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 Uzumaki
After Hiyori and I parted ways, I decided to enter the Student Council office earlier than scheduled. Since it was still about 4:30, that would mean that I'd have more time to talk with Horikita-senpai about certain things.
It didn't take me long to arrive at the Student Council office, and since I'm officially part of the council, I did not feel the need to knock and simply entered the room. It would seem that I had bad timing because as I opened the door, I heard a cute feminine voice curse in pain.
"ITAAAI!"
It was then that I noticed Tachibana-senpai, whose knees were on the ground, with both hands nursing the top of her head. She probably was about to exit the room at the same time I opened the door, and my rather forceful push... led to this situation.
"Y-YOU!" Tachibana-senpai exclaimed.
"Yes, Tachibana-senpai?" I asked.
"Couldn't you at least knock on the damned door?! Or, at the very least, don't exert that much force in opening it! It seriously hurts, you know?!" Tachibana-senpai ranted as she glared at me with teary eyes.
I couldn't help but let out a giggle at Tachibana-senpai's current state, which really didn't help out my case, as her glare intensified. She looked like a wounded animal... so I couldn't help it, okay?
"Eh? Did I push it too hard? Sorry, Tachibana-senpai," I apologized as I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head.
It wasn't effective.
"GRRRR"
"I apologized already, didn't I?"
"Shut up! To think I thought you were a prim and proper kid when I first saw you! You're just a blonde buffoon!"
"Hah?! Did you just insult me, elementary school girl-senpai?"
"HAAH?! I'll have you know that I am above five feet tall!"
Our little scuffle was interrupted when we both heard a chuckle emanating from Horikita-senpai.
"Did... Horikita-senpai just chuckle?" I asked Tachibana-senpai, who was also bewildered at what she had just heard... before she redirected her glare at Horikita-senpai, who actually gulped upon noticing Tachibana-senpai's glare.
Horikita-senpai then coughed and leaned back on his chair in an attempt to act in his usual dignified manner.
"Ahem. I apologize for that. It's been a while since I've seen Tachibana that animated. It... brought back plenty of amusing memories. You may take your leave now, Tachibana," Horikita-senpai said.
"Amusing memories? That guy finds some sort of amusement in seeing me in pain... he's lucky I like him," Tachibana-senpai muttered under her breath.
I decided to cut Tachibana-senpai some slack and offered her a hand since she was still on the ground.
Thankfully, she took it without protest.
"I apologize again for earlier, senpai," I said.
Tachibana-senpai simply waved me off and said her goodbyes to Horikita-senpai and me before she exited the Student Council office.
"Horikita-senpai, where's Nagumo-senpai?" I asked, looking at the empty desk to Horikita-senpai's right.
I've also noticed that there was a new addition to the office: a similar desk placed to the left of Horikita-senpai's table, which had my nameplate on it.
"I intentionally did not invite him to this meeting. I found no need to do so since I am sure I could orient both you and Ichinose with no problems," he replied.
"It's not like he'll disrupt the meeting, 'ttebayo. He'll probably just stare at Ichinose's breasts," I said.
"He's that obvious, huh?"
I snorted in amusement.
"It's not like I'm not used to it. A lot of influential people I know are massive perverts," I nonchalantly pointed out.
Jiraiya, Kakashi, Sarutobi-jiji... all unapologetic perverts.
Even my father had a strange fixation with thighs.
"I-is that so?" Horikita-senpai replied.
I raised a single eyebrow upon catching a momentary stutter in Horikita-senpai's reply.
"Oya? Don't tell me you're a closet pervert yourself, Horikita-senpai?" I asked with a mischievous grin adorning my features.
"That's classified information, Uzumaki-kun."
Heh. Horikita-senpai actually has some semblance of a sense of humor... who would have thought?
He should definitely show it off more.
"I'll take that as a yes," I replied before giving my cushy, new seat a couple of pats before finally sitting on it.
"We are men, after all. It's just a matter of knowing when to channel your desires; that's the difference between normal men like us... and men like Nagumo," Horikita-senpai replied in what was an odd way of showing philosophical wisdom.
"Hm... you have a point there, senpai," I replied.
"So why were you early, Uzumaki-kun? Was there something specific that you wanted to talk about?" Horikita-senpai asked.
I stared at Horikita-senpai with a serious expression on my face.
Horikita-senpai stared back, his gaze unflinching and unwavering.
I walked toward the left corner of the room and...
SPLAT
Scanning my surroundings, I then headed to Nagumo-senpai's table, where there was a small, inconspicuous oddity on one of the table legs.
SPLAT
"Wait, what was that, Uzumaki-kun?" Horikita-senpai asked.
