Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

“Summer festival...festival procession..." he repeated the two words in a low voice.

"Uchiha Nagi, let me see what kind of trouble you can get into."

He changed his mind. He wouldn't openly support it, but perhaps... he could go and investigate in person.

As for whether or not to do anything, such as secretly eliminating any factors that might threaten her safety, or simply to remain a silent observer... we'll see when the time comes.

Deep within the tower of Yuyin Village.

Dim light filtered through the stained glass, casting dappled shadows that shone on the black trench coats embroidered with red clouds worn by the Akatsuki members.

A chilling and dangerous atmosphere permeated the air, perfectly complementing the continuous drizzle outside.

Zetsu rose slowly from the ground like a plant. The white Zetsu conveyed Tobi's suggestion in its unique comical tone, while the black Zetsu remained silent and profound as usual.

The proposal was simple, yet it plunged everyone present, except for the messenger, into a brief silence.

Participating in Konoha's Summer Festival?

Vote for that undercover agent lurking in Konoha?

What are they competing for...most popular?

"Hey! Hidan!" Hidan was the first to get angry. He was carrying the Bloodstained Three-Month Scythe, and his face was full of a sense of absurdity, as if he were kidding me.

“Are you sure you’re not crazy, or cursed by some strange evil god?!” he yelled at the top of his lungs.

"We're supposed to attend some boring, radiant festival? And vote for a little girl?! What kind of mission is this?! It's blasphemy!"

He reveres killing and suffering, not festivals and popularity contests.

Kakuzu's green eyes gleamed with shrewdness in the shadows.

He did not object immediately, but instead astutely grasped the crux of the problem, his voice low and hoarse.

"How many people are there in the Akatsuki organization? Even if all members were mobilized, plus the peripheral members, the number would still be extremely limited."

"Competing for the most popular vote... the difficulty probably lies not in how many votes we cast, but in Konoha's massive population and the number of tourists from outside the village, right?"

His tone carried a barely perceptible hint of wariness, "Besides, this kind of mission... doesn't sound like it comes with a generous reward."

Obito's brow, hidden beneath the vortex mask, twitched.

He knew it would be like this, he cleared his throat and added in an attempt to sound relaxed.

"...Ahem, well, voting isn't for nothing, the organization will reimburse you... um, one thousand taels per vote."

"One thousand taels?!" Kakuzu's voice rose instantly, and he clutched his account book, which he never parted with.

"Do you know how much money is needed to make a popularity poll at a festival like Konoha effective? It's a sure-fire way to lose money! I object! I strongly object!"

As the financial manager of the Akatsuki organization, any unnecessary expenditure felt like cutting into his flesh.

Sasori of the Red Sand remained hidden within his Hiruko puppet, not even raising his head, continuing to manipulate a small experimental puppet in his hand with chakra threads, as if the discussions outside had nothing to do with him.

He had no interest whatsoever in this boring, lively activity; he'd rather use that time to improve his art.

"Konoha?" Deidara seemed intrigued. He held a lump of clay in his hand, his golden ponytail swaying. "Hmm...that place, it's been a long time since I've seen it, hmm."

His tone was tinged with nostalgia and curiosity. For an explosion artist, a crowded and lively place is attractive in itself, not to mention the chance to see that unique girl who had left a deep impression on him.

He didn't give a clear answer, but he was clearly not opposed to it.

Uchiha Itachi stood quietly in the corner, like a crow blending into the shadows.

His handsome face was expressionless, as if Obito's suggestion was just a passing breeze.

Beneath his calm exterior, a slight ripple stirred within him.

Participating in a popularity contest? That doesn't fit his perception of you at all.

Although he didn't understand, his thoughts involuntarily began to calculate how many votes he could cast if he converted all the rewards he had accumulated from completing tasks over the years into ballots.

The thought flashed through his mind so quickly that he didn't even delve into its underlying meaning.

Konan remained silent, her cool gaze shifting to Pain, who sat regally in the main seat.

Paper flowers trembled gently in her hair; her attitude was clear: everything was up to the leader.

Nagato scanned the organization members, each with a different expression, through Pain's Rinnegan.

Even he felt a strong sense of unreality the moment he heard the suggestion.

Sending Akatsuki to vote for Konoha's mole? That sounds like a clumsy joke. Tobi's behavior is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Nagato's intuition, however, told him that this might not be entirely a bad thing.

The Konoha Summer Festival is open to the entire ninja world, and the event will attract a diverse range of people. While the defenses will be strengthened, attention will inevitably be diverted.

