After days of contemplation, Naori felt confident about her plan to find cloning technology. She stared at her reflection in the bedroom mirror, her mind spinning between bravery and caution. "To protect Kaguya Hime's identity, I must be perfect. There's no room for mistakes."
Naori summoned the kagebunshin with a quick hand seal, followed by the familiar Puff! sound. The white mist vanished, revealing an identical version of herself.
"You know your role, don't you?" Naori asked seriously.
The bunshin smiled casually. "I'm you, remember? Focus on the mission. I'll handle things here."
"Don't forget," Naori reminded her. "Cancel the kagebunshin after two days. I don't want to pass out because my brain is suddenly overwhelmed with information."
They spoke briefly, discussing the final details before parting ways. Naori watched her bunshin walk toward the company, then locked herself in her room to begin her disguise.
Naori took a deep breath and picked up the scissors. "My long hair..." she muttered quietly, cutting strand by strand.
After several hours of dressing up, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. A beautiful woman with blue eyes, tall and curvy, with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair, stared back with a calm expression. Her appearance was perfect: a mature, elegant, and professional American scientist.
Naori took out the fake ID she had prepared:
[ Name: Vomi
Date of Birth: August 31, 1968
Nationality: United States
Address: Queens, New York ]
She memorized the details by heart. "I'm Vomi now," she whispered, putting the ID in her wallet.
As Vomi, Naori began working as a researcher in New York. With her friendly and elegant demeanor, she successfully integrated into the local scientific community. Her connections grew, and she heard information about small laboratories that occasionally collaborated with SHIELD.
However, to get closer to opportunities, she decided to switch careers and become a teacher. After finding an opening, Vomi was hired to teach biology at Midtown High School.
...
Vomi became a popular teacher due to her friendly personality and unique approach to teaching. The students liked her, and her fellow teachers were impressed by her dedication.
One morning, she walked into the teacher's lounge, carrying a stack of biology essay books. A colleague, Ms. Evelyn, greeted her with a smile.
"Vomi! You're full of energy this morning. How was your first class here?"
"It was quite fun," Vomi replied, setting down her books. "The students are smart, though some seem a bit too obsessed with their phones."
Evelyn chuckled. "That's typical teenage behavior. By the way, you look very elegant today. That white lab coat suits you perfectly."
"Thank you, Evelyn," Vomi replied softly.
Meanwhile, a student, Bradley, approached the teacher's desk at the end of class.
"Ms. Vomi, I'd like to learn more about genetics," he said shyly. "Can you recommend some books to study further?"
"Of course, Bradley." Vomi opened her notes and wrote down a few scientific book titles. "Try these. If you have any questions, just come by the teacher's lounge."
Vomi also interacted with the local school figures, including Mr. Langston, the strict yet friendly principal.
"Ms. Vomi, you've brought a fresh energy here," he said one day. "I hear your students are enjoying biology in a way they've never experienced before."
"Oh, that's an exaggeration, Mr. Langston," Vomi replied modestly. "I'm just trying to teach them to love science."
Langston smiled broadly. "Keep it up, Ms. Vomi. We need more teachers like you."
...
That day, Vomi was walking down the school hallway after the last class. Carrying a stack of books, she walked slowly, observing the students joking and chatting. However, her steps halted when she overheard a conversation between two students.
"Seriously, does your dad work at Pym Technologies?" one student asked enthusiastically.
"Yeah, that's right. But I don't understand the details. My dad said it's a place where they research advanced technology that could change the world," replied the other student, whom Vomi recognized as Elliot Sanders.
Vomi squinted her eyes, her mind racing. 'Pym Technologies... interesting...'
...
In the following weeks, Vomi began to observe Elliot more closely. She didn't show any obvious interest, but in every class, she always asked Elliot additional questions.
Why not just use Genjutsu? Unfortunately, those subjected to Genjutsu retain memories of the moments they were manipulated. This is precisely how SHIELD discovered that Naori possessed illusion-based abilities after she used it on Agent Barton. For this reason, Vomi chose to take a more natural, subtle approach—one that wouldn't leave any trace or suspicion behind. Her patience and calculated charm became her greatest tools, ensuring her intentions remained hidden while she worked her way into Elliot's trust.
"Alright, class," she said while pointing to the board. "Who can explain the relationship between genetics and environmental adaptation?"
Elliot quickly raised his hand and answered, "Adaptation occurs because of natural selection, which affects dominant genes for survival."
