Chapter 1: The Devil’s Sacrifice

First things first, I need to get my bearings.

My new name is Reiko Netora—well, Reiko-chan to most. I’m about one year old, a perfectly ordinary little girl who occasionally lets out a wicked, toothy grin. Naturally, my name and gender are different from my previous life as a guy, and my parents? Total strangers.

Just the other day, I finally managed to toddle around on my own. So, I wobbled my way to the living room, scrounging through newspapers and flipping on the TV to gather intel. From what I pieced together, it seems I’ve been reborn into a modern Japan that’s eerily similar to my old world—a parallel universe, if you will. The thing is, events that should’ve happened—like that new virus outbreak or those messy overseas incidents—haven’t. Not a trace. There might be other subtle differences, but at a glance, this place looks almost identical to the modern Japan I knew. No big deal, I guess.

As for historical discrepancies, I’ll figure those out once compulsory education kicks in. No need to overthink it now. While I’m sprawled out, skimming the newspaper, I can feel my mom’s warm, smiling gaze on my back. Time to start planning my new life.

And let me be clear: above all else, I want to be the girl who gets stolen away.

In my past life as a dude, that dream was flat-out impossible. But now? Now’s my chance to seize it with both hands. That said, “NTR” isn’t just one thing—it’s a whole spectrum of scenarios. Consensual or forced? Is the guy stealing me a chiseled hunk or a sleazy old creep? Am I playing the innocent heroine or the shameless vixen? The possibilities are endless, and I’ve gotta pick one scenario to star in. Talk about a tough choice.

If I’d snagged some kind of reincarnation bonus—like a death-loop ability—I could indulge in every NTR scene, slit my gut, and reset for another round. But sadly, I don’t recall any divine face-to-face with a god, so I’m probably stuck without cheats. Better assume I’m on my own.

Suckling on the bottle my mom hands me, I let my mind wander to the glorious path of the NTR route. I’ve rambled on, but truth be told, I’ve already got a rough plan in mind. Since I’ve been reborn as a baby, there’s no better choice than the classic, the undisputed king of NTR: childhood friend NTR. Picture it—a bond forged through years of time and affection, only to be utterly wrecked by some interloper. That’s a thrill beyond sex itself.

So, step one: secure a childhood friend to play the “stolen-from” role. Like a fine wine, NTR only gets richer with time. I need to lock in a prime candidate by kindergarten, if possible. The guy doing the stealing? Eh, I can just slap some random playboy into that role if need be. But the guy who gets his heart broken? That’s non-negotiable. Skimp on that, and you’re doomed to fail—not just in NTR, but in life. I’m dead serious.

I get so fired up thinking about this, I accidentally chomp down harder on the bottle’s nipple. Anyway, I can’t exactly start my NTR quest just yet. For now, I’ll focus on growing up healthy as a baby. My tummy full and my eyelids heavy, I drift off to a midday nap, dreaming of the perfect NTR scenario. Zzz…

＊

Time flies, and before I know it, I’m thriving and enrolled at Dahlia Kindergarten in the neighborhood. Fun fact: the flower dahl ia means “fickleness” and “betrayal.” Talk about a perfectly ominous name for my grand plan. I can’t help but flash a wicked grin.

This is it—the real deal. I’m finally old enough to move freely, at least to some extent. No more sitting around fantasizing about NTR scenarios. It’s time to make them happen. First order of business: find the guy who’ll walk this glorious NTR road with me as the heartbroken childhood friend.

But I can’t rush this. Settling for some random kid to fill the “childhood friend” slot would be a crime against the sacred NTR attribute of kindergarten sweetheart. I need to be patient, meticulous, and keep my eyes peeled for the right one.

At the same time, I’ve gotta work on myself. A top-tier NTR demands a heroine so captivating that people think, “I can’t let someone this amazing get stolen!” or “I have to steal her!” My charm as the “stolen girl” is critical. So, becoming the perfect beautiful girl is non-negotiable. Polishing myself to a shine is the only way.

That said, I’m still in kindergarten—beauty routines and fashion are a bit out of reach, especially financially. For now, I’ll focus on building my inner charm. Drawing on the social skills I honed as a sleazy guy in my past life, I set out to become everyone’s favorite kid.

A few months into kindergarten life, I zero in on my target. His name? Yuuki Tachibana.

He’s not exactly a heartthrob—kinda chubby, totally average. A bit shy and reserved, but he’s got a heart of gold. Loves flowers, animals, and never hesitates to help someone in need. The kid’s practically born to have his girl stolen. I swallow hard, practically drooling at the potential.

