Chapter 295 Honami and Arisu's Bet / What Exactly Are You Protecting?!
As her faction grew, Sakayanagi Arisu's grasp on the class funds tightened.
She now held roughly 12 million personal points. After all, every class had received seven or eight million points from the VIP special exam! Furthermore, Sakayanagi Arisu had won 3 million personal points from Ichinose Honami previously.
Combined with the fact that Class A's monthly points had never dipped below 1,000 since the start of school, the "class tax" collected from members was substantial.
On the other side, Katsuragi Kohei was estimated to have about 5 million points left.
"Hm? The class fees collected over the past few months seem a bit lower than before?" Sakayanagi Arisu scanned the statistics and asked pointedly.
"Leader! It's because we have to give 20,000 points to that guy Ryuen Kakeru every month!" someone complained immediately.
"Exactly! Ever since the deserted island exam, we've been paying him that sum for three consecutive months!"
The mere mention of this infuriated the group. Back then, Katsuragi Kohei had solemnly promised he could secure around 500 class points. Based on that, everyone agreed to buy water and food supplies from Ryuen.
The condition was that every student had to pay Ryuen 20,000 points monthly. In the end, they only received 190 class points. Fortunately, the contract was written clearly: Sakayanagi Arisu herself was exempt from this monthly payment.
"Speaking of which, today is Wednesday. It's only been a few days since the monthly points were distributed," Sakayanagi Arisu remarked casually.
Just then, Hashimoto Masayoshi hurried into the cafe, clearly late. Hearing Arisu's comment, he laughed and patted his chest.
"Don't worry, Leader. I'll have people spread the word throughout the class immediately. We'll use this to further suppress the morale of the Katsuragi faction!"
Sakayanagi Arisu nodded noncommittally. She had always known Hashimoto was a "fence-sitter," but there was no denying his utility. In the past few special exams, his performance was instrumental in driving the Katsuragi faction into a downward spiral.
He was an all-rounder who could handle almost any task. To her, managing such a character was simple: as long as her own strength remained overwhelming, he would stay loyal and wouldn't dare have a change of heart.
She waved her hand, and the faction meeting regarding the special exam was temporarily dismissed. Once the others left, she took a sip of her coffee.
"I almost forgot to give those few their 'bonuses.'"
Three million of the class funds were the prize she won after leading Class A to defeat Class B in the Sports Festival. Naturally, she had to reward those who performed well. She opened the transfer interface and sent 1 million to Kamuro Masumi, 500,000 to Kito Hayato, and 300,000 to Hashimoto Masayoshi. She also distributed varying amounts to other high performers based on their specific rankings.
Kito Hayato: Received.
Hashimoto Masayoshi: Thank you, Leader!
Kamuro Masumi: You gave too much. I calculated it privately; 700,000 is the correct amount!
While the first two accepted without hesitation, this "cold and proud" girl held onto the transfer without clicking "confirm."
Sakayanagi tapped her chin, recalling the reward rules they had set: a base pay of 30,000 per event, an extra 20,000 for first place, and another 30,000 for defeating a Class B opponent. A single event could net up to 80,000 points. Kamuro Masumi had participated in eight or nine individual events and took first in every single one. By the rules, 700,000 was indeed correct.
Sakayanagi Arisu: The extra is a supplement for you. Since you had the highest overall score in the class and are the girl with the most awards, I must reward you handsomely!
She wasn't lying.
While Kito was physically stronger, Class B had Shibata Souta from the soccer club, making Kitou's win-loss ratio respectable but not perfect.
Only Kamuro Masumi had a perfect winning streak because, frankly, Class B didn't have a single girl who could put up a fight against her.
Kamuro Masumi: Tsk! Fine!
'This girl... I give her so many points and she still looks so annoyed!' Sakayanagi thought.
However, she had liked Kamuro's skills, personality, and appearance since the start of school—she liked her in every way. She actually found a bit of joy in this dynamic, looking forward to the day Kamuro would fully submit.
Having Kamuro hold an umbrella for her on rainy days and act as her exclusive bodyguard sounded quite pleasant.
She suddenly remembered something.
Sakayanagi Arisu: Your mood in class hasn't been great lately. Still haven't made up with Shimizu-kun?
The reply came instantly.
Kamuro Masumi: None of your business!
Sakayanagi arched an eyebrow. Still no reconciliation. She decided not to interfere this time. After the last incident, the relationship between Kamuro and Shimizu had clearly undergone a seismic shift.
Given Shimizu's personality, he would surely find a way to coax her back.