"There's an audio bug placed in the Student Council office. Two of them, to be exact," I declared before showing my hand to Horikita-senpai, revealing two audio bugs that had been destroyed beyond repair.
"Nagumo," Horikita-senpai muttered under his breath while at the same time clenching his fist.
I simply stared at Horikita-senpai. From my perspective, it was understandable why Manabu Horikita had a strong reaction to what had just happened. After all, he had discovered how Miyabi Nagumo once again attempted to interfere in his plans.
"The man got quite the foresight, doesn't he?" I replied before going back to my chair.
"How did you even find them, Uzumaki-kun?" He asked.
"Simply out of cautiousness, senpai. Considering Nagumo-senpai's unhealthy interest in Ichinose, I would have guessed that he would be interested in how you were going to handle her integration into the Student Council," I replied.
Well... the honest answer was that I was trained by the Jiraiya, who's probably the World's Greatest Spy. Spotting irregularities would be just like breathing air for me.
"Heh. Impressive intuition you got there, Uzumaki-kun," Horikita senpai said in genuine appreciation of my skills.
"Simply one of the essential ingredients to make an incredible leader, senpai," I responded.
Horikita-senpai nodded.
"That being said... how the hell is Fuka allowed to buy keycards in my room, 'ttebayo?! It's a breach of security, I tell you. A breach of security!"
"The two of you are on a first-name basis? Then I see nothing wrong with that. You obviously have gone further than holding hands," Horikita-senpai replied, stroking his chin in thought.
Senpai... are you perhaps an idiot in terms of relationships?
I feel bad for Tachibana-senpai now.
Horikita-senpai let out a chuckle as he noticed my exasperated expression.
"In all seriousness, Uzumaki-kun... it's simply because anything in this school can be purchased, and she had provided proof that you are friends. The school actually does not allow anyone to buy a keycard to a room that's not theirs unless the student can prove that they have a friendly relationship with the person owning the dorm room," Horikita-senpai explained.
"Although the dorm room owner could revoke their access... but I doubt you're going to do that," Horikita-senpai finished, a smirk finding its way to his face.
"You've done your research ne, Horikita-senpai?"
"Don't be bothered about it. After all, my interesting findings are the sole reason I am entrusting you with this school, Uzumaki-kun," he replied.
I shrugged and leaned further on my chair before turning to my left to face Horikita-senpai.
"Not the fact that I was the Student Council President of Konoha Gakuen of all places? Maa, you're so stingy, Horikita-senpai!" I joked.
"Indeed. There is more to leadership than experience. What matters most is your intent, your determination, and if your vision aligns with the right path. Without all those three, you're a failure as a leader," he replied.
"As fun as your present entanglement with Kiryuuin is, what do you want to talk about?" Horikita-senpai asked.
What a sharp man... as expected of the man heralded as the greatest student in the history of ANHS.
"I'd like to run through you several ideas that I have for the Student Council moving forward. I believe that my current station as Internal Vice President would allow us to..."
KNOCK KNOCK
"Hmm... it seems like your associate has arrived, Uzumaki-kun. You can just send me an e-mail later pertaining to your idea. Now, would you be as kind as to open the door for her?" Horikita-senpai asked, to which I nodded without any protest.
As I opened the door, a repeat of what happened earlier with Tachibana-senpai happened. Apparently, Ichinose's hand was also on the handle, so when I pulled the door open, it led to her being off-balanced.
Luckily for her, I managed to catch her with minimal effort on my end. I fought back the urge to gush when Ichinose's innocent blue eyes made contact with my own.
What the hell is wrong with the women of this school? They're all too beautiful, you hear me? Too beautiful!
"Are you okay, Ichinose?" I asked out of concern since Ichinose still looked dazed.
"Ah...ah! I'm fine, Uzumaki-kun. Do-don't worry about me," she replied.
Why is she flustered?
Oh.
My left hand and her right hand found themselves entangled together.
I immediately pulled back my hand lest she gets more embarrassed about her situation.
"Sorry for that, Ichinose! I had to make sure you weren't going to fall," I replied.
"That's fine, Uzumaki-kun. Thank you for your concern," she replied, smiling before she finally entered the office, having regained her composure.
"That's two in a row, Uzumaki-kun. Perhaps Nagumo would be the next to fall?" Horikita-senpai joked? I couldn't really tell because he still had that same cold voice of his.
This guy has a hidden cruel side, doesn't he?
"Let's not talk about people who aren't here, senpai. They might just trip," I replied.
"I would actually love to see that," he replied.
"What a loving relationship you have with Nagumo-senpai. I'm a little jealous," I said in a dry tone.
