The atmosphere in the classroom was unusual, almost surreal. All the students, including Ruby and Momo, were plunged into a strange silence that contrasted with the typical bustle of the first day of school. The teacher had anticipated the chaos that usually accompanies the arrival of someone as famous as Naruto Edwards Uzumaki, but what was happening was completely the opposite. Instead of an avalanche of questions, comments, or even selfies, the class had been left in a kind of trance, observing the newcomer with a mixture of admiration and caution.
Naruto, for his part, remained completely calm, his face relaxed as he took notes of the teacher's initial instructions. Despite being used to being the center of attention, he seemed unfazed by the furtive glances his classmates cast his way every few seconds. His attitude was so carefree that some began to question whether he really was the same "Rising Sun" they had seen on television or in commercials. Naruto's public image was that of a charismatic and vibrant person, but here, in this classroom, he showed a more reserved, almost introspective side.
Ruby couldn't help but glance at him from her seat. "He's amazing," she thought to herself. She had spent years admiring him from a distance, following his career and dreaming of becoming like him one day. Now, she was just a few rows away, in the same class, breathing the same air. Yet, despite her initial excitement, something was intriguing. Naruto didn't behave the way she had imagined. He wasn't the loud center of attention she had expected, but rather someone who seemed perfectly comfortable being part of the group, not standing out more than necessary.
The teacher, after observing her students for a few moments, finally decided to break the awkward silence with a clearing of her throat.
"Well, now that everyone is here, let's begin with the introductions," she said, adjusting her glasses as she looked at her students with a patient smile. I want each of you to say your name, where you come from, and what you hope to accomplish during your time at this school.
The students began to introduce themselves one by one, following the order in which they were seated. Ruby listened intently, memorizing the names of her classmates and taking note of their aspirations. Some wanted to be actors, others singers, and there were even a few who dreamed of becoming directors or screenwriters. When it was her turn, Ruby stood up from her seat, feeling all eyes in the classroom on her.
"I'm Ruby Hoshino," she said in a clear voice, though her heart was beating rapidly. "I come from Tokyo and… my dream is to become a world-renowned idol."
Some of her classmates clapped softly, encouraging her, and Ruby sat back down with a shy smile. She felt like she had taken a good step toward her goal, though the nervousness was still present. Shortly after, it was Momo's turn, who introduced herself with natural confidence, mentioning her experience as a photo model and her interest in exploring the world of acting.
Finally, it was Naruto's turn. The atmosphere tensed slightly as he rose from his seat, his tall, slim figure projecting a magnetic presence. He took a moment to look at his classmates before speaking.
"I am Naruto Edwards Uzumaki," he began, his voice clear and relaxed. Despite his casual tone, his diction was impeccable, revealing his experience in front of the cameras. "I was born in Okinawa, although I lived in several places due to my career. I am here because, although I have achieved some things, I feel that there is always room for improvement and learning. I hope to share this journey with you and help each other grow."
The room erupted in applause, this time much louder than that received by any other student. Naruto was very grateful and sat down again, while the teacher took over.
Throughout the class, Naruto's behavior continued to baffle some of his classmates. While the others continued to throw furtive glances at him, he seemed completely focused on what the teacher was explaining. Ruby watched him for a few minutes, noticing how he took notes with almost methodical precision. It was clear that, although he was already an established figure in the industry, he did not underestimate the importance of learning.
"Maybe that's what makes him so successful," Ruby thought. "His willingness to keep improving, even when he's already at the top."
As the first class came to a close, the tension in the classroom finally began to dissipate. The students began to relax and talk amongst themselves, though many still looked at Naruto with a mix of admiration and nervousness. Ruby and Momo took advantage of the change in atmosphere to chat some more, while Naruto stood up from his seat and walked over to the teacher to ask her a question.
Momo gently nudged Ruby.
"He seems more normal than I expected, don't you think?" she whispered, with an amused smile.
