You Didn't Scold the Teacher, Did You?

The morning in Class C (Ju Ji) is always quite lively. After all, the class is filled with many students who are far from serious. For instance, the hot-headed Sudo, the frivolous Ike, and the arrogant Koenji.

However, everyone is likely feeling more restless and nervous than usual today. The reason, of course, is that today is the day points are distributed. Even though they already knew the points wouldn't be short, everyone is still anxious.

The Advanced Nurturing High School that Ju Ji attends utilizes a system called S-Points.

First, all students in the school are issued a special smartphone. It comes pre-installed with a unique application; one simply needs to open the app and enter their student ID and password to log in. From there, one can accomplish various things via "Check Balance."

For example, checking one's current points—Ju Ji has the remaining forty thousand plus the sixty thousand points distributed last month, reaching a total of one hundred thousand points again. Or, one can check the points held by the class. Currently, the class points held by Class C (Ju Ji) are six hundred. Since this month's points haven't been calculated yet, they cannot be viewed.

Furthermore, it has a function to transfer one's own points from the balance to others. This is the reason why Ichinose possesses such a massive amount of points.

Points are divided into two types: one ends with the label [cl]. These are known as class points. They are not distributed to individuals but are held by the class as a unit. The other type is labeled [pr], representing personal points. The system is designed to multiply the class points by one hundred on the first of every month and distribute the result to the students as personal points.

According to the contract between the school and the students, in principle, there is nothing in this school that cannot be purchased with points. Therefore, accumulating personal points allows one to steer situations in their favor when necessary. For example, transferring to a desired class or allowing a student who has been expelled to return to campus. However, this would likely require a massive amount of points. Thus, the accumulation of personal points is essential.

"Good morning, everyone. You all look more agitated than usual today."

Teacher Chabashira walked into the classroom as the bell signaling the start of the homeroom period rang.

"Teacher Sae! What's going on with our points for this month not being deposited?"

"So that's why you're all so worked up. There was a bit of a dispute this time, so the points for the first-year students will be distributed a little later. I'm sorry, but please wait a little longer."

Hearing Teacher Chabashira say this, Ju Ji turned his gaze toward Sudo. Sure enough, his face was slightly swollen. It seemed he had been hit; as expected, Ryuen of Class D wouldn't give up. Had he targeted Sudo, who is prone to getting agitated? Because he has been getting into fights since middle school, his reputation isn't very good. Ryuen must have seized upon that.

"Are you serious? This is the school's oversight, so isn't there any compensation?"

The students voiced their dissatisfaction and complaints one after another. It is only natural, given that the large amount of points they were supposed to receive did not arrive.

"Don't be so unreasonable. This is the school's judgment, and there is nothing I can do. Once the dispute is resolved, the school should distribute the points. Now, let's announce the points for each class."

The teacher spread the paper in her hand out on the blackboard, and the results were revealed in order, starting from Class A. Basically, all classes had increased by nearly one hundred points compared to the previous month: Class D had five hundred and seventy, Class C (Ju Ji) had six hundred and ninety, Class B had seven hundred and thirty-five, and then Class A reached a terrifying one thousand and thirty.

"This development is truly not pleasant. Could it be that other classes have also discovered the method to increase points?"

"That is only natural. Things we can think of, other classes can think of too. Don't underestimate the enemy, Suzune. Our opponents are not that simple. After all, they are all 'superior products'."

For Suzune, who is aiming for Class A, this is certainly not something to be happy about, as the gap in their points has not narrowed.

"Sudo, I have something to discuss with you. Come to the office with me."

After school, Teacher Chabashira stopped Sudo, who was rushing to leave the classroom. It seems the thing he was worried about had indeed happened.

"Huh? Why me? I have basketball practice next."

"I have already spoken with the advisor. Whether you come or not is your freedom. But I won't be responsible for what happens afterward."

Faced with Teacher Chabashira's warning, even the stubborn Sudo had to become nervous. In the end, Sudo clicked his tongue overtly and had no choice but to follow Teacher Chabashira out.

"Suzune, come out with me. There might be a situation with Sudo."

"What?"

"The delay in our points might not be the school's fault. It's possible that Sudo from our class got into a dispute with someone. I need to go back and get something. Suzune, keep an eye on Sudo and don't let him run off; wait for me to return."

This series of events had already made Ju Ji realize what was about to happen. Therefore, he needed to confirm whether the cameras installed in the special building had captured anything useful. After all, Sakura has already started changing her image. It's hard to say if she can still serve as an eyewitness.

"Alright then. But afterward, you have to explain everything to me properly."

"Of course, that was my intention from the start."

From this, one can see that Horikita Suzune's trust in Ju Ji is currently extremely high. She didn't even doubt the words he said. Of course, it is also possible that she herself had discovered something.

Not long after, outside the office, Horikita Suzune was waiting slowly with a cold expression on her face. She seemed to possess a special aura; none of the surrounding students dared to speak to her, all silently walking around her.

A few minutes later, the office door finally opened...

"Horikita-san, why are you here?"

"Ju Ji was worried about your situation and had me come over to watch you first. To prevent you from running off."

"Where is Shinomiya?"

"He went back to get something and will be here in a moment. So, Sudo, what exactly happened? You don't look so good."

That's right; the look on Sudo's face as he came out was terrible, as if the sky had fallen. It made Suzune unable to ignore it, and she completely believed what Ju Ji had said.

"Let's wait until Shinomiya gets here to talk about it together. I believe only Shinomiya can help with this matter."

Sudo's attitude clearly showed that he still didn't trust Suzune much, as he had no intention of revealing what he had experienced.

"You didn't accidentally curse at a teacher or something, did you?"

When Teacher Chabashira stopped him from going to his club activity today, he was very defiant. Given his personality, it wouldn't be impossible for him to have spoken harshly, so it's no wonder Suzune would suspect that...