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?

Naruto's POV

The entrance ceremony was as mundane as one would think it to be. It was just people talking on and on and students being forced to listen to it all. The ceremony ended without any incident. Currently, it's noontime, and with nothing else to do for the day, most of the students decided to explore the campus.

If I had to guess, most of the students were headed to their assigned dormitories, while those who'd already formed groups were on their way to the mall, cafes, karaoke places, and the like. As for me, I used this chance to farm for information.

I grabbed my phone and called Hashimoto simply because I didn't want to look like a damned loner.

"Hashimoto, are you busy?"

"Ah, Emperor-kun! No, not really. What's up?"

"I'll be gathering information about the S-System. I'd like for you to accompany me. Can you do that?"

It's one of the things Pervy Sage had taught me: effectively controlling the mood of the conversation. With this, I established that I am above Hashimoto, but I've done this in a way that he could comprehend it as a simple request he's compelled to comply with.

"Sure thing! Where are you at?"

"The park entrance."

"Alright. I'll be there in 10."

Less than ten minutes later, I saw Hashimoto approaching and waving as he neared me. This guy is definitely going to be popular. Perhaps in the future I could use him to gather more intel about the other classes? Mashima-sensei did not say this explicitly, but I'm sure this school is founded upon class competition.

In this school, there are supposedly four classes of around 40 students each per year level. When we do the math, without the expected expulsions, that would already be 480 students, and if each one is given 100,000 points a month, then the Government is basically spending 48,000,000 Yen monthly for this project, which does not make sense.

Given that this school seems to be rooted in meritocracy, it wouldn't be far off to assume that the classes were competing with each other, with the best being rewarded more. I'm sure most of my classmates could think of something similar, but they all have inconclusive evidence to back it up. This is why I'm going out of my way to do this to further stake my claim in the class.

"Hashimoto!"

I greeted my fellow blonde, who gave me a smile in response.

"You certainly are making moves quick, Emperor-kun!" He joked.

Of course, I'm making quick moves. Sakayanagi is a threat that I needed to build an early lead on. Katsuragi, while already flaunting around his minions, isn't really someone I need to worry much about. After I do this, I can relax for a while and perhaps befriend even more people. I must admit that coming to a school where you don't know anyone is a little lonely.

"You've had your own doubts about the S-System as well, right?"

"Well, sure. But what about it?"

"I'm thinking that a headstart of how it works would ensure that we remain as Class A when we graduate," I replied.

"Heh! So you've also concluded that we're pitted against the other classes, Emperor-kun?"

"That much is easy to gather, Hashimoto. Anyways, let's head out."

Hashimoto nodded and thus began our exploration of the campus. Gunning for the obvious choice, we headed out to the cafeteria to look for clues. The reason is that if I am right in my assumption that the government isn't just irresponsibly handing out money, then surely some students have already run out by this point. But aside from that, I doubt the government would just allow them to die, so they must have done something to deal with it.

"Hoh? There's a free lunch set option here."

Hashimoto then pointed out to out right where, like he said, there was a free lunch set lying around, mostly vegetables. Uhh... yuck. I hate vegetables.

"What do you think, Emperor-kun?"

I turned my head to Hashimoto and saw him grinning. He must have come to the same conclusion as I did.

"No one in their right mind would willingly eat a vegetable lunch set unless they were broke. The fact that this exists should be proof enough that not everyone gets 100,000 points monthly," I replied.

Hashimoto nodded at my response.

"But that's not enough information for you now, right?"

I already have thought of this before, but Hashimoto can get annoyingly cheeky.

I wordlessly nodded and walked towards a table where a female senpai was eating one of the free lunch sets. I turned my head towards Hashimoto, who've gotten my signal and talked with the senpai.

He's really competent, isn't he?

Less than a minute later, Hashimoto walked towards me.

"She said she's in Class 2-D. She had to eat the free lunch set because she didn't have any points left," Hashimoto reported.

Just like we thought.

So there really is another metric that determines just how many points can be allocated to your class. But I can't help but think that there's something deeper to this. Heh! Kakashi's definitely rubbing off of me, doesn't he?