Ruby ascended, though a part of her still felt that there was something about Naruto that wasn't completely transparent. There was something about the way he carried himself that seemed carefully calculated, as if he were playing a role even in this seemingly relaxed environment. However, she decided not to dwell on it too much. For now, she was excited about what the future held for her in this new stage of her life.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The first class ended with the teacher leaving and the classroom, which moments before had been plunged into an awkward silence, turned into a whirlwind of excitement and chaos as soon as the teacher walked out the door. The atmosphere that Naruto had managed to maintain of calm and concentration dissolved instantly. Within seconds, the students closest to him stood up in unison, almost as if they had been waiting for the teacher to leave so they could rush to meet her. And they did.
It was a stampede of voices, laughter and bright looks of admiration. Naruto, who until then had remained relatively calm, suddenly found himself surrounded by a crowd of students who could not contain their enthusiasm. The boys and girls looked at him as if they were in front of a celebrity of another level, and the rain of questions began instantly.
"Naruto, do you have a girlfriend?!" asked a blonde girl, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Can I have your phone number?" —another student added, as he pulled out his cell phone, hoping to get some positive response.
Naruto, unable to react before a new question reached his ears, tried to smile in a relaxed manner, but something in his gaze showed that he was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the attention. He had been in similar situations many times before, but never in such a close and, in a way, disconcerting environment. On stage or in front of the cameras, the attention he received was part of his job, something he knew how to handle. But here, among his classmates, being the center of attention was a totally different experience.
—Shall we take a picture together? I admire you so much! —exclaimed a girl with long hair, as she stepped forward, almost pushing the others to take a selfie.
The pressure of the questions did not stop. Most were harmless, but others crossed the line of the personal. Several girls began to ask him increasingly daring questions, in an attempt to get Naruto to reveal intimate details of his life.
"What kind of underwear do you wear?" was heard from the crowd, a bold question that made several in the room fall silent for a moment, waiting for Naruto's answer. Some laughed nervously, while others just watched, surprised.
Naruto could do nothing but try to stay calm. His first impulse was to laugh and deflect the situation with his classic charming smile, but even that didn't seem enough to stop the torrent of questions. He could feel sweat beginning to accumulate on his forehead, discomfort slowly invading his body. Despite his popularity, he wasn't used to being harassed in this way in such a close environment and, although he had always known how to control his public image, this was a completely new scenario.
"Please stop asking so many questions!" said Naruto, raising his hands in surrender. Her tone was softer than he had expected, trying to keep control, but her voice still held a hint of exhaustion.
The questions kept coming, though, relentless. Each of the students around him wanted an answer, and none seemed willing to let him go so easily.
"Naruto, would you like to go out with me?" another girl asked, her tone flirtatious but sincere, as if she really expected an affirmative answer.
Naruto looked around, taking in the faces of all the students around him, trying to find some way out. "I can't let this overwhelm me," he thought, searching for some control amidst the chaos. After all, he had been in much more complicated situations before, but this time he felt different. "This is different, these are my classmates. There are no cameras or lights shining on me here. I'm just Naruto, the new kid."
It was then that, looking around, he saw Ruby's calm gaze. Her face seemed serene amidst the chaos, watching him as if she understood what was going on. It was a small respite for him, a point of calm in the midst of the whirlwind. "I think I need to learn how to handle these kinds of situations, too."
Finally, one of the boys from the loudest group, apparently realizing that Naruto was no longer enjoying the attention, tried to calm things down a bit.
"Don't you think we're overwhelming him?" he said, looking at his classmates, some of whom were beginning to feel the awkwardness of the situation.
"It's just that it's so amazing to have someone like him in our school!" a girl commented, quieter, though clearly still excited.
Naruto, seeing how some were beginning to back away slightly, took the opportunity to speak up, trying to regain some control over the situation.
"Look, I really appreciate it, but… can we calm down a bit?" Naruto said with a forced smile, trying not to sound rude. "This is a bit much for me. I'm here to learn, just like all of you. So, if it's okay with you, we can talk later, but for now… let me breathe a bit!"
The girls looked at each other, some still wearing bright smiles, but eventually they began to back away
Ruby, watching as the crowd still continued to follow Naruto, let out a frustrated sigh. Even though the bustle had died down and the classroom seemed quieter, the students still kept the boy's attention. No one gave him a chance to breathe, to be just another person inside this room full of young people who, like her, wanted to learn and excel in school. Instead of being able to have a normal conversation with him, it seemed like Naruto had fallen into a whirlpool of endless questions and requests, and Ruby couldn't help but feel disappointed.