"That aside, welcome to the Student Council, Honami Ichinose. A pleasure to have you in the council," Horikita-senpai said as he stood up from his seat and offered a hand to Ichinose, who immediately shook it.
"The pleasure is all mine, Horikita-senpai," Ichinose replied as she bowed slightly to him.
"Welcome to the Student Council, Ichinose," I said to the girl, extending my left arm, which she took in for a handshake.
"Thank you, Uzumaki-kun."
After exchanging pleasantries with each other, Horikita-senpai clapped his hands, garnering our attention once more.
"With that out of the way, I suppose we can finally begin this short meeting and orientation for the newest members of the council. I am Manabu Horikita, the Student Council President, and as per the mandate of the Constitution, I bear the responsibility of providing you an overview of what you should expect from your respective designations," he said.
"Can you at least give a fun lecture, senpai? You're sounding as boring as Chabashira-sensei right now, you know?" I jokingly chided Horikita-senpai, who showed no reaction to my provocations.
Ichinose giggled at my antics.
"Uzumaki-kun! That's now how the Vice President of the Student Council should react," she said, pointing her left index finger at me, although I could immediately tell she was just joking.
"At least one of you here knows when not to be cheeky," Horikita-senpai sent me a glare before he continued.
"Before I was rudely interrupted, here's a brief overview of what's expected from your positions. I wouldn't be enumerating them one by one, as that would be a waste of time. Instead, read the contents of the paper that I will be passing to both of you, and raise questions when you have any concerns. Is that understood?" Horikita-senpai then handed Ichinose and me two separate bundles of paper.
I smirked after seeing just how unique Manabu Horikita was in conducting his business. I must say... that his methods are rather unorthodox but organized.
After five or so minutes, Ichinose and I were done reading the short manual that this madman Manabu Horikita probably wrote overnight.
It was... extremely detailed yet straightforward.
"Since both of you have finished going over the material, do any of you have questions?" Horikita-senpai said, his eyes directed at Ichinose as he said this.
"I have a question, but not about the material. Vice President Uzumaki, why did you veto President Horikita's rejection of my application?"
"Vice President Uzumaki, the floor is yours," Horikita-senpai said, assuming the role of a mediator.
"Has Horikita-senpai answered you why you were initially rejected?" I asked.
Ichinose nodded.
"President Horikita said that it wasn't time. Which is why it confused me how that decision had been overturned in just two days," she replied.
That is a reasonable question, to be honest. Because since Horikita-senpai himself had already told Ichinose why she was rejected, it was unlikely for this immediate change of heart to happen.
Now that her bid has been accepted, certain alarms are being ticked within Ichinose's mind:
Was there an ulterior motive?
What changed?
If I was rejected a couple of days ago, why was my bid reconsidered almost immediately?
"To put it simply, Ichinose, I think you're worthy of being in the Student Council and thought Horikita-senpai was just overthinking a little. I know you'll prove me right," I replied.
"I see... thank you, Uzumaki-kun, I won't let you down!"
Ichinose still had this air of cautiousness in her, but she did seem a little more accepting of her situation.
As much as I would like to reveal everything to Ichinose, for example: how Horikita-senpai rejected her because of Nagumo-senpai, and my intuition about what Nagumo-senpai wanted to do with her, it would not bode well for my plans.
Miyabi Nagumo is not an idiot, and he would immediately notice any changes in Ichinose's treatment of him.
"Besides, I am impressed with how you have handled Class B! It takes one hell of a leader to immediately unite them, you know?" I said and grinned at Ichinose, who was a little bashful at the praise but returned a smile.
"E-eh, what I did isn't that much impressive compared to you, Uzumaki-kun! Class A did not lose a single point. That's really amazing!"
"Let's not compare our feats, Ichinose. That'll be like comparing apples and oranges. The point is you did great, and that means you deserve to be here. Let's make this mean senpai," I paused as I pointed my thumb at Horikita-senpai, who was behind me.
"Realize that he's so wrong for initially rejecting you," I finished.
Ichinose giggled, and Horikita-senpai simply maintained his usual stoic gaze, but I could tell he was a little irked on the inside because I was intentionally using Ichinose's unawareness of the situation to make fun of him.
Not that he doesn't deserve it.
The guy needs to loosen up, you know?
I owe it to Tachibana-senpai.
"You're having too much fun, Uzumaki-kun. We are still inside the Student Council office," Horikita-senpai said in an attempt to stop me from teasing him.
No way, senpai!
"Bah, you're too boring, senpai!"
"It's called professionalism, Uzumaki-kun," he replied.
I chuckled in response.
Now you might be asking: Why is Naruto Uzumaki suddenly chatting so casually with Manabu Horikita after the more formal tone of our previous meetings?
