Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

That woman was too dangerous. Fortunately, the Uchiha clan's marriage candidates were all... well, let's just say they were complicated, giving her ample reason to refuse.

Chapter 41 Rules

Mito Uzumaki knew that cooperating with Nagi Uchiha was tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin, but she preferred this dangerous path to being used as a political pawn and sent to another country.

Even if there is an abyss ahead.

She stood up, walked to the window, her red hair swaying gently in the evening breeze. "It seems it's time to visit our distant relatives."

Mito muttered to herself, her gaze drifting towards the distant territory of the Senju clan.

The call of bloodline, the survival of her family, and the quietly emerging desire to change her own destiny all propelled her to make a decision.

She had to personally visit the Senju clan to get close, observe, and even... probe them.

Whether it's Hashirama's legendary "Wood Release" and ideals, or Tobirama's unfathomable wisdom, she needs to witness them firsthand.

“Uchiha Nagi…” Mito Uzumaki silently murmured the name, that woman with cold and arrogant eyes, who acted madly yet had a keen insight into the future.

The night wind in the capital carries the salty taste of the sea tide, brushing against the high city walls. You stand alone among the battlements, your black robe fluttering in the wind, your long hair cascading down like a waterfall.

The city below is brightly lit, and the streets are bustling with people celebrating some unknown festival. Laughter can be faintly heard, yet it stands in stark contrast to the desolation in your heart.

As his fingertips gently traced the cold bricks of the city wall, his Mangekyou Sharingan activated unexpectedly, the three tomoe slowly rotating within his scarlet eyes.

In the blood-red vision, the lights twisted and changed, gradually outlining the silhouette of a blurry boy with soft black hair and a bright smile, sitting on the edge of the city wall, swinging his legs.

"Sister, the scenery here is so beautiful! It's even more magnificent than the watchtower in our Uchiha clan's territory!" The boy turned his head, his face bearing the most familiar innocent smile from his memories.

“Ah Su…” Your throat tightened, and your outstretched hand hung in mid-air.

Even though she knew it was just an illusion created by the Sharingan, she still couldn't help wanting to touch her younger brother's face.

Just as her fingertips were about to touch the boy, a strong gust of wind swept by, and Uchiha Suku's figure vanished in the wind like grains of sand, leaving only a few strands of dark hair-like shadows lingering on her fingertips, disappearing in an instant.

Your hand froze in mid-air, slowly clenching into a fist, and the wind on the city wall grew stronger.

“Remembering the traces of a person’s existence is far more unsolvable than enduring pain…” Su’s voice faded into the wind.

It was an evening after the rain, and the training grounds of the Uchiha clan were still filled with the fresh scent of earth.

You have just returned from a secret mission with your old subordinates, exhausted and covered in undried blood. You tiptoe into your younger brother's room, careful not to disturb Su, who may already be asleep.

The room, which should have been tidy, was in complete disarray. The bedding that had been carefully arranged for his younger brother was haphazardly spread out on the bed, forming a large bulge that seemed to conceal something alive, occasionally wriggling.

You frowned, warily pressing the kunai at your waist, while your other hand slowly lifted the corner of the blanket—

Happy birthday, sister!

Uchiha Su suddenly jumped out of bed, holding a crooked handmade cake with a few melting candles stuck on it.

His face was covered in cream and flour, but his eyes shone like they were filled with stars.

You stood there, stunned. The training from your old subordinates had long since erased your concept of birthdays, and you had even forgotten the existence of this day.

"I... I secretly learned how to make it from the old lady in the kitchen! Although it doesn't look very pretty..." Su scratched her head sheepishly, then handed the cake back to you, "But it should taste pretty good! Sister, try it!"

Your gaze sweeps across the bed, where scattered are the "treasures" Su has collected from various places: an enemy headband picked up on the battlefield, several oddly shaped pebbles, a broken shuriken... all of which are his treasured collections, which he is now taking out as gifts for himself.

As a secret agent trained by the Uchiha clan, you no longer hoped to escape the control of your former subordinates alive.

Her only concern was her younger brother, whom she had raised single-handedly after their parents passed away.

All you hope for is that Su can grow up safely before your inevitable death.

"Happy together." In the end, you simply ruffled your brother's hair gently, your voice softer than usual. You took out a sealing scroll from your ninja tool bag, and after unsealing it, a specially made kunai, completely black, appeared in your palm.

"This is a gift for you."

Su's eyes widened even more. He carefully took the kunai, his fingers lightly tracing the Uchiha clan crest and a small character "Su" engraved on the blade.

"W-Was this made especially for me? Thank you, sister! I will cherish it!" The boy rushed up and hugged you tightly, his voice trembling with excitement.

You never imagined that this would be the last gift you would give to your younger brother.

You suddenly opened your eyes on the city wall and were shocked to find that your hands had been clenched into fists, and the kunai you gave to Su was piercing your palms.

Fresh blood dripped from the blade of the kunai, blooming into dark red flowers on the blue bricks of the city wall.

The pain spread from the palm to the heart, but strangely it relieved the suffocating feeling that was almost tearing you apart.

