tentatively asked, "You... and that Sai, are you close?"

You denied it readily, saying, "We're not familiar with each other because of trust."

Shikamaru was taken aback for a moment, then realized that it was not based on personal friendship, but rather on some kind of entrustment based on instructions or agreements from above.

Having figured out the reason, Shikamaru's inexplicable irritation caused by Sai's name strangely dissipated somewhat.

He sighed, held up two fingers at you, and emphasized in a resigned tone, "Remember, this is the second favor I've done."

Seeing his serious expression, you nodded, acknowledging the debt, and casually waved to Shikamaru, your movements swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

"Thanks, my good deskmate."

After saying that, you turned around and walked in the opposite direction from Shikamaru, and your figure quickly disappeared.

The author's words seem to have been censored.

Today's update is a single chapter. The next chapter will be about tarot cards, the first group portrait series storyline in the third cycle. I've been updating late these past few days, mainly because I've been working on the tarot cards for several storylines during the day.

The author only knows odd numbers and doesn't understand Western Tarot very well, so the author uses odd numbers to interpret the Tarot, trying to get the Major Arcana and borrowing from Tarot books for the Minor Arcana. It may seem a bit incoherent, but just enjoy the story and don't overthink it. There will be four updates a day from now on.

Chapter 316 Tarot Cards (1)

The sunlight illuminated the entrance to Konoha Village. When you arrived as instructed, you could see the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing there, talking quietly with Nara Shikaku, the head of the Nara clan.

Both men's expressions carried a certain composure and thoughtfulness befitting those in positions of authority.

Just as you approached, Nara Shikaku seemed to sense something and his gaze inadvertently swept over you.

His gaze wasn't sharp, nor did it contain any malice; it was more like curiosity.

A strange question crossed your mind. You had no connection with this Nara clan chief, so why was he looking at you like that? You couldn't help but think of your classmate who always complained about trouble. Had Shikamaru said something to you at home?

This wasn't the first time Shikaku had seen you. Before this, his view of you was simply that you were a special being who needed to be watched but not approached too closely, which did not conflict with the Nara family's philosophy of moderation and avoiding trouble.

But ever since his son Shikamaru entered the Ninja Academy, some changes have begun to quietly occur.

The Nara family is a typical example of a henpecked husband. As a father, Shikaku is well aware that his son is influenced by his family environment and has always kept his distance from marriage and troublesome relationships with women.

Just yesterday, while preparing dinner, his wife Yoshino casually mentioned, "Hey, Shikamaru seems to have become much more diligent lately? He even takes the initiative to tidy up his ninja tools when he gets home at night."

This would have been unimaginable in the past.

What surprised Shikaku even more was that he learned from the Third Hokage that Shikamaru, along with you and a boy named Sai from Root, went to the Hokage's office during the day to complain about Danzo Shimura.

Although the matter was suppressed, the act itself was already shocking enough.

Surprised, Shikaku then sent someone to inquire about Shikamaru's situation at the Ninja Academy.

The news he received only confused him more. His son, who was usually extremely troublesome, had done a series of troublesome things that were completely out of character because of him.

Being punished for not handing in homework, joining the cooking club in wrongdoing, and even tacitly accepting the absurd title of "Devil King"... This is completely unlike the Shikamaru he knows.

This morning, as Shikamaru was leaving for school, Shikaku casually probed, "Shikamaru, did you meet any... um, special girls at the Ninja Academy?"

He clearly saw a fleeting hint of unease cross his son's usually lazy face. His ears turned a visible red, his eyes darted around, and he mumbled, "...No." Then he fled in panic.

As Shikaku watched his son's retreating figure, how could he not understand?

He never imagined that even his exceptionally intelligent son would be unable to escape the allure of the Uchiha clan, which was said to be cursed.

"Shikaku," the Third Hokage's voice pulled him back to reality, "Konoha's future still depends on the stability and support of you Chubu ninja clans." His words carried a profound meaning.

Shikaku composed himself and respectfully replied, "You flatter me, Hokage. The Nara clan will do our utmost." But his gaze unconsciously drifted toward the black-haired girl standing quietly not far away.

You didn't notice Shikaku's complicated gaze; you were staring absently at the drifting clouds in the sky, pondering the details of this mission.

Just then, a tall, slender figure quietly appeared next to your shadow on the ground.

You turn your head and meet Kakashi Hatake's eyes. He seems to have rushed over, but his aura is still disguised as nonchalant.

"I heard," Kakashi said lazily, hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shikaku, "that the Third Hokage entrusted you with the task of protecting the Western fortune tellers?"

You nodded, and simply said, "Mm."

Kakashi stroked his chin, his exposed eye curving slightly, seemingly with a hint of anticipation. "I'm also quite curious why it wasn't someone like me, a seasoned veteran, who did it."

His tone suddenly became smug, "So, last night, I specifically applied to work with you on this mission."

Upon hearing this, you looked directly at Kakashi, grasping the key point in his words, "Senpai, did you apply for this mission because of me...?"

"Cough cough!" Kakashi almost choked on his saliva. He quickly turned his face away, coughed twice to cover up his embarrassment, and tried to explain.

"I just feel that... your experience is still relatively short. If something goes wrong while you are carrying out a mission involving important outsiders, it will be very troublesome to deal with."

He would never admit that he came over under that pretext because he was worried about you acting alone! It would be too...shameful to admit such a thought!

