Maelstrom

Summary: I, Naruto Uzumaki, the King of Konoha Gakuen, in my thirst for a new challenge, found myself forcibly enrolled in Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School by my Godfather, Jiraiya. Of course, I'm ready for this challenge! After all, in a few years time, Naruto Uzumaki would rule over Japan.

But something tells me that there's more to this school and its students than what meets the eye.

Like Kakashi would always say, "Look underneath the underneath."

And I'll have lots of fun proving to everyone I'm the best!

Oh, and maybe make a lots of friends along the way! Got to have plenty of followers if I'm gonna rule this country, right?

Story Starter Pack:

This version of Naruto Uzumaki is derived from "Shippū! Konoha Gakuen Den!" To those unfamiliar, in this alternate world, the entire Narutoverse is reimagined in a modern-day setting. (Don't worry, other Naruto characters (except Jiraiya, who's Naruto's guardian) won't make appearances beyond flashbacks)

In the said story, Naruto Uzumaki retains most of his personality but of course, with a new setting, he has a new yet, still big goal: to be the Sōban of all Japan. Now, in this setting, he's of course, not going to want to be a Yakuza; rather, he wants to rule Japan.

Upon which, Naruto has received training in multiple fields, whether mental, emotional, or physical. After all, how can you lead a nation if all you have are brawns, right?

With his fighting capacity, natural charisma, training, and some of his more known quirks, Naruto will be one of the most formidable forces in the story, but not without his own set of weaknesses.

Character Profile:

Name: Naruto Uzumaki

Birthday: October 10 (Libra)

Hair Color: Blonde

Eye Color: Blue

Height: 175 cm (5'9")

Goals: To make friends and eventually, to rule Japan

Relatives:
Kushina Uzumaki (Mother, deceased)
Minato Namikaze (Father, deceased)
Jiraiya (Godfather/Adoptive Father)

Abilities:

Immense Durability - Naruto's training with Jiraiya, Kakashi, and others has helped him build up endurance that can be best described as "impossible." Naruto can get hit by vehicles and suffer minimal damage (Isekai Immunity), he can also survive being stabbed/shot as long as it doesn't hit any vital area.

Immense Stamina - Naruto has been labeled as a stamina freak from childhood, a trait that has grown even more throughout his teenage years. At the age of 14, he has proven himself capable of lasting multiple hours of non-stop sparring with Jiraiya, a notable master of multiple martial arts, earning the nickname of "The Sage."

Immense Speed - Throughout his training, Naruto has developed speed at the level, or even surpassing Olympic-level athletes. Rumors has it that he is faster than his father, the Yellow Flash (an Olympic Gold Medalist for Sprinting), at the same age.

Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant - Naruto is trained in multiple Martial Art disciplines and has been able to combine all these knowledge at an optimal level, making for a quirky, yet effective fighting style.

Master Tactician (Unorthodox) - Naruto is not your traditional master schemer, who is able to plan 50 plans ahead. Instead, his strength lies in his unmatchable ability to make plans on-the-fly. His ingenuinity and tremendous adaptability makes him a dangerous foe to everyone who dares challenge him as his plans tend to immediately strip away control from his enemies.

Skilled Politician - From kindergarten up to Middle School, Naruto has always found himself in leadership roles and has shown skills in aligning people with different agenda together, evident when he stopped the Five Academy War between Konoha, Suna, Kumo, Kiri, and Iwa Academies through his negotiation and persuasion skills.

Master Actor - As the apprentice to the self-proclaimed Super Spy, Jiraiya, Naruto has also been trained in the field of espionage, and one of the skills he had mastered is acting skills. Naruto can easily blend in wherever he finds himself in.

Chapter 1 - Enter the Maelstrom

Naruto's POV

I wonder what that Pervy-sage was even thinking. Of course, I am always game for a challenge but, wouldn't it hurt that geezer to tell me in advance that entering this school also means cutting off my contact from the outside for three whole years?! Well, not that it matters anymore, but I'm sure this is one of the games Pervy-sage is playing.

And of course, I'm going to win.

Can't rule Japan if I can't beat that old man now, can I?

Besides, it's not that I'm not used to it. When I told Pervy-sage of my goals, he has been supportive all throughout. I don't think I'd even be here without him and I will be forever grateful for that. All the challenges that involved me having to adapt to new surroundings, to ensuring my survival, and all other cool stuff... were experiences that allowed me to be me.

Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, huh?

My newest battlefield, my newest playground.

"Excuse me, but shouldn't you offer up your seat? After all, that's a priority seat. You should let the elderly sit on it"

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a middle-aged woman wearing an office uniform confront a young, well-built man, wearing the same uniform as I am. Beside the office woman was a crouching, elderly woman holding a cane.

"That's a really crazy question, lady. Why should I offer up my seat when there is no reason for me to do so?" The man replied, eyes still closed as if telling everyone that nobody is worth his time.

I can't exactly blame him fully. It's not like his seat is the only seat around. But man, isn't this argument pointless as hell? It's like my usual banters with Sasuke, the difference being: our banters are fun, this one is just annoying.

Now, I see the office lady fuming following the blonde guy's remarks about his superiority. The old woman next to her seems content to just let this issue slide. Well, time to end this dispute, shall we?

"Obaa-san! You can sit on my seat, 'ttebayo. Sorry I haven't noticed you earlier, I was kind of preoccupied thinking about my first day in school," I said to the old woman, sheepishly rubbing the back of my head.

The old woman smiled at me and said, "Thank you so much, young man!"

I smiled back at the old woman. I felt bad for her because it was clear she did not want that much attention about her predicament. From what I can see, almost everyone in the bus were looking in their direction.

Yet, none of them did anything.

It's really sad to think just how many troubles people could have avoided if they were more willing to help out one another. But human nature really is nasty, isn't it? While we are capable of feeling compassion, plenty of people only care for themselves and their own self-preservation.

As firm as Japan is in building its traditions, some things definitely needed to change. One of it being our passiveness to take action in times of urgency. Many Japanese people are content with letting the status quo stay as it is. In fact, when someone dares to challenge the status quo, these people would somehow flock together and work in deterring whoever it is that wishes to disrupt the norm. This is not only a problem in Japanese society, but it also applies to Japanese Politics. It's how the LDP has dominated Japanese Politics for most of the post-World War II Japan.

I dislike this system despite how seemingly effective it was data-wise, because it takes away many things from our citizens. To quote a foreigner friend of mine, "sheepherders thrive in Japan as it is filled with sheep."

There are, of course, exceptions to that.

And I'm hoping to see them in my new school.

Hopefully, they don't disappoint me... much.

Yare yare, I'm sounding a little like Sasuke, aren't I? I definitely shouldn't have spent a lot of time with that brooding emo. Sasuke and his daily wails about not being as good as Itachi. Heh, fun times!

"Good job on that one! If you hadn't stepped in, I would have done it, you know?"

I turned to my left and saw a beautiful, beige-haired girl with crimson eyes. She was sending me a playful grin for some reason.

"My name's Kikyou Kushida! Seeing as we'll be in the same school, I'm in Class 1-D, how about you?"

A social butterfly like Ino, eh?

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki! I'm in Class 1-A. Ne, ne, is it fine if I call you Kushida-chan?" I replied. Hopefully, I didn't make her uncomfortable. Ino and Sakura had definitely pounded it in my head to not call girls I'm not close with using their first name. But seriously, what's wrong with that? It's just a name, 'ttebayo!

"Sure thing, Uzumaki-kun! But seeing as we're in different classes, can I get your contact? Maybe we can hang out when we're free," she said.

Is she trying to pick me up? No, no! I gotta stop being delusional. She's just being a nice girl, is all. But wow, some women really are bold, aren't they?

Well, no use thinking much about it. I just took out my phone and exchanged contacts with Kushida.

"What was that in your wallpaper, Uzumaki-kun? Is that a fox?" Kushida asked as her eyes lingered on my phone screen.

"Yeah! It's actually my pet fox, Kurama. He looks cute, doesn't he?" I replied.

"Look at those ears! It looks like bunny ears! So cute!" Kushida gushed as she got a good look at Kurama's picture.

"Kushida-chan, you're lucky Kurama couldn't hear you! He would have tried to claw your face off if he heard you describe his ears like that. My Godfather did that once and Kurama tried to attack him. He's got to be the smartest fox I've ever seen," I said before chuckling at the said memory.

Perhaps, there was another world wherein Kurama could talk. I'd love to live in that world, if something like that existed! We'd probably talk shit about everyone, especially Sasuke. I just know it!

"You better protect me if he tries to attack me, Uzumaki-kun!" Kushida joked.

