Chapter 069 What Does That Woman Chabashira Want?! / The Start of the Second Semester
The luxury cruise vacation came to an end all too quickly. All the students boarded buses and returned to Advanced Nurturing High School. Upon returning to school, many students felt a sense of lingering attachment, immersed in the afterglow of life on the cruise. However, Shimizu Akira himself felt fine.
Firstly, he had successfully reached the "final step" with Suzune and Masumi. Secondly, the issue of Kikyo's dark history had been perfectly resolved. Thirdly, he no longer had to hide the fact that he was building a harem; he could be open and aboveboard about it. Fourthly, didn't he net 1.5 million private points from the treasure hunt?
Summarizing it like that, the harvest was quite plentiful. After parting ways with his classmates, Shimizu Akira went straight back to his dormitory. Putting down his luggage, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Finally alone."
On the luxury cruise, he was either with several of his girlfriends or staying with Ayanokouji Kiyotaka back in the room. While humans are indeed social animals, everyone needs a little bit of solitude once in a while. After tidying up his things, he had just lied down on the bed to rest for a bit when he noticed a message from Chabashira.
Chabashira Sae: Do you have time right now? Can you come to the back of the school building? To thank you for helping the class rise to Class A, I intend to reward you.
Shimizu Akira began to slowly type a reply.
Shimizu Akira: No need for a reward. That was Koenji's doing. If you want to thank someone, just go find him.
Chabashira Sae: I've already asked him. Koenji did it to pay back the 10 million point "purchase fee," and 5 million of those class points were only obtained after you successfully negotiated with Housen from the first-year Class D. Therefore, you are the greatest hero behind the scenes.
So Koenji worked that hard in the uninhabited island special exam just for that reason? But then again, the whole Housen affair was actually handled by Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. He just didn't like standing out and had tossed the credit to Shimizu Akira. Shimizu Akira's lips twitched; he felt like he was about to be "rewarded" again for no reason.
'If she's planning to introduce me to another girlfriend, there are hardly any people left in the class.'
Shimizu Akira: Chabashira-sensei, really, there's no need. The Chiaki matter was enough. Besides, I already have enough girlfriends.
The other party's reply was very slow this time, showing "typing..." for a long time. It took about two or three minutes for the text to appear.
Chabashira Sae: I'm not introducing you to a girlfriend this time.
Could it be private points? But she didn't give any last time! This person is probably out of money. Chabashira isn't an idiot; surely she wouldn't go out and take a loan just to force-feed him private points, right?
Chabashira Sae: We'll discuss the reward later.
Chabashira Sae: I have another important matter to tell you.
Shimizu Akira: ?
Chabashira Sae: It's inconvenient via text. I'll call you now.
About half a minute later, Chabashira's call indeed came through. Shimizu Akira hesitated for a moment about whether to pick up, but decided he should. After all, she was still his homeroom teacher.
Chabashira didn't waste words. "Shimizu-kun, the next special exam is a 'Unanimous Vote' exam. The school will issue several proposals, and the entire class must choose 'Agree' or 'Disagree.' One of the requirements is that the class must choose one student to be expelled. During this exam, Protection Points are temporarily invalid, so the only way to save someone is with 20 million private points. Our class currently cannot produce that much from the class fund. If we refuse to expel someone, we will lose a massive amount of Class Points. Therefore, I hope that during the exam, you can guide Kushida Kikyo, Horikita Suzune, and Hirata Yousuke to vote in favor of expelling the person with the weakest OAA in our class. Of course, it doesn't necessarily have to be the weakest; you can vote for whoever you feel has the lowest contribution to the class.
If you handle this well, I will give you a 'very nice reward.'
I'm not dangling a carrot. Like your girlfriend Horikita Suzune, I am not the type of person who likes to lie. In short, once you've rested up, you can come to my dormitory to apply for the 'reward' in advance."
After saying that, Chabashira didn't say anything else and hung up. Shimizu Akira held his phone, feeling that the information density was a bit high.
'Wait, another forced-expulsion special exam? Protection Points are actually invalid? Tsukishiro that guy clearly promised that Protection Points could absolutely prevent me from being expelled once.'
