Naruto Immersive Replay, The Curse of the Sharingan

On the table was a huge cake that was several layers high.

Snow-white buttercream frosting, adorned with bright red strawberries and chocolate decorations, and on the top layer, clearly written in icing—Happy Birthday Sasuke!

Sasuke paused slightly in the hand holding the streamer of ribbons.

So, all of this... was prepared for him?

"Sasuke!" Iruka-sensei was the first to react, his face showing a little embarrassment, but he tried his best to maintain the gentle demeanor of a teacher as he waved to him.

"Come on over! Everyone just wants to give you a surprise."

Sasuke's gaze swept over the crowd.

Naruto had recovered from his initial shock and was jumping around on the side, pointing at the cake and shouting, "Stinky Sasuke! How about that! Scared you, huh! Hahaha! But why is your birthday so grand?!"

He complained, but his eyes were glued to the sweet and tempting cake as if by a magnet, and he was practically drooling.

Sasuke's gaze finally passed over everyone and settled on you, standing by the window behind Sakura.

The moment Sasuke saw you, his initial discomfort at being surrounded by such collective warmth was instantly replaced by an even stronger emotion. He couldn't lose his composure in front of you, and he couldn't show any awkwardness.

“Before everyone shares the delicious cake,” Iruka-sensei stood in the center, trying to make his voice sound energetic, attempting to dilute the cooling effect of the slightly awkward interlude when Sasuke appeared.

"Let's each say a few words of blessing to the birthday person today and present them with the gifts we've prepared!"

This is less of a blessing ceremony and more of an unspoken gift-giving ritual.

Sakura Haruno was the first to step forward and placed a rectangular gift box, carefully wrapped with a dark blue ribbon, neatly on the table in front of Sasuke.

"Happy birthday, Sasuke! This is the latest model of ninja tool maintenance oil. I specifically inquired about it, and it's said to be particularly effective for maintaining special ninja tools like the Kusanagi Sword."

Immediately afterwards, Ino Yamanaka stepped forward carrying a rare bouquet of gentians, their deep purple blossoms small and mysterious, their color appearing dark and mysterious under the light of the hall.

She winked playfully. "Happy birthday, Sasuke! This is a flower that can calm the nerves and help you sleep. I heard you always train very late, right? I hope it helps you get a good night's sleep."

She gently placed the bouquet next to the beauty oil; the purple flowers and the deep blue gift box created an eerie harmony.

Hinata Hyuga held a simple food box and carefully placed it down. "This is... red bean cake that my sister Hanabi and I made together. I hope... I hope Sasuke-kun will like it."

After putting down the gift, she immediately retreated back into the crowd like a startled rabbit, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Tenten presented a set of modified shuriken that gleamed with a cold light. She confidently introduced it, "Happy birthday, Sasuke-kun! I added a little secret mechanism to this set of shuriken; it can produce unexpected effects when used!"

She was quite proud of her ninja tool manufacturing skills.

Choji Akimichi, holding a giant gift box of potato chips almost half his height, looked unusually serious. "Happy birthday, Sasuke! This is the newest spicy volcano flavor, super high in energy, perfect for replenishing the energy depleted after intense training!"

In his eyes, sharing the most precious snacks is undoubtedly the highest expression of friendship.

Shino Aburame held a delicate, transparent glass jar. Inside the jar, an insect with a soft, luminous green tail was lying quietly.

“Happy birthday, Uchiha Sasuke.” Shino pushed up his sunglasses. “These are glowing fireflies specially bred by the Aburame family. Their light is stable and long-lasting, providing just the right amount of illumination when you are reading scrolls at night.”

He added, "It has a long lifespan; it can accompany Sasuke for at least three years."

Sasuke Uchiha's reaction to these conventional, even thoughtful, gifts was monotonous.

He only responded with emotionless "hmm" or "thank you," barely even nodding, and his gaze never lingered on the ever-growing pile of gifts.

"Hehe, Sasuke! My turn!" Naruto was holding something in his hand, which looked like a kunai.

However, the design is really not flattering. The metal parts are crooked and the handle is very rough. It is obviously handmade and the craftsmanship is quite clumsy.

"Here! This is a kunai I made for you myself!" Naruto proudly stuffed the kunai into Sasuke's hand, completely ignoring the sudden furrow in Sasuke's brow and the barely suppressed laughter of the people around him.

"Although its appearance is a bit... um... unique! But it's filled with my heart and chakra! It's absolutely useful!"

His blue eyes suddenly shone brightly, and instead of looking at Sasuke, he abruptly turned his head, his gaze fixed intently on you by the window.