"Nuh-uh! That'll be your fault for saying he has bunny ears!" I joked back.

Soon after, the bus stopped as we arrived at the gates of the campus.

Wow. The government sure did not cut costs when making this institution, didn't they? Even from the outside, you can feel it's not ordinary. But, that's the least I can expect.

After all, this school is supposed to nurture the future of Japan.

I couldn't hold back a grin. Just how many interesting people am I going to meet here? Will I find my equal, or even better, will I find someone better than me?

If there are, then throw them at me! I don't care if I lose the first time, I'll just rise back up, do my best, and even the score. That's the way of Naruto Uzumaki- I never give up!

"See you when I see you, Uzumaki-kun!" I heard Kushida say as she went on ahead, no doubt headed to her classroom.

Well, that's that. I guess it's time for me to enter my classroom too.

Class 1-A's Classroom

Naruto's POV

Seems like I'm the last one to enter the classroom judging from the gazes I'm getting from everyone. Well it's not like they were scorning me, but more of, they were gauging if I was worth their time.

Of course I am!

"Seems like I'm the last one to arrive, aren't I?" I said and looked around the classroom to scout for exciting people and from the get-go, I found them: a tall, bald man with a serious demeanor and a short, lilac-haired girl with a smug look someone as small as her had no right having.

And it seems they've entered the day with a clear objective.

One that I am going to take from them.

"Since sensei still hasn't arrived, how about we make the most of our time and introduce ourselves?" I suggested and to my relief, everyone were fine with my idea.

I smiled before walking center stage.

"Then allow me to start. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, you guys can just call me Naruto. That being said, as the future ruler of Japan, I will be leading this class and if anyone wishes to challenge that, bring it on."

Everyone seemed stunned at my words, just as I expected. After all, it's not everyday a high-schooler just proclaims he'll be the ruler of Japan with a confident face.

"Fufufu, you're very interesting, Uzumaki-kun," the short, lilac-haired girl said.

"And you are?" I asked.

"Arisu Sakayanagi. I'll be your first challenger," Sakayanagi said, maintaining the smug look on her face.

Would she remain as smug as she is if I challenge her to do ten jumping jacks? That would totally be worth it, I think.

The tall, bald-headed man then made his presence known. "And I will challenge you as well, Uzumaki-san. My name is Kōhei Katsuragi, a pleasure to meet you."

I smiled at both of them. I'm sure our classmates have already felt it... the feeling of being dragged into a battle they have no business being involved in. Don't worry classmates, I'll end this quick.

I will not lose.

Naruto's POV

Following Sakayanagi and Katsuragi's challenge, the introduction amongst my classmates continued. Aside from those two, there were only two other students that I found mildly interesting: a girl named Masumi Kamuro and a guy named Masayoshi Hashimoto.

I smirked when I noticed the subtle change in the body language Hashimoto had when it became evident that I've wrestled away control from both Sakayanagi and Katsuragi. It seems like he's one of the people who would always side with the winning team. It's a little boring, but hey, the more allies I can get, the better.

Heh, it would seem that as excellent as this class is, they're still no different that most of Japanese society-sheeps who need to be led. Ah, fuck it! There I go again with my egoistical rambling. I blame you for this Sasuke, you hear me? When I get out of here in three years, my first agenda would be to kick your ass!

Now, about my challengers. From what I can initially observe from them, I think it is safe to deduce that only Sakayanagi is an actual threat. It is a little unnerving how much she had been observing me, it's like as if she was looking for any semblance of weaknesses just from body language and the way I speak. Aside from that, I can feel a strong aura from her. Just because she has a disability doesn't mean she's less deadly of a foe. I myself could attest that there are multiple ways to win a war.

Katsuragi, on the other hand, would be incredibly easy to overcome. He is the type of opponent that's tailor-suited to be defeated by me. Katsuragi seems to be a man who would stand firm to his ideals, making it very unlikely for him to be flexible. As good as he is, he would be outmaneuvered once he encounters flexible individuals like myself and Sakayanagi.

I finally took a seat at my assigned desk, and wouldn't you know it... my seatmate is the smug little girl herself.

"Hello Sakayanagi," I greeted her.

Sakayanagi turned her head to me and sent my a sly smile.

"Fufufu, it seems like I'll be in your care, Uzumaki-kun," she said.

