Chapter 064 Secret Meeting of the Shimizu Harem / Operation: Battle for Akira Shimizu
Because Kushida Kikyo had mentioned in advance that there were matters to discuss, Wang Mei-Yu, Inogashira Kokoro, and another female roommate left early to clear the room.
Hasabe Haruka and Sakura Airi arrived first. After Kikyo chatted with them for a while, there was another knock on the door. Kikyo went to open it and found that the third to arrive was Horikita Suzune.
"Welcome, Horikita-san!" Kushida Kikyo greeted with a smile.
Horikita Suzune nodded rather coldly. Their relationship had always been poor; had it not been for the claim of "important matters to discuss," she wouldn't have come. She entered the room, scanned the area, noticed Kikyo had prepared eight chairs, and chose a seat far from the others.
Five or six minutes later, Karuizawa Kei, Matsushita Chiaki, and Kamuro Masumi walked in together.
Kei looked at Suzune and waved with a smile: "Suzune, congrats on finally 'bonding' with Akira-kun!"
Horikita Suzune pursed her lips and pretended not to hear. She didn't feel this was something worth celebrating at all.
After another two or three minutes, Ichinose Honami finally arrived, albeit late.
"I'm sorry! I was surrounded by passing students and accidentally wasted some time!"
"No worries, no worries!" Kushida Kikyo said with a smile. Looking at the eight girls sitting in a circle, she pumped a small fist. "Then, I declare! The first meeting of Akira-kun's girlfriends has officially begun!"
"The first meeting?" Haruka raised a hand. "Um, Kikyo... didn't we meet at Akira-kun's dorm last time?"
Ichinose Honami said happily, "Haruka-chan, that one doesn't count! Akira-kun was there then. This time, it's just us girls!"
Karuizawa Kei couldn't help but laugh: "Hehe, that's true! I'm actually a little excited and happy for some reason!"
Kamuro Masumi spoke with a cold face: "So, what exactly are we discussing? You said in the group that someone is intentionally spreading rumors about that guy's harem. How do we handle it? I assume you already have a solution."
Kushida Kikyo giggled. "Kamuro-san sure is impatient. I won't keep you in suspense. The solution is simple: I used eight million personal points to directly modify the school rules to: 'The school does not encourage but does not prohibit romances that do not conform to high school standards.' This way, Akira-kun isn't breaking any rules."
Horikita Suzune froze, then began to think carefully: "Eight million... personal points can indeed modify rules. But where did you get that many? Did Akira-kun give them to you?"
Kushida Kikyo pointed at herself, Haruka, Airi, and Kei, saying proudly: "Before the exam started, Akira-kun gave the four of us two million points each just in case. I contacted them privately and we pooled those eight million together."
"As for... Horikita-san, Ichinose-san, and Kamuro-san, you three initially refused Akira-kun's two million points, so I didn't contact you. Chiaki just recently joined Akira-kun's harem, so it wasn't a matter of excluding anyone."
Kamuro Masumi clicked her tongue for some reason. She had initially felt a bit smug, thinking she was different from those "slutty girls" by not taking his points. She didn't expect that these girls would end up using that money back on Akira anyway.
Karuizawa Kei thought for a moment: "So, does this mean from now on we can date Akira-kun openly and no one can stop us?"
Matsushita Chiaki immediately shook her head: "Well... we still need to make it public."
"Why?" Haruka and Airi, whose minds worked a bit slower, didn't catch on immediately.
Ichinose Honami kindly explained for them: "Mmm... although the rule change is real, the other students don't know yet. We need a public explanation, otherwise public opinion will still be unfavorable toward Akira-kun. As a member of the Student Council, I can take the opportunity to release some official announcements to clear his name. First, it clarifies his reputation; second, it gives us a legitimate reason to delete that post on the school forum; and third, it publicly reveals that Akira-kun purchased a special rule and enjoys special treatment. What does everyone think?"
Horikita Suzune offered a suggestion: "Ichinose-san, you are also Akira-kun's girlfriend. To avoid suspicion, this matter should be handled by other Student Council members."