I’ve already scoped out his address—he lives just a few minutes’ walk from my place. Not quite the “talking through the window” next-door neighbor I’d dreamed of, but close enough. I can compromise. All I care about is his pure heart. Looks? Meh, doesn’t matter. If anything, a slightly dorky appearance works in my favor. A guy with a bit of an inferiority complex is more likely to cling to the girl he loves—and when she’s stolen, oh, the sweet sound of his heart shattering.

Kids’ looks change as they grow, anyway. No need to overthink it. Spotting Yuuki playing alone, away from the other kids, I make my move.

“Hey, Yuuki-kun. Mind if I join you?”

“...Huh?”

Hiding every trace of my wicked intentions, I flash him a smile as bright as a blooming flower.

＊

I, Yuuki Tachibana, have the cutest childhood friend ever.

“Morning, Yuu-kun!”

“Fwa… Morning, Rei-chan.”

It’s early morning, and I’m stifling a yawn in front of my house when a girl with a smile like a blooming flower greets me. Her name’s Reiko Netora—Rei-chan to me. She’s been my closest friend since kindergarten, always by my side.

“Hold up, Yuu-kun. Your bedhead’s a mess. Stay still, I’ll fix it.”

“N-No, it’s fine, it’s just bedhead…”

“Nope, not happening. Hold still.”

She’s such a caretaker. I don’t know what she sees in me, but ever since that day in kindergarten when I was too shy to fit in, she’s been there, looking out for me—maybe a little too much. Thanks to her, I’ve managed to settle into kindergarten and elementary school, and I’m grateful for that, but…

“I said don’t move!”

“R-Rei-chan, you’re too close…”

I try to back away, embarrassed to be fussed over by a girl, but Rei-chan clings to me, keeping me in place. We’re both in sixth grade now. Her body’s starting to look more… girly, and I can’t help but blush, looking down to hide my red cheeks.

“Well, aren’t you sweet, Reiko-chan. Thanks for always looking after Yuuki. You’re a lifesaver,” my mom says.

“Good morning, ma’am. I love taking care of Yuu-kun, so don’t worry about it,” Rei-chan replies.

While I shrink under their teasing, Rei-chan whips out a spray bottle and brush from who-knows-where and finishes taming my hair.

“All done! Looking cool as always, Yuu-kun♪”

“Th-Thanks, Rei-chan…”

I feel bad—she’s always hyping me up, but I’m nothing special. Average face, a bit pudgy, not exactly a catch. Next to Rei-chan, who’s drop-dead gorgeous, athletic, and the most popular girl in school, I feel like… well, less. It’s a daily struggle not to hate myself.

“Yuu-kun? We’re gonna be late if you don’t hurry!”

Her warm hand grabs mine, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“I-I got it, let go already…”

“Off we go, ma’am!”

“Be careful out there!”

Either she doesn’t hear me or she’s ignoring me, because Rei-chan doesn’t let go. She marches forward, dragging me along. Her soft hand makes my heart race as we walk to school, and a few classmates we pass can’t resist poking fun.

“Well, well, look at the happy couple!”

“Man, you two are on fire.”

At our age, kids can be mean when a boy and girl are close, but there’s no malice in their teasing. That’s probably because Rei-chan’s so bright and kind, it’s hard to be cruel to her.

“Ugh, it’s not like that! C’mon, Yuu-kun, let’s go!”

Her cheeks are slightly pink, and for a split second, I let myself feel a tiny bit smug. Love? Romance? I don’t really get it, but at least she doesn’t hate me. That little thought makes me like myself just a bit more.

“…Perfect. Perfect. A couple everyone basically acknowledges? What a killer NTR setup…”

For a moment, Rei-chan’s face seems to twist into something else entirely.

“Huh? Rei-chan, did you say something?”

“Nope, nothing at all.”

She turns back to me, looking puzzled. Must’ve been my imagination. No way my sweet, popular, super-cute childhood friend could look like some evil villain from a Sunday morning tokusatsu show. I’m probably still half-asleep. Rubbing my eyes, I try to shake it off.

After school, Rei-chan comes to my desk, looking apologetic.

“Sorry, Yuu-kun. I’ve got something to do today, so can you head home without me?”

“Oh, really? If there’s anything I can help with…”

“Nah, it’s not like that. I’m good. See ya tomorrow!”

Reiko bolts out of the classroom, her words tumbling out in a rush. I tilt my head slightly, a little thrown by her unusual vibe.

“…Been a while since I walked home alone,” I mutter, feeling a twinge of disappointment as I start to head out. But before I can take another step, something—or someone—slams into my back.

“Yuuki! Let’s head home together, man!”

“W-Woah!? F-Fuyuki-kun?”

I spin around to find Kurushima Fuyuki, one of my few friends, flashing me a dazzling grin. He’s the soccer team’s ace, a total pretty boy, and I’m… well, an indoor nerd. We’re an odd pair, no doubt, but thanks to our mutual friend Reiko, we clicked. Surprisingly, we get along great, and he’s got no shame calling me his “best bud.” He’s just as important to me as Rei-chan.