This is indeed a good opportunity to infiltrate, gather intelligence, or even seize the moment.

As for the vote... it may seem absurd, but perhaps it could serve as a cover, or offer a unique perspective for observation?

After a moment of silence, Pain's voice, as cold as a god's, rang out, "Since Konoha has opened its doors, let's go and take a look."

His gaze swept over the crowd, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

"Perhaps we can find some... worthwhile opportunities to take action."

The leader had already made the decision. Hidan pouted, dissatisfied but no longer complaining. Kakuzu, clutching the ledger, looked ashen-faced, already feeling the pain of the money that was about to be spent like water.

Sasori remained silent, Deidara shrugged indifferently, Itachi's eyes flickered slightly, and Konan nodded gently.

The Inuzuka family's yard was meticulously decorated, with ribbons and balloons adorning the greenery, and the air filled with the aroma of grilled meat and desserts—it should have been a joyful birthday party.

Kiba Inuzuka, the main character of the day, has yet to appear. Instead, the guests who arrived earlier all focused their attention on the group photo placed in a prominent position in the center of the courtyard.

Nara Shikamaru, with his hands in his pockets, leaned lazily against the wall. His usually half-closed eyes were now slightly open as he stared intently at the photo, his brows furrowed.

How could he not know... that your eyes can convey such a level of emotion? Even if it might just be a deliberate performance for a photo, it's enough to show that you're not entirely incapable of doing it.

He still didn't fully understand your frustration and strong desire to explore, which were quietly growing in his heart.

Uchiha Sasuke stood with his arms crossed in the shadows a little distance from the photo, his face so gloomy it could drip water.

He had finally managed to ease the sharp tension between you by sharing secrets, and he thought he could use this to get closer to you.

How come you've gotten involved with that loudmouth Kiba Inuzuka again, and even taken such... ambiguous photos?

The dark impulse to imprison you, to make you see only his image, surged up uncontrollably once again.

His Sharingan even felt hot, as if echoing the turmoil in his heart.

Chapter 337 Summer Festival Dance (11)

Naruto Uzumaki was even more direct. He leaned close to the photo, pressed his face against it, his blue eyes wide open, and his features almost contorted with jealousy.

He pointed at the photo, muttering to himself, "Why...why would Nagi-chan look at that idiot like that! I knew Nagi-chan first! Damn it!"

He felt a sour taste in his mouth, as if he had swallowed a whole lemon.

Even Shino Aburame, whose presence is usually minimal, quietly pushed up his sunglasses, his gaze sweeping between the photo and the several people around him who were clearly in a bad mood.

The insects that parasitized him seemed to sense his subtle emotional fluctuations, emitting almost inaudible flapping sounds.

He thought to himself: It seems... everyone has established some kind of special connection with Uchiha-kun in different ways.

So, shouldn't he also think of a way to avoid always being excluded?

Sai sat in the corner, a formulaic smile on his face, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents surging before him.

He opened his sketchbook, and there was a pencil sketch that had appeared on it sometime earlier—it was the profile of your cool and quiet face.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Inuzuka family mansion.

"Auntie Claw! Look, this is the Uchiha Nagi I told you about! She's amazing!" Kiba Inuzuka excitedly introduced you to a capable middle-aged female ninja beside him.

You step forward, bow slightly, and say, "Hello, Senior Claw."

Inuzuka Tsuru only agreed to meet the girl because of his nephew's repeated requests.

But when her gaze fell on you, a genuine look of amazement flashed in her eyes.

The girl had a tall and straight figure, delicate features, and a unique mysterious aura.

No one dislikes beautiful things, and Inuzuka Tsurugi is no exception.

She looked you over for a moment, then asked you a few simple questions about your physical coordination and understanding of the deer dance. Your answers were to the point, showing that you had a good physical foundation and a clear mind.

“Not bad.” Inuzuka Tsuru nodded, a satisfied look on his face. “The identity of the High Priestess of Shikamaru requires not only strength, but also a kind of charisma that can command respect. This child is very suitable.”

She made the decision on the spot with almost no hesitation, appointing you as the high priest for the deer dance segment of the festival procession.

With your most important goal achieved, the tension in your heart finally eases slightly. As you return to the main venue of the birthday party side by side with Ya, you keenly sense that something is amiss.

Several gazes, some direct and some indirect, were cast upon you. When you followed their gazes and saw the carefully arranged group photo, you instantly understood the seriousness of the problem.

This photo... is definitely a problem.