Seeing his attempt to cover up his misunderstanding, I teased, "Is that so? I think sometimes, you're more endearing when you're a little more frank."

"C-Cute?!" Kakashi's exposed half-face instantly turned bright red, even the tips of his ears under his silver-white hair turned crimson.

He was caught off guard by your words and wished he could immediately use earth-遁术 (earth-遁术 is a type of magic in Chinese) to bury himself or cover his face with "Make-Out Paradise".

How should he respond? Rebut? Admit it? None of those seem right!

Just as Kakashi was feeling so embarrassed he felt like he was about to evaporate, a soft bell sound came from afar, interrupting his awkwardness.

Everyone's gaze, including that of the Third Generation and Shikaku, turned toward the main road at the village entrance.

A small convoy of cars, decorated with exotic patterns, was slowly approaching.

In the center of the procession, on a sedan chair draped with a thin veil, sat a figure draped in a long robe adorned with intricate star and moon patterns.

The fortune teller from the West has arrived.

Kakashi instantly suppressed all his unnatural expressions and returned to his usual lazy yet alert demeanor.

The girl landed lightly, her skirt embroidered with intricate star and moon phase patterns, shimmering with a subtle silver light in the sunlight.

With her long platinum blonde hair, she gracefully bowed to the welcoming party, saying, "It is a great honor to be here in Konoha, Third Hokage."

Standing at the forefront was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, with an official smile on his face. "Miss Viya, welcome. I hope Konoha will leave you with a good impression."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hiruzen and several other high-ranking Konoha officials left first, as they still had a mountain of administrative matters to attend to.

The task of receiving this guest from the distant West fell to Nara Shikaku.

Shika led Viya into Konoha Village. Her purple eyes, filled with curiosity and scrutiny, slowly swept over the streets, buildings, and passersby of Konoha.

His gaze inadvertently swept across the distance and settled on two people: a masked, silver-haired male ninja with a lazy air, and a black-haired, black-eyed girl beside him.

“Miss Via,” Nara Shikaku followed her gaze and introduced them at the opportune moment, “they are Konoha’s elite ninjas, Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Nagi. They will be responsible for your safety during your stay in Konoha.”

Viya's gaze swept over the two of them, but finally pointed directly at the black-haired girl who had been expressionless. She said in a commanding yet not offensive tone, "You, come here."

You frowned slightly, not understanding what this foreign visitor wanted to do, but based on the mission, you still took a few steps forward as instructed, looking at the other person with your dark eyes.

Viya took out a stack of cards with mysterious patterns from her exquisitely embroidered pouch, a seductive smile on her face.

"Want to try tarot cards? I can do a free reading for you." Her tone was confident, clearly indicating she was very confident in her divination skills and used to the admiration and curiosity others had for her.

You glanced at the stack of intricately patterned cards and shook your head without hesitation, “...Sorry, no thanks.”

Nara Shikaku couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. As expected of the Uchiha clan, their aloofness and disregard for others showed no respect for anyone.

He subconsciously glanced at Kakashi Hatake and noticed that the usually lazy Jonin was tense, as if afraid that Via would get angry.

Surprisingly, Viya only showed a fleeting look of surprise, without revealing any displeasure.

She looked at you with even more interest, her deep purple eyes sparkling. "You're very interesting."

She smiled gently, "Then you'll stay with me for the time being."

You and Kakashi exchanged a glance, then silently followed in Viya's footsteps, fulfilling your duty as her protectors.

Shikaku dutifully led Viya on a tour of some of Konoha's iconic locations, providing a brief introduction to the village's history and landscape.

After the general itinerary was completed, Shikaku politely took his leave. "Miss Viya, the general situation of Konoha has been introduced. Please make yourself at your leisure. If you need anything, we will provide assistance at any time."

"Thank you, Mr. Shikaku." Viya nodded gracefully.

Now, only you and Kakashi remained by Viya's side. She turned around, looking at the two silent ninjas with a hint of inquiry on her face, "Is there anything fun to do here?"

She was trying to find opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the local customs and culture, or... to meet more people.

You lacked interest in the concept of playing games, and directly pointed to Kakashi beside you, indicating that he was the local expert.

Kakashi scratched his messy silver hair, his exposed eye filled with helplessness. "Well... sorry, I'm not too sure either."

His usual entertainment is finding a quiet corner to watch "Make-Out Paradise".

Seeing that none of you could provide a satisfactory answer, Viya couldn't help but wonder, are all Easterners so shy and lacking in a sense of humor?

She came to the East, following divine guidance, to find a specific person. How can she get more people to accept her divination so that she can find that person?

Her gaze fell once more on you, the one she trusted. "This gentleman beside you...would you like to try some tarot cards?"

Viya decided to start by getting close to the people around this seemingly calm young woman.

Kakashi, upon hearing this, became somewhat interested.

The intelligence he received indicated that this girl from the West was known as a messenger of the gods, and her divination skills were said to be beyond comprehension.

With a mixture of curiosity and curiosity, he nodded, "Okay."

Seeing that he agreed, Viya's face showed a satisfied expression.

She made the request, "Then please provide me with a dark, undisturbed room; divination requires a focused and tranquil atmosphere."

Kakashi had no objection and immediately reported it to his superiors via communication means.

The higher-ups quickly approved it and arranged a quiet room not far from the ninja school.