Fortunately, he still had 32 million private points on hand; at least he could save himself once.
"Based on what she said, if we choose to expel someone, the school rewards a lot of Class Points. So Chabashira-sensei is worried that our class will choose to protect everyone and be left behind by the other three classes. That's why she told me in advance."
Shimizu's mind moved fast, quickly analyzing the cause and effect. To be fair, Ryuen Kakeru and Sakayanagi Arisu would definitely be willing to vote someone out for the sake of Class Points.
But then again, what exactly is a "very nice reward"? Why did he detect a strange hint of bashfulness in Chabashira's tone? Going directly to her dorm to collect a reward was also "extremely suspicious."
'I must be overthinking it.'
Shimizu Akira shook his head. After thinking for about three seconds, he decided what to do.
"Why think so much? I'm not interested in that woman Chabashira, and I don't want her reward at all. As long as the person expelled isn't someone I know, it's fine."
Although they were back at school, there was still about a week before classes started. It was still vacation time; who had the time to "service" her? Anyway, Sakura Airi and Hasabe Haruka had made huge progress and were no longer at the bottom. Who wants to work overtime for her?
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A few days passed. It was the last day of summer vacation. Chairman Sakayanagi returned to the school and went to the Chairman's office. Upon entering, he saw Tsukishiro with both arms in casts, limping around as he directed his subordinates to pack things.
"Acting Chairman Tsukishiro, good afternoon," Chairman Sakayanagi greeted first.
"Chairman Sakayanagi, good morning," Tsukishiro Nariari said with a smile. "No need to call me Chairman anymore. Since you are back, I will no longer hold any position at Advanced Nurturing High School."
"Even so," Chairman Sakayanagi adjusted his glasses, "your resignation report only takes effect starting from the second semester. Strictly speaking, you still hold the position of Acting Chairman today. I heard that you were the one who spearheaded the reforms starting in the second semester, such as the addition of the Cultural Festival and the off-campus school trip. Is your purpose to pave the way so that Ayanokouji-sensei can openly come to see his child later?"
Tsukishiro Nariari looked out the window. "Paving the way? As my employer, Ayanokouji-sensei did not explicitly require me to do so."
"Then why...?"
"I just feel that this closed-off school should regularly conduct one or two off-campus activities. Otherwise, these children will easily go stir-crazy. After all, Advanced Nurturing High School was designed from the beginning to intentionally recruit a certain number of children with psychological issues."
Chairman Sakayanagi naturally didn't believe that the man before him—who had framed him—actually came up with these activities for the sake of the children. But truth be told, some students in this school indeed had psychological issues. If they could be let out once, it would be a form of relaxation in a sense.
"You seem to doubt my words?" Tsukishiro Nariari continued with a chuckle. "Regardless, the Board of Directors has already agreed to my decision. There are many children of high-ranking officials in this school; those people can take the opportunity to see their long-unseen sons or daughters. No matter what you say, it's useless."
Chairman Sakayanagi replied calmly: "Even so, during those two events, I will send extra people to protect Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and Shimizu Akira to ensure no accidents happen to them."
Upon hearing this, Tsukishiro actually burst out laughing. He turned around, walked up to Sakayanagi Narumori, and displayed his currently comical, cast-covered state. "My injuries were caused by that Shimizu boy alone. Even if Ayanokouji-sensei sends people, the ones who should be afraid aren't those two, but the people he sends."
Sakayanagi Narumori stared at his body for a while. Looking at Tsukishiro's state, he would likely have to lie in a hospital bed for another month or two to recover properly. He had heard about Tsukishiro; he was reportedly a mercenary who took any job. To think he had completely met his match in Shimizu Akira.
"To be honest, I didn't expect you to take direct action against a student. Surely you had better ways?"
"Certainly. But my hands were a bit itchy, and I couldn't resist. Since I failed, I can only say my skills were inferior. I can't blame anyone."
"I received the documents for Amasawa Ichika a couple of days ago. That child is now completely a student of our school. Can you guarantee you won't cause her any trouble in the future?"
"Naturally. She betrayed me repeatedly and now has no connection to the White Room. She is your student now."
