Kakashi took a moment to absorb the sight of the man who was both his father and a stranger. Jacques radiated authority, with an air that commanded respect, yet Kakashi could sense the underlying tension in the room.
"What? Are you just going to stand there?" Jacques snapped, irritation creeping into his tone.
Rinko flinched at the sharpness of his father's voice. His hand instinctively curled into a fist, a surge of defiance rising within him.
"Hello, Father," Kakashi said, forcing a calmness into his voice. Adapting to new situations was something he excelled at; as a prodigy and a ninja, he was used to rolling with the punches.
Jacques leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I trust you're feeling better. You've caused quite a stir by disappearing like that."
Kakashi felt the weight of his father's gaze. He had to navigate this conversation carefully, balancing the expectations of Rinko's life with his own sense of identity.
"I... had my reasons," Kakashi replied, his voice steady, though uncertainty churned in his mind.
Jacques raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of intrigue in his expression. "Reasons? You do understand that you have a responsibility to uphold our family's reputation, don't you?"
Kakashi clenched his fists, the weight of Jacques's words pressing down on him. He was acutely aware that he was playing a role, one that required him to tread carefully.
He nodded, feeling the gravity of the situation settle heavily on his shoulders. He was not merely Rinko; he had to navigate the complexities of the life he had left behind, a life that now intertwined with this unfamiliar reality.
Jacques studied him for a moment longer, then nodded, seemingly satisfied for now. "Good. I expect you to keep your priorities straight. Our family's legacy depends on it."
"Of course, Father..." Kakashi replied, suppressing the distaste rising within him. Everything felt sudden and overwhelming, yet he knew that adaptation was his only way forward.
"We'll be meeting with our business partners this week," Jacques continued, his tone firm and authoritative. "I want everything packed and ready for our trip. Am I understood? You'll have a crucial role in this family, Rinko."
"Understood," Kakashi affirmed, masking any hint of rebellion.
Jacques paused, studying Rinko once more, a frown knitting his brow. There was something off about him; he usually exhibited a far more energetic demeanor when it came to business trips.
He regarded Rinko as his true son, observing how the boy resembled him in his youth—filled with ambition and enthusiasm.
After a few moments of contemplation, Jacques shook his head, dispelling his doubts, and gestured dismissively. "You're free to leave."
With a final, fleeting glance, Kakashi turned and exited the office. Klein was waiting outside, his expression a mix of concern and relief. He had been tasked with monitoring Kakashi's well-being, especially after his unexpected collapse.
"How are you feeling?" Klein inquired, his tone gentle.
Kakashi forced a smile, trying to mask the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind. "I'm... getting used to it."
Klein nodded, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism. "Let's get you settled. You have a lot to prepare for."
As they walked together, Kakashi pondered his new reality, acutely aware that he had to use the art of deception while navigating the intricate dynamics of the Schnee family.
As they made their way back to his room, Kakashi clenched his fist, feeling a wave of frustration wash over him. It was weak, a reminder of his unfamiliar body. He struggled to fully close his hand without fatigue setting in, each movement feeling laborious.
'This body needs training,' Kakashi thought, his determination igniting a spark within him. He couldn't afford to be weak, not in this new life where survival depended on his ability to adapt and reclaim his strength.
As they rounded a corner, Kakashi spotted Wheatley leaning against the wall near the library door, his expression dark and hostile.
Their eyes met, and Kakashi felt a rush of unease. Whitley's gaze was venomous, filled with a mix of resentment and unresolved anger.
Without a word, Whitley turned sharply and entered the library, the heavy door closing with a definitive thud behind him. Kakashi watched him go, sensing the tension in the air.
"Do you think you'll be okay?" Klein asked, his voice breaking through Kakashi's thoughts.
"I will be," Kakashi replied, though he wasn't entirely sure. The emotional landscape of this place was treacherous, and he needed to tread carefully.
As they continued walking, Kakashi couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, that there were eyes on him from every corner of the estate. The weight of his new identity pressed heavily on him, but he resolved to transform this vulnerability into strength.
Rinko Schnee's Room
Rinko stepped into his room and immediately paused, taking it all in.
Despite the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty swirling in his mind, he couldn't help but be mesmerized by how immaculately clean and organized everything was.
The soft glow of the lighting, the perfectly arranged furniture, and the subtle scent of fresh linen—it was almost unsettling how pristine it all felt.
'Impressive,' Kakashi thought, briefly appreciating the effort put into maintaining such a space. He had been used to rougher environments back in Konoha, so this kind of luxury felt foreign.
He wandered through the room, his eyes tracing every detail.The large windows let in just enough natural light to bathe the room in warmth. The bed was made with crisp, white sheets, not a wrinkle in sight. Even the surface of the wooden desk gleamed, free from even the slightest dust. Everything was in its place, almost too perfect.
Kakashi turned his attention to the bookshelves. He ran his fingers along the spines of the books, reading their titles.
Most of them were about business, economics, and politics—subjects befitting the son of Jacques Schnee. The genres were a far cry from the novels he enjoyed back in his world, but they might offer a glimpse into Rinko's life and priorities.