Episode 1: "The Project Partners"
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[Opening Scene: Naruto's Loneliness]
The sun filters through the classroom windows, casting shadows across the desks. Naruto Uzumaki sits alone near the back, his head leaning on his hand as he stares blankly outside. He's known as the school loner—no friends, no family, and constantly overlooked by his classmates.
Naruto (Voiceover):
"Same routine, different day. No one even notices me... not that it matters. I'm fine by myself."
The buzz of conversation fills the room as students laugh and chat with their friends. Naruto barely pays attention, his mind wandering.
Naruto (thinking):
"Why does it even matter? It's not like anyone's going to talk to me."
The teacher walks in, carrying a stack of papers, immediately silencing the class. Everyone straightens up, their attention piqued, knowing today is the day they hear about the project.
Teacher:
"Alright, everyone, listen up. I know you've all been curious about this year's project, and today is the day we finally start."
Excitement ripples through the class. Naruto, though, remains indifferent, thinking the project won't change anything for him.
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[Scene 2: Zero Two and Rias Arrive]
Just as the teacher prepares to announce the project, the door swings open, and Zero Two and Rias Gremory walk in. The classroom buzzes with awe as the two most popular girls make their entrance.
Zero Two exudes confidence, her long, pink hair swaying as she walks. Her mischievous smile catches the attention of every boy in the room. Dressed in a red school uniform with a short skirt and a playful tilt to her hips, she is the center of attention. Rias, with her regal crimson hair and flawless beauty, carries herself with grace. Wearing the school's signature white and black uniform, her presence is both elegant and powerful. Together, they command the room effortlessly.*
Student 1 (whispering):
"Man, Zero Two and Rias are just... on a whole different level."
Student 2:
"Of course they are. The two most popular girls in school, both gorgeous and smart."
As Zero Two walks by, she winks at Hiro, who sits at the front of the class. Hiro, one of the most popular boys in school, is laid-back, with spiky brown hair and a confident smile that makes everyone gravitate toward him. Zero Two leans on his desk, her flirtatious grin never fading.
Zero Two (flirting):
"Hiro~ You better hope we end up partners. Otherwise, you'll miss all the fun."
Hiro chuckles, not missing a beat, clearly enjoying the attention.
Hiro:
"I'll keep my fingers crossed."
Meanwhile, Rias makes her way toward Issei, a popular, athletic student who's known for his bold personality. She brushes her hair back with a charming smile.
Rias:
"Issei, think we'll get paired up? I can't imagine working with anyone else."
Issei smirks, leaning back in his chair confidently.
Issei:
"I'd be lucky to have you, Rias."
As the class swoons over the interactions, Naruto remains at the back, unnoticed and unconcerned. He shrugs to himself, thinking about how he'll probably get stuck with the leftover partner, as usual.
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[Scene 3: The Teacher's Big Announcement]
The teacher taps his papers on the desk to gather the class's attention.
Teacher:
"Alright, quiet down. I'm sure you're all excited to find out about your partners. This year, we're doing something a little different."
The class falls silent, intrigued by the teacher's words.
Teacher:
"For the first time, we're going to have groups of three for the Married Couple Project."
The room erupts into shocked gasps and murmurs. Three people for a married couple project? That's completely unheard of.
Student 1 (whispering):
"A group of three? How's that even going to work?"
Student 2:
"Maybe one person plays the child?"
The teacher silences the whispers with a raised hand.
Teacher:
"I know it sounds strange, but the idea is to challenge you. You'll have to manage living together, sharing responsibilities, and learning how to navigate relationships. It's a valuable life skill."
The class grows even more curious, waiting for the partner announcements. The teacher flips through his papers before speaking.
Teacher:
"Now, for the first group... Zero Two, Rias Gremory, and... Naruto Uzumaki."
For a moment, the room goes completely still. Then, a wave of laughter and murmuring washes over the class as everyone processes the announcement. Zero Two and Rias exchange horrified glances, their faces a mixture of disbelief and disgust.
Zero Two:
"Wait... Naruto? The loner? You've got to be kidding me."
Rias:
"This must be some kind of mistake."
The teacher, unfazed by their reactions, continues with a firm tone.
Teacher:
"There's no mistake. You three are partners, and you'll be living together for the duration of the project."
The whispers among the students grow louder as everyone reacts to the bizarre pairing. Naruto, on the other hand, keeps his head down, silently dreading what's to come.
Student 3 (whispering):
"This is going to be a disaster. Poor Naruto."
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[Scene 4: The Confrontation]
After class, Zero Two and Rias march over to Naruto, their irritation clear. The rest of the class watches from a distance, curious to see what will happen.
Zero Two:
"There's no way we're stuck with you for this project. You're going to ruin everything."
Rias (sighing):
"I was supposed to be paired with Issei... and now I'm stuck with someone who can't even talk to people."
Naruto looks up from his desk, meeting their gazes with a tired expression. He's used to being treated like this, and it doesn't faze him anymore.
Naruto:
"Look, it's just a project. We don't have to get along. Just do your part, and I'll do mine."
Zero Two and Rias exchange frustrated looks before turning back to Naruto.
Zero Two (sarcastically):
"Great. A loner who doesn't even care. This is going to be fun."
Rias, clearly still upset, crosses her arms.
Rias:
"Fine. But don't think for a second that we're going to be nice about this."
Naruto shrugs, standing up and grabbing his bag.
Naruto:
"Whatever. I'm not here to make friends."
He brushes past them, leaving the classroom while Zero Two and Rias glare after him.
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[Scene 5: Arrival at the Apartment]
Later that day, Naruto arrives at the apartment the school has assigned them for the project. The apartment is surprisingly spacious, with three separate bedrooms, a shared living room, and a kitchen. Naruto walks inside, looking around.
Naruto (thinking):
"Three rooms? Why would we need three if we're supposed to be working as a couple?"
Before he can think further, the door swings open, and Zero Two and Rias walk in, both looking equally annoyed. They stop when they see Naruto already inside.
Zero Two:
"So, we're really doing this? Living together with him?"
Rias (rolling her eyes):
"Unfortunately."
They both move past Naruto, checking out the apartment. Zero Two plops down on the couch with a dramatic sigh, while Rias looks around with a disappointed expression.
Rias:
"I still can't believe I'm stuck here. I was supposed to be with Issei."
Zero Two:
"And I was supposed to be with Hiro. This whole thing is a joke."
Naruto, trying to avoid confrontation, heads toward the kitchen to make himself some ramen. He grabs a pot, fills it with water, and sets it to boil.
Zero Two (mocking):
"Look at him... all by himself, making his little ramen."
Rias chuckles slightly but remains focused on her frustration.
Rias:
"Whatever. Let's just get through this and switch partners later."
Naruto overhears them and sighs to himself, stirring the pot of boiling water.
Naruto (thinking):
"They can say whatever they want. I'm just here to get this done."
He finishes making his ramen and heads to the third bedroom, the only one left. Closing the door behind him, Naruto sits on the bed, eating in silence.
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[Scene 6: Reflection in the Bedroom]
After finishing his meal, Naruto lies down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The sounds of Zero Two and Rias arguing in the other room drift through the walls.
Naruto (thinking):
"I've always been alone... This isn't any different. I don't need friends. I just need to get through this year."
He closes his eyes, his mind drifting to the challenges ahead