From what we have seen so far, Aqua has what appears to be talent and others see it as such. It seems based on this it's more a product of him knowing how to act in the right way, a less innate one that Ai might use and more an intelligent type, but since he hasn't gotten results he's been quick to think that's that and settle for easier options. On that note, school must be a breeze for him here with his old life's qualifications. I wouldn't be surprised to see him top of his year , everyone else amazed like they normally are in manga like this, while he's thinking it'd be embarrassing if he wasn't with the experience he has.