I'll Interpret the Information Gap! A Partnership with Class B?! Akiyama Shin's First Big Payday!

Chabashira Sae looked at Akiyama Shin, who had calmly said the words "Verification Right," and finally understood.

Akiyama Shin didn't want her to explicitly confirm the rules. That would have crossed a line for her.

He wanted an implied confirmation, something that would lend credibility to his next move.

He planned to use the information he had deduced to make deals with other classes, and his target was clearly Personal Points.

He had seen how poorly Class D was doing, so he was prioritizing personal resources over moving up as a class.

Or rather, he saw accumulating Personal Points as an indispensable stepping stone toward achieving the latter.

Akiyama Shin was trying to get something for nothing!

Strictly speaking...

Even if these were just implied confirmations of the information!

They weren't entirely accurate or certain for the person making the deal!

Yet Akiyama Shin was still willing to bet that someone would buy his information... That confidence... was simply incomprehensible!

But Akiyama Shin wanted to trade this information for a huge number of Personal Points, possibly by having all the upper classes pool their resources.

Chabashira Sae felt it was absurd, yet couldn't suppress a flicker of excitement.

After all, the rules didn't forbid classes from trading points, nor did they forbid selling information, as long as it didn't involve leaking core secrets during the first month.

As a homeroom teacher, she wouldn't be violating any rules in the process. She would merely be a witness.

If the school preached that strength was everything...

Then wasn't using intelligence and an information gap to acquire resources also a form of strength?

"Verification Right?"

Chabashira Sae repeated the words, the faintest hint of amusement curling her lips.

"Fine. One hundred thousand points."

Akiyama Shin's dark red eyes narrowed slightly.

What an outrageous demand...

He immediately understood Chabashira Sae's intention.

She knew he was about to make a major deal, and wanted to empty out the hundred thousand points he'd just received, making it both the price of her participation and a test of his resolve.

Without the slightest hesitation, and without even changing his expression, Akiyama Shin operated his Terminal and briskly transferred the hundred thousand points to Chabashira Sae.

The notification that the points had arrived rang out especially clearly in the quiet office.

"Deal."

Chabashira Sae confirmed that she'd received the payment, then spoke clearly to Akiyama Shin.

"I, Chabashira Sae, homeroom teacher of Class 1-D, hereby confirm that the information Akiyama Shin has provided regarding the operating mechanisms of this school stems from his own observations and logical deductions. I am merely a witness, and will ensure that any subsequent transactions comply with school regulations."

Akiyama Shin silently stopped the recording.

"Then, Teacher Chabashira, please come with me..."

"The deal that follows requires a school official as a witness to ensure the contract is valid."

Chabashira Sae didn't object. She picked up her Terminal and stood.

"Let's go."

"Show me how far you can take this."

The two left the office.

They headed straight for the Class 1-B classroom.

At that moment.

Most of the other first-year classes hadn't left their classrooms yet.

Akiyama Shin hadn't chosen Class A as the target for his first big payday. From the moment the classes were assigned, it had already been impossible for Class D to cooperate with Class A. Class A was full of elites and might have already figured out some of the rules, making negotiations more difficult and the price of cooperation higher. He didn't want to get too entangled with the strongest opponent at this stage, even though he was confident he could catch up. It would only mean more trouble.

He hadn't chosen the neighboring Class C, either, since Class C and Class D were natural rivals. That left Class B as his best option at this stage: they might have doubts about the rules, but hadn't yet seen through them. The risk was manageable, and the potential reward was substantial.

They arrived at the Class B classroom.

Chabashira Sae stepped forward and knocked.

The door opened almost immediately, revealing a young female teacher with fluffy, light-brown curls that fell to her shoulders. She wore a pink short-sleeved shirt and a white dress, an outfit that hardly matched a teacher's stern image. With her sweet, gentle smile, she looked like the friendly girl next door.

"Oh? Sae?"

Hoshinomiya Chie.

The homeroom teacher of Class B.