As she looked around, she felt a small pang in her chest, a feeling that made her cringe a little. The chance to get closer to him, to be able to talk without someone interrupting, seemed more and more distant. "This is absurd," she thought, watching as Naruto, despite his perfect smile and outward calm, also seemed to be struggling to get out of the pressure his peers were putting on him.
"This isn't what I expected," she muttered, taking her things and standing up with a determined stance. Minami, who had been silently watching her, also stood up with her, seemingly understanding the frustration Ruby was feeling. Neither of them said a word, but the weight of the silence between them reflected the awkwardness of the situation.
She walked through the halls with a firm step, but her face reflected a mix of frustration and disappointment. Minami, who was following closely behind her, kept watching her, knowing what was going through her mind. Although Ruby had tried to keep her composure, the fact that Naruto, the boy she had admired for so long, was surrounded by a crowd of students and she didn't have a second to even speak to him, had left her completely disillusioned. The anxiety of not being able to get close to him, of not being able to even engage in a conversation without someone interrupting her, had been more than she could bear at that moment.
Minami, seeing how Ruby tried to keep her calm, felt helpless. She knew that her friend had waited a long time for this first day at high school, that she had dreamed of getting closer to Naruto and maybe making a friend with him, but things weren't going as she expected. Ruby had been so excited to finally be in the same space as him, in the same place her mother had been, and now, seeing how everything had turned into chaos, her excitement had turned to disappointment.
When they finally reached the backyard, they sat on a nearby bench, away from the bustle of the hallways and classrooms. It was a quiet place, where the sound of leaves rustling in the light breeze and the chirping of some birds created a relaxing atmosphere that contrasted with the recent chaos. Ruby dropped her backpack to the ground and instantly let out a deep sigh, as if all the air trapped in her chest had to come out at that moment.
"I can't take it anymore…" Ruby muttered, her voice filled with frustration. She looked up at the sky, as if searching for answers in the clouds passing overhead. "I can't believe that, after all this time, I couldn't even get close to him. All I want is to talk to Naruto, but not even I give her the chance."
Minami sat next to her, watching her friend with understanding. She knew what Ruby had been feeling, and understood that this first day at high school wasn't going the way Ruby had planned. Despite being a reserved and somewhat introverted person, Minami had managed to make a name for herself as a model, but even she knew that nothing was easy when it came to dealing with fame and the expectations others had of her. So now that Ruby was going through the same thing, Minami wanted to help her see things from another angle.
"Ruby, why are you worrying so much?" Minami said in a soft voice, looking at her friend as she settled on the bench. —It's normal for Naruto to get so much attention, he's a star. But it doesn't mean you can't approach him at some point. Just that now isn't the right time, that's all.
Ruby, who had been staring straight ahead without paying attention to what Minami was saying, turned her head and looked at her with a tired expression. She didn't say anything, but her gaze was enough for Minami to know what was going through her mind. She wanted to get closer to Naruto, but circumstances were blocking her, and she didn't know how to handle it. For Ruby, who had always admired Naruto's career and his success, it was painful to see him surrounded by so many people who wanted him just for his fame. She wanted him to know her for who she was, without the crowd interfering in their relationship.
Minami, without losing her cool, continued speaking. She didn't want Ruby to sink into her negative thoughts, for she knew the strength of her friend. Ruby wasn't the type of person to let herself be easily defeated, but at that moment she seemed completely exhausted by everything that had happened in the day.
"Look, what's happening now is just the beginning, isn't it?" Minami said with a reassuring smile. "The first day is always confusing, everyone trying to make a name for themselves, and that includes Naruto. Sure everyone wants to get close to him, but that doesn't mean there's no room for you, Ruby. It's just that things don't always go as planned."
Ruby sighed again, this time calmer, as if Minami's words had the effect of calming her down little by little. Deep down, she knew her friend was right. She had been so focused on the idea of meeting Naruto that she had forgotten the important thing: taking things slowly and allowing everything to develop at its own pace. She couldn't force a relationship, or make circumstances go in her favor right away.