“Sure, I’m down, but… what about soccer practice?”

“Ah, twisted my ankle a bit in gym. It’s no big deal, but they made me sit out just to be safe.”

“Whoa, you okay!?”

“Haha, relax, it’s fine. You’re such a worrywart, Yuuki. …So, where’s Rei at?”

Fuyuki scans the room, looking for our shared best friend. I explain the situation, and his brow furrows, skeptical.

“Rei picking something over walking home with you? Sounds fishy.”

“Fishy? Like what?”

“C’mon, you know her. She’d either say, ‘Wait for me, I’ll be quick!’ or spill the beans about whatever she’s up to. Girl’s way too overprotective of you.”

“Hmm… you think?”

“Duh. Her bag’s still on her desk, so she’s gotta be somewhere in school, right? Alright, Yuuki, let’s play detective! We’re tailing her!”

His eyes sparkle like he’s channeling some TV drama sleuth. I hesitate, not thrilled about the idea.

“Uh… won’t Rei-chan get mad if we do that?”

“If she catches us, we’ll just apologize together. Don’t tell me you’re not curious about what she’s hiding.”

“Well… yeah, I kinda am…”

And just like that, I can’t say no. Fuyuki drags me along, and we start our hunt for Rei-chan’s whereabouts.

“Netora-san? Oh, I think I saw her heading to the rooftop…”

After a few inquiries, we get a lead that Rei-chan’s up on the roof. Fuyuki and I creep toward the rooftop door, moving like ninjas. Fuyuki eases it open, careful not to make a sound, and spots her.

“There she is,” he whispers.

He beckons me closer, and I tiptoe to his side, peering out from behind cover. There’s Rei-chan, standing face-to-face with some guy I don’t know.

“Who’s that dude with her? …Wait, isn’t he from the basketball team?” Fuyuki mutters, squinting.

“…Yeah, looks like it,” I reply, my voice flat.

Fuyuki’s puzzled, but I get it instantly. It’s obvious—Rei-chan’s crazy popular. If she’s alone on the rooftop with a guy, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what’s happening.

“…Fuyuki-kun, let’s go.”

“Huh? But—”

“Please, just… let’s go.”

I clench my teeth, trying to keep my voice steady as I tug Fuyuki away. The guy she’s with is way cooler than me—handsome, confident, a perfect match for her. If I stay here, I’ll probably end up crying from how pathetic I feel.

“Will you go out with me?” the guy’s voice carries over.

No. I can’t stay here. I don’t want to hear the rest. I start to cover my ears, desperate to block it out. But before I can, Rei-chan’s voice cuts through.

“I’m sorry. I can’t go out with you.”

I freeze, stunned by her words.

“Why not?” the guy presses.

“I… can’t say.”

“Is it him? That gloomy, average nobody who’s always glued to you? What’s so great about that guy?”

His voice rises, and I know exactly who he’s talking about. Rei-chan and I aren’t dating, but I get why he’d say that. Everyone can see it—we don’t match. I’ve never heard it said so bluntly, but I’ve always known…

SLAP!

A sharp crack splits the air. The guy’s clutching his cheek, dazed, as Rei-chan glares at him.

“Don’t you dare talk about Yuu-kun like that!!”

“W-What…”

“Yuu-kun means everything to me! He’s irreplaceable—the most important person in my life! From the day we met, I’ve cherished him more than anyone else!”

Her voice, raw with emotion, hits me harder than it does the guy she slapped. She called me her most important person. She’s cared about me since the day we met. I can’t process it. Without thinking, I bolt, running from the scene.

“W-Wait, Yuuki!” Fuyuki calls after me, but I barely hear him.

Am I crying? Smiling? I don’t even know. Why would someone as amazing as her care so much about a loser like me? I don’t get it.

“…Even so!”

I’ll become someone worthy of her feelings. A guy who can stand proudly by her side. She calls me her “precious childhood friend,” and I want to be someone she can brag about, too. No more leaning on her kindness—I’m done being the old me!

That day, Yuuki Tachibana was reborn, screaming into existence for the second time.

＊

“…Whew, that was close. Almost jumped the gun and kicked off the NTR route way too early…”

Having chased off the demoralized basketball guy with a slap, I—Reiko Netora—hug myself on the rooftop, scolding my near lapse in control. Starting the NTR route in elementary school? Way too soon. At this age, the fallout from NTR would be too shallow, too fleeting. Yuu-kun, my prime “stolen-from” candidate, isn’t nearly ripened enough for the brain-shattering impact I’m aiming for.

