The Contract and the Genius

Ren sat in the cozy café, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Across from him, editor Takeda slid the contract toward him with an eager expression. The deal was already set—they had agreed to publish Naruto—but today, he was here to review the official paperwork.

He adjusted his cap slightly, keeping his face neutral. His alias, Genius, was on the documents instead of his real name. This wasn't just about anonymity—it was about control. Ren wanted the freedom to navigate the entertainment industry on his own terms, without the weight of his identity causing unnecessary complications.

"Take your time," Takeda said, sipping his drink. "We want you to feel comfortable with everything."

Ren nodded, flipping through the pages carefully. Legal jargon filled the document, but his sharp mind, honed from years as a software engineer, dissected every clause with ease. Copyright terms? Check. Profit distribution? Fair. Retention of creative control? Solid.

Takeda watched him with mild curiosity. Most young authors would've been either overly excited or completely overwhelmed. But Genius—the supposed prodigy—was unnervingly calm.

Finally, Ren set the contract down and met Takeda's gaze. "I want to add a clause ensuring I have the final say on adaptations. No anime, movies, or spin-offs without my approval."

Takeda blinked, impressed. "That's… not a common demand for a newcomer, but I don't see an issue. I'll have legal draft the revision."

Ren smirked. Good. I won't let anyone ruin Naruto.

With that settled, he signed the contract. The deal was done.

A New Day at School

The next morning, Ren walked into class, the usual hum of students chatting filling the air. Yuto and Kenta were already at his desk, engaged in an animated discussion.

"I'm telling you," Yuto insisted, "the guy who made Naruto is a genius. This story is gonna blow up."

Ren fought the urge to smirk. Well, obviously.

Kenta leaned back. "Yeah, but some people online are saying it's too different from what we usually get. Too much depth for the current market."

Ren scoffed. "That just means they have bad taste."

Before either of them could reply, a loud thud echoed through the room as Mei slammed her bag onto the desk next to his.

"Oi, dumbass."

Ren sighed. "Good morning to you too, Mei."

She plopped into her seat, propping her feet on the chair in front of her. "You didn't text me yesterday. What, too busy being mysterious?"

Yuto leaned in, grinning. "Wait, wait, are we interrupting something here?"

Kenta whistled. "Damn, Mei, didn't know you were into quiet, broody types."

Mei casually picked up her pencil case and chucked it at Kenta's face. He dodged, barely.

"Shut it."

Ren just shook his head. "I was busy."

"Too busy for your childhood best friend?" Mei gave him a mock glare before smirking. "Tch. Suspicious."

Before he could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"Well, if it isn't the loser squad."

A girl with short, light brown hair stood with arms crossed—Tachibana Nao. She had been a thorn in Ren's side since childhood, always finding ways to mock him. But thanks to Mei beating her up once, she never went too far anymore.

Still, the rivalry remained.

"Looking lively, Tachibana," Ren said flatly. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

She smirked. "Just making sure you haven't become completely useless. But I guess that's impossible—you were born that way."

Mei cracked her knuckles. "You wanna go, Nao?"

Tachibana clicked her tongue. "Tch. Relax, I'm just here to remind your boy here about the upcoming midterms. Not that he'd pass without a miracle."

Ren rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine."

She gave him a skeptical look before walking off. Yuto chuckled. "Man, she really can't decide whether she hates you or just wants attention."

Mei crossed her arms. "Who cares? She's annoying."

Ren exhaled. Just another day in this absurd life.

But at least things were finally moving forward.