Mio Ibuki: I'll Keep My Eyes on You!

The other two stocks, whose prices did not exceed 100, were naturally not considered.

Should I sell my Sakura Airi Stock?

[Quantity for Sale: 2000]

[Current stock price: 160]

[Sale successful, received 320,000]

[Should I use the 30% Off Coupon?]

[Use successful. Stamina price reduced to 350,000.]

Stamina purchased successfully.

[Stamina: 5→6]

[Remaining funds held: 39,600.]

After successfully purchasing stamina, Hashiba Hikaru did some light exercise in her dorm room.

He decided to resume his morning running training starting tomorrow. Although he wouldn't have the [Stamina Booster] to help him, now that his stamina was at 6, the boy felt he couldn't neglect this aspect of training. He needed to get his body used to the rhythm of exercise, and whether he could continue to improve depended on his persistence.

No matter what situation you face in the future, improving your physical strength will definitely not be a loss.

At dawn the next day, July 1st, the new Class Evaluation Points would be announced, so Hashiba Hikaru got up very early.

After running a lap around the track at his original pace, the physical changes caused by the increased stamina made him very excited.

Running, as the most basic form of exercise, requires a great deal of physical exertion. This is where the difference in individual physical fitness becomes apparent. People with superior fitness may be able to run several laps in a row without breaking a sweat, while those with poor fitness may be crying out in pain after just half a lap.

Having personally experienced the entire process of physical strength improvement, Hashiba Hikaru felt a completely new feedback from her body during her morning run. This kind of exercise, which provided sustained stamina and steady breathing, made the young man feel very comfortable and his efficiency was much higher than before.

After finishing her workout and taking a shower, Hashiba Hikaru walked into Class A's classroom with a smile. As the start of the month, the students in the classroom always arrived exceptionally early on the morning of the 1st. Even though there were still more than ten minutes before class, almost everyone was already there.

Once back in his seat, the pink-haired girl was already there. She smiled and gazed at the boy's face, greeting him, "Good morning, Classmate Hashiba."

"Good morning, Ichinose."

Hashiba Hikaru put her schoolbag away and said calmly, "Another month has passed. It feels like time flies by so quickly."

"Yeah, it feels like the Midterm Exam just ended, but now it's almost the end of the month and Final Exam are coming up again," Ichinose Honami said with a touch of wistfulness on her pretty face. "But summer vacation is coming up at the end of this month, which is really something to look forward to."

"Indeed."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded, a thoughtful glint in her eyes.

To be honest, he's been so busy trading stocks lately that he'd almost forgotten about summer vacation.

As a fully enclosed school, Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School naturally doesn't allow students to leave campus during summer vacation; they must remain on the Artificial Island.

More importantly, the first semester is almost over, but the Special Exam promised at the beginning of the semester have never been held, making it hard not to wonder when this rule will actually be implemented.

"I heard from the older students that the school Gymnasium is open to everyone during summer vacation," Ichinose Honami said with a smile, looking at the boy's face. "Would you like to go buy a swimsuit with me then Classmate Hashiba?"

"Well..."

Seeing the burning passion in the girl's eyes, Hashiba Hikaru smiled slightly and replied, "Of course, but will Student Council affairs continue during summer vacation? We can't keep people busy all the time."

"It seems there will still be some work, but it will be much less than during the school term. We should have a lot of time to spend together then. I haven't had a meal with Classmate Hashiba lately, and it's been a bit lonely." Ichinose Honami's tone was filled with disappointment, and her beautiful eyes swept over the boy's face.

"Yes, Ichinose has really worked hard these past few days. We should be able to spend more time together during summer vacation."

Having no good excuse, Hashiba Hikaru could only smile and agree to the request. After Ichinose Honami's pretty face regained its smile, Chie Hoshinomiya walked into the classroom.

"Everyone has worked very hard this month. Now, I'll announce the new Class Evaluation Points."

The first semester is coming to an end, Chie Hoshinomiya now has a deeper understanding of the overall level of Class A. Over the past few months, she has never stopped observing everyone.

First and foremost are the absolute core members, Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami. These two are the key to the cohesion of the entire class and are the people that all the classmates trust and rely on.

They wielded immense influence in the class, especially Hashiba Hikaru, who was practically the only one who could make decisions; no one would disagree with her.

Although Chie Hoshinomiya knew that Ichinose Honami was the class leader, given the girl's gentle nature, if it were to carry out any harsh plans, it would be best for Hashiba to take the lead. This division of labor would allow the class to benefit more.