"Great job, Hashimoto!"

With our agenda in the cafeteria done, we continued exploring the campus and soon stopped near the convenience store as we heard a commotion in front of the store.

"Oh wow, scary! What class are you in? Wait, never mind! I think I know. You're in Class D, aren't you?"

Hashimoto and I stood still in our spot, observing three senpais confronting a red-haired guy. There was another guy with him, but I doubt he's really involved in this commotion because he seemed just to be observing how things unfolded.

I took out my phone and began recording. Who knows? I might hear something useful from the arrogant senpai. Hashimoto noticed this and raised an eyebrow at my actions but said nothing.

"Yeah, so what?" The red-haired guy snapped.

The senpais exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

"You hear that? He's in Class D! I knew it! It was a dead giveaway!" The senpai in the middle said as he continued laughing.

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean? Hey!"

I feel a little embarrassed looking at the red-haired guy lose his composure. I think I'm just as bad as he was when I was a kid; easily provoked and driven by my usually wrong instincts. Well, I still have my moments, but at least I'm not this bad.

The senpais backed away and continued laughing.

"Aw, you poor soul. Since you're defective anyways, we'll let you off the hook. But just for today! Let's get going, guys!"

"Hey, don't run away! Hey!"

"Yeah, yeah, keep yapping. You guys will be in hell sound enough anyway."

Thank you for this incredible info, senpais.

But you guys aren't off the hook just yet.

I spared a glance at the red-haired guy and the guy with him before I walked towards the senpais.

"Where are you going, Emperor-kun?"

"To get more money."

Hashimoto laughed at this. He must have already realized how exactly I was going to do that.

It didn't take long, but I finally inched in closer to the mean senpais. They took notice of us and stopped in their tracks.

"Oi, why are you following us?" The leader of the senpais barked at us.

"Senpai, you do know that bullying is frowned upon in this school, right?"

I sent the three senpais a grin as I said this.

"And what are you going to do about that?"

I took out my phone and played the video I just took.

"It'd be a shame if you got expelled for this, senpai..."

I had a fake sad expression on my face as I said this. The three senpais then glanced all over the vicinity as if looking for something.

Ah, right. They were looking for a CCTV Camera. How arrogant of these guys to think they can beat me up. Luckily for them, it wouldn't end up badly for them as there were a couple of cameras around us.

The leader recognized this and sighed at the predicament he found himself in.

"What do you want?"

"A little information of how the S-System works and, of course, a portion of your points. Speaking of, how many points do you have, senpais?"

"800,000"

"500,000"

"450,000"

"Since I'm feeling nice, I'll only take 200,000 each."

The three glared at me while Hashimoto, who was behind me, chuckled.

"We'll get in trouble if we reveal that much to you. Make it 150,000."

Heh? Is he trying to negotiate? Well, I suppose I can be a little nice to him.

"That's fine by me, senpai."

The senpai then told me everything he knew about the school system. Unfortunately, he doesn't exactly know what the S-System actually is, but he told me about the concept of Private Points and Class Points. So apparently, your class point determine how many private points get allocated to your class monthly. One class point equals 100 private points, so currently, each of the classes stand at 1000 class points since all of us were given 100,000 Private Points.

This specific concept then confirmed my assumptions that there is indeed class competition. The senpai then tried to haggle the points they would pay by supposedly sharing something about a "special test."

He's a little stupid, isn't he?

I declined, and happy took 450,000 points in total.

I walked away from the sulking senpais with Hashimoto not that far behind. Our expedition went better than I even expected. We've gathered plenty of information to work with and then managed to get myself plenty of points.

I wonder if there's a shop that sells ramen here...

"You're something else, Emperor-kun," Hashimoto said.

"And you've done well yourself, Hashimoto," I replied.

"It's painfully obvious that siding with you means siding with the winning team," Hashimoto responded.

At least he's honest.

"But before that, I'll be transferring you some points as thanks for today."

Hashimoto chuckled.

"What a benevolent ruler!"

