Transaction Successful

"Class B came to us proactively, proposing a deal regarding the hidden rules." Katsuragi Kohei's voice was clear and resonant as he recounted the conversation in the hallway, including Kitagawa Kai's proposal and Ichinose's explanation.

"They're asking for one million points, and they proactively suggested that Mashima-sensei could act as a witness to judge whether the information's value matches that price."

"What, the school has hidden rules?"

"How is that possible?"

"One million points?!"

"Has Class B lost their minds? What kind of information could be worth one million points?"

The Class A students murmured in low voices, their faces filled with shock.

"It seems we've encountered an interesting problem, Katsuragi-kun."

Sakayanagi Arisu had somehow already closed her book and walked over, leaning on her cane.

"Classmate Sakayanagi, Kitagawa Kai and Ichinose Honami from Class B just came to us and proposed this." Katsuragi handed the Contract over to her.

Sakayanagi Arisu quickly skimmed the Contract, then looked up at Katsuragi, her characteristic smile on her face.

How amusing.

"A very interesting proposal. I agree."

What good does your agreement do?

Katsuragi-aniki hasn't spoken yet.

Totsuka Yahiko couldn't help but speak up: "One million points isn't a small amount; it's enough for us to do a lot. For a rule that Class B discovered, wouldn't it be better to just ask Mashima-sensei directly..."

"Yahiko, if Mashima-sensei knew or was willing to disclose it, Class B wouldn't have come to us." Katsuragi Kohei said in a low, firm voice.

"What Class B discovered must be something that requires personal observation; Mashima-sensei probably won't say anything."

"But, one million points..." Totsuka Yahiko tried to continue.

"Points can be earned again, but an opportunity, once lost, is gone." Sakayanagi Arisu interrupted softly. "Besides, you should have noticed by now that this school is a bit off."

Katsuragi's eyes sharpened. He had a vague feeling about it, but hadn't yet thought it through.

After a moment, he made his decision.

"Fujiyama-kun, please go and invite Mashima-sensei. We agree."

"Yes!" Fujiyama responded, immediately turning and leaving the classroom.

"Yahiko, collect the points from the class."

Most of the Class A students, though shocked by the number one million points, showed a high degree of obedience to Katsuragi and Sakayanagi's decision.

No one raised a loud objection; they simply silently took out their Student Terminals and prepared to make the transfer.

After a short while, Totsuka Yahiko turned to Katsuragi, his voice very low: "Katsuragi-aniki, the points are gathered."

Katsuragi Kohei pulled open the door and invited the three waiting Class B students inside.

Almost everyone immediately recognized Kitagawa Kai as the one who had carried Sakayanagi into the classroom not long ago.

"Isn't that the funny guy?"

"So that's Kitagawa."

"Shh! Keep your voice down!" His deskmate quickly stopped him, glancing toward Sakayanagi Arisu by the window before swiftly looking away.

"Classmate Sakayanagi, long time no see." Kitagawa Kai smiled and greeted Sakayanagi Arisu.

"Kitagawa-kun, so this is what you were waiting for."

"You know, I always follow through on what I say."

"What a delightful surprise. It seems this school won't be so boring after all."

Sakayanagi Arisu performed a curtsy unique to a young lady, though her face bore the pride of a genius.

Arrogant!

Because of Kitagawa Kai's challenge, Sakayanagi Arisu had failed to earn enough points from the shogi club.

Just now, when Totsuka Yahiko collected the class's points, her share didn't come from her own account.

It was covered by several classmates close to her.

I wonder what she's so proud of.

Just then, Mashima Tomoya-sensei's figure appeared at the door.

He was dressed in a sharp suit, looking energetic and capable.

"You need me to act as a witness, correct?"

"I've already read the Contract."

Mashima Tomoya paused, his gaze sweeping across everyone: "My understanding is that Class A agrees to pay one million personal points in exchange for specific information from Class B regarding the school's hidden rules."

"Yes, Mashima-sensei." Katsuragi Kohei indicated he had no objections.

He took the already-signed contract and neatly wrote his own name.

Yet his gaze swept once more over the signature line on Party B's side—Ichinose Honami, the letters crisp and clear.

Why wasn't it Kitagawa Kai's name? Could Class B also have two factions?

Or had Ichinose managed to subdue even someone like Kitagawa Kai?

An equation instantly formed in Katsuragi Kohei's mind:

Ichinose > Kitagawa ≥ Sakayanagi = Me?

Huh?

Yarimasune.

What a terrifying girl~

As the points transferred, Kitagawa Kai handed the notebook containing the school rules to Katsuragi Kohei.

"Then, everyone in Class A, it's been a pleasure cooperating. I hope this information proves helpful to your class."

Ichinose Honami finally let out the breath she'd been holding, quietly relieved, and looked at Kitagawa Kai with eyes full of admiration.

The three of them politely took their leave, exiting the still somewhat tense Class A classroom.

"Kitagawa-kun, that was amazing! One million points... we actually got them!" Ichinose Honami couldn't contain her excitement, lightly clapping her hands together in front of her chest, a smile blooming on her face.

The motion made her straighten her upper body slightly, and beneath the fitted school uniform blouse, her full curves gave a gentle rise and fall with her breath.

Kitagawa Kai's gaze unconsciously followed the movement.

A D?

Let me check.

No, an F.

Impossible to gauge. A terrifying presence.

That momentary surge of curves contrasted sharply with the girl's pure, delighted smile, and his eyes lingered a beat too long.

That one beat was caught by Ichinose, who was looking his way.

"Kitagawa-kun, what are you doing?!" Ichinose Honami's smile froze instantly, then a flush spread from her neck to her ears in a flash.

She reflexively crossed her arms over her chest, turning her body slightly to the side, trying to hide the curves she'd unconsciously emphasized moments ago.

Her eyes were wide, filled with panic and a trace of barely perceptible reproach.

[Ding!]

[Ichinose Honami Affection Level +4, current Affection Level 52 (Friend)]

[Affection Level reward obtained: Master-level Painting]

Walking a step behind, Kanzaki Ryūji, who had been about to open his mouth to analyze the situation, very timely and naturally adjusted his glasses.

The gaze that had been aimed at the two shifted to a painting on the corridor wall, and his steps deliberately slowed by half a beat.

This painting sure is... painted.

"Ahem." Kitagawa Kai quickly averted his eyes and explained earnestly:

"Sorry, I was spacing out just now."

Ichinose Honami looked at him suspiciously, the blush on her cheeks not yet faded.

Kitagawa Kai's expression was too calm, his eyes too clear—no cracks at all.

"I-is that so..." she muttered quietly, and to shake off the subtle awkwardness, she quickly changed the subject: "But, um, about those points, and, uh, about that rule..."