"It's just that… I don't know, I've always wanted to be close to him, to talk to him like a normal person, without all this chaos around. My mother… she was one of the greats, and I always thought that if I ever had the chance to meet Naruto, it would be like some kind of bond with her." But now, all I see are people who see him as just a star, and that bothers me. I don't want him to see me as another person who is just looking to take advantage of his fame.
Minami moves forward with understanding. She knew what Ruby felt. It had been difficult for her to find her place in the world of entertainment without being seen only for her appearance, without being reduced to a simple "pretty face." But Minami also knew that Ruby was not like the others. She had something more, something unique that made her stand out not only for her genetics, but for her heart and sincere desires.
"I understand you, Ruby. But don't you think that the best way for Naruto to really get to know you is by being yourself? Without pushing, without forcing anything. You don't need to do everything right away. You have time. If you keep admiring him like you do, the important thing is that you follow your path, do what makes you happy, and that way, he or anyone else will see you as you are, not as the daughter of a star.
Ruby looked at her with a small smile, grateful for Minami's comforting words. She knew her friend was right. She couldn't expect everything to happen so quickly, or for things to be resolved with just one conversation. She had had a lot of expectations, and maybe it was time to let everything take its course, without pressure or anxiety.
—Thank you, Minami. I think I need some time to think things over calmly. I can't let this consume me. If I really want to get closer to Naruto, I'll do it at my own pace, right?
Minami blushed, nodding. She knew Ruby would find her way, she just needed a little push to remind her that good things come when you least expect it.
The conversation between Ruby and Minami continued calmly, between laughs and small comments about their first day at the academy. They were both starting to feel more comfortable, as if the initial pressure of the day was slowly dissipating. However, their moment of tranquility was interrupted when not far from them appeared Aqua, walking with a serene but attentive expression, as if she was exploring the place. Noticing her sister talking to someone she didn't know, Aqua made a quick deduction: Ruby had already made a new friend. He smiled slightly, satisfied that his sister was adjusting so well.
It didn't take long for him to approach the bench where they were sitting. Upon arriving, Ruby looked up and smiled widely at the sight.
"Aqua!" she exclaimed excitedly, raising a hand to greet him. Minami, somewhat surprised at first, also offered her a friendly smile.
"Hello," Aqua said in her calm voice and typical carefree tone. "I see you're already making new friends, Ruby. I'm not surprised."
Ruby giggled, while Minami slightly bowed her head in greeting.
"Yes, Aqua, meet Minami," Ruby said, pointing at her classmate. "She's my new friend and she's in the same class as me. Minami, this is my brother, Aqua."
Minami nodded with a warm smile.
"It's nice to meet you, Aqua. Ruby's been telling me how excited she is for this day," she said kindly.
Aqua, always attentive, noticed the good vibes between the two girls and felt a certain relief. He knew Ruby had been nervous about her first day at the academy, and seeing that she had already found someone to connect with gave him some relief. He sat down next to them, entering the conversation naturally. They started talking about trivial things, such as first impressions of the academy, classes, and teachers. Aqua participated sporadically, but mostly listened, letting Ruby and Minami lead the conversation.
Everything was going smoothly until Ruby, almost without realizing it, mentioned something that completely diverted the topic.
"Oh, by the way, Aqua, can you believe it? The "Rising Sun" is in my class!" Ruby exclaimed excitedly, her eyes shining with excitement.
Aqua raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. He had heard that title countless times, and with good reason: "The Rising Sun," also known as Naruto Edwards Uzumaki, was one of the most prominent youth celebrities in Japan, and possibly the world. His name was everywhere, from movies and series to commercials and high-profile events. It was practically impossible not to know who he was, especially for someone of his generation.
"Naruto Edwards Uzumaki?" Aqua asked, wanting to make sure she had heard correctly.
"Yes!" Ruby answered enthusiastically, while Minami nodded in confirmation. "He's in my class! And the best thing is that he seems to be a rather nice person."
Aqua crossed her arms and frowned slightly, reflecting on what she had just heard. That someone like Naruto, such a well-known figure, was in a school like Yoto High School, seemed… peculiar to her, to say the least. Not because she underestimated the quality of the academy, but because it was strange that a star of his caliber was willing to mingle with students who were just beginning to take their first steps in the artistic world.
"It's… interesting, to say the least," Aqua finally said, choosing her words carefully. "It's not like he needs basic training like they offer here. Naruto is already at the top. He has nothing to prove. So what is he doing here?"
