The Prelude to a Campus Point Financial Crisis: Best Partner? Kouenji Rokusuke!

The Joint Study Group finally drew to a close in an atmosphere of strange, heavy dullness.

Students from Class B and Class D silently packed their notebooks and textbooks away. The sound of chairs dragging across the floor was exceptionally clear in the quiet space. Everyone left in twos and threes, most of them wearing expressions of fatigue, muttering about dinner plans as their footsteps drifted instinctively toward the cafeteria—after all, after such a long study session, a hot meal was the most tangible comfort.

Akiyama Shin did not follow the flow of people. He leaned against a bookshelf, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling on two spots.

One was Horikita Suzune, who was just preparing to stand up. She was packing her bag with efficient movements, her spine still held perfectly straight, radiating a coldness that kept others at a distance.

The other was Kushida Kikyo, who was laughing and chatting with Wang Meiyu and a few other girls, her eyes curved into crescents.

That sweet, clear laughter could be heard from several paces away, showing no trace of the tension from the study session just moments ago.

Only when the people around them had mostly cleared out did Akiyama Shin speak slowly, his voice steady and without a ripple.

"Horikita, Kushida, wait a moment."

He paused, then added.

"There is something to discuss."

Both of their movements faltered simultaneously.

A flash of realization crossed Horikita Suzune's face. She looked up at Akiyama Shin, having likely guessed that he was about to give instructions for the next steps. Having spent so much time together, she had long grown accustomed to Akiyama Shin's decisive style; it was less of a consultation and more of a notification, and all she had to do was execute it.

Yet, mixed into that realization was a hint of confusion.

Her gaze lingered on Akiyama Shin's face for a moment before she subconsciously glanced at Kushida Kikyo beside her, her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. Why call Kushida?

In her understanding, although Kushida was the social core of the class, she never participated in Akiyama Shin's deep-level plans. Calling her over specifically this time felt somewhat unnecessary.

Compared to Horikita's straightforward confusion, Kushida Kikyo's mind was far more active.

Hearing Akiyama Shin's voice, the smile on her face paused slightly, and countless thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant.

Is Shin-kun... planning to involve both me and Horikita-san in his work this time?

Ever since her hostility toward Horikita Suzune had gradually faded due to Akiyama Shin, a strange sense of... camaraderie had subconsciously sprouted. She certainly didn't think Akiyama Shin would reveal their relationship at this moment, so the only possibility was that Akiyama Shin had recognized Horikita's potential and intended to have her participate more deeply in his plans.

Thinking this through, she wore that sweet smile once again and responded in a light tone.

"Okay, Akiyama-kun."

Akiyama Shin nodded toward Hirata Yosuke, Yukimura Teruhiko, Wang Meiyu, and the others nearby, his meaning clear: he wanted them to leave first.

Hirata wore a look of curiosity, his gaze shifting between the three of them, but he was sensible enough not to ask questions, merely offering a gentle smile.

He then nodded to Akiyama Shin in acknowledgment before leading Yukimura and Wang Meiyu out of the library.

Until only the three of them remained in the library, the surroundings were so quiet that one could hear the rustling of the wind blowing through the leaves outside the window.

Only then did Akiyama Shin speak slowly, his tone still calm but carrying an unquestionable certainty.

"The next phase of the plan requires the cooperation of a key individual. Finding him and reaching an agreement is the prerequisite for the entire plan to unfold smoothly."

"Who?"

Horikita Suzune didn't waste any words, asking directly with a look of scrutiny in her eyes.

Akiyama Shin uttered a name, clear and crisp.

"Koenji Rokusuke."

"Koenji-kun?"

Kushida Kikyo blinked, her eyes full of surprise, and she subconsciously lowered her voice.

"But he..."

"Almost never participates in any class activities."

The image of that maverick figure instantly surfaced in Kushida Kikyo's mind; Koenji Rokusuke always acted as if he were the only one who mattered, self-centered to the extreme.

Let alone collective study sessions, he rarely even showed up for important class meetings. How could someone like that possibly be willing to cooperate with someone else's plan?

Horikita Suzune frowned upon hearing this, her tone carrying obvious bewilderment.

"That weirdo...? Why look for him now...? Given his personality... I don't think he'll necessarily cooperate with any plan..."

Although Horikita Suzune did not approve of Koenji's style, she had to admit that his ability was indeed top-tier. It was just that this ability was only ever used for himself, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the word "cooperation."