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As Sakayanagi picked up her cane to leave, her phone rang. The caller ID showed Ichinose Honami.
"Good afternoon, Sakayanagi-san."
"Ichinose-san, what can I do for you? Surely you aren't calling to apologize for choosing to attack Class A?" Sakayanagi chuckled. "Don't worry. You had no choice but to pick us; we won't blame you."
Ichinose Honami was a famous "Mr. Nice Guy," so calling to apologize was entirely possible. But since this situation was exactly what Arisu had engineered, she wasn't angry at all.
"Sakayanagi-san, I'm not calling to apologize." Ichinose's tone was unusually serious.
"In fact, the only class Class B has ever truly wanted to challenge is Class A."
"Oh?" Sakayanagi replied casually. "Is it because you're upset about losing 300,000 points at the Sports Festival? Ichinose-san, that isn't very rational. Class A has the highest academic ability of the four classes. I don't think you can produce questions difficult enough to stump us."
She truly didn't take Ichinose to heart. A soft-hearted leader was a weakness. Without shedding that naivety, Class B would eventually bottom out.
"This time, I want to replicate the Sports Festival bet. We bet on the total score of both classes for the final exam. The stake is 300,000 personal points... and one 'not too excessive' request." Ichinose's voice came through clearly.
"I wonder, Sakayanagi-san, do you dare to accept?"
"Oh? Interesting! You actually dare to bet with me again?" Sakayanagi laughed out loud.
In terms of total exam scores, Class A wouldn't necessarily lose. Even though she planned to go easy on Class C to suppress Katsuragi, resulting in Class C likely having higher scores, that didn't mean Class A would lose to Class B.
As she was thinking, Ichinose spoke again: "For this bet, Class B will proactively give Class A a 500-point handicap. Furthermore, half an hour ago, I already notified most of your class members about this through people I know."
Sakayanagi was nearly fuming. The maximum score was only 800 per student; giving a 500-point head start was practically giving away the score of an entire average student.
This meant Class B was certain that every one of their students could outscore Class A students by ten points or more.
She checked the class group chat. It had indeed exploded.
"Ichinose from Class B wants to bet again? Didn't Sakayanagi-san just distribute the 300,000 we won from her?"
"Giving us 500 points? Do they have too much money and just want to give it away?"
"We won at the Sports Festival; we'll definitely win this too!"
But Sakayanagi remained calm. For the gentle Ichinose to say something like "500-point handicap," it couldn't be a mere impulse.
"Ichinose-san," Arisu's voice turned cold. "You don't think a simple provocation like this will rattle me, do you? Or does Class B really have a trump card that can crush Class A?"
The breathing on the other end paused for half a second.
"It's not a trump card, but everyone in my class has done multiple rounds of targeted review for this exam. You know, Sakayanagi-san, Class B's greatest strength is progressing as a group."
"Hehe, progressing as a group?" Sakayanagi sneered.
"I suspect Shimizu-kun gave you some ideas behind the scenes again, giving you this much confidence. The last few exams have followed that exact pattern, haven't they?"
"Correct! As expected, I can't hide it from Sakayanagi-san!" Ichinose laughed.
"According to Akira-kun's analysis, Class A doesn't really have a choice to refuse anymore."
'Can't refuse?' Sakayanagi scrolled through the rapidly updating messages.
"We have to accept! Hahaha!"
"We aren't cowards like the Katsuragi faction! We've been challenged at our front door!"
"The whole school knows, even the senpais! If we refuse, we'll lose face and be the laughingstock of the Katsuragi faction!"
She opened the school forum. The top post was already "Class B Challenges Class A." It had spread everywhere in the time it took for school to let out. Ichinose's greatest skill was her
social networking. In this situation, just as Shimizu Akira said, she had no room to refuse. Given her pride, she had to take the bait.
"So, did you bribe someone in our class? Or did you make a deal with Class D to have them set easy questions?" Arisu threw out several sharp questions.
"No." Ichinose shook her head firmly. "Just like the Sports Festival, I will win against Class A fair and square. I also hope you won't use any underhanded tricks, Sakayanagi-san. We can go to the Student Council to sign a contract regarding these terms."
'Fair and square again? Signing a contract to prevent cheating? Is she that confident that the questions Shimizu Akira set can stump Class A?'
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Sakayanagi Arisu: Shimizu-kun, what kind of trick did you teach Class B this time?!
Shimizu Akira picked up his phone and replied without hesitation.
Shimizu Akira: I can't reveal that. It's a trade secret.