Ichinose Honami nodded quickly. "Horikita-san is right, you're very thorough. Okay, I'll ask other Student Council members."
"With Horikita's refinement, this idea is indeed excellent!"
"Mmm! I think it's great."
"With this, Akira-kun's reputation problems should be smoothly resolved!"
The others nodded in agreement. Once this was implemented—since running a harem didn't violate school rules—no one could legally find fault with it in public. Of course, since it is a harem, there would inevitably be private gossip, which was unavoidable.
However, Kushida Kikyo cleared her throat: "Still, for me and Honami-chan, it's necessary to hold an explanation meeting to clarify things properly."
"Oh, right!"
"After all, Kikyo, you're very popular!"
"Honami too!"
"As school idols, in a sense, you really do need to explain to the public..."
Horikita Suzune shook her head and said no more. If Akira were here, he'd probably complain about "cultural dregs," but in Japan, this was just how it worked for popular figures.
Ichinose Honami said quite lightheartedly, "Actually, many students have approached me lately to ask about my relationship with Akira. I'll take this public opportunity to confess everything—including dating him and accepting his harem."
"You live such a tiring life, having to explain even this," Kamuro Masumi remarked. She couldn't be bothered with her classmates; she wasn't the type to explain herself even to people she knew.
"Is that okay, Ichinose-san?" Matsushita Chiaki asked with concern. "Won't going public hurt your popularity? As far as I know, many boys like you."
"It's fine. After all, Akira-kun is my only boyfriend. As for popularity... actually, ever since I confessed to my past theft, I stopped caring. So it's okay," Ichinose Honami said gracefully.
To be honest, since she had come clean a few months ago, she felt as if she had broken through a barrier. By dropping that burden, she had gained new insights into life. From then on, as long as she felt something was right, she wouldn't hesitate, regardless of how hard the start or the process was.
Horikita Suzune, being one of the only two people present who knew Kikyo's true nature, stared at her and asked: "Kushida-san, can you really do it? You have many admirers too. Do you want to disappoint all of them?"
Kikyo smiled naturally. "Like Honami, once I've chosen a boyfriend, I'm with him until the end. After I went public with Akira-kun a few days ago, several boys already left my group chats, but it's no big deal. If they're disappointed, so be it. I'm not a real idol; I don't have to follow some rule about not having a boyfriend.
I can take this chance to clear up the dating details everyone is curious about, so people stop hounding Akira-kun with questions. And I'll make it clear... I was his first girlfriend, and I agreed to the harem. If anyone has an issue later, they can come directly to me."
Ichinose Honami nodded instinctively.
'As expected of Kikyo-chan.'
She came up with the idea to use eight million points to change the rules, and to protect Akira, she was willing to stand up and take the heat for the harem herself. Normally, she valued her reputation immensely and avoided anything that might tarnish it. Her love for Akira had clearly won out.
Horikita Suzune didn't have as many sentimental thoughts as Honami. She just felt this woman was a total "love-brain," probably having nothing but Akira in her head.
Regardless, everyone present except Kikyo felt a strange pressure emanating from her.
Kikyo scanned the room and noticed everyone except Kamuro, Horikita, and Ichinose had lowered their heads. She felt a sense of relief. Putting those three bold ones aside for now, her groundwork had finally established a sliver of "First Wife" authority among the group.
"Alright, the first matter is settled. Let's move on to the second!"
"There's a second?" Kamuro Masumi said with a look of annoyance. "Since his problem is solved, can't we just disband? It's already 9:00 AM; the treasure hunt starts in an hour. Aren't you three Student Council members? Don't you have work?"
Kushida Kikyo remained smiling. "No rush, we still have half an hour."
"Fine, just say it," Horikita Suzune sighed.
"Naturally, we need to check everyone's progress," Kikyo laughed. "Everyone, so far... those who have gone 'all the way' with Akira-kun, please raise your hand."
After saying this, she was the first to raise her hand.
Hasabe Haruka raised hers with a laugh as well.
Karuizawa Kei followed suit, not wanting to be outdone.
Sakura Airi raised hers shyly.