The moment Hoshinomiya Chie saw Chabashira Sae, her face lit up with delight, and she greeted her affectionately.

"Well, this is a rare sight! What brings you here?"

"Did you miss me, Chie?"

As she spoke, she even opened her arms to hug Chabashira Sae.

Chabashira Sae looked disgusted and planted a hand on the other woman's shoulder to stop her from coming closer, her tone as cold as ever.

"Cut it out, Hoshinomiya."

"My student is here to discuss a partnership with your class."

"A partnership?"

Only then did Hoshinomiya Chie notice Akiyama Shin behind Chabashira Sae. She blinked and gave him a thorough once-over, her face showing undisguised surprise.

"Wow! This student... is really handsome!"

"And he figured things out so quickly... and knows to seek cooperation? That's impressive!"

Her thoughts immediately began racing.

He's totally my type! Cool and clever!

Ahhh! No, no, no! Hoshinomiya Chie! You're a teacher! Teachers and students can't get involved! No way, no way!

She hurriedly pushed all those scattered thoughts out of her mind, stepped aside to clear the way, and warmly ushered them in.

"Come on in, come on in!"

"You too, Sae!"

The three entered the Class B classroom.

The students had been talking among themselves, but when they saw their homeroom teacher enter with Class D's homeroom teacher and an unfamiliar, handsome boy, they looked surprised and curious.

The atmosphere in Class B was completely different from Class D's. There was less restlessness and more composure and friendliness.

They all seemed like earnest, honest students. Their eyes were clear, with the innocence and kindness of those who hadn't yet seen much of the world.

Akiyama Shin didn't waste time. He quickly walked to the center of the podium, swept his calm gaze across the Class B students, and got straight to the point.

"I'm Akiyama Shin of Class 1-D."

"I'm here to make a deal with your class."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly through the now-quiet classroom.

"I can sell you everything I currently know..."

"All the information I have about the core operating rules of Advanced Nurturing High School."

His words stirred a low murmur through the Class B classroom. The students exchanged surprised and uncertain looks. Akiyama Shin ignored them and continued.

"There are two possible arrangements..."

"A contract with penalty clauses for breach will be required..."

"And both homeroom teachers will serve as witnesses."

He operated his Terminal and projected the two contracts he had prepared onto the whiteboard at the front of the classroom.

[Contract Option One: Buyout System]

Terms: Party B (Class B) pays Party A (Akiyama Shin) 2.8 million Personal Points to buy out, in a single payment, all related information held by Party A.

Restrictions: During the contract period (one month), Party A may not disclose the deal to any individual or group other than Party B, including the class Party A belongs to, Class D, or profit from the information in any way.

Penalty for breach: If Party A violates the restrictions above, Party A must pay Party B 4 million Personal Points in damages. After the buyout, Party B may decide how to use the information and may trade it.

[Contract Option Two: Right to Know]

Terms: Party B (Class B) pays Party A (Akiyama Shin) 1 million Personal Points to obtain the right to know all related information held by Party A.

Restrictions: During the contract period (one month), Party A may still sell the information to other classes. Party B may not disclose the information to any third party or use it to make deals with other classes.

Penalty for breach: If Party B violates the restrictions above, Party B must pay Party A 3 million Personal Points in damages.

Additional terms:

To account for other classes discovering the rules on their own, the contract restricts disclosure of the deal by Party A or Party B, but does not restrict other classes from discovering the rules independently.

Even if other classes learn the rules later, the exclusive period gained by Class B through the buyout still gives it an advantage, allowing it to plan earlier and avoid increased competition caused by the information spreading quickly between classes. The core value of the buyout to Class B lies in the time advantage and control over the information, not in keeping it secret forever. The penalties, which exceed the transaction amount, are intended to serve as a powerful deterrent against either party breaching the contract lightly. For any class in its early stages, 4 million and 3 million points are enormous sums that would be difficult to pay and could drain the class's entire point balance, effectively ensuring that the contract is honored. The one-month term gives the information sufficient value while it remains timely. The rules may change after a month due to exams or special events, at which point the contract will automatically expire and neither party will remain bound by it.