Ruby shrugged, clearly unconcerned by that detail. To her, Naruto's presence in her class was exciting, a privilege even. But Aqua couldn't help but analyze the situation from another angle. He had always been more observant and critical, and something didn't add up.
"Maybe he just wants to live a more normal life, even if just a little," Minami suggested, wanting to put a positive spin on the subject. "Maybe he wants to experience what it's like to be in an environment like this, away from the cameras and the spotlight."
Aqua nodded slowly, considering the possibility. However, her instinct told her that there was something more behind Naruto's decision to join Yoto High.
"It could be," she said finally, though not entirely convinced. But that doesn't change the fact that the difference between him and the rest of the students is abysmal. It's like comparing a Hollywood actor to someone who's just learning how to stand in front of a camera. The gap is huge.
Ruby frowned slightly, feeling like her brother's words underestimated the other students, including herself.
"I don't think it's fair to say that, Aqua," she replied in a slightly defensive tone. "We're all here to learn and improve. Sure, he's more experienced, but that doesn't mean we can't measure up one day."
Aqua noticed the change in her sister's tone and raised her hands in a sign of peace.
"I'm not saying you can't measure up one day, Ruby. I'm just saying that, for now, the difference is evident. But who knows, maybe you'll learn something from him, and he can learn something from you too."
Ruby looked at him for a moment before relaxing. She knew Aqua didn't mean anything; he had always been direct and logical in his analyses. Still, Ruby didn't want to let Naruto's accomplishments make her feel less capable. Her determination was stronger than ever, and she was willing to prove that she had what it took to succeed, too.
The conversation between the three continued to flow naturally. Trivial questions like who their favorite stars were became a nice way to get to know each other better. Ruby and Minami shared several names, mentioning singers, actors, and models they admired. Between laughs and anecdotes, Ruby mentioned Ai, as her biggest inspiration in the entertainment world. Minami, who was unaware of that connection, was genuinely interested, while Aqua, hearing how the topic turned to him, didn't hesitate to answer honestly.
"My favorite star will always be Ai," Aqua said with a small, melancholic smile. Although her words didn't quite express it, both Ruby and Minami understood that her choice wasn't just out of professional admiration, but because of the emotional connection he had with his late mother.
The conversation continued for a few more minutes, touching on trivial and relaxed topics, until Minami suddenly fell silent, her gaze fixed on something in the distance. Intrigued, Ruby noticed the change in her expression.
"What's wrong, Minami?" Ruby asked, leaning towards her.
Minami subtly nodded towards a figure walking calmly near them. Curiosity overtook Ruby, who looked in the indicated direction. Aqua, somewhat bewildered by the pause in the conversation, also turned her head. Not far away, a young woman with light dark hair walked with an elegant and carefree demeanor. Her face was easily recognizable, even for someone like Aqua, who did not follow the world of entertainment closely.
"It's Frill Shiranui!" exclaimed Ruby in an excited but restrained tone, trying not to shout. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of another of her favorite stars, a young woman known for her impressive versatility. Frill was a singer, actress, model, and even a designer; a prominent figure who represented the pinnacle of what many young women like Ruby dreamed of achieving.
Minami shared some of her enthusiasm, although with a touch of more reserved admiration. Aqua, on the other hand, remained her usual calm. She recognized Frill by her notoriety, but her interest didn't go beyond identifying her as a celebrity. However, she noticed that Ruby and Minami wanted to get closer, although neither seemed to have the courage to make the first move.
Sighing, Aqua decided to act. She walked over to where Frill was, while Ruby and Minami followed closely behind, both visibly nervous. Ruby felt a mix of excitement and anxiety; finding herself in front of such an important figure in entertainment was not something that happened every day. When they were finally close enough, Aqua took the initiative.
"Hello, Shiranui-san. My sister is in the same class as you, so please get along with her," Aqua said in a polite but direct tone, always maintaining her usual composure.
Frill, who until that moment seemed absorbed in her own thoughts, looked up at Aqua. Her analytical eyes fixed on her face, as if she were trying to remember something. He was silent for a few seconds, which made Ruby and Minami hold their breaths, while Aqua simply waited patiently. Finally, a spark of recognition crossed Frill's face.