The simple answer is: I couldn't actually care less for formalities. I just need him to see that I can mean business when it's needed.
Now that he has some semblance of trust towards me, I found myself more comfortable in treating him like how I would treat some of my friends in this school.
Also, Horikita-senpai is lonely... too lonely.
If I had to describe it, Horikita-senpai is standing at the pinnacle with only Tachibana-senpai by his side, and even then, he's still keeping her at arm's reach.
It might be too presumptuous of me to think that I could help him out with that problem of his, but it's always been my nature to help out people if I see something in them.
And sometimes, all you need is a friend.
MAELSTROM
"Good day, students of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. Please join the Student Council in welcoming its newest members:
Internal Vice President, Naruto Uzumaki-san; and
Associate to the Internal Vice President, Honami Ichinose-san.
May you both be able to serve the students and our institution to the best of your abilities.
Congratulations!"
Tachibana-senpai's sweet and welcoming voice was heard over the speakers, and as if on cue, all eyes of my classmates turned to me.
I suppose that with our meeting with Horikita-senpai yesterday, it's only appropriate to make things official today.
"WHAT THE HELL! YOU WERE MADE VICE PRESIDENT?"
"Man, you're just too amazing, Uzumaki-san!"
"As expected of our leader!"
"I'm shocked they did not make Emperor-kun the President right away."
"Shut the hell up, Hashimoto!"
"Congrats, Naruto!"
"Fufufu. This is interesting, Uzumaki-kun!"
I chuckled at their reactions.
"Maa maa, I may be Vice President now, but just treat me like how you guys normally treat me, alright?" I said.
"You're too humble!" Hashimoto exclaimed as he slung an arm over me.
"Except for Hashimoto, he'll be my official footstool from now on," I replied as the class laughed at Hashimoto's expense.
"That's cruel! You're truly living up to your monicker of Emperor," Hashimoto protested.
"I agree with Uzumaki-kun's idea. A cretin like you deserves nothing less," Sakayanagi chimed in, a cruel grin plastered on his face.
I turned my head to Hashimoto.
"What did you say to Sakayanagi during lunchtime yesterday? She seems hostile to you," I whispered to Hashimoto.
"I might... have teased her relentlessly about having feelings for you," Hashimoto revealed.
"Ah, you deserve it then," I replied.
"Hey, you're being cruel to your right-hand man!"
"That's not the only thing he said," Sakayanagi said as she kept that eerie grin on her face.
"Yeah, keep that to yourself, Sakayanagi-chan. I doubt I wanna hear any filth from Hashimoto's mouth," I replied.
Sakayanagi giggled before turning her attention back to the book in her hand.
"By the way, Emperor-kun. I've managed to talk with a couple of senpais from the Tennis Club. I'll just send you the things that I've gathered," Hashimoto said.
As goofy as he can be, he's definitely useful and effective.
I tasked Hashimoto to do some recon work with the second years in the Tennis Club a couple of days ago, simply to have a wider scope on what I know about the structure in the second years, as well as some people to look out for.
While I do have Fuka by my side, she wasn't all-knowing. There are some things that are beyond her, and I need to cover all bases if I am going to battle someone who has controlled his entire year to the point they're barely engaging in Class Competitions.
Honestly, Miyabi Nagumo is a really dangerous threat if you try to face him at a disadvantage.
That's why even if I'd love to just pull off a direct assault on him, I'm satisfied with simply accumulating ammunition at the moment.
Although... I could just kill him and make it look like a suicide, but I'm not Sasuke's psychopath of a brother, and it'll be out of character for me to do so.
Itachi Uchiha really makes me feel uneasy.
That said, I also want to have fun in school. I can just deal with him later when I'm confident with all my cards and when I feel like it.
After all, thinking about Nagumo-senpai and his perverted face all the time is not a good way to enjoy your youth.
Bzzt Bzzzt
As I heard my phone vibrate inside my pockets, I immediately took it out and saw that I had a message from Horikita-senpai himself.
[10:00:00 President-senpai] There are some papers for you to look over in the Student Council. Can you deal with it ASAP? Thanks, Uzumaki-kun!
Heh, already giving me some work to do on the first day, huh?
MAELSTROM
It did not take long for our classes to end.
Since we don't have any afternoon schedules for today, I decided to immediately head to the Student Council office to tend to the deliverables assigned by Horikita-senpai.
Upon opening the doors to the office, I was surprised to see that only Nagumo-senpai was inside the office. Well, of course, Horikita-senpai has classes... but I've been so used to seeing him inside that I'd always expect him to be in the office.
"Good afternoon, Nagumo-senpai," I greeted the other blonde-haired boy upon closing the door.