The Class B classroom erupted as the students read the clearly listed terms on the whiteboard, especially the enormous penalties.

"2.8 million?! Th-that's way too much!"

"Buyout and Right to Know... So if we only buy the right to know, he can still sell it to other classes?"

"A 4-million-point penalty?!"

"What does he know that's worth this many points?"

Just then, the central figures of Class B stood up.

One was a girl with long, waist-length pink hair. She was sweet and pretty, with a lovely figure and a particularly eye-catching bust. A warm, infectious smile played across her face. She was none other than the heart and soul of Class B, Honami Ichinose.

The other was a stern, cool-looking young man with dark blue hair: Ryuji Kanzaki, Class B's vice class leader, known for his composure and perceptiveness.

Honami Ichinose stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm.

"Hello, Akiyama. I'm Honami Ichinose."

"It's nice to meet you."

"Your proposal is certainly surprising... Could you tell us what your information is about...?"

"After all..."

"This concerns the points our entire class has."

Ryuji Kanzaki stepped forward too and stood beside Honami. He fixed Akiyama Shin with a sharp, hawklike gaze.

"Forgive me for being blunt, Akiyama, but we can't make such a major decision without knowing the value of the information. How can you prove it's worth this price? And how can we be sure it's accurate? What's more, this contract is full of loopholes! If you deliberately reveal the information and make it look like the class discovered it on its own, Class B is the only one that loses out!"

Akiyama Shin wasn't surprised by their doubts. After all, he'd only hastily drafted the two contracts on his way to Class B. He remained calm as he answered.

"This information will let you see the true nature of this school, understand the fundamentals of the point system, and grasp the kinds of competition you may face in the future."

"It concerns how to make effective use of the points you have..."

"And how to avoid losses in the future that stem from ignorance..."

He paused, then continued.

"As for proof..."

"Once the contract has been signed and the points have been paid, I'll show it to you immediately. As for its accuracy, my homeroom teacher, Teacher Chabashira, has already confirmed it. She witnessed my reasoning process and judged that it was logically sound. And yes, deliberately revealing the information is a huge loophole, and Class B would be the only one to lose out. But I'm not so despicable that I'd stoop to something like that. Whether you believe me is up to you. Risk and reward go hand in hand—that's what makes this a real deal."

Ryuji Kanzaki furrowed his brows and fell into thought.

He weighed the pros and cons.

Honami Ichinose looked at her classmates, silently asking for their opinions.

The Class B students were kind, but not foolish. They discussed the matter in low voices, the tension building.

After a brief consultation, Honami Ichinose and Ryuji Kanzaki made a decision on behalf of Class B.

Honami took a deep breath and looked at Akiyama Shin.

"Akiyama... After discussing it, Class B has decided..."

"We choose the [Buyout System] option."

Ryuji Kanzaki added,

"We took our time considering it, but we're still willing to take the gamble..."

"And whether or not you're the sort of person who'd stoop that low doesn't matter..."

"If you reveal the information, the entire first year will be thrown into chaos. If you're the sort of person who only wants Personal Points to enjoy the present, then just ignore what I said."

The decision was exactly what Akiyama Shin had expected.

Class B's approach favored caution and building an overwhelming advantage. It was impossible that they simply trusted Akiyama Shin not to reveal the information. Rather, they were willing to believe that someone as clever as him wouldn't do something so foolish and pointless.

"A wise choice."

Akiyama Shin nodded.

"Then please have the whole class transfer the points. 2.8 million. My student ID is the receiving account."

Though the Class B students winced at the cost, they acted quickly under the two leaders' direction.

Before long, each student had transferred 70,000 points, for a total of 2.8 million, into Akiyama Shin's account.

Akiyama Shin felt nothing as he looked at the huge balance displayed on his Terminal. He simply confirmed receipt.

"Deal."