How could he tell her? Class B had paid him a whopping 1.5 million points for his help; he wouldn't leak a word of the truth. This arrangement was something Kanzaki Ryuji had proactively approached him about.
To Akira, it was a win-win: he could help Honami and get a massive amount of points.
Interestingly, when Kanzaki approached him, he mentioned something else: Katsuragi Kohei didn't seem to plan on buying anyone's help for the second semester. It seemed Class B was also secretly planning something regarding "buying people," or perhaps they simply didn't have enough points.
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It was another ordinary Friday. Shimizu Akira received a message from Horikita Manabu. Horikita Manabu: The Chairman has agreed. Have them knock on the Chairman's office door after school.
As expected of the most brilliant Student Council President in history; his efficiency was staggering. Akira had only told him yesterday, and it was settled in less than a day. The retired "old cadre" still had great connections!
He immediately told his seatmate Horikita Suzune and called over Kushida Kikyo, relaying the news.
"Akira-kun, you don't need to come. The two of us can go," Kushida Kikyo said with a smile. "You've been busy with this for days; you should rest."
Horikita Suzune thought for a moment.
"Correct. We can handle this ourselves."
"Ah? Really?" Shimizu Akira showed a worried expression.
"The two of you going alone... you won't suddenly start arguing or get into a fight, will you?"
"Akira-kun! You're way too protective of us!" Kushida sighed helplessly.
Horikita Suzune added, "...What do you take us for? It won't come to a physical fight!"
In a rare moment, these two rivals were in agreement. Shimizu was great, but his excessive concern was sometimes hard to handle.
"Fine, fine." Shimizu Akira yielded but still nagged.
"Remember to take a photo for me. High definition. I need to see the contract content. Oh! And don't forget I'm part of the bet too."
"Mhm! Don't worry, Akira-kun! Even if you aren't there, if you beat us, I'll definitely grant you one wish!" Kushida smiled at him.
"Actually, I was joking last time. You're so good to me that regardless of who wins the exam, I'm willing to do one thing for you—anything!"
"I agree with that woman, strictly as a transaction," Horikita Suzune's tone was cold, but she didn't refute Kushida's words.
The two walked out of the classroom.
Despite it being a three-way bet, both girls had essentially said that regardless of whether Shimizu won or lost, they would fulfill his request.
But Shimizu didn't think that way.
To win, he had to do it fair and square through the exam scores. If it only counted because they yielded, how could he have the heart to make his "bold" requests?
He had two very daring things he wanted to achieve, after all.
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Shimizu Akira checked the date: November 7th. It had been a week since November started. He sent a message to Kamuro Masumi.
Shimizu Akira: Masumi, it's already the 7th. You should be over your anger by now, right? Shimizu Akira: I'm worried about you for the finals. How is your revision? Your grades should be fine, right?
The moment he hit send, the "Read" notification popped up. He expected it to be ignored like before, but a reply came instantly.
Kamuro Masumi: How many first-place finishes did I get at the Sports Festival? What were my exact results? You have 30 million seconds to think.
Akira froze, then instinctively began typing.
Shimizu Akira: 100m sprint: 1st place, 14.23s. Hurdles: 1st place, xxxx. Obstacle race...
In the Class A classroom, Kamuro Masumi sat stunned, looking at her screen.
She had meant to make things difficult for him because he had suddenly started talking about "building a harem" last month. She thought he was like Sakayanagi—at most knowing she got several first places. She never expected him to remember her results down to two decimal places. And he didn't even use ten seconds, let alone thirty!
'This guy is terrifying! I forgot those numbers ages ago!'
"I really can't hate him..." she muttered unconsciously, poking her screen. Before she had even met him, her anger had mostly dissipated.
'If this continues, won't I be completely under his thumb?'
She quickly put on a stern face.
Kamuro Masumi: You pass. Since it's been a month, I'll allow you to see me.
Shimizu Akira: Then let's not waste time. How about we meet at the bookstore at 7:00 PM after school?
'The nerve of this guy! Just released from 'house arrest' and he's already making dates!'
The corner of Kamuro's mouth twitched into a smile before she flattened it.
Kamuro Masumi: You're lucky. I happen to be free.
"Kamuro, you seem to be in a better mood. Did you make up with Shimizu-kun?"
Yamamura Miki appeared behind her, whispering.
Kamuro was used to her friend's silent "attacks" and wasn't startled. She quickly hid her phone and frowned.
"Hey, it has nothing to do with him! I've been in a good mood lately, okay?"
Yamamura Miki shook her head.
She had seen clearly that while Shimizu was away, Kamuro was either sighing or restlessly tapping her legs, her face practically screaming "bad mood."