I ignored his joke and transferred 150,000 points to his account. With the transaction gone, I bid Hashimoto goodbye and thanked him for accompanying me.

MAELSTROM

Naruto's POV

On our second day of school-well, technically, it was our first day of class-I found myself amongst the first ones to arrive in class. Some of the people greeted me, and of course, I waved back. I'm not Sasuke, you know?

"Good morning, Emperor-kun!"

I turned my head and saw the grinning form of Hashimoto, who was not alone. With him was a good looking guy, Satonaka, I believe his name was.

"Good morning, Hashimoto, Satonaka!" I greeted both of them.

"Guess who converted another believer in our cult?" Hashimoto cheekily replied.

Please don't call our group a cult, Hashimoto. That's plain out embarrassing.

"You say the weirdest things, Hashimoto-kun," Satonaka replied.

I laughed and patted Satonaka on his back.

"Don't worry, Satonaka. You're not alone in your suffering," I joked.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean, Emperor-kun?"

"Fufufu, it seems your group of blonde and loud has multiplied, Uzumaki-kun. Are you perhaps capable of cloning yourself?"

Heh. Here comes this smug little girl and her weird laugh again. Also, if I were capable of cloning myself, I would have taken over Japan by now. Alas, I'm still a high school student, so unfortunately, I can't clone myself, Sakayanagi, maybe in another life.

"As alone as ever, aren't you, Sakayanagi?"

"On the contrary, I've already managed to find people who will support me," Sakayanagi replied.

"Well, good for you, I guess?"

I shrugged and returned to my discussion with Hashimoto and Satonaka. It was mostly small talk about the establishments on campus and what we'd like to do sometime. Overall, it was a conversation that I enjoyed. High school friendships hit different, after all.

I noticed that most of the class had arrived already. In fact, we are only a couple of students short, and we still have around 40 minutes before classes starts. What a bunch of responsible kids!

Well, time is of the essence, right?

I stood up from my seat and walked towards the teacher's podium, and stood behind it. As expected, all eyes were on me as they wondered what I planned to say.

"May I ask for everyone's attention please? Oh, and Hashimoto, come here on stage."

Hashimoto chuckled and immediately followed my instructions.

"I'm sure everyone has noticed that there are irregularities in this school. Mashima-sensei had been oddly evasive about the point system, and if anyone here went to the cafeteria and other places, you probably would have noticed that there are free stuff being offered to students. Surely, it was there by design, right?"

I got to give myself props for that one! I sound really smart, don't I? Take that, Pervy Sage!

People began chatting with each other, affirming my sentiments, but weren't exactly convinced just yet.

"What do you mean by this, Uzumaki-san?" Katsuragi asked.

Katsuragi is a tough nut to crack, isn't he? He already understood where I was headed with the discussion, but I suppose it doesn't sit well with him how I'm gaining influence within the class.

"Hashimoto and I explored the school yesterday and found out very interesting details about this school. Like what some of us have probably guessed, we are going to compete against the other classes: B, C, and D. We, in Class A, are rated as the best class in terms of capabilities, but it is possible for any of them to overtake us given the right conditions. It was something that a senpai graciously shared with us."

"Hah! As if any defects could overtake us. With Katsuragi leading the class, nothing will stop us," The arrogant loudmouth Yahiko, I believe his name was, said.

"Yet Katsuragi did not have the due diligence to look underneath what this school is all about. Or, at the very least, did not bother warning the class about what he had noticed. Not much of a great leader, is he?"

Yahiko sat back down.

"Now, before I was rudely interrupted. Hashimoto and I also found out that there is no guarantee that we will receive 100,000 points per month. In the case of the unfortunate classes, is it possible for them to receive no points at all, which is why there are free essentials like food and toiletries around. The school judges how many points we will receive through a combination of factors like academics and overall behavior."

I paused for a while and allowed my classmates to take in the information that I shared with them.

"Now, I assume the school does this by monitoring our conduct via security cameras planted in various corners in the classroom. Just like that one," I said, pointing to a small camera to my left.

The camera was located in a good location that covered many areas to observe. There are blindspots, of course, but it was covered by other small cameras planted on the blindspots that I spotted.