"Great answer, Elliot. You always provide sharp insights," praised Vomi.
Every time she gave light praise like this, Vomi could see how Elliot started to feel special attention. She kept her interactions within the boundaries of a teacher, giving just enough attention without making it too obvious.
A month later, when the class atmosphere became more relaxed, Vomi approached Elliot after the lesson.
"Elliot, I've noticed you're very talented in biology," she said with a warm smile. "Have you ever considered pursuing a career in this field?"
Elliot scratched his head, somewhat shy. "I don't know, Ms. Vomi. My dad talks a lot about science at home, but I'm still not sure."
"Oh? What does your father do?" asked Vomi, keeping her tone casual.
"He works at Pym Technologies. But he rarely talks about the details of his job," replied Elliot, pride in his voice.
Vomi nodded lightly, hiding her excitement. 'Good, I'm getting closer to the source. But I need to be more careful.'
In the second month, Vomi began to frequently engage Elliot in discussions after class. The topics remained neutral—about his interest in science, books he read, or just sharing study tips.
"Ms. Vomi, I'm curious. In your opinion, what's the biggest technology that could change the world?" Elliot asked one afternoon.
"It's hard to choose just one," Vomi replied with a smile. "But I believe the technology that allows humans to understand and utilize the microscopic world will have an enormous impact."
Elliot nodded in agreement, feeling more and more that Vomi understood him. Slowly, Vomi began using her charm to make Elliot feel valued and noticed, building a closeness that made him comfortable.
By the third month, Vomi blurred the line between teacher and friend. She gave Elliot her phone number, saying, "If you ever need extra guidance, don't hesitate to contact me."
Elliot, still young and impressionable, felt flattered. He began to think that Vomi saw him as more than just a student. When Vomi invited him to meet outside of school for a deeper discussion, he eagerly agreed.
At a small café in the city center, they talked casually.
"Ms. Vomi, this is the first time a teacher has taken the time to meet with me like this," Elliot said, his face slightly flushed.
Vomi smiled softly, lightly touching Elliot's arm. "You have great potential, Elliot. I just want to make sure you don't waste your talent."
Elliot felt something that made him even more certain—his wild fantasies began to form, thinking their relationship was more than just teacher and student.
Seeing the behavior of the student in front of her, Vomi couldn't help but try her best to hold back her laughter.
Vomi leaned back in her seat at the café, observing Elliot, who now appeared to be struggling to hide his nervousness. With a coffee cup still in her hand, Vomi smiled slightly, tilting her head a little, and gazed at Elliot with a soft look in her eyes.
"So, Elliot," she said while stirring her coffee slowly, "You're in your third year, right? What are your plans after graduation?"
Elliot swallowed, his heart racing faster than usual. "I... I'm not sure, Ms. Vomi. My dad wants me to go to college for science. But I'm still confused about where to go."
Vomi nodded slowly, then gently placed her cup on the table, showing full attention. "That's normal. You're still young, and that decision will come in time. But I'm sure, with your talent, whatever you choose will be something amazing."
Elliot smiled slightly, feeling increasingly noticed. Vomi's occasional gestures of lightly touching Elliot's arm or playing with her hair while speaking made the young man more trapped in his wild fantasies.
Seeing Elliot's reactions, Vomi held back a cunning smile. 'This young man... how naïve. I don't even need to try too hard. His reactions are so entertaining.'
After several casual conversations, Vomi leaned toward the table, getting a little closer to Elliot. "By the way, Elliot," she said in a softer tone. "When is your birthday? I think it should be celebrated with something special."
Elliot looked surprised by the attention, but quickly answered, "Uhm... December 25th, Ms. Vomi. I'll be 18 then."
Vomi held back a laugh, pretending to show enthusiasm. "Oh, really? So you were born on Christmas? That's amazing!" She then smiled wider, her eyes sparkling as if filled with warmth. "How about we celebrate your birthday together? Just the two of us. It will be something... different, won't it?"
Elliot's face immediately turned red. He couldn't even hide his confusion. "R-really? I mean... that sounds nice, Ms. Vomi."
Vomi nodded slowly, giving him a look that seemed to reassure him. "Of course. You deserve a special moment on your birthday." She then crossed her legs, her movement graceful but unintentionally catching Elliot's attention. Sipping her coffee, she looked at Elliot, who now couldn't look away.