"Su's voice still seems to be ringing in my ears..." You smiled bitterly and slowly pulled out the kunai.

Blood gushed out immediately, flowing down your pale wrist and staining your sleeve red. You casually shook your hand, letting the blood droplets splatter onto the stone bricks of the city wall.

As I turned to leave the city wall, only a few drops of dark red on the bricks testified to the reality of that moment. The night wind scattered all whispers, freezing memories and blood together on the cold walls of the Water Kingdom.

In the shadows of the city wall, a pair of pure white eyes slowly closed, and Lian's figure vanished like mist, leaving only a faint sigh that drifted away in the salty sea breeze.

The vermilion palace doors slowly opened, and the morning light poured in like a golden stream, illuminating the marriage certificate on the central long table, which had just been stamped with the seals of both countries.

The two names on the gold-embossed paper were particularly dazzling in the sunlight—"Akiyama Nana" and "Shikaga Rin".

You put the brush back on the inkstone, tapping your fingertips lightly twice on the table. Today you're wearing a dark-colored, high-collared robe, the subtle silver embroidery appearing and disappearing with your movements, making your skin look even more pale and cold.

Standing behind you, Uchiha Rei took the handkerchief handed to you by the servant and quietly wiped away the vermilion stain on your fingertips.

"Lord Tanuki, what about the betrothal gifts..." Akiyama Musashi rubbed his hands together, his gaze shifting between the marriage certificate and you, but he still couldn't hide the anxiety in his eyes.

"What's the rush?" You rested your chin on your hand, a half-smile playing on your lips. "It's not too late to collect the betrothal gifts at the engagement ceremony next month."

You leaned forward slightly, your shadow sliding along your silhouette, casting a dangerous dark hue on the table. "Could it be that the lord thinks I would embezzle it?"

Akiyama Musashi's Adam's apple bobbed, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He did suspect that the ruthless prime minister was after the dowry, but without concrete evidence, he dared not raise any questions rashly.

"How dare I..." Akiyama Musashi chuckled dryly and waved his hand, "It's just according to tradition..."

“Traditions are created by people.” You stand up, your long robe flowing like water. “The rules I set are the new traditions.”

These words fell lightly, yet they caused the air in the entire palace to freeze. Several senior ministers from the Land of Water looked at each other, but none dared to utter a word of rebuttal.

Uchiha Rei silently stepped forward and pulled out a chair for you.

The political discussions ended hastily in an eerie atmosphere. As you and Lengxi walked out of the council hall one after the other, the officials of the Water Kingdom breathed a sigh of relief in unison, as if they had just seen off an evil god.

The long corridor of Canglan Palace is winding and secluded, with water-patterned glass on both sides refracting the sunlight into a shimmering blue.

Your footsteps were neither hurried nor slow, and the sound of your heels clicking on the jade floor was crisp and rhythmic.

"Bai Lian sent a message this morning," Leng Xi said in a low voice. "He has found the entrance to the Vortex Ruins, but he needs you to personally break the final seal."

Your steps didn't falter at all. "Tell him to wait on the outskirts and not to make any rash moves. That place..."

A crisp shout came from behind, and Akiyama Nana, dressed in a gorgeous twelve-layered kimono, chased after him, lifting her skirt. The crystal headdress in her blonde hair jingled as she ran, her cheeks flushed with anger, and her eyes burned with resentment.

"Princess, you mustn't be reckless!"

Almost at the same moment, Lian's figure condensed like mist in front of Nana and reached out to block her way.

Although his pure white eyes were closed, his taut jawline revealed a rare tension in him.

You and Leng Xi turned around at the same time. Sunlight streamed in from the side, casting shadows of varying depths on your sharply defined faces, making it impossible to see your expressions.

"I really underestimated you!" Akiyama Nana's voice trembled with excitement. Ignoring Lian's attempts to stop her, she pointed at you and rebuked you sharply, "You're even willing to sacrifice your adopted son's marriage for politics! No wonder all the nations think you'll stop at nothing for power!"

The guards and maids on both sides of the corridor all lowered their heads, wishing they were deaf at that moment.

“My adopted son will not be as willful as Her Highness the Princess.”

You walked forward slowly, each step causing Nana to unconsciously take a small step back. "He enjoys the privileges of nobility, so he should be prepared for a political marriage, not..."

Your voice suddenly turned cold, "You can't have your cake and eat it too. There's no such thing as a free lunch."

These words were like a sharp sword, piercing the most vulnerable part of Akiyama Nana's heart.

She truly wanted to preserve her princess status while also pursuing a free love. Touched by this painful truth, Nana trembled all over, tears welling up in her eyes.

"You...you've never truly felt anything!" Akiyama Nana almost screamed, tears streaming down her face. "Your world is only about weighing pros and cons! Sooner or later, everyone you love will leave you!"

The air seemed to freeze at this moment.

Your pupils contracted sharply, and a barely perceptible sadness flashed in your eyes.

But in an instant, that vulnerability was replaced by an even sharper edge. You took a step forward, almost face to face with Akiyama Nana, so close that you could see the tears hanging on her eyelashes.

