Japan.
Inside a luxurious club in Tokyo.
At this moment, many of Japan's most prominent figures had gathered here.
There were nobles, businessmen, government officials, and various celebrities — a true gathering of the country's elite.
Guests clinked glasses, chatting about Japan's future, discussing both major affairs and trivial matters with the same fake enthusiasm.
In one corner of the grand banquet hall, Ake sat quietly by himself, his calm eyes sweeping over the crowd.
He had attended such events countless times since childhood, and by now, he was completely used to this kind of atmosphere.
To be honest, he didn't like it.
Watching his parents surrounded by flattering smiles and empty praise, Ake knew well that none of it was genuine. These people only cared about the Ake Family's influence. If the Akes weren't one of Japan's powerful families, no one here would even bother to greet them.
Even though Ake had lived two lives, being immersed in this kind of environment had influenced him more than he cared to admit.
As the young master of the Ake Family, he enjoyed privileges and resources most people could never even dream of.
That was the allure of standing at the top of the pyramid.
For a moment, a flicker of cold emotion flashed in his calm eyes — but it quickly disappeared.
Just then, a pleasant female voice reached his ears.
"Hello, may I sit here?"
Ake turned his head. At some point, a girl had appeared beside him.
She wore a custom-made red dress, her long black hair cascading softly over her shoulders, the ends gently curled. Her light brown eyes shimmered like amber under the warm light.
She had fair skin, a graceful figure, and looked to be around his age.
For a moment, even Ake was taken aback.
In the twelve years he'd lived in this world, this girl was easily the most beautiful he'd ever seen.
Seeing that Ake didn't respond, the girl tilted her head slightly and asked again, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
"Excuse me, may I sit here?"
Snapping back to reality, Ake nodded politely. "Sorry — please, go ahead."
Her lips curved into a smile as she gracefully sat down beside him.
"Hello, my name is Rukia," she said brightly.
"Ake Ryu," Ake replied calmly.
Rukia's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Your eyes... they're different colors! Is that natural?"
Ake didn't find the question rude and nodded. "Yeah, it's natural."
"Wow... so cool! Looking at your hair, I can tell — that woman over there must be your mom, right?"
Rukia pointed toward a group of noblewomen chatting animatedly.
Following her gaze, Ake easily spotted his mother — her long fiery red hair stood out unmistakably among the crowd.
Rukia smiled again. "You look about my age. Are you starting middle school too?"
Ake nodded. "Yes. I'll be starting when school begins."
"Then which school will you be attending?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.
"I haven't decided yet," Ake replied, shaking his head.
Rukia's eyes darted playfully. "Then... how about coming to my school?"
"My school?" Ake repeated, giving her a slightly puzzled look.
Rukia looked a little embarrassed, her cheeks faintly red. "It's just... I don't know anyone there yet, so... it'd be nice to have someone I know."
Ake smiled faintly. "I see. So, which school is it?"
"Seiyo Middle School — it's a noble school here in Tokyo," she said proudly.
"Seiyo Middle School, huh? I'll think about it."
He neither agreed nor refused. To him, the choice of school didn't matter much — he'd join the basketball club regardless.
Academics were the least of his concerns. With his photographic memory and fast learning ability, studying was as easy as breathing.
What mattered most was basketball.
His current skill level was good enough against weaker opponents, but stronger players still pressured him. He wasn't sure if it was because of his dual personality or the talent he had inherited from Seijuro Akashi, but one thing was certain — he hated losing control.
Time passed quickly, and the first day of school finally arrived.
In the end, Ake chose Seiyo Middle School — not because of Rukia, but because his family recommended it.
He had also done his own research. Seiyo Middle was one of Tokyo's most prestigious schools, boasting top-tier teachers, elite facilities, and luxurious amenities.
The club facilities were especially impressive.
Though the school's basketball club had no reputation to speak of, that didn't bother Ake in the slightest.
All he needed was a place to sharpen his skills.
The First Day of School — Seiyo Middle School, Main Gate.
Ake stood before the towering gate, quietly admiring it.
"As expected of a noble school," he murmured to himself.
He hadn't even stepped inside yet when a lively scene caught his attention — dozens of students were crowding the entrance, each pulling at newcomers to join their clubs.
It was so over-the-top that Ake almost laughed. There had never been anything like this back in elementary school.
Taking a deep breath, he composed himself and entered the campus.
Almost immediately, he was surrounded. Every few steps, someone approached, trying to recruit him.
And to make things worse, his handsome looks drew a swarm of curious girls.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say he had to fight his way through.
Baseball Club, Martial Arts Club, Detective Club, Swimming Club, Art Club, Modeling Club... and even clubs with suspicious names like "Female Privacy Club" and "Male Private Club."
"They really do have everything," Ake thought helplessly.
Though there were no classes scheduled on the first day, all new students were required to visit and register for their clubs.
Without hesitation, Ake slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed toward the Basketball Gym.
Not long after, he arrived.
The gym was as luxurious as he expected — polished floors, spotless glass walls, and banners proudly displaying the school's emblem.
In front of the gym stood a long table with a poster:
"Basketball Club Recruitment."
Ake walked straight up and said calmly, "Hello, I'd like to sign up."
The boy sitting behind the table looked up, froze for a moment, then suddenly stood up with excitement.
"Welcome! Please, have a seat!" he said enthusiastically, pulling out a chair for Ake.
Ake blinked, a little taken aback by his energy. "It's just registration... why so formal?" he thought.
The boy grinned. "I thought no one would join this year. You're actually the first!"
Ake raised an eyebrow. "The first? Does that mean not many students join?"
The boy sighed. "Not many? Try none. Our basketball level here is... well, embarrassing. If it weren't for a really strong guy who joined last year, the club probably would've been shut down already."
"I see..." Ake murmured.
It didn't bother him. Strength could always be built — and with him here, the club's level was bound to rise.
Just then, a voice called out from behind them.
"Kirihara, is there a new recruit?"
Ake turned toward the sound.
The moment he saw the figure approaching, he froze.
A familiar face from his memories appeared before him — perfectly matching the man standing there now.