I'd say renpy already with a ready template for a normal visual novel, you don't need anything but renpy to make one.
The need for something extra comes only when, you've already learned what renpy has to offer, and want to raise above normal games, and add something extraordinary.
At that point, you'll realize that having a game template is only helpful if you, or your programmer know how it's put together. As somebody that regularly codes these things, I can say from experience: unless I hold my client's hand and guide them through learning to use it, the code is simply a black box to them.
TLDR: Don't waste your time looking for the best point of entry, start were you are and the best path will reveal itself to you.