"His ability is indispensable for certain key stages of the plan."

Akiyama Shin was concise, offering no further explanation.

"Only if he agrees can my plan proceed smoothly. As for the specific details, once we confirm them with Teacher Chabashira later, you will naturally understand."

Upon hearing this, Horikita Suzune's expression turned serious instantly.

Although she doubted Koenji's willingness to cooperate, she had absolute trust in Akiyama Shin's judgment.

Since Akiyama Shin said so, it meant that Koenji's role was indeed irreplaceable. She nodded slightly.

"I understand."

Kushida Kikyo also immediately set aside her surprise, revealing her usual proactive stance as she nodded vigorously.

"Mm! As long as I can help, I will definitely do my best to persuade Koenji-kun!"

Akiyama Shin said no more. He took out his terminal and opened the Class D group chat. Among the many simple profile pictures, Koenji's highly individualistic avatar stood out—it was a selfie of himself, taken from a tricky angle with scattered light and shadow, exuding an artistic flair and narcissism that no one else could imitate.

He tapped his fingertip, sending a friend request.

To the surprise of both Horikita and Kushida, the request was accepted almost the instant it was sent.

"Eh? That fast?"

Kushida Kikyo couldn't help but whisper in surprise, her eyes wide and her face full of disbelief.

In her impression, Koenji had always been aloof and difficult to approach; such a lightning-fast acceptance was completely inconsistent with his established persona.

Horikita Suzune also raised an eyebrow, a flash of astonishment crossing her eyes, clearly not having expected this result.

A flicker of understanding passed through Akiyama Shinichi's eyes. Just as he had predicted, while Koenji appeared antisocial, he was actually sharp-minded and would never miss out on anything potentially interesting. Without a moment's hesitation, he tapped the voice call button.

The call was connected instantly as well.

Before Akiyama Shinichi could speak, a magnetic male voice came through the receiver, carrying a unique, languid tone and an ingrained confidence, as if everything were within his control.

"Oh my~ what a rare guest, Akiyama-boy... seeking me out specifically, is there something you need?"

"Do you want to question me on why I was absent from today's boring group study session?"

"Or perhaps... you've already seen through the fragile, pathetic foundation of Class D and want to seek my cooperation?"

Hearing this, Akiyama Shinichi's gaze shifted slightly, and he mused to himself.

He really is no ordinary person.

Koenji Rokusuke not only possesses top-tier physical fitness, but his keen thinking and observational skills are also far beyond the average person.

To be able to deduce two possibilities so quickly from just a sudden friend request and a voice call—this level of insight is truly not to be underestimated.

Although Akiyama Shinichi was confident that his own planning and insight were superior, Koenji's performance was enough to make him take the matter seriously.

Beside him, Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyo couldn't help but frown slightly upon hearing Koenji's words.

"Seeing through the fragile foundation of Class D"—that remark sounded truly grating, as if he were belittling the entire class.

But both knew this wasn't the time to argue, so they simply pursed their lips and didn't interrupt.

Akiyama Shinichi didn't take the bait, sticking straight to the point, his voice steady and devoid of any fluctuation.

"Where are you?"

"Hehe~"

Koenji chuckled, his tone carrying a hint of amusement, as if he quite appreciated Akiyama Shinichi's directness.

"I am currently at the gym on the third floor of Keyaki Mall, using sweat to sculpt this god-given, perfect body. What, is Akiyama-boy already impatient to meet?"

"Wait there."

Akiyama Shinichi spat out the two words and hung up immediately without waiting for a reply, crisp and efficient, without a hint of hesitation.

On the other side.

In the gym on the third floor of Keyaki Mall.

Koenji Rokusuke looked at the disconnected call interface on his terminal. Far from being angry, he curled his lips with interest, tossed the towel draped over his shoulder aside, and muttered to himself.

"What a characterful boy he is~"

He tapped his fingertip on the screen a few times, quickly sending the gym's precise location to Akiyama Shinichi, even adding a note.

"Don't get lost, Red-Eyed Boy."

Akiyama Shinichi received the location, glanced down at the screen, and after confirming the address, looked up at the two girls beside him.

"Let's go, to the gym."

The three of them set off immediately, heading toward Keyaki Mall.

The evening breeze carried a hint of chill, feeling pleasant on the face as the number of students on the road gradually increased.

