Naruto had barely had time to breathe since his first day at the academy. As he had expected, his week had been filled with unnecessary interactions with his classmates, whom he quickly dismissed as mere "monkeys" who only knew how to make noise and harass him with stupid questions. Always with a fake smile on his face, he answered just enough to be left alone without raising suspicion. However, each day he spent in that environment became more irritating, especially since he hadn't managed to make as much progress as he would have liked with the Hoshino twins.

Ruby, as he predicted, was easy to handle. Her enthusiasm and admiration for him was a free pass to enter his world without resistance. The complicated thing was that Aqua was always nearby, watching with a calculating gaze that he didn't like at all. He knew that this boy was not like his sister. There was something about him that made him different from the others, as if he was always one step ahead, ready to discover any lie or deception.

But Naruto was in no hurry. He was patient when it came to playing these kinds of games. He knew that sooner or later he would find a way to get around the obstacles and get what he wanted.

The weekend came quicker than expected, and with it, another pile of unnecessary activities he had to endure. Between photo shoots for magazines, interviews with TV hosts he couldn't stand, and commitments he hadn't been able to avoid, Naruto felt like all his time was being drained by leeches who only wanted to dig into his personal life.

Sitting on the set of a photo shoot for a well-known youth magazine, he maintained his pose with a neutral expression as the camera flashes momentarily blinded him with each shot. Photographers and assistants moved around him, giving him instructions on how to position himself, what expression to make, what angle was best. It was a monotonous process he had repeated thousands of times, to the point of doing it almost automatically.

"Alright, Naruto-kun! Now try to give a more relaxed, more natural expression," the photographer requested enthusiastically.

Naruto faked a small smile, just enough to appear charming without being over the top.

"Perfect! That's what we want!" the photographer exclaimed, capturing more images.

After what felt like an eternity, the session was finally over. Naruto stood up from his seat, running a hand through his hair as he ignored the praise from the attendees. He didn't have time to deal with fake flattery. All he wanted was to get the hell out of there.

Before he could, however, a reporter approached him with a microphone and an exaggeratedly friendly smile. "Naruto-san, before you go, could we ask you a few quick questions for the show 'Entre Estrellas'?"

Naruto suppressed the urge to grimace in disgust. That show was famous for trying to get personal information out of the performers with awkward questions. Still, he knew he couldn't just turn down the offer without looking suspicious.

"Of course," he replied with a smile, adjusting the jacket he was wearing.

"Thank you, Naruto-san. The first question is, how has your experience been studying at a normal academy after being a big star at such a young age?"

Naruto pretended to think for a moment before answering in a relaxed tone, "Well, it's been a refreshing experience. Being able to hang out with classmates my age and learn in a more relaxed environment helps me disconnect a bit from the world of entertainment. It's a nice change."

"How interesting! And tell us, is there anyone special at the academy that you've made a good connection with?"

Naruto kept his smile, although internally he wanted to end the interview immediately. He knew the question was designed to make him blurt out some scandal, but he wouldn't fall into that trap.

"All of my classmates are amazing people. I've had the chance to meet several talented people, and I'm sure this year will be very enriching for everyone," he replied skillfully, diverting the topic without naming names.

The reporter looked dissatisfied, but didn't press the issue. "I see, I see. Last question: what can we expect from Naruto Uzumaki in the future? Any new projects in the works?"

Naruto nodded with feigned enthusiasm. "I'm always working on something new. There are several surprises coming soon, so I hope everyone stays tuned."

The reporter smiled, ending the interview. "Thank you for your time, Naruto-san. We wish you much success!"

Naruto just nodded and quickly drove away before anyone else tried to stop him. As he left the studio, his driver was already waiting for him in the car. He got into the back without a word, slamming the door shut with a little more force than necessary.

As the car began to move, Naruto leaned an elbow on the window and looked out. His smile disappeared as soon as he was out of sight. He frowned in annoyance, feeling a pressure on his temples from the built-up irritation.

"Another day wasted with these damn leeches," he muttered to himself.

It deeply bothered him that so many people wanted to pry into his personal life. He knew it was part of the price of fame, but that didn't mean he'd put up with it. If it were up to him, he'd avoid all these interviews and engagements, but he knew he had to maintain his image.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He still had more important things to think about. Like his plan with Ruby and Aqua.

Aqua... that was a separate problem. The way he stood in the way of his offer to Ruby made it clear that he wouldn't be easy to handle. But Naruto was patient. He would find a way to isolate him, or at worst, turn him into an ally. It all depended on how things played out in the next few days.

The car slowed down as it reached its destination. From the window he could see the imposing residence he lived in. It was a spacious, modern, and elegant place, a reflection of his status in the entertainment industry. But to him it was nothing more than another empty space with no meaning. Just another stage on which he had to perform.