Akiyama Shin connected his Terminal to the classroom's whiteboard with a data cable. The first thing he projected was the photo he'd taken in Chabashira Sae's office.

The number 1,000 was clearly visible beside Classes A, B, C, and D.

"These are Class Points."

Akiyama Shin gave a brief explanation.

Next, he opened the audio file and pressed play. The recording of his conversation with Chabashira Sae in the office came through the speakers.

"Teacher Chabashira, how many points would it take for you to sleep with me for one night?"

Hoshinomiya Chie couldn't hold back.

"Pfft—!!!"

The water she'd just sipped sprayed straight out of her mouth. She choked until her face turned red, coughing as she pointed at Chabashira Sae with wide eyes.

"S-S-Sae?!"

"H-He... what did he ask you?! Good heavens! Are students these bold nowadays?!"

Chabashira Sae's forehead instantly bulged with a vein, and her face darkened like the bottom of a pot.

She glared fiercely at Akiyama, but couldn't deny it had happened. She could only suppress her anger and force the words through clenched teeth.

"It was his... test."

Ryuji Kanzaki's normally stern face froze. The corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily as he looked at Akiyama Shin with disbelief and a hint of admiration. He was the first person ever to talk to a female teacher like that!

Honami Ichinose's adorable face flushed bright red in an instant, the color spreading all the way to her ears. She instinctively covered her mouth with both hands, her blue eyes filled with shock and embarrassment as she murmured under her breath.

"H-how could you ask something like that...?"

"That's so rude..."

The other students, meanwhile, reacted in all sorts of ways.

"Hey, hey! Did I hear that right?!"

"He... He actually asked Teacher Chabashira that..."

"That's sexual harassment, right? It definitely is!"

"But... Teacher Chabashira didn't exactly deny that she could be bought, did she?"

"Is that what you're focusing on?! The point is, he actually dared to ask!"

The classroom erupted in an uproar.

All eyes were fixed on Akiyama Shin.

Their gazes were filled with complicated emotions: shock, disdain, curiosity, and even a hint of awe, as if they were looking at a hero.

At the center of the storm, Akiyama Shin still stood there with an expressionless face, as though he weren't the person who had asked that outrageous question in the recording. He even raised a hand to signal for everyone to quiet down and let the recording continue.

The rest of the recording gradually moved on from that awkward probing to serious, meticulous reasoning. His explanations of the school's expenses, the wordplay behind its "100% advancement and employment rate," the connection between the two point systems, class competition, and comprehensive ability evaluations rang clearly through the Class B classroom.

As the recording played, the students' expressions gradually shifted from their initial shock and gossip to solemn thought, and finally to dawning understanding and deep astonishment.

When the recording ended, the classroom fell silent. You could have heard a pin drop.

Everyone understood now: behind that seemingly absurd opening was an audacious and ingenious probe.

And the reasoning that followed had demonstrated an extraordinary grasp of logic and insight.

Those 2.8 million points...

Had bought more than just a list of rules...

They had bought a way to see the school for what it really was...

A compass to keep them from acting blindly...

In the competition to come!

Honami Ichinose took a deep breath and was the first to break the silence. She looked at Akiyama Shin, her earlier embarrassment gone, replaced by seriousness and a hint of gratitude.

"Akiyama... thank you so much. This information is worth far more than 2.8 million points to Class B."

Ryuji Kanzaki nodded too. His expression remained serious, but his tone had softened considerably.

"That was some impressive reasoning."

"We acknowledge the value of this transaction."

Akiyama Shin gave a slight nod and put away his Terminal.

"The transaction is complete. The contract takes effect immediately."

"I wish your class luck."

He said no more. After signaling to Chabashira Sae, he turned and left the Class B classroom.

Chabashira Sae glanced at Hoshinomiya Chie and the Class B students, who were still in shock, then silently followed him.

The students of Class B were left to process the overwhelming amount of information—and the D Class student who had just given them their first lesson at the school in the most unusual way: Akiyama Shin!