Most were finishing club activities or self-study, heading toward the dorms, the cafeteria, or the mall; the lively chatter dispelled some of the gloom.

Kushida Kikyo ultimately couldn't suppress her curiosity, slowing her pace to lean in toward Akiyama Shinichi and asking in a low, hushed voice.

"Akiyama-kun..."

"Is this plan... really that important?"

She truly couldn't fathom what kind of scheme would require Akiyama Shinichi to be so solemn, to the point of personally going to persuade the elusive, stubborn Koenji Rokusuke.

Upon hearing this, Akiyama Shinichi turned his head to look at her, then glanced at Horikita Suzune beside her. Although the latter hadn't spoken, the inquiry in her eyes was plain to see; she clearly shared the same confusion as Kushida.

As for Kushida, she was someone he trusted.

As for Horikita, she was a student he acknowledged, one with potential and a willingness to follow his lead.

Akiyama Shinichi pondered for a moment and decided to reveal some key information, which would both put their minds at ease and help them understand the gravity of the situation.

He stopped in his tracks, turned around, and fixed his gaze on their faces. His voice wasn't loud, but it reached their ears clearly, like a bolt of lightning striking the ground, instantly exploding in their minds.

"If this planned operation goes smoothly, conservatively estimated, it will bring us a net profit of no less than 10 million private points."

"10 million?!"

Kushida Kikyo abruptly covered her mouth, forcefully swallowing the scream that had reached her lips, her beautiful eyes wide as saucers.

His face was filled with incredulous shock, and his voice carried a trace of a tremor.

Horikita Suzune's pupils also constricted, and she subconsciously gasped, her gaze fixed on Akiyama Shinichi with a look of shock, and even a hint of disbelief.

Ten million private points!

This was simply an astronomical figure!

Only at this moment did the two of them fully understand why Akiyama Shinichi attached such importance to this matter, even going so far as to personally persuade the most difficult person to deal with, Koenji Rokusuke.

The impact of such massive gains made the three of them quicken their pace involuntarily.

The previously somewhat dull atmosphere was instantly replaced by an indescribable sense of anticipation and urgency, and the group walked briskly toward Keyaki Mall.

The financial crisis of school points... is about to begin!!!

The Joint Study Group finally came to an end in a strange, heavy atmosphere.

The students from Class B and Class D silently packed up the notebooks and textbooks on their desks. The sound of chairs dragging across the floor was exceptionally clear in the quiet space. Everyone left in twos and threes, most of them looking somewhat exhausted, muttering about their dinner plans, their footsteps drifting unconsciously toward the cafeteria—after all, after such a long study session, hot food was the most tangible comfort.

Akiyama Shinichi did not follow the crowd. He leaned against a bookshelf, his gaze sweeping over the people before finally landing on two spots.

One was Horikita Suzune, who was just preparing to get up. She was packing her bag efficiently, her back held straight, exuding a coldness that kept others at a distance.

The other was Kushida Kikyo, who was laughing and chatting with Wang Meiyu and a few other girls, her eyes curved into crescents.

Her sweet laughter could be heard from several steps away, showing no trace of the tension from the study session just moments ago.

Only when the people around them had mostly dispersed did Akiyama Shinichi speak slowly, his voice steady and without a ripple.

"Horikita, Kushida, wait a moment."

He paused, then added.

"There is something to discuss."

Both of their movements paused simultaneously.

A flash of realization crossed Horikita Suzune's face. She looked up at Akiyama Shinichi, having likely guessed that he was about to explain the follow-up actions. Having spent so much time together, she was long accustomed to Akiyama Shinichi's decisive style; it was less of a discussion and more of a notification, and all she had to do was execute it.

Yet, this realization was mixed with a hint of confusion.

Her gaze lingered on Akiyama Shinichi's face for a moment before she subconsciously glanced at Kushida Kikyo beside her, her brow furrowing imperceptibly. Why call Kushida?

In her understanding, although Kushida was the social core of the class, she never participated in Akiyama Shinichi's deeper plans. Calling her specifically this time felt somewhat unnecessary.

Compared to Horikita's straightforward confusion, Kushida Kikyo's mind was much more active.

Upon hearing Akiyama Shinichi's voice, the smile on her face faltered slightly, and countless thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant.

Is Shin-kun... planning to work with both me and Horikita-san at the same time this time?