Ichinose Honami raised hers naturally.
Horikita Suzune's body stiffened, and she raised her hand awkwardly.
Just like that, six of the eight girls raised their hands.
Kamuro Masumi's lip twitched at the sight.
'This guy is quite the glutton... he's already 'eaten' six of them.'
Kikyo summarized: "Chiaki-chan just joined, so there's no rush for her. But Kamuro-san, you're a bit late! I recall you joined the girlfriend lineup quite early? You need to step it up."
"I was planning to find him on the cruise anyway!" Kamuro turned her face away. Excluding the newcomer, she had unexpectedly become the last one. Honestly, she couldn't delay any longer.
"Now, for the third item on the agenda..." Kikyo held up a finger. "Regarding the upcoming treasure hunt, should we play an extra game?"
"An extra game?" Kei tilted her head. "Isn't the treasure hunt already a game? What extra game?"
"Actually..." Kikyo explained, "Simple treasure hunting for QR codes to get points is a bit boring. So, I want to use my Student Council privilege to add one QR code into the mix containing the character for 'Akira'. Whoever scans this code gets total control over Akira-kun for a full day. You can do whatever you want, even give him any command. What do you think?"
"For real?"
"Total control over Akira-kun for a whole day!"
"That's 24 hours!"
"Ordering that guy around? Hehe, interesting!"
Almost everyone's eyes lit up.
Kamuro Masumi couldn't help but ask, "Wait, isn't that an abuse of power?"
"It's not abuse; it's just adding one character to a QR code. No one else will notice if they aren't looking carefully," Kikyo waved off.
Horikita Suzune bit her lip, feeling tempted. 24 hours! Most importantly, he would be absolutely obedient; she could make him do anything. It was incredibly enticing. But she couldn't help asking: "Can you guarantee the fairness of the game? What if you cheat?"
Kikyo spread her hands. "The QR codes are generated randomly; I don't even know where they are. I'm not lying—if I wanted to order Akira-kun around for a day, I wouldn't need to go through this trouble; I'd just send him a message. Don't you agree?"
Suzune was left speechless. It was true—the person Akira pampered most was Kikyo. There really was no need for her to cheat.
Ichinose Honami raised her hand: "Wait! I remember the treasure hunt allows teams to share QR codes. What if two people scan the same code?"
Kikyo clapped her hands as if she had been waiting for that question. "In that case, naturally, Akira-kun obeys both people. Personally, I suggest teaming up in pairs; the odds of winning will be higher."
The next second, the eight girls began eyeing each other.
Haruka spoke first: "Then I'm teaming with Airi!"
"Eh?" Sakura Airi was stunned, then smiled shyly. "O-okay."
Karuizawa Kei immediately looked at Matsushita Chiaki: "Chiaki, how about us?"
Chiaki nodded immediately. "Sure."
Horikita Suzune had no intention of teaming up.
'Are you kidding? I want him all to myself!'
Kamuro Masumi also looked indifferent, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed.
Kikyo looked at her and smiled: "Then, Kamuro-san will be with..."
"I'm on my own," Kamuro interrupted.
"Treasure hunting in pairs maximizes points. Don't forget the personal points," Kikyo reminded.
"I'll scan alone," Kamuro said coldly. "I don't need a teammate. I'm fine by myself."
Kikyo sighed helplessly. "Fine, if Kamuro-san wants to be alone, so be it. Don't regret it later."
"Of course."
Ichinose Honami, who had been quiet for a while, asked, "Can I team up with other girls? Actually, I want to find Shiranami Chihiro."
Kikyo stroked her smooth chin. "If it's Chihiro, that's fine. She helped Akira-kun with laundry last time and brought me cute snacks."
'Hehe! Her own Chihiro had laid the groundwork well.'
With that, the teams were basically set:
Hasabe Haruka and Sakura Airi Karuizawa Kei and Matsushita Chiaki Ichinose Honami and Shiranami Chihiro Kamuro Masumi (Solo) Horikita Suzune (Solo)
"Then I'll be alone," Kikyo smiled. "I can't think of anyone else to go with right now.