"Good afternoon, kouhai! Horikita-senpai isn't here, so I'm afraid it'll just be the two of us here," Nagumo-senpai replied, sending me a grin.
"Oya? That's not necessarily a bad thing, Nagumo-senpai. It'll be good for us to be further acquainted, you know?" I replied as I sat on my chair and began to scan the pile that was on my table.
"Ha ha ha! You got that right, kouhai! After all, we're both Vice Presidents in the Student Council," he replied.
"Heh. I'll be in your care, Nagumo-senpai!"
Our conversation temporarily ended there as Nagumo-senpai also began working on the papers on his desk.
He should be a little glad that his workload has been reduced since I'm taking care of Internal Affairs now.
That being said, it's interesting to see how the Student Council in ANHS operates from an administrative standpoint.
There's a clear formatting on how requests are forwarded to the council, as well as a set timeline for them.
But well... I suppose I shouldn't bore everyone by detailing how the administrative function works here. I'll just finish this as soon as I can.
"Where's Honami-chan, kohai?" Nagumo-senpai asked.
I chuckled in response.
"I'm hurt, senpai! You're calling my associate by her first name, and I'm stuck with kohai," I replied.
"HAHAHAHA! Very well, I'll call you Uzumaki-kun," he replied.
"Hm. Suit yourself, Nagumo-senpai. But anyways, I don't know where Ichinose is. Do you want me to call her over?"
Nagumo-senpai chuckled.
"No need, Uzumaki-kun. I was simply curious," he replied.
"Alright."
"So why did you veto Horikita-senpai's rejection of Honami-chan's application? I was there when she met with Horikita-senpai over her rejection, you know? You must have a good reason for doing so," Nagumo-senpai asked.
"Of course, I have a good reason. A competent leader who's popular with her year is an invaluable asset to the Student Council," I replied.
"I agree with that. I wonder why Horikita-senpai thinks she's not ready. She was Student Council President in junior high, wasn't she?"
"Who knows? You know Horikita-senpai better than I do, Nagumo-senpai," I replied.
Nagumo-senpai chuckled at my response and sent me a glance from the side.
He understood my message: probably to protect her from you.
"Horikita-senpai's rather harsh on me, isn't he?" Nagumo-senpai rhetorically asked before letting out another round of chuckles.
"Indeed, but that's to be expected. Horikita-senpai does hold rather rigid views, after all," I replied.
Nagumo-senpai's lips formed a massive grin as I said that.
Just as planned.
"How about you, Uzumaki-kun? Where do you stand in terms of philosophy?" He asked.
"Where I stand, huh? A proper meritocratic system, I suppose," I replied.
Nagumo-senpai clapped his hands upon hearing my words.
"I think we'll get along just fine, Uzumaki-kun!"
"Even if I don't get a boner when looking at Horikita-senpai? Then, I'll be in your care, senpai!" I joked and turned my head to Nagumo-senpai just to see his reaction.
He simply smiled.
"So the rumors of you getting the interest of Fuka wasn't unfounded, after all," he replied.
"I tried to date her before, you know? But her attitude simply ruins her charm, so I eventually gave up on her," he added.
"Her attitude ruins her charm, huh? I suppose I do see where you're coming from. But I'm not here to be hostile to you, Nagumo-senpai. Friends make fun of each other, don't they?" I said and then grinned at Nagumo-senpai.
"What a weird kouhai you are, Uzumaki-kun," he replied.
"You should have seen me tease Horikita-senpai yesterday," I said and hid the smirk that was about to form on my face.
After all, he never got the chance to get what he wanted because I destroyed the audio bugs he planted.
"You'd be doing Tachibana-senpai a favor by doing that, Uzumaki-kun," he replied.
"Is Horikita-senpai the only one who doesn't realizes she's in love with him?" I asked in curiosity.
"Even I am not sure if he's unaware or simply pretending to be unaware, Uzumaki-kun," he replied.
He's probably just unaware of it, Nagumo-senpai. I suppose that simply proves the fact that no man is perfect.
"Ah, before I forget, Uzumaki-kun. Let's exchange contact information," Nagumo-senpai said as he approached my desk.
"Sure thing, senpai!"
I took out my phone and exchanged contact information with Nagumo-senpai, who proceeded to exit the room after doing so.
But before he did, he left me with some parting words:
"By the way, it'd be best for you to be on the winning side, Uzumaki-kun. You're smart. You know what decision to make. Time, after all, is in your hands."
Well, here's the thing, Nagumo-senpai... I am on the winning side.
But I am not playing by the rules you and Horikita-senpai had set. After all, your war is not of any concern to me.
That's why I am not taking Horikita-senpai's side, and I'm most definitely not taking your side.
Rather, I am on MY side.