"Emperor-kun really is amazing, isn't he?" Hashimoto chimed in, grinning at the bewildered faces of Class A.

"Yeah!"

"With Uzumaki-san leading us, I'm sure we'll graduate as Class A!"

"Man, how the hell did he even notice all of those things?"

Because I'm awesome and trained by some of the stealthiest people the world has ever seen. This is hardly a challenge for me, 'ttebayo!

Ah damn it! I used 'ttebayo in my monologue again. Not cool!

"To those who believe Emperor-kun is fit to lead the class, he'll treat everyone to lunch!"

Hashimoto, you bastard! What the hell was that for?

Turning my head to the culprit, all I got was a cheeky grin in response.

Shikamaru is right; blondes are troublesome. Maybe I should dye my hair red? I mean, my mom did have red hair.

Nothing much I could do, I guess. Half the class are cheering already. You'll pay for this Hashimoto, you traitor!

"Fufufu, quite the interesting piece you've got," Sakayanagi, in her usual smug fashion, couldn't help but poke fun at me.

"He has his uses."

Sakayanagi glanced at me, chuckled, and then turned her head away. What a weird girl.

Soon, Mashima-sensei made his way to our classroom and formally began his lectures, as did other teachers. Well, it wasn't really lectures but an overview on the course objectives and syllabus. It was honestly boring for me, since I do not exactly enjoy immersing myself in academic activity. Unfortunately, I know myself how important academics are if I wanted to be something, so I forced myself to listen to the lectures.

I missed the good old days in Konoha Gakuen, where I could just beat up Kiba after class. Fun times, indeed. Maybe I'll have a chance to fight someone here?

The rest of the class tried their best to listen to the discussion, but found themselves bored. Luckily, these are Class A students, so even if they weren't listening intently, they at least made it look like they cared.

I took in the relaxed atmosphere, and soon, it was lunchtime. Students stood up and left with their new acquaintances, disappearing from my view. But there were still a sizeable amount of students left in the classroom.

Ah, that's right.

Damn you, Hashimoto!

Good thing I still have around 385,069 points. Thank you for your stupidities, senpais!

I stood up from my seat and mentally counted how many people were left. There were around 19 people excluding myself and Sakayanagi, who was still sitting.

"Emperor-kun, we're waiting for you!" Hashimoto called out.

I'll get my revenge someday, Hashimoto!

"I wonder how many points you'll have left after this, Uzumaki-kun," Sakayanagi said.

"More than enough to live, I hope," I replied.

"There are the free options, like you've mentioned."

"I hope it doesn't come to that. Well, since you're still here, do you want to go with us?"

I don't know how it was possible, but somehow, Sakayanagi had a smugger expression on her face.

"This marks the second consecutive day that you've hit on me, Uzumaki-kun. Should I be worried?"

"If you think I was hitting on you, then perhaps you're not just physically handicapped, munchkin," I joked, and I could have sworn Sakayanagi had killed me in her mind ten times over.

Sakayanagi regained her composure and elected to just laugh, as if telling me that's the best you've got?

Yes, that's the best I've got for now. Sorry, Sakayanagi.

"Are you still flirting with your Empress, Emperor-kun?"

God damn it, Hashimoto!

Arisu Sakayanagi

A person's potential is simply tied to their genetics, and a child with a superior DNA will always come out on top. That is the belief I've come to believe, and it's a belief that has proven me right over and over again.

Coming into this school, I expected more of the same: the sight of myself standing at the very top, just as how things were meant to be.

I do not think anyone in this school poses a direct threat to me, and I believe it is not wrong for me to say that it doesn't come from a place of arrogance, but rather, it comes from a place of certainty.

After all, there was only one man who I've deemed to be a potential match... and even then, I will defeat him.

Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, the son of the person running that facility.

I will prove to my father that talent is not decided by education, but from the moment people are born and that she who had superior DNA could never lose to the children from that facility.

But now... it seems like live in this school will not be as boring as I initially thought.

Naruto Uzumaki.

