Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

You were knocked back half a step by her, feeling the slight trembling of the girl in your arms and her complete dependence on her. You raised your hand and patted Sakura's back.

Just then, a huge exclamation and murmur erupted from the crowd not far away.

Naruto Uzumaki, his face beaming with excitement, waved vigorously and shouted, "Nagi-chan! Sakura! Come look! The summer festival popularity rankings have been revealed!!"

The slightest thought that stirs your mind is precisely the ultimate goal of all your hard work today.

Straighten up Sakura, who was still clinging to you, and together you walk toward the giant light screen standing in the square, surrounded by countless onlookers.

On the light screen, golden text clearly listed the final popularity rankings of all participants in this festival parade.

And at the very top of the list, displayed in bold and enlarged font, was none other than—High Priestess of the Shikamaru, Uchiha Nagi!

Your name is followed by an astonishing number of votes.

This number far surpasses the second place, showing a precipitous lead. What is even more noteworthy is that in the list of major supporters, the first person listed is a single-character code name "Zhu".

The vote count that followed was a full 520,000 votes!

“Five, five hundred and twenty thousand...?” Sakura covered her mouth, her emerald green eyes widening as she repeated the number in disbelief.

This isn't just ordinary support; it's... throwing money away like it's going bankrupt!

"Nagi-chan! Do you know this guy named 'Zhu'? How come he... how come he gave you so many votes?!" Naruto scratched his golden hair, completely baffled, his face full of confusion and wariness.

That one person's votes alone sealed the victory. Just how much does she like Nagi-chan?

Sakura looked at you with the same confusion. Who could possibly harbor such intense and unconditional feelings for you?

As you look at the character "朱" (Zhu), a scene from not long ago flashes through your mind: when Itachi Uchiha grabbed your wrist, the ring on his finger clearly bore the character "朱".

Combined with the exaggerated number of votes, and Itachi's unusual hug and behavior...

"It should be someone I know." You gave a vague but certain answer without saying more.

Besides him, I really can't think of anyone else.

You just didn't expect that Itachi's so-called support would be in such a simple and brutal way.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the list, Uchiha Sasuke watched with a gloomy expression as the staff busily counted and checked the final data.

His gaze was fixed on the name hanging at the top of the list, and on that glaring red character.

He cast quite a few votes, but compared to Zhu, it was a drop in the ocean.

Who exactly is 'Zhu'?

Nara Shikamaru? No, impossible.

That guy has been by his father's side all day, helping the Third Hokage with his affairs, so he simply doesn't have the time or energy to vote.

He considered all the possible people, but still had no clue.

The feeling of having an unknown and powerful rival lurking in the shadows made him extremely uncomfortable.

Sasuke clicked his tongue in annoyance, no longer dwelling on Zhu's identity.

He turned and walked toward the makeshift supplementary voting area next to him. The festival allowed a final round of supplementary voting to express strong support before the final results were announced.

The staff members, seeing the aloof, black-haired young man return, quickly put on smiles.

"Young master, are you...are you sure you want to cast an additional million votes for High Priestess Uchiha Nagi?"

His voice trembled slightly with excitement and disbelief; this was an unprecedented undertaking!

"Yes." Sasuke's answer was concise and to the point, without any hesitation.

"Okay, okay! We'll process it for you right away!" The staff member's smile was almost splitting from ear to ear; they had truly met their lucky charm today.

"What code would you like to use for registration?" He took out the registration book.

Code name? Sasuke pondered for a moment. The character "朱" (zhu) was like a thorn in his side. He parted his thin lips slightly and said, "诛" (zhu).

He wanted to make that person codenamed Zhu back down and understand who was more qualified to stand by Uchiha Nagi's side.

With this huge additional vote entered, your total votes on the screen soared again, and the bright red character "诛" (meaning "to punish") appeared prominently at the top of the list of major supporters.

The soaring numbers on the list, along with the menacing new codename "Slay," left Naruto and Sakura, who had just recovered from the shock of 520,000, speechless once again.

"Who is this 'Zhu'?! He actually cast another million votes!!" Naruto counted on his fingers, feeling that his math skills were insufficient, and was completely shocked by this unreasonable power of money.

He looked at you, his blue eyes filled with curiosity. "Nagi-chan, you should know this by now, right?"

Even you frowned slightly, quickly filtering through possible candidates in your mind.

