Horikita Manabu momentarily faltered at Shimizu's words—"a failsafe all four classes can't refuse."
It certainly wasn't intel trading.
As Shimizu said, information could only be sold once.
By the second attempt, leaks were inevitable.
But Shimizu wasn't one for riddles.
"I plan to buy the eight surveillance cameras monitoring the first-year classes—ownership rights included."
"Surveillance cameras..." Horikita's eyes flickered with realization.
As Class A's leader, he grasped Shimizu's scheme instantly:
1. Point Deductions:
Monthly, the school deducted class points based on camera footage.
Tardiness. Absences. Phone usage.
If a class's footage "mysteriously" vanished, they could score a perfect 1000.
2. Intel Goldmine:
Monitoring rival classes = strategic dominance.
3. Resale Potential:
Sell access back to the original class.
Or auction it to the highest bidder.
4. Psychological Warfare:
Constant surveillance erodes morale.
No one likes feeling like a criminal.
In short: Whoever controlled the cameras held the power.
Shimizu had monopolized intel warfare by Week 2.
Horikita's gaze sharpened with rare admiration.
"...A genius idea." A pause. "How did you conceive it?"
"Noticed on Day 2." Shimizu shrugged. *"Learned about monthly deductions later. Saved up 1M+ points. Time to act."*
The school was blanketed in cameras—no blind spots.
Control the cameras = control the intel source.
"Brilliant," Horikita conceded, "but no student's ever traded with the school like this. You're exploiting their resources."
"Hence, my visit." Shimizu met his gaze. "If 'points buy everything,' the school can't refuse."
"...Hah." Horikita's glasses glinted. "So this is your real goal—using my influence to pressure them?"
"I'll give you 30% of profits."
A direct hit.
As council president, Horikita's points paled next to Nagumo's. This offer was irresistible.
"Impressive. Flawless execution." Horikita's praise was unprecedented.
This freshman was always ten steps ahead—every word a calculated strike.
With such IQ, EQ, and strategy... he'd top even an S-class.
(Meanwhile, my sister's stagnating...)
The contrast was depressing.
"Even without me," Horikita said, "the school would likely accept. Their motto is nurturing potential."
A shift: "But buying outright? Impossible. Even 100M points wouldn't sway them. It'd break balance."
"Leasing? Recurring income?" He shook his head. "Your class would be untouchable. The school won't allow monopolies."
"Most likely," Horikita concluded, "they'll pay a lump sum as a 'creative reward,' then ban camera deals."
"Alternatively..." He leaned in. "They might allow a short-term lease—one week max. A final concession before the ban hammer."
Shimizu nodded. His thoughts exactly.
"Hence," he said smoothly, "your mediation is crucial. A lease = far more profit than the school's paltry reward."
"Greedy. But I don't hate it." Horikita smirked. "I'll try. But one month max—with strings attached."
"More than enough." Shimizu smiled. "Enough for my first fortune."
(At least 8M points conservatively.)
"But I won't take the 30%." Horikita's tone turned steely. "The council doesn't profit this way. That's the difference between me and Nagumo."
A rare, knowing smile:
"Shimizu Akira. Did you think I wouldn't see through you? This time, you owe me a debt no points can repay."
"President's always one step ahead." Shimizu chuckled, extending his hand.
Their handshake sealed the deal—no words needed.