The driver stopped in front of the entrance and got out to open the door for him, but Naruto had already walked out on his own. He didn't even bother to thank him, he simply walked towards the main entrance. The servants who worked in the house rushed to greet him, bowing their heads respectfully as they opened the doors for him. Some greeted him politely, but he ignored them completely. He had no interest in forming bonds with the people who worked for him. They were expendable, mere cogs in the machinery that supported his public life.

He entered the house and removed his jacket, tossing it carelessly onto one of the couches in the foyer.

He made his way into the living room and let his body fall onto the couch with a heavy sigh. His head rested against the backrest, and for the first time that day he felt a glimmer of calm. He wanted to sink into a brief rest, at least a few minutes of quiet where he could forget the facade he had to maintain day in and day out.

Naruto let out a deep sigh as he sank into the overstuffed chair in the living room. He closed his eyes for a moment, hoping to find some peace in his own home after a tiring day at work. However, his rest was interrupted before it even began.

The sound of a door opening broke the silence, followed by calm and confident footsteps approaching him. Naruto didn't need to look up to know who it was. That relaxed yet imposing walk was all too familiar, an echo of the past that never quite managed to go away. He clenched his jaw, suppressing the annoyance growing inside him, before slowly opening his eyes to find himself face to face with Hikaru Kamiki.

The man was dressed in his usual discreet yet elegant style, his face adorned with that eternal carefree smile that hid a calculating and perverse mind. Hikaru stopped a few steps away from Naruto, watching him with a playful glint in his eyes before breaking the silence with his twisted sense of humor.

"Wow, kid, you sure look like shit," he commented with a mocking smile, adjusting the collar of his shirt.

Naruto didn't respond immediately. He watched him in silence for a few more seconds, assessing the situation. He had no patience for this, not today. With a voice devoid of emotion, he finally asked,

"What do you want now…?"

Hikaru kept his expression relaxed, as if Naruto's words had not the slightest impact on him. Instead, he let out a light laugh before answering in his usual sarcastic tone,

"Come on, come on, can't a father visit his son for no reason?"

Naruto was silent for a moment before letting out a dry laugh, devoid of any trace of mirth. He propped an elbow on the armrest of the chair and rested his head on his hand, looking at him with a mix of mockery and contempt.

"You may be anything, but I assure you that you are every bit of crap in the world but a potential father."

Hikaru smiled at that answer, as if he enjoyed it rather than being offended. He slowly approached, taking a seat on a sofa in front of Naruto with the ease of someone who feels completely in control. He crossed his legs and rested an arm on the back, looking at him with an amused expression.

"Oh, Naruto, always so hostile to me. It hurts me that you speak like that about your dear mentor. After all, I am the man who made you what you are today. Shouldn't you be thanking me instead of despising me?" he asked with feigned sadness, although the mockery in his tone was unmistakable.

Naruto clicked his tongue, feeling a pang of anger run through his body. Of course Hikaru would say something like that. He always had that way of twisting things, of making his victims feel as if they owed him something.

"Don't give me that rubbish," he snapped coldly. "If I am what I am today, it's not because of you, but in spite of you. You did nothing but ruin my life from the first day you appeared in it."

Hikaru tilted his head slightly, feigning interest.

"Oh, yeah? Enlighten me, please. How did I, a simple businessman with an interest in entertainment, ruin your life?"

Naruto felt his blood boil. His jaw tightened, but he refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing her lose control. Instead, he took a deep breath and smiled coldly.

"From the moment you found me, everything I did was no longer about me. It was all manipulation, control, lies. You molded me to your liking, used me as a tool for your plans. And now you come to my house with that trashy smile pretending we're family."

Hikaru let out a light laugh, resting his face on his hand as he looked at him in amusement.

"Well, well… Don't say it hasn't served you well. You're famous, rich, adored by thousands. People would give anything to be in your position, and here you are complaining. Unbelievable, isn't it?"

Naruto leaned forward slightly, his smile fading completely.

"Fame and wealth mean nothing if I can't live without feeling like everything around me is a damn farce."

For a moment, a flash of something unusual crossed Hikaru's face. It wasn't mockery or amusement, but something darker. A fleeting shadow that disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared. Naruto noticed it, though.

"Ah, Naruto," Hikaru whispered, relaxing again. "You have a fascinating way of seeing things. But you should know better than anyone… in this world, truth and lies are nothing more than tools." What's important isn't what's real, but what people think is real.

Naruto looked at him in disgust. No matter how many times he heard those kinds of phrases from his mouth, they never failed to make him sick. He leaned back in the chair again, closing his eyes for a moment before speaking in a low but firm voice.

"If you just came to spout your pathetic speeches, you can get lost. I'm tired and I don't have the patience to listen to you."