Ever since her hostility toward Horikita Suzune had gradually faded due to Akiyama Shinichi, a strange sense of... camaraderie had even subconsciously sprouted. Of course, she didn't think Akiyama Shinichi would reveal their relationship at this time, so the only possibility was that Akiyama Shinichi had recognized Horikita's potential and intended to involve her more deeply in his plans.

Thinking this through, she wore that sweet smile again and replied in a light tone.

"Okay, Akiyama-kun."

Akiyama Shinichi nodded toward Hirata Yosuke, Yukimura Teruhiko, Wang Meiyu, and the others nearby, the meaning clear: let them leave first.

Hirata had a look of curiosity on his face, his gaze shifting between the three of them, but he was sensible enough not to ask any questions, merely offering a gentle smile.

He then nodded to Akiyama Shinichi and left the library with Yukimura and Wang Meiyu.

Until only the three of them were left in the library, the surroundings were so quiet that the rustling of the wind through the leaves outside the window could be heard.

Only then did Akiyama Shinichi speak slowly, his tone still calm but carrying an unquestionable certainty.

"The next plan requires the cooperation of an important figure. Finding him and reaching an agreement is the prerequisite for the entire plan to proceed smoothly."

"Who?"

Horikita Suzune did not waste words, asking directly with a look of scrutiny in her eyes.

Akiyama Shinichi uttered a name, clear and crisp.

"Koenji Rokusuke."

"Koenji-kun?"

Kushida Kikyo blinked, her eyes full of surprise, and she subconsciously lowered her voice.

"But he..."

"Almost never participates in any class activities."

The image of that maverick figure instantly surfaced in Kushida Kikyo's mind. Koenji Rokusuke was always acting as if he were the only one who mattered, self-centered to the extreme.

Let alone collective study sessions, he might not even show up for important class meetings. How could such a person be willing to cooperate with someone else's plan?

Horikita Suzune frowned upon hearing this, her tone carrying obvious confusion.

"That weirdo...? Why look for him now...? Given his personality... I don't think he would necessarily cooperate with any plan..."

Although Horikita Suzune did not approve of Koenji's style of doing things, she had to admit that the man's ability was indeed top-notch. It was just that this ability was only ever used for himself, and it had nothing to do with the word "cooperation."

"His ability is indispensable for certain key stages of the plan."

Akiyama Shinichi was concise, offering no further explanation.

"Only if he agrees can my plan proceed smoothly. As for the specific details, once I find Teacher Chabashira later to confirm them, you will naturally understand."

Horikita Suzune's expression turned serious the moment she heard this.

Although she harbored doubts about Koenji Rokusuke's willingness to cooperate, she had absolute trust in Akiyama Shin's judgment.

Since Akiyama Shin said so, it meant that Koenji Rokusuke's role was indeed irreplaceable. She nodded slightly.

"I understand."

Kushida Kikyo also immediately set aside the surprise on her face, adopting her usual positive demeanor as she nodded vigorously.

"Mm! As long as I can be of help, I will definitely do my best to persuade Koenji-kun!"

Akiyama Shin said no more. He took out his terminal and opened the Class D group chat. Among the sea of simple profile pictures, Koenji Rokusuke's highly individualistic icon stood out—it was a selfie of the man himself, taken from a tricky angle with scattered light and shadow, exuding an artistic flair and narcissism that others couldn't hope to imitate.

He tapped his fingertip, sending a friend request.

To the astonishment of both Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyo, the request was accepted almost the instant it was sent.

"Eh? That fast?"

Kushida Kikyo couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice, her eyes wide with disbelief.

In her impression, Koenji Rokusuke had always been distant and difficult to approach; this instant acceptance of a friend request was completely inconsistent with his persona.

Horikita Suzune also raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes. Clearly, she hadn't expected this result either.

A flash of realization crossed Akiyama Shin's eyes. Just as he had predicted, Koenji Rokusuke might seem like a loner, but he was actually sharp-minded and wouldn't miss out on anything that might be interesting. Without the slightest hesitation, he tapped to initiate a voice call.

The call was also answered instantly.

Before Akiyama Shin could speak, a magnetic male voice came through the receiver, carrying a unique laziness in its tone, yet revealing a confidence etched into his very bones, as if everything were under his control.

"Oh my~ what a rare guest, Akiyama-boy... Is there something you need, seeking me out specifically?"

"Are you here to interrogate me about why I was absent from today's boring group study session?"