"Your Highness, you should worry about yourself." Your voice was as soft as a whisper, yet carried a chilling edge. "At least I won't end up like you..."

You tilted your head slightly, your gaze sweeping over the tense Lian beside you. "So passive, so pitiful."

As if struck by lightning, Akiyama Nana staggered back two steps. Lian immediately supported her shoulder, his pure white eyes opening fully for the first time, watching her warily.

The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds before you finally turned around and said, "Let's go, Lengxi. We should head back to the Wind Kingdom to prepare for our engagement ceremony."

As your figures disappeared at the end of the corridor, Akiyama Nana finally collapsed into Ren's arms, "How dare she... how dare she..." Her voice was broken, her fingers gripping Ren's sleeve tightly.

“She lost people important to her,” Lian suddenly spoke, her voice so soft that only Akiyama Nana could hear it, “Many…many…”

Akiyama Nana looked up, and through her tear-blurred vision, she saw for the first time such a complex expression on Ren's face—a sorrow that was almost relatable.

On the official road at the border of the Land of Water, a black carriage bearing the emblem of the Land of Wind slowly drove along, its wheels making a dull thud as they rolled over the muddy road after the rain.

You sit back in the carriage, holding a secret letter that was just sent via psychic magic.

"Send the order to the higher-ups." You suddenly spoke, your voice calm and without a trace of emotion, "Lu Helin is not allowed to leave the Land of Wind from this day forward until the day of the engagement ceremony in the Land of Water."

A cluster of blue chakra flames ignited at his fingertips, burning the secret letter to ashes, "in the name of 'Tanuki'."

Across the carriage, Uchiha Reixi slightly raised her eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in her dark eyes.

This order means you will use your highest authority in the Land of Wind to place your adopted son, the child you once rescued from the ruins of the battlefield, under house arrest.

“He will hate you,” Leng Xi said bluntly, her voice low.

You gaze out the window at the receding scenery, where the jacaranda flowers, unique to the Land of Water, appear particularly poignant in the rain. "Hate is easier to bear than death; at least... he can live to hate me."

The carriage fell silent, with only the sound of wheels rolling over the mud and the faint sound of distant waves. Rain streaked across the windows, leaving winding trails that resembled weeping faces.

"What are your plans for the future?" you suddenly asked, your voice softer than usual. "Stay in the Uchiha clan, or... live the life you want?"

The question came so abruptly that Leng Xi's body visibly stiffened for a moment.

He slowly raised his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in his deep black eyes before returning to a stagnant state. White light shone through the gap in the curtains, casting a thin streak of light on his high, straight nose.

“I don’t know.” Leng Xi’s voice was low and hoarse. “Just stay with the Uchiha.” He paused, his gaze drifting to the rapidly receding scenery outside the window. “Although… it doesn’t really make any sense.”

“But at least…” Leng Xi’s voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, “that it can protect Su’s tombstone.”

The name was like a blunt knife, piercing the hearts of two people at the same time. The air in the carriage froze instantly, and even breathing became clearly audible.

Chapter 42 Farewell

The rain grew louder, pattering on the car roof like countless tiny footsteps. You finally turned your head and looked directly into Leng Xi's eyes. Your Mangekyou Sharingan had been activated at some point, and your scarlet eyes stood out starkly in the dimly lit car.

“You visit his grave every year.” This is not a question, but a statement: “On the anniversary of his death, there is always a bouquet of fresh lilies of the valley placed in front of his tombstone.”

Leng Xi's pupils contracted slightly, clearly not expecting you to know about this. He turned his face away, his jawline taut. "It was just...on the way."

You didn't expose this clumsy lie. Lily of the valley is Su's favorite flower, and the cemetery and the clan land are in completely opposite directions, so it's impossible for them to be on the same route.

Leng Xi clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms. When he arrived, he only had time to hold Uchiha Su's gradually cooling body.

“I know.” Leng Xi’s voice was hoarse. “I…have always known.”

This is the first time in five years that the taboo name has been discussed in depth. The boy with the bright smile who always followed you around calling "Brother Lengxi" and "Sister" has become a permanent scar between you.

The carriage finally crossed the border of the Water Kingdom and stopped at the crossroads.

Lengxi needs to return directly to the Uchiha clan's territory to report, while you need to continue to other places.

You got off the train and stood in the rain, and neither of you said goodbye first.

The border guards stood at a distance, not daring to approach the pair of ninjas who exuded a dangerous aura.

Finally, you broke the silence first, took the short knife from your waist, and handed it to me as a birthday gift from Leng Xi many years ago. "Here, take this back."

Leng Xi didn't take it, her dark eyes churning with complex emotions. "No need. Once something is given away, there's no reason to take it back."

Your hand hovered in mid-air, raindrops dripping from the scabbard. After a moment, you withdrew your hand and said softly, "I don't know when we'll meet again."

You look up, raindrops sliding down your cheeks like silent tears. "But thank you for remembering Su. Goodbye, my old friend."

The word "old friend" made Leng Xi's breath catch in her throat. You were once partners who fought side by side, seamless partners, and... Su's two closest friends.