But today, after receiving a message, her entire aura brightened.
Ever since the deserted island exam, when Shimizu spent his own points to get food for Kamuro, Yamamura had a good impression of him. She truly thought they were a good match.
But then she thought... if they actually dated, would she go back to being "air" again? A lonely, unnoticed ghost in the class? She gripped the edge of her blazer and whispered, "Then... do you want to come to my dorm to study later?"
Both were loners, and with only three weeks until finals, they usually studied at Yamamura's dorm.
"Sorry! I promised that guy I'd go out. Another day!" Kamuro rejected her without a second thought.
"I-is that so?" Yamamura's voice was so low it was almost invisible, her head dropping.
"Why are you making that pitiful, lonely face?!" Kamuro felt inexplicably helpless.
She frowned, then sighed.
"Ugh! Fine, fine, just come to the bookstore with me!"
"Eh?! Is that really okay?" Yamamura looked up, then added timidly, "Won't I be in the way of your... date?"
Kamuro waved her hand, blushing slightly.
"It's fine. If that guy knows I left you all alone, he'll probably nag me later. But just this once! Since we haven't seen each other in a month, I'm definitely going to his dorm alone later, so you won't have to follow me then."
"Mhm!" Yamamura replied softly, a faint blush on her own cheeks.
She wasn't naturally afraid of loneliness, but she had grown used to having a friend to talk to.
She didn't want to go back to the dark, silent days. Being able to browse books and chat with Kamuro and Shimizu at the bookstore was a form of happiness for her.
Besides Kamuro, only Shimizu and Sakayanagi ever proactively messaged her.
But the thought of Kamuro visiting Shimizu's dorm alone made Yamamura's heart skip a beat.
'They'll surely do those embarrassing, intimate things, right?'
She felt herself getting shy just thinking about it.
When they arrived at the bookstore, Shimizu was already waiting.
He was holding two paper bags.
"I've been waiting for you. I bought strawberry milk and dorayaki. They're still warm from the convenience store."
Kamuro's face heated up.
"Who wants to eat your food?"
Despite her words, she naturally took the milk he handed her.
Yamamura stood by as Shimizu skillfully divided the dorayaki into three portions and handed her a pair of disposable gloves.
"Thank you," she whispered, her cheeks flushed. After finishing the snacks, they began to wander through the bookstore.
"How were your midterm results?" Shimizu asked. "What were your rankings? Any subjects you're bad at? Who are your partners?"
Kamuro thought for a moment. "I was 29th. Math is a bit weak. My partner is that woman Nishikawa Ryoko. Tsk, talk about bad luck. I've never gotten along with her."
"Masumi, seriously, besides Yamamura, do you have any female classmates you're on good terms with?" Shimizu teased.
"Do you want to die?!" Kamuro reached out and pinched his arm hard.
Yamamura chuckled softly.
"I was in the top ten. My partner is Morishita-san. I don't have any subjects I'm particularly bad at... actually, I'm quite good at math." Her grades were indeed excellent.
"Morishita Ai?" Kamuro muttered.
"That woman is always acting mysterious; who knows what she's planning. A few months ago, she even gave you that awful nickname 'Tissue Paper,' didn't she? What an irritating person! Speaking of which, her grades are good; why was she paired with you?"
Hearing the name Morishita Ai, Yamamura defended her quietly.
"Um... Morishita-san was late on the day of the small test. She said she encountered a black cat blocking her path, which is why her score was low. She just has a peculiar personality. I don't think the nickname was malicious, though... I really don't like it."
'A black cat blocking the path? Has she watched too much Naruto?' Shimizu thought.
"Just because she has a 'peculiar personality' doesn't mean she can give people nicknames. If I called her 'God-Sister,' let's see if she's happy!" Kamuro retorted.
"I agree with Masumi! There's no such thing as a nickname given without malice!" Shimizu added.
"Whether intentional or not, it's uncomfortable. It's fundamentally disrespectful. Yamamura, you shouldn't treat that as normal."
"Is that so?!" Yamamura blinked, still looking down timidly.
Looking at her, Shimizu felt a strong sense of déjà vu. It took him a moment to realize who she reminded him of. Her personality was exactly like Sakura Airi's—just as averse to conversation, just as introverted and shy.
However, in Class C, with Hirata Yosuke, Kushida Kikyo, and Horikita Suzune around, malicious nicknames from classmates would never happen. In Class A, the situation was clearly different.
'What on earth is Sakayanagi Arisu doing?! She told me recently she would protect her subordinates.
What exactly are you protecting?!'
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