As for other active students, such as Kanzaki Ryuji, Shibata Sou, and Ando Sayo, these students have good overall qualities and are quite popular in the class. They are key forces after Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose. If we want to maintain our Lead advantage, their presence is equally indispensable.

"Our scores shouldn't have dropped, right? There aren't any exams this month."

"Yeah, it would be troublesome if Class B caught up. I don't want to change the class sign..."

"Hoshinomiya-sensei, please announce it soon!"

The young teacher standing on the podium listened to everyone's discussion and wrote the Class Evaluation Points for the month on the blackboard.

Class A: 1102

Class B: 1078

Class C: 345

Class D: 267

When the rankings were announced, the students in Class A, who had been staring intently at the blackboard, breathed a sigh of relief. Although Class B's scores were still very close, at least they hadn't directly surpassed them, allowing them to maintain their lead in first place.

"It's great that everyone has maintained this momentum. I've seen all your hard work, and I believe our class is the best."

Chie Hoshinomiya said with a smile, "The final Final Exam for the first semester will be held at the end of this month, so everyone should cheer up and do their best to prepare for the exams. There will be rewards from the school after the exams."

"What kind of reward? Is it a new Class Evaluation Points?"

"Yes, if we keep up our good grades, won't we get more points?"

After maintaining their first-place ranking for several consecutive months, the students in Class A became increasingly concerned about their Class Evaluation Points.

"It was a wonderful summer trip!"

Instead of directly answering everyone's questions, Chie Hoshinomiya smiled and explained to the students, "After the Final Exam, if everyone passes smoothly, the school will organize a luxurious Cruise Ship trip to an island in the south, so everyone can enjoy their summer vacation to the fullest!"

"What?"

"Is this even possible?! On Luxury Cruise Ship?!"

"I've never been on Cruise Ship before. This school is really amazing."

Just as the students in the class began to discuss excitedly, Hashiba Hikaru heard the soft voice of the girl beside her.

"Classmate Hashiba, it's Luxury Cruise Ship trip! Looks like we need to start planning our swimsuit purchases in advance," Ichinose Honami said with a smile. "What do you think?"

"Yes, I didn't expect this school to be so generous. If it's Luxury Cruise Ship trip, I'm sure everyone will have a very memorable summer vacation."

The boy smiled and went along with Ichinose Honami's topic, but a strange thought suddenly popped into his mind.

No Special Exam were held throughout the entire first semester. Does this mean we'll really have to postpone them until next semester?

If we follow this line of thinking, wouldn't the lower-ranked classes have far too few chances to turn things around?

If we really want students to be more intensely engaged in the competition, we should at least hold a Special Exam once a semester; otherwise, wouldn't this special rule be meaningless?

Since this Cruise Ship trip was arranged by the school, are there any other explanations?

Hashiba Hikaru touched her chin, a jumble of guesses flashing through her mind.

Chapter 137 Ibuki Mio: I'll be watching you closely!

The news from Chie Hoshinomiya made the students of Class A very happy for a long time, even more so than the Private Points that arrived in their accounts this morning. After all, it was Luxury Cruise Ship trip, which was something to look forward to no matter how you looked at it.

The boys and girls in the class would gather together to talk about it, such as choosing swimsuits or training in advance to show off a better figure.

When it was noon, as usual Ichinose Honami went to collect half of the Private Points, Hashiba Hikaru took the opportunity to guide the discussion, saying that it was too early to think about these things, and that it was more important to study hard and prepare for the Final Exam at the end of the month.

Upon hearing the boy's suggestion, everyone quickly quieted down their heated discussion. This was the effect of accumulating prestige over a long period of time; the students immediately heeded Hashiba Hikaru's suggestion without raising any objections.

After school, Ichinose Honami headed to the Student Council with her bag, while Hashiba Hikaru, having just received a message from Shiina Hiyori, prepared to meet the girl at the Library.

During this period, he and Shiina Hiyori and chairs next to the bookshelves in the Library where classic works and mystery novels were displayed.

Reading in a quiet atmosphere, accompanied by hushed conversation, allows one to experience a rare sense of peace.

After Hashiba Hikaru entered the Library, he skillfully navigated through rows of bookshelves, heading towards his destination.

Before long, they saw the gray-haired girl sitting there, looking down at a book, exuding a calm and gentle aura.

"Shiina."

The boy greeted the other person in a low voice, then sat down across the table.

"Good afternoon, Classmate Hashiba."

Shiina Hiyori greeted Hashiba Hikaru with a smile. Although she had been looking down at her book, the moment she heard the familiar footsteps, she immediately knew who was coming, and a warm feeling of joy welled up in her heart.

