Shimizu Akira gently closed his laptop and let out a long exhale.
Glancing at his phone, he noted the time—6:30 PM.
He reopened the chat interface, scanning the empty reply boxes.
Kushida Kikyō (D-Class)
Hirata Yōsuke (D-Class)
Ryūen Kakeru (C-Class)
Ichihōse Honami (B-Class)
Sakayanagi Arisu (A-Class)
All silent.
Not surprising, given he'd set the deadline for tomorrow at 7 PM—they needed time to consult their classes.
"Collecting class funds really can't be rushed..." he muttered to himself.
Shimizu now fully grasped the difficulty of gathering points.
Take D-Class—their 25,000-point fee, announced Tuesday, still hadn't been fully collected by Thursday night.
This realization sparked a concerning thought:
"Wait... does this mean D-Class might not even afford the surveillance fee?"
The speculation wasn't baseless.
D-Class had already lost 1 million points to Chabashira. Now, another 3 million for cameras? That matched their entire starting allowance.
If some couldn't even scrape together 25,000, how could they pay 75,000 extra per person?
"Did I go too hard on D-Class?"
To clarify—he wasn't targeting anyone.
This was purely a timing coincidence.
Since he'd demanded 3 million from C-Class, the others had to follow suit—or risk exposing him as D-Class's mole.
In a way, this "reverse psychology" was the perfect cover.
He could even pretend to bully D-Class to divert suspicion.
That said, 3 million for surveillance was a steal.
Avoiding point deductions for three weeks?Worth every point.
Though the lease started Monday, and today was Thursday—four days already wasted.
D-Class had raked up violations in that time.
Week 1, they'd been cautious. By Week 2? They'd grown reckless.
Shimizu estimated this week's infractions already matched last week's.
C-Class was likely just as bad—they'd even assaulted someone on camera earlier.
Unless they were idiots, both classes would pay to avoid further losses.
Securing 200-300 class points was a no-brainer.
Class points weren't just rank determinants—they were monthly "salaries."
As for B and A-Class? Shimizu wasn't worried.
This was a win-win for all.
After a moment, he logged into his main account—and froze.
One unread message.
From Chabashira Sae.
[Chabashira Sae]:"Hirata reported that D-Class's surveillance was leased by a student. Any thoughts?"
Shimizu blinked.
Was she probing him?
But then again—she might already know.
His alt-account had bought intel from her.
If Hirata mentioned "the same point-seller contacted me," she'd connect the dots.
"Did those two not explain, or does she genuinely not know?"
Alternatively—she was feigning ignorance to test him.
Not that it mattered. He'd never confess.
That said, despite appointing two vice leaders, Chabashira kept consulting him privately.
Once or twice was fine. But this often?Annoying.
After a pause, Shimizu decided to cut the cord:
"Chabashira-sensei, I've said before—I'm not interested in class affairs. Next time, I'll ignore you."
He added a final jab:
"Take it up with your vice leaders. Or better yet—finish collecting that 25,000 fee first."
Seen.
No reply.
Chabashira Sae set her phone down, expression stormy.
Shimizu had dismissed her so bluntly.
After grooming him as D-Class's future core—the rejection stung.
"Chabashira-sensei?" Hirata's voice was gentle. "Is everything alright?"
Kushida tilted her head. "You seem unwell. Should we reschedule?"
"...It's fine." Chabashira's grip on her phone tightened, then relaxed. "The cameras. What's your stance?"
Hirata answered instantly. "We must lease them. The first month is critical for class points, which directly affect personal points. Even if we tighten our belts, it's worth it."
"I agree." Kushida tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Being watched is... uncomfortable."
Chabashira nodded slightly. Their logic was sound.
Yet somehow... she felt Shimizu would've offered better insight.
"How's the 25,000 fee collection going?" she suddenly asked.
Hirata responded promptly. "I've collected from 18."
Kushida hesitated. "...17 here."
Chabashira's brow furrowed. "Who's left?"
After cross-checking, they listed the holdouts:
"Karuizawa Kei, Matsushita Chiaki, Satō Maya, Mori Nene... and Kōenji Rokusuke."
Chabashira exhaled sharply.
"Don't announce the cameras yet. Prioritize the fee. One mess at a time—unless you want to embarrass me further."
Her gaze sharpened.
"As for the cameras, let your future class leader decide tomorrow. Understood?"
Hirata and Kushida exchanged glances, then nodded.
But Chabashira wasn't done.
"Also—don't bring this to me again."
"Do you have no shame? Other classes handle things themselves. Now that you know the hidden rules, you should understand—this school values initiative."
"Next time, I'll pretend I didn't hear you."
As the words left her mouth, she realized—
She'd just parroted Shimizu's exact phrasing.
Watching the vice leaders' slight frowns, she felt an odd satisfaction.