Because when all is set and done, it is Naruto Uzumaki's vision that will prevail.
MAELSTROM
Miyabi Nagumo
As I walked out of the Student Council office, I could restrain the big grin that was making its way onto my face. I haven't been this excited since I first encountered Horikita-senpai!
So that's how Naruto Uzumaki works, huh?
If both options are unideal for him, he'll create a third one.
A man who spits in the face of fate.
Interesting! Incredibly interesting!
"Where I stand, huh? A proper meritocratic system, I suppose."
While I would normally not stand to hear someone indirectly insult my ideals, I knew Uzumaki wasn't speaking from a place of ignorance. This is a man who had become the Student Council President of Konoha Gakuen, a tangible proof of his capabilities.
He has a vision that he wants to accomplish and actualize. If I'm being honest, I actually find that incredibly admirable.
After all, that's proof enough that Naruto Uzumaki is not a mere sheep that follows the sheepherder.
We might not be allies, Uzumaki, but so long as you do not directly oppose me, you will have a place in this school.
Who knows? If you learn the virtue of waiting for your time, I might even make you the inheritor of my will.
I'll be looking forward to what you can do, Maelstrom-kun.
That said, I hope you're ready for my first move.
Or else...
I'd be thoroughly disappointed.
MAELSTROM
Naruto Uzumaki
After finishing up my work deliverables in the Student Council, I decided to hang out with the "Emperor's Court," as Hashimoto coined it. They noticed that I was a little fatigued from what I did in the Student Council office, so they did not try to bother me much.
Truly, they're too considerate.
Maybe except Hashimoto...
"Tell me, Emperor-kun, since Ichinose-san is now basically your secretary. Is she going to be one of your concubines?"
"Do you have nothing else to talk about aside from Uzumaki's love life, you damned degenerate?" Kamuro glared at Hashimoto, seemingly annoyed at his antics.
"It's just good-natured fun, beer-chan," Hashimoto replied, sending a mischievous grin to Kamuro, who decided to just ignore the provocation.
"Yare yare, Hashimoto. Not every woman in my life is romantically involved with me, you know? It's getting a little annoying now," I replied.
"Indeed! Because I've already claimed that role, and I will not share!"
Hurricane Fuka arrived, and it seemed like I was directly inside the eye of the hurricane.
The platinum blonde-haired woman arrived out of nowhere and immediately pressed her body against my back.
I turned my head to her and saw Fuka giving me a bewitching grin. If not for my knowledge of how playful this woman was, my heart would probably skip a beat at her actions.
"Stop giving everyone the wrong idea, Fuka," I chided the woman, but I knew it'll have zero effect on this woman, who seemed to ignore what constitutes common sense and operates as if the world works for her.
"Didn't you already promise to take me on a hundred more dates?"
I rolled my eyes at this impossible woman.
"Kiryuin-senpai, right? You can join us if you'd like. Any friends of Emperor-kun are welcome at our table," Hashimoto said.
This is probably the first time Masayoshi Hashimoto has been respectful to anyone aside from me and, to some extent, Sakayanagi.
I'm quite surprised.
"I have other ideas, unfortunately. I hope you cute little kouhais don't mind if I take Naruto-kun away from you. Lover matters," she replied.
Oi, Fuka. You're having a little too much fun here.
"You would be doing us a favor, Kiryuuin-senpai. Please take that brute away," Sakayanagi replied.
Hashimoto chuckled in amusement over the entire ordeal.
"Well... we certainly don't want to get in the way of love," he said.
"What he said," Satonaka added.
I expected this from Hashimoto and Sakayanagi... but even you, Satonaka?
Is this how Julius Caesar felt when Brutus stabbed him?
Kamuro... say something.
Kamuro noticed my pleading gaze... and ignored me!
"It seems like your friends are fine with me taking you away, Naruto-kun! Let's go!"
Fuka then pulled me out of my chair and began dragging me away from everyone.
Hashimoto and Satonaka waved at me as Fuka took me away, while the women in the group... didn't really react much.
"If you keep doing this, people will definitely think you're my girlfriend, you know?"
"I don't mind."
"You're impossible."
"Thank you, Naruto-kun."
That's not a compliment, dattebayo!
"Why do you keep making dramatic entrances, Fuka? You can just text... like a normal person, or just wave at us."
"Where's the fun in that?"
"Also, aren't you like someone who likes watching people from the shadows?"
"Are you accusing me of being a stalker?"
"I know you were being a stalker."
"How?"
"Kiriyama-senpai told me."
"That dickless bastard!"
"How do you know?"
"He feels like one."
"Fair point."