Seeing Elliot getting more trapped in his fantasies, Vomi almost laughed inwardly. 'How funny. With just a little attention and praise, this boy has already let his guard down. If my target were a more mature man like Tony, this game would be much more challenging. But I don't need a challenge right now. I just need access, and this kid is my ticket in.'
She looked back at Elliot with a calming smile, as if unaware of the effect her every movement had on the young man. Yet in her mind, she was already planning her next steps. 'Once he fully trusts me, the doors to Pym Technologies will open. It's just a matter of time.'
"Alright, Elliot," Vomi said finally as she tidied up her things. "I need to head home. Don't forget to study harder, okay? I want to see you shine in the future."
Elliot nodded, still mesmerized by the moment he had just experienced. "Of course, Ms. Vomi. Thank you for spending time with me."
Vomi stood, lightly touched Elliot's shoulder before leaving. "Anytime, Elliot. See you in class." With a sly, teasing smile, she left the café, feeling satisfied with the progress of her plan.
'One more step. This kid is completely under my control,' Vomi thought as she stepped outside. 'Now, let's continue this game.'
...
That afternoon, after the last class ended, the students began leaving the room. Elliot appeared to be slowly packing his books, hoping to extend his time in the room with Vomi. Vomi, standing in front of the teacher's desk, casually checked some documents, glanced at Elliot, and smiled.
"Elliot, do you have a moment?" she asked softly, with a warmth in her voice meant to calm the young man.
Elliot immediately nodded. "Of course, Ms. Vomi. Is there anything I can help with?"
"I need a little help carrying these books to the teacher's lounge. I forgot I brought too many today," Vomi said, showing the stack of books on the desk. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Oh, not at all!" Elliot quickly moved to the teacher's desk and picked up half of the stack. "I'm happy to help."
Vomi smiled sweetly. "You're always reliable. Thank you, Elliot."
When they arrived in the teacher's lounge, the room was already empty since most of the staff had left. Elliot placed the books on the table, while Vomi sat in a chair with an exaggeratedly tired expression.
"Ah, thank you so much," she said, leaning back. "Today was really exhausting."
Elliot smiled awkwardly. "No problem, Ms. Vomi. I'm happy to help."
Vomi opened her bag and took out a small can of beer, then popped it open with a click. She sipped it slowly, then
pretended to sigh in relief.
"Elliot, you know...," she said with a tone that was starting to sound like someone who had been drinking, "sometimes I miss the old days, when everything felt... normal."
Elliot furrowed his brow, confused. "What do you mean, Ms. Vomi?"
"My husband," she said in a hoarse voice, lowering her head as if trying to hide her expression. "He passed away a few years ago. Since then, everything has felt empty."
Elliot fell silent, not knowing what to say. He could only stare at his favorite teacher with a sympathetic expression.
"Sometimes... I just want to feel someone's warmth again. A touch that makes me feel... alive." Vomi looked at Elliot with eyes that seemed misty.
"Ms. Vomi...," Elliot finally said, his voice trembling. "I... I don't know what to say. That must have been really hard for you."
Vomi nodded slowly, then suddenly said, "Elliot, I know this might sound strange, but could you do something for me?"
Elliot looked surprised. "What is it, Ms. Vomi?"
"Could you give me a shoulder massage for a moment? It's really tense, and I don't have anyone I can ask," Vomi said softly.
Elliot hesitated but couldn't refuse Vomi's request. "Uh... of course, if that will help."
Elliot stood behind Vomi's chair, carefully placing his hands on her shoulders. He started massaging gently, though his movements were awkward.
"Harder, Elliot," Vomi said in a spoiled tone. "You can do better than that."
Elliot tried to massage with more confidence, while his mind was filled with various wild thoughts. He could feel Vomi's warmth under his hands, and the soft scent of her perfume made him even more nervous.
Meanwhile, in her mind, Vomi almost laughed. 'Look at him, so nervous that his hands are trembling. This kid is so easy to manipulate. But it's not yet time for me to show too many cards.'
After a few minutes, Vomi sighed deeply, as if feeling much more relaxed. "Thank you, Elliot. You really helped," she said as she turned to face the young man.
Before Elliot could say anything, Vomi stood and suddenly embraced him warmly. "I really appreciate this," she whispered near Elliot's ear.
Elliot stood still, his face red. When Vomi pulled away, she gently kissed his cheek. "As a token of my thanks," she said with a teasing smile, before grabbing her bag and walking out of the room.
Elliot just stood there, frozen. His mind was a mess, and he couldn't decide whether what had just happened was real or just his imagination.