I got to admit, Sakayanagi definitely looks cute. Not in the "I would like to date her way," okay?! But more of in the "I'd protect her," kind of way. Now, if only she wasn't so smug.

"Heeeh? Admitting defeat already, Sakayanagi?" I replied.

"That would be incredibly boring, wouldn't it?" She replied.

I laughed at her reply. Seems like we'll be getting along nicely.

As much as I would like complete submission, it'll be interesting to see just how much would my enemies resist until they figure out they never stood a chance. One-sided battles just aren't interesting. Bring it on, Sakayanagi. Show me just how interesting students of this school can be.

I then heard the first bell ring, and as if on cue, a middle-aged man with gray hair and green eyes entered the room and began examining our class.

"Good morning, students! My name is Tomonari Mashima, you can call me Mashima-sensei. In this school, we do not change classes in each grade so for the next three years, I will remain as your homeroom teacher, a pleasure to meet all of you." Mashima-sensei said.

After pausing for a while to gauge our reactions, Mashima-sensei continued speaking. "The entrance ceremony will begin an hour from now but before that, I will be handing everyone written materials containing information about this school's special rules. Take one of these and hand it to those in the back" Mashima-sensei then distributed a handbook to the rest of the class.

As the handout reached my hands, I immediately began reading it.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School differs from other Japanese High Schools in a few ways. Here, the students are mandated to live in dormitories located on school premises. And like Jiraiya mentioned, any sort of outside contact is forbidden in school and of course, leaving school grounds without permission was strictly forbidden.

Despite this, the campus also came equipped with many facilities like its own karaoke spot, theater, cafe, boutique, and more. I could already guess this while riding the bus, but this place definitely seems like a simulation of a city.

The school also boasted another unique feature: the S-system. There are barely any details telling us what this is all about.

Surely, that was on purpose, right?

"I will now hand out your student ID cards. By using your card, you can access any of the facilities on campus, purchase goods from the store, and so on. It acts like a credit card. However, it is imperative that you pay attention to the points you spend. At this school, you can use your points to buy anything. Anything located on the school premises is available for purchase," Mashima-sensei said.

I rose an eyebrow at a certain interesting detail Mashima-sensei said. You can use your points to buy anything, huh?

"Your student cards can be used simply by swiping them through the machine scanner. The method is simple, so I think you wouldn't be confused. Points are automatically deposited into your account on the first of every month. You should have received 100,000 points already. Keep in mind that one point is worth one yen. No further explanation should be necessary," Mashima-sensei finished.

The students around me, sans a few, were visibly shocked, but maintained their calm. As expected of Class A, I suppose. I wonder how those from the lower classes have reacted... perhaps some are reacting like how Kiba at this moment. Man, I missed that mutt!

"Heh, you guys are a little too calm, aren't cha? Anyways, those points would be worthless after graduation, so don't be too stingy with how you spend them. Also, you can transfer points to any other student using your student IDs, but extortion of points from your peers is strictly prohibited. This school monitors bullying very carefully," Mashima-sensei warned.

"Does anyone have any questions?"

I then raised my hand.

"Ah, Naruto Uzumaki-kun! What's your question?"

"Can you please explain in detail the point system? I find it hard to believe that the government would willingly allocate 48 million yen across all three year levels. Surely, there's got to be a catch," I said.

Mashima-sensei sent me a knowing smirk.

In my peripheral vision, I can see Sakayanagi grinning as she stared at me, and I could tell a lot of our classmates had their eyes on me. It's probably a question they were meaning to ask, but just couldn't bring it up.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't answer that, Uzumaki-kun. Any other questions?"

"You said anything could be bought using our points. Can I buy that information from you, sensei?" I pressed.

Mashima-sensei let out an audible chuckle.

"You're very interesting aren't you, Uzumaki-kun? As expected of Class A. Heh, what a wonderful bunch of kids I'm given." I heard sensei say, muttering the last phrase under his breath.

"But yes, you can buy that information from me. Unfortunately, private points wouldn't be enough." Mashima-sensei responded.

"Understood. That would be all, sensei," I bowed my head at Mashima-sensei and sat back down.

I can sense everyone looking at me with increased interest following my exchange with Mashima-sensei. Of course, I was not intending to buy information from sensei, I was merely guiding the conversation to the point that everyone in the class can understand what the S-System was all about, or at the very least, have an idea about it.

