"...I understand."
Finally, Hirata took a deep breath and raised his head, his expression shifting from shock to resolve. "I'll explain everything to the class and collect 25,000 points from each of you as class funds."
Though the "1 million points" figure had initially struck him like lightning, his mind was already racing—without this intel, Class D's points could plummet to 200-300 by next month.
But now, armed with critical rules just two weeks into the term...
This outcome wasn't surprising. Hirata's reliability and Kushida's charisma made them the ideal choices.
"The class meeting is yours to lead." Without looking back, Chabashira tossed the words over her shoulder and walked out.
Hirata and Kushida exchanged a hesitant glance before stepping forward.
"Everyone," Hirata's voice was uncharacteristically grave, *"please transfer 25,000 points to me or Kushida-san."*
The words detonated in the classroom.
"Are you insane?!" Yamauchi Haruki was the first to explode, his chair screeching across the floor. "25,000?! You've lost it!"
Ike Kanji slammed his desk. "Even you can't just pull this crap, Hirata!"
Whispers erupted among the girls:
"This is ridiculous..."
"We're not ATMs..."
Kushida hurriedly intervened. "Please, listen! This intel... we bought it."
"Bought it?" Sudo's eyes bulged. "Not from seniors?"
Hirata smiled wryly. *"Last night, an anonymous account contacted me, offering intel for 1 million points. After reviewing it with Kushida-san... we decided to purchase it."*
Silence. Then—
"1 MILLION?!" Sudo leapt to his feet. "You've gotta be kidding!"
"Oh, hilarious!" Karuizawa Kei sneered, arms crossed. "Why spend our points without asking? If it's 1 million, you two pay it!"
Beads of sweat formed on Hirata's brow; Kushida's smile froze solid.
Class D was a powder keg, fury simmering in every gaze.
"Knew this would happen..." Shimizu Akira massaged his temples, sighing.
Frankly, he'd expected this—no one would willingly surrender 25,000 points, especially when Chabashira had forced it.
Of course, whether the other 39 paid wasn't his problem—the 1 million points were already in his account.
Still—
Chabashira played this brilliantly. Making those two vice-leaders and tasking them with collection?
A masterstroke.
As a teacher, directly demanding funds would've been improper.
"Everyone, please hear me out!" Hirata raised his voice, quelling the uproar.
"Consider this: without this intel, what happens?" He scanned the room. *"If absences and rule-breaking continue, our class points could drop to 200-300 next month."*
The class quieted, absorbing the scenario.
"But now?" Hirata's voice rang with conviction. *"We've secured critical rules in just two weeks! If we avoid mistakes, we could retain 700-800 points by month's end!"*
He let the number sink in. *"More importantly, early advantage dictates the competition. *1 million points for this edge? Worth it!"
Kushida added smoothly, "And 25,000 per person is a small investment for tens of thousands in monthly points over three years!"
Murmurs spread; expressions softened.
"I disagree!" Karuizawa twirled a lock of hair, smirking. "Easy for honor students to say! For some of us, 25,000 is a fortune! I've got better uses for my points!"
A flash of irritation crossed Kushida's eyes before she beamed. "Karuizawa-san, I get it! How about this—deadline's tomorrow after school?"
Hirata stepped in. *"Those truly struggling can borrow from me—but only 2-3 spots."*
Horikita Suzune observed the chaos, arms folded, disdain dripping from her gaze.
(1 million points for this? Pathetic. Why are they whining?)
The complaints were grating on her nerves.
(These people lower the school's standards by existing.)
Then—her fingers stiffened mid-air.
(Wait... 25,000 points?)
(My account... has under 10,000.)
Hirata's eyes gleamed.
This wasn't just damage control—it was a chance to overtake Class C.
So 1 million for this intel? A steal!
At just 25,000 per person (a quarter of their starting points), he refused to believe anyone couldn't pay.
"Same here!" Kushida flashed her trademark smile. "As vice-leader, I'll support Hirata-kun and ensure smooth collection!"
Her gaze flicked to Chabashira, probing. "Thank you, Chabashira-sensei, for facilitating the deal. We'll say it was an anonymous transaction."
She bowed slightly.
Truthfully, 1 million was staggering, but more shocking was their usually indifferent teacher going this far for Class D.
Chabashira cut her off coldly. "Don't flatter yourselves. This wasn't for you."
"However—" She turned sharply. "If you want to be leaders, better curry favor with whoever sent that message."
Hirata and Kushida froze again.
Their teacher had just implied that class leadership hinged on some mysterious figure's whims?!
Was Chabashira even a competent teacher?!
Returning to the classroom, Chabashira addressed the class, her gaze settling on Hirata and Kushida.
"Announcement. Hirata Yōsuke and Kushida Kikyou are now Class D's vice-leaders."
A smattering of half-hearted applause followed.