Kakashi? Impossible. His bankbook and wallet are with him, and given his low-key personality, he would never participate in such a high-profile voting event.

Sasuke? He might be one, but the word "execute"... doesn't seem like his style, and the others don't fit either.

After thinking for a while and finding no clue, you give up, too lazy to waste your energy on such a pointless thing.

"I don't know," you answered crisply. "It doesn't matter who voted."

Anyway, she's definitely going to be the most popular person.

Just then, Choji Akimichi, carrying a large bag of potato chips and sweating profusely, also approached the list.

He was entrusted by Nara Shikamaru to make a final effort.

When he saw the astronomical number of votes for Uchiha Nagi, and the suffocating competition between the number one vote 'Zhu' and the number two vote 'Zhu', Yuanyuan's face showed a shocked expression.

"Shikamaru's 300,000 votes... only ranked sixth?" Choji scratched his head, feeling that the level of competition before him was completely beyond his comprehension.

He thought about it and felt it was necessary to inform Shikamaru of this serious situation.

On the other side of the square, Nara Shikamaru happened to run into Yamanaka Ino.

Ino immediately spotted the supporter codenamed "Deer" on the list, along with a considerable number of votes.

A mischievous smile immediately appeared on her face, and she nudged Shikamaru lightly with her elbow.

"Oh my gosh~ Let me guess, who is this person codenamed 'Deer'?" Ino drawled, "That trouble-averse guy has really gone all out this time~"

A fleeting awkwardness crossed Shikamaru's face. He immediately turned his face away, putting his hands in his yukata pockets. "Tsk... What a nuisance. I don't know anything. Don't make wild guesses."

Just as he was trying to get away with it, Sakura excitedly pulled you over.

"Shikamaru! Ino! No need to vote anymore!" Sakura's voice was filled with joy and pride as she pointed to the name on the screen that was far ahead of the leader. "Nagi's popularity is a sure thing! We won!"

Your gaze fell on Shikamaru, who was trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. "I didn't expect my deskmate, who hates trouble, to participate in this boring voting activity."

Shikamaru instinctively made up an excuse, speaking rapidly, "Ah! Um... I think I heard my father calling me! It's urgent! I have to go!"

After saying that, he practically fled in panic, even his usually lazy steps became rapid, as if a raging flood or ferocious beast was chasing him.

Sakura and Ino stared at Shikamaru's disheveled figure for a moment, then couldn't help but exchange a glance and burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahaha! Shikamaru runs so fast!"

"Honestly, what's wrong with just admitting it! You clearly care about Nagi!"

The cheerful laughter pierced through the noisy air and reached Shikamaru's ears clearly, who hadn't run far.

He stumbled, nearly tripping over the hem of his yukata, but managed to regain his balance. He dared not look back, and quickened his pace, disappearing into the gaps in the crowd, leaving only a hurried silhouette.

Ino finished laughing, turned her head, and her gaze fell on your blue demon mask, with a hint of laughter and a trace of barely perceptible envy still lingering in her eyes.

She said sincerely, "Nagi, congratulations! You were absolutely dazzling today!"

Sakura nodded vigorously, holding your arm tightly, her face beaming with pride.

Chapter 343 Summer Festival Dance (17)

Inside the private hot spring inn, a warm, humid mist filled the air, creating a world apart from the lingering noise of the outdoor festival.

The wooden corridor was quiet and secluded, with a faint smell of sulfur and the fragrance of toiletries in the air.

Inside the changing room, Yamanaka Ino was adjusting the sash of her yukata in front of the mirror when, as if suddenly remembering something, she turned to Sakura, who was helping her tie the back sash, and said, "Oh, right, speaking of which, Sasuke-kun's birthday is in a few days."

Sakura paused slightly as she tied the ribbon, her emerald green eyes lighting up. "That's right! July 23rd! Shouldn't we prepare a birthday surprise for Sasuke-kun?"

Ino immediately chimed in, "That's a great idea! After all, we're friends now!"

As she said this, her gaze drifted meaningfully towards you, who were standing quietly waiting beside her.

Two intense gazes focused on you at the same time. You weren't really interested in preparing a surprise for Uchiha Sasuke, but looking at their expectant eyes, the words of refusal circled on your lips, but in the end, you nodded.

With your permission, Sakura and Ino exchanged a smile, as if they had formed some important alliance.