"And, Sasuke! I'm giving you this gift to tell you! I, Naruto Uzumaki, will definitely become Hokage, the strongest man! Only someone like me can truly take care of Nagi-chan! Do you hear me?!"

In an instant, the room fell silent.

Sakura sighed, Ino and Tenten exchanged a knowing look, and Hinata glanced at you again.

Sasuke's face darkened. He gripped the crooked kunai tightly, his fingers tightening slightly. "You loser, your gift is just as stupid as you are."

"What did you say?! You bastard Sasuke!" Naruto immediately jumped up and down.

Just as the conflict was about to escalate, Nara Shikamaru's lazy voice chimed in at the opportune moment, "This is such a pain in the ass."

Shikamaru strolled over leisurely, holding a shogi set in his hand. "Sasuke, happy birthday. If you can't find a suitable opponent, I'm happy to play with you occasionally."

He placed the chess piece on the table, making a crisp clinking sound.

Sasuke looked at him without saying a word.

Lee's passion never wanes: "Uchiha Sasuke-kun! Another year of youthful passion! Happy birthday!"

He presented her with a green, form-fitting training suit, saying, "This training suit embodies the power of youth! Let's continue to sweat and strive on our path of training!"

He struck his signature pose, then suddenly turned and shouted in your direction, "Nagi! The flame of youth never dies! Whether it's training or protecting what's important, I'll give it my all!"

This was practically a public declaration of love. Sasuke's face darkened slightly, and he took the dazzling green bodysuit, managing to say with difficulty, "...Thanks, Lee."

Kiba Inuzuka strode forward, carrying Akamaru, and put down a set of ninja dog grooming tools. "I bought these for Akamaru and brought them back for you too!"

Before Sasuke could react, Hyuga Neji had already slowly stepped forward.

He was dressed in white, with a handsome face. He hadn't prepared a wrapped gift; he simply placed an ancient scroll on the low table in front of Sasuke, his voice indifferent.

"Happy birthday, Sasuke. This is a scroll containing some insights and secret techniques of the Hyuga Gentle Fist."

"Some things, like the bright moon, deserve the best treatment in the world. If someone cannot cherish them, there will be a more suitable candidate." Neji's words were pointed, his sharp edge aimed directly at Sasuke.

Sasuke's pupils contracted slightly as his gaze met Neji's in mid-air. He snorted coldly and did not touch the scroll.

Unfolding Sai's scroll reveals a lifelike depiction of a Cymbidium orchid.

"This is a painting I made for you." Sai's gaze drifted lightly to you, lingering for a full two seconds before returning to Sasuke's face.

"I think only a flower that grows in dire circumstances, with impeccable posture and character, can barely symbolize... well, some beautiful things that are worth appreciating and pursuing. Don't you agree, Sasuke?"

Sasuke's patience had clearly run out; the cold aura emanating from him seemed to freeze the air in response to these direct or subtle provocations.

These idiots...they don't understand anything at all.

You stop a step away from Sasuke, a distance that's neither too close nor too far, and say, "Happy birthday."

There were no extra smiles, no enthusiastic hugs, and even the blessings were kept to a minimum. If this were done by someone else, such behavior might be considered perfunctory or a lack of respect.

But you are Uchiha Nagi. Many people present even felt that it was a rare blessing that you could personally say "Happy Birthday".

Sasuke, however, thought differently.

He had waited so long, watching others present thoughtful or unique gifts one by one, listening to their sincere blessings, and in a corner of his heart, he had been secretly anticipating your reaction.

And you just happened to be the last one, appearing with such an indifferent attitude.

Sasuke finally spoke, "Giving it to you last... Uchiha Nagi, is your gift only special if it's presented last?"

The undisguised sarcasm in those words startled everyone present.

Although Sasuke is usually proud and aloof, he doesn't usually embarrass people so directly.

Your expression remained unchanged. "The order doesn't matter; it's the intention behind the blessing that matters."

"Intentions?" Sasuke seemed to find it laughable. "That sounds nice, but..."

He leaned forward slightly. "How do I know if this belated gesture of yours is just a perfunctory gesture? After all, judging from the way you were standing over there just now, you didn't seem very interested in my birthday."

He's pressuring you, forcing you to show even the slightest anger, defense, or something else.

"Is this just a perfunctory gesture?" you asked softly, pushing the simple, dark wooden box forward slightly. "Would you like to take a look at the gift first?"

You simply tossed the question back to him lightly. To hide his unease, Sasuke reached out and somewhat rudely took the wooden box.

The wooden box has a warm, smooth feel and a faint woody aroma, clearly indicating that it is made of high-quality materials.

He opened the box, and inside was not the flashy treasure that everyone had imagined, but only a shuriken lying quietly in the box.