"Or perhaps... you've already seen through the fragile, pathetic foundation of Class D and want to seek my cooperation?"

Akiyama Shin's eyes flickered slightly at these words, and he mused to himself.

He is certainly no ordinary person.

Koenji Rokusuke not only possesses top-tier physical fitness, but his keen thinking and observational skills are also far beyond the average person.

To be able to quickly deduce two possibilities from a sudden friend request and voice call—this level of insight is truly not to be underestimated.

Although Akiyama Shin was confident that his own planning and insight were superior, Koenji Rokusuke's performance was enough to make him take the man seriously.

Beside him, Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyo couldn't help but frown slightly upon hearing Koenji Rokusuke's words.

"Seeing through the fragile foundation of Class D"—that remark sounded truly grating, as if he were belittling the entire class.

But both of them knew this wasn't the time to quibble, so they simply pressed their lips together, not interrupting.

Akiyama Shin didn't take the bait, heading straight to the point with a voice as steady as a flat line.

"Where are you?"

"Heh~"

Koenji Rokusuke chuckled, his tone filled with a hint of amusement, as if he quite appreciated Akiyama Shin's directness.

"I am currently at the gym on the third floor of Keyaki Mall, sculpting this god-given, perfect body with sweat. What, is Akiyama-boy already impatient to meet me?"

"Wait there."

Akiyama Shin spat out the two words and hung up the phone without waiting for the other party to respond, clean and efficient, without a hint of hesitation.

On the other side.

In the gym on the third floor of Keyaki Mall.

Koenji Rokusuke looked at the call interface that had already been disconnected on his terminal. Far from being angry, he curled his lips with interest, tossed the towel draped over his shoulder, and muttered to himself.

"What a characterful boy he is~"

He tapped his fingertip on the screen a few times, quickly sending the gym's specific location to Akiyama Shin, even adding a postscript.

"Don't get lost, Red-Eyed Boy."

Akiyama Shin received the location, glanced down at the screen, and after confirming the address, looked up at the two girls beside him.

"Let's go. To the gym."

The three of them set off immediately, heading in the direction of Keyaki Mall.

The evening breeze carried a hint of chill, feeling comfortable against the skin, and the number of students on the road gradually increased.

Most were finishing club activities or self-study, heading toward the dorms, the cafeteria, or the mall; the lively sound of voices dispersed some of the dullness.

Kushida Kikyo ultimately couldn't suppress the curiosity in her heart. She slowed her pace, leaned in toward Akiyama Shin, and asked in a hushed voice.

"Akiyama-kun..."

"Is this plan... really that important?"

She truly couldn't fathom what kind of scheme would require Akiyama Shin to be so solemn, to the point of personally going to persuade that elusive, impenetrable Koenji Rokusuke.

Akiyama Shinichi heard this and turned his head to glance at her, then cast a look at Horikita Suzune beside him. Although she didn't speak, the inquiry in her eyes was already plain to see; clearly, she shared the same confusion as Kushida.

As for Kushida, she was someone he trusted.

As for Horikita, she was a student he acknowledged, one with potential who was willing to follow and learn from him.

Akiyama Shinichi pondered for a moment and decided to reveal some key information, which would both put their minds at ease and help them understand the importance of this matter.

He stopped in his tracks, turned around, and let his gaze fall upon their faces. His voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached their ears, sounding like a thunderclap on flat ground that instantly exploded in their minds.

"If this planned operation goes smoothly, a conservative estimate is that it will bring us a net profit of no less than 10 million private points."

"10 million?!"

Kushida Kikyo abruptly covered her mouth, forcibly swallowing the scream that had reached her lips, her beautiful eyes wide with shock.

Her face was filled with incredulous astonishment, and her voice carried a hint of a tremor.

Horikita Suzune's pupils also constricted sharply, and she instinctively drew a cold breath. The look she directed at Akiyama Shinichi was filled with shock, and even a touch of disbelief.

Ten million private points!

This was simply an astronomical figure!

Only at this moment did the two of them fully understand why Akiyama Shinichi attached such importance to this matter, even going so far as to personally convince the most difficult Koenji Rokusuke.

The impact brought about by such massive potential gains caused the three of them to unconsciously quicken their pace.

The previously somewhat dull atmosphere was instantly replaced by an indescribable sense of anticipation and urgency, and the group walked quickly toward Keyaki Mall.

The financial crisis of school points... is about to begin!!!