Just then, Inuzuka Hana warmly greeted you, smiling as she took your hand and said in a friendly tone, "You must be Uchiha Nagi! You're just as beautiful as in the photos! Kiba talks about you all the time at home, saying you're both amazing and beautiful, and that you're his best friend!"

You were pulled away by Inuzuka Hana to talk, temporarily escaping the suffocating gazes surrounding you.

As soon as you left, the crowd, who had been unable to contain themselves, immediately surrounded Kiba Inuzuka and Akamaru in his arms, who hadn't even had a chance to gloat.

Shikamaru crossed his arms, his tone unusually cold, and fired the first shot, "Tell me, Kiba, what's the story with the photos?"

Although Sasuke didn't speak, his murderous gaze said it all.

Naruto bared his teeth, looking like he was ready to fight if he didn't explain himself.

Stared at by so many hungry wolves, Kiba felt a chill run down his spine. He chuckled dryly, his eyes darting around, when suddenly an idea struck him. He pointed behind the crowd and shouted, "Uchiha Nagi!"

Driven by an instinctive reaction to that name, Shikamaru, Sasuke, Naruto, and the others turned around almost simultaneously.

In that split second, Kiba, with the Inuzuka clan’s exceptional physical skills and speed, slipped through the encirclement like an eel while carrying Akamaru, shouting triumphantly as he ran.

"You guys are so mad! Nagi still wants to watch the summer festival fireworks with me! We made a pinky promise!"

"What?! Watching fireworks?!" Naruto was the first to explode, immediately taking off after Kiba, yelling, "Kiba, you bastard! Stop right there! How could Nagi-chan agree to watch fireworks with you?!"

Of the remaining few, Shikamaru rubbed his aching temples, feeling that the trouble level had reached a new high; Sasuke's face was as black as the bottom of a pot, and the atmosphere around him was even more oppressive; even the insects around Shino seemed to be flapping their wings more rapidly.

Everyone clearly realized that another formidable rival had officially joined the fray.

Kiba Inuzuka's birthday was spent in such a strange atmosphere, outwardly a celebration, but inwardly filled with envy, jealousy, resentment and a strong competitive spirit.

The rare tenderness in your eyes in the photo deeply touched the hearts of every boy present.

They all crave your special treatment, rather than remaining forever in a frustratingly cold and indifferent relationship.

On the day of the summer festival, before the morning light had completely dispelled the chill of the night, you had already quietly left the villa.

The preparations for the festival procession are intricate. As the high priest of the deer dance, who is at the core of the event, you need to arrive at the designated venue several hours in advance to get dressed up.

Unable to say goodbye to Haruno and Sakura in person, they left only a simple note on the dining table.

The atmosphere in the dedicated preparation room was solemn yet bustling.

The other clergy were already dressed in their traditional, simple attire, wearing masks that symbolized their respective duties.

Your status as the High Priestess of the Deer Dance grants you freedom in your clothing choices, finally giving you the opportunity to unpack the surprise Sakura has prepared.

It was a neatly folded yukata. The moment it was unfolded, even with your usual calm, a ripple of emotion flickered in your eyes.

It wasn't a bright, dazzling vermilion, but rather the dark red of moonlight. The fabric was embroidered with intricate and delicate patterns resembling ancient incantations and vines using silk threads of the same color, shimmering with a subtle yet luxurious sheen under the light.

Made of top-grade silk, it feels cool and smooth to the touch, clearly indicating its high value.

Sakura must have put a lot of thought and money into this gift.

You stared at the yukata in silence for a moment, then deftly put it on.

The dark red background made the exposed skin of her neck and wrists appear even paler. She fixed the antler headdress, symbolizing the deer dance priest, in her hair, and finally put on the blue demon mask that covered most of her face.

The mask only revealed the chin and dark eyes.

When you, dressed in your finest attire, stepped out of the preparation room and appeared in the procession about to depart, the previously noisy and bustling crowd fell silent for a moment.

Although the mask concealed his face, his unique and solemn attire amplified his mystery to the extreme.

His posture was as upright as a lone pine tree, his dark red yukata fluttered slightly in the morning breeze, his antlers stood proudly, and his blue demon mask was menacing. He seemed to be the incarnation of a god from ancient legends, carrying an inviolable majesty.

Those around them, dressed in standard clerical attire, couldn't help but be drawn to him, their eyes filled with amazement, curiosity, and even a hint of awe as they secretly observed the exceptionally charismatic High Priest of Deer Dance.

Just then, a young girl dressed in a pure white robe walked gracefully over. She had a beautiful face and a holy temperament; she was the chief priestess of this Kagura dance.