"But!" Sakayanagi Narumori said seriously, "What about Shiba Katsunori and Yagami Takuya? Why didn't those two leave with you?"
Tsukishiro smiled. "I'm not entirely sure. In fact, since the uninhabited island special exam ended, I lost all authority to command the White Room. I am now just a general without an army. Shiba-sensei no longer listens to me; if you want to know, go ask him."
Sakayanagi Narumori stared at Tsukishiro for a few seconds. Tsukishiro appeared perfectly composed, even shrugging his shoulders—though shrugging with casts on was somewhat ridiculous.
"Sakayanagi, you really don't need to look at me like that. Although I do things by any means necessary, I'm not so petty as to refuse to accept a loss. I'm leaving this school immediately; do you really think I'd still be secretly plotting?"
Sakayanagi Narumori pushed up his glasses, and the suspicious, wary look in his eyes slowly faded. "Then what do you think their next plan is?"
Tsukishiro turned back to direct his subordinates. "I can only say... when Shiba Katsunori fought Ayanokouji Kiyotaka last time, he didn't use his full strength; he likely went a bit easy. That man's comprehensive ability is also very strong. I've sent him to investigate many things, and he has always completed the tasks perfectly. However, he is no match for Shimizu Akira—that much I can guarantee."
Sakayanagi Narumori breathed a sigh of relief. Although the opponent's moves were still unclear, knowing they couldn't win in terms of combat ability against Shimizu Akira provided some peace of mind.
"By the way," Tsukishiro turned his head as if remembering something, "I tried to text and call those two boys, Shimizu Akira and Ayanokouji, but they ignored me completely. If you have time, how about passing a message to them for me?"
"I make no promises. Tell me what you want to say first."
"Just say..." Tsukishiro thought for a moment, "The White Room won't be sending anyone for the time being, so let them enjoy their school life in peace. Oh, and for the Shimizu boy, an extra message: after he graduates from university, he can join my agency. The salary is very generous."
Sakayanagi Narumori coughed a few times. "I'll pass on the first part. As for the second, I make no guarantees."
"Fine, I'll leave it to you then." Tsukishiro turned around; his subordinates had finished packing everything. He smiled again. "Then that's that. Goodbye, Chairman Sakayanagi. I have to go back and prepare to pay the compensation to Ayanokouji's father, since I technically failed the mission. Once I've rested, my agency will slowly open up. At that time, if you ever have a need for me, feel free to look me up. Incidentally, I actually quite liked being a teacher here."
As he spoke, he gestured for a subordinate to hand his business card with contact information to Sakayanagi Narumori. Sakayanagi Narumori hesitated but took it. Tsukishiro and his group left the office one by one.
"Leaving contact info... does he intend to continue being a teacher?" Sakayanagi Narumori sighed.
This Tsukishiro... clearly his agency was most famous for his personal combat ability, and the vast majority of commissions were related to force. Yet he himself was interested in the profession of teaching?
Come to think of it, Tsukishiro Nariari's work history was also astonishing; he had worked in many professions and held various certifications. Despite being a Chairman for the first time, he had done a decent job of it. If he were truly hired on a contract basis, he would likely work honestly for the school according to the contract. With his combat prowess, he could even protect the students in a sense.
"Never mind." Chairman Sakayanagi had only just returned, and there was a mountain of a mess left behind to deal with. Perhaps at some point in the future, he would consider recommending the school hire the man, but certainly not now.
His daughter's heart condition wasn't fully resolved yet!
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Summer vacation finally ended completely. The second semester officially began today. The time was September. Although the hottest period had passed, the weather was actually still quite warm, with temperatures around 25°C. The school didn't mandate a specific uniform style, so when Shimizu Akira went to school this morning, he chose the summer short-sleeved shirt and long pants uniform.
Before leaving, he checked the weather forecast and saw there might be rain today, so he grabbed an umbrella. Just as he stepped out, his phone chimed with a notification. It was a message in the class group. Chabashira-sensei had posted a notification @everyone: From now on, our class designation has changed to 2nd Year Class A. When you return to the classroom, do not think you are in the wrong place; just go straight in.