This shuriken has a dark, deep black color throughout. It is exquisitely crafted and fits the curve of the hand perfectly. A deep red magatama hangs from the end of the handle.

"Wow..." Uncontrollable gasps of amazement came from all around.

Even ninja academy students and teachers who are used to seeing all kinds of exquisite ninja tools can tell at a glance that this shuriken is unusual.

Chapter 356 Ignition

Sasuke's eyes flashed with amazement. He subconsciously picked up the shuriken, and the weight distribution between his fingertips was perfect, as if it had been tailor-made for him.

This is indeed an excellent gift, arguably the most fitting gift of all that was given to him today.

But... he wanted more than just the gift itself.

He twirled the shuriken nimbly and gracefully between his fingers. "The gift..." he deliberately drew out, "is not bad, barely worthy of it."

Upon hearing this, even the most oblivious Naruto Uzumaki couldn't help but widen his eyes. "Sasuke! Why is he so arrogant today?! The gift Nagi-chan gave me was so cool!"

Sasuke ignored Naruto's complaints, staring intently at you, and continued his unreasonable and difficult behavior.

“However, Uchiha Nagi,” he brandished the shuriken in his hand, the red magatama swaying with it, “where’s your birthday greeting? It’s not just a dry ‘Happy Birthday’, is it?”

"As a member of the same clan, and the last to express your blessing, shouldn't your blessing be a little more special?"

Sakura Haruno gripped the hem of her clothes tightly with nervousness, her nails almost digging into her palms.

She understands your personality, and for her to attend your birthday party is already a huge favor in Sakura's eyes.

Sasuke's relentless pressure and deliberate attempts to make things difficult... what if he angers you? She simply can't imagine the consequences.

You showed no signs of anger. "What kind of blessing do you want?"

You've simply thrown the choice back to the person who created the problem.

Sasuke was clearly taken aback. He had imagined that you might be indifferent, might simply ignore him, or might even be provoked, but he hadn't expected that you would ask him a question in return, putting him in a position to be scrutinized.

A brief moment of panic shot through his nerves like an electric current. Sasuke forced himself to remain calm, his jawline tightening as he used an even more aggressive tone to mask his momentary loss of composure. "What? Do I have to teach you even a proper blessing? Uchiha Nagi, is this all the sincerity you offer?"

These words were rather arrogant, and even Iruka-sensei couldn't help but try to speak up and ease the tension.

You didn't argue about whether the gift was good or bad, nor did you debate the issue of sincerity.

Your hand holding the wooden box twitched slightly, and Sasuke's heart stopped beating. He was afraid that you would really take back the gift because of his difficult behavior.

All pride, all pretense, all pretense crumbled in the face of this instinctive reaction.

Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed you.

The moment your skin touched, you were both startled.

Sasuke's ears flushed uncontrollably, and he realized what he had just done.

You paused for a moment because of this sudden contact, "...Then I wish you can catch up with Itachi's pace as soon as possible, just as you hope."

Sasuke's breath hitched. The name Itachi was the deepest scar in his heart, the most painful obsession. How could you say it so casually?

Just before he lost control, you spoke again in a voice only he could hear, "Next time you want special treatment, just say so, Sasuke."

"There's no need to use such a...childish approach."

After saying that, you straightened up and stopped looking at Sasuke, whose expression was constantly changing, as if what you just said was just a casual comment.

You are not indifferent.

Sasuke looked away, no longer meeting your gaze. Somewhat awkwardly, he grabbed the shuriken from the wooden box, stuffed it into his clothes without even glancing at it, and pressed it tightly against his chest.

The cold metal seemed to soothe his wildly beating heart, and he moved hastily.

The auditorium was completely silent.

Everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events, unable to understand why Sasuke, who had been so aggressive just moments before, would suddenly become so...abnormal.

Iruka-sensei saw that you and Sasuke didn't really cause any uncontrollable trouble. Although the atmosphere at the birthday party was tumultuous, it was still within a manageable range.

However, for most of the students present, while the gossip was interesting, eating cake was the main event.

Naruto Uzumaki couldn't help but exclaim, "That's enough for me to eat for three days!"

"Idiot Naruto! This is Sasuke-kun's birthday cake, not just for you!" Sakura Haruno habitually punched Naruto on the head, but her eyes were also irresistibly drawn to the cake.

Kiba, holding Akamaru, exclaimed in astonishment, "This cake is even bigger than Choji's confectionery plate!"

Choji Akimichi was intently stuffing potato chips into his mouth when he heard this. He looked up, compared them carefully, and then nodded solemnly. "Hmm, they are indeed very big. I wonder how they taste."

With the cake in place, the next step should have been the standard procedure of inserting candles, lighting them, having the birthday person make a wish, and then blowing them out.