As much as Ikuto Kiriyama preaches that he's against the iron-fist rule of Miyabi Nagumo, he's not exactly doing anything about it... and practically gave up on taking him down.
That's the one thing I dislike about Kiriyama-senpai, as reliable as he is.
As for how I knew about Kiriyama-senpai?
He simply approached me a couple of weeks ago once he found out that I caught the interest of this uncontrollable vixen beside me.
We have a wonderful friendship, to say the least.
"You said you had a sweet one on one meeting with Nagumo. How did it go?" Fuka asked.
I chuckled as I reminisced about the encounter we had earlier.
"As great as an encounter with Nagumo-senpai feels. You can already imagine it," I replied.
Fuka snorted in amusement.
"Pretended you were worth nothing and asked questions about your cute little assistant?"
"Pretty much," I replied.
"That's why I found Nagumo boring. He simply rehashes his ploys like the uncreative cretin that he is. While he does have commendable abilities, his existence simply bores me," Fuka said.
"He told me he used to try and court you," I replied.
"Who wouldn't?"
What a self-assured woman.
"Me, probably. Because, at this point, it seems like it'll be you who'll be asking me out, Fuka," I replied in jest.
As I looked up, I raised an eyebrow as I found myself facing a familiar building.
Weren't we just in Keyaki Mall a couple of minutes ago?
Ah, that's right... Fuka and I ended up talking way too much that I just realized we had arrived in the dormitory building.
"I would lose my respect for you if it had to come to that, Naruto-kun. I like it better when men take charge. I might have... to discipline you if that's the case," she replied.
"You use way too many innuendos for a virgin, Fuka," I retorted.
"Shut up."
No, I won't.
I will imprint this memory in my "Memory Hall of Fame." After all, it's not every day that I defeat the glorious Fuka Kiryuuin in a verbal spar.
This is a day to remember.
Punch
"Ow! What was that for, you crazy woman?" I asked Fuka as I nursed my sides.
"I simply felt like doing so, and my instincts are never wrong," she replied.
I shrugged before pressing the button on the elevator.
"You seem unfazed at the thought of inviting me into your room these days," Fuka said in an attempt to tease me.
"Should I?"
The woman simply laughed.
"You're growing up!"
Soon the elevator opened, and we immediately boarded it. As I was about to close the elevator, however, I heard a voice.
"Wait."
"Oh, it's you, Ayanokouji. Come in," I said as I pressed the hold button.
"Thanks."
"We rarely run into each other even though we are practically neighbors, Ayanokouji," I pointed out before closing the elevator doors.
"Indeed. Quite weird, isn't it?" He replied.
"How did the study group go after I left?" I asked.
"Not good. Sudo and the others left while Horikita remained in her seat. She was shaken by what you said to her," he replied.
"She needed that reality check. I work with her brother, and I can see the difference-it's night and day, Ayanokouji," I said.
"I agree with you in that regard, Uzumaki. Perhaps it's best she heard that from you, given your reputation," Ayanokouji replied.
"Ara? What did you say to little Horikita?" Fuka chimed in, making herself involved in our conversation.
"I told her she's no better than her dumbass classmates and called her a defect," I replied.
"Ha Ha Ha! You're too blunt, Naruto-kun," Fuka said.
"You could say that again," Ayanokouji added.
"Looks like we're here," I said as I saw the elevator doors opening.
"Seems so. See you, Uzumaki," Ayanokouji said.
The three of us disembarked the elevator and headed to our respective rooms.
"That Ayanokouji guy... he unnerves me," Fuka said.
"How so?"
"I don't feel anything from him, yet I feel like there's more to the guy than what meets the eye. Quite the observant boy, too," Fuka replied.
"That makes two of us. I don't know what's with that guy... but I feel something weird about him. Time would tell if he's an ally or a foe."
"Mhm-mm."
Fuka, just as expected, made herself comfortable and sat on my bed, and then patted the spot next to her, telling me to sit right beside her.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Fuka. We might do another thing if we're both in bed," I joked.
"Hmm? That's the plan. I even brought condoms," she said unabashedly.
This woman...
Upon seeing my flustered look, the woman let out a burst of condescending laughter.
"That's what you get for trying to play games with me."
Then... how about if I do this?
I walked towards the still-grinning woman and pushed her down on my bed. As Fuka was falling over, I immediately grabbed both of her palms and had her hands pinned above her head with one hand and used my other hand to point her chin upwards.
As my face got closer to her, I saw that she still had her grin on, but her eyes indicated how surprised she was at my sudden act of assertiveness.
"That's what you get for trying to play games with me," I said, turning her words back on her.
"You... have proven your point."
I patted her left cheek a couple of times before I got off her, but as I did, Fuka attempted to throw a right straight directed at my chin, which I evaded.