After reading the message, Shimizu Akira replied with a quick "received," tucked his phone into his pocket, and headed toward the school building. At the door of 2nd Year Class A, no one was hesitating about whether to enter; it seemed everyone had received the latest notification. When Shimizu Akira entered the classroom, many students were already there. Several groups were gathered, discussing the luxury cruise before the break and the new class status. Ike Kanji and Sudo Ken approached him.
"Shimizu!"
"Shimizu! Good morning!"
Shimizu Akira waved and took a specific look at the two. "Ike, Sudo, long time no see. Sudo, your injuries seem mostly healed."
Ike Kanji had one foot in a cast and was using a crutch, while Sudo Ken's wrist looked completely better.
"Well, I'm going to join the basketball club's regular training soon! But more importantly, our class finally made it to Class A! It's awesome!" Sudo Ken laughed loudly.
Ike Kanji also laughed happily. "Haha, exactly! The other three classes are all beneath our feet now. Does this mean we can all graduate from prestigious universities?"
Just then, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka pushed the door open. Having seemingly overheard the conversation, he said flatly, "Ike, you're overthinking. We are Class A for the time being, not forever. There are still special exams ahead."
"Hmph, that's true." Sudo Ken scratched his head and looked at Shimizu Akira. "But with Shimizu in our class, it'll definitely be fine!"
Ike Kanji smirked as well. "That's right! Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyo, Hasebe, Sakura—they are all Shimizu's girlfriends. Shimizu definitely won't let them down; he'll definitely keep working hard!"
Since the news of Shimizu Akira's harem had spread, Ike Kanji had indeed started discussing the topic. Shimizu Akira said helplessly, "I can only say I'll do my best. By the way, aren't you dating someone now too? Don't think about slacking off. Shinohara Satsuki won't let you get away with it, right?"
Ike Kanji's face fell. "True. Satsuki wants me to raise my OAA stats by at least five points this semester. Hey, Shimizu, I noticed your girlfriends don't really nag you; in fact, they listen to you quite a bit. How do you manage to have a harem without being henpecked? Give me some pointers!"
"Actually, it's not that hard, you just—"
Shimizu Akira was about to say something when he glanced ahead.
His expression changed instantly, and he quickly switched gears: "What are you talking about! Fearing your girlfriend is a good thing! It means you really love her! I have no pointers! Just keep it up and double down!"
"Eh? Shimizu?"
"Ah?"
Ike Kanji and Sudo Ken looked at each other in confusion. Then they turned around and noticed that Kushida Kikyo had arrived at some point and was talking with Wang Mei-Yu and Mori Nene. Even though she was far away, she couldn't possibly have heard them!
"Shimizu! Don't wimp out!"
"Exactly! Kushida won't kill you. She's such a gentle person, just say whatever."
Shimizu Akira quickly waved them off. "Scatter, scatter, there's nothing to say."
He pretended not to see the resentful and speechless looks from Ike and Sudo as they walked away.
'Are you joking? There are other students around.'
He knew all too well about his Kikyo's network and prestige. If she found out and got in a bad mood, what then? He couldn't let Kikyo be sad, not for a single minute!
The time soon reached 8:00 AM, and today's intelligence refreshed on time.
Nishikawa Ryoko from 2nd Year Class B has been in a bad mood ever since she learned that Shimizu Akira and Shiraishi Asuka got closer on the luxury cruise. Utomiya Riku from 1st Year Class C has received 200,000 private points from Tsubaki Sakurako so far, but he has no intention of spending them casually; he plans to return them as a gift for her birthday. At 6:00 PM, behind School Building No. 3, Ichinose Honami and several others from 2nd Year Class D encountered trouble while requesting payment from 3rd-year students based on the rescue station bills from the uninhabited island special exam.
'Nishikawa Ryoko! Isn't that Shiraishi Asuka's best friend? So, she herself doesn't like the idea of her friend being with him? Why did Tsubaki Sakurako give Utomiya Riku so many private points? He even plans to return them as a gift? Could those two be dating?'
The last piece of intel was very important. His girlfriend Honami was in trouble.
For their class, the debt collection from the uninhabited island special exam wasn't finished yet.
He would have to go take a look.
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