"I've already finished reading the book from last time, and I haven't decided on today's one yet," Hashiba Hikaru said casually, "Does Shiina have any recommendations?"

"For today... I recommend this one."

Shiina Hiyori pulled a book with a black and red cover from a stack of books piled up beside her, smiled, and handed it to Hashiba Hikaru, explaining, "I just finished reading this one, <The Magpie Murders>, a while ago, and I really enjoyed it."

"Really? What kind of crime trick is it?"

Hashiba Hikaru smiled and reached out to take the book. The cover featured a uniquely shaped bird with a bloodstained blade in its beak, set against a large red and black background, creating a striking visual impact that would instantly pique the interest of mystery fans.

"It's a trick that uses fairy tales or legends to cover up the real purpose," Shiina Hiyori explained slowly. "That's all I can say. The rest of the fun is up to you, Classmate Hashiba, to discover."

"Yes, I'll go see it with that expectation in mind."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded slightly. His interactions with Shiina Hiyori during this period had been like this: there was no need for elaborate flattery or ingratiation; they simply discussed mystery novels and various books, thus gradually increasing her stock price.

However, just as he opened the book "The Magpie Murders" and read for a while, a new figure suddenly appeared in front of him. When he looked up, he was surprised to see that it was Ibuki Mio.

"Hashiba, it's actually you?"

The pretty girl with short hair sat down next to Shiina Hiyori, staring at Hashiba Hikaru's face with an unfriendly expression.

The boy placed the bookmark on the page he was looking at and asked with a hint of confusion, "Me? What happened to me? Did something happen?"

"Hmph, I've always wondered why Shiina often brings her schoolbag to the Library, even though she used to finish reading Library before leaving."

"So I guessed she might be taking these books to someone, but I never expected it to be you?"

With a look of deep suspicion on her small face, Ibuki said sharply, "Did you deliberately approach Shiina to try and extract information about our class?"

"No, it's not like that. My Classmate Hashiba and I are just fellow mystery enthusiasts. He didn't try to find out anything about our class," the gray-haired girl explained to Ibuki with a hint of helplessness.

"And why did Ibuki suddenly come to the Library today? Didn't you say you didn't like coming here?"

"I'm just worried about you. This guy is a complete liar who never tells the truth. Shiina, you absolutely mustn't be fooled by him."

Ibuki Mio still remembers clearly that the plan to assassinate Ryuen and the subsequent hidden rules for selling the school were both orchestrated by this guy.

"That's a frame-up, Ibuki."

Hashiba Hikaru wasn't angry. After glancing at Shiina Hiyori, he said calmly, "Shiina and I only met here by chance. Later, we found out that we both like mystery novels, which is why I borrowed a book from him."

"Yes, Ibuki, don't misunderstand, we're just book lovers." Although the gray-haired girl had a quiet and elegant aura, her tone was clearly firm when she said this, which made Ibuki Mio understand the meaning in her eyes.

"Yeah?"

Ibuki still trusts Shiina quite a bit, after all, she is very intelligent and has a good voice among the girls in Class D. Currently, she plays an important assistant role to the short-haired girl in the class.

"Yes, Ibuki, please don't think of me as a bad person."

Hashiba Hikaru shrugged, glanced at the other person's expression, and continued, "Anyway, I'm here to read. If you don't believe me, you can stay and see for yourself."

Although a third person has appeared, the boy feels that he is increasing Shiina's popularity by embracing her as a fellow enthusiast of mystery novels. He believes that as long as he continues to communicate with her in this manner, there is no need to add anything unnecessary. He doesn't care if others are watching, as it won't affect her feelings at all.

"That's good. I'm free today anyway, so I'll stay here and see what you're up to."

Ibuki Mio sidled up to Shiina Hiyori and borrowed a book from her. She then spread it out on the table and began to read it. Hashiba Hikaru Shiina Hiyori exchanged a glance and both saw the helplessness in each other's eyes.

Although she has a bit of a temper, she's not a bad person; neither Shiina nor Hashiba Hikaru dislike her.

"Whatever you want."

The boy had no objection to this, and lowered his head to resume reading the book "The Magpie Murders" that Shiina had just recommended. He quickly became immersed in the story.

After glancing at Hashiba Hikaru's expression, Shiina Hiyori also lowered her head to read the book in her hands, and the atmosphere became quiet for a moment.

Ibuki Mio, ignored by the two, was also reading, but she couldn't concentrate on it after a while.

The short-haired girl's gaze returned to Hashiba Hikaru across from her, her resolve growing stronger.

[I'll be watching you closely, and I absolutely won't allow Shiina to be deceived by you!]