He's a bold man, immediately declaring that he would lead this class—a class where I am in. Yet, unlike most people who I've heard say the same things, I couldn't detect a hint of unjustified arrogance from him. Uzumaki-kun spoke like he believed all the words he said, and he will do just that.

I do not sense natural genius in him, but from our few interactions, he has proven himself to be a man of action.

Frighteningly efficient and effective action.

Before I knew it, Uzumaki had taken control of our class within the first two days. First, he established himself by staking his claim over class leadership. Second, he immediately noticed certain details about the school system and immediately confronted Mashima-sensei.

His goal was not to gather information, that much I know. He crafted a situation where he is immediately seen as someone capable of seeing the bigger picture and as someone willing to aid the class. It also helps Uzumaki-kun carries a natural charisma to him that easily draws people.

Satomura and Hashimoto's early support of him is testament enough of this.

Hashimoto was a wonderful piece that I hoped I could have gotten for myself. It initially seemed like he would side with me, but Uzumaki's appearance changed that decision.

Hashimoto further proved his value by endearing more people towards Uzumaki-kun. Of course, those people were already thinking of aligning with him, but Hashimoto's third-party insistence and acquisition of Satonaka, made it easier for them to decide.

Naruto Uzumaki is dangerous.

But that's what makes this game fun, right?

Although I do now hold another grievance towards that loudmouth...

Nobody calls me a munchkin and gets away with it!

MAELSTROM

Naruto's POV

Lunch... was interesting, to say the least.

All eyes were on us as we took to the cafeteria, but that's not exactly surprising. After all, there was 20 of us going all at once. It was a show of force, if there was one.

We had to link four tables together so that we could accommodate everyone. It was a simple lunch, with small talk shared in between. I've gotten to know some of our classmates, aside from Hashimoto and Satonaka, and well... they're interesting.

Nishikawa, Yamamura, and Nakajima are pretty girls who were just there because Satonaka was there. Not just them, but some of the girls just went because of the same reason.

It's really how humanity works, doesn't it? People flock together for a superficial object of interest. It's just like with Sasuke... or, to some extent, myself.

I guess I'll cut Hashimoto some slack. After all, the man did his work to ensure I managed to secure the support of the class. He convinced Satonaka, who attracted a bunch of girls, and gave me a platform to really convince them that I should lead the class.

Honestly, it is quite childish.

But with how this school is structured and my own selfish desire to be a ruler, this much is natural.

Well, I made sure I did not disappoint as our classmates' opinion of me did improve during lunch. Currently, I've gotten the contact of 19 students in class. That's got to count for something, right?

"How's your pockets, Uzumaki-kun?"

Turning to my right, I saw Sakayanagi playfully look at me.

Well, it's not like she knows I'm kind of loaded.

"I only spent 30,000. It isn't that bad. But I might get some of those vegetable food set at least once a week," I replied.

Sakayanagi chuckled.

"At 5 PM Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in Gymnasium No. 1. Students interested in joining a club, please gather in Gymnasium No. 1. I repeat, at 5 PM Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in Gymnasium No. 1. Students interested in joining a club, please gather in Gymnasium No. 1."

A girl with a sweet voice continued the announcement. Club activities, huh? Are the Student Council recruiting? That'll be interesting.

"Are you going to join a club, Uzumaki-kun?"

"Yep. How about you?"

"I'm not interested."

"Why?"

"It's boring."

"Still, want to come with me?"

"Nope."

"Understandable. Have a great day."

"Your meme references are bad, and you should feel bad."

"That's harsh."

"Thank you."

That cheeky smug loli!

"I hope you're not insulting me in your thoughts."

Could she sense my thoughts? I hope not. I've been planning to have more insulting thoughts about her because if I say it to her upfront, I might end up getting killed.

"What are you going to do about it? Smack me with your cane?"

I've done it now.

Hashimoto, pray for me, my brother, and take care of Class A in my stead.

I will be dead soon.

"I don't wish to taint my father's gift by having it smack your flesh."

Oh, thank God!

"But I will not forget about this."

I hate you God.

End of Chapter