Hikaru chuckled and calmly stood up, adjusting his jacket.

"Of course, I don't want to bother you more than necessary. I just wanted to stop by and see you, make sure you're still the brilliant boy I invested so much time in."

Naruto opened his eyes and glared at him.

"I'm not your damn investment."

Hikaru smiled, ignoring his threatening tone. She slowly approached and leaned slightly towards him, lowering her voice to a whisper.

—Oh, but you are, Naruto. And I hope you never forget who put you where you are. Because, just as I raised you up, I could also tear you down.

Naruto felt a chill run down his spine, but he didn't let Hikaru see him hesitate. Instead, he held his gaze, his expression hardening.

—Try it and I assure you that you will end up regretting it.

For the first time, Hikaru's smile faded completely. He straightened up, looked at him for a few more seconds and then simply turned around. He walked calmly to the door, but before leaving, he gave one last warning without looking back at him.

—Don't get too confident, Naruto. In this game, the one who loses his guard first is the one who ends up destroyed.

With those words, Hikaru left the room, leaving Naruto with his fists clenched and anger burning in his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. No matter how many years passed, Hikaru always found a way to make him feel like he could never escape his shadow.

Naruto stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the doorway through which Hikaru had disappeared. His expression, which had been one of suppressed fury during the conversation, now darkened even further. His bangs cast shadows across his face, highlighting the deep circles under his eyes that, until now, he had managed to hide with meticulous effort. Now that he didn't have to pretend, his true face came into view.

A dense, gloomy aura took over him as his thoughts sank into an ocean of pure hatred. His jaw clenched tightly, his fingers clenched against the armrests of the chair. Hikaru Kamiki... that bastard. The suppressed rage turned into a burning fire inside him, a fire that would only be extinguished when he saw him dead.

He wanted to kill him. He needed to kill him.

It wasn't a new idea. It wasn't the first time he fantasized about ripping the life out of him with his own hands, watching his blood soak the ground, hearing his last breath as the life left him. But he couldn't. Not directly. Hikaru was a cunning monster, and he knew him too well to believe he could kill him without consequences.

If he dared to do it on his own, if he even tried to attack him, Hikaru would have a card ready to destroy him. It was a game of chess in which they were both trapped, and neither could move without caution. Hikaru needed him, of that he was sure. That was why he hadn't eliminated him yet, that was why he limited himself to playing with his mind, to provoke him without reaching the point of no return. Hikaru Kamiki saw him as an asset, a valuable pawn on his board.

But Naruto was no simple pawn.

He wasn't going to allow that bastard to continue manipulating him. Not anymore. If he couldn't kill him with his own hands, then he would have others do it for him. And what better way to destroy him than by using the thing he tried hardest to hide: his own children.

The Hoshino twins.

The thought alone brought a crooked smile to his face.

Yes... Aqua and Ruby Hoshino. Hikaru Kamiki's legitimate children, living proof of his sins. How poetic it would be if they were the ones to end his life. Not only would he use them as tools, but he would make them, in the end, hold the knife that would cut his throat.

But he couldn't rush it. He couldn't make mistakes.

Aqua was the hardest piece to manipulate. From their first meeting, Naruto knew that the boy was no fool. There was something in his gaze, in his reserved attitude, that told him that it wouldn't be easy to fool him. Aqua was naturally distrustful of everyone. It would be a long and meticulous job to get him to let his guard down, to trust him enough to be able to lead him down the path he wanted.

Ruby, on the other hand, was a different case.

She was naive, optimistic, and most importantly, fascinated by him. From the first time they spoke, he had seen the way her eyes sparkled when she heard him. She adored the world of showbiz, dreamed of being a great idol, and Naruto could use that to his advantage. She would be his ticket, the key that would open the doors to the true goal: controlling Aqua.

Because once Ruby was completely in his hands, Aqua would have no choice but to follow her.

It wouldn't be easy, but Naruto was patient.

He knew how to play this game. He had spent his entire life manipulating and deceiving others for his own benefit. He had perfected the art of acting, of persuasion, of making people believe what he wanted them to believe. And this time would be no different.

He would take it upon himself to infiltrate their lives slowly. He would become someone indispensable to them, someone they trusted. For Ruby, he would be her greatest support, the one who would help her achieve her dreams. For Aqua... he would find a way. Sooner or later, he would.

And when the time came, when they were both completely caught in his web, he would show them the truth.

He would open their eyes to the monster that was their father.

He would make them hate him with every fiber of their being.

And then, when hatred consumed them, when there was no doubt left in their minds, he would push them to do what he could not do with his own hands.

Hikaru Kamiki would die.

And his death would be at the hands of those he had fathered.

Naruto felt a dark satisfaction run through his body at the thought.

Finally, after so many years, he would have his revenge.

And end of the chapter