With a guy as perfect as Yuu-kun in front of me, I’ve been holding back for so long that I nearly caved to the temptation of a pint-sized interloper. That random kid got the short end of my impulse—sorry, dude. But it’s not my fault! It’s Yuu-kun’s!

I noticed him peeking from the shadows pretty early on. Those eyes! That face! The despair when he thought his beloved childhood friend was about to be stolen! Oh, I just want to break him… ♥

I lick my lips, then shake my head to cool my racing thoughts. Might as well use this chance to regroup and go over my NTR roadmap.

First off, when do I get “stolen”? High school’s the target. The longer the buildup, the deeper the NTR’s flavor, but too long, and unpredictable events could derail everything. Worst case, if something happened to Yuu-kun—like a car accident—it’d all be over. Just thinking about losing my carefully cultivated “stolen-from” boy sends shivers of dread through me. I wouldn’t survive it. I’d probably follow him into the grave.

Even without tragedies, waiting too long risks me losing control and jumping the gun. High school’s the sweet spot—the perfect balance. Next year, Yuu-kun and I will be in middle school.

Compared to high school, where part-time jobs are fair game, middle school’s a bit more limited, but it still opens up more freedom to move around and a little extra cash to play with. Right now, every penny of my allowance and New Year’s money goes straight into skincare, workout gear, supplements—anything to polish myself to a shine. My parents sometimes give me worried looks when they see I’m not spending like a typical kid, but it’s all for the sake of gifting Yuu-kun the ultimate NTR experience. It’s not even a hardship. Honestly, the prettier I become, the deeper Yuu-kun’s despair will be when the time comes. Just thinking about it makes my face twist into a wicked, toothy grin.

Over the past decade, from kindergarten to elementary school, I’ve maxed out Yuu-kun’s affection and dependence on me as much as possible. From here on out, it’s less about him and more about perfecting myself. Academics? I’ve got a head start from my past life, so I’m set there. Plus, if I get too far ahead, I might not end up at the same high school as Yuu-kun. Better focus on supporting his studies instead of flexing my own brainpower.

As for sports, they don’t always mesh well with the beauty skill tree essential for an NTR heroine, so I’ll keep it moderate. Joining an athletic club could be risky—what if I run into some gorilla-like coach and get sucked into the allure of a close-range, power-type NTR route? Nope, cultural clubs are the safer bet.

And then there’s the big task I need to tackle in middle school, with all its new social dynamics: scouting the interloper. I’ve already got Kurushima Fuyuki-kun lined up for the best friend NTR route—a sporty, charming pretty boy who’s perfect for poking at Yuu-kun’s insecurities. You’d think a shy indoor kid like Yuu-kun and a hardcore extrovert like Fuyuki-kun wouldn’t click, but that’s where I come in. I’m a freak for NTR, and making two boys buddy up? Child’s play.

I played the middleman, subtly nudging Yuu-kun toward games, manga, and anime that could spark his interest in Fuyuki-kun’s beloved soccer. On the flip side, Fuyuki-kun’s the type who’s down for anything fun, so I recommended subculture stuff from Yuu-kun’s interests that I knew would hook him. Then I just set up more chances for the three of us to hang out. With their good-natured personalities, they hit it off in no time.

Yup, Yuu-kun doesn’t have many friends, so he was thrilled to bond with Fuyuki-kun. Keep getting closer, you two—maybe even teeter on the edge of BL for when I eventually get “stolen” by him… Of course, just making them friends isn’t enough. I’ve been cozying up to Fuyuki-kun, too, to make sure he’s itching to steal me. Boys that age are easy—flash a bit of confidence, and they’re hooked. So, I showed him up on his turf: soccer.

I’ve been training since I was a kid to be decent at most major sports, because a perfect NTR heroine is a master of all trades. Plus, at this age, girls often outshine boys physically anyway. After I thoroughly trounced Fuyuki-kun in his own game, he started seeing me as a rival. Sometimes we compete fiercely as equals; other times, I lean into my status as the school’s top beauty to fluster him. He’s been spinning like a fidget toy in my palm, and within a year of meeting, he’s already letting little sparks of a crush show.

Toying with a sweet boy’s pure feelings does sting my conscience—barely, like a single gacha login bonus gem—but it’s all for Yuu-kun’s ultimate NTR experience, so what can you do?

I’ve got one interloper candidate locked in, but I’m a girl who plans for contingencies. You always need a backup. I didn’t find anyone better than Fuyuki-kun in elementary school, so I held off, but middle school’s a fresh hunting ground for more interlopers. Getting stolen out of nowhere by some random guy has its own charm, but since I’ve got time, I want to handpick a roster of top-tier candidates. The more interlopers, the merrier.

I know, I know—my worldview’s straight out of hell.