Aside from that, the exchange alone cements my position in the hierarchy of our class. With the looks of admiration I've been getting from about a third of the class, I can easily say that I have left Sakayanagi and Katsuragi in the dust.

All according to plan. Thanks Shikamaru!

When I become the Prime Minister of Japan, I'd definitely get that guy as my Executive Advisor or something. Haaah, where would I be without you, Shika?

"If there's no more questions, I will now take my leave. Enjoy your first day, Class A!" Mashima-sensei said before exiting the room.

I then felt a pat on my back, and as I turned around, I met face-to-face with the grinning face of Hashimoto.

"Talking like a class leader already, Emperor-kun!" He joked.

"Emperor-kun?"

"Well, you did say you want to rule Japan. Oh, and Sakayanagi-san, you can be princess!" Hashimoto said, bringing in the lilac-haired girl in our conversation.

"Princess? Are you assuming I'll just submit to Uzumaki-kun? A little foolish, don't you think? Fufufu."

"Do you want to be called Empress instead?" I joked, catching Sakayanagi off-guard.

As expected of Sakayanagi, she wasn't caught off-guard for too long. "Ara? Asking me out on your first day? You're too bold, Uzumaki-kun. Unfortunately, I'm uninterested in blonde and loud."

Hah! What a sharp tongue this woman has. Unfortunately, I don't have time to banter so I just laughed at her remarks and got up from my seat, motioning for Hashimoto to follow me.

Hashimoto snickered and gestured for a high-five, which I reciprocated.

"Heh! I think school life won't be boring with you around, Emperor-kun!"

"You think? I'll make it more exciting that you could even imagine, Hashimoto!"

"I can only imagine," Hashimoto replied.

"Say, want to exchange contacts?" I told Hashimoto, who nodded and then, we exchanged contacts.

With that, I secured my first colleague in this school.

Hashimoto's POV

I came in this school with two specific goals in mind: to have fun... and to always be with the winning team.

When I entered Class 1-A, I saw two people who may be worthy of leading this class: Arisu Sakayanagi and Kōhei Katsuragi. But if you were to ask me, Katsuragi would inevitably be crushed. If not by Sakayanagi, then by the other classes.

I am well aware of what this school is all about. It's built upon competition. Class A is at the pinnacle, and Class D are quite frankly, the bottom feeders. That's why, it is truly fitting that I was sorted into Class A. After all, life isn't worth it if you're not ending up on top.

But then, Emperor-kun arrived in the scene.

Just as I was planning on allying myself with Sakayanagi, this bold, confident man came up in class declaring he will rule Japan. I don't know if its by design, but his late arrival in class put more impact in his words, given all the eyes were on him when he made that declaration.

The man even had the audacity to claim that he will be leading the class, despite observing there are already other people interested in staking their own claims. But surprisingly enough, I do not sense any arrogance from Emperor-kun.

Naruto Uzumaki merely exuded incomparable confidence that I am very sure he can back up. Of course, that isn't enough for me to side with him, but then, minutes later, he manipulated Mashima-sensei into indirectly giving us more information on how this school operates.

It was something that I sensed Sakayanagi was going for as well, but Emperor-kun beat her to the punch, showing his unmatched assertiveness.

Then, I decided.

For as long as Naruto Uzumaki remains as interesting and as formidable as he is, I will follow him.

All so that I will find myself on top.

Very selfish of me, isn't it?

Heh, not that I care.

Naruto's POV

As I saw Hashimoto walk away from me, I couldn't help but have a smile on my face. Hah, heavy mercenary vibes coming from that guy! But that's fine. So long as I keep winning, I don't think that guy would turn his back on me.

I then continued walking before seeing Katsuragi in my peripheral vision and approached him. I saw that he now has a decent amount of people flocking towards him. Quite impressive, I might say... but, for how long will that last?

Perhaps, I could dominate him and integrate him and his followers into my group? That would be something. He's not the first stoic, traditionalist guy I had to put in line. There's Neji, whose ass I kicked so hard he became a devoted follower.

Would the same apply to Katsuragi?

Probably not. He seems overly driven by honor to even entertain physical challenges.

"Katsuragi."

"Uzumaki-san."

We both nodded our heads at one another, a display of acknowledgement between us.

"I will look forward to having you work under me, Katsuragi," I told the bald-headed man, who merely stared back in response, not even rising up to my provocations.

What a fine man you are, Katsuragi!

But just like the rest, you will inevitably fall.

End of Chapter