Then..." Kikyo stood up. "The rules are clear. The treasure hunt officially starts at 10:00 AM and lasts all day. The QR code with 'Akira' is hidden somewhere in the activity area. Whoever scans it first gains control over Akira-kun for the day."
"Wait," Horikita Suzune said suddenly, "What if no one scans it?"
Kikyo laughed. "Then everyone loses."
Karuizawa Kei complained, "Kikyo-chan, you said you needed our help. You didn't do this just to clear your schedule to hunt for the code, did you?"
Kikyo nodded vigorously. "Exactly! But don't worry! Besides me, Horikita, and Honami, the rest of you have to help with Student Council work too, just to keep it fair for everyone!"
"Also," Ichinose Honami added, "If one team scans it first, the others can't steal the 'prize,' right?"
"Of course, the code can only be scanned once," Kikyo nodded. "First come, first served. Speed is key."
Karuizawa Kei stood up, stretched her wrists, and showed a determined smile. "Then what are we waiting for? I can't wait."
"There are still twenty minutes left," Sakura Airi reminded softly.
"Then let's go wait at the assembly point!" Haruka excitedly grabbed Airi's hand and headed out. The others also rose, preparing to head to the gathering area.
Ichinose Honami walked up to Kikyo and whispered, "Kikyo-chan, that QR code... do you really not know where it is?"
Kikyo blinked innocently. "I don't know, don't ask me."
Honami couldn't tell if she was telling the truth or not. But regardless, she wanted to win. To be able to command Akira for a full day—she could do whatever she wanted. Who wouldn't want to win?
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Akira Shimizu, the man in question, was looking happily at a notification from the school. He had just received the notice and realized he had been granted special permissions.
"So I've been officially permitted by the school rules to have a harem!
As expected of my Kikyo, she actually thought of a way!
She really is so good to me!"
If Kikyo were by his side, he'd definitely pull her into his arms and give her a few kisses. Since the treasure hunt was about to start, he figured he'd just team up with her!
Action followed thought. He picked up his phone and called Kikyo.
But before he could finish a sentence, Kikyo said: "I'm busy, let's talk another day!"
'Wait, why the sudden coldness? That's not the Kikyo I know!'
Akira was speechless. He tried calling Horikita Suzune, but couldn't get through. Haruka, Airi, Masumi, Chiaki, and Kei all said they were busy.
Fortunately, Honami explained it to him—it turned out they were using him as a gambling prize.
"Wait?! How come I, the person involved, didn't know about this?!"
Akira was at a loss for words. But... then again... that seemed to be Kikyo's decision. He didn't really have the confidence to argue with her.
Fine. They weren't strangers, after all; they were all his beloved girlfriends. Surely no one would make an outrageous demand after winning... right?
Well... maybe!
Akira slapped his thigh. "Maybe I should try hard to find that 'Akira' QR code myself!"
The rules didn't say he couldn't participate. Since the code could only be scanned once, if he found it first, everyone else would automatically lose.
Ready to go!
Akira immediately left his dorm and arrived at the competition hall on the fifth floor. There were a lot of people—at least a hundred. He didn't see any of his girlfriends since they were all busy helping out.
However, he did see some familiar faces: Morishita Ai, Yamamura Miki, Shiina Hiyori, and Ibuki Mio. Even Koenji himself was there, alone of course.
After 10:00 AM, a teacher stepped forward to explain the rules.
"There are one hundred stickers in total. Each phone can only read once. Once a QR code is used, it becomes invalid.
The point distribution is as follows: fifty stickers for 5,000 points, thirty for 10,000, ten for 50,000, five for 100,000, three for 300,000, one for 500,000, and one for 1,000,000. The higher the difficulty of the sticker, the more points you get.
There are about two hundred participants, meaning roughly half of you might not even get points.
You can team up in pairs and use one person's phone to read the code; the points will then be split equally."
Additionally, a special rule was announced: a map was handed out marking the areas where stickers were placed, along with three riddles. Solving these riddles would reveal the hidden locations of three QR codes. The ones found via riddles were likely the high-reward stickers.
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