"I know you," she said with a small nod, her voice soft but confident. "Weren't you on Sweet Today?"
Aqua raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised that he remembered something so specific. Sweet Today had been a TV show he'd done years ago, but it wasn't exactly one of the most successful projects he'd been involved with.
"I'm surprised you remember. That show wasn't even a big hit," Aqua answered honestly, but also with a slight hint of curiosity.
Frill kept her gaze fixed on him and, with a slight nod, replied,
"He kept appearing in one of my works, so I saw it. You were good."
The praise, though brief, caused Aqua to widen her eyes slightly, displaying a rare expression of surprise before nodding and thanking in a respectful tone.
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
Meanwhile, Ruby and Minami stood behind Aqua, watching with some fascination the interaction between him and Frill. For Minami, it was shocking to see Aqua interact so naturally with someone like Frill. Ruby, on the other hand, felt a mix of pride and a small hint of envy; her brother had managed to catch the attention of someone so important, while she remained in the background.
When Frill turned his gaze towards Minami, his reaction was immediate. He recognized the young woman almost instantly.
"You're Minami, right?" Frill asked with mild interest. "I remember you were on the cover of Middle Jump recently."
Minami quickly nodded, slightly blushing at the recognition.
"Yes, that's me. Thank you for reminding me."
Frill nodded with a slight smile before turning her attention to Ruby. Looking at the young girl, Frill seemed confused for a moment. She didn't immediately recognize her, which caused a slight cloud of discouragement in Ruby. However, Frill remained polite and respectfully asked, "
"And who are you?"
Ruby, though slightly hurt at not being recognized, quickly straightened her posture. She wouldn't let that minor setback dampen her enthusiasm. With a bright smile, she extended a hand and said, "
"I'm Ruby Hoshino! It's an honor to meet you, Shiranui-san!"
Frill took her hand gently, but Ruby couldn't help but feel that her introduction had been overshadowed by the previous acknowledgement Frill had shown towards Aqua and Minami. However, she decided not to let that thought discourage her. She knew she still had a long way to go, but she was determined that one day, not just Frill, but the entire world, would know who Ruby Hoshino was.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The day at the academy was coming to an end when the sound of the bell echoed throughout the building, signaling that it was time to leave. The four young people, Ruby, Aqua, Minami, and Frill, understood immediately. Frill, always punctual and efficient, decided not to waste any more time and began to leave. With her responsibilities at the academy completed, she was ready to head to her next task of the day, probably something related to her busy professional schedule. However, just as she was about to set off, something or someone caught her attention.
The young woman stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes focused on a figure approaching from the hallway. Ruby and Minami, immersed in trivial conversation, didn't notice anything strange until Frill spoke with an unexpectedly interested tone.
"Uzumaki-san? Is that you? I didn't know you'd be here."
The call surprised Ruby and Minami, who reacted with a small jump and quickly turned towards the direction of the voice, coming face to face with Naruto Uzumaki. The girls' instinctive reaction was one of shock, not only because of the sudden appearance, but because they hadn't sensed his presence approaching. Unlike them, Frill remained impassive, with her attention completely focused on the newcomer.
Naruto, who had been trying to leave the place as discreetly as possible after a long day that he considered more than exhausting, stopped when he heard his name. His face, although decorated with the warm and charming smile that characterized him in public, reflected deep down a mixture of annoyance and irritation. Internally, he couldn't help cursing his luck. After everything he had endured that day, from classmates who seemed more interested in harassing him than in learning, to the constant murmur of admiration towards him, he now had to face another interruption.
And not just anyone. The young woman who had called him was none other than Frill Shiranui.
Naruto, although perfectly capable of maintaining an impeccable facade, felt a visceral rejection towards the idea of interacting with Frill. In the past, they had worked together on several occasions due to the insistence of their teacher and the demands of their agency. Although professionally the results had been successful, for Naruto those experiences had been anything but pleasant. Frill had a special ability to detect when his smile was forced, and did not hesitate to openly ask him why he was faking it. That habit of his had put Naruto in awkward situations more than once, almost exposing him in front of cameras and the public.