You were the first to emerge from the changing room, your long, wet black hair casually draped over your shoulders. Stripped of the elaborate costumes for the festival parade, you were left with only your natural charm, which, in the dim light of the hot spring inn, gave you a breathtaking beauty.

As soon as I walked into the corridor, I saw Sai standing alone under the corridor, gazing absently at the meticulously maintained dry landscape garden in the courtyard.

He heard footsteps, turned around, and his face still wore that smile that lacked genuine warmth.

Upon seeing you, he seemed to have been prepared, taking out a roll of drawing paper from his sleeve and handing it to you.

You take it and unfold it.

The drawing on the paper depicts you as the high priest of the deer dance in the festival procession.

The painting perfectly captures the essence of that moment, adding even more mystery and distance than the actual scene.

"Well done." Your comment remains concise.

Sai nodded slightly, without saying much, seemingly preparing to leave quietly after giving the gift, as usual, to continue his solitary journey.

Just as he turned around, you suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Sai stopped in his tracks and turned back to look at you with some surprise.

You looked up, and in the dim light of the corridor, Sai's somewhat bewildered face was clearly reflected in your dark eyes.

“Stop always going it alone,” your voice said with a commanding concern. “From now on, come with me.”

This statement is not a question, but a statement.

Sai's standard smile froze for a moment. Looking into your determined eyes, the formulaic curve of his lips changed.

He didn't answer "good" or "bad," but you know he implicitly agreed.

This was a silent agreement, the beginning of breaking down the barriers that had long protected him from self-isolation.

Just then, the door to the changing room next door was opened, and Hinata Hyuga and Tenten came out together.

Hinata, dressed in a light purple yukata, still shyly lowered her head, while Tenten, dressed in a vibrant orange outfit, immediately greeted you and Sai with a smile upon seeing you in the corridor.

"Nagi, Sai, you're both changed! You were quick!"

Her voice broke the brief and delicate atmosphere between you.

Sai gently pulled his hand away from yours and nodded in the direction of Tenten as a response.

You also looked at them, your gaze lingering on Hinata for a moment, noticing her quick glance at you before blushing and lowering her head.

As they followed the crowd into the spacious mixed-gender bathing area, they found the atmosphere somewhat subtle, with several figures already faintly visible in the misty steam.

"Nagi-chan! Over here! Want to have a water fight? It'll be so much fun!" Naruto was the first to jump up, waving energetically, his bright blue eyes filled with anticipation, trying to close the distance with you in his best way.

As soon as he finished speaking, Kiba Inuzuka, who was squatting to the side, revealed a mischievous smile and made a gesture to Akamaru at his feet without making a sound.

The intelligent Akamaru immediately let out a "woof," used its hind legs to propel itself onto Naruto's back, and clawed at his shoulders.

"Whoa! Akamaru! Get off! Get off now!" Naruto was caught off guard and frantically tried to get Akamaru off his back, protesting loudly, "Hey Kiba Inuzuka! Can't you control your Akamaru?!"

Ya crossed his arms and chuckled smugly, but his eyes kept glancing at you.

His wheat-colored skin gleamed under the light, carrying an awkward provocation as he tried to get the attention of someone he cared about.

In the corner of the hot spring pool, Choji Akimichi was soaking comfortably, slowly tossing a potato chip into his mouth, then leaning close to Shino Aburame, who was almost blending into the shadows beside him, and whispering a complaint.

"Believe it or not, these guys will start using all sorts of tricks to get Nagi's attention again in a little while."

He waited a while, but didn't hear his companion's usual analysis.

Choji turned his head in confusion and was surprised to find that although Shino was still standing straight, his gaze behind his sunglasses pierced through the hazy mist and was firmly fixed on you, with a focus comparable to that of studying a rare insect.

Choji's heart skipped a beat, and an ominous premonition welled up inside him.

He nudged Shino lightly with his elbow and whispered, "Hey, Shino... you wouldn't... have fallen for Nagi too, would you?"

Shino Aburame stiffened for a moment, and he did not use probability or ecology as usual to evade or refute the argument.

After a moment of silence, he countered, "Choji, based on the current situation, do you think... it's too late for me to take the initiative and approach her now?"

"Pfft—!" Choji almost choked on his own saliva. He painfully held his forehead, his chubby face filled with despair, and lamented.