Fuka immediately got up, grinned mischievously, and lunged forward, throwing a series of quick punches and kicks that I easily blocked.
"Nice try," I said with a smirk, returning her attacks with some of my own.
We moved around the room, dodging and weaving as we traded blows.
"Take this a little seriously, Naruto-kun! I have to restore my dignity, you know?" Fuka said as a vicious grin formed on her face.
She then tried to sweep my legs out from under me, but I jumped over her foot and landed behind her. I reached out and playfully tapped her on the shoulder, signaling that I had won the round.
Fuka laughed and turned to face me again, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You got lucky," she teased, raising her fists again.
I chuckled and got back into position, ready for her next attack.
Fuka attempted to throw another punch, but I managed to weave underneath her blow and grabbed her arm. I used her own momentum to my advantage as I flipped her over and pinned her to my bed once again.
"That's the first time you attacked me," I pointed out.
"I was annoyed at how smug you were, so I tried teaching you a lesson. Little did I know you'd just turn me on," she replied.
I chuckled at Fuka's blunt response.
"Let me go now. I have... learned my lesson," she said.
"Have you?" I asked.
Fuka nodded.
Well, it's time to let her go, I guess.
"To think you're actually a capable martial artist. You're full of surprises, Naruto-kun."
"So are you, Fuka. You're slowly raising your troops, which is surprising considering how you really are," I replied.
"Raising my troops? I'll just be setting myself up to be devoured if I did that. I'm simply showing you some valuable pieces, you know?"
"That being said, Fuka... I think Nagumo is going to make a move against me... to test if I'm worth his while."
"Hoh? You provoked him or something?"
"Not really. He's probably just doing it on a whim," I replied.
"Sounds just like Nagumo, alright. Do you want my help?"
"For Nagumo's scheme? No, not really. But I do need your help in my first anonymous move against him," I replied.
"Anonymous, huh? Color me intrigued!"
"Do you know staunch Nagumo supporters that can be easily expelled? But not too high profile... just people conspicuous enough for some people to doubt him."
As I said this, Fuka sent me the widest grin she had ever let out since we met. Fuka clapped her hands, and her eyes practically sparkled at the idea I presented.
"HA HA HA! SUBARASHII! It seems that the more time we spend together, the more layers to your persona I witness being unveiled," Fuka said.
"I do know three people who could be easy pickings for you. They're from Class 2-C," she added.
"What do you think should be the angle?"
"If I remember, these guys are Nagumo's goons who are part of his scheme of extorting points from freshmen last month," Fuka then showed me the photos of the three sophomores that she was alluding to.
My eyes widened in recognition.
These were the upperclassmen who had an altercation with Sudo last month!
"It seems you know of them," Fuka said with a smirk.
"That I do," I said as I opened my phone and showed Fuka two recordings: one of them bullying Sudo and another of them explaining what they knew about the S-System.
"I can't believe your luck, Naruto-kun. Opportune chances keep dropping in your lap without you exerting any effort!"
"But one question... how did they not even notice you recording through your phone?" Fuka asked.
"They didn't check."
Fuka snorted in amusement and let out a burst of unladylike laughter.
"But are you sure you actually want to do this, Naruto-kun? If there's one thing about you that I dislike... it's your preachings about morals and ethics. This is rather underhanded, you know?"
I stared at Fuka for a couple of seconds before I smiled.
While in my childhood, I firmly believed that no matter how sinister a man can be, they can still be redeemed... that's no longer the case now.
"I'm not naive, Fuka. I draw the line when people willingly inflict damage on other people. Extorting from freshmen is reason enough for me not to care what happens to them," I replied.
"Then that's settled. When are you going to enact your plan?"
"Now. Time is of the essence, you know?"
As my gaze lingered on my phone, which currently held the fate of three students, I let out a wistful smile.
"To think the first senpais that I befriended would be my welcoming gift to Nagumo-senpai."
Fuka flashed me an alluring smile. This woman... really has a thirst for chaos.
But Nagumo-senpai cannot know that I'm making my move now...
For now, it's time for you to do your job...
Ikuto Kiriyama.
End of Chapter
A/N: Next chapter will take a more light-hearted tone. For now, we're simply establishing the fact that Nagumo saw Naruto as a threat and is plotting to test him. Unbeknownst to Nagumo, Naruto realizes what Nagumo would do to him... and welcomes Nagumo's game with a move of his own featuring a little callback from Chapter 2.
Also, in this story, Nagumo isn't just going to be the typical thirsty pervert Manabu simp that we see in about 9/10 CotE fanfics. He will have depth and will be a formidable foe for Naruto, even if their battles at this point are simply some sort of a feeling-out process.