Now, in front of her, Naruto felt his irritation growing. His mind worked quickly to assess the situation. He could not afford to lose his temper, especially not in front of Ruby and Aqua, who were key pieces in his long-term plans. He needed to gain their trust and manipulate them subtly so that everything fell into place in his favor. But maintaining his "good boy" image in front of Frill was a considerable challenge.
With a deep breath, Naruto kept his composure and responded with the same warmth that made him seem genuine to others.
"Shiranui-san!" —he exclaimed, as if he was truly happy to see her—. My, what a small world it is. I didn't expect to find you here either.
Frill raised an eyebrow at Naruto's response, observing him with the same analytical gaze she had always used to study him. Despite her kind greeting, she seemed to be searching for something beyond his words. Naruto felt that gaze like a weight on him, but he didn't allow his smile to fade for even an instant.
—It's curious to see you in an academy like this—Frill continued, with a slightly inquisitive tone—. What brings you here? I thought someone of your level would have no need to attend a place like this.
Naruto laughed softly, a calculated gesture that he accompanied with a nod.
—Well, there's always something new to learn, isn't there? —he replied, with carefully rehearsed humility—. Plus, it's a good opportunity to meet new people and explore other environments.
Ruby, who had been watching the interaction with a mix of wonder and excitement, timidly stepped in.
"Do you know each other?" she asked, her eyes alternating between Naruto and Frill.
Frill nodded slightly, but didn't turn her attention away from Naruto.
"We've worked together in the past," she explained, her tone neutral, betraying neither appreciation nor rejection.
Naruto took advantage of the pause to redirect the conversation, trying to downplay his previous relationship with Frill while also diverting attention from his obvious discomfort.
"That's right. We had some projects together a while back. Shiranui-san is incredibly talented," he said, his praise sounding genuine but actually calculated to maintain the appearance of cordiality.
Frill bowed her head slightly, accepting the compliment without much enthusiasm.
"You do good work too, Uzumaki-san," she replied, with a small smile but loaded with a subtext that Naruto immediately picked up on.
Ruby and Minami, who were still fascinated by the interaction, didn't pick up on the underlying tension. To them, this meeting was simply an exciting moment where two of their idols shared words. Aqua, on the other hand, watched with her usual critical gaze, as if she was analyzing each gesture and word of both.
Meanwhile, Naruto calculated each step carefully. She knew she couldn't afford to slip up, especially in front of Frill. Her smile remained intact as she finished the conversation.
"Well, it was nice seeing you, Shiranui-san. I hope we'll cross paths more often here."
Frill nodded, but her gaze made it clear that she was still analyzing every detail. Without further ado, she said goodbye with a slight bow and continued on her way, leaving Naruto with Ruby, Minami, and Aqua.
As Frill walked away, Ruby couldn't contain her excitement.
"That was amazing!" she exclaimed, looking at Naruto with shining eyes. "I didn't know you knew Frill Shiranui!"
Naruto kept his smile, although internally he felt exhausted. This meeting hadn't been what he expected, but at least he had managed to keep up appearances.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto quickly said goodbye to the twins, Ruby, Minami, and Aqua, not wasting time on unnecessary details. Although Ruby seemed to enjoy the conversation, he knew that he couldn't continue to prolong his interaction with them. After all, his plan to gain their trust had been interrupted by the onslaught of questions from his classmates and, even more so, by the encounter with Frill. Instead of staying and continuing to lose control of the situation, Naruto opted for a strategic exit, apologizing for not being able to establish a deeper conversation.
"I'm sorry, girls. I'd really like to stay and talk more, but I have some things to do. See you another day, okay?" Naruto told them, with a smile on his face, convincing enough for them not to suspect his intentions. Ruby naturally responded enthusiastically, saying that she looked forward to seeing him soon, while Minami simply nodded with a warm smile. However, upon reaching Aqua, the interaction was brief and direct, as he had planned.
"It's nice to meet you, Aqua," Naruto said, giving her a slight nod. "Sorry, but I have to go now. Work, you know how it is." Aqua, though taken aback by the suddenness of the dismissal, said nothing more. With her well-known penchant for privacy and prudence, she nodded, and Naruto, seeing that she hadn't questioned his excuse, quickly drove away.
The sun was beginning to set as Naruto drove away from the high school in his chauffeur's car. He was exhausted, not just physically, but mentally. The day he had planned as a crucial step in establishing connections and controlling the circumstances of his future had completely crumbled. All his time at the academy, he had had to maintain a façade of friendliness and cordiality that, despite having served him well on countless occasions, was taking its toll on him. The discomfort of his situation was palpable on his face, which had previously looked full of energy, but was now marked by frustration.
Even though his mind was focused on how to manipulate the situation and get closer to Ruby, Aqua, and the others, Frill Shiranui's face kept appearing in his mind. While he had managed to conceal his discomfort during the encounter with her, the mere fact that he had to deal with someone as perceptive as her left him worried. Frill was not only a celebrity, but someone who had an unsettling ability to read people, something he knew could put his plans at risk.
What disturbed him the most, however, was how things with Ruby had become complicated in ways he hadn't anticipated. The girl was fascinated by him, something that, on the surface, seemed like a point in her favor. But there was something about her that made him uneasy. Although she seemed to be completely impressed by his fame, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. People like Ruby, who were carried away by their emotions and admiration, were the easiest to manipulate, but also the most unpredictable. A small change in his perception could ruin all his work, and that was something Naruto couldn't afford.
He sighed heavily, staring out the car window as the city sped past him. He knew he still had time. Even though the day had been a disaster, not all was lost. He could still use his influence over Ruby, and with her as a foundation, he could build a relationship that would bring him closer to Aqua. That would give him the advantage he needed. But for that, he would have to be much more careful. Ruby was the easiest to manipulate, but Aqua, that was another story.
Throughout the conversation, he had been able to detect that Aqua was more perceptive than her sister. There was something in her eyes, a spark of intelligence that he didn't see in Ruby. Aqua wasn't a person he could manipulate so easily. And even though she seemed to be more reserved, she was still a person with an ability to analyze others that could be dangerous. If he didn't handle things well, Aqua could discover his intentions before he had a chance to act. But, for now, he wasn't going to worry about her. He had to win Ruby's favor first, and once he had her trust, he could use it to get closer to Aqua.
The car stopped in front of his mansion, and Naruto quickly got out. Despite being exhausted, there was something inside him that gave him the determination to keep going. He was used to things not being easy, but he had always found a way to get ahead. He entered his house, greeted the staff that greeted him, and headed to his private office.
There, in his personal space, the facade he had maintained all day crumbled completely. He closed the door behind him, and his face transformed. The sparkle in his eyes disappeared, giving way to a colder, more calculating expression. He frowned and slumped into the chair in front of his desk. The hands that had been so sure and firm before were now tense, clenched into fists. The irritation he had felt all day, from his classmates' annoying questions to the encounter with Frill, consumed him from the inside.
"Damn, damn day," he thought, gritting his teeth. "Everything I planned, everything I prepared... went down the drain because of a couple of idiots. I couldn't even talk to Ruby without those bastards interrupting me."
As emotions boiled over inside him, he remembered Frill and how he had managed to keep his cool in front of her. Although he had managed to cover himself with his usual smile and cordiality, he hadn't been able to avoid the feeling of vulnerability she had caused him. Frill, with her ability to read people, had been a real threat. If he kept crossing paths with her, his plans could be compromised, and he couldn't afford that.
But there was still a way out. Ruby was his first target. Despite the interruptions and awkward moments, she was still his entry point. There was something about her, something he could take advantage of. The enthusiasm with which the girl had looked at him, the almost palpable admiration, was something he could use to his advantage. Ruby was easy to read, and Naruto felt confident that he could manipulate her emotions to get closer to her. But to do so he would have to do it carefully. He couldn't risk making her feel disappointed or confused. Once he had her trust, Ruby could be the key to manipulating Aqua.
After a few minutes of silence and reflection, Naruto stood up from his chair and began to pace the room. He needed to calm down. Tomorrow would be another day. He would have to get close to Ruby again, and if he was lucky, maybe find an opportunity to study Aqua further. He had to be prepared for anything. Because even if the situation hadn't gone the way he had hoped, he could still twist it in his favor.
"One step at a time," he thought as he looked out the window toward the horizon, his gaze calculating, like a hunter patiently waiting